Engineering Science Research Articles

Improvement of wear-resistant and thermal conductivity of aluminum matrix composite reinforced AL2O3/SiCw/Mg powder

Technological progress demands the development of materials that have special characteristics such as high strength, stiffness, light weight, and good thermal conductivity at a low price. The development of hybrid metal matrix composites is the most important field in advanced materials science engineering. This research determines about aluminum matrix composites (AMC) reinforced with alumina (Al2O3), Silicon carbide whisker (SiCw), and magnesium (Mg) addition. The matrix is made of 90 % pure aluminum powder, and commercially available reinforcing materials include Al2O3, SiCw, and Mg. Objectives include variation of reinforcement fraction and matrix, sintering holding temperature and time. The selection of the sample making process using powder technology followed by the sintering process at different temperatures namely 350, 450 and 550 °C with variations in holding time of 1, 2 and 3 hours. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of variations in the fraction of reinforcement and sintering treatment on the properties of wear resistance, hardness and thermal conductivity of aluminum matrix composites. The results showed that the composition ratio of reinforcement to aluminum in sintering treatment significantly affected the mechanical properties. The wear resistance of the material shows excellent performance, namely wear resistance of 0.000065 gr/s, hardness of 45.234 VHN and thermal conductivity of 184.855 Watt/m °C, at a reinforcement composition combination of 10 %AL2O3, 10 %SiCw and 20 %Mg and a sintering temperature of 550 °C. This indicates that the Aluminum matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3/(SiCw/Mg) is able to support the friction load due to its low wear rate, good hardness, and good thermal conductivity. This material is very suitable to be used as tribology material, brake element, especially brake drum

MALDI-TOF MS Profiling and Its Contribution to Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths per year. The identification and control of the vectors that transmit pathogens to humans are crucial for disease prevention and management. Currently, morphological classification and molecular analyses via DNA barcoding are the standard methods used for vector identification. However, these approaches have several limitations. In the last decade, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiling has emerged as an innovative technology in biological sciences and is now considered as a relevant tool for the identification of pathogens and arthropods. Beyond species identification, this tool is also valuable for determining various life traits of arthropod vectors. The purpose of the present systematic review was to highlight the contribution of MALDI-TOF MS to the surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Published articles from January 2003 to August 2024 were retrieved, focusing on different aspects of mosquito life traits that could be determinants in disease transmission and vector management. The screening of the scientific literature resulted in the selection of 54 published articles that assessed MALDI-TOF MS profiling to study various mosquito biological factors, such species identification, life expectancy, gender, trophic preferences, microbiota, and insecticide resistance. Although a large majority of the selected articles focused on species identification, the present review shows that MALDI-TOF MS profiling is promising for rapidly identifying various mosquito life traits, with high-throughput capacity, reliability, and low cost. The strengths and weaknesses of this proteomic tool for vector control and surveillance are discussed.

Data Integration and Management in Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and information technology to understand and analyze biological data. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology and other biotechnologies, the speed and scale of biological data generation are unprecedented. Effectively integrating and managing these data has become a significant challenge. This paper explores the current state of bioinformatics data integration and management, the challenges faced, commonly used methods and tools, and future development directions.

Single-pulse ultrafast real-time simultaneous planar imaging of femtosecond laser-nanoparticle dynamics in flames

The creation of carbonaceous nanoparticles and their dynamics in hydrocarbon flames are still debated in environmental, combustion, and material sciences. In this study, we introduce single-pulse femtosecond laser sheet-compressed ultrafast photography (fsLS-CUP), an ultrafast imaging technique specifically designed to shed light on and capture ultrafast dynamics stemming from interactions between femtosecond lasers and nanoparticles in flames in a single-shot. fsLS-CUP enables the first-time real-time billion frames-per-second (Gfps) simultaneous two-dimensional (2D) imaging of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and laser-induced heating (LIH) that are originated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and soot particles, respectively. Furthermore, fsLS-CUP provides the real-time spatiotemporal map of femtosecond laser-soot interaction as elastic light scattering (ELS) at an astonishing 250 Gfps. In contrast to existing single-shot ultrafast imaging approaches, which are limited to millions of frames per second only and require multiple laser pulses, our method employs only a single pulse and captures the entire dynamics of laser-induced signals at hundreds of Gfps. Using a single pulse does not change the optical properties of nanoparticles for a following pulse, thus allowing reliable spatiotemporal mapping. Moreover, we found that particle inception and growth are derived from precursors. In essence, as an imaging modality, fsLS-CUP offers ultrafast 2D diagnostics, contributing to the fundamental understanding of nanoparticle’s inception and broader applications across different fields, such as material science and biomedical engineering.

Правовое становление и развитие Северного морского пути

The main goal of the article is to show stages of discovery and development of the Northern Sea Route, describe its establishment on the legislative and economic level. The paper reviews prospects of the new strategy of development of this region, where one of the main goals is a change of living conditions in the Arctic for the better, and stages of elaboration of new scientific technologies applied at transportation of a broad range of cargo, extraction of resources, the implementation of which is as complex as space exploration. The author shows changes in the foreign policy of Russia that should aim at multipolarity for the development of this region, attraction of cutting-edge technologies and global investors subject to predominant consideration of interests of indigenous small-numbered peoples.

Advances in Intelligent Sports Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

In the realm of intelligent sports, the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) marks a transformative approach toward energy sustainability and more advanced athletic monitoring. By leveraging the principle of triboelectricity, TENGs ingeniously convert mechanical energy from athletes’ movements into electrical energy, which offers a green and efficient power solution for wearable technology. This paper presents an innovative study on the application of TENG technology in sports science, with the results illustrating the potential utility of TENGs in revolutionizing the way we monitor, analyze, and enhance athletic performance. Through the development of self-powered wearables and equipment, TENGs facilitate real-time data collection on physiological and biomechanical parameters, ultimately enabling personalized training adjustments and injury prevention strategies. Our findings underscore the dual benefit of TENGs in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the overall reliance on traditional energy sources and growing the capabilities of intelligent sports systems. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of nano-energy sports applications while setting the stage for future explorations into the optimization of TENG integration in athletic performance enhancement. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing remaining challenges in this area and opportunities for further research.

Additive Manufacturing: Experiments, Simulations, and Data-Driven Modelling

Additive manufacturing (AM) has profoundly impacted modern engineering and materials science by enabling unparalleled control over microstructures, customization, and material properties [...]

Current status and perspectives in environmental oncology.

Cancer stands as a leading global cause of death, with its etiology characterized by complexity and multifaceted factors. Growing research indicates a strong correlation between environmental factors and cancer incidence, underscoring the critical importance of intervening in environmental risk factors to mitigate cancer occurrence. Despite this, specialized research institutions focusing on the intersection of environment and cancer remain scarce, with global investment in cancer prevention significantly trailing behind efforts in diagnosis and treatment. Against the backdrop of rapid global climate change, industrialization, urbanization, aging populations, and the globalization of lifestyles, we proposed the concept of Environmental Oncology (EO) to address these challenges. We discussed the rationale and necessity of developing EO and presented a comprehensive research framework focusing on cancer prevention and treatment. Future EO research will aim to identify cancer causes and implement early prevention strategies using advanced scientific technologies and methods. By emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrating molecular biology at the micro level, EO will explore the relationship between external and internal environments and cancer. EO will identify potential therapeutic targets by studying the pathways through which environmental exposures lead to carcinogenesis. EO will develop early warning systems and disseminate research findings by collecting big data, employing robust statistical models, and establishing research centers.

Development and optimization of sustainable and functional food packaging using false banana (Enset) fiber and zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites: A case of Injera preservation

In a global context marked by food insecurity, it is essential for food science and packaging technology researchers and stakeholders to ensure the availability of safe and adaptable foods with minimal environmental impact. Achieving sustainability in food packaging requires multiple approaches, including the use of natural and biodegradable materials including cellulosic fibers. The current study aimed to develop and characterize and optimized an effective biocomposite food packaging/storing materials, specifically for a popular Ethiopian flatbread called injera, made from a grain called ‘Teff’ (Eragrostis tef). The proposed biocomposite food storage and packaging was designed by incorporating fiber-reinforcing materials, namely false banana, also called Enset fibers (EFs), and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. A central composite design (CCD) approach was used to evaluate the impact of the reinforcing Enset fibers (EFs) at 5 %, 15 %, and 25 % and ZnO NPs at 0 %, 5 %, and 10 % levels. The developed functional biocomposite packaging materials were tested and characterized for various properties, including mechanical strength, water activity, antifungal activity, and migration properties. The results showed that the inclusion of ZnO NPs improved the tensile strength, migration, and barrier properties, while the reinforcing fiber enhanced mechanical and migration properties but reduced barrier properties. The combined effect of the reinforcement fibers (EFs) and ZnO NPs led to further improvements in the mechanical strength and migration properties, though no interaction effect was observed on barrier properties. The optimal solution, consisting of 6.7 % ZnO nanoparticles and 6 % Enset fibers, resulted in a highly effective packaging and storage prototype that extended the freshness of the food for over eight days.

A cationic three-dimensional covalent organic framework membrane for nanofiltration of molecules and rare Earth ions

Permanently microporous materials have evolved as focal point of research for tackling issues in separation science and membrane technology. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) stand out for their distinctive synergy of crystalline nature, uniform channels, and structural diversities. Three-dimensional (3D) COFs, distinguished by angstrom-sized and interconnected channels, hold special promise for separating small targets; however, this potential remains underexplored. Here, we report feasible growth of cationic 3D COF membranes on a flexible polymer substrate for versatile nanofiltration toward both molecules and ions. Through comprehensive performance evaluations, we reveal that the resultant membrane exhibits durable and prominent molecular selectivity to separate fine species with molecular weights above 300 g mol−1 at fast methanol permeation. Lanthanide ions of industrial value also can be harvested by the membrane with rejection rates of up to 91.4%. Together with its nonselectivity to competing ions, our membrane implements efficient extraction of rare earth elements from ion mixtures. These findings illuminate the potential of 3D COFs for liquid separation and offer a solution to building versatile membranes.

Phase Transition of Cubic Ice to Hexagonal Ice during Growth and Decomposition.

Ice, one of the most enigmatic materials on Earth, exhibits diverse polymorphism, with research mainly focusing on the most commonly observed phases: hexagonal ice (Ih), cubic ice (Ic), and stacking-disordered ice (Isd). While their formation or structural changes are crucial for advancements in cloud science, climate modeling, and cryogenic technology, the molecular mechanisms driving these phenomena remain unexplored. Herein, utilizing cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, we investigate the formation of ice at two different temperatures, demonstrating a size-dependent phase shift from Ic to Isd. Furthermore, a relatively metastable cubic phase in Isd transitions to a hexagonal phase under electron beam radiation. This transition, facilitated by crystal defects, contrasts with perfect crystalline Ic, which maintains its original phase, emphasizing the importance of defects in polymorphic phase transitions. Our findings provide novel insights on phase control during the ice growth processes and polymorphic phase transitions from the cubic-to-hexagonal phases.

Early science and colossal stone engineering in Menga, a Neolithic dolmen (Antequera, Spain).

Megaliths represent the earliest form of monumental stone architecture. The earliest megalithic chambers in Europe appeared in France in the fifth millennium BCE. Menga is the oldest of the great dolmens in Iberia (approximately 3800 to 3600 BCE). Menga's capstone #5 weighing 150 tons is the largest stone ever moved in Iberia as part of the megalithic phenomenon and one of the largest in Europe. The research presented here proposes a completely innovative interpretation of how this colossal monument was built. It comprises a geoarchaeological analysis encompassing three major components: (i) the angles of the planes of each stone, (ii) the stratigraphic polarity of each structural element, and (iii) the depth of the foundations. Our results show that Menga is a unique example of creative genius and early science among Neolithic societies. It was designed as a completely original engineering project, for which we know of no precedents in Iberia.

Primary School Curriculum Management Based on Islamic Character Building Value and Science Technology at SDIT Dauroh, Tangerang Regency

Primary School Curriculum Management Based on Islamic Character Building Value and Science Technology at SDIT Dauroh, Tangerang Regency

Simultaneous Removal of As(iii) and As(v) from Aqueous Solution by Using Iron-Functionalized Polythiophene: A Novel Approach toward Water Treatment.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater poses a significant threat to human health, affecting millions worldwide. This study presents a novel approach for simultaneous remediation of both As(III) and As(V) by using iron-functionalized polythiophene (PTh@Fe) composites. The PTh@Fe composite was synthesized by a reduction process involving FeCl2/FeCl3 byproducts of polymerization, resulting in a highly efficient adsorbent for both As(III) and As(V) species. The investigation systematically examined key parameters influencing arsenic removal, including adsorbent dosage, pH, initial arsenic concentration, and contact time. The composite exhibited exceptional adsorption capacities, with maximum removal percentages of 98.7% for As(III) and 98.8% for As(V) under the optimized conditions. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses suggested endothermic and spontaneous adsorption processes following a pseudo 2nd-order mechanism. Furthermore, the Langmuir isotherm model provided an excellent fit to the experimental data, with maximum adsorption capacities of 8.62 mg/g for As(V) and 7.57 mg/g for As(III). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the feasibility of arsenic adsorption onto iron species in various oxidation states, offering valuable theoretical insights into the process. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated good reusability over multiple adsorption-desorption cycles and tolerance to coexisting anions, highlighting its practical applicability for water purification. This research demonstrates the potential of iron-functionalized polythiophene composites as a promising solution for addressing arsenic contamination in water sources, bridging the gap between innovative materials and theoretical understanding in environmental science and water treatment technologies.

Advancements and Challenges in Chemoinformatics: From Drug Discovery to Natural Products Research

Chemoinformatics, an interdisciplinary field combining chemistry, computer science, and information technology, is revolutionising scientific research by using computational methods to analyse, interpret, and predict chemical and biological data. This review explores its pivotal role across drug discovery and natural product research, highlighting key methodologies and challenges. It is critical in drug discovery because it expedites the identification and optimization of drug candidates through techniques such as virtual screening, molecular docking, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies. It also facilitates the integration of computational chemistry with experimental validation, improving predictions iteratively. Chemoinformatics helps with managing databases, virtually screening bioactive compounds, and figuring out structures through molecular dynamics simulations and metabolomics in the field of natural products research. These tools enable researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants and other natural sources, facilitating the discovery of novel bioactive molecules with potential pharmaceutical applications. However, challenges such as data quality, computational resources, and ethical considerations persist, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and expertise. The integration of machine learning and big data analytics promises to further enhance predictive modelling and accelerate discoveries in chemoinformatics. Keywords: Chemoinformatics, Drug Discovery, Natural Products, Research

Lecturer’s Perceptions on the English Writing Competency in a Public University: A Focus Group Discussion

This study has been conducted to find out the lecturers’ perceptions of the students’ writing competency in a public university. The objective of the study is to explore the definition of a good piece of writing according to the lecturers and to know the strength and weakness of the students. In this public university, in all Faculties, major assignments are completed through writing, therefore students have to express themselves clearly and efficiently through their writing. This is a qualitative study using Focus Group Discussion with a total number of eight lecturers representing four main Faculties at the main campus. The Faculties are Laws, Economics and Management Sciences, Engineering and Human Sciences. Based on the Focus Group Discussion, the lecturers considered ideas and content, organisation, grammar and spelling as the three top important elements in writing. The lecturers considered the students as confident writers or ‘shameless’ writers which they believed is a significant element of being a good writer. The students have difficulties generating ideas. Thus, they will not be able to expand their writing further for their written assignments or projects. The lecturers added that lack of ideas is related to reading as well. Students who read more will be a better writer.

A size-dependent nonlinear isogeometric approach of bidirectional functionally graded porous plates

Recent progress in materials science and fabrication technologies, such as additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing, has facilitated the design and production of intricate multi-directional functionally graded (FG) materials which are playing a pivotal role in interdisciplinary engineering applications. Developing mathematical modeling for such nanostructures, however, remains challenging. The primary objective of this research, therefore, is to present a mathematical model for studying the static bending characteristics considering the geometric nonlinearity of bidirectional FG nanoplates with internal pores. The mathematical formulations are established by utilizing the first-order shear deformation theory and the von-Kármán assumption within the framework of an isogeometric approach based on NURBS basis functions. To account for the influence of both strain gradient and nonlocal elasticity, we adopt the nonlocal strain gradient theory including two independent material length scale parameters to predict the geometric nonlinearity performance of structures at small-scale levels. The mechanical properties of multi-directional FG material models are assumed to be continuously graded in two directions based on power law, while internal pores can be dispersed into two typical distribution patterns. Several numerical investigations are performed to evaluate the substantial impact of certain parameters on the nonlinear deflections of bidirectional FG nanoplates with pores under various conditions. Compared to existing studies, the key contribution is to present a robust numerical model aimed at elucidating both the stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening mechanisms of multi-directional FG nanostructures under static bending conditions with geometric nonlinearity. These findings enhance our insights into nonlinear bending performance and contribute valuable design guidelines for future small-scale engineering structures. These innovative designs have become popular and are now crucial in state-of-the-art engineering applications, such as aerospace, nuclear systems, or thermal resistance devices.

Aging assessment of silicone rubber materials under corona discharge accompanied by humidity and UV radiation

Abstract High voltage (HV) outdoor insulators are subjected to both electrical and environmental stresses, which may lead to their failure. Among the causes, corona discharge, humidity and UV radiation are considered to be the most damaging factors. Efforts are therefore underway to investigate new materials for improving the performance of insulating systems. In this research work, silicone-based room temperature vulcanized samples filled with alumina trihydrate (ATH), silicon dioxide and magnesium hydroxide (MH) were prepared and exposed to AC corona discharge for a duration of 110 h. The electric discharge was also accompanied by UV radiation and two different humidity levels. Following aging of the test samples, diagnosis was conducted to assess their integrity. Measurements based on determining the static contact angle demonstrated the loss of hydrophobicity of all the materials, while hydrophobicity recovery phenomena revealed that ATH-doped materials demonstrated a comparatively higher increase in the contact angle than in samples filled with silicone dioxide (silica) and MH. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed deep cracks and block-like structures on their surfaces. Similarly, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated the signs of surface oxidation of the aged samples. However, the data of elemental composition exhibited the loss of filler contents as well as that of carbon from the base matrix. The overall assessment showed that resistance to suppress aging is influenced by both the filler type and its concentration in the investigated composites. The ATH-filled composites exhibited outstanding performance when exposed to the rigors of corona discharge and other environmental stresses. This research contributes to materials science and HV engineering by addressing the development of composites for enhanced insulator performance, with future aspects lying in the utilization of nano-composites for advanced functionality and durability.

Advancing earth science in geotechnical engineering: A data-driven soft computing technique for unconfined compressive strength prediction in soft soil

Advancing earth science in geotechnical engineering: A data-driven soft computing technique for unconfined compressive strength prediction in soft soil

Needs Analysis in English for Moroccan Applied Mathematics Graduate Students at Ibn Zohr University

This study examined the English academic needs of students in the Applied Mathematics in the Science of Engineering (AMSE) master program at the Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco. It aimed at determining the gap between students' language needs and their actual competencies and identifying learners’ perceptions of their linguistic needs and their linguistic difficulties. The study was conducted based on a mixed-methods design approach with multiple data collection instruments. As a research framework, the Dudley-Evans and St John's (1998) needs analysis model was used. The results showed that participants attach different values to the importance and competence of macro- and micro-language skills. Students and teachers placed a high value on grammatical knowledge. Students valued grammar, speaking, and writing highly, while subject matter teachers valued grammar, speaking, and writing highly, but listening and pronunciation skills were valued as less important. The study showed that learners' English proficiency level is average. Their average English levels then influenced their academic achievement. Based on the aforementioned results, the researchers proposed that syllabus designers should address the macro- and micro-skills regarding academic studies when developing and redesigning course syllabus and its objectives in the ESP context.