Idea Of Technology Research Articles

Improving methane production from waste-activated sludge by coupling thermal hydrolysis with potassium ferrate pretreatment

Thermal hydrolysis (TH) is effective in improving the solubilization of waste-activated sludge, but opportunities for enhancement remain, particularly in increasing organic matter conversion and reducing the generation of refractory substances. This study proposed a novel pretreatment method combining TH and potassium ferrate (PF) and evaluated its performance in improving sludge methane production. The results indicated that the combined pretreatment increased the methane yield from 118 ± 2 mL/g VS to 215 ± 7 mL/g VS, an increase of 82.2 % compared to the control. Combined pretreatment promoted the exposure of functional groups in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and altered protein secondary structure composition, thereby disrupting EPS. PF improved the biodegradability of TH-treated sludge by degrading humic acids and Maillard reaction products. In addition, Fe(III) produced by PF induces dissimilar iron reduction, which enhances microbial electron transfer activity and facilitates subsequent hydrolysis and acidification processes. Combined pretreatment increased the abundance of hydrolyzing and acidifying bacteria, but reduced hydrogenotrophic methanogens. This article reveals that PF improves the biodegradability of TH-treated sludge and provides new ideas for advanced TH technologies for sludge resource recovery.

Fourth wave technologies in construction and architecture: from idea to realization (part 2)

The Industrial Revolution is the restructuring of society under the influence of innovations in technology and technique, which is accompanied by a jump in productivity. Today, the 4th revolution is taking place, which is rapidly changing the landscape of various areas of life, including architecture and the construction industry. The Industry 4.0 revolution connects technologies used in organizations and people’s daily lives. It combines physical and digital technologies. But it doesn’t develop as a daily simple life in architecture and construction industry like many other industries like as automotive, aircraft, electronic etc. The relevance of the study is to study and analyze the stage of the historical event on the industrial revolutions (specially fourth industrial revolution) and his realization in today’s construction and architecture industry. A comprehensive review of contemporary and historical literature related to fourth industrial revolution, and his realization level in the industry with specific focus on construction and architecture industry. Thus, the main tasks of the study can be distinguished as follows: review of historical literature and basic understanding of the industrial revolutions; understanding of Industry 4.0 and its principles and benefits; reveal and introduce Industry 4.0 in construction and architecture industry; some samples about using Industry 4.0 in construction and architecture industry. Part two of the research is devoted to the idea and explanation of fourth wave technology in construction and architecture. The research used the method of analysis of scientific and historical literature and documents related to the Industrial Revolution (specially fourth industrial revolution) and his achievement in the construction and architecture industry to achieve and formulate conclusions. The conclusion of study is about today’s stage of realization of fourth industrial revolution in the construction and architecture industry and his point of view to next industrial revolution which start from 2017. The author believes that the development of the construction and architecture industry now and in the future depends on the attention and use of new industries and professionals in this industry specially IT specialists and technology. The conclusion of the second part of the study articulates fourth wave technologies in all areas of construction and architecture. The scientific novelty of the study is to study, analysis, identify main factors of Industry 4.0, and collection of some samples of realization of this technology (fourth wave technologies) in construction and architecture industry.

Kanamycin promotes biofilm viability of MRSA strains showing extremely high resistance to kanamycin

Staphylococcus aureus is widely distributed in environment and can cause various human infection and food poisoning cases. Also, this pathogen is a typical biofilm former, which further complicates its pathogenicity. Antibiotics have been widely used to eliminate pathogenic bacteria, but their indiscriminate use has also led to the widespread emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, the effect of antibiotics on biofilm formation of MRSA strains 875 and 184 was explored. Firstly, MRSA 875 belongs to SCCmec type IV, ST239, carrying the atl, icaA, icaD, icaBC, and aap genes, and MRSA 184 belongs to SCCmec type II, ST5, carrying the atl, icaD, icaBC, aap, and agr genes. Then, a total of 8 antibiotics have been selected, including kanamycin, gentamycin, cipprofloxacin, erythromycin, meropenem, penicillin G, tetracycline, vancomycin. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of each antibiotic were determined, and MIC of MRSA 875 and 184 to kanamycin/gentamicin are 2048/64 μg/mL and 2048/4 μg/mL, respectively. A total of 10 concentrations, ranging from 1/128 to 4 MIC with 2-fold, were used to study biofilm formation. Biofilm biomass and viability were determined during different phases, including initial adhesion (8 h), proliferation (16 h), accumulation (24 h) and maturation (48 h). Importantly, kanamycin at specific concentrations showed significant promotion of biofilm biomass and biofilm viability, with none of such observation acquired from other antibiotics. This study provides scientific basis and new research ideas for the quality control technology of microorganisms and safety prevention of MRSA.

Advances in 3D bioprinting for environmental remediation and hazardous materials treatment.

The high-throughput method based on the micron-level structure that 3D bioprinting technology offers for various environmental microbiological engineering applications is made possible by its several printing paths and precision programming control. This versatility makes it an on-demand manufacturing technology. A novel 3D manufacturing technique called 3D bioprinting may be used to precisely uptake and disperse bacteria to create microbial active substances with a variety of intricate functionalities for environmental applications. The technological challenges that the current 3D bioprinting technology must face include the mechanical properties of materials, the creation of specific bioinks to adapt to different strains, and the exploration of 4D bioprinting for intelligent applications. Therefore, this analysis delves deeply into the core technological ideas of 3D bioprinting, bioink materials, and their environmental applications. It also offers recommendations about the challenges and opportunities associated with 3D bioprinting. Combined with the present advancements in microbe enhancement technology, 3D bioprinting will provide an enabling platform for multifunctional microorganisms and facilitate the management of in situ directional responses in the environmental domain. This review highlights the applications of 3D bioprinting in the environmental monitoring and bioremediation. 3D printing in solid waste management is also discussed in detail.

Strain‐Insensitive Pre‐Stretch‐Stabilized Polymer/Gold Hybrid Electrodes for Electrochemiluminescent Devices

AbstractThe quest for stretchable properties is at the forefront of research dedicated to on‐skin light–emitting devices. Inspired by the natural wonders of bioluminescence, electrochemiluminescent devices (ECLDs) are distinguished by straightforward design and reduced operating voltage, marking a departure from traditional current‐driven electroluminescent devices (ACELDs). The primary challenge of fully‐stretchable ECLDs lies in crafting electrodes that simultaneously satisfy the demands for conductivity, transparency, stretchability, oxidation resistance, and interface stability. This research introduces a groundbreaking wrinkled polymer‐gold composite electrode. It extends to 50% stretchability, offers outstanding conductivity at 10 Ω sq−1, achieves transparency above 60%, and withstands over 10 000 stretching cycles. Employing this material, alongside stretchable electrospinning fiber luminescent layers, enabled the creation of fully‐stretchable ECLDs. These devices not only shine brightly at 30 Cd m−2 but also retain more than 90% of luminosity when stretched up to 50%. Furthermore, this work has engineered stretchable devices featuring singular patterns and multi‐dot arrays. They exhibit consistent luminescent output under bending, twisting, and stretching when applied to skin. These findings not only highlight the potential of polymer‐gold composite electrodes in overcoming challenges faced by stretchable electronic devices but also provide new ideas for wearable technology that seamlessly integrates with human body.

A portable self-powered biosensor for monitoring artistic gymnastics techniques

The development of self-powered smart biosensors has attracted great attention due to their potential applications in human motion monitoring and energy collection systems. Here, a newly designed triboelectric nanogenerator (PSP-TENG) composed of the PU sponge, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polydimethylsiloxane for monitoring rear leg rotation motion in artistic gymnastics has been developed. The PSP-TENG can monitor the buffering and stretching time of rear leg rotation and identify the angle between the hip, knee, and ankle during the stretching stage. Furthermore, the PSP-TENG has the function of converting measured signals into power signals, which can convert collected human motion mechanical energy into electrical energy to power wearable devices. The development of PSP-TENG has made contributions to the field of human motion monitoring, providing ideas for new energy and technologies to improve the environment and promote a virtuous ecological cycle.

Development Secured Blockchain Based on Agricultural Food Supply Chain in Management System

Abstract: Blockchain, smart contracts, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are essential technologies for the business process reengineering of supply chains in the era of Industry 4.0. The agricultural food supply chain is one of the research areas where these disruptive technologies can play a crucial role in automating business processes, providing real-time goods monitoring, and securing transactions. With the help of blockchain, smart contracts, and the IoT, a product’s health and environment can be monitored throughout the supply chain. In this study, we have critically examined the relevance of these technologies through various activities of the agriculture supply chain using the approach of Business Process Modeling (BPM). Agriculture is a big part of the economy of any country because it helps feed the entire population. It connects and communicates with all of the related industries. If the agriculture base is strong, it is generally regarded as a socially and politically stable society. Many modern farms make use of cutting-edge technology and sciatic and technological ideas. The maximization of the profits relies on some farmers’ vegetables and fruits with chemicals. Chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and other compounds are used in several plants and fruits.

Super-resolution Microscopy and Photo-lithography: How can one inspire the other

The principles of microscopy and lithography projection techniques are similar. To improve the resolution of the microscope or further reduce the image projection, both techniques face similar limitations, diffraction limits. The diffraction limit is a limitation of physical optics. In the development process of microscopes, to improve optical microscopy technology, researchers have proposed the idea of reducing the wavelength of light sources and increasing the numerical aperture based on the principle of diffraction limit generation. Modern scientists have proposed techniques to break through the diffraction limit and gradually increase the resolution of microscopes to further improve resolution. These breakthroughs also provide ideas for lithography technology, and researchers have invented techniques such as immersion lithography, multi-exposure, and two-photon direct writing. This article introduces the development process of super-resolution microscopy and lithography technology and analyzes the inspiration and influence of microscopy technology on lithography technology, that is, providing ideas for improving the accuracy of lithography technology.

Entrepreneurial ideas of information and communication technology: commercialization in post-COVID-19 era

Purpose The study aims to identify a model of commercializing entrepreneurial ideas in information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge-based companies. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method has been used in the research. The participants of the qualitative part were 15 key informants selected by sampling method purposefully and theoretically, while a sample of 205 experts was randomly chosen for the quantitative part. Data collection was completed through a semistructured interview in the qualitative part and by a researcher-made questionnaire in the quantitative part. The reliability of the research was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha. The validity of the qualitative and quantitative parts was approved, respectively, by the criteria of Corbin and Strauss (2008) and by the content validity. Data analysis was done in the qualitative part through open, axial and selective coding, while in the quantitative part through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS). Findings The commercialization model of ICT entrepreneurial ideas was depicted by the paradigmatic version of Corbin and Strauss (2008). The model has been consisted of six sectors as follows: causal conditions (including stimuli of science and technology parks, interests and motivation of managers of ICT knowledge-based company and environmental stimuli), contextual conditions (including skills and abilities of managers of ICT knowledge-based company, status of ICT knowledge-based company and enabling and facilitating legal framework), intervening conditions (including the complex nature of the ICT industry, science and technology parks’ support of companies, facilities and equipment for commercialization of ICT entrepreneurial ideas and economic system stability), strategies (including marketing research, planning and feasibility study of ICT entrepreneurial idea, design and production of ICT product and release and supply of ICT product), consequences (successful commercialization of ICT entrepreneurial ideas in the post-COVID-19 era) and the central phenomenon (ICT entrepreneurial ideas: commercialization in the post-COVID-19 era). Then, the main factors were confirmed through PLS-SEM and ANFIS. Among the factors, interests and motivation of managers of ICT knowledge-based companies, status of ICT knowledge-based companies, facilities and equipment for commercialization of ICT entrepreneurial ideas and release and supply of ICT products were identified as the most influential factors. Practical implications The model can help solve the challenges of managers and policymakers to commercialize ICT entrepreneurial ideas. Therefore, innovative production will increase, value will be created for the beneficiaries and economic, social and political growth will occur in the post-Corona era. Social implications Commercialization of ICT entrepreneurial ideas has the potential to affect many aspects of economic and societal activities in the society such as GDP growth, employment, productivity, poverty alleviation, quality of life and education. Originality/value The research includes innovation in presenting a multidimensional commercialization model based on an entrepreneurial perspective in the special field of ICT with a mixed approach including grounded theory, PLS-SEM and ANFIS in ICT knowledge-based companies. But the most important innovation of the study is related to the findings. The main categories, subcategories and concepts of the research have been presented in the form of a theory entitled “ICT entrepreneurial ideas: commercialization in the post-COVID-19 era.”

Rapid reactivation of long-term frozen preservation anammox granular sludge by biochar: Performance, mechanism and artificial neural network optimization

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) is an efficient nitrogen removal technology for wastewater, and has been successfully applied in practical wastewater treatment. The preservation and rapid reactivation of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) play an important role in the anammox application. Biochar has been widely used in the water treatment industry due to its stable structure, economic and environmental protection characteristics. Hence, this study used biochar to accelerate anammox granular sludge (AnGS) performance recovery after 60 d preservation under low-temperature frozen (−20 °C). The time of AnGS recovery in the group with biochar addition was shortened by 15 d than the natural recovery group. Meanwhile, biochar addition improved the shock loading resistance of the anammox system. EPS secretion, and the types and quantities of functional groups in EPS increased under biochar stimulation, especially tighter PN. The functional groups in biochar can act as electron shuttles during anammox process, accelerating the electron transfer rate. Biochar addition enhanced the relative abundance of AnAOB, especially Candidatus Brocadia. PICRUSt analysis indicated that biochar promoted key gene related to anammox process and accelerated the recovery of frozen sludge. In addition, the changes in effluent nitrogen removal efficiency were successfully predicted by artificial neural network modeling with R = 0.9895 and MSE = 0.0048. This result may provide a new technological idea for the rapid recovery of AnGS under long time frozen conditions.

Sign Language Interpreter for Physically Challenged People

This study introduces a novel sign language interpreter designed to improve accessibility and communication for those with physical disabilities, particularly those who experience hearing loss. Through the use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, the technology interprets sign language movements in real-time, removing social, professional, and educational communication barriers. By means of ongoing cooperation among researchers, technology developers, and individuals with physical disabilities, this invention hopes to make a substantial contribution towards the development of a more inclusive society. People of all physical capacities can actively interact, participate, and succeed in such a community. The fundamental ideas of a revolutionary technology that promotes acceptance, equality, and understanding at the formal, academic level are captured in this abstract

Machine Hands on Flaws to Machine: The Surprising Sources of Biases in Machine Learning Models

Machine Hands on Flaws to Machine: The Surprising Sources of Biases in Machine Learning Models

Give us ideas! Creating innovativeness through strategic direction of reverse technology transfers

AbstractThis paper addresses the research gap in understanding the role of intra-firm reverse technology transfers for building output versus innovation capabilities. While we understand that some firms use external sources to create new technology before they are able to build internal innovation capability, the role of bridging lack of innovation capability through internal reverse technology transfers has not been explored in this context. We analyze the technology transfer strategy in the case of Huawei Technologies through a mixed methods design combining quantitative survival analysis of patents and qualitative interviews to understand and contextualize its mechanisms. The results show that the company strategically transferred ideas for new and complex technologies from centers of state-of-the-art technology towards its domestic Chinese locations. Tapping into offshore innovation capability is done by hiring experienced personnel that transfers innovative ideas to China instead of developing new products abroad. We find that this systematic transfer of complex ideas enabled Huawei to build output capability by bridging its lack of domestic innovation capability. This might be a way for growing firms to become competitive on the world market before having to build innovation capability at home first.

Fabrication of Ultralow‐Bevel Angle Mesa Structures for Vertical GaN Devices

Low‐angle bevel mesa structures are the key technological ideas needed to produce high‐quality vertical GaN devices. Nevertheless, the literature lacks sufficient information regarding the techniques that can yield the best results for obtaining the bevel angles smaller than approximately 5°.[1] Notably, for high p–n junctions NA/ND ratios, such low angles are necessary for the application of negative beveled edge termination and the efficient lowering of electric field at the surface.[1–6] In this work, the optimization of the beveled‐mesa fabrication technique for vertical GaN devices is demonstrated employing a plasma etching of the photoresist mask fabricated using a reflow process. By adjusting the resist reflow process parameters, in particular various BCl3 Cl2−1 ratios and inductively coupled plasma–reactive ion etching plasma power, a range of beveled mask angles as low as 10°–12° is achieved. However, those processes all show etching selectivity close to 1:1 between GaN and the photoresist. Even lower bevel mesa angles are reported for a novel process optimization that resulted in improving GaN to photoresist selectivity by a factor of 5–10. As a result, even smaller bevel mesa angles close to 1°–2° are able to be attained. The developed approach has the advantage of being relatively simple and cost effective.

Transnational co-production of technology: Sino-Soviet cooperation in the construction of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, 1950–1957

ABSTRACT Using the construction of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge as a case study, this paper explores transnational co-production of technology between the Soviet Union and China in the 1950s. Focusing on the invention of the non-caisson method, it argues that non-state actors played an important role in the process, because successful construction of the bridge could not be separated from reciprocal wills and long-term face-to-face interactions between Chinese and Soviet engineers. Moreover, by examining Chinese workers’ contribution, this paper enriches the idea of hybrid technology, including not only the mingling of national identities in the process of knowledge making but also the combining of knowledge of both elites and masses. As a core project of China’s First-Five-Year Plan, the cooperation boosted China’s confidence in technological development and the Chinese Communist Party started to re-evaluate the Soviet technical aid, which to some extent influenced China’s science and technology policies afterwards.

POPRAWA ZDROWIA UPRAW DZIĘKI CYFROWEMU BLIŹNIAKOWI DO MONITOROWANIA CHORÓB I RÓWNOWAGI SKŁADNIKÓW ODŻYWCZYCH

Digital Twins is a digital replica of a physical object to observe its real-time performance, gather data, and recommend corrective actions if required to enhance its performance. This fascinating technological idea is now reaching the agriculture fields to transform farming, by creating digital twins of entire farms. This initiative presents an innovative strategy to enhance crop health and yield by creating a digital twin for paddy fields. The aim is to enable early detection of nutrient deficiencies and leaf blast disease, leading to a transformation in agriculture. Creating virtual replicas of plants and fields, the digital twin harnesses real-time data and advanced analytics to transform the way agricultural systems are managed. By integrating remote sensing, data analytics, and various Internet of Things devices like pH, nitrous, potassium, and phosphorus sensors, coupled with a gateway system, the digital twin provides real-time monitoring and analysis of crop health and nutrient levels. Employing advanced machine learning algorithms, notably Convolutional Neural Networks ensures precise and early detection of nutrient deficiencies and crop diseases. This ground-breaking technology provides timely alerts and actionable insights to farmers, enabling proactive decision-making for optimal crop management. This farmland digital twin represents a transformative approach towards agricultural sustainability and enhancing productivity.

Assessing the Potential Usages of Blockchain to Transform Smart Bangladesh: A PRISMA Based Systematic Review

In recent years, both researchers and internet users have been attracted to the concept of blockchain technology for transforming smart Bangladesh. This study focuses on the possibilities of blockchain technology leading to the transformation of Bangladesh into a smart nation. This article also explains the working procedure and potential usage of the blockchain concept in Bangladesh. The study is mainly focused on qualitative approaches. The researcher used the PRISMA 2020 platform to identify and choose relevant studies and reports from indexed publications. As the idea of block chain technology is very new and not being adopted by all the sectors of Bangladesh's economy, that’s why only secondary data were used to conduct the study. The researcher has tried to find the different potential areas of blockchain technology from such developing countries like Bangladesh. The potential areas, such as the supply chain management, voting system, and health care industry, where blockchain can be implemented by introducing different polices and regulations. From the implication point of view, blockchain technology might be implemented to transform smart Bangladesh within 2041 if adequate regulations can be undertaken by concerned authority. This revolutionary technology has great potential and has recently caused upheaval. Based on the descriptive study, some of the relevant recommendations including suggestions for reducing challenges of using blockchain are discussed and future research works can be continued in both academic and business sectors in Bangladesh based on this finding.

Men's sociotechnical imaginaries of artificial intelligence for prostate cancer diagnostics – A focus group study

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for diagnostic purposes in cancer care. Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men worldwide, but current diagnostic approaches have limitations in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Using AI to interpret MR images in prostate cancer diagnostics shows promising results, but raises questions about implementation, user acceptance, trust, and doctor-patient communication. Drawing on approaches from the sociology of expectations and theories about sociotechnical imaginaries, we explore men's expectations of artificial intelligence for prostate cancer diagnostics. We conducted ten focus groups with 48 men aged 54–85 in Norway with various experiences of prostate cancer diagnostics. Five groups of men had been treated for prostate cancer, one group was on active surveillance, two groups had been through prostate cancer diagnostics without having a diagnosis, and two groups of men had no experience with prostate cancer diagnostics or treatment. Data was subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis suggests that men's expectations of AI for prostate cancer diagnostics come from two perspectives: Technology-centered expectations that build on their conceptions of AI's form and agency, and human-centered expectations of AI that build on their perceptions of patient-professional relationships and decision-making processes. These two perspectives are intertwined in three imaginaries of AI: The tool imaginary, the advanced machine imaginary, and the intelligence imaginary – each carrying distinct expectations and ideas of technologies and humans' role in decision-making processes. These expectations are multifaceted and simultaneously optimistic and pessimistic; while AI is expected to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and facilitate more personalized medicine, AI is also expected to threaten interpersonal and communicational relationships between patients and healthcare professionals, and the maintenance of trust in these relationships. This emphasizes how AI cannot be implemented without caution about maintaining human healthcare relationships.

ON CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGIES: HEIDEGGER’S APPROACH

This article aims to examine the issue of technology in the way that technology is currently developing. The main purpose is to analyze modern technology through the prism of the philosophy of the 20th century German thinker Martin Heidegger. The result of the study is a comparative analysis of Heidegger’s idea of technology and philosophy of technology in the age of global technology. Authors conduct an analysis of the influence of technology on the thinking of a modern person as a consumer of technology and as an individual who tries to identify his/her personality despite the influence of technological trends in the modern world.

Mechanism and degradation pathways of photo-Fenton system using Fe(III)-EDDS for Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin-LR removal

Harmful algal blooms is a global problem of water pollution causing great economic losses to countries. Microcystis aeruginosa, as a dominant algal species in cyanobacterial blooms, has attracted extensive attention. However, most of the current studies on the treatment of alga-containing waters focus on the removal of algal cells or microcystins, lacking the exploration of the degradation pathways and analyses of the toxicity of the products. In this paper, we constructed a photo-Fenton system using Fe(III)-EDDS (EDDS: Ethylenediamine-N,N’-disuccinic acid) complex as an iron source for the simultaneous removal of Microcystis aeruginosa as well as microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The results showed that adding 0.1 mM of Fe(III)-EDDS complex and 1.0 mM of H2O2 achieved 83.3% algal cell removal in 240 min under neutral pH conditions and also degraded 72.5% of MC-LR. Moreover, the degradation products of MC-LR and EDDS were analyzed by LC-MS, which showed that the toxicity of the MC-LR molecule was greatly reduced by benzene ring removal and decarboxylation of partial amino acids, while its degradation resulted from the destruction of amino acids in the MC-LR molecule. The toxicity analyses provide a basis for the practical application of the system, hence consideration can be given to combining or improving it with the existing UV disinfection technologies in water supply plants for potential algal bloom outbreaks. This study was the first time to apply the Fe(III)-EDDS system to the field of microalgae removal and MC-LR detoxication, aiming to provide new development ideas for water purification and photochemical algae removal technology.