Opportunities For Applications Research Articles

Clustering of chemically propelled nanomotors in chemically active environments.

Synthetic nanomotors powered by chemical reactions have been designed to act as vehicles for active cargo transport, drug delivery, and a variety of other uses. Collections of such motors, acting in consort, can self-assemble to form swarms or clusters, providing opportunities for applications on various length scales. While such collective behavior has been studied when the motors move in a chemically inactive fluid environment, when the medium in which they move is a chemical network that supports complex spatial and temporal patterns, through simulation and theoretical analysis we show that collective behavior changes. Spatial patterns in the environment can guide and control motor collective states, and interactions of the motors with their environment can give rise to distinctive spatiotemporal motor patterns. The results are illustrated by studies of the motor dynamics in systems that support Turing patterns and spiral waves. This work is relevant for potential applications that involve many active nanomotors moving in complex chemical or biological environments.

Maximal circular polarization isolation and asymmetric polarization conversion by chiral meta-structure

Chiral objects hold immense significance in modern optical technology, particularly due to their ability to manipulate circularly polarized waves. The chiroptical effects observed in naturally known chiral structures are typically very weak, however, the use of engineered meta-structures has proven to be highly effective in overcoming these shortcomings. Despite extensive research efforts, the construction of chiroptical phenomena approaching maximum performance has proven to be challenging, mostly due to the lack of optimal design choices and the existence of material losses. Here we present a metasurface constituting S-shaped building blocks capable of realizing virtually maximum chiroptical phenomena. The structure demonstrates nearly full polarization transmission, conversion to an opposite spin state, and reflection of the opposite spin state at a wavelength of 1549 nm. As a result, the maximum circular dichroism (CD) value reaches up to ≈1 (0.9993) for a given polarization state. Furthermore, reduced symmetry enables the one-way flow of a given polarization state resulting in about unity (0.998) asymmetric transmission (AT) value. Through rigorous numerical simulations, we elucidate the underlying principles driving these extraordinary optical properties. The CD and AT values are record-high demonstrated so far. The single-layer design offers an ultrathin profile, making it compatible with integrated photonics and providing opportunities for applications in compact, lightweight optical devices such as circular polarizers, half-wave plates, and self-polarizing reflectors.

A suite of designed protein cages using machine learning and protein fragment-based protocols

Designed protein cages and related materials provide unique opportunities for applications in biotechnology and medicine, but their creation remains challenging. Here, we apply computational approaches to design a suite of tetrahedrally symmetric, self-assembling protein cages. For the generation of docked conformations, we emphasize a protein fragment-based approach, while for sequence design of the de novo interface, a comparison of knowledge-based and machine learning protocols highlights the power and increased experimental success achieved using ProteinMPNN. An analysis of design outcomes provides insights for improving interface design protocols, including prioritizing fragment-based motifs, balancing interface hydrophobicity and polarity, and identifying preferred polar contact patterns. In all, we report five structures for seven protein cages, along with two structures of intermediate assemblies, with the highest resolution reaching 2.0Å using cryo-EM. This set of designed cages adds substantially to the body of available protein nanoparticles, and to methodologies for their creation.

Efficiency analysis and CO2 emission reduction strategies in the US forest sector: a data envelopment analysis approach

Industrial economic activities produce pollutants and environmentally sustainable production systems in forestry aim to minimize these undesirable outputs while maintaining high production and economic growth. In this contribution, we assume that in addition to plot-specific inputs and outputs, there are some contextual variables that may be exogenously fixed or may be under the control of the decision-makers. In this sense, we first propose a novel and practical approach to calculate environmental efficiency by reducing undesirable products. Then, we utilize an inverse data envelopment analysis (IDEA) model to effectively manage and reduce CO2 emissions. In doing so, the applied models have been utilized to evaluate the efficiencies of 89 forest plots in the USA. Given our estimations in a real application to the forest plots, the study revealed that the average environmental efficiency score is nearly 0.75 (out of 1). However, there is potential for improvement by adjusting the impacts of contextual factors, which could raise the score to approximately 0.8. Furthermore, the analysis indicates a positive correlation between ownership and environmental efficiency, suggesting that increased ownership leads to higher environmental efficiency. Conversely, temperature exhibits a negative correlation with environmental efficiency. Finally, the results obtained from the IDEA indicate that in order to reduce undesirable outputs by a specific level of 5–10%, it is necessary to decrease other inputs and outputs. This is because, under the assumption of weak disposability, reducing the level of undesirable outputs requires a reduction in certain factors that influence production capacity. In other words, achieving the desired reduction in undesirable outputs inevitably involves diminishing certain aspects of the production process. As the major conclusion, the emergence of IDEA as a powerful tool for sensitivity analysis, along with its flexible nature, offers exciting opportunities for research and practical applications in various fields, including forestry activities. It has the potential to enhance overall environmental efficiency and enable better control over GHG emissions levels.

Spatially nonuniformly correlated vortex beams and their arrays

We introduce a class of partially coherent sources with spatially nonuniformly correlation properties and an off-axis helicoidal phase. It is shown that the unique correlation and phase properties of such sources lead to radiated fields with extraordinary propagation characteristics, such as dark hollow with zero central intensity, self-focusing and lateral self-shifting light intensity. Based on such novel random sources, two types of nonuniformly correlated vortex beam arrays with radial and rectangular symmetry are explored. Analytical and numerical investigations for the evolutions of such light fields are made by the model decomposition representation of correlation function and fast Fourier transform method. The results demonstrate new opportunities for modeling off-axis self-focusing vortex beams and other beam shaping applications by joint modulation of coherence and phase.

ICT Based Applications to Support Rural Development in India – A Review

A brief review was done based on the literatures available and the findings from these research studies are used to evaluate its effectiveness on rural livelihood upliftment, poverty alleviation and implications for education and further research. Rural development in India is one of the most important factors for the growth of the Indian economy. Even after seventy years post-independence, India has not been able to come under “developed nation”, instead the nation is still developing. Public administration, governed by bureaucratic structures that dominated the twentieth century has failed to respond to the changing requirements of the present times. ICT plays a prominent role in strengthening societal development and helps to speed up the developmental process and can also bridge gaps between the educationally and technologically backward and forward sections of society. Various e-governance projects have attempted to improve the reach, enhance the base, minimize the processing costs, increase transparency and reduce the cycle times. For example, the introduction of computer and e-chaupal, radio farm forum, community radio, and ministry of rural development mobile apps such as shramik bandhu, janmanrega, meri sadak app, etc., are some of the initiatives by the government that have up to some extent been able to bring the rural population in contact with technologies. There are great opportunities for ICT application that help in democratic and sustainable development of rural India. This review mainly focuses on various ICT-based applications and their role in the Rural Development of India.

Up- and Down-Regulation of Enzyme Activity in Aggregates with Gold-Covered Magnetic Nanoparticles Triggered by Low-Frequency Magnetic Field.

The modern global trend toward sustainable processes that meet the requirements of "green chemistry" provides new opportunities for the broad application of highly active, selective, and specific enzymatic reactions. However, the effective application of enzymes in industrial processes requires the development of systems for the remote regulation of their activity triggered by external physical stimuli, one of which is a low-frequency magnetic field (LFMF). Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) transform the energy of an LFMF into mechanical forces and deformations applied to enzyme molecules on the surfaces of MNPs. Here, we demonstrate the up- and down-regulation of two biotechnologically important enzymes, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) and soybean formate dehydrogenase (FDH), in aggregates with gold-covered magnetic nanoparticles (GCMNPs) triggered by an LFMF. Two types of aggregates, "dimeric" (with the enzyme attached to several GCMNPs simultaneously), with YADH or FDH, and "monomeric" (the enzyme attached to only one GCMNP), with FDH, were synthesized. Depending on the aggregate type ("dimeric" or "monomeric"), LFMF treatment led to a decrease (down-regulation) or an increase (up-regulation) in enzyme activity. For "dimeric" aggregates, we observed 67 ± 9% and 47 ± 7% decreases in enzyme activity under LFMF exposure for YADH and FDH, respectively. Moreover, in the case of YADH, varying the enzyme or the cross-linking agent concentration led to different magnitudes of the LFMF effect, which was more significant at lower enzyme and higher cross-linking agent concentrations. Different responses to LFMF exposure depending on cofactor presence were also demonstrated. This effect might result from a varying cofactor binding efficiency to enzymes. For the "monomeric" aggregates with FDH, the LFMF treatment caused a significant increase in enzyme activity; the magnitude of this effect depended on the cofactor type: we observed up to 40% enzyme up-regulation in the case of NADP+, while almost no effect was observed in the case of NAD+.

Enhanced production yields of rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine using Fibra-Cel® macrocarriers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high global demand for vaccines to safeguard public health. To that end, our institute has developed a recombinant viral vector vaccine utilizing a modified vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) construct, wherein the G protein of VSV is replaced with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (rVSV-ΔG-spike). Previous studies have demonstrated the production of a VSV-based vaccine in Vero cells adsorbed on Cytodex 1 microcarriers or in suspension. However, the titers were limited by both the carrier surface area and shear forces. Here, we describe the development of a bioprocess for rVSV-ΔG-spike production in serum-free Vero cells using porous Fibra-Cel® macrocarriers in fixed-bed BioBLU®320 5p bioreactors, leading to high-end titers. We identified core factors that significantly improved virus production, such as the kinetics of virus production, the use of macrospargers for oxygen supply, and medium replenishment. Implementing these parameters, among others, in a series of GMP production processes improved the titer yields by at least two orders of magnitude (2e9 PFU/mL) over previously reported values. The developed process was highly effective, repeatable, and robust, creating potent and genetically stable vaccine viruses and introducing new opportunities for application in other viral vaccine platforms.

Force analysis and distribution evolution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in magnetic fluids

The effective utilization of magnetic nanoparticles in ferromagnetic fluids relies on their distribution and properties, which can be influenced by their arrangement at both micro and macro scales. In this paper, we present a dynamic model to analyze the motion and forces of nanoparticles in magnetic fluids, aiming to describe their distribution evolution under magnetic and flow fields. Finite element simulations using COMSOL software are employed, and a dimensionless ordering coefficient is proposed to quantitatively evaluate the status of nanoparticle distribution. The results indicate that reducing fluid viscosity, increasing magnetic field strength, and increasing magnetic particle radius can facilitate the attainment of an optimal ordered state for nanoparticles in magnetic fluids. However, prolonged exposure to a magnetic field can lead to particle agglomeration, hindering the effective manipulation of nanoparticles. To mitigate rapid agglomeration, we employ an intermittent magnetic field exposure strategy during the curing process of a magnetic slurry consisting of PVDF, DMF, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The tests reveal that with increasing magnetic field exposure time, the increase rate of the ordering coefficient initially progresses slowly, then gradually accelerates, and eventually reaches equilibrium. This approach successfully addresses the rapid agglomeration of magnetic particles observed in the simulation results. Consequently, precise control over the nanoparticle radius, magnetic field strength, and carrier fluid viscosity allows for meticulous regulation of the ordered distribution state of magnetic particles. This breakthrough has significant potential in expanding the application and research opportunities of magnetic materials.

Hybrid chips to enable a sustainable internet of things technology: opportunities and challenges

AbstractA new technological approach is needed for the development of emerging electronic components and systems within the Internet of Things (IoT) era. New advancements and innovations are required in architectural design and hybrid systems heterogeneous integration to address the challenge of widespread IoT deployment, its power demands and sustainability. Hybrid chips are one of the emerging technologies that can help overcome the current limitations in terms of energy consumption, performance and sustainability that could shape the future of electronic systems for targeted applications. Hybrid chips combine different materials and manufacturing technologies on the same substrate or package using advanced flexible heterogeneous integration techniques, with the focus of merging the advantages of each unit or technology toward enhanced performance and new levels of emerging functionalities. The categorization of hybrid chips spans across rigid hybrid chips that follow a multi-chiplet approach, semi-flexible chips that integrate flexible units with semi-rigid ones such as thinned silicon integrated circuits, and lastly, flexible chips in which all components are inherently flexible. This perspective article analyzes technical challenges that arise concerning the development of sustainable materials and processing technologies, complex heterogeneous integration, as well as advanced packaging architectures, standardization, and reliability testing. The economic implications for the semiconductor technology transition to hybrid chips is presented in terms of manufacturing costs, economic feasibility, and market readiness. Key insights and future application opportunities are provided, while recent advancements in the field are summarized. This perspective article suggests that by addressing these challenges, hybrid chips have the potential to transform electronic components and systems across a wide range of industries and use case scenario. The advancement of hybrid chip technologies by enhancing the collaboration between industry and academia as well as policymakers will be a crucial part in the realization of required sustainability goals within the worldwide Chips Act initiative, while ensuring the technological progress has the right balance between improved performance and sustainability.

Unprecedented superoleophobicity achieved with fluorinated wrinkle mesoporous silica

Superoleophobic surfaces can be facilely fabricated by utilizing fluoroalkyl-modified wrinkled mesoporous silica (F-WMS). Initially, a hydrophilic wrinkled mesoporous silica (WMS) (average particle size ∼400 nm) with radial pores and narrow silica walls was prepared, and subsequently modified with a fluoroalkylsilane, specifically 1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodecyl trimethoxysilane (FAS-17), to impart low surface energy. Preservation of the WMS pore structure was observed even at a 20 mol% FAS-17 feeding ratio; thus, the resulting F-WMS was designated as F20-WMS. An aluminum substrate was coated with an epoxy resin (EP) for adhesion, followed by spray-coating the F20-WMS suspension onto the EP layer. The resulting EP/F20-WMS coating displayed a notably high static water contact angle (CA) of 172.3° and a low roll-off angle (RA) of 1° Notably, the coating exhibited exceptional oil repellency, showcasing a hexadecane CA of 165.1° and an RA of 4.3°, surpassing the performance of most reported superoleophobic coatings. Plotting cos (CAs on EP/F20-WMS) against (CAs on a flat surface coated with FAS-17), utilizing CA data with various liquids (water – dodecane, 72.1 – 25.3 mN/m, respectively), indicated that the liquids were consistently in Cassie states with a contacting fraction of approximately 0.03 between the liquid droplets and the surface. The unprecedented superoleophobicity of EP/F20-WMS was attributed to the extremely low contact fraction and the presence of a re-entrant texture. Moreover, the coatings exhibited exceptional mechanical durability in tape-peeling tests (50 cycles) and achieved the highest adhesion rating (5 B) in cross-cut tests. This superior oleophobicity, coupled with high durability, opens up opportunities for real-life applications necessitating liquid-free surfaces.

Self-Organization of Long-Lasting Human Endothelial Capillary-Like Networks Guided by DLP Bioprinting.

Tissue engineering holds great promise for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and as an alternative to animal models. However, as soon as the dimensions of engineered tissue exceed the diffusion limit of oxygen and nutriments, a necrotic core forms leading to irreversible damage. To overcome this constraint, the establishment of a functional perfusion network is essential. In this work, digital light processing bioprinting is used to encapsulate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in 3D light-cured hydrogel scaffolds to guide them toward vascular network formation. In these scaffolds, EPCs proliferate and self-organize within a few days into branched tubular structures with predefined geometry, forming capillary-like vascular tubes or trees of diameters in the range of 10 to 100µm. Presenting a confluent monolayer wall of cells strongly connect by tight junctions around a central lumen-like space, these structures can be microinjected with a fluorescent dye and are stable for several weeks in vitro. These endothelial structures can be recovered and manipulated in an alginate patch without altering their shape or viability. This approach opens new opportunities for future applications, such as stacking with other cell sheets or multicellular constructs to yield bioengineered tissue with higher complexity and functionality.

Use of Biomedical Engineering for Rehabilitation of Patients with Disability Caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to assess the extent to which biomedical engineering has been applied in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), given the scarcity of information on this topic. We conducted a thorough analysis of research articles, conference abstracts, and case reports published between 2000 and 2023, specifically from ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Springer, and Dimensions. 19 articles were extensively discussed, complemented by an additional 40 information sources providing supplementary information. Each paper underwent a meticulous review process by the four authors, where each separately examined the title and abstract of the papers and subsequently provided a thorough examination of the full text; when conflicts arose, a clear consensus was reached through discussion. The analysis of the articles revealed a notable improvement in upper and lower limb function of GBS patients that was facilitated by both custom-made and commercial devices. Likewise, a small handful of other devices have been used (e.g., to improve urinary retention issues). There is a clear opportunity for new research, innovation and applications.

Astaxanthin-loaded alginate-chitosan gel beads activate Nrf2 and pro-apoptotic signalling pathways against oxidative stress

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in disease development. Astaxanthin (ATX), a valuable natural compound, may reduce OS and serve as a treatment for diseases like neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates antioxidant enzymes and OS management. We evaluated ATX’s antioxidant activity via Alg-CS/ATX gel beads in vitro. ATX-encapsulated alginate-chitosan (Alg-CS/ATX) gel beads were synthesized and structurally/morphologically characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Their biological effects were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with H2O2 through MTT assay, Annexin V/PI, cell cycle studies, and western blotting. Alg-CS effectively carried ATX, with high capacity and reduced pore size. Alg-CS/ATX displayed an 84% encapsulation efficiency, maintaining stability for 30 days. In vitro studies showed a 1.4-fold faster release at pH 5.4 than at neutral pH, improving ATX’s therapeutic potential. HUVECs treated with Alg-CS/ATX showed enhanced viability via increased Nrf2 expression. Alg-CS gel beads exhibit significant potential as a biocompatible vehicle for delivering ATX to combat OS with considerable opportunity for clinical applications.

Energy-focused simulation of edge computing architectures in 5G networks

AbstractWhile cloud computing is crucial in processing data from devices with low computational power, the latency introduced by the Internet backhaul limits real-time applications. By situating computing resources at the network’s edge, edge computing offers low-latency services by offloading computations from high-performance computing (HPC) data centers to the edge servers, reducing wide Area network (WAN) strain. As a result, edge computing has unlocked opportunities for innovative applications that were previously unfeasible, such as connected vehicles or medical robotics. Nonetheless, deploying the infrastructure required to support edge computing services raises sustainability and energy consumption concerns. Consequently, the development of tools enabling researchers to explore innovative approaches to reducing the energy impact of edge computing is crucial. In this work, we present MintEDGE, a network simulator focused on the energy consumption of edge computing. Our simulator allows testing energy-saving approaches and task placement algorithms in realistic large-scale scenarios encompassing entire regions.

Integrating AI and DTs: challenges and opportunities in railway maintenance application and beyond

In the last years, there has been a growing interest in the emerging concept of digital twin (DT) as it represents a promising paradigm to continuously monitor cyber–physical systems, as well as to test and validate predictability, safety, and reliability aspects. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is exponentially affirming as an extremely powerful tool when it comes to modeling the behavior of physical assets allowing, de facto, the possibility of making predictions on their potential evolution. However, despite the fact that DTs and AI (and their combination) can act as game-changing technologies in different domains (including the railways), several challenges have to be faced to ensure their effectiveness, especially when dealing with safety-critical systems. This paper provides a narrative review of the scientific literature on DTs for railway maintenance applications, with a special focus on their relationship with AI. The aim is to discuss the opportunities the integration of these two technologies could open in railway maintenance applications (and beyond), while highlighting the main challenges that should be overcome for its effective implementation.

Smart molecular crystal switches

AbstractThe multifaceted switches are part of our everyday life from the macroscopic to the molecular world. A molecular switch operating in the solution and in the crystalline state is very different. In this review, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art of smart molecular crystal switches based on molecular martensites. These crystal switches respond to external stimuli and reversibly change between states, retaining their macroscopic integrity. The operation of the switches predominantly relies on temperature alterations or mechanical stress, with emerging methods based on photothermal effects, photoisomerization, and host‐guest chemistry. The capability of changing the molecular orientation and interaction in smart molecular crystal switches offers opportunities in several applications, including actuators, reversibly shaping structural materials, optoelectronic and magnetic materials, as well as switchable porous materials. Smart molecular crystal switches have vast potential in modern scientific and technological progress. The ongoing research shapes a rich landscape for innovation and future scientific exploration across diverse disciplines.

Tunable templating of photonic microparticles via liquid crystal order-guided adsorption of amphiphilic polymers in emulsions

Multiple emulsions are usually stabilized by amphiphilic molecules that combine the chemical characteristics of the different phases in contact. When one phase is a liquid crystal (LC), the choice of stabilizer also determines its configuration, but conventional wisdom assumes that the orientational order of the LC has no impact on the stabilizer. Here we show that, for the case of amphiphilic polymer stabilizers, this impact can be considerable. The mode of interaction between stabilizer and LC changes if the latter is heated close to its isotropic state, initiating a feedback loop that reverberates on the LC in form of a complete structural rearrangement. We utilize this phenomenon to dynamically tune the configuration of cholesteric LC shells from one with radial helix and spherically symmetric Bragg diffraction to a focal conic domain configuration with highly complex optics. Moreover, we template photonic microparticles from the LC shells by photopolymerizing them into solids, retaining any selected LC-derived structure. Our study places LC emulsions in a new light, calling for a reevaluation of the behavior of stabilizer molecules in contact with long-range ordered phases, while also enabling highly interesting photonic elements with application opportunities across vast fields.

Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Networks: Application, Challenges and Future Opportunities

Cloud computing has become essential in this digital world as it provides opportunities and challenges for organizations. This research explores the implementation and effectiveness of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in addressing security challenges within cloud networks. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including a systematic literature review from 2020 to 2024, the study investigates insights from diverse sources such as journal articles, academic literature, and case studies. Thematic analysis organizes findings into critical themes, revealing ZTA's impact on mitigating lateral movement, reducing insider threat probability, enhancing network micro-segmentation, and improving identity and access management. The comparative analysis demonstrates significant improvements in security incidents post-ZTA implementation. Moreover, the study highlights best practices for ZTA adoption and outlines future advancements, including integration with emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. This research underscores ZTA's pivotal role in fortifying cloud network security and offers valuable insights for practitioners and researchers.

In-situ formatting donor-acceptor polymer with giant dipole moment and ultrafast exciton separation

Donor-acceptor semiconducting polymers present countless opportunities for application in photocatalysis. Previous studies have showcased their advantages through direct bottom-up methods. Unfortunately, these approaches often involve harsh reaction conditions, overlooking the impact of uncontrolled polymerization degrees on photocatalysis. Besides, the mechanism behind the separation of electron-hole pairs (excitons) in donor-acceptor polymers remains elusive. This study presents a post-synthetic method involving the light-induced transformation of the building blocks of hyper-cross-linked polymers from donor-carbon-donor to donor-carbon-acceptor states, resulting in a polymer with a substantial intramolecular dipole moment. Thus, excitons are efficiently separated in the transformed polymer. The utility of this strategy is exemplified by the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide synthesis. Encouragingly, our observations reveal the formation of intramolecular charge transfer states using time-resolved techniques, confirming transient exciton behavior involving separation and relaxation. This light-induced method not only guides the development of highly efficient donor-acceptor polymer photocatalysts but also applies to various fields, including organic solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and sensors.