Specific Technical Requirements Research Articles

Sea Urchin Food Waste into Bioactives: Collagen and Polyhydroxynaphtoquinones from P. lividus and S. granularis

Approximately 75,000 tons of different sea urchin species are globally harvested for their edible gonads. Applying a circular economy approach, we have recently demonstrated that non-edible parts of the Mediterranean Sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus can be fully valorized into high-value products: antioxidant pigments (polyhydroxynaphthoquinones—PHNQs) and fibrillar collagen can be extracted to produce innovative biomaterials for biomedical applications. Can waste from other edible sea urchin species (e.g., Sphaerechinus granularis) be similarly valorised? A comparative study on PHNQs and collagen extraction was conducted. PHNQ extraction yields were compared, pigments were quantified and identified, and antioxidant activities were assessed (by ABTS assay) and correlated to specific PHNQ presence (i.e., spinochrome E). Similarly, collagen extraction yields were evaluated, and the resulting collagen-based biomaterials were compared in terms of their ultrastructure, degradation kinetics, and resistance to compression. Results showed a partially similar PHNQ profile in both species, with significantly higher yield in P. lividus, while S. granularis exhibited better antioxidant activity. P. lividus samples showed higher collagen extraction yield, but S. granularis scaffolds showed higher stability. In conclusion, waste from different species can be successfully valorised through PHNQ and collagen extraction, offering diverse applications in the biomedical field, according to specific technical requirements.

Comparative analysis of the quality of execution of road surfaces on newly built, reconstructed and renovated roads in the city Płock area (Poland)

Carrying out repair works, reconstruction, and construction of new road surfaces is a permanent element of urban space. The quality of the new pavement for the adopted traffic category directly impacts the road infrastructure's durability. The choice of road surface structure depends on the adopted traffic category. The aim of the article is to assess the works carried out on selected road surfaces within the city of Płock (Poland) in terms of the technical specification requirements and the durability of road infrastructure. The paper presents the tests of three road layers: base layer, binding layer and wearing course. The tests were carried out on 11 streets, and 29 samples were collected.

Preparation, microstructures and properties of shape memory hydrogenated epoxy resin-modified emulsified asphalt

ABSTRACT To improve the mechanical, anti-ageing and shape memory properties of emulsified asphalt, a new shape memory hydrogenated epoxy resin (SMHE) modified emulsified asphalt (SHEA) was developed and its modification mechanism was revealed. Effects of SMHE on microstructures and chemical compositions of evaporated residues (ER) were studied, as well as rheological and shape memory properties of ER were evaluated. The results show that SHEA is successfully prepared by first emulsification and then modification method and the basic pavement properties of SHEA meet current technical specification requirements. Also, SMHE is well dispersed in ER and an interpenetrated structure is formed. When the SMHE dosage is 6%, the thermal stability and microthermal toughness of SHEA are well improved, and the shape recovery ability of molecular chain segments in SMHE is also increased so that deformation resistance and anti-crack of SHEA are improved. Finally, the chemical reactions occur in the curing process of SMHE system in SHEA, and then the SMHE system is physically cross-linked with ER. The strength, toughness and shape memory properties of ER are enhanced by a suitable SMHE dosage of 6%. This study improves various properties of emulsified asphalt, and understands strengthening and toughening mechanisms of SMHE on emulsified asphalt.

Tailored Concept for Accurate Neuroendoscopy: A Comparative Retrospective Single-Center Study on Image-Guided Neuroendoscopic Procedures

OBJECTIVEPrecise planning and execution is key for neuroendoscopic interventions which may be based on different available aiding technologies. The aim of this retrospective study is to report a case-based utilization of guided neuroendoscopy and to develop a stratification algorithm for the available technologies. METHODSWe reviewed consecutive neuroendoscopic cases performed at our center from 2016 to 2018. We distinguished between patients receiving a new burr hole (group A) from cases with preexisting burr hole (group B). Case specific technical requirements for procedure planning and execution, complication rate, surgical outcome, and possible subsequent surgeries were evaluated. From this experience a stratification system was developed to tailor available guiding technologies. RESULTS309 neuroendoscopic interventions in 243 patients were included in the study. Cases included hydrocephalic (81.6%) and non-hydrocephalic (18.4%) conditions. The interventions were supported either by coordinate-based (CB: group A n=49; group B n=67), guide-based (GB: group A n=42; group B n=0), ultrasound-assisted (UG: group A n=50; group B n=7) or augmented reality-navigated (NAR: group A n=85; group B n=9) techniques, respectively. Overall complication rate was at 4.5%. Depending on surgical indication, fontanel status, entry point localization, preexisting burr hole, ventricular size, and number of targets a stratified approach towards image-guided neuroendoscopy is suggested. CONCLUSIONSPlanning and technical guidance is of essential in neuroendoscopic procedures. The stratified decision making algorithm for different available technologies aimed to achieve lower cost and time consumption, which was experienced to be safe and efficient. Further investigation are warranted to deliver solid data on procedure efficiency.

Development of Technical Specifications and Process System Requirements for the World’s Largest LH2 Refueling Station

Hydrogen is emerging as one of the premising energy sources to achieve carbon neutral society. To efficiently store and make use of the produced hydrogen by various methods, liquid hydrogen and liquid hydrogen refueling station (LHRS) are spotlighted as solutions for storage and utilization sector respectively. However, technical limitations of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers and unconsolidated standards for LHRS led to hinder the wide spread of the stations. This paper reviews general technical specifications and safety standards of commercialized small-scale LHRS and suggests technical specifications and safety standards for large-scale LHRS. Especially, an application of separated cryogenic pumps and heat integration for the vaporizer specializes the designed station charging 1000kg of hydrogen per day in this paper from small-scale LHRS and other large-scale LHRS. The authors expect commercializing large-scale LHRS with the proposed technical specification and process system requirements to be able and the safety standards set for the designed station can contribute to the unification of world LHRS standards.

Review of VR Technical Specification Requirements for a Procedural Training Task

Review of VR Technical Specification Requirements for a Procedural Training Task

Model 5D Gedung Dekanat dan Perkuliahan Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro

Model 5D Gedung Dekanat dan Perkuliahan Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro

ملامح تشكيل المهارات الأدائية لطلاب آلة الكمان في نظام التعليم الموسيقي العالي

Modern music pedagogy aims to develop progressive forms of learning and create new technologies to modernize the educational process and increase its effectiveness. The main task for music-pedagogical educational institutions is to bridge the gap between artistic ideas, interpretive intentions, and technical abilities in the professional training of students, in order to achieve a well-rounded development of all performance qualities. Under these circumstances, the issue of developing the performance skills of violin students in music-pedagogical education systems holds significant global importance and requires urgent research and development. Solving this task will contribute to improving vocational training for students in educational institutions and universities that train performers and teachers. Additionally, it will enhance the development of effective teaching methods by providing students with practical experience not only in performance but also in teaching the violin. Drawing from foreign experiences in this field can have a positive impact on the productivity and validity of research aimed at modernizing local education, making it an additional source for development and enrichment. Although resources may currently be scarce and insufficient, the global trend is to continuously increase and reevaluate existing resources and methods. Examining the techniques, approaches, and studies of violinists helps in developing more effective performance techniques. The techniques of the violin instrument have a long history of development and have always been of interest to musicians and methodologies. Methods have evolved and improved based on various factors, such as the development of music, its relevance to different musical periods and cultural contexts, and advancements in the design of the instrument. These methods are constantly evolving to meet specific technical requirements and specifications. It is important to emphasize that contemporary performers are often not limited to rigid interpretations of musical texts. They strive to find their own unique interpretations, which may at times diverge from the original ideas and intentions of the composer.

Multiobjective Operation Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Process Based on Reinforcement Self-Learning and Knowledge Guidance.

This article proposes a multiobjective operation optimization method based on reinforcement self-learning and knowledge guidance for quality assurance and consumption reduction of wastewater treatment process (WWTP) with nonstationary time-varying dynamics. First, operation optimization models are developed by online sequential random vector functional-link (OS-RVFL) neural network, which can realize online sequential learning of model parameters. Then, a knowledge base is established to store typical optimization cases for knowledge guiding the subsequent optimizations. Based on it, a reinforcement self-learning-based multiobjective particle swarm optimization (RSL-MOPSO) algorithm is proposed to perform optimization calculation. In this algorithm, reinforcement self-learning is used for interaction learning between environment and action in optimization, and the particle motion trend of algorithm is adjusted according to the feedback information of the optimization process. The effects of wastewater state parameters on particles are recorded and reused to improve the solution quality and calculation efficiency of optimization. Moreover, to make good use of the information of the previous optimizations and balance the coordination between global search in the early stage and local search in the later stage, a selective information feedback mechanism is further proposed to ensure the diversity and convergence of the algorithm. Finally, prediction-based intelligent decision making is performed to select the final optimization solution as the final setpoints for the lower-level controllers from the Pareto frontier with considering specific technical requirements. Data experiments show that the proposed method can effectively reduce energy consumption and ensure effluent quality.

History and Evolution of Hip Design to Decrease Failure.

The evolution of fracture fixation designs over the past 100 years is coupled with incredible advances in materials and manufacturing technology. Failures are unavoidable and should be evaluated from the perspective of refining our technology and technique to improve patient outcomes. Failure after intramedullary fixation of hip fractures is multifactorial with contributions from an unsuccessful surgery, some preventable, some unavoidable, and rarely, design and manufacturing errors. However, whenever implants are disseminated to large population groups with variable individual anatomy, physiology, and associated comorbidities, unexpected and unpredicted weaknesses in the design and surgical technique will be discovered. Surgeons have multiple choices for nail selection with specific and critical technical requirements. The surgeon should evaluate each patient individually and determine the treatment based on patient anatomy and morphology of the fracture. The surgical approach should be modified over time after deciding how best to improve surgical treatment based on the current scientific studies.

How Can We Design Privacy-Friendly Apps for Children? Using a Research through Design Process to Understand Developers' Needs and Challenges

Mobile apps used by children often make use of harmful techniques, such as data tracking and targeted advertising. Previous research has suggested that developers face several systemic challenges in designing apps that prioritise children's best interests. To understand how developers can be better supported, we used a Research through Design (RtD) method to explore what the future of privacy-friendly app development could look like. We performed an elicitation study with 20 children's app developers to understand their needs and requirements. We found a number of specific technical requirements from the participants about how they would like to be supported, such as having actionable transnational design guidelines and easy-to-use development libraries. However, participants were reluctant to adopt these design ideas in their development practices due to perceived financial risks associated with increased privacy in apps. To overcome this critical gap, participants formulated socio-technical requirements that extend to other stakeholders in the mobile industry, including parents and marketplaces. Our findings provide important immediate and long-term design opportunities for the HCI community, and indicate that support for changing app developers' practices must be designed in the context of their relationship with other stakeholders.

Development of a Cloud-Based Image Processing Health Checkup System for Multi-Item Urine Analysis.

With the busy pace of modern life, an increasing number of people are afflicted by lifestyle diseases. Going directly to the hospital for medical checks is not only time-consuming but also costly. Fortunately, the emergence of rapid tests has alleviated this burden. Accurately interpreting test results is extremely important; misinterpreting the results of rapid tests could lead to delayed medical treatment. Given that URS-10 serve as a rapid test capable of detecting 10 distinct parameters in urine samples, the results of assessing these parameters can offer insights into the subject's physiological condition. These parameters encompass aspects such as metabolism, renal function, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, hemolytic diseases, and acid-base balance, among others. Although the operational procedure is straightforward, the variegated color changes exhibited in the outcomes of individual parameters render it challenging for lay users to deduce causal factors solely from color variations. Moreover, potential misinterpretations could arise due to visual discrepancies. In this study, we successfully developed a cloud-based health checkup system that can be used in an indoor environment. The system is used by placing a URS-10 test strip on a colorimetric board developed for this study, then using a smartphone application to take images which are uploaded to a server for cloud computing. Finally, the interpretation results are stored in the cloud and sent back to the smartphone to be checked by the user. Furthermore, to confirm whether the color calibration technology can eliminate color differences between different cameras, and also whether the colorimetric board and the urine test strips can perform color comparisons correctly in different light intensity environments, indoor environments that could simulate a specific light intensity were established for testing purposes. When comparing the experimental results to real test strips, only two groups failed to reach an identification success rate of 100%, and in both of these cases the success rate reached 95%. The experimental results confirmed that the system developed in this study was able to eliminate color differences between camera devices and could be used without special technical requirements or training.

UTILIZATION OF SPENT BLEACHING EARTH WASTE ON LIME-SOIL STABILIZATION FOR ROAD BODY FOUNDATION LAYER BASED ON SOIL MECHANICAL

Soil stabilization is mixing soil with specific materials to improve the soil's technical attributes to meet specific technical requirements, such as increasing its stability. One stabilization method is chemical stabilization, which utilizes mixing heaped soil using lime and Spent Bleaching Earth (SBE). This research is focused on the effect of mixing lime with SBE for soil stabilization with maintenance time between 0, 7, and 14 days. The amount of lime used in the research is 4% from the soil dry weight with variations of the SBE mixture of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The conclusion obtained in this study was that adding SBE could increase the maximum dry density up to a percentage of 10%. Using SBE of more than 10% reduces the maximum dry density value but increases the optimum moisture content. From the mechanical attributes testing carried out, it can be seen that a percentage of 10% can increase the results of mechanical testing, while an increment above 10% will reduce the mechanical results. Based on the CBR and UCS test results, we found that lime and SBE mixture can pass the attributes limit for a grade S aggregate foundation layer and full-fill the requirement as a road body foundation layer. So, it can be concluded that lime and SBE mixture can be used as a road body foundation layer but has not reached the target for road foundation layers and requires maintenance for some time.

An Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy System Using HOMER Pro: A Case Study in Sungai Tiang Camp, Perak

An extraordinary worldwide shift is occurring in the twenty-first century, as people increasingly turn to renewable energy sources. However, hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) development in rural regions is technically difficult and financially expensive to provide energy access. Due to the various components necessary to produce a hybrid system, its construction is often costly. As the remote areas depend on unsustainable diesel-fuelled generators, they have greater operational expenses than non-remote areas due to the higher cost of diesel and the longer distances needed to transport the fuel. This work focuses on modelling a hybrid renewable energy system that is economically sustainable, environmentally friendly and technical consideration is taken into the design requirements. The energy cost ($/kWh) and lifecycle emission CO2 (kg/year) are considered as economic and environmental indicators, respectively. In addition, a sensitivity analysis for varied diesel fuel price ($/L) and PV capital cost of the HRES is performed to achieve a more feasible configuration. To obtain a system that can fulfil demand while meeting specific technical requirements, three configurations are evaluated: 1) standalone diesel generators, 2) hybrid PV-Diesel without battery and 3) hybrid PV-Diesel with battery. This study proposed system 3 as the best system architecture due to the lowest value of COE of 0.258$/kWh and NPC of $22,130. A solar photovoltaic (PV) and lead acid (LA) battery-based hybrid renewable energy system is suggested to fulfil the camp facility load demand of 14.92kWh/day in a rural area of Sungai Tiang, Perak. Sensitivity analysis findings show that LCOE and NPC values are substantially responsive to fuel price and PV capital cost. Integrated solar and battery technologies can enhance the economic performance (e.g., NPC, COE), environmental performance (e.g., carbon dioxide emissions), and technical performance (e.g., fuel consumption) of a renewable energy system.

Performance of pervious concrete influenced by typical properties of recycled concrete aggregate and suggestions for practical use

This work investigated the effects of the crushing index and water absorption of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) on performance of recycled aggregate pervious concrete (RAPC). It was found that the large RCA water absorption can reduce the cohesiveness between aggregates thereby leading to poor castability of fresh RAPC mixture. This would further lower the micro-mechanical properties of new cement paste and weaken the RCA/paste bonding thereby causing poorer compressive/flexural strength of RAPC. However, the poor cohesiveness at larger RCA water absorptions could create more connected pores for superior permeability. The high crushing index of RCA was disadvantageous to RAPC’s compressive strength but its influence on flexural strength or permeability was insignificant. This work suggests that the RCA crushing index/water absorption should be adjusted according to specific technical requirements on strength/permeability by different layers of permeable pavements and RCA with very high water absorption or crushing index should not be utilised.

Quality indicators of a complex veterinary drug with hepatoprotective effect and their control

Hepatopathy (toxic hepatitis and hepatosis) are widespread among sows kept in industrial complexes. To carry out therapeutic and preventive measures for these diseases, a complex drug with a hepatoprotective effect is in demand. In its industrial production, quality control is necessary with an assessment of the presence and quantity of active components. To control of the quality of the Karnivit drug, organoleptic (appearance and color), chromatographic (high performance liquid chromatography - HPLC) (authenticity and mass concentration of vitamin E and carnitine), qualitative chemical (authenticity of zinc and sodium citrate) were used), titrimetric (mass concentration of zinc), spectrophotometric (mass fraction of sodium citrate) methods. The gravimetric (weight) method was used to assess the moisture content of the preparation. The assessment of the compliance of the obtained values with the regulatory requirements was carried out after the introduction of exactly known amounts of one or another active substance into the preparation (for three series at different shelf life). It was found that the values of quantitative indicators in all cases were within the normative values, qualitative indicators (appearance, color, authenticity) also met the requirements of the norm established by the developer of the drug. These requirements were met by both the calculated average values of the indicators of various series and individual (point) values for each series. Determination of the physicochemical properties of the three series of the drug showed their compliance with the established regulatory requirements at different periods of storage. The developed methods of control are suitable for assessing the compliance of manufactured batches (series) of the drug with the requirements of technical specifications for production.

Chinese Technical Guideline for Deriving Water Quality Criteria for Protection of Freshwater Organisms

In recent years, China has determined the national goal of "developing national environmental criteria", thereby promoting the rapid development of environmental quality criteria research in China. In 2017, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (MEEC, formerly the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China) issued the technical guideline for deriving water quality criteria (WQC) for protection of freshwater organisms (HJ 831-2017), and in 2022, they organized the guideline revision and issued an updated version (HJ 831-2022). The primary contents of the revision included the following. The minimum toxicity data requirements were upgraded from 6 to 10, and the species mean toxicity value was replaced by the same effect toxicity value for the criteria calculation. It is now required that the tested organisms must be distributed in China's natural fresh waters, and the toxicity data of non-native model species will no longer be used. The list of freshwater invasive species in China that cannot be used as test species was added into the guideline. The acute/chronic ratio (ACR) method for the criteria derivation and the extreme value model were deleted, and the provisions for testing the toxicity data distribution were also deleted. The exposure time of the toxicity test of various tested organisms was refined, and the priority of the toxicity data was clearly specified. This paper introduces the framework and specific technical requirements of HJ 831-2022 in detail, including data collection, pre-processing of toxicity data, criteria derivation, fitting models, and quality control. This introduction is helpful for international peers to understand the latest research progress of China's WQC.

Chemical monitoring reporting guidance: 2023 data collection

This document should be used for the reporting to EFSA of samples analysed for chemicals. It provides guidance on how to use the Standard Sample Description (SSD2) data model for submission to the EU of analytical results of food and feed samples taken during control activities carried out to monitor residues of pesticides and veterinary medicinal products, contaminants, food additives and chemicals from food contact materials (FCM). This document does not replace – but complements and updates some aspects of – the general EFSA Guidance on Standard Sample Description (SSD2) and Guidance on Data Exchange (GDE2). It is meant to provide guidance on the specific technical and legislative requirements as well as clarity on data quality validation for chemical monitoring (ChemMon) data at national and EU levels.

Problematic issues of standardisation of foundry products (on the example of standardisation of railway brake pads)

Using the example of brake pads for railway rolling stock, the article analyses trends and prospects for the development of the regulatory framework (standards, specifications, etc.) for these products made of various materials. A general description of brake pads made of cast iron and composite material (asbestos and asbestos-free rubber compound) is provided without reference to any specific enterprise or plant. The paper summarises the results of analytical and experimental studies and practical experience of using different brake pads in practice. The requirements of technical specifications and standards for railway brake pads made of cast iron and composite material (rubber compound) are compared. The disadvantages of the technical specifications for composite brake pads, including those with cast iron inserts, are the lack of requirements for the percentage of rubber compound components and their chemical composition. This violates Ukrainian law, as the chemical composition of any product must be specified in the technical specifications or product drawings. The article highlights the harmful effects on human health and the environment of wear products of composite brake pads. Areas for improving the regulatory framework for the production of brake pads from various materials, including standards and specifications for these products, include regulation of the percentage of components and their chemical composition in the composite material and possible correction of the ranges of chemical elements in the cast iron used to make cast iron brake pads. It is recommended that when improving standards and specifications for cast iron brake pads, attention be paid to the size and location of the ranges of carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus and the reduction of the permissible sulphur content to 0.05 %. In the standards for cast iron brake pads, it is advisable to perform shot blasting to facilitate the detection of possible surface defects in the pads. The requirements of European and other countries' standards for the development of standards for railway brake pads are considered. The technical specifications for railway composite brake pads in force in Ukraine should be identified in accordance with the European Union standards for these products. Attention is focused on urgent measures aimed at improving standards and specifications in this area.

Metallurgical aspects in production of nickel high-temperature alloy disk blanks obtained by hot forging

The main metallurgical aspects that must be taken into account in the production of disk blanks with a diameter of up to 300 mm by hot forging are presented using the example of a nickel high-temperature alloy of the VZh179 type. The temperatures of phase transformations in the material under study are determined using the method of differential thermal analysis. On the basis of these data, the temperature-time modes of heat treatment of disk forgings are selected. The computer simulation of the hot forging process is carried out in the QForm 3D software package. The distribution fi elds of temperature and intensity of plastic deformation over the forging volume are determined. The optimal modes of hot forging and heat treatment of a nickel heat-resistant alloy are selected, which ensure high manufacturability and a level of mechanical characteristics that meets the requirements of technical specifications.