Smart Lab Research Articles

Phase transformation and metallurgical characterization of heat-treated nickel–titanium rotary instruments using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectrometry

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the phase transformation behavior and elemental analysis of thermomechanical-treated nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments, TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona), HyFlex CM (coltene, Whaledent), and Neoendo Flex (Orikam healthcare India), using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 NiTi rotary instruments, TruNatomy, Hyflex CM, Neoendo Flex, taper. 04, size 25 (except TruNatomy, size 26) were selected and were divided into three groups (n = 6). Three NiTi files from each group were investigated for the DSC test (n = 3). The two segments of each sample were cut carefully by slow-speed water-cooling carborundum disc at 3 mm from the tip and then 4 mm from the previous section. The mass of the samples was measured on the electronic balance and samples that weighed 10–15 mg were loaded into a 40 µL aluminum crucible. The samples are then subjected first to a heating cycle from 0°C to 100°C and subsequently a cooling cycle from 100°C to 0°C in the differential scanning calorimeter (Mettler-Toledo, NIT Srinagar) at a rate of 10°C min−1. XRD (Make. Rigaku Japan, smart lab 3kW, NIT Srinagar.) was performed to verify the DSC results. The remaining two samples from each group (n = 2) were subjected to XRD analysis. The sample preparation for XRD analyses was done precisely with slow speed water cooled carborundum disc and samples were sectioned into three segments. Each segment was 5 mm long and grounded to obtain a uniform smooth plane. The data obtained from DSC and XRD were subjected to origin 8.5 software and graphs were obtained that depict the transformation temperature and phase composition, respectively. Alloy distribution and trace elements of the NiTi rotary instruments were done using energy dispersive spectrometry microanalysis. Results: The DSC results showed that the TruNatomy, Hyflex CM, and Neo Endo instruments had an Austenite finish (Af) temperature exceeding 37°C. The XRD graphs show the different intensity peaks that correspond to the various phases of NiTi rotary instruments. The TruNatomy is predominantly Austenite, Hyflex CM exists mainly in R-phase with a variable amount of austenite and martensite, while Neoendo flex endo mostly contains austenite phase. The elemental analysis revealed that all three file systems show Nickel and Titanium within their bulk structure in an equiatomic ratio. Conclusion: This study concluded that TruNatomy is predominantly martensite with a variable amount of austenite phase. There are differences in thermal transition temperature between the files.

A smart lab on a wearable microneedle patch with convolutional neural network‐enhanced colorimetry for early warning of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

AbstractFrequent nocturia‐induced nighttime visits aggravate falls in seniors, requiring synthetic antidiuretic drugs that risk the dangerous syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), thus the detection of sodium ion and uric acid alterations during treatment is obligatory for drug‐safe management. Herein, we design a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐enhanced smart wearable microneedle array‐based colorimetric (WMNC) sensor to independently detect in vivo interstitial fluid (ISF) sodium ions and uric acid alterations. The WMNC sensor is composed of a vacuum tube‐driven microneedle array patch and a built‐in colorimetric sensing paper, enabling an efficient ISF extraction and rapid colorimetric assay. Furthermore, leveraging self‐designed CNNs, the WMNC sensor efficiently eliminates the influence of ambient light on colorimetric outcomes, facilitating a rapid and accurate colorimetric result classification. This study provides an ISF‐based rapid, intuitionistic, user‐friendly, wearable point‐of‐care technique for the elderly suffering from nocturia in monitoring their health status for early warnings of SIADH.

Using old laboratory equipment with modern Web-of-Things standards: a smart laboratory with LabThings Retro.

There has been an increasing, and welcome, open hardware trend towards science teams building and sharing their designs for new instruments. These devices, often built upon low-cost microprocessors and microcontrollers, can be readily connected to enable complex, automated and smart experiments. When designed to use open communication web standards, devices from different laboratories and manufacturers can be controlled using a single protocol and even communicate with each other. However, science labs still have a majority of old, perfectly functional equipment which tends to use older, and sometimes proprietary, standards for communications. In order to encourage the continued and integrated use of this equipment in modern automated experiments, we develop and demonstrate LabThings Retro. This allows us to retrofit old instruments to use modern Web-of-Things standards, which we demonstrate with closed-loop feedback involving an optical microscope, digital imaging and fluid pumping.

Research on the Concept, Architecture and Construction Strategy of Intelligent Language Laboratory

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, smart language laboratory plays an increasingly important role as an important research platform in the field of artificial intelligence. This paper discusses the concept, characteristics and functions of the smart language laboratory, and analyzes the architecture of the smart language laboratory, including the construction of hardware facilities, software system, data resources and talent team. Meanwhile, the construction strategy of smart language lab is proposed, including construction planning, technology selection, team building and operation mode. The practical experience of smart language labs at home and abroad is analyzed through case studies, and the development trend and future outlook of smart language labs are summarized.

Process and quality evaluation of different improved composts made with a smart laboratory pilot plant

This study monitored the process and investigated the quality of compost obtained from different biomasses. Five blends of agri-food waste were composted by a laboratory pilot plant named COMPOSTER, that is designed to optimize biodegradation, and produce compost efficiently. The COMPOSTER consists of two 35-liter nearly adiabatic, aerated bioreactors that simulate an industrial process involving the typical sequence of mesophilic-thermophilic-mesophilic phases. It continuously monitors and records temperature, internal pressure, and biomass weight, while controlling and quantifying oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide emissions resulting from aerobic biodegradation. All composts were characterized for their main chemical, physical, and molecular features, as well as their suppressiveness against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL), tested on tomato seedlings. Optimized biodegradation yielded 50–60 % mature compost with a cumulative oxygen consumption ranging from 282 to 456 gO2 per kg of dry matter, with peaks of 2.55 gO2 per kg of volatile solids per hour, and carbon dioxide emissions of 22–36 % of the initial carbon content, with peaks of 5.89 g CO2 per kg of volatile solids per hour. Blends containing more ligno-cellulosic ingredients showed higher yields and lower CO2 emissions. Most of the nitrogen present initially was retained in the final compost; indeed, all mixtures exhibited an apparent nitrogen concentration increase due to carbon loss. Composting determined deep modifications in the molecular structure of the organic matter. 13C CPMAS-NMR and off-line thermochemolysis GC-MS analyses highlighted decomposition degree of polysaccharides and peptidic moieties, selective preservation of aliphatic and aromatic recalcitrant compounds, and optimal ongoing humification. All composts were non-phytotoxic, except for that including pepper crop residues, and all resulted rich in macro- and micro-elements for plant nutrition and proved to be active in controlling FOL disease. Compost comprising 81.2 % tomato crop waste exhibited the best growth performance and pathogen control on tomato. Mature, non-phytotoxic, nutrient-rich, and suppressive composts represent promising by-products that can be successfully recycled in agriculture, including high-value applications, leading to lower use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Effective-performance of inorganic and organic (barium zirconium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric composite for energy harvesting and self-powered smart IoT-based electronics

In the context of the rapidly advancing fields of energy harvesting and the Internet of Things (IoT), flexible piezoelectric materials have received significant attention for powering and providing sensing signals to electronic devices. In this study, piezoelectric barium zirconium titanate (BZT) material was synthesized via a solid-state reaction method at high temperatures. The synthesized BZT was incorporated as a filler in the PVDF polymer matrix to design a flexible piezoelectric device using a solvent-casting method. Structural analyses verified the formation of the tetragonal structure (P4mm) of BZT and the successful composite with PVDF. Piezoelectric properties of PVDF and BZT/PVDF were tested under mechanical force, revealing that the BZT/PVDF composite exhibited higher voltage output compared to PVDF under applied load. Furthermore, the BZT/PVDF composite demonstrated excellent stress tolerance and enhanced piezoelectric performance under varying loads. Notably, the BZT/PVDF composite showed impressive energy harvesting capabilities during finger tapping, storing electrical energy in capacitors, to power electronic watch, calculator, mini-speaker, and illuminating LEDs. The composite also exhibited potential for monitoring and harvesting energy from human motion. Additionally, BZT/PVDF was utilized as a smart lab alarm (SLA) system for the safety of human beings, enhancing safety in laboratories by signaling potential contact between BZT/PVDF and human beings in hazardous areas. These findings indicate the flexible BZT/PVDF composite as a promising solution for lead-free energy harvesting and self-powered smart IoT-based electronics.

Laboratory Safety Technology with Energy Saving System using IOT

Abstract: Internet of Things (IOT) conceptualizes the idea of remotely connecting and monitoring real world objects (things) through the Internet .This concept can be aptly incorporated to make laboratories smarter, safer and automated. This IoT project focuses on building a smart lab safety system which sends alerts to the owner by using Internet in case of any danger and raises an alarm optionally. A safety system needs to be designed to ensure at most safety in the laboratories. Keywords: Automation, Chemical, Hazards, IOT, RFID, Safety.

Modelling of Virtual Campus Tour in Minecraft

Virtual tours have revolutionized the way to explore and experience places from the comfort of our own home. Through advanced technology and immersive digital platforms, virtual tours offer a compelling alternative to tradition face-to-face visits. Whether a famous landmark, museum, real estate or natural wonders, virtual tours offer a unique opportunity to navigate and discover these places form a distance. Meanwhile, creating a virtual tour in Minecraft can provide a unique and immersive experience that sets the users apart from other virtual tour platforms. Minecraft is one of the most popular video games in the world and boasts a large and dedicated community of players. Using Minecraft for a virtual tour allow users to reach a larger audience who are already familiar with the game, increasing the likelihood of engagement and participation. In this paper, the aim is to create a virtual campus tour in Minecraft to give the visitors an immersive and interactive experience with creative freedom. A series of buildings have been built such as Siti Hasmah Digital Library, Common Lecture Complex (CLC) and Smart Lab. Visitors can move around the campus with some gameplay mechanics using mouse and keyboard. Building information was also integrated so visitors can see details about each building during the virtual tour. The virtual tour provides access, comfort and a sense of connection to prospective students, their families and international visitors. Additionally, it serves as a low-cost marketing tool that increases engagement, attracts potential students, researchers and staff and ultimately benefits the University’s recruitment efforts.

Image Identification and Error Correction Method for Test Report Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning and IoT Platform in Smart Laboratory

In order to solve the problems that most models are complex, time-consuming, and have difficulty in identifying image errors, an image identification and error correction method of test report based on deep reinforcement learning and the internet of things platform in the smart lab was proposed. Firstly, a smart lab architecture was designed based on the internet of things platform, achieving efficient operation of the laboratory through cloud edge collaboration. Then, the depth separable convolution improved convolutional neural network is used to extract image features, and the features are input into bidirectional recurrent neural networks (BiLSTM) for analysis to complete image recognition. Finally, the ICNN-BiLSTM model is used as the agent of reinforcement learning, and image error correction is completed by identifying the distance between the image and the key points of the reference image. Based on the Python platform, the proposed method was experimentally demonstrated, and the results showed that its average error correction accuracy reached 96.75%, with a processing time of 15.37s.

Smart Lab: A Non-invasive IoT-centric Approach for Indoor Environment Automation

This work presents a non-invasive Internet of Things (IoT)-centric framework solution for automation in indoor environments (e.g., laboratories, offices, and houses). The platform allows for Internet-connecting electronic and non-electronic devices for low-cost and fast automation control rather than replacing them as market solutions propose. Moreover, the IoT solution comprises adaptive hardware modules, a mobile application, a database, and a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)-based broker server deployed in a real scenario for proof of concept. The mobile application functions manage the hardware modules to remote control lamps, air conditioners, TVs, and curtains. The commands are set through predefined touchscreen buttons or voice commands interpreted by a virtual assistant based on natural language processing (NLP) and natural language understanding (NLU) machine learning algorithms embedded in a framework called Wit.ai. The database handles user subscribing by affording administration functions. Finally, a real-time broker server manages the entities' communication based on the MQTT message exchange protocol, including a security layer based on the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

Design and Development of IoT based Smart System for Monitoring Laboratory Environment

This study was conducted to address the critical issue of the poor safety management system in laboratories, through the design of a smart laboratory management facility based on the Internet of Things (IoT). In this design, three major safety parameters-fire, temperature and carbon (ii) oxide (CO) levels were monitored by appropriate sensors, which transmit data to the microcontroller (Arduino) for interpretation. The Arduino microprocessor processed the data received from the sensor(s), makes decisions based on the predefined algorithms. Based on the decisions made by the Arduino, the microprocessor sends instructions to a relay module triggered the necessary actions to be taken by the output hardware devices-fire extinguisher, air conditioning system and exhaust fan unit. The temperature monitoring system was designed at an operational range of 18°C to 25°C, the CO control unit was designed to maintain the CO concentration inside the laboratory at a level not exceeding 4 parts per million (ppm), as approved by the World Health Organization; while fire control unit was designed to detect the presence of smoke of naked fire inside the building. In the event that any of these parameters breach safety thresholds, the smart structure's safety system will trigger the appropriate responses. The designed structure was built in compliance with international safety standards. Results obtained through the testing and evaluation of the system revealed that the smart system had overall performance efficiency of 91% and false output of 9%. The system's failure rate of 9% can be reduced by employing advanced sensors and adjusting the delay rate. The findings of this study revealed that IoT and automation can successfully monitor and protect the working environment inside laboratories.

IoT Security Solutions for Students’ Laboratory with RFID-based Attendance Authentication

The study aims to secure computer laboratories coupled with smart and automated attendance monitoring. It was designed at Isabela State University Cauayan City Campus, specifically at the Computer Laboratory of the College of Computing Studies Information and Communication Technology. The system is web-based and it can be utilized on any OS platform by specifying the IP Address through a web browser. Its function is a complete user interface for its target user's attendance monitoring and management where it can record teachers’ and students’ attendance, classroom entry logs, and calculation of tardiness and absences. It has the capability to retain current and previous records which could be used for future educational reference, entry log history, or for security references. The factor of acceptability as to technical support and processes of the system gained a general weighted mean of 4.35 (sd=.490) which means there is an evaluator's agreement with the functionality of the developed system based on ISO 25010 standards. The system does not physically identify the user but will only be registered in the database through scanning of the RFID tag. Furthermore, in order to achieve the objectives, The system used Php and its MySQL Local Database as its application software. Hardware components include RFID Reader and RFID Card Communication, and Arduino Uno to control Solenoid lock devices, providing security and restriction in every Computer Laboratory room.
 Keywords: Internet of Things, IoT-based Security Solution, Attendance Monitoring, Smart Laboratory

SMACS: A framework for formal verification of complex adaptive systems

Abstract Self-adaptive systems (SASs) have the capability to evaluate and change their behavior according to changes occurring in the environment. Research in this field is being held since mid-60, and over the last decade, the importance of self-adaptivity is being increased. In the proposed research, colored petri nets (CPN) formal language is being used to model self-adaptive multiagent system. CPN is increasingly used to model self-adaptive complex concurrent systems due to its flexible formal specification and formal verification behavior. CPN being visually more expressive than simple, Petri Nets enable diverse modeling approaches and provides a richer framework for such a complex formalism. The main goal of this research is to apply self-adaptive multi-agent concurrent system (SMACS) for complex architectures. In our previous research, the SMACS framework is proposed and verified through traffic monitoring system. All agents of SMACS are also known as intelligent agents due to their self-adaptation behavior. Due to decentralized approach in this framework, each agent will intelligently adapt its behavior in the environment and send updates to other agents. In this research, we are choosing smart computer lab (SCL) as a case study. For internal structure of each agent modal, μ \mu -calculus will be used, and then a model checker TAPAs: a tool for the analysis of process algebras will be applied to verify these properties. CPN-based state space analysis will also be done to verify the behavioral properties of the model. The general objective of the proposed system is to maximize the utility generated over some predetermined time horizon.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Spacecraft Ground Testing

With the accelerated application of new-generation information technologies, developed countries have implemented digitalization strategies to gain a competitive advantage in the digital era. Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in a wide range of modern industries. Our country has put increasing emphasis on AI technologies, and our aerospace industry is being more digitalized. This study focuses on the application prospects of AI in spacecraft ground testing. It aims to build smart labs driven by products and discusses how to integrate AI into the process of quality supervision, instability prediction, situational awareness analysis for equipment, and optimization of knowledge-driven product design, thus digitalizing spacecraft ground tests.

A Methodology for Training Toolkits Implementation in Smart Labs.

Globally, educational institutes are trying to adapt modernized and effective approaches and tools to their education systems to improve the quality of their performance and achievements. However, identifying, designing, and/or developing promising mechanisms and tools that can impact class activities and the development of students' outputs are critical success factors. Given that, the contribution of this work is to propose a methodology that can guide and usher educational institutes step by step through the implementation of a personalized package of training Toolkits in Smart Labs. In this study, the package of Toolkits refers to a set of needed tools, resources, and materials that, with integration into a Smart Lab can, on the one hand, empower teachers and instructors in designing and developing personalized training disciplines and module courses and, on the other hand, may support students (in different ways) in developing their skills. To demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of the proposed methodology, a model was first developed, representing the potential Toolkits for training and skill development. The model was then tested by instantiating a particular box that integrates some hardware to be able to connect sensors to actuators, with an eye toward implementing this system mainly in the health domain. In a real scenario, the box was used in an engineering program and its associated Smart Lab to develop students' skills and capabilities in the areas of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The main outcome of this work is a methodology supported by a model able to represent Smart Lab assets in order to facilitate training programs through training Toolkits.

SMART and GREEN LABORATORIES. How to implement IVDR, emerging technologies and sustainable practices in medical laboratories?

Article SMART and GREEN LABORATORIES. How to implement IVDR, emerging technologies and sustainable practices in medical laboratories? was published on March 1, 2023 in the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) (volume 61, issue 4).

Smart Laboratory Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Based on The Internet of Things

In Indonesia, traditional methods are still commonly used for managing laboratories. This has resulted in various issues, such as the loss of keys, and has hindered the efficiency of these laboratories. However, the integration of technology has the potential to improve laboratory management by up to 33%. A modernized laboratory system, known as an "Innovative Laboratory", combines technology with traditional management techniques. The proposed Internet of Things-based tool aims to assist laboratories in improving their management services, including a registration system, a locker system, and a desk system. This tool utilizes a Keypad 4x4 and PCF8574 to select desks and lockers, Node MCU as a microcontroller to publish identification data from an MQTT broker, and RFID technology to access and activate electronic locks and sockets. To ensure that data is successfully transferred and the selected locker and desk are available, the system requires a certain delivery time for a maximum of 251 bytes of data that can be sent at different signal strengths. Only registered users with valid identification are able to access the locker and desk systems, and users must unregister before switching to a new locker or desk. The goal of this system is to streamline and improve the management of laboratories.

The University of Central Florida’s Smart and Safe Transportation Lab [Its Research Lab

The University of Central Florida’s Smart and Safe Transportation lab (UCF SST) was established by Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Aty to bring researchers from multidisciplinary backgrounds to work together on practical safety solutions and scientific advancements in road safety using various state-of-the-art and -practice technologies and systems.

Autonomous kinetic model identification using optimal experimental design and retrospective data analysis: methane complete oxidation as a case study

An uncertainty-aware autonomous flow reactor platform was developed by combining automation and feedback optimization. The platform was applied to identify appropriate kinetic models online for a gas–solid catalytic reaction.

Innovative-LAB

Abstract: The concept of Internet of Things (IoT) requires the seamless connectivity of millions of heterogeneous devices. In today’s World, implementation of IoT based smart Lab has drawn a huge attraction and become a prominent area of research. This research work presents an approach for smart Lab automation using IoT that can be controlled wirelessly. Lab automation system means monitoring and controlling of Lab appliances remotely using the concept of internet of things (IOT). In this method we use mobiles or computers to control the basic Lab appliance and make it function through the designed web page with internet connection/local area network (LAN) servers. This type of Lab is also known as smart Lab. The concept of applying automation in the sectors of housing is selling like hot cake. Western countries have welcomed the concept of automation into their Labs with open arms. Our country is keeping up with the pace of modernization too. Different approaches to automating Labs have been implemented. The best among this is Lab automation system using IOT. IOT provides the feasibility of operating the Lab automation system from anywhere around the world using internet. It reduces use of excessive or unnecessary human efforts and improves the standard of living of the people in our society.