Technical Strategies Research Articles

Strengthening micro-entrepreneurs in Indonesia through technical marketing strategies

Strengthening micro-entrepreneurs in Indonesia through technical marketing strategies

Chapter 8: Searching for Life Beyond Earth.

The search for life beyond Earth necessitates a rigorous and comprehensive examination of biosignatures, the types of observable imprints that life produces. These imprints and our ability to detect them with advanced instrumentation hold the key to our understanding of the presence and abundance of life in the universe. Biosignatures are the chemical or physical features associated with past or present life and may include the distribution of elements and molecules, alone or in combination, as well as changes in structural components or physical processes that would be distinct from an abiotic background. The scientific and technical strategies used to search for life on other planets include those that can be conducted in situ to planetary bodies and those that could be observed remotely. This chapter discusses numerous strategies that can be employed to look for biosignatures directly on other planetary bodies using robotic exploration including those that have been deployed to other planetary bodies, are currently being developed for flight, or will become a critical technology on future missions. Search strategies for remote observations using current and planned ground-based and space-based telescopes are also described. Evidence from spectral absorption, emission, or transmission features can be used to search for remote biosignatures and technosignatures. Improving our understanding of biosignatures, their production, transformation, and preservation on Earth can enhance our search efforts to detect life on other planets.

Climate-adaptive resilience in district buildings and cross-regional energy sharing in Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Greater Bay Area

Climate change imposes challenges on Sustainable Develop Goals (SDGs) with uncertainty in the energy supply, energy consumption, climate-adaptive design and operation, renovation and retrofit on traditional energy systems. However, academic studies focus on district energy system sizing, operation and energy analysis under typical year, without considering future climate change due to the lack of updated meteorological database. In this study, models are developed to predict meteorological parameters in Greater Bay Area. Building physical models are developed in TRNSYS 18 platform with power-to-cooling/heating conversions and thermal/electrical energy storages to quantitatively analyse the impact of climate change on cooling/heating/electric loads, rated capacity resizing and onsite renewable energy supply. Considering the differences in building intensity, types, available spatiotemporal spaces in the Greater Bay Area, spatiotemporal energy sharing networks with E-mobility in cross-boundary Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao are developed for cross-regional renewable self-consumption and stablising local microgrid power/voltage. Results indicate that, both solar radiation and ambient temperature increase under the future climate change, while building services systems designed in the typical year fail to cover cooling demands due to future climate change. Immediate response and sufficient reaction to climate change with climate-adaptive design require gradual increase on rated capacities of chillers, together with the increase in total electricity consumptions (i.e., increased by 34.3%, 29.9%, 14.2% and 20.5% for residential buildings, hotel, office, and commercial buildings from typical year to the year 2100). Technical strategies for future climate change adaption include complementary solar-wind energy integration, E-mobility based cross-regional energy sharing, renewable-to-EV charging and EV discharging for grid support under the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) mode. The V2G mode is economically beneficial with overwhelming superiority in grid import cost saving than battery degradation cost. This study can contribute to future climate change prediction, climate-adaptive designs, operations and controls, and energy resilience improvement.

Technical Aspects of Eliciting Trigeminocervical and Trigeminospinal Reflexes in Humans: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review aims to summarize the technical strategies for obtaining trigeminocervical reflex (TCR) and trigeminospinal reflex (TSR) responses. Studies published on TCR or TSR elicitation in humans through electrical stimulation of trigeminal nerve branches were eligible for this scoping review. The data of interest included stimulation parameters, site of stimulation, recording parameters, and the feasibility of TCR and TSR elicitation, in healthy participants. Short-latency TCR responses were regularly obtained in both anterior and posterior neck muscles after electrical stimulation of the supraorbital and infraorbital nerves under voluntary muscle activation. However, without voluntary muscle activation, we found evidence of elicitation of short-latency TCR components only in the posterior neck muscles after supraorbital or infraorbital nerve stimulation. Long-latency TCR responses were regularly obtained in the anterior and posterior neck muscles in studies that evaluated this technique, regardless of the trigeminal branch stimulation or muscle activation status. Short-latency TSR components were not obtained in the included studies, whereas long-latency TSR responses were regularly recorded in proximal upper limb muscles. This scoping review revealed key heterogeneity in the techniques used for TCR and TSR elicitation. By summarizing all the methodological procedures used for TCR and TSR elicitation, this scoping review can guide researchers in defining optimized technical approaches for different research and clinical scenarios.

Numerical Investigation of a Novel Grinding Device for the One-Pot Production of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in industrial applications is consistently increasing given their peculiar properties compared to bulk precursor materials. As a result, there is a growing need to develop alternative technical strategies for the synthesis of such NPs using processes that are not only environmentally friendly but also easy and inexpensive to implement on an industrial scale. In this regard, a novel approach has recently been proposed for the safe and sustainable production of metal NPs directly from a bulky solid by magnetically driven low-energy wet milling, which overcomes the limits of applicability to ferromagnetic materials through a unique device configuration. In the present contribution, the understanding of this alternative configuration is deepened by computational investigation. Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations were used to model the dynamics of the system, highlighting the role of the various parameters involved in the setup and operation of the process. The collisions between grinding and primary particles are analyzed in terms of frequency, impact angle, and energy. Comparing the results with the standard device configuration, the general trend is preserved, though collisions at higher impact angle and energy are also detected.

Mitigating allocative tradeoffs and harms in an environmental justice data tool

Neighbourhood-level screening algorithms are increasingly being deployed to inform policy decisions. However, their potential for harm remains unclear: algorithmic decision-making has broadly fallen under scrutiny for disproportionate harm to marginalized groups, yet opaque methodology and proprietary data limit the generalizability of algorithmic audits. Here we leverage publicly available data to fully reproduce and audit a large-scale algorithm known as CalEnviroScreen, designed to promote environmental justice and guide public funding by identifying disadvantaged neighbourhoods. We observe the model to be both highly sensitive to subjective model specifications and financially consequential, estimating the effect of its positive designations as a 104% (62–145%) increase in funding, equivalent to US$2.08 billion (US$1.56–2.41 billion) over four years. We further observe allocative tradeoffs and susceptibility to manipulation, raising ethical concerns. We recommend incorporating technical strategies to mitigate allocative harm and accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse.

Providing technical assistance to inclusive postsecondary education programs on paid employment experiences of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A case study

BACKGROUND: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities lag behind their peers without disabilities when it comes to participation in college and employment. In response to this, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) created an online, six-week course for staff who work with students with disabilities in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs. OBJECTIVE: To create a course and technical assistance (TA) based on implementing supported employment strategies through VCU’s ACE-IT in College model, using evidence-based employment practices. The course and TA were developed to increase the skills of IPSE program staff, as well as increase the number of paid internship opportunities for the students in their programs. METHODS: VCU staff offered a six-week training program, followed by yearlong technical assistance to college and university staff who implement inclusive postsecondary education programs. The researchers conducted a case study of one program and followed them through the course and their TA activities. Data examined were: facilitated discussion board responses, needs assessment results, meeting notes and case study notes, as well as goals and strategies they developed. RESULTS: Results indicate a need for more staff and funding, as well as university buy-in. The fidelity of implementation allowed researchers to make slight adjustments for future TA participants. CONCLUSION: One participating program emerged as a case study site, and results indicate a need for more staff and funding. Detailed descriptions and technical assistant support strategies are provided, as well as implications for further research.

Multicomponent cementitious materials optimization, characteristics investigation and reinforcement mechanism analysis of high-performance concrete with full aeolian sand

Aiming at alleviating the shortage issue of high-quality aggregates in deserts, this study developed an eco-friendly concrete using full aeolian sand (hereafter named FA-HPC). Fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and slag powder (SP) are introduced into FA-HPC to optimize the performance by single or multicomponent mixing, including fluidity, strength, dry shrinkage, and chloride resistance. Moreover, the reinforcement mechanism is revealed from a microscopic perspective. The results show that FA increases the fluidity of FA-HPC while continuously reducing its drying shrinkage and strength with the dosage increase, presenting a 42.4 % reduction in 3 d compressive strength. On the contrary, SF exhibits a convex parabolic trend in fluidity and strength, achieving a 55.7 % strength improvement at a 10 % dosage, with a gradual increase in dry shrinkage. Additionally, the effect of SP on the performances is relatively small, including the increase in fluidity and strength, and a decrease in shrinkage. In the binary mixing system of FA and SF, an increase in the percentage of SF reduces fluidity and shrinkage resistance. Moreover, a 52.3 % increase in strength can be achieved at an appropriate substitution amount (30 %) and ratio (3:2). Furthermore, triple mixing system of 14.4 % FA, 9.6 % SF and 20 % SP obtains the optimized performance, especially achieving an improvement of 95.5 % in chloride resistance. Additionally, the microstructure and absorption peak indicate that the triple mixing system presents a fierce volcanic ash reaction endowing FA-HPC with improved pore structure and compactness. This research optimized the cementitious material system of FA-HPC and provided technical strategies for engineering construction in desert areas.

Technical strategy for monozygotic twin discrimination by single-nucleotide variants.

Monozygotic (MZ) twins are theoretically genetically identical. Although they are revealed to accumulate mutations after the zygote splits, discriminating between twin genomes remains a formidable challenge in the field of forensic genetics. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) are responsible for a substantial portion of genetic variation, thus potentially serving as promising biomarkers for the identification of MZ twins. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of a pair of female MZ twins when they were 27 and 33years old to approximately 30 × coverage using peripheral blood on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 Sequencing System. Potentially discordant SNVs supported by whole-genome sequencing were validated extensively by amplicon-based targeted deep sequencing and Sanger sequencing. In total, we found nine bona fide post-twinning SNVs, all of which were identified in the younger genomes and found in the older genomes. None of the SNVs occurred within coding exons, three of which were observed in introns, supported by whole-exome sequencing results. A double-blind test was employed, and the reliability of MZ twin discrimination by discordant SNVs was endorsed. All SNVs were successfully detected when input DNA amounts decreased to 0.25ng, and reliable detection was limited to seven SNVs below 0.075ng input. This comprehensive analysis confirms that SNVs could serve as cost-effective biomarkers for MZ twin discrimination.

Treatment strategies for deep caries

Deep caries occurs when caries progresses to the deep dentin layer, and further progression has the risk of pulp exposure, which may affect pulp vitality and tooth longevity. Currently, there are no objective standards for the diagnosis of deep caries. In addition, traditional therapy for deep caries emphasizes complete debridement of the decayed tissue, resulting in an incremental high risk of pulp exposure. There are different views on how to deal with the remaining dentin after caries removal, and root canal treatment is often adopted directly after pulp exposure. In recent years, due to advances in dental pulp biology, bioactive pulp-capping materials, and clinical evidence-based medicine, the principle of deep caries treatment has shifted to pulp protection. Based on the latest international research progress, evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, we present a series of advancements in this article, including the terminology of deep caries, pathological changes and defense mechanisms of the pulp close to the deep caries, treatment principles of deep caries, technical strategies for carious tissues removal, and the decision-making of treatment protocols after pulp exposure, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of deep caries among dentists, as well as providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of deep caries.

Ancient Houses in Ben Tre City: A Multifaceted Approach to Preserve Artistic Architectural Heritage and Boost Local Tourism

The ancient houses of Ben Tre city, dating back to the French colonial period, transcend their historical significance to become essential cultural landmarks with global connections. These houses play a pivotal role in safeguarding Ben Tre's artistic and architectural heritage, aligning seamlessly with the vision of a "Green Ben Tre" in contemporary tourism development. Their unique value lies in the harmonious synthesis of material and spiritual elements, fostering cultural exchange and connecting communities worldwide. This article not only presents initial research findings on the preservation and promotion of the rich values encapsulated within Ben Tre's ancient house system but also explores additional crucial technical solutions. Beyond the study of the effectiveness of the Cement-Stabilized Base (CSB) additive in enhancing soil load-bearing capacity, the paper introduces various technical strategies aimed at conserving the artistic architectural heritage. The focus extends to sustainable construction practices, ensuring the longevity of these historical structures. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation, acknowledging the imminent threat of demolition faced by some ancient houses in Ben Tre city. It underscores the importance of sustainable tourism development as a key factor in preserving these invaluable cultural assets for future generations.

The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas.

Even if malaria is rare in Europe, it is a medical emergency and programs for its control should ensure both an early diagnosis and a prompt treatment within 24-48 h from the onset of the symptoms. The increasing number of imported malaria cases as well as the risk of the reintroduction of autochthonous cases encouraged laboratories in non-endemic countries to adopt diagnostic methods/algorithms. Microscopy remains the gold standard, but with limitations. Rapid diagnostic tests have greatly expanded the ability to diagnose malaria for rapid results due to simplicity and low cost, but they lack sensitivity and specificity. PCR-based assays provide more relevant information but need well-trained technicians. As reported in the World Health Organization Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, the development of point-of-care testing is important for the improvement of diagnosis with beneficial consequences for prompt/accurate treatment and for preventing the spread of the disease. Despite their limitations, diagnostic methods contribute to the decline of malaria mortality. Recently, evidence suggested that artificial intelligence could be utilized for assisting pathologists in malaria diagnosis.

Main issues in penetrating keratoplasty.

This review explores contemporary challenges in penetrating keratoplasty (PK), focusing on technical intricacies, technological advancements, and strategies for preventing graft rejection. A systematic literature search from January 2018 to July 2023 was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria comprised studies on PK and its comparison with other corneal pathologies, with emphasis on keratoconus (KC). Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracting relevant data. The review covers PK evolution, highlighting infra-red femtosecond lasers' impact on graft shapes, minimizing astigmatism, and enhancing wound healing. Graft rejection, a primary complication, is examined, detailing risk factors and preventive measures. Preoperative considerations, diagnostic techniques for rejection, and PK in KC are discussed. Postoperative care's significance, including intraocular pressure monitoring and steroid administration, is emphasized. The paper concludes with a comprehensive approach to prevent graft rejection, involving topical and systemic medications. An outlook on evolving monoclonal antibody research is presented. As the field progresses, personalized approaches and ongoing therapeutic exploration are expected to refine strategies, enhancing PK outcomes.

Designing the Operator of the Future: The Architecture of Human Digital Twin Systems

The central role that the human operator assumed in industrial design and development processes, driven by Industry 5.0 principles, has paved the way for the creation of new human-centric system architectures. This paper discusses the practical implications regarding the deployment of a Human Digital Twin-based system in the manufacturing environment. It provides a proof-of-concept of the architecture for the implementation of the twinning process, starting from the investigation of the most suitable hardware selection based on the desired outcomes to build up the human monitoring phase. We analyze three management decision-making levels to determine the scalability of the proposed architecture for strategical, technical, and operational managerial strategies. This research aims to propose some technological selection criteria, based on the main characteristics of the available technological acquisition devices, to determine the most suitable sensors for the creation of the physical twinning monitoring process.

AI Empowers Data Mining Models for Financial Fraud Detection and Prevention Systems

With the rapid development of Internet finance, the problem of financial fraud has become increasingly prominent, which has brought severe challenges to the security and stability of the financial industry. This paper aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to empower data mining models to build an efficient financial fraud detection and prevention system. First of all, through the analysis of the development trend of Internet finance and the current situation of financial fraud, the limitations of traditional prevention and control measures in the face of big data and complex fraud modes are revealed. Secondly, the paper introduces the application prospect of AI technology in the financial field, especially the advantages and potential in data mining and fraud detection. Then, the data mining techniques adopted are discussed in detail, including the application of machine learning-based model recognition and artificial intelligence algorithms, as well as data preprocessing and feature engineering in big data environment. Further, the paper describes the system architecture design and key technology implementation, including model training and optimization, real-time monitoring and early warning solutions. Finally, through the in-depth analysis and evaluation of the experimental results, the paper verifies the remarkable effect and feasibility of the system in financial fraud detection and prevention, and provides a new technical guarantee and risk management strategy for the financial industry. The experimental results show that the model has achieved good results in the actual data in the financial field, and provides effective technical guarantee and support for financial security.

Technical trading strategies return predictability and relative efficiency: Evidence from selected African stock markets.

Technical trading strategies return predictability and relative efficiency: Evidence from selected African stock markets.

Adversity Quotient, Leadership Resilience, and Mentoring and Coaching Strategies of Instructional Leaders

To improve the technical assistance strategy, this study evaluated the adversity quotient, leadership resilience, and mentoring and coaching techniques of instructional leaders. Respondents of this study were the 138 public secondary instructional leaders composed of department heads and master teachers chosen randomly from the 210 total population of department heads and master teachers in SDO, Iloilo City. Ethical factors were considered to achieve this overall goal. Respondents were informed of the study's objective, benefits, and risks before being requested for consent to participate as respondents in the survey. The 2012 Data Privacy Act maintained the confidentiality of the respondent’s identity. A descriptive research design with stratified random sampling examined demographic variables such as sex, designation, educational attainment, and length of service. The sample showed a notable sex disproportion, with most respondents being Master Teachers I, holding advanced degrees, and having over ten years of experience. Regarding sex, designation/position, and educational attainment of instructional leaders, there was no significant difference in the level of AQ® among respondents. However, there is a significant difference in the AQ® level of the respondents when grouped by their length of service. Additionally, AQ® analysis revealed "below average" levels for males and females, with significant differences across designations but not by educational attainment. Respondents with less experience showed "higher" resilience than those with longer tenures, while leadership resilience remained consistently high across all demographics. No significant differences were found in mentoring and coaching strategies based on the demographic profile. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve resilience among more experienced leaders and support more effective mentoring and coaching strategies. These insights inform the creation of a technical assistance plan to enhance instructional leadership.

Analysis of the Snake Venom Peptidome.

Snake venom peptidomes are known to be a large source of molecules with different pharmacological properties. The complexity and variability of snake venoms, the presence of proteinases, and the lack of complete species-specific genome sequences make snake venom peptidome profiling a challenging task that requires especial technical strategies for sample processing and mass spectrometric analysis. Here, we describe a method for assessing the content of snake venom peptides and highlight the importance of sampling procedures, as they substantially influence the peptidomic complexity of snake venoms.

Technical strategy for decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Technical strategy for decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Air Quality in Fitness Centers: Status and Improvement Strategies

As a place where people do physical activity for health, the indoor air quality of fitness center has a significant impact on human health. To systematically understand the current state of indoor air quality in fitness centers, this study reviews recent literature on the indoor environment of fitness centers, analyzes factors that affect air quality, and proposes a series of technical strategies to improve it. The analysis reveals: 1) Significant pollution issues with the indoor air quality in fitness centers; 2) Notable variations in air quality across different functional areas and time periods; 3) Air quality can be improved by adopting appropriate technical measures. This paper recommends that future air quality management strategies should consider factors such as the intensity of physical activity and crowd density to develop ventilation strategies, aiming for targeted air quality management that varies by area and time.