3,309 research outputs found
Analysis of performance and energy efficiency of thin shape memory alloy wire-based actuators
Highly Efficient Visible Hologram through Dielectric Metasurface
To achieve applied aspect of metasurfaces in the visible regime, dielectric materials with low absorption are indispensable. This work presents highly efficient generation of hologram via processed amorphous silicon, which exhibits significantly low absorption in the region of interest. The phase and the polarization of transmitted light are tailored by varying the orientation of dielectric nanorods whereas their conversion efficiency is optimized by adjusting their structural parameters. Better image fidelity and higher conversion efficiency (up-to 75%) are achieved as compared to previously reported work. The proposed design methodology paves a way toward on-chip realization of various novel phenomena with substantially enhanced performance.11Yscopu
A tapered fibre optics biosensor for histamine detection
Purpose: This paper aims to estimate the level of histamine in fish and fish products, as it is very important because of their implication in fish poisoning in humans; hence, ascertaining histamine levels in the aforementioned serves as a chemical index for spoilage. Design/methodology/approach: A technique was developed to immobilize an ordered multilayer of diamine oxidase (DAO) by means of chemical cross-linking on the biconical taper surface stepwisely alternating between chitosan, glutaraldehyde and the enzyme. A spectrophotometric signal results from horseradish peroxidase catalyzed reduction of H2O2, a secondary product of the oxidative deamination of histamine monitored at 450 nm. Findings: The biosensor showed a linear response range up to 1.5 mM, a good sensitivity of 0.64 mM-1 with detection and quantification limits towards histamine of 0.086 mM (15.8 ppm) and 0.204 mM (37.7 ppm) and a linear response range of 0-1.5 mM. It showed a response and recovery time of 14 sec and operational stability up to 40 repeated analyses without significant loss of sensitivity. Practical implications: The developed biosensor has a good potential for use in the quantitative determination of histamine in seafood. Originality/value: The paper described an outcome of an experimental work on tapered fibre optics (taper)-based biosensor coated with DAO embedded into a chitosan membrane to measure histamine
Development of an IoT-Enabled Android Dashboard for Smart Trainer and Solar Energy Visualization at Meteoria
This thesis presents the design and development of an interactive Android application to enhance public understanding of power and energy by “doing it yourself” at the Meteoria Visitor Centre, located within Finland’s unique Söderfjärden meteorite crater. The goal was to create an engaging and attractive gamified tool that explains energy generation into an interactive experience suitable for visitors of all ages.
The project links with two real-world energy sources: a Wahoo smart cycling trainer and solar panels installed on location. These inputs are integrated into a gamified Android application using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for the trainer and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) for solar data. The app was initially prototyped as a web-based interface to validate communication protocols and later developed into a Kotlin-based Android application for tablets and smartphones.
The application delivers real-time data visualization by displaying energy generated via cycling and solar input. It converts pedal power readings into relatable food equivalents and offers session summaries, energy output, and interactive rewards. The user interface is tailored to be intuitive and visually appealing, encouraging active participation, especially from children and non-technical audiences.
This thesis demonstrates how integrating IoT technologies, gamification, and user-centered design can promote sustainability education through accessible digital media. The final application effectively combines technical accuracy with informative value, offering a functional and entertaining learning experience for visitors to Meteoria
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Carbon Dioxide - Hydrocarbon Mixtures Under Confinement
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions in an attempt to control global warming is a critical issue being addressed at global level today. One method of regulating the amount of COv2 in the atmosphere is by re-injecting COv2 into reservoirs, thus in turn also improving the overall recovery of oil and gas. This is an enhanced oil/gas recovery technique which has received a lot of attention in industry. In this work, a study of the phenomena that allows for improved hydrocarbon recovery using COv2 injection into reservoir pores is presented. Additionally, an attempt to understand the effect of mixture density, concentration, temperature, moisture and the pore material on such systems will be discussed. Furthermore, the ways in which diffusivity of fluid behaves at the center of the pore as well as towards the pore walls is explored in detail in this work. All systems that have been simulated represent a canonical ensemble. Hence, at any given time, the number of molecules, the volume of the pore, and the temperature remain the same as specified at the beginning of a simulation. The work utilizes a methodology developed by Franco et al. to calculate the perpendicular self-diffusion co-efficient by obtaining the residence time from the integration of the survival probability. The methodology further allows for the calculation of the local self-diffusion coefficient in areas of interest as opposed to the global self-diffusion coefficient obtained from the commonly used Einstein relation. Results indicate that all studied characteristics of a system have a significant effect on the mobility and the configuration of the fluid within pore. Furthermore, these characteristics have a greater pronounced effect of the diffusivity at the center of the pore and a lesser effect in the region towards the wall. Further calculating the parallel self-diffusion coefficient of the fluid in the same systems analyzed in this work will provide even greater insight on the behavior of hydrocarbons within nanopores, in the presence of COv2
Impact of Credit Risk Management on Banks Performance: A Case Study in Pakistan Banks
This study captured the impact of credit risk management on performance of commercial banks in Pakistan. A fundamental research proposal was accepted in this study, and this was facilitated by the use of secondary data which was obtained from the SBP publications on banking sector survey, official websites and KSE. The pooled regression has been adopted to determine the impact of credit risk management on two performance methods. The findings revealed the fact that credit risk management is inversely associated with bank performance. For return on asset (ROA) analysis revealed that capital adequacy ratio (CAR), Loan loss provision ratio (LLPR), liquidity ratio (LR) and Non-performing loan ratio (NPLR) variables have significant impact on return on assets (ROA). The Loan loss provision ratio (LLPR), liquidity ratio (LR) and Non-performing loan ratio (NPLR) have negative while the capital adequacy ratio (CAR), loan and advances (LAR), and SIZE have positive impact on the return on assets.In relation to return on equity , the CAR, LAR and LLPR variables have significant impact on ROE. In this model the LLPR, NPLR and LR variables have negative and CAR, LAR and SIZE variables have positive impact on the dependent variable. Keywords: credit risk management, financial performance, commercial banks
Simulating Space-Curved Beams using Structure-Preserving Integration Techniques
Spatial deformations in beams subjected to terminal twist and axial compression is a significant engineering problem. When compressed more than a limit, the geometry becomes complex and rods form a loop with itself. This unstable behavior is essential to understand post-buckling in rods. The mathematical model used for the analysis of nonlinear deformations is a boundary value problem with a system of ordinary differential equations in space.
In the present work, we use geometric integration schemes to study the deformations in space–curved beams subjected to twist and vertical compression. We present a numerical setup for the solution of boundary value problem and simulate commonly observed phenomena such as loop formation, axial shortening, and self–contact. We also study the conservation properties in space, and numerically compare the preservation performance of structure preserving schemes with non–preserving integration schemes, for a twist–shortening problem. A multi–symplectic formulation for space–curved beams is also derived and numerically implemented using RATTLE and symplectic Euler method. The theoretical and numerical setup presented here will be useful to understand relatively
complex dynamic problems
Non-linear magnetotropic susceptibility in FePS3
Magnetotropic susceptibility is the thermodynamic coefficient that maps the curvature of free energy with respect to an applied magnetic field orientation, providing a means to quantify the magnetic anisotropy of a crystal. In this context, non-linear magnetic torque behavior has been reported in FePS3, motivating the investigation of similar non-linear characteristics in its magnetotropic susceptibility. In this work, we derive the non-linear magnetotropic susceptibility expressions for FePS3 in both ac*-and bc*-planes using complementary approaches: by taking the first derivative of torque and through the formal calculation of the magnetotropic susceptibility. Higher-order terms in the magnetization are included, and the final equations are obtained by applying symmetry constraints imposed by the C2h point group of the material. We analyze the behavior of the resulting non-linear expressions and identify the contributions of each parameter. Our theoretical results show good agreement with preliminary, unpublished experimental data, offering meaningful guidance for ongoing and future experimental work
From ideology to implementation : real-world blockchain use cases and the European Union's strategies for adoption
Initially known for cryptocurrency applications, blockchain technology is now used in diverse areas such as finance, supply chain, healthcare, and digital identity. This thesis examines how the European Union (EU) has governed and promoted blockchain through efforts like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), assessing their influence on broader adoption. Practical use cases demonstrate efficiency gains and trust enhancement—e.g., streamlined logistics, secure patient record management, and instantaneous cross-border payments—yet also reveal challenges surrounding regulatory ambiguities, interoperability issues, and limited public awareness. The EU's strategy aims to find a middle ground between promoting innovation and safeguarding consumers. Regulations like EBSI help clarify legal responsibilities but may inadvertently restrict some of blockchain's more revolutionary potential. Pilot programs and regulatory sandboxes illustrate the EU's pragmatic strategy of testing decentralized solutions in controlled settings, thus mitigating risks before scaling up. Looking forward, this research suggests collaboration among policymakers, industry experts, academics, and investments in skill-building initiatives. So, by creating a clear legal framework and enhancing digital literacy, blockchain technology can become a great asset for both the public and private sectors. This transformation can support the EU's vision of delivering transparent and inclusive digital services
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