Protection Technology Research Articles

The Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age

Purpose: This study sought to explore the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the digital age has significantly transformed the landscape of intellectual property rights, necessitating adaptations to traditional IP frameworks to address new challenges such as digital content piracy and unauthorized distribution. It was found that while digital technologies, like blockchain and NFTs, offer potential solutions for enhanced IP protection, existing laws often fell short of addressing the complexities introduced by these advancements. The study highlighted the need for harmonized international standards and ongoing adaptation to effectively manage and protect intellectual property in the rapidly evolving digital environment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Technological Determinism, Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) Theory and the Theory of Legal Realism may be used to anchor future studies on the evolution of intellectual property. The study recommended several strategies to address the evolving challenges in intellectual property rights due to digital advancements. It suggested the adoption of technologies like blockchain for better IP management and the need for improved international cooperation to address cross-border enforcement issues. Additionally, it advised policymakers to harmonize IP standards globally and support innovations in IP protection technologies. The study also emphasized the importance of education to enhance awareness of digital IP rights and recommended legal reforms to update existing laws to better suit the digital age.

Research progress and development of deep and ultra-deep drilling fluid technology

The research progress of deep and ultra-deep drilling fluid technology systematically reviewed, the key problems existing are analyzed, and the future development direction is proposed. In view of the high temperature, high pressure and high stress, fracture development, wellbore instability, drilling fluid lost circulation and other problems faced in the process of deep and ultra-deep complex oil and gas drilling, scholars have developed deep and ultra-deep high-temperature and high-salt resistant water-based drilling fluid technology, high-temperature resistant oil-based/synthetic drilling fluid technology, drilling fluid technology for reservoir protection and drilling fluid lost circulation control technology. However, there are still some key problems such as insufficient resistance to high temperature, high pressure and high stress, wellbore instability and serious lost circulation. Therefore, the development direction of deep and ultra-deep drilling fluid technology in the future is proposed: (1) The technology of high-temperature and high-salt resistant water-based drilling fluid should focus on improving high temperature stability, improving rheological properties, strengthening filtration control and improving compatibility with formation. (2) The technology of oil-based/synthetic drilling fluid resistant to high temperature should further study in the aspects of easily degradable environmental protection additives with low toxicity such as high temperature stabilizer, rheological regulator and related supporting technologies. (3) The drilling fluid technology for reservoir protection should be devoted to the development of new high-performance additives and materials, and further improve the real-time monitoring technology by introducing advanced sensor networks and artificial intelligence algorithms. (4) The lost circulation control of drilling fluid should pay more attention to the integration and application of intelligent technology, the research and application of high-performance plugging materials, the exploration of diversified plugging techniques and methods, and the improvement of environmental protection and production safety awareness.

Advancing Anode Performance in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Review of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Strategies.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are garnering substantial research interest in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronics, primarily for the reason that the inexpensive cost, high theoretical specific capacity, and environmental sustainability of zinc metal anodes, which are an essential component to their design. Nonetheless, the progress of AZIBs is hindered by significant obstacles, such as the occurrence of anodic side reactions (SR) and the formation of zinc dendrites. Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based materials are being explored as promising alternatives owing to homogeneous porous structure and large specific surface areas. There has been a rare overview and discussion on strategies for protecting anodes using MOF-based materials. This review specifically aims to investigate cutting-edge strategies for the design of highly stable MOF-based anodes in AZIBs. Firstly, the mechanisms of dendrites and SR are summarized. Secondly, the recent advances in MOF-based anodic protection including those of pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and MOF derivatives are reviewed. Furthermore, the strategies involving MOF-based materials for zinc anode stabilization are presented, including the engineering of surface coatings, three-dimensional zinc structures, artificial solid electrolyte interfaces, separators, and electrolytes. Finally, the ongoing challenges and prospective directions for further enhancement of MOF-based anodic protection technologies in AZIBs are highlighted.

Technologies of Data Protection and Institutional Decisions for Data Sovereignty

This paper aims to propose innovative actions of advanced technological solutions and consequent necessary institutional decisions to achieve in a reasonable time the definitive confidential data protection and data sovereignty, based on available scientific results. Confidential data protection is a fundamental and strategic issue in next-generation Internet systems to guarantee data sovereignty and the respect of human rights as stated in the foundation of the United Nations. Even if presently many international regulations are decisive steps to guarantee data protection within normative contexts, they are not adequate to face new technologies, such as facial recognition, automatic profiling, position tracking, biometric data, AI applications, and many others in the future, as they are implemented without any awareness by the interested subjects. Therefore, a new approach to data protection is mandatory based on innovative and disruptive technological solutions. A recent OECD report highlighted the need for the so-called Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) for the effective protection of confidential data, even more urgent for the coexistence of privacy and data sharing in international contexts. A common feature of these technologies is the use of software methodologies that can run on currently available microprocessors and their present immaturity. More effective and definitive protection can be achieved with another methodological approach based on the paradigm of ‘Data Usage Control’. This new concept guarantees data protection policy by default and initial design and it requires a new architecture of the data and a new HW&SW architecture of the computers. This contribution has a two-fold objective: first, to clarify why regulations alone and present technological proposals are not adequate for the effective and definitive protection of data and, second, to indicate the new necessary technological approach and the simultaneous institutional actions required to achieve the definitive protection and sovereignty of data in reasonable times, based on the results already available in the scientific literature.

Research on spatial corrosion behavior and durability protection technology of concrete box girder bridge in cold regions

In order to study the corrosion behavior of concrete box girder in deicing salt environment, a series scaled model of concrete box girders were made to study the deterioration mode of concrete box girder under load, chloride corrosion, freeze-thaw cycle and their combined action. Combined with silane impregnation, the durability protection technology of concrete box girder bridges in cold regions was proposed. The experimental results show that under freezing-thawing action, the top plate of the box girder has the most serious deterioration, and the performance of the web is better. The surface erosion of the top plate is 65.38 % and 80.77 % different from that of the bottom plate and web plate, respectively. The freezing-thawing erosion of the concrete box girder has a significant spatial multi-dimension. The chloride ion erosion law of the top plate and bottom plate of concrete box girder is similar to the distribution law of shear lag effect under load. The inhibition effect of compressive stress on chloride ion is 9.67 %, and the overall inhibition effect is not large. The maximum difference of chloride ion concentration at each measuring point on the bottom plate is 30.14 %. Silane can be used as a protective coating for concrete bridges in cold areas, and the coating thickness of 2 mm can meet the requirements of anti-freezing. With the increase of freeze-thaw time, the silane protection ability began to decline. The maximum silane protection effect of 0–1 cm from the surface at 90d and 180d decreased by 40.8 % and 71.7 %, respectively. After the silane coating was applied, the chloride ion erosion rate of the bottom plate still showed a faster trend. When the freeze-thaw cycle exceeded 30 times, the silane protection ability decreased almost at a linear rate with the freeze-thaw time. Regardless of whether the silane coating protection technology is adopted, the chloride ion concentration of the bottom plate of concrete box girders is at least 10 % more than that of the top plate for freeze-thawing 90d and 180d, and the maximum can reach 32.1 %. The deterioration behavior of concrete box girders in cold regions has significant spatial multi-dimension. The existing single-parameter durability design methods, which mainly focus on solid section, are no longer suitable for box girder structures.

On Identity, Transaction, and Smart Contract Privacy on Permissioned and Permissionless Blockchain: A Comprehensive Survey

Blockchain is a decentralized distributed ledger that combines multiple technologies, including chain data structures, P2P networks, consensus algorithms, cryptography, and smart contracts. This gives the blockchain the characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and traceability. However, blockchain stores smart contracts and transactions in blocks publicly, which poses the risk of data leakage and misuse. For example, by mining and analyzing blockchain transaction information, attackers can correlate transactions with user information, resulting in the disclosure of user privacy. Many current reviews focus on the privacy of permissionless blockchains or cryptocurrencies, requiring more in-depth investigations and detailed categorical analysis. To fill this gap, this work comprehensively reviews the latest and traditional methods related to identity, transaction, and smart contract privacy within permissioned and permissionless blockchains. Additionally, we summarize the existing problems, threats, and challenges of data management in different blockchain architectures. Last, we discuss future research directions for blockchain privacy protection technology, which can offer feasible ideas for researchers to explore further.

Current research by scientists of the department for agricultural sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The results of scientific papers reviewed at the meetings of the Bureau of the Department for Agricultural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2023 are presented. The main attention was paid to the state and development of domestic breeding and seed production of vegetable crops; analysis of the genetic resources of Crimean plants for the development of domestic breeding of fruit, berry crops and grapes; laser and spectral technologies in the production of agricultural products; innovative technologies for biological protection of animals; scientific support for the prevention of land desertification; rational land use in the context of natural, climatic and social challenges; digitalization of food systems; training of a new generation of young researchers in the field of agricultural sciences.

Fabrication and Applications of Nature-Inspired Surfaces with Selective Wettability.

Inspired by the Stenocora beetle, selective wettability surfaces incorporate alternating wettable and nonwettable surface features that have received substantial attention over the past two decades. These surfaces are sought after for their very promising potential to drive progress in numerous application fields, including ecological protection, biomedical sciences, and industrial technologies. However, despite ongoing efforts to produce such surfaces in commercial quantities, understanding their basic fabrication concepts for practical applications can be challenging, especially for novices, given the vast technical literature in this area. This review, therefore, aims to elucidate the principles of wettability, along with the evolution of selective wettability surfaces and their uses. Beginning with a summary of the essential history and theory of wetting, we explore naturally occurring surfaces that have influenced wetting studies. We then detail state-of-the-art methods for fabricating these unique biwetting surfaces and show how contemporary science employs such designs in solving real-world problems. Finally, we offer an outlook for future research prospects on scalable, printing-based fabrication methods.

Automated Intelligence: Enhancing Environmental Protection with AI and Electrical Systems

The global community is increasingly focusing on conservation. To combat pollution andresource wastage, modern technologies, like automation and AI are widely employed in environmentalprotection tools. This study delves into the utilization and advancement of automation and AI inenvironmental protection tools examining their real world applications across sectors like wastewatertreatment, air pollution control, solid waste management, metallurgy and energy supervision. Furthermoreit investigates the fusion of automation and artificial intelligence in the development of environmentalprotection tools. The study also addresses aspects such as data collection, performance monitoring,sustainable growth, prevailing challenges and future trends. Through an analysis it underscores thepotential of automation and artificial intelligence in enhancing environmental protection tools effectivenesstowards achieving sustainable conservation goals. Lastly recommendations for research are proposed todrive innovation and enhancement of environmental protection technology. This study aims to offerinsights and guidance for both research endeavors and practical applications, within the realm ofenvironmental protection technology.

Sustainable process design and multi-objective optimization of efficient and energy-saving separation of xylene isomers via extractive distillation based on double extractants

The focus of the chemical industry on environmental protection and energy conservation has driven the development of green distillation technology. Xylene isomers are extensively utilized industrial raw materials, whose separation is challenging and energy-intensive due to their closely similar boiling points. Therefore, it is urgent to develop energy-saving and environmental protection technology. In this paper, an energy-saving and environmental protection process for separating the xylene isomers by extractive distillation was designed combing the vapor recompression process with feed preheating (VRAPFP). The parameters of extractive distillation processes were synthetically optimized by multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with total annual cost (TAC), CO2 emission (ECO2) and separation efficiency (Eext) as the objective evaluation indexes. The economical optimal process was used further for VRAPFP design through heat integration to reduce energy consumption, and all the designed candidate processes were synthetically analyzed, compared and evaluated with performance indexes. Results show that the VRAPFP process has superior economic efficiency and ecological sustainability compared with the existing distillation process, wherein the TAC and ECO2 are reduced by 14.2 % and 30.2 %, respectively. This work provides a new reference and idea for separating xylene isomers with the economy and developing new processes for energy conservation and environmental protection.

Privacy Protection Technology Based on Big Data Technology

Privacy Protection Technology Based on Big Data Technology

Properties and transpiration cooling performance of Cf/SiC porous ceramic composite

Transpiration cooling have gradually become the lead candidate for thermal protection technology of hypersonic vehicle also due to its excellent cooling performance. The porous medium with exceptional properties can further improve thermal protection capability and reliability of transpiration cooling. This paper investigates the preparation and properties of Cf/SiC porous ceramic composite with low density and remarkable permeability, and probes the transpiration cooling performances of ceramic composites (mass ratio of silicon carbide particles and short chopped carbon fibers of 1:1) in the various heat flux conditions. The research results show that Cf/SiC porous ceramic composites prepared by adding short chopped carbon fibers have uniform pore size distributions (3～20 μm) and low densities (1.074 g/cm3 ～ 1.377 g/cm3), as well as outstanding wettability and permeability (6.07 × 10−8 mm2 ～ 12.22 × 10−8 mm2). Besides, The Cf/SiC porous ceramic composites (mass ratio of 1:1) display excellent transpiration cooling performance, meanwhile a new interesting phenomenon that the water pressure difference increases with the rising of heat flow is discovered. Such studies can provide an essential reference for developing porous medium in transpiration cooling technology.

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum hydroxide-reinforced silica-zirconia ceramic membrane for thermal protection applications

In the domain of personal thermal protection, there is a growing demand for lightweight and efficient ceramic thermal insulation materials. However, conventional ceramic membranes face challenges such as brittleness, structural collapse, and pulverization, hindering their practical application. To address this issue, aluminum hydroxide-enhanced silica-zirconia ceramic membranes (SZ@ANFMs) have been successfully fabricated using electrospinning followed by subsequent calcination processes, and their properties have been comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate that SZ@ANFMs exhibit outstanding high-temperature resistance under an alcohol lamp, along with an extremely low thermal conductivity (only 0.041 W/m·K), excellent tensile strength (2.3 MPa), and flexible characteristics. This makes them highly promising in the domain of personal thermal protection. The study builds upon existing research in lightweight and efficient thermal insulation materials, offering improvements and robust support for the further development of personal thermal protection technology.

Research on Personal Medical Information Protection Based on Big Data

The rapid development of big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence has brought new opportunities to the development of the medical field. The emergence of electronic medical records and medical information systems has provided great convenience for people's medical treatment. However, the arrival of the big data era also poses new challenges to the protection of human medical privacy. The development and application of medical big data have led to explosive growth of data in the medical field, putting pressure on the management of medical institutions. The sharing of medical data between medical institutions and between medical institutions and third parties also poses significant security risks. Moreover, medical data leakage incidents have been continuously exposed in recent years, seriously infringing on the identity and privacy rights of patients. This article aims to explore the research on personal medical information protection based on big data. Firstly, the importance and necessity of protecting personal medical information were analyzed, as well as the current application status and existing problems of big data in medical information management. Secondly, a comparative analysis of domestic and international research on medical privacy protection was elaborated, including the analysis of medical information privacy protection standards in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and the differences and commonalities of international medical information privacy protection standards were compared and analyzed. Then, the theoretical basis of medical information privacy protection was summarized. Then, the application methods and technologies of big data in personal medical information protection were discussed. Finally, relevant countermeasures and suggestions for the protection of personal medical information in big data were discussed, including privacy protection technologies and policy recommendations, as well as ethical issues and norms for the protection of medical information privacy. Through this study, it is hoped that it can provide reference and inspiration for the protection of personal medical information in big data, and provide ideas and suggestions for future development directions.

Numerical analysis of cathodic protection of a Q355ND frame in a shallow water subsea Christmas tree

Abstract This study develops a 3D model of a Christmas tree using cathodic protection technology and conducts numerical simulations on the Q355ND framework of a shallow Christmas tree. The boundary element method is employed for modeling, examining the distribution of protection potentials under varying corrosion layer breakage rates, anode numbers, and positions. The influence of sacrificial anode parameters on the cathodic protection effect of the Christmas tree is also investigated. The findings reveal that when the breakage rate of the anticorrosion layer reaches 35 % during Christmas tree operation, the sacrificial anode fails to provide complete protection. However, if the coating breakage rate is 10 %, reducing the number of anodes by six can still achieve a protection potential of −850 mV. Thus, it is imperative for Christmas trees to maintain a corrosion protection layer breakage rate below 35 %. Beyond this threshold, sacrificial anodes exhibit minimal effectiveness in preserving their integrity.

Research on active/passive energy dissipation control method for thermal protection of ammunition battery

High-temperature excitation is the main hazard affecting ammunition safety, and thermal protection technology for batteries inside ammunition is important for enhancing ammunition safety. This study proposes a design integrating a MEMS bistable actuator and battery, and constructs a parallel energy interface between the two. The US military's insensitive ammunition fast cook-off test is then used to verify this design. When the driving current of the MEMS bistable actuator reaches 0.032 A, the actuator completes its own “OFF–ON” electrical conversion, achieving dissipation of the ammunition battery energy. The conformal design of aluminum–silicon aerogel and ammunition forms an energy coupling relationship between thickness and heat transfer efficiency, which reduces the heating rate of the battery in the ammunition. When the material thickness is 5 mm, the internal temperature of the ammunition is 435.5 K after 1200 s of heating, whereas the temperature reaches 423 K within 37 s without protection. The MEMS bistable actuator and aluminum–silicon aerogel realize active/passive thermal protection of the battery and provide technical references for improving ammunition safety.

Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Frameworks/Epoxy Composite Coatings with Superior O2/H2O Resistance for Anticorrosion Applications.

Corrosion protection technology plays a crucial role in preserving infrastructure, ensuring safety and reliability, and promoting long-term sustainability. In this study, we combined experiments and various analyses to investigate the mechanism of corrosion occurring on the epoxy-based anticorrosive coating containing the additive of two-dimensional (2D) and water-stable zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs). By using benzoic acid as the modulator for the growth of the MOF, a 2D MOF constructed from hexazirconium clusters and BTB linkers (BTB = 1,3,5-tri(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene) with coordinated benzoate (BA-ZrBTB) can be synthesized. By coating the BA-ZrBTB/epoxy composite film (BA-ZrBTB/EP) on the surface of cold-rolled steel (CRS), we found the lowest coating roughness (RMS) of BA-ZrBTB/EP is 2.83 nm with the highest water contact angle as 99.8°, which represents the hydrophobic coating surface. Notably, the corrosion rate of the BA-ZrBTB/EP coating is 2.28 × 10-3 mpy, which is 4 orders of magnitude lower than that of the CRS substrate. Moreover, the energy barrier for oxygen diffusion through BA-ZrBTB/EP coating is larger than that for epoxy coating (EP), indicating improved oxygen resistance for adding 2D Zr-MOFs as the additive. These results underscore the high efficiency and potential of BA-ZrBTB as a highly promising agent for corrosion prevention in various commercial applications. Furthermore, this study represents the first instance of applying 2D Zr-MOF materials in anticorrosion applications, opening up new possibilities for advanced corrosion-resistant coatings.

In vitro evaluation and in situ intestinal absorption characterisation of paeoniflorin nanoparticles in a rat model.

Purpose: the aim of this study was to improve the stability and bioavailability of paeoniflorin (PF) by using nanoparticle encapsulation technology. Methods: paeoniflorin nanoparticles (PF NPs) were prepared with PLGA as the carrier using the compound emulsion method. The nanoparticles were characterised by using a Malvern laser particle sizer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyser, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. The PF NPs were subjected to a series of stability investigations (such as for 4 °C storage stability, pH stability, and thermal stability), lyophilisation protection technology investigations, and in vitro release studies. Finally, the intestinal absorption properties of PF and PF NPs were studied by the in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) rat model, using the effective permeability coefficient (P eff) and the absorption rate constant (K a) as relevant indexes. Results: the prepared nanoparticles had a particle size of 105.0 nm with blue opalescent, rounded morphology, uniform size, good stability and slow release. We found that 4% alginate was the best lyoprotectant for the PF NPs. In the intestinal absorption experiments, P eff was higher for the PF NPs group compared with the original PF material drug group in all intestinal segments (P < 0.05), and the absorption rate constant K a increased with the increase in the drug concentration. Conclusion: the nanoparticles produced by this method have good stability and a slow-release effect; they can thus improve the absorption of PF in rat intestines, helping improve the stability and bioavailability of PF and enhancing its pharmacological effects.

Global Trends in the Research and Development of Petrochemical Waste Gas from 1981 to 2022

As a highly energy-intensive and carbon-emitting industry with significant emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the petroleum and chemical industry is a major contributor to the global greenhouse effect and ozone layer destruction. Improper treatment of petrochemical waste gas (PWG) seriously harms human health and the natural environment. This study uses CiteSpace and VOSviewer to conduct a scientometric analysis of 1384 scholarly works on PWG and carbon sequestration published between 1981 and 2022, revealing the basic characteristics, knowledge base, research topic evolution, and research hotspots of the field. The results show the following: (1) In the early stages of the petrochemical industry, it was processed tail gas, plant leakage waste gas, and combustion flue gas that were investigated in PWG research. (2) Later, green environmental protection technology was widely studied in the field of PWG treatment, such as biotechnology, catalytic oxidation technology, membrane separation technology, etc., in order to achieve efficient, low energy consumption and low emissions of waste gas treatment, and the number of publications related to this topic has increased rapidly. In addition, researchers studied the internet of things and technology integration, such as the introduction of artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and other technologies, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of exhaust gas monitoring, control, and management. (3) The department has focused on how to reduce emissions by optimizing petrochemical process lines or improving energy efficiency. Emission reduction and low-carbon transition in the petrochemical industry will become the main trend in the future. Switching from renewable carbon to feedstock carbon derived from captured carbon dioxide, biomass, or recycled chemicals has become an attractive strategy to help curb emissions from the chemical industry. The results of our analysis can provide funding agencies and research groups with information to better understand the global trends and directions that have emerged in this field from 1981 to 2022 and serve as a reference for future research.

Self-powered electrochromic smart window helps net-zero energy buildings

Net-zero energy buildings are becoming an important energy-saving and low-carbon technology for global environmental protection and resource conservation. As the least energy-efficient building components, windows have promoted the development of electrochemically light/thermal management, where smart windows without external electrical supplies are highly desired for net-zero energy buildings. Here, we develop a self-powered electrochromic smart window system to regulate solar radiation transmittance, constructed by a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a high-performance electrochromic device. The visible–near-infrared (VIS-NIR) dual-band electrochromic device is well-designed based on an eco-friendly low-energy demand phenothiazine redox ionic liquid, demonstrating a fast switching response of ﹤1.9 s, a large transmittance modulation of >51.8 %, and outstanding electrochemical durability (5.5 % attenuation after 4000 cycles). Upon continuous pressing/releasing motions, the integrated TENG-powered electrochromic smart window (TECSW) displays a prompt light/thermal management behavior with desirable privacy preservation performance (transmittance modulation of 51 % in the visible region) and excellent thermal management property (12.3 °C reducti°n). The whole-building energy simulations show that TECSW can save 347.79 MJ/m2yr (amounting to 96.60 kWh/m2yr) of operational Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) warming/cooling energy consumption among 34 cities in China, accounting for 17.25 % of the total energy consumption. This research provides new insight into designing green and energy-efficient smart windows for net-zero energy buildings.