Transport Speed Research Articles

Controlling Directional Liquid Transfer over a Ratchet-like Surface with Oriented Open-Wedges

Directed transfer of liquids is widely used as an important mass transfer strategy in the nature biology, industry, agriculture, and medical fields. Based on the bionic concept, researchers have constructed various forms of surface structures to realize controlled transport of liquids. However, current methods for preparing surfaces with directional liquid transport often suffer from cumbersome preparation processes, complexity of the prepared structures, and high costs. In this paper, we prepared a topological structure surface capable of precisely controlling liquid transport by a facile method. By utilizing 3D printing technology, we designed and fabricated a wedge-shaped surface with a periodic tilting scale arrangement. We accomplished the precise regulation of liquid transport on the surface of the structure, which not only realized the bi-directional transport of liquid anisotropically to the uni-directional transport on the surface but also achieved the precise regulation of the distance and speed of liquid transport through adjusting the opening angle formed by the open-wedges. We expect that the as-prepared wedge-shaped surface will provide a facile and efficient strategy for directional liquid transport.

Current Advancements in Drone Technology for Medical Sample Transportation

Background: The integration of drone technology into healthcare logistics presents a significant opportunity to enhance the speed, reliability, and efficiency of medical sample transportation. Methods: This paper provides a narrative review of current advancements in drone technology, focusing on its application in the rapid and secure delivery of medical samples, particularly in urban and remote regions where traditional transportation methods often face challenges. Drawing from recent studies and case reports, the review highlights the role of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven navigation systems, real-time monitoring, and secure payload management in mitigating logistical barriers like traffic congestion and geographical isolation. Results: Based on findings from various case studies, the review demonstrates how drones can significantly reduce transportation time and costs, while improving accessibility to healthcare services in underserved areas. Conclusions: This paper concludes that, while challenges such as regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns remain, ongoing technological advancements and the development of supportive regulatory frameworks have the potential to revolutionize medical logistics, ultimately improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Efficient Fog-Harvesting Origami Fan.

Fog harvesting represents a promising strategy to address the global freshwater shortage. To enhance the water collection efficiency, diverse geometric structures that can effectively drive water droplet movement are essential. Inspired by the Livistona chinensis leaf, which naturally facilitates directional droplet motion through its unique gradually varying V-groove structure, we have developed a novel origami fan structure for fog harvesting through theoretical analysis. A key feature is that we can modulate the speed of droplet transport by adjusting the opening angle of the V-shaped grooves positioned at the outer circumference. Interestingly, the water collection efficiency exhibits a linear correlation with the opening angle. The highest efficiency of the origami fan can reach 5.75 times that of the control group calculated by the projected area and 3.76 times that of the control group calculated by the real area, showcasing its significant potential for enhancing water collection from fog. The simulations demonstrate that the hollow structure enhances the condensation rate of droplets, the geometric gradient of the gradual-variation V-groove drives the condensed droplets to move rapidly on the surface, and the Janus membrane permits the aggregated droplets to transit to the fan's rear side. The synergistic action of these three components ensures a clean surface for the subsequent water-collecting cycle, contributing to the high fog-harvesting efficiency. Given its simple fabrication and superior water transfer efficiency, the origami fan holds substantial promise for widespread application in the field of droplet manipulation.

Multi-Objective optimization for stable and efficient cargo transportation of partial space elevator

This paper proposed a new libration decoupling analytical speed function (LD-ASF) in lieu of the classic analytical speed function to control the climber’s speed along a partial space elevator to improve libration stability in cargo transportation. The LD-ASF is further optimized for payload transportation efficiency by a novel coordinate game theory to balance competing control objectives among payload transport speed, stable end body’s libration, and overall control input via model predictive control. The transfer period is divided into several sections to reduce computational burden. The validity and efficacy of the proposed LD-ASF and coordinate game-based model predictive control are demonstrated by computer simulation. Numerical results reveal that the optimized LD-ASF results in higher transportation speed, stable end body’s libration, lower thrust fuel consumption, and more flexible optimization space than the classic analytical speed function.

Universal droplet propulsion by dynamic surface-charge wetting

Controllable droplet propulsion on solid surfaces plays a crucial role in various technologies. Many actuating methods have been developed; however, there are still some limitations in terms of the introduction of additives, the versatilities of solid surfaces, and the speed of transportation. Herein, we have demonstrated a universal droplet propulsion method based on dynamic surface-charge wetting by depositing oscillating and opposite surface charges on dielectric films with unmodified surfaces. Dynamic surface-charge wetting propels droplets by continuously inducing smaller front contact angles than rear contact angles. This innovative imbalance is built by alternately storing and spreading opposite charges on dielectric films, which results in remarkable electrostatic forces under large gradients and electric fields. The method exhibits excellent droplet manipulation performance characteristics, including high speed (~130 mm/s), high adaptability of droplet volume (1 μL–1 mL), strong handling ability on non-slippery surfaces with large contact angle hysteresis (CAH) (maximum angle of 35°), significant programmability and reconfigurability, and low mass loss. The great application potential of this method has been effectively demonstrated in programmable microreactions, defogging without gravity assistance, and surface cleaning of photovoltaic panels using condensed droplets.

All-Optical Trapping and Programmable Transport of Gold Nanorods with Simultaneous Orientation and Spinning Control.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) are of special interest in nanotechnology and biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, anisotropic shape, enhanced surface area, and tunable optical properties. The use of GNRs, for example, as sensors and mechanical actuators, relies on the ability to remotely control their orientation as well as their translational and rotational motion, whether individually or in groups. Achieving such particle control by using optical tools is challenging and exceeds the capabilities of conventional laser tweezers. We present a tool that addresses this complex manipulation problem by using a curve-shaped laser trap, enabling the optical capture and programmable transport of single and multiple GNRs along any trajectory. This type of laser trap combines confinement and propulsion optical forces with optical torque to transport the GNRs while simultaneously controlling their rotation (spinning) and orientation. The proposed system facilitates the light-driven control of GNRs and the quantitative characterization of their motion dynamics including transport speed, spinning frequency, orientation, and confinement strength. We experimentally demonstrate that remote control of the GNRs can be achieved both near a substrate surface (2D trapping) and deep within the sample (3D all-optical trapping). The motion dynamics of two sets of off-resonant GNRs, possessing similar aspect ratios but different resonance wavelengths, are analyzed to highlight the role played by their optical and mechanical properties in the optical manipulation process. The experimental results are supported by a theoretical model describing the observed motion dynamics of the GNRs. This optical manipulation tool can significantly facilitate applications of light-driven nanorods.

Effect of water occurrence in coal reservoirs on the production capacity of coalbed methane by using NMR simulation technology and production capacity simulation

The occurrence of gas and water is a critical factor affecting the production capacity of coalbed methane. Therefore, occurrence and dynamic interaction between gas and water in coal reservoirs need to be studied. T2 spectrum of all the samples were studied by NMR technique at 0, 5, 9, and 28 h of natural evaporation. Then, multifractal model was used to characterize water distribution heterogeneity, and a novel evaluation coefficient was proposed to characterize distribution heterogeneity of water content, the correlation among evaluation coefficient, water distribution heterogeneity and pore structure parameters was analyzed. The results are as follows. In the saturated state, the moisture distribution of three types is heterogeneous. Type A of adsorption pore-developed exhibits strong moisture variation heterogeneity of small pores, in contrast to the uniform moisture variation in large pores. Type B of fracture-developed has the highest coefficient of variation in moisture distribution. The coefficient of variation A1 for moisture content can determine the speed of moisture transport and evaporation in the pore structure. A lower A1 indicates a greater moisture transport volume and faster moisture transport rate over the same time. The coefficient of variation A2 for moisture distribution represents the heterogeneity of moisture content variation in the pore structure. That is, a smaller A2 indicates better heterogeneity in the distribution of moisture content in the pore structure. Numerical simulation indicates the average gas production and the peak gas production time increase and decrease with the initial moisture content (Sgrw) increases, respectively. These findings provide practical guidance for coalbed methane development, especially in optimizing coalbed methane production capacity prediction and improving recovery efficiency.

METHOD OF MONITORING TRAFFIC FLOWS USING THE BRIEFCAM SYSTEM

Urban logistics forms the backbone of modern cities, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services. With growing urbanisation and traffic congestion, optimising traffic flows has become crucial. The study monitors traffic flows using BriefCam software to enhance sustainable urban logistics. Cost-effective surveillance systems like CCTV generate vast data, opening new opportunities for improving traffic flow monitoring. Traditional methods, while reliable, are limited by labour intensity, cost, and accuracy. BriefCam software optimises vehicle monitoring through structured methodologies, including collection of data, filter application, result validation, and data generation. Utilising this data provides insights to improve traffic management, urban transport speed, and sustainable logistics practices. Modern cities use affordable CCTV systems, operating 24/7 and accumulating vast data suitable for automated traffic monitoring. Traditional methods require significant labour and costs, whereas floating car data (FCD) offers real-time traffic data collection, despite some reliability issues. BriefCam provides an innovative approach with a structured methodology for monitoring vehicles, aiding in sustainable urban logistics by optimising traffic flows and improving urban transport speed. The article provides a detailed look at the methods used in the study, the process of using BriefCam to monitor vehicles, the filters applied for detailed analysis, techniques for verifying the results, and general conclusions drawn from the study. Efficient traffic management based on this analysis can lead to additional measures during peak hours, optimising traffic lights, and increasing lanes. Knowing the time frames when freight vehicle numbers rise helps businesses plan deliveries to avoid peak congestion, enhancing logistics efficiency. BriefCam software offers immediate insights for reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and improving urban quality of life. Integrating digital approaches with traditional methods provides a comprehensive view of traffic dynamics, which aids urban planners and policymakers in optimising strategies, reducing emissions, and creating better living conditions in cities. Keywords: traffic monitoring, urban traffic management, intelligent transport systems, freight traffic flow.

Laser-Constructed Bionic Composite Fog-Collecting Surfaces with Efficient Nucleation Sites and Enhanced Water Transport.

Fog collection effectively alleviates the current freshwater shortage; thus, enhancing its efficiency is crucial. Here, we report a novel bionic fog collection surface (Al@B-V) comprising composite superhydrophobic bumps integrated with superhydrophilic V-channel grooves. This surface, which has efficient fog nucleation points and enhanced water transport capabilities, effectively balances fog capture and water transport during the collection process, thereby achieving high-efficiency fog collection. Compared to ordinary aluminum-based surfaces, Al@B-V achieves a fog collection efficiency of up to 3.08 g·cm-2·h-1, three times higher than the original aluminum-based surface. Furthermore, the V-channel groove proposed in this study exhibits a water transport speed of up to 165 mm·s-1, which is remarkably approximately 80 times faster than the commonly used U-channel groove. Additionally, this V-channel groove can overcome gravity, transporting approximately 10 μL of liquid to the top even when placed at 90° inclination. It can directionally transport 10 μL of liquid over a distance of up to 151 mm on a plane. This novel microgroove design can be effectively applied in various fields, including liquid collection, directional transport, seawater desalination, microfluidics, and drug delivery.

Dynactin-1 mediates rescue of impaired axonal transport due to reduced mitochondrial bioenergetics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the motor system with complex determinants, including genetic and non-genetic factors. A key pathological signature of ALS is the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43 in affected motor neurons, which is found in 97% of cases. Recent reports have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in motor neuron degeneration in ALS, and TDP-43 modulates several mitochondrial transcripts. In this study, we used induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons from ALS patients with TDP-43 mutations and a transgenic TDP-43M337V mouse model to determine how TDP-43 mutations alter mitochondrial function and axonal transport. We detected significantly reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons, linked to an interaction between TDP-43M337V with ATPB and COX5A. A downstream reduction in speed of retrograde axonal transport in patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons was detected, which correlated with downregulation of the motor protein complex, DCTN1/dynein. Overexpression of DCTN1 in patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons significantly increased the percentage of retrograde travelling mitochondria and reduced the percentage of stationary mitochondria. This study shows that ALS induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons with mutations in TDP-43 have deficiencies in essential mitochondrial functions with downstream effects on retrograde axonal transport, which can be partially rescued by DCTN1 overexpression.

Ballistic Energy Transport via Long Alkyl Chains: A New Initiation Mechanism.

In an effort to increase the speed and efficiency of ballistic energy transport via oligomeric chains, we performed measurements of the transport in compounds featuring long alkyl chains of up to 37 methylene units. Compounds of the N3-(CH2)n-COOMe type (denoted as aznME) were synthesized with n = 5, 10, 15, 19, 28, 37 and studied using relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. The speed of the ballistic transport, initiated by the N3 tag excitation, increased ca. 3-fold for the longer chains (n = 19-37) compared to the shorter chains, from 14.7 to 48 Å/ps, in line with an earlier prediction (Nawagamuwage et al. 2021, J. Phys. Chem. B, 125, 7546). Modeling, based on solving numerically the Liouville equation, was capable of reproducing the experimental data only if three wavepackets are included, involving CH2 twisting (Tw), wagging (W), and rocking (Ro) chain bands. The approaches for designing molecular systems featuring a higher speed and efficiency of energy transport are discussed.

Unified Crystal Phase Control with MACl for Inducing Single-Crystal-Like Perovskite Thin Films in High-Pressure Fusion Toward High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cell Modules.

Perovskite solar cells, recognized for their high photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE), cost-effectiveness, and simple fabrication, face challenges in PCE improvement due to structural defects in polycrystalline films. This study introduces a novel fabrication method for perovskite films using methylammonium chloride (MACl) to align grain orientation uniformly, followed by a high-pressure process to merge these grains into a texture resembling single-crystal perovskite. Employing advanced visual fluorescence microscopy, charge dynamics in these films are analyzed, uncovering the significant impact of grain boundaries on photo-generated charge transport within perovskite crystals. A key discovery is that optimal charge transport efficiency and speed occur in grain centers when the grain size exceeds 10µm, challenging the traditional view that efficiency peaks when grain size surpasses film thickness to form a monolayer. Additionally, the presence of large-sized grains enhances ion activation energy, reducing ion migration under light and improving resistance to photo-induced degradation. In application, a perovskite solar cell module with large grains achieve a PCE of 22.45%, maintaining performance with no significant degradation under continuous white LED light at 100 mA cm-2 for over 1000h. This study offers a new approach to perovskite film fabrication and insights into optimizing perovskite solar cell modules.

Water droplet transport on superhydrophobic surfaces induced by the dual synthetic jets

Droplet transport is very essential in many industrial applications. This article proposed the concept of employing dual synthetic jets in conjunction with superhydrophobic materials to facilitate the long-distance directional transport of water droplets. Experiments showed that the droplet transport speed could reach approximately 90 mm/s. In addition to linear transport, dual synthetic jets were also capable of achieving curved transport of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces. High-speed photography captured the details of the droplet transport process. Additionally, simulations analyzed the water droplet's aerodynamic forces and the deformation and breakup mechanisms at the actuator's outlet. The research in this paper was anticipated to contribute to new methods for directed droplet transport on superhydrophobic surfaces. It is eliminated the need for pre-processing the surface to create a path, and there was also no need to incorporate conductive or magnetic substances within the droplets.

4IR Applications in the Transport Industry: Systematic Review of the State of the Art with Respect to Data Collection and Processing Mechanisms

Transportation systems through the ages have seen drastic evolutions in terms of transportation methods, speed of transport, infrastructure, technology, connectivity, influence on the environment, and accessibility. The massive transformation seen in the transportation sector has been fueled by the Industrial Revolutions, which have continued expansion and progress into the fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the methodologies of data collection and processing used by the many drivers of this progress differ. In order to achieve a better understanding of the impact of these technologies, in this study, we methodically reviewed the literature on the subject of the data collection and processing mechanisms of 4IR technologies in the context of transport. Gaps in present practices are identified in the study, especially with regard to the integration and scalability of these technologies in transportation networks. In order to fully reap the rewards of 4IR technologies, it is also necessary to apply standardized methods for data gathering and processing. In this report, we offer insights into current obstacles and make recommendations for future research to solve these concerns through a comprehensive evaluation of the literature, with the goal of promoting the development of intelligent and sustainable transportation systems.

The RNA binding protein HNRNPA2B1 regulates RNA abundance and motor protein activity in neurites.

RNA molecules are localized to subcellular regions through interactions between localization-regulatory cis-elements and trans-acting RNA binding proteins (RBPs). However, the identities of RNAs whose localization is regulated by a specific RBP as well as the impacts of that RNA localization on cell function have generally remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the RBP HNRNPA2B1 acts to keep specific RNAs out of neuronal projections. Using subcellular fractionation, high-throughput sequencing, and single molecule RNA FISH, we find that hundreds of RNAs demonstrate markedly increased abundance in neurites in HNRNPA2B1 knockout cells. These RNAs often encode motor proteins and are enriched for known HNRNPA2B1 binding sites and motifs in their 3' UTRs. The speed and processivity of microtubule-based transport is impaired in these cells, specifically in their neurites. HNRNPA2B1 point mutations that increase its cytoplasmic abundance relative to wildtype lead to stronger suppression of RNA mislocalization defects than seen with wildtype HNRNPA2B1. We further find that the subcellular localizations of HNRNPA2B1 target RNAs are sensitive to perturbations of RNA decay machinery, suggesting that it is HNRNPA2B1's known role in regulating RNA stability that may explain these observations. These findings establish HNRNPA2B1 as a negative regulator of neurite RNA abundance and link the subcellular activities of motor proteins with the subcellular abundance of the RNAs that encode them.

The role of kinesin-1 in neuronal dense core vesicle transport, locomotion and lifespan regulation in C. elegans.

Fast axonal transport is crucial for neuronal function and is driven by kinesins and cytoplasmic dynein. Here, we investigated the role of kinesin-1 in dense core vesicle (DCV) transport in C. elegans, using mutants in the kinesin light chains (klc-1 and klc-2) and the motor subunit (unc-116) expressing an ida-1::gfp transgene that labels DCVs. DCV transport in both directions was greatly impaired in an unc-116 mutant and had reduced velocity in a klc-2 mutant. In contrast, the speed of retrograde DCV transport was increased in a klc-1 mutant whereas anterograde transport was unaffected. We identified striking differences between the klc mutants in their effects on worm locomotion and responses to drugs affecting neuromuscular junction activity. We also determined lifespan, finding that unc-116 mutant was short-lived whereas the klc single mutant lifespan was wild type. The ida-1::gfp transgenic strain was also short-lived, but surprisingly, klc-1 and klc-2 extended the ida-1::gfp lifespan beyond that of wild type. Our findings suggest that kinesin-1 not only influences anterograde and retrograde DCV transport but is also involved in regulating lifespan and locomotion, with the two kinesin light chains playing distinct roles.

Micro-CT structures facilitated lattice Boltzmann simulations on the water dynamics in PEMFCs GDL-Gas channel

This study employed Micro X-ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) to reconstruct the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and used lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations to investigate the dynamic behavior of liquid water in the multiscale space of the GDL and gas channel (GC). The results showed that the transport of liquid water from GDL to GC through the interface of GDL-land and GDL-GC were divided into four stages: large pore filling, through-plane breakthrough, in-plane diffusion, and rapid transport into GC. The wettability of GC wall and GDL affects the transport and distribution of liquid water. When the contact angle on the GC wall was less than 90°, it promoted liquid water transport to the top GC wall, resulting in faster internal flow formation. Conversely, contact angles exceeding 90° caused liquid water to break through the GDL-GC interface from pores away from the GC wall. When the contact angle of the GDL was in the range of 110°–150°, both excessively large and excessively small contact angles hindered water transport and management. Maintaining the contact angle of the GDL around 130° enhanced the breakthrough path and transport speed of liquid water into the GC, and it also reduces localized liquid water accumulation.

Emergency Logistics and Distribution Modeling and Methods

With the frequent occurrence of all kinds of emergencies, the importance of emergency logistics distribution has become increasingly prominent. This thesis focuses on the field of emergency logistics distribution, aiming to analyze distribution models and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency material distribution. First, the characteristics and needs of emergency logistics distribution are analyzed in depth, including time urgency, uncertainty and multi-targeting. Then, for the two key aspects of cost and benefit, cost components such as transportation cost, warehousing cost, labor cost, loss and damage cost, and benefit indicators such as rescue effect, economic benefit and social benefit are elaborated in detail. It also explains that factors such as material response time, transportation speed, completion rate and accuracy should be considered. Meanwhile, in the cost and benefit analysis, methods such as cost-benefit ratio (CBA), cost-efficiency analysis (CEA) and benefit assessment are illustrated, and finally recommendations covering various aspects are put forward to improve the emergency logistics and distribution system.

Transferrable CsPbBr3 Perovskite Single-Crystalline Films for Visible-Wavelength Photodetectors.

In this study, we propose large-scale CsPbBr3 (CPB) single-crystalline films (SCFs) grown by a one-step vapor-phase epitaxy (VPE) method for application in optoelectronic devices. After optimizing the transport speed of the precursor and cooling rate, we obtained continuous CPB films with a lateral size exceeding 2 cm2, and the thickness could be controlled from several micrometers to hundreds of nanometers. Crystallography and optoelectronic characterization proved the excellent crystallinity and very low trap density (2.14 × 1011) of the SCFs. Furthermore, we demonstrate a transfer-assembly strategy for fabricating perovskite SCF-based heterostructures for visible photodetectors. The high-quality SCF films in the active layer suppress the leakage current, leading to a low dark current of 5 × 10-10 A at -0.6 V. Therefore, the self-biased photodetector based on the vertical CsPbBr3 SCF-SnO2 heterostructure showed a high responsivity of 1.9 A/W, a detectivity of 4.65 × 1012 Jones, and a large on/off ratio of 4.63 × 103 under a 1 mW/cm2 450 nm light illumination. Our study not only demonstrates the excellent performance of single-crystalline perovskite-based photodiodes but also provides a universal assembly method for the integration of monocrystalline perovskite films in optoelectronic devices.

Size-dependent effect on controllable release and field insecticidal efficacy of diamide insecticide polylactic acid microspheres delivery systems against Ostrinia nubilalis

New nano/microcarriers of pesticides represent a highly promising novel field for sustainable pest management. However, despite extensive laboratory research, few studies on the design and evaluation of nanopesticides for field applications exist. In this study, we present a straightforward and green synthetic method of ultrasonic-assisted and hydrogen-bonded self-assembly at the oil-water interface for the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres encapsulating chlorantraniliprole (CAP), with precise control over the size of the microspheres. The resulting CAP-loaded PLA microspheres (CAP-PLA MS) exhibit both high pesticide encapsulation efficiency and stability in natural environments. It has been determined that non-Fickian diffusion mainly controls pesticide release, thus enabling dynamic control over molecular transport speeds. Importantly, our functional CAP-PLA MS demonstrates superior sustained pesticide release performance under both laboratory and field conditions while maintaining better exceptional insecticidal efficacy than normal CAP in controlling O. nubilalis at a concentration of 30 or 45 g/ha. Consequently, we propose that our functional PLA microspheres could serve as ideal pesticide carriers in the sustained treatment of O. nubilalis.