Innovative Research Articles

Research on design method of lattice turbine disk based on topology optimization

Abstract As a typical structure of an aero-engine, turbine disk has been used in high-temperature and high-speed environments for a long time, and its mass accounts for a large proportion. Therefore, its lightweight design is urgent. With the development of an aero-engine towards a high thrust-to-weight ratio, the turbine speed continues to increase, and the single-stage load continues to increase, which makes the design of the turbine disk face more problems and challenges. The uniform material turbine disk structure has made it difficult to meet its comprehensive performance requirements. To address this issue, this paper proposes a lattice turbine disk design idea, changing the uniform organization pursued by traditional design and achieving optimal performance through the integration of design innovation and manufacturing process innovation. This paper takes the turbine disk as the research object to establish a lattice turbine disk design method. By using the topology optimization method based on progressive optimization, the cell configuration can be obtained. After that, combined with the structural characteristics of the turbine disk, the design of the dot matrix auxiliary plate disk is realized. Finally, taking a turbine disk as an example, this paper carried out the optimization design of the turbine disk and obtained the lattice disk with better performance, which verified the feasibility of the method.

HBIM for conservation and valorization of structural heritage: The Stylite Tower at Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan

The Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is a consistent approach to support the multidisciplinary process of knowledge, conservation, and valorization of the historical building heritage, exploiting the combination of advanced 3D modelling and heterogeneous informative data. In the present paper, a highly customized HBIM workflow is developed for the enhancement and conservation of the byzantine Stylite Tower in the Jordan archaeological site of Umm ar-Rasas. The case study is considered a benchmark to test the effectiveness and the scalability of the proposed methodology for the broader set of ancient structures located in archaeological sites. The proposed HBIM process has a dual aim: the organization of heterogeneous and fragmented sources concerning the history and the actual state maintenance of the Tower and the development of a flexible tool to perform fast qualitative and quantitative analysis oriented towards conservation and management projects. The small scale of the structure and an innovative semi-automatic modelling process based on visual coding allowed for a stone-by-stone segmentation of the Tower. The model procedure is based on an information management workflow based on CIDOC-CRM ontology and the interchange format Industry Foundation Classes to ensure interoperability, developing an open-access interactive visualization of the model of the Tower, embedding organized document sources. The proposed HBIM model can also be a valuable tool for enhanced monument fruition and dissemination activities of the structure.

Investigation into the purification and regeneration of rare earth polishing powder waste via continuous solid-phase conversion

The concentration of rare earth elements (lanthanum, cerium, and praseodymium) within rare earth polishing powder waste (REPPW) typically exceeds 50 %, with the majority of impurities comprised of silicon and aluminum-related compounds. Transforming REPPW into recycled rare earth polishing powders that adhere to polishing standards in an eco-friendly and economically viable way presents a significant challenge in the industry. Traditional acid or alkaline processes predominantly recover rare earth elements as oxides, which are underutilized due to their high costs. Considering the varying forms of impurities and rare earth compounds found in REPPW, this research introduces a novel physicochemical decontamination and continuous chemical transformation process aimed at producing regenerated rare earth polishing powders. Under optimal conditions, the physicochemical two-step decontamination process achieved a rare earth recovery rate surpassing 92 %, while silicon and aluminum removal rates reached 86.12 %. During the continuous chemical transformation of REPPW, the rare earth phases in an alkaline setting followed the sequence REOF (CeO2) → RE(OH)3 → RECO3OH→RECO3F→CeLa2O3F3(CeO2), which not only facilitated phase reorganization but also enhanced the particle surface structure. Notably, these chemical transformations did not disrupt the rare earth distribution; instead, they indirectly boosted product purity and uniformly dispersed within the regenerated polishing powder particles, thereby improving polishing efficiency. Consequently, the adoption of this innovative regeneration process for polishing powders holds substantial importance for the sustainable utilization of rare earth resources.

Innovative design and process simulation of aviation bracket based on topology optimization and additive manufacturing

Abstract In this paper, topology optimization(TO) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology were combined to explore the key technology of parts integration design and manufacturing oriented to performance, structure and manufacturing process. With the help of topology optimization(TO), the lightweight design of the aviation bracket achieved the weight loss goal of 87.69% in this work. The thermophysical properties of TC4 were calculated by thermodynamic calculation, and the temperatue interval of Laser Powder Bed Fusion for TC4 is 1800 °C−3000 °C was determined . Additionally, the LPBF macro-scale simulation was carried out. The results showed that the maximum temperature in the printing process is lower than 2500 °C, and the maximum displacement is 4.87 mm, which only appears in the non-design space. Finally, the safety factor and maximum displacement of aviation bracket are 1.2 and 0.8 mm, and the maximum Mises stress is 685 MPa, all of which meet the design requirements.

Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products in Bone and Cartilage Defects.

The number of patients with functional loss of bone and cartilage tissue has shown an increasing trend. Insufficient or inappropriate conventional treatments applied for trauma, orthopedic diseases, or other bone and cartilage-related disorders can lead to bone and cartilage damage. This represents a worldwide public health issue and a significant economic burden. Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) proposed promising alternative therapeutic modalities by application of cell-based and tissue engineering approaches. Recently, several ATMPs have been developed to promote bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Fifteen ATMPs, two related to bone and 13 related to cartilage, have received regulatory approval and marketing authorization. However, four ATMPs were withdrawn from the market for various reasons. However, ATMPs that are still on the market have demonstrated positive results, their broad application faced limitations. The development and standardization of methodologies will be a major challenge in the coming decades. Currently, the number of ATMPs in clinical trials using mesenchymal stromal cells or chondrocytes indicates a growing recognition that current ATMPs can be improved. Research on bone and cartilage tissue regeneration continues to expand. Cell-based therapies are likely to be clinically supported by the new ATMPs, innovative fabrication processes, and enhanced surgical approaches. In this study, we highlighted the available ATMPs that have been used in bone and cartilage defects and discussed their advantages and disadvantages in clinical applications.

Emerging non-thermal treatment approaches for camel milk: A review

Camel milk (CM) has recently gained popularity in international dairy markets. According to projections, the global market for CM products is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 % during the forecast period. The increasing demand for CM among people with lactose intolerance is expected to positively impact the industry. Despite efforts to develop a range of products from CM, its processing is generally considered challenging, and the resulting products are not comparable to those made from bovine milk. For decades, the dairy industry has relied primarily on conventional methods to process various dairy products; however, these methods can affect the organoleptic quality and nutritional profiles. This review focuses on innovative non-thermal processing methods for CM, including high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasonication, UV pasteurization, cold plasma technology, and microwave processing. These approaches can provide viable alternatives to thermal treatments, offering several benefits, such as enhanced nutrient retention, improved organoleptic properties, and better microbial safety, thus supporting the industry's growth in response to increasing consumer demand for high-quality dairy products.

Flash Sintering of Bimetallic Assemblies for Turbine Disks in Next‐Generation Jet Engines

René 77 and another advanced powder metallurgy nickel‐based superalloy are flash‐sintered and joined to produce a dual‐alloy assembly. This innovative process allows for the sintering of powders to achieve high relative densities or the formation of solid joints in a shorter time than is feasible with conventional diffusion bonding techniques. Examination of the microstructure after heat treatments reveals that diffusion and recrystallization phenomena can modulate the transition zone. The creep properties of both alloys, evaluated using stress relaxation tests, do not seem to differ by more than an order of magnitude, while the higher thermal stability of René 77 compared to Alloy B at 800 °C tips the scales. In tension, base materials show very high properties, while bimetallic specimens exhibit at least higher properties than René 77. However, failure occurs at the bond at high temperatures due to the formation of an oxide film during the bonding process. These encouraging results illustrate the potential and constraints of the flash‐sintering process for producing dissimilar assemblies, which may enhance the properties of next‐generation aero‐engine turbine disks.

지방 국립대 자율전공학부 신임교수의 대학혁신과정에서의 근무경험에 대한 자문화기술지

Objectives This study is about the experience of a professor who started working as a new professor in the Department of Liberal Study at a local national university and was appointed as a new professor in the process of establishing and operating the department according to the university innovation promoted by the Ministry of Education and the university's own innovation process. Methods We explored the process of being selected and appointed as a professor in the newly established Department of Liberal Study at a local national university located in Region J. While working as a new professor in the department, which is directly related to university innovation, I sought to express in-depth my experience in adjusting admissions units, establishing new educational units, consultation processes with university members, and operating new curricula. For this purpose, the autoethnography research method, which is a research method for one's own culture, was applied. Results By conducting this study, the following five research topics were derived. ｢① Universities’ hot potato ‘Department of Liberal Study’｣, ｢② New professors at the Department of Liberal Study who lack even the basics｣, ｢③ Establishment of new educational units facing various obstacles｣, ｢④ Survival and growth, and the life of a professor moving forward with reflection｣, ｢⑤ Department of Liberal Study moving to the forefront of change and innovation｣ Conclusions Based on these research results, we described the difficulties and adaptation problems of new professors in Department of Liberal study in relation to the non-major admission system. And We discussed ways to advance toward growth and reflection in the university innovation process, which is directly related to the sustainability and survival of the department. This study is significant in that it is the first study to reveal the work experience of a new professor in the Department of Liberal Study, and suggested follow-up research in terms of research subjects and research methods.

Open Innovation And Digital Marketing: A Catalyst For Culinary SMEs In Makassar

Through an open innovation process, this study aims to determine the impact of IT awareness and digital marketing on the performance of SMEs in Makassar City. A sample of 94 SMEs using the Lameshow formula was collected in Makassar City for this study. The study shows that in Makassar City, IT awareness and digital marketing have a substantial and beneficial impact on the openness of innovation processes for SMEs. Given the results of this study, it was found that SMEs in Makassar City should start to increase their information technology awareness and use Digital Marketing for Open Innovation processes to improve their performance.

Socio-Environmental Management: Green Marketing and its Contributions to Sustainable Consumption

Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the contributions of green marketing to sustainable consumption, analyzing how this approach can influence consumer behavior and promote more responsible business practices. Methodology: The research was carried out through a bibliographic review, involving the critical analysis of already published studies on green marketing and sustainable consumption. Academic databases such as SciELO, Google Academic and Scopus were used to collect relevant articles, books and theses. The analysis of the collected data was conducted through the content analysis technique, which allowed to identify significant themes and patterns. Results and Data Analysis: The results show that green marketing plays a crucial role in consumer education, promoting awareness about sustainable choices. Furthermore, the research showed that this approach stimulates innovation in products and processes, creating competitive differentials for companies. However, the phenomenon of greenwashing represents a challenge, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in green marketing practices. Companies that implement genuine sustainable marketing strategies tend to strengthen consumer loyalty and create a positive impact on the consumer culture. Concluding Considerations: The research concludes that green marketing is an essential tool to foster sustainable consumption, promoting cultural change and encouraging responsible business practices. Collaboration between businesses, consumers and governments is key to building a more sustainable future, reinforcing that sustainability must be integrated into operations and business models.

Development of Canva-based Website Media on Class X for Virus Topic in Biology Learning

The current technological advancements have a crucial role in education, bringing about innovations in the learning process. One form of innovation is using website media as a learning tool. This research aims to assess the feasibility and students' responses towards a Canva-based website learning media on viruses for high school X grade. The study follows the research and development approach using the ADDIE method. In this research using random sampling technique. The sample research used 10 students of XI MIPA 2 at SMAN 2 Teluk Keramat. Instruments utilized include validation sheets and student response questionnaires. The data analysis calculates the validation using Aiken's V formula and average score of student response and classifies into available categories. Validation was carried out by 2 biology lecturers at Untan and 3 biology teachers. The validation analysis using Aiken's V yielded a score of 0.89 for the Canva-based website media on virus topic, categorized as valid. The questionnaire analysis revealed an average response rate of 83.82%, indicating a very strong category of acceptance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the Canva-based website media is suitable for use as a learning media on class X for virus topic

Feasibility Study of Solid-State Recycling through Direct Hot Rolling of AA5754 Aluminum Chips for Automotive Applications

Recently, researchers have done a lot of efforts to develop new solid-state recycling processes, both experimentally and developing numerical models. This kind of process is energy-saving and environmentally friendly compared to the conventional aluminum recycling process because avoided the melting step. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of an innovative solid-state recycling process through direct hot rolling in a non heat-treatable aluminum alloy for automotive applications. AA5754 chips have been produced by turning a bar without the usage of lubricants and compacted with a 150 kN load; the compacted billets were treated at 400 °C and directly hot rolled in several successive passes. Rolled samples are then analyzed in terms of Vickers microhardness and microstructure in both as-rolled and heat treatment conditions, this last was performed at 185°C simulating the process of paint-bake. The produced samples show an excellent bonding between chips.

Selective Cross-Metathesis Versus Ring-Closing Metathesis of Terpenes, Taking the Path Less Travelled.

A diiodo ruthenium olefin metathesis pre-catalyst was employed to achieve remarkably selective cross-metathesis reactions of prenylated 1,6-dienes, effectively overcoming the entropically favored intramolecular ring-closing metathesis. This reaction was investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations and fine-tuned through the application of a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. The potential of this innovative process was demonstrated through the unprecedented functionalization of various terpene natural products via cross-metathesis, resulting in the synthesis of new derivatives in a single step.

Optimisation of plasma process for decontamination of bacterial contaminants on polymeric food packaging materials

Abstract Foodborne diseases present a global health challenge, with over 420,000 deaths annually. Packaging plays a vital role in food safety but can introduce hazards if contaminated. Traditional decontamination methods are energy-intensive or leave toxic residues. Cold plasma technology offers promising solutions, generating antimicrobial reactive species. This study optimises a plasma system for packaging decontamination, achieving high inactivation rates for Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram-positive) and Acinetobacter baumannii (gram-negative), respectively 3.5 and 4.7. Statistical analysis guides process optimisation, highlighting factors enhancing biocidal action: treatment chamber size reduction, high duty cycle, and mist injection. The system proves effective against both kinds of bacteria, with gram-negative bacteria showing higher sensitivity. The study focuses on optimising an innovative process, emphasising the process toward industrialisation and highlighting economic and environmental benefits. This investigation's innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between laboratory prototypes and industrial applications.

Selective Cross‐Metathesis Versus Ring‐Closing Metathesis of Terpenes, Taking the Path Less Travelled

AbstractA diiodo ruthenium olefin metathesis pre‐catalyst was employed to achieve remarkably selective cross‐metathesis reactions of prenylated 1,6‐dienes, effectively overcoming the entropically favored intramolecular ring‐closing metathesis. This reaction was investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations and fine‐tuned through the application of a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. The potential of this innovative process was demonstrated through the unprecedented functionalization of various terpene natural products via cross‐metathesis, resulting in the synthesis of new derivatives in a single step.

MEMS Precision Sensors Based on Process Innovation Technology

This article introduces a novel process for achieving micro-scale thermal isolation through solid porous 3D microstructures. It proposes a method to improve existing thermal MEMS devices by utilizing thin-film membrane structures, develops a model for estimating the thermal conductivity of porous microstructures, and constructs porous 3D microstructures made of three different powder materials, studying their applicability for thermal isolation. Breakthroughs have been achieved in process preparation technology, enabling the production of precision MEMS sensors. These sensors are expected to find wide applications in smart cars, intelligent healthcare, electronic resonance sensors, and other fields.

Enhancing SME performance through innovation: evidence from a transition economy – Kosovo

Purpose – What are the effects of implementing various types of innovation, including product, process, and technological innovations, on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector? This is a question that preoccupies us a lot. This study seeks to examine the individual and integrated effects of these innovations. Indeed, we examine the impact of three categories of innovation – product, process, and technological innovation – on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing industry. Research methodology – We used a quantitative approach to execute this research, selecting SMEs at random using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected from 153 manufacturing SMEs was analyzed using hierarchical linear regression to investigate, evaluate, and refine the relation among product, process, and technological innovation and SME performance. Findings – This study’s findings reveal a clear and direct relationship between these three forms of innovation and SMEs’ performance. This study also provides empirical evidence that various forms of innovation, either examined individually or as integrated, exert a positive effect on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing industry. Limitations – This study focuses on Kosovo-based SMEs, with the assumption of an upright connection between variables. Future studies can examine the existence of reverse causality in a variety of regional, cultural, and industrial settings. Originality/Value – This study significantly advances existing knowledge by providing useful insights into the complex interplay among product, process, and technological innovation (examined from both individual and integrated perspectives) as well as the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing industry.

Re-engineering Agricultural Innovation in Southeast Asia (RAISE-Asia)

Feeding the growing global population and reducing poverty require innovative approaches in agriculture and food systems to sustain the planet’s health and food requirements. Sustainable development can be achieved by generating new knowledge and translating them into use through innovation process. A customer-oriented technology readiness level (COTRL) tool is presented to re-engineer agricultural innovation by systematically assessing new agricultural technologies with customer input and ensuring that the early design of the scientific research already has the end-products in mind. The COTRL methodology will integrate research, prototyping, and commercialization efforts and facilitate a disciplined and impactful innovation process. It will guide researchers and scientists, research managers and coordinators, funding agency program managers, policymakers, and other personnel involved in bringing scientific discoveries to market for societal impact. The COTRL framework can be used to strengthen the collaboration among academia, research institutions, networks of excellence, and the private sector in the ASEAN to create an effective ecosystem for manpower and structural capability development, knowledge sharing, and business development within and across member states.

Regional development and communication networks: Case study of Western Ukraine

Motives: Communications are the basis of the existence of contemporary civilization. Today, innovation processes are carried out the most intensively, perhaps, in communications. The level of the formation of communication networks largely determines both the preconditions and the contemporary development of areas. Aim: The aim of our research is to analyze the interdependencies between the level of socio-economic development of areas and the formation of their communications on the example of local territorial units of Western Ukraine. Results: The correlation analysis demonstrates significant links between communication networks and the development of areas. It is not always possible to say unequivocally what cause and effect are in a particular case. According to the results of our study, socio-economic development in Western Ukraine has a more significant impact on the functioning of communication networks than communication networks on socio-economic development. Like other natural and socio-economic resources, communication networks are only prerequisites for the area's development. The emergence, perception by the population, and wide spread of new communications depend on some factors, among which an important place belongs to the area's socio-economic development level.

Salt dome identification using incremental semi-supervised learning and unsupervised learning-based label generation

Salt domes represent distinctive geological anomalies in seismic data, crucial for pinpointing hydrocarbon reservoirs and strategizing drilling paths. Conventional seismic attributes or computer vision methods usually fail to capture the intricate details of salt domes, resulting in interpretation results marred by noise. While deep learning presents a promising approach for intelligent 3D salt dome interpretation, its effectiveness is heavily dependent on the availability of labeled samples. To facilitate accurate interpretation, we propose an innovative workflow that integrates an unsupervised label generation component with an incremental semi-supervised learning framework utilizing the U-Net architecture. To generate salt dome labels, we prioritize both the root mean square (RMS) amplitude attribute and variance attribute (VA) as foundational data. Utilizing convolutional autoencoders (CAE), we establish a relationship between the input RMS attribute and the output reconstructed attribute. The intermediate features extracted by CAE are transformed into the salt boundary feature via principal component analysis and K-Means clustering. Concurrently, we employ K-Means clustering on VA to ascertain the salt internal feature. We further propose a feature aggregation method to consolidate the salt boundary feature and the salt internal feature for label generation of the salt dome. For 3D salt dome interpretation, we begin by predicting adjacent test datasets using labels generated by the unsupervised salt dome label generation module. The prediction results of these test datasets are then integrated into the training datasets to enhance the interpretation performance of U-Net, steering it towards an incremental semi-supervised learning method for salt dome interpretation. Additionally, we extend this research by applying transfer learning techniques for identifying mound-shoals using the same semi-supervised model parameters initially developed for interpreting salt domes. This method is validated using datasets from the Netherlands F3 block for salt domes and the North China block for mound-shoals. The results demonstrate that this innovative process only requires a minimal number of labels from unsupervised methods to precisely interpret salt domes across 3D seismic data. Furthermore, the low-level features of salt domes learned from neural network can be seamlessly transferred to mound-shoal identification. This automated approach significantly streamlines the interpretation process, reducing the time and resources traditionally necessary for reservoir analysis.