Complex Technology Research Articles

Energy-efficient Vienna rectifier for electric vehicle battery charging stations

Global DC fast-charging infrastructure is being rapidly developed to accommodate the ever-increasing demand from the electric vehicle market. A major complication in the electric power system's process is the proliferation of ultra-fast charging (UFC) stations, which are known for their enormous power consumption and unpredictable, intermittent performance. By implementing grid-supportive features and ensuring an improved power consumption profile for the grid, installing regional energy storage can solve these challenges. This study presents a control approach for managing the grid-side AC/DC converters of rapid charging stations focused on future-oriented regulation. The paper primarily concentrates on various Vienna rectifier topologies. The technology, characteristics, benefits, and operational aspects of Vienna rectifier topologies are vital to improving the performance, efficiency, and grid integration of electric vehicle charging systems. Fast charging, grid stability, energy economy, and the smooth integration of electric vehicles into the electrical grid are all made possible by Vienna rectifiers. When used in battery energy storage systems (BESS) for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Vienna rectifiers allow for effective discharge and charging of the batteries. The configurations and assessments of these converters are examined, assessed, and compared based on power output parameters, element count, power factor, THD, and efficiency. The Vienna rectifier has been identified as the best suitable DC fast-charging converter architecture for power levels exceeding 15 kW due to its exceptional efficiency, limited output voltage ripples, high power density, reduced current ripples, and reliable performance. Research on ways to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure can be spurred by a better grasp of the Vienna rectifier's technological complexities and performance benefits, leading to greener and more efficient transportation options. As a result, the system's power density will eventually rise and elemental stress will decrease.

PixelPrint 4D : A 3D printing method of fabricating patient-specific deformable CT phantoms for respiratory motion applications.

All in-vivo medical imaging is impacted by patient motion, especially respiratory motion, which has a significant influence on clinical workflows in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Many technologies such as motion artifact reduction and tumor tracking algorithms have been developed to compensate for respiratory motion during imaging. To assess these technologies, respiratory motion phantoms (RMPs) are required as preclinical testing environments, for instance, in computed tomography (CT). However, current RMPs are highly simplified and do not exhibit realistic tissue structures or deformation patterns. With the rise of more complex motion compensation technologies such as deep learning-based algorithms, there is a need for more realistic RMPs. This work introduces PixelPrint 4D , a 3D printing method designed to fabricate lifelike, patient-specific deformable lung phantoms for CT imaging. The phantom demonstrated accurate replication of patient lung structures, textures, and attenuation profiles. Furthermore, it exhibited accurate nonrigid deformations, volume changes, and attenuation changes under compression. PixelPrint 4D enables the production of highly realistic RMPs, surpassing existing models to offer more robust testing environments for a diverse array of novel CT technologies.

Investigating the potential of in-situ fluidized mining of previously inaccessible coal seams through the utilization of super hot rock geothermic technology

This study aims to explore a cutting-edge model that combines geothermal energy and coal resource development. Specifically, it focuses on the development model of ultra-deep super-hot rock (SHR) resources and unmineable coal seams through in-situ thermal decomposition technology using supercritical water steam. Through extensive investigation and assessment of technical challenges, we have extensively explored the potential of using supercritical water steam for thermal decomposition of coal seams. We examined the potential benefits in terms of energy conversion efficiency and environmental impact. Despite the significant theoretical prospects of this method, practical application has encountered multiple challenges such as high costs, drilling technology difficulties, and the complexity of reservoir modification technology. The significant investment costs primarily arise from the expenses associated with drilling operations and acquiring equipment. Simultaneously, there are challenges in the realm of technology that require the adaptation of drilling techniques to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Additionally, there is a need to explore novel methods for modifying reservoirs in order to sustain fracture openings. In the face of these challenges, this study proposes three main directions for future research and technology development: developing new efficient and environmentally friendly reservoir reconstruction technologies, exploring technologies suitable for low-temperature catalytic reactions in deep coal seams, and improving the accuracy and practicability of microseismic monitoring technologies. With the help of these technological advancements, the aim is to address the existing challenges and drive the integrated progress ultra-deep super hot rock and coal measures towards a more sustainable and economically viable direction. The research results will offer fresh insights and solutions for the realm of deep energy development, playing a crucial role in advancing the progress of sustainable energy technology.

Artificial Intelligence in Head and Neck Surgery: Potentials, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

The growing prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine introduces both transformative possibilities and potential challenges. Our study focuses on the current status and perceptions of AI in Head and Neck Surgery (HNS), examining its utilization, benefits, ethical concerns, and protective measures. The study aims to illuminate the existing landscape of AI in HNS in Germany. Conducted through a questionnaire, key aspects include its current usage, potential applications (e.g., diagnosis, surgical planning), anticipated benefits (e.g., improved patient care ), and significant ethical concerns (e.g., miscalculations by AI, data privacy). The survey reveals limited AI adoption in HNS, with substantial potential for improvement. Ethical considerations, especially miscalculations by AI and data privacy, emerge as central issues. The survey emphasizes the crucial role of physician control and the need for legal oversight to address concerns related to AI integration. While AI's presence in HNS is modest, the study identifies opportunities for enhancement. Ethical guidelines and practitioner-centric control are vital for discussions surrounding AI integration. This research underscores the significance of ethical considerations and practitioner control in the context of AI in surgical practices. It highlights the demand for targeted training to empower practitioners in navigating the complexities of AI technologies in healthcare, ensuring responsible and patient-centric implementation.

Challenges related to the organizational climate of the nursing team in a public hospital - nurses' perception.

The organizational climate is related to the degree of motivation of its employees. This perception is essentially felt, it is neither seen nor touched, but it is real. This study aims to identify difficulties and potentialities related to the organizational climate of the nursing staff at a public hospital in the Federal District. Methodologically, a descriptive and exploratory study was carried out characterized by a qualitative approach. The thematic content analysis led to three interpretative dimensions: environment and working conditions; communication, interpersonal relationship and work flows; motivation to improve the work environment. The results indicate a deficit of human resources, scarcity of material resources, supplies, precarious physical structure, in addition to interpersonal relationship problems, such as the (de)valuation of professional nurses and nursing. The challenges posed to managers go beyond the technical and structural dimension, the technological complexity of equipment without maintenance, as it unfolds through the human dimension, feelings and unmet needs (of appreciation) of nursing, which needs to be cared for, valued, heard and seen in their care process.

The Effect of Inventor Collaboration on Mobility: The Role of Technology Complexity and Obsolescence

The Effect of Inventor Collaboration on Mobility: The Role of Technology Complexity and Obsolescence

Confined Z-Pinch Magnetic Nozzle : A New Approach to Space Propulsion System that Utilizes Trapped Charged Particles

This paper provides a theoretical overview of a Z-pinch magnetic nozzle plasma propulsion system designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The system utilizes trapped charged particles from the spacecraft's environment and magnetic confinement to generate thrust, reducing the need for onboard propellants. By employing a magnetic mirror configuration, the plasma is confined and accelerated to create propulsion. The proposed propulsion system is tailored to function in the dynamic space radiation environment of LEO, particularly in polar orbits, accounting for variations in solar activity that affect trapped protons and electrons. The mechanism involves converting magnetic plasma energy into directed kinetic energy, facilitating efficient plasma detachment and momentum transfer to the spacecraft. This study examines the feasibility, design overview, and constraints of implementing this propulsion technology. Key challenges include the variability of the space environment, technological complexities, radiation effects, plasma detachment efficiency, energy requirements, and material durability. Overcoming these challenges through innovative engineering and rigorous testing is essential for successful implementation. The Z-pinch magnetic nozzle plasma propulsion system promises to advance space propulsion technology, offering a more efficient and cost-effective method for satellite operations in LEO. With further research and development, it has the potential to support future satellite missions and space exploration initiatives.

Dealing with the ever-increasing intricacies of mega and complex projects: a survey of AAMI Park

Complexity science brings together differing paradigms and thoughts. It has attracted academic interest as a means of understanding complex social and technological phenomena. The emergence of increasingly complex building design, construction, and technologies is posing numerous challenges for professionals. This paper utilizes complexity science, and the practical application of complexity theories, to holistically evaluate the development of a unique major sporting stadium, known as AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia. The authors assess this project’s complexity and rank it on a complexity scale to illustrate the level of knowledge and expertise required to deliver such projects. AAMI Park’s most dominant and complex feature, the bio-frame roof, which was innovative at the time, posed unique challenges, and therefore, authors also evaluate the constraints and specific project delivery methods developed to best manage its complications. Since the adaptive management approach was used for this project, this paper assesses this approach to recommend enhanced delivery methodologies for similar future projects. Further, since the design of this project was the first of a kind, the authors seek to identify the level of project complexity and its success through the lens of complexity theory.

Создание и развитие высоконадежных информационно-управляющих систем с элементами искусственного интеллекта для перспективных технологических комплексов

Methods and means of improving complex technological equipment are shown through the operational assessment of the quality of implemented technologies realtime. This is proved by the fact that implementing technological operations on universal equipment each time requires modeling dynamic processes and taking into account a large number of uncertainty factors that affect the geometry generation quality. It is not possible to be a priori aware of these factors. There is a need to create new information technologies with the possibilities of universal application for immediate understanding of various dynamic processes in diagnostic, identification and control systems. Standard computer systems for statistical analysis and optimization of dynamic processes with the possibilities of universal application for various implementations of modern technologies have been introduced. The possibility of using integrative criteria and methods of artificial intelligence for diagnostic systems, identification and control of advanced technological complexes is shown. The implementation of information systems for the management of complex objects of various technological purposes is presented. The proposed modeling methods and approaches have been tested at various machine-building enterprises when processing parts on turning, milling and grinding machines, both universal and CNC. The research results made it possible to implement new principles of automated control and optimal adjustment of technological processes in real time and create an automated system for evaluating their quality, which allows increasing the efficiency and reliability of management decisions by conducting optimization directly on operating equipment. Based on the methods and approaches described above, new results have been obtained in the implementation of plasma technologies for the modification of geometrically complex surfaces of mechanical engineering products aimed at increasing wear resistance, hardness and other technical characteristics of the working surfaces of precision engineering products. A fairly complete approbation of methods, approaches, procedures and decision-making criteria for various technologies allows them to be recommended for universal applicability.

Exploration on Innovation Path of Precise Ideological and Political Work in Colleges and Universities Under the Background of Big Data Driving

However, although existing models for evaluating the effectiveness of universities provide a large number of modeling solutions, it is difficult to objectively evaluate dynamic coefficients based on the differences in precision ideological and political work systems of different types of universities in the evaluation process of innovative paths for precision ideological and political work. In this context, this article proposes an innovative path for the precision of ideological and political work in universities under the background of big data driving, and constructs a complex system discrete dynamic modeling technology. This model quantitatively describes the consistency between different precise ideological and political work models, the similarity of research strategies for precise ideological and political work, and expected evaluation indicators using multiple transformation dynamic coefficients. This study provides new ideas and methods for innovative research in the field of ideological and political work in universities.

Aversion against machines with complex mental abilities: The role of individual differences

Theory suggests that robots with human-like mental capabilities (i.e., high agency and experience) evoke stronger aversion than robots without these capabilities. Yet, while several studies support this prediction, there is also evidence that the mental prowess of robots could be evaluated positively, at least by some individuals. To help resolving this ambivalence, we focused on rather stable individual differences that may shape users’ responses to machines with different levels of (perceived) mental ability. Specifically, we explored four key variables as potential moderators: monotheistic religiosity, the tendency to anthropomorphize, prior attitudes towards robots, and the general affinity for complex technology. Two pre-registered online experiments (N1 = 391, N2 = 617) were conducted, using text vignettes to introduce participants to a robot with or without complex, human-like capabilities. Results showed that negative attitudes towards robots increased the relative aversion against machines with (vs. without) complex minds, whereas technology affinity weakened the difference between conditions. Results for monotheistic religiosity turned out mixed, while the tendency to anthropomorphize had no significant impact on the evoked aversion. Overall, we conclude that certain individual differences play an important role in perceptions of machines with complex minds and should be considered in future research.

Faculty and Student Perspectives on Online Learning in Higher Education

The international transforming learning community, coupled with cultural diversity and technological complexities, spurred an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of online learning. This reshaped the educational landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for educators and learners worldwide. To provide insights into the use of information technology and online learning in higher education and to inform future practices, this qualitative study investigated university faculty and students’ online learning experiences. Purposeful sampling was employed to ensure a diverse selection of participants. Eight faculty and eight students from diverse higher education institutions in the U.S. participated in one-on-one interviews. The study utilized a social constructivist interpretive paradigm, and data were analyzed using iterative categorization. Findings revealed concerns about online learning effectiveness due to limited social interaction. Three main themes emerged: challenges encountered, student engagement, and strategies to improve online learning effectiveness. This research enriches the scholarly discourse on online education by elucidating faculty and student perceptions regarding factors impacting the effectiveness of online learning and sustainable teaching strategies for future higher education. It highlights a paradigm shift in higher education and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to digital resources and inclusive policies to address disparities in online learning support, promoting equity and social justice in education.

Earliest evidence of human occupations and technological complexity above the 45th North parallel in Western Europe. The site of Lunery-Rosieres la-Terre-des-Sablons (France, 1.1 Ma)

The site of LuneryRosieres la-Terre-des-Sablons (Lunery, Cher, France) comprises early evidence of human occupation in mid-latitudes in Western Europe. It demonstrates hominin presence in the Loire River Basin during the Early Pleistocene at the transition between an interglacial stage and the beginning of the following glacial stage. Three archaeological levels sandwiched and associated with two diamicton levels deposited on the downcutting river floor indicate repeated temporary occupations. Lithic material yields evidence of simple and more complex core technologies on local Jurassic siliceous rocks and Oligocene millstone. Hominins availed of natural stone morphologies to produce flakes with limited preparation. Some cores show centripetal management and a partially prepared striking platform. The mean ESR age of 1175 ka ± 98 ka obtained on fluvial sediments overlying the archaeological levels could correspond to the transition between marine isotopic stages (MIS) 37 and 36, during the normal Cobb Mountain subchron, and in particular at the beginning of MIS 36. The Lunery site shows that hominins were capable of adapting to early glacial environmental conditions and adopting appropriate strategies for settling in mid-latitude zones. These areas cannot be considered as inhospitable at that time as Lunery lies at some distance from the forming ice cap.

How technological innovation influence operational risk: Evidence from banks in China

We use data on banks' patent applications and legal or regulatory violations by commercial banks to demonstrate that technological innovation increases operational risk in banks. This increase in risk is due to the introduction of complex technology, which may elevate the likelihood of technical malfunctions, especially when there is a misalignment between staff proficiency and the demands of these advanced systems. Furthermore, the impact of technological innovation on operational risk is predominantly observed in non-state-owned banks, banks with employees of lower educational levels, and banks with high levels of digitalization. Additionally, this effect is pronounced in banks lacking a history of technological failures and those operating within highly competitive environments. Overall, our findings underscore the effect of technological innovation on the operational management of commercial banks.

Incorporating military certification practices in the aerospace industry for enhanced safety and compliance

This study investigates the transfer of certification practices from the military aviation industry to the aerospace sector, emphasizing operational safety and compliance with international standards. The objective is to analyze and compare military certification processes with those of innovative aeronautical and space products, aiming to enhance their effectiveness and applicability. The adopted methodology includes a systematic literature review on military and aerospace certification, as well as a detailed comparison of the type certification processes for aeronautical and space designs. The main results highlight the shared technological complexity and economic challenges faced by the sectors, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive certification processes to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, supporting strategic objectives in advancing a safe aerospace sector aligned with global standards.

Unlocking the Potential Role of Decellularized Biological Scaffolds as a 3D Radiobiological Model for Low- and High-LET Irradiation.

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds have emerged as a promising three-dimensional (3D) model, but so far there are no data concerning their use in radiobiological studies. We seeded two well-known radioresistant cell lines (HMV-II and PANC-1) in decellularized porcine liver-derived scaffolds and irradiated them with both high- (Carbon Ions) and low- (Photons) Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation in order to test whether a natural 3D-bioscaffold might be a useful tool for radiobiological research and to achieve an evaluation that could be as near as possible to what happens in vivo. Biological scaffolds provided a favorable 3D environment for cell proliferation and expansion. Cells did not show signs of dedifferentiation and retained their distinct phenotype coherently with their anatomopathological and clinical behaviors. The radiobiological response to high LET was higher for HMV-II and PANC-1 compared to the low LET. In particular, Carbon Ions reduced the melanogenesis in HMV-II and induced more cytopathic effects and the substantial cell deterioration of both cell lines compared to photons. In addition to offering a suitable 3D model for radiobiological research and an appropriate setting for preclinical oncological analysis, we can attest that bioscaffolds seemed cost-effective due to their ease of use, low maintenance requirements, and lack of complex technology.

Engagement strategies adopted by the nursing information officer team in preparing nurses for the implementation of an integrated electronic health record.

This article explores the critical role the nursing information officer (NIO)'s team played in facilitating the transition to an electronic health record system (EHR) at two NHS trusts in London. The article highlights that with the increasing importance of digital leadership in nursing, it is necessary to prepare nursing staff for the implementation of an EHR to enhance patient care and staff experience. It discusses various methodologies the NIO's team adopted, including 'show and tells', demos, walkabouts, induction sessions, 'CopyCat' charting, and a 'change and engagement' document. These engagement strategies are aimed at addressing diverse learning needs, increasing nurses' confidence and ensuring effective use of the new EHR. The successful implementation of an EHR depends on collaborative efforts among nursing staff, leadership and NIO teams. This emphasises the importance of embracing digital transformation and innovative strategies in navigating healthcare technology complexities.

Legal frameworks for digital transactions: Analyzing the impact of Blockchain technology

This study explores the legal frameworks governing digital transactions, with a specific focus on the transformative impact of blockchain technology. The primary aim is to elucidate the complexities and challenges posed by blockchain while examining the diverse regulatory approaches adopted internationally. Through a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis, the research addresses key aspects such as the conceptual framework of digital transactions, the unique characteristics of blockchain, and the regulatory strategies implemented across different jurisdictions. The findings reveal that blockchain technology, characterized by its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, significantly disrupts traditional regulatory models. Identified challenges include jurisdictional ambiguities, enforcement difficulties, and privacy concerns. The comparative analysis shows divergent regulatory approaches: supportive frameworks in Japan and Switzerland contrast sharply with restrictive measures in China, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation and harmonization of regulations. The study concludes that effective regulation of blockchain technology requires innovative and flexible legal frameworks capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements. Policymakers must balance fostering innovation and protecting public interests, emphasizing the need for privacy-preserving technologies and international standards. Recommendations include developing global regulatory standards, enhancing privacy measures, and creating legal frameworks that accommodate the decentralized nature of blockchain systems. This research provides valuable insights for regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a pathway towards a secure, transparent, and innovative digital economy. Continuous adaptation and international collaboration are imperative to address emerging challenges and fully harness the potential of blockchain technology. The study advocates for proactive engagement and cooperation among nations to create a cohesive regulatory environment that promotes innovation while safeguarding public interests, enabling the global community to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology and unlock its full potential for economic and social advancement. Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Digital Transactions, Legal Frameworks, Regulatory Challenges, International Cooperation, Privacy Concerns.

Legal frameworks for digital transactions: Analyzing the impact of Blockchain technology

This study explores the legal frameworks governing digital transactions, with a specific focus on the transformative impact of blockchain technology. The primary aim is to elucidate the complexities and challenges posed by blockchain while examining the diverse regulatory approaches adopted internationally. Through a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis, the research addresses key aspects such as the conceptual framework of digital transactions, the unique characteristics of blockchain, and the regulatory strategies implemented across different jurisdictions. The findings reveal that blockchain technology, characterized by its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, significantly disrupts traditional regulatory models. Identified challenges include jurisdictional ambiguities, enforcement difficulties, and privacy concerns. The comparative analysis shows divergent regulatory approaches: supportive frameworks in Japan and Switzerland contrast sharply with restrictive measures in China, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation and harmonization of regulations. The study concludes that effective regulation of blockchain technology requires innovative and flexible legal frameworks capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements. Policymakers must balance fostering innovation and protecting public interests, emphasizing the need for privacy-preserving technologies and international standards. Recommendations include developing global regulatory standards, enhancing privacy measures, and creating legal frameworks that accommodate the decentralized nature of blockchain systems. This research provides valuable insights for regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a pathway towards a secure, transparent, and innovative digital economy. Continuous adaptation and international collaboration are imperative to address emerging challenges and fully harness the potential of blockchain technology. The study advocates for proactive engagement and cooperation among nations to create a cohesive regulatory environment that promotes innovation while safeguarding public interests, enabling the global community to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology and unlock its full potential for economic and social advancement. Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Digital Transactions, Legal Frameworks, Regulatory Challenges, International Cooperation, Privacy Concerns.

When to generalise and when to specialise? Climate change and hominin biocultural adaptability in the African early and middle stone age

A growing number of authors have discussed the role of climate change in periods of important biological and cultural transition along the hominin lineage. This paper establishes a biocultural framework elucidating human behavioural adaptations during the African Early and Middle Stone Age, centred on three crucial dimensions of hunter-gatherer adaptation: mobility, social network dynamics, and technology. We contend that landscape properties, specifically resource diversity and seasonal to inter-annual resource variability, can be used to model the specific responses of hominin groups to climate change over time, based on their awareness of these properties. Specifically, we focus on hominin technological generalisation and specialisation, meaning the extent to which there is a high degree of specificity (or fit) between final tool form and the task(s) in which the tool is deployed.In this regard, we argue that the archaeological record reveals punctuated and discontinuous specialisation during certain phases of the Early Stone Age driven by landscape predictability. These periods encourage the expression of relevant innovations and stepwise increases in technological complexity. While some of them become lost to demographic or cultural stochasticity, others end up forming the basis for a standardisation of generalised forms within the context of unexpected climatic deterioration. This is highlighted by the late Acheulean: following a period of greater generalisation in the late Early Pleistocene correlating with repeated and severe orbitally-forced periods of aridity, smaller biface forms become more common (or absent) and regional experimentation with prepared-core technology in Eastern Africa takes place in the context of a return to more humid and stable climatic conditions. The onset of more arid and variable climates associated with the emergence of the Middle Stone Age led to the continental expansion of the prepared-core technological substrate underpinning generalised assemblages. The cycle continues in the Middle Stone Age with a return to climatic stability in the Late Pleistocene and subsequent regional diversification of this techno-complex, in which hominins responded with greater toolkit specialisation in a number of different ways. In this context, we support the existence of a cyclical and non-linear relationship between environmental adaptation and cognitive evolution, as part of a wider biocultural feedback loop, which contributes to explain the evolutionary roots of our “generalist specialist” niche.