Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Technologies Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 22824

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xavier Fernando

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Dept. of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Interests: wireless communications; signal processing; optical communications; machine learning; IoT; sensing, tracking and localization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nades Palaniyar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Program in Translational Medicine, PGCRL, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Dept. of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, and the Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Interests: AI in medicine; infectious and inflammatory diseases; neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs); molecualr mechanisms; drug scrreening
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Pratheepa Jeganathan

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Department of Mathematics and Statistics and The School of Computational Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Interests: multi-view learning with applications in microbiome multi-omics, spatial multi-omics, and loss reserving in non-life insurance; statistical theory for dependence modeling; generative models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue showcases papers emerging from the 28th Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering (TASME) In-Person/Zoom Hybrid Conference (https://tasmeconference.org/; July 6–7, 2024; the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus), focusing on technological advances in science, medicine, and engineering. The subject areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

Civil and environmental engineering;
Electrical and mechanical engineering;
Materials and energy technology;
Cancer and nervous systems;
Immunity, lunch infection, and COVID;
Internal medicine, mental health, public health, and healthcare system;
Life and environmental sciences;
Physical sciences, tech innovation, and IoT applications;
Medical technology, biotech and pharma, and drug design;
Information technology (cybersecurity, data science, and E-learning)

In addition, we also collect original research and review papers which are not from the conference on the above-mentioned topics.

Prof. Dr. Xavier Fernando
Dr. Nades Palaniyar
Dr. Pratheepa Jeganathan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Technologies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

information systems
artifical intelligence
medical science
immunology
material science
intelligent communications
engineering
biosystems engineering
urban forestry
flow cytometry

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 3281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compliant Parallel Asymmetrical Gripper System

by Andrea Deaconescu and Tudor Deaconescu

Technologies 2025, 13(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13020086 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 712

Abstract

The paper presents an innovative soft gripper system designed for automated assembling operations. The novel robotic soft gripper utilizes a linear pneumatic muscle as its motor, due to its inherently compliant behavior. This renders redundant the deployment of sensors or complex controllers, due to its mechanical system that ensures the desired adaptive behavior. Adaptivity is attained by adjusting the air pressure in the pneumatic muscle, monitored and controlled in a closed loop by means of a proportional pressure regulator. The kinematic diagram and the functional and constructive models of the gripper system are presented. The developed forces were measured followed by the calculation of stiffness and compliance. The paper concludes with recommendations for the operation of the gripper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Surgical Prioritization: A Machine Learning and XAI-Based Strategy

by Fabián Silva-Aravena, Jenny Morales, Manoj Jayabalan, Muhammad Ehsan Rana and Jimmy H. Gutiérrez-Bahamondes

Technologies 2025, 13(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13020072 - 8 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1159

Abstract

Surgical waiting lists present significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings where equitable prioritization and efficient resource allocation are critical. We aim to address these issues by developing a novel, dynamic, and interpretable framework for prioritizing surgical patients. Our methodology integrates [...] Read more.

q_{p} (t)

, while ensuring transparency in decision making. Specifically, we employ the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) for predictive modeling, stochastic simulations to account for dynamic variables and competitive interactions, and SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAPs) to interpret model outputs at both the global and patient-specific levels. Our hybrid approach demonstrates strong predictive performance using a dataset of 205 patients from an otorhinolaryngology (ENT) unit of a high-complexity hospital in Chile. The LightGBM model achieved a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.00018 and a coefficient of determination (

R^{2}

) value of 0.96282, underscoring its high accuracy in estimating

q_{p} (t)

. Stochastic simulations effectively captured temporal changes, illustrating that Patient 1’s

q_{p} (t)

increased from 0.50 (at

t = 0

) to 1.026 (at

t = 10

) due to the significant growth of dynamic variables such as severity and urgency. SHAP analyses identified severity (Sever) as the most influential variable, contributing substantially to

q_{p} (t)

, while non-clinical factors, such as the capacity to participate in family activities (Lfam), exerted a moderating influence. Additionally, our methodology achieves a reduction in waiting times by up to 26%, demonstrating its effectiveness in optimizing surgical prioritization. Finally, our strategy effectively combines adaptability and interpretability, ensuring dynamic and transparent prioritization that aligns with evolving patient needs and resource constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 9705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ZnO Nanoparticles by Hydrothermal Method: Synthesis and Characterization

by Juan Carlos Anaya-Zavaleta, Antonio Serguei Ledezma-Pérez, Carlos Gallardo-Vega, Joelis Rodríguez-Hernández, Carmen Natividad Alvarado-Canché, Perla Elvia García-Casillas, Arxel de León and Agustín Leobardo Herrera-May

Technologies 2025, 13(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13010018 - 1 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

The synthesis of reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly ZnO piezoelectric nanoparticles (NPs) can contribute to nanotechnology applications in electronics, sensors, and energy harvesting. Herein, ZnO NPs were synthesized using a hydrothermal method under varied reaction times and adding ammonium hydroxide, which provided an advantage of a low-cost, scalable, low-temperature, and environmentally friendly process. Characterization through UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks between 374 and 397 nm, showing a blue shift compared to bulk ZnO (400 nm) attributable to nanoscale dimensions. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated particle dimensions with length and width ranges from 150 to 341 nm and from 83 to 120 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed high-crystalline quality, with crystallite sizes calculated using the Scherrer equation. In addition, the effective mass model provided an estimated band gap that matched with the reported data. Also, the lattice parameters, interplanar distances, and Zn-O bond lengths were consistent with Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS). Finally, a ZnO NP film was deposited on a steel substrate, which generated a displacement of 150 nm under a square wave voltage of 10 V. The piezoelectric behavior of the synthesized ZnO NPs can be useful for fabrication of piezoelectric nanogenerators. The proposed synthesis can allow ZnO NPs with potential application in electronic devices, energy harvesters, and transducers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulations of Thermodynamic Processes in the Chamber of a Liquid Piston Compressor for Hydrogen Applications

by Valerijs Bezrukovs, Vladislavs Bezrukovs, Marina Konuhova, Deniss Bezrukovs, Imants Kaldre and Anatoli I. Popov

Technologies 2024, 12(12), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12120266 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations examining the thermodynamic processes during hydraulic hydrogen compression, using COMSOL Multiphysics^® 6.0. These simulations focus on the application of hydrogen compression systems, particularly in hydrogen refueling stations. The computational models employ the CFD and heat transfer modules, along with deforming mesh technology, to simulate gas compression and heat transfer dynamics. The superposition method was applied to simplify the analysis of hydrogen and liquid piston interactions within a stainless-steel chamber, accounting for heat exchange between the hydrogen, the oil (working fluid), and the cylinder walls. The study investigates the effects of varying compression stroke durations and initial hydrogen pressures, providing detailed insights into temperature distributions and energy consumption under different conditions. The results reveal that the upper region of the chamber experiences significant heating, highlighting the need for efficient cooling systems. Additionally, the simulations show that longer compression strokes reduce the power requirement for the liquid pump, offering potential for optimizing system design and reducing equipment costs. This study offers crucial data for enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic hydrogen compression systems, paving the way for improved energy consumption and thermal management in high-pressure applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Gradient of Spontaneous Oscillations Across Cortical Hierarchies Measured by Wearable Magnetoencephalography

by Xiaoyu Liang, Yuyu Ma, Huanqi Wu, Ruilin Wang, Ruonan Wang, Changzeng Liu, Yang Gao and Xiaolin Ning

Technologies 2024, 12(12), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12120254 - 9 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1639

Abstract

The spontaneous oscillations within the brain are intimately linked to the hierarchical structures of the cortex, as evidenced by the cross-cortical gradient between parametrized spontaneous oscillations and cortical locations. Despite the significance of both peak frequency and peak time in characterizing these oscillations, limited research has explored the relationship between peak time and cortical locations. And no studies have demonstrated that the cross-cortical gradient can be measured by optically pumped magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG). Therefore, the cross-cortical gradient of parameterized spontaneous oscillation was analyzed for oscillations recorded by OPM-MEG using restricted maximum likelihood estimation with a linear mixed-effects model. It was validated that OPM-MEG can measure the cross-cortical gradient of spontaneous oscillations. Furthermore, results demonstrated the difference in the cross-cortical gradient between spontaneous oscillations during eye-opening and eye-closing conditions. The methods and conclusions offer potential to integrate electrophysiological and structural information of the brain, which contributes to the analysis of oscillatory fluctuations across the cortex recorded by OPM-MEG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Ignition and Pressure-Gain Achievement in Low-Vacuum Conditions for a Pulsed Detonation Combustor

by Andrei Vlad Cojocea, Mihnea Gall, George Ionuț Vrabie, Tudor Cuciuc, Ionuț Porumbel, Gabriel Ursescu and Daniel Eugeniu Crunţeanu

Technologies 2024, 12(12), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12120252 - 2 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Pressure-gain combustion (PGC) represents a promising alternative to conventional propulsion systems for interplanetary travel due to its key advantages, including higher thermodynamic efficiency, increased specific impulse, and more compact engine designs. However, to elevate this technology to a sufficient technology readiness level (TRL) for practical application, extensive experimental validation, particularly under vacuum conditions, is essential. This study focuses on the performance of a pulsed-detonation combustor (PDC) under near-vacuum conditions, with two primary objectives: to assess the combustor’s ignition capabilities and to characterize the shock wave behavior at the exit plane. To achieve these objectives, high-frequency pressure sensors are strategically positioned within both the vacuum chamber and the combustor prototype to capture the pressure cycles during operation, providing insights into pressure augmentation over a period of approximately 0.5 s. Additionally, the Schlieren visualization technique is employed to analyze and interpret the flow structures of the exhaust jet. The combination of these experimental methods enables a comprehensive understanding of the ignition dynamics and the development of shock waves, contributing valuable data to advance PGC technology for space-exploration applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analytical Model for the Plastic Bending of Anisotropic Sheet Materials, Incorporating the Strain-Hardening Effect

by Yaroslav Erisov, Alexander Kuzin and Andry Sedelnikov

Technologies 2024, 12(12), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12120236 - 21 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

This study develops an analytical model for the plastic bending of anisotropic sheet materials, incorporating strain-hardening effects. The model, experimentally validated with aluminum alloy samples and digital image correlation, accurately predicts stress–strain distributions, bending moments, and thinning behavior in the bending processes. The results reveal that while plastic anisotropy significantly increases the strain intensity, enhancing it by up to 15% on the inner surface relative to the outer under identical bending radius, it does not affect the position of the neutral layer. Strain hardening, on the other hand, raises the bending moment by approximately 12% and contributes to material thinning, which can reach 3% at smaller bend radii. Furthermore, quantitative analysis shows that decreasing the bend radius intensifies the strain, impacting the final geometry of the workpiece. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing die design and material selection in forming processes involving anisotropic materials, enabling engineers to more precisely control the force requirements and product dimensions in applications where accurate bending characteristics are critical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Insole-Based Plantar Pressure Analysis for Healthy and Diabetic Feet Classification: Statistical vs. Machine Learning Approaches

by Dipak Kumar Agrawal, Watcharin Jongpinit, Soodkhet Pojprapai, Wipawee Usaha, Pattra Wattanapan, Pornthep Tangkanjanavelukul and Timporn Vitoonpong

Technologies 2024, 12(11), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12110231 - 19 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

Diabetes is a significant global health issue impacting millions. Approximately 26 million diabetics experience foot ulcers, with 20% ending up with amputations, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Plantar pressure screening shows potential for early detection of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs). Although foot ulcers often occur due to excessive pressure on the soles during dynamic activities, most studies focus on static pressure measurements. This study’s primary objective is to apply wireless plantar pressure sensor-embedded insoles to classify and detect diabetic feet from healthy ones based on dynamic plantar pressure. The secondary objective is to compare statistical-based and Machine Learning (ML) classification methods. Data from 150 subjects were collected from the insoles during walking, revealing that diabetic feet have higher plantar pressure than healthy feet, which is consistent with prior research. The Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) ML model achieved the highest accuracy of 0.85, outperforming the statistical method, which had an accuracy of 0.67. These findings suggest that ML models, combined with pressure sensor-embedded insoles, can effectively classify healthy and diabetic feet using plantar pressure features. Future research will focus on using these insoles with ML to classify various stages of diabetic neuropathy, aiming for early prediction of foot ulcers in home settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technologies for Increasing the Control Efficiency of Small Spacecraft with Solar Panels by Taking into Account Temperature Shock

by Andrey Sedelinkov, Alexandra Nikolaeva, Valeria Serdakova and Ekaterina Khnyryova

Technologies 2024, 12(10), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12100207 - 21 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

The problem of the effective control of a small spacecraft is very relevant for solving a number of target tasks. Such tasks include, for example, remote sensing of the Earth or the implementation of gravity-sensitive processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new technologies for controlling small spacecraft. These technologies must take into account a number of disturbing factors that have not been taken into account previously. Temperature shock is one such factor for small spacecraft with solar panels. Therefore, the goal of the work is to create a new technology for controlling a small spacecraft based on a mathematical model of the stressed/deformed state of a solar panel during a temperature shock. The main methods for solving the problem are mathematical methods for solving initial/boundary value problems, in particular, the initial/boundary value problem of the third kind. As a result, an approximate solution for the deformation of a solar panel during a temperature shock was obtained. This solution is more general than those obtained previously. In particular, it satisfies the symmetrical condition of the solar panel. This could not be achieved by the previous solutions. We also observe an improvement (as compared to the previous solutions) in the fulfillment of the boundary conditions for the whole duration of the temperature shock. Based on this, a new technology for controlling a small spacecraft was created and its effectiveness was demonstrated. Application of the developed technology will improve the performance of the target tasks such as remote sensing of the Earth or the implementation of gravity-sensitive processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 2669 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Silica Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Pest Control in Sri Lankan Rice Farming

by Zeyu Wang, Nirusha Thavarajah and Xavier Fernando

Technologies 2024, 12(11), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12110210 - 23 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3667

Abstract

Rice cultivation stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, serving as a vital source of employment for rural communities. However, the constraints of limited land availability have prompted an escalating dependence on agrochemicals, notably for pest management, thereby posing significant threats to human health and the environment. This review delves into the exploration of silica nanoparticles as a promising eco-friendly substitute for conventional pesticides in the context of Sri Lankan rice farming. It comprehensively examines various aspects, including the synthesis methods of silica nanoparticles, their encapsulation with synthetic pesticides, and an evaluation of their efficacy in pest control. Furthermore, it sheds light on the innovative utilization of agricultural waste such as rice husk and straw in the production of silica-based nanopesticides. This approach not only demonstrates a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy, offering a holistic solution to the challenges faced by the rice farming sector in Sri Lanka. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2024

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI