Technological Interest Research Articles

State‐of‐the‐art CO2 reduction in electrochemical microfluidic systems: A short review and new perspectives

The need to mitigate carbon dioxide has motivated an influx of interest in innovative technologies, and microfluidic systems have emerged as a promising forefront in this endeavor. This short review analyzes CO2 reduction within microfluidic platforms, thoroughly investigating existing methodologies, challenges, and novel perspectives. This work commences with a detailed exposition of the fundamental principles governing microfluidic electrolyzers, elucidating the interaction of microchannels and electrodes. We show the electrochemical reactions supporting CO2 reduction, detailing the processes at the cathode. The use of microfluidic systems encompasses precise control over reaction conditions, efficient mass transport, reduced energy consumption, high throughput screening capabilities, integration with analytical tools, and portability. Catalyst selection for optimal CO2 reduction products, technical complexities, integration of renewable energy sources, and cost‐effectiveness are notable challenges on the horizon. A perspective on potential pathways to resolution is delineated, with each impediment succinctly but insightfully addressed. Moreover, this review extends beyond a looking‐back analysis, propounding innovative perspectives. It posits the concept of microfluidic fuel cells directly fueled by CO2. This work seeks to inspire new researchers and innovation in the field by comparing the present state‐of‐the‐art with prospective avenues of exploration

Semisynthesis of Betaxanthins from Purified Betacyanin of Opuntia dillenii sp.: Color Stability and Antiradical Capacity.

The availability of pure individual betalains in sufficient quantities which permit deeper understanding is still a challenge. This study investigates the high-yielding semisynthesis of betaxanthins using betalamic acid from a natural source (Opuntia dillenii), followed by condensation with ʟ-amino acids and further purification. Moreover, the color stability of the four synthesized individual betaxanthins, namely proline (ʟ-ProBX), alanine (ʟ-AlaBX), leucine (ʟ-LeuBX), and phenylalanine (ʟ-PheBX) betaxanthins, was investigated at different pHs. Their relative contribution to free radical scavenging was also scrutinized by TEAC and DPPH. ʟ-AlaBX and ʟ-LeuBx showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, whereas ʟ-ProBX was the most resistant to the hydrolysis of betaxanthin and hence the least susceptible to color change. The color stability was strongly influenced by pH, with the color of ʟ-ProBX, ʟ-LeuBX, and ʟ-AlaBX at pH 6 being more stable, probably due to the easier hydrolysis under acid conditions. The semisynthesis and purification allowed us to have available remarkable quantities of pure individual betaxanthins of Opuntia dillenii for the first time, and to establish their color properties and antioxidant capacity. This study could be a step forward in the development of the best natural food colorant formulation, based on the betalain structure, which is of special interest in food technology.

Influence of career awareness on STEM career interests: examining the roles of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and gender

BackgroundThe studies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career interests have progressed substantially over the recent years. However, the influence of career awareness on STEM career interests is an area that requires further discussion. Evidently, Chinese adolescents have limited awareness and interest in STEM careers in the context of the Chinese cultural milieu, which can potentially constrain their future career trajectories. This study explored the influence of career awareness on the STEM career interests of Chinese high school students, examining the mediating roles of self-efficacy and outcome expectations for STEM courses in this relationship. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of gender on the average levels and interrelations of these variables. A sample of high school students from both eastern and western regions of China (N = 2542) was selected, and data was analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach.ResultsThe findings indicate that while STEM career awareness impacts various types of STEM career interests, minor differences exist in these effects. Specifically, the influence of STEM career awareness on analytical STEM career interests is entirely mediated by self-efficacy and outcome expectations in STEM courses. However, for life-survival and life-healthy STEM career interests, this mediation is only partial, with respective effects accounting for 39% and 45%. Notably, significant mean-level differences exist between male and female students in STEM career interests and self-efficacy in STEM courses, yet the relationships among these variables remain consistent across genders.ConclusionsThis study underscores the pivotal influence of career awareness in molding STEM career interests, shedding light on the mediating functions of self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses. Through a gender-based analysis, it offers valuable insights into the differing inclinations of male and female high school students in the STEM realm, while also revealing consistent patterns in the relationships among these variables across genders. These findings underscore the necessity for heightened efforts to bolster STEM career awareness and fortify self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses, particularly in domains characterized by notable gender disparities, aiming to foster equitable advancement within the STEM disciplines.

Photocatalytic Removal of Emerging Contaminants from Water using Metal Oxide-based Nanoparticles

Abstract: Water contamination resulting from industrial and anthropogenic activities is a major problem in many countries throughout the world. Effective water treatment technologies are necessary to address this issue. Emerging pollutants (EPs) are reaching the aquatic environments from point and diffuse sources constantly. These are the substances that are not regularly monitored, yet have the potential to infiltrate the environment and harm the ecosystem and human health. Because of their ecological and sustainable properties, interest in improved photocatalytic technologies based on metal oxide-based nanomaterials has grown tremendously over the years to address this water contamination. Pollutant degradation, water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen reduction, and microbial inactivation are just a few of the applications of photocatalysis. However, to maintain its environmentally favourable status, new solutions must be found to assure long-term viability. Here we review, emerging organic pollutants, conventional water treatment, advanced oxidation methods, photocatalytic mechanisms, photocatalyst support materials, synthesis, and characterization of metal oxides and metal oxide nanoparticles in the removal of emerging contaminants. The purpose of this review is to reach a broader readership by giving a simple comprehension of the fundamentals and advances of metal-oxide-driven photocatalysis for environmental clean-up.

Valorization of the Residual Fraction of Coal Tailings: A Mineral Circularity Strategy for the Clay Ceramic Industry in the Carboniferous Region of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil.

Mineral extraction of coal in the carboniferous region of southern Santa Catarina (Brazil) plays a significant role in the regional economy. However, this activity has severe environmental impacts, with approximately 65% of the extracted mineral being discarded as a rejected material (deposited in landfills). The identification of the technological potential of these materials, based on the geological aspects of the extraction site and the beneficiation operations applied to obtain coal, provides the opportunity to add value to different residual fractions that can be reused. Thus, waste valorization, the main objective of this work, has recently become a strategy for the application of these minerals in the production of clay ceramics using a systematic approach named CPQvA, which means "classification, potentiality, quantity/viability, and applicability". The use of these materials as secondary mineral sources can avoid the deposition of these materials in industrial landfills and help to reduce the pressure on landfills, which receive an average of four million tons of material annually. In this study, the residual fraction, part of the tailing from coal beneficiation, known as coal fines, was evaluated for formulation valorization in clay ceramics. This residual fraction was classified as non-hazardous (class II-A, non-inert). X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to characterize the moisture content, particle-size distribution, and coal content to be used in the development of different formulations using the residual fraction of coal tailings (ranging from 0 to 40%) that are of technological interest to the sector. Processing parameters, such as firing at different temperatures (750, 800, 850, and 900 °C), were also correlated with these formulations. The results were compared with those of a reference ceramic formulation from the local productive arrangement of Morro da Fumaça (Arranjo Produtivo Local Cerâmica Vermelha de Morro da Fumaça). The various relationships between the materials were characterized in terms of their thermal shrinkage, water absorption, and mechanical resistance. Leaching and solubilization environmental tests revealed that both the industrial standard formulation and formulations with the application of the residual fraction were classified as non-hazardous materials. Thus, the method of using a mining residual fraction in the formulation of clay ceramics proved to be beneficial for the circular economy in the regional mineral sector through productive and environmental gains; the primary mineral resource and energy consumptions and the impacts related to waste generation were reduced. The results of this study can be applied to similar situations in other parts of the world.

Deriving a Framework of Science and Technology Cooperation for Responding to Climate Change with Developed Countries: The Case of the ROK-UK Cooperation

Climate technology is one of the most crucial factors of mitigating greenhouse gas emission and attaining carbon neutrality. The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Kingdom (UK) have strengthened science and technology cooperation while climate technology has not been actively discussed so far. This study aimed to suggest a preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology by analyzing national strategies and official cooperation activities. The national strategies and plans in terms of climate technologies were analyzed to derive common technological interest of the ROK and the UK. Technologies in sectors of energy conversion, building, transportation, agriculture·livestock·fishery, hydrogen, carbon sink, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) were identified. Network establishment and joint research and development (R&amp;D) program were defined as main modalities of bilateral cooperation, according to a quantitative analysis on official announcement of the ROK on the cooperations. The methodology of this study is expected to be efficient and relevant as the official and public information·data had been utilized to identify common technological interests and to derive modality of cooperation. We hope this preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology can contribute to facilitating and mainstreaming bilateral climate technology cooperation.

On-premises superconducting quantum computer for education and research

With a growing interest in quantum technology globally, there is an increasing need for accessing relevant physical systems for education and research. In this paper we introduce a commercially available on-site quantum computer utilizing superconducting technology, offering insights into its fundamental hardware and software components. We show how this system can be used in education to teach quantum concepts and deepen understanding of quantum theory and quantum computing. It offers learning opportunities for future talent and contributes to technological progress. Additionally, we demonstrate its use in research by replicating some notable recent achievements.

Engineering multi-degrading bacterial communities to bioremediate soils contaminated with pesticides residues

Parallel to the important use of pesticides in conventional agriculture there is a growing interest for green technologies to clear contaminated soil from pesticides and their degradation products. Bioaugmentation i. e. the inoculation of degrading micro-organisms in polluted soil, is a promising method still in needs of further developments. Specifically, improvements in the understanding of how degrading microorganisms must overcome abiotic filters and interact with the autochthonous microbial communities are needed in order to efficiently design bioremediation strategies. Here we designed a protocol aiming at studying the degradation of two herbicides, glyphosate (GLY) and isoproturon (IPU), via experimental modifications of two source bacterial communities. We used statistical methods stemming from genomic prediction to link community composition to herbicides degradation potentials. Our approach proved to be efficient with correlation estimates over 0.8 - between model predictions and measured pesticide degradation values. Multi-degrading bacterial communities were obtained by coalescing bacterial communities with high GLY or IPU degradation ability based on their community-level properties. Finally, we evaluated the efficiency of constructed multi-degrading communities to remove pesticide contamination in a different soil. While results are less clear in the case of GLY, we showed an efficient transfer of degrading capacities towards the receiving soil even at relatively low inoculation levels in the case of IPU. Altogether, we developed an innovative protocol for building multi-degrading simplified bacterial communities with the help of genomic prediction tools and coalescence, and proved their efficiency in a contaminated soil.

Efficient search of molecular interaction parameters for polar liquids

The use of molecular simulation methods to reproduce and predict experimental information has become an excellent option for designing new experiments. The success of these methods depends on the force field used. Their quality depends on the interaction parameters and the target properties used to obtain them. In this work, we review and extend the methodology developed by our group to obtain interaction parameters of polar liquids. In addition, an automated workflow is developed to obtain new force field parameters and the analysis of physical properties. It is applied to small molecules of various functional groups in organic chemistry. The dielectric constant, surface tension, liquid density, self-diffusion coefficient and solubility of a solute in water are used as target properties. The simulations are developed in liquid phase, liquid–vapour and liquid–liquid equilibriums. The procedure can be extended to include other target properties and has the advantage that the parameters can be obtained in shorter times. It also opens the possibility of studying a wide range of problems of scientific and technological interest.

Online Model Adaption for Energy Management in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

The growing interest in low-impact mobility technologies has elevated the significance of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the automotive sector. Given the complexity of the resulting powertrain, the need for an effective energy management strategy (EMS) becomes essential to optimize efficiency and energy consumption in vehicles with diverse energy sources. Model-based control is the main approach to address the EMS in electrified vehicles. In particular, fuel cell power is commonly represented through a 1D look-up table using the current demand as input to simplify the implementation in a vehicle control unit. Uncertainties that may be implemented in maps due to simplifying hypotheses, dynamics, ageing, etc., can be propagated to powertrain control, motivating the adoption of adaptive look-up tables for FC modelling. In this study, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is proposed to adapt the look-up table to actual FC behaviour by measuring its power and gradually correcting calibration errors, drift, and ageing. Subsequently, a standard equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is employed to control the FCEV. The fuel cell model is calibrated with experimental data from an FCEV. The results demonstrate that the adaptive strategy outperforms the base calibration. Following an extensive simulation campaign, an improvement of 1.1% in fuel consumption was observed. Remarkably, after just one hour of operation, there was a notable 85% reduction in fuel cell power estimation error, even when the EMS was initially fed a biased look-up table.

The Distinction of Evaluation on Companies in Different Fields

This paper explores the variations in Return on Equity (ROE) and Price-to-Sales Ratio among publicly traded companies across different time periods and market capitalizations. The analysis employs Linear Regression and Correlation Coefficients to examine the relationships between ROE, Price-to-Sales Ratio, Market Capitalization, and economic conditions during these periods. The findings reveal that Price-to-Sales Ratio serves as a reliable indicator of a company's market capitalization. Furthermore, companies within the same industry exhibit substantial disparities in Market Capitalization, ROE, Price-to-Sales Ratio, Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio, and PEG Index due to differing corporate strategies and backgrounds. For instance, in the new energy sector, both BYD and NIO display a negative correlation between market capitalization, while Tesla contradicts this trend. This discrepancy is attributed to internal factors such as asset composition, liabilities, and shareholder structure, which significantly influence a company's financial performance. The Market Capitalization of these new energy companies is predicted to rise due to global interest in AI technology, with technology companies being at the forefront of AI development. In the technology sector, companies like Google have solidified their positions by advancing AI concepts. New entrants, like Apple, combining Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, are gaining consumer support, indicating potential Market Cap. growth. The fashion industry also demonstrates distinctive strategies, with companies like NIKE, Adidas, and Anta focusing on sustainability and carbon neutrality. Therefore, future company evaluations should consider both financial indices and a company's long-term vision and sustainability practices to predict their future value effectively.

First-principles quantum computational study to investigate radiation energy-dependent effect on optoelectronic properties of bismuth oxyhalides BiOX (X= I, Br)

Metal oxyhalides are potential candidates for fundamental and technological interest in pharmaceutical, biological, optical, photoluminance, sensing, energy, and photocatalyst applications. In this study, using first-principles density functional quantum computational approach, we investigate the electronic and optical properties of two members of bismuth oxyhalides, BiOX (X = I, Br). The study is mainly aimed to characterize and examine the light radiation energy-dependent optical properties of the compounds by using mBJ desnty functional with the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The oxyhalides show indirect bandgap semiconductor nature having bandgaps of 2.2 eV for BiOI and 3.5 eV for BiOBr. Besides, these are p-type materials owing to a large hole-like carrier density of states in the valence bands close to the Fermi level. The energy bands show considerable dispersion of particles. The increasing reflectivity at high light energy shows the potential of the materials as good reflectors in shielding screens or glasses to avoid damage from the ultraviolet radiation.

A Social Work Analysis of Facilitators of and Barriers to Adopting Technology in Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACT Increasing concern within social work about delivering comprehensive and high-quality care to older adults necessitates exploring their interest in information and communication technologies. The aim is to determine, via a systematic review using the PRISMA method, how the scientific literature on older adults’ technology experiences through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The review differentiates between enabling factors and barriers that influence older adults’ use and acceptance of technology from their own perspective. It provides social workers with a comprehensive overview of use of technologies and identify general guidelines to enhance older adults’ personal and communal autonomy.

A Scoping Survey to Inform Design of Digital Dementia Risk Reduction Interventions for Adults Concerned about their Cognitive Health

Background: Digital dementia risk reduction interventions are cost-effective and scalable. However, it is unknown how they are perceived by people already experiencing cognitive concerns or decline. Objective: To understand the current use, interest, and preferences for online learning courses and interest in learning about factors influencing brain health and dementia risk among adults ≥45. To explore potential differences between individuals experiencing cognitive concerns and those without. Methods: Adults aged 45 and older completed a survey on technology use and healthy ageing (n = 249, Mean age = 65.6, 76.3% female). The Memory Assessment Clinic-Questionnaire was used to assess subjective memory decline, and 153 participants met the study criteria for cognitive concerns (≥25). Results: Almost all participants (98.4%) reported using two or more digital devices, and 51.8% reported increasing device usage following COVID-19. Most (92.1%) were interested in learning about healthy living and memory within an online course, and over 80% indicated a high interest in learning about dementia risk factors. People with cognitive concerns were more likely to report using a ‘routine or system’ to aid memory than people without (82.4% versus 62.9%, p = 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in technology use, course preferences, or interest in learning about different risk factors. Conclusions: We conclude that adults 45 years and over are interested in online methods for learning about brain health and offer unique insights into adapting dementia prevention programs for cognitive concerns.

A Decoupling method using Split Ring Resonator (SRR) for Tri-band MIMO Antenna for WLAN LTE Band and 5G applications

MIMO antenna design has always been a topic of interest in wireless technology. Although it has many benefits, the key challenge is to minimize mutual coupling between antenna elements. This study presents a decoupling technique between two tri-band antennas for LTE, WLAN, and 5G applications. For 3.5GHz, a monopole is initially created; the other two resonant frequencies are produced by changing the partial ground plane. Then, a MIMO antenna system is created using two tri-band monopoles. The resonators of low band can minimize the mutual coupling for two higher bands by suppressing surface wave propagation. Finally, coupling is reduced in the low band by using a Split Ring Resonator (SRR) to cancel out the original coupling. The reported MIMO antenna spans the 2.4/5.8GHz WLAN and LTE bands, as well as the 3.5 GHz 5G bands, with a mutual coupling of less than -18 dB.

Modeling manganese lithium borate-based glass using a combination of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and computer simulations

This work presents a comprehensive study on the structural analysis of manganese lithium borate-based glass, which is of significant interest in energy storage device technology. The glass, denoted as xMnO2-(1-x)(Li2O–2B2O3), with varying MnO2 compositions (x = 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3), was thoroughly investigated through a combination of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, and Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) refinement to delve into its atomic-level structure. Insights into the coordination environments were obtained from XAS results, while MD simulations revealed the structural characteristics and dynamics. RMC refinement facilitated the creation of realistic glass structures by fitting experimental constraints, establishing a solid foundation for simulated structures validated against experimental findings. This study also determined an optimal Mn2+/Mn3+ ratio of 60:40, which is instrumental in enhancing the electrochemical performance of the material, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the structural and electronic properties of the manganese lithium borate-based glass. These findings have significant implications for energy storage applications and offer directions for further studies on this interesting glass system.

Adult Learning and Education in Digital Environments: Learning From Global Efforts to Promote Digital Literacy and Basic Skills of Vulnerable Populations

The pervasive role of digital technologies in adult learning and education (ALE) was a prominent theme throughout the deliberations of the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) held June 15-17, 2022 in Morocco. CONFINTEA VII embodied the worldwide interest in digital technologies through the use of a hybrid format with appointed delegates participating both virtually and on site. To highlight the importance of digitalization and digital skills, CONFINTEA VII not only devoted a plenary session to “Adult Learning and Education in Digital Environments,” but discussions about the role of digitalization and the need to support adults in developing digital skills also permeated other sessions such as “Preparing Adults for the Future of Work.” CONFINTEA VII sessions discussed challenges that vulnerable populations have in accessing digital tools and strategies for providing more equitable acccess and professional development to address this digital divide. This article describes learnings from CONFINTEA VII and related efforts at the national, regional, and local levels to support adult learners’ use of digital technologies to develop their literacy, numeracy, and occupational skills and the resources that are critical to those efforts. Also discussed is the need for data, research, and monitoring to understand how digital technologies can be effective in adult learning and education and in preparing adults to embrace a culture of lifelong learning.

Action capture and VR interactive system for online experimental teaching

The development of technology has intensified people’s interest in virtual reality technology. Virtual reality technology is also widely used in fields such as teaching and healthcare. To improve the real-time and operability of virtual reality interaction systems, a motion capture and virtual reality interaction system design for online experimental teaching is proposed. The active apparent model is used for facial feature point localization, and the joint capture method is improved by combining threshold segmentation and forward kinematics algorithms. Experimental data confirms that compared to Kinect method, the improved hand joint detection method has higher joint positioning accuracy, with a loss rate of less than 40 % for hand joints. The average judgment accuracy of the six facial expression tests is 82 %, 81 %, 79 %, 78 %, 80 %, and 81 %, respectively. The comprehensive recognition accuracy of facial expression recognition is 80.17 %. The read, write, and update times for each frame of the virtual reality interaction system are 102.6 ms and 427 ms, respectively. The system memory usage is 920.5 M, and the CPU and GPU usage rates are 25.2 % and 4.4 %, respectively. The system can run smoothly. The virtual reality system can run continuously for 24 h, with strong operability and low difficulty in expanding system functions, achieving design goals.

Synthesis of Cd-Cu nanoparticles supported on HOPG for use as electrocatalytic material for nitrate reduction

Bimetallic nanoparticles application has attracted great attention in the field of electrocatalysis because they can enhance the catalytic properties toward certain reactions of technological interest, such as nitrate reduction. For this purpose, Cd-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite substrates by sequential electrodeposition of both metals. The process was studied by conventional electrochemical techniques, and the generated deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy − energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Initially, Cu nanoparticles were prepared by a simple potentiostatic pulse applied to the carbonaceous substrate. Scanning electron microscopy images showed high density of mainly hemispherical-shaped Cu crystals distributed preferably on step edges and surface defects of the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode. Subsequently, Cd particles were prepared in the same way by immersing the Cu nanoparticles / highly oriented pyrolytic graphite modified substrate in an electrolyte solution containing Cd2+ ions, exploiting the phenomenon of underpotential deposition. It was evidenced that the existing crystals grew in size, most of them showing the typical shapes of those for Cd nanoparticles. The application of the Cd-Cu nanoparticles / highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode as a feasible electrocatalyst material for nitrate reduction was investigated by cyclic voltammetry for different nitrate concentrations, also considering the possibility of using this procedure as a method for the anion detection.

Texture and phase transition hysteresis in epitaxially integrated VO2 films on TiN/Si(100)

Vanadium oxide (VO2), which exhibits a metal-to-insulator (MIT) transition at 68∘C, has been of immense technological interest for many applications such as sensor, electro-optic, and memory devices. In this work, we demonstrate the epitaxial integration of VO2 onto Si(100) via a TiN buffer layer, which is compatible with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Our study revealed that the growth of epitaxial VO2 on TiN was mediated by a thin layer of epitaxial TiO2. The orientation relationship between various layers was established to be (011)V O2M∥ (110)TiO2∥ (100)TiN∥ (100)Si and [100]V O2M∥ [001]TiO2∥ [011]TiN∥ [011]Si. Through pole figures, reciprocal space maps (RSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we confirmed the presence of tilted rotational domains. We quantified the degree of misorientation in various VO2 films by introducing a relevant parameter, η, determined by analyzing the (011) pole figures. We found a correlation indicating that the thermal hysteresis of the phase transition, determined from in-situ temperature-dependent XRD, decreases with the degree of misorientation. This decrease in misorientation suggests the presence of more geometrically compatible grain boundaries, leading to a decrease in thermal hysteresis.