Search Results (234)

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an integral part of today’s smart and digitally connected world. IoT devices and technologies now connect almost every aspect of daily life, generating, storing, and analysing vast amounts of data. One important use of IoT is in utility management, where essential services such as water are supplied through IoT-enabled infrastructure to ensure fair, efficient, and sustainable delivery. The large volumes of data produced by water distribution networks must be safeguarded against manipulation, theft, and other malicious activities. Incidents such as the Queensland user data breach (2020–21), the Oldsmar water treatment plant attack (2021), and the Texas water system overflow (2024) show that attacks on water treatment plants, distribution networks, and supply infrastructure are common in Australia and worldwide, often due to inadequate security measures and limited technical resources. Lightweight cryptographic algorithms are particularly valuable in this context, as they are well-suited for resource-constrained hardware commonly used in IoT systems. This study focuses on the in-house developed ChaosFortress lightweight cryptographic algorithm, comparing its performance with other widely used lightweight cryptographic algorithms. The evaluation and comparative testing used an Arduino and a LoRa-based transmitter/receiver pair, along with the NIST Statistical Test Suite (STS). These tests assessed the performance of ChaosFortress against popular lightweight cryptographic algorithms, including ACORN, Ascon, ChaChaPoly, Speck, tinyAES, and tinyECC. ChaosFortress was equal in performance to the other algorithms in overall memory management but outperformed five of the six in execution speed. ChaosFortress achieved the quickest transmission time and topped the NIST STS results, highlighting its strong suitability for IoT applications. Full article

CAR-T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment, yet its implementation in developing countries remains challenging due to technical and infrastructural barriers. This study aimed to establish clinical-scale CAR-T production in Kazakhstan, a country with no prior experience in advanced cell and gene therapies. We implemented a complete CAR-T manufacturing pipeline, including in-house lentiviral vector (LV) production and automated CAR-T cell processing using the CliniMACS Prodigy system. Two anti-CD19 CAR LVs were used, one modeled after FDA-approved Kymriah (4-1BB costimulation) and another replicating Yescarta (CD28 costimulation). The vector produced locally achieved functional titers of 1.5 × 10¹⁰ TU/mL after concentration. Twelve clinical-scale CAR-T products were manufactured, exhibiting a memory-skewed T-cell phenotype. Functional assessments revealed that CD28-based CAR-T cells produced significantly higher Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2; p < 0.05) than 4-1BB-based cells, though both demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity against CD19+ targets. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of establishing CAR-T production in resource-limited settings using a decentralized manufacturing framework. This work provides a scalable model of CAR-T therapy production in developing regions, suitable for clinical implementation using the hospital exemption framework. Critical gaps in access to advanced immunotherapies, including CAR-T, in the Central Eurasia region are addressed. Full article

Corrosion, combined with cyclic loading, is inevitable and becomes a challenging problem, even when inherently corrosion-protected materials have been selected and applied based on established in-house experience. Aero engine mount structures are exposed to dusty and salty environmental conditions during both operational and non-operational periods. It is becoming tough to predict the remaining useful corrosion fatigue life due to the unascertainable material strength degradations under service conditions. As such, a rationalized approach is currently being used to assess their structural integrity, which produces more wastages of the flying parts. This paper presents a novel approach for predicting corrosion fatigue by proposing a random-parameter model in combination with validated experimental data. The two-random-parameter model is employed here with the probability method to determine the time-independent corrosion fatigue life of a magnesium structural casting, which is used heavily in engine front-mount aircraft systems. This is also correlated with experimental data from the literature, validating the proposed stochastic corrosion fatigue model that addresses the technical variances that occur during service to increase optimal mount structure usage using an automated data system. Full article

In the environment, plastic waste degrades into small particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs), depending on their size. Given the potential harmful effects associated with MNPL exposure, it is crucial to develop environmentally representative particles for hazard assessment. These so-called true-to-life MNPLs are generated through in-house degradation of real-world plastic products. In this study, we produced titanium-doped nanoplastics (NPLs) from opaque polyethylene terephthalate (PET) milk bottles, which contain titanium dioxide as a filler. The resulting PET(Ti)-NPLs were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mass spectrometry (MS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Human-derived THP-1 monocytes were employed to investigate particle uptake kinetics, dosimetry, and genotoxicity. A combination of flow cytometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) enabled the quantification of internalized particles, while the comet assay assessed DNA damage. The results revealed dose- and time-dependent effects of PET(Ti)-NPLs on THP-1 cells, particularly in terms of internalization. Titanium doping facilitated detection and influenced genotoxic outcomes. This study demonstrates the relevance of using environmentally representative nanoplastic models for evaluating human health risks and underscores the importance of further mechanistic research. Full article

Local governments provide numerous services to their citizens. In doing so, they utilize two primary methods to deliver them: (1) producing them in-house with their own employees and equipment or (2) outsourcing them to external actors, which may take the form of other public agencies, for-profit firms, or non-profit organizations. In this entry, the authors review the logic of why local governments might choose one mechanism over another. The goal is to give readers a feel for the state of the academic literature in this regard. After reviewing basic concepts, such as the difference between the “provision” and “production” of services, the authors frame the discussion in terms of a variety of lenses used by scholars attempting to better understand the determinants of such decision-making. These include agency theory, transaction cost economics, and New Public Management. The authors also consider the role that management capacity plays in allowing cities to successfully deliver services to their constituents. Additionally, the authors offer a discussion regarding how local governments partner with non-profits in less formal ways than contracting to ensure their citizens have access to needed services. Finally, there is a review of the tradeoffs between efficiency and other values that should be accounted for when arranging service production. Full article

The construction industry faces a growing challenge in managing waste materials, making the development of sustainable alternatives critical. This study investigates the preparation of geopolymers using construction and demolition waste materials, such as cement, brick, and glass waste. Specifically, crushed glass was used to produce sodium silicate, a key source of silicate ions and alkali necessary in geopolymerization processes. The performance of this in-house activator was compared to that of the commercial counterpart. Seven geopolymer formulations were prepared and characterized using SEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR, and XRD techniques. Chemical resistance against harsh environments was assessed through a 7-day immersion in water, hydrochloric acid (pH ~ 1), and sodium hydroxide (pH ~ 13) solutions. The samples were then dried and weighed to determine mass loss, revealing the promising resistance of specific formulations. Similarly, Portland cement specimens of the same dimensions as the geopolymer ones were prepared, tested, and compared to the geopolymers. Our study emphasizes the potential of transforming waste materials into high-performance, resistant geopolymers for construction materials. By optimizing waste-derived geopolymers, we may achieve significant environmental benefits through waste recycling and contribute to advancing sustainable construction technology. Full article

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of hybrid magneto-responsive composites (hMRCs), composed of recyclable components: magnetite microparticles (MMPs) as fillers, lard as a natural binding matrix, and cotton fabric for structural reinforcement. MMPs are obtained by in-house plasma-synthesis, a sustainable, efficient, and highly tunable method for producing high-performance MMPs. hMRCs are integrated into flat capacitors, and their electrical capacitance (C), resistance (R), dielectric permittivity (${ϵ}^{\prime }$), and electrical conductivity ($\sigma$) are investigated under a static magnetic field, uniform force field, and an alternating electric field. The experimental results reveal that the electrical properties of hMRCs are dependent on the volume fractions of MMPs and microfibers in the fabric, as well as the applied magnetic flux density (B) and compression forces (F). C shows an increase with both B and F, while R decreases due to improved conductive pathways formed by alignment of MMPs. $\sigma$ is found to be highly tunable, with increases of up to 300% under combined field effects. In the same conditions, C increases up to 75%, and R decreases up to 80%. Thus, by employing plasma-synthesized MMPs, and commercially available recyclable lard and cotton fabrics, this study demonstrates an eco-friendly, low-cost approach to designing multifunctional smart materials. The tunable electrical properties of hMRCs open new possibilities for adaptive sensors, energy storage devices, and magnetoelectric transducers. Full article

The scope of the antibacterial effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) is not yet fully comprehended. We investigated the activity of PAW produced by the in-house 3-pin atmospheric pressure plasma jet against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, with a focus on PAW’s potential to promote susceptibility to conventional antibiotics in these bacteria. Bacterial inactivation was determined by the colony count after 15 and 60 min PAW treatments. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) measured following repeated exposures to PAW across multiple generations of bacteria enabled the assessment of changes in susceptibility to antibiotics. The PAW’s efficacy was also analyzed through the detection of intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in treated bacteria. Time-dependent significant inactivation efficiency against K. pneumoniae was observed (log reduction 6.92 ± 0.24 after 60 min exposure), while effects on E. faecalis were limited. PAW demonstrated potential to decrease the MICs of crucial antibiotics. Namely, a 50 to 62.5% decrease in the MICs of colistin against K. pneumoniae and a 25% reduction in the MICs of vancomycin against enterococci were recorded. We found a significant increase in the superoxide anion concentration in K. pneumoniae and E. faecalis cells after PAW treatments. This study indicates that PAW’s inactivating efficacy coupled with the capacity for the potentiation of antibiotic effects is a promising combination against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Full article

Water and energy use, along with wastewater reuse, are critical for sustainable industrial production. This study develops a decision support framework (DSF) to assess wastewater treatment and reuse, incorporating Water and Carbon Footprint indicators. The framework is applied to a Greek brewery producing 1.4 × 10⁶ hL of beer annually, with a total water consumption of 5.6 hL per hL of beer and an in-house wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP consumes over 40% more energy than expected, indicating a need for efficiency improvements. An advanced wastewater treatment method is proposed, capable of treating 43% of the total wastewater volume, with 3% covering the brewery’s utility water demand and the rest allocated to restricted irrigation. This reduces the operational Water Footprint by 12% and the supply chain Water Footprint by 1%, while increasing energy use by 3%. The optimal scenario, integrating water reuse and energy efficiency improvements, results in a 35% reduction in the Carbon Footprint, a 10% decrease in the operational Water Footprint, and a 1% reduction in the supply chain Water Footprint. The DSF provides a structured approach for industries to optimize sustainability by balancing water reuse with energy efficiency. Full article

Background: The alarming increase in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales is a matter of grave public health concern. The most ubiquitous carbapenemases, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-, New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-, and oxacillinase (OXA-48)-like enzymes, belong to the Ambler molecular classes A, B, and D, respectively. KPC- and OXA-48-like enzymes have a serine-based hydrolytic mechanism, while NDMs are metallo-β-lactamases that contain zinc in the active site. For the judicious use of reserve drugs and promoting antimicrobial stewardship, timely detection of carbapenemases is essential. While molecular tools are the gold standard for the detection of these enzymes, many laboratories have limited access to them. This study focused on evaluating in-house tools and commercial phenotypic tests for the detection of OXA-48-, KPC-, and NDM-like enzymes in K. pneumoniae, the predominant extremely drug-resistant pathogen in Oman. Methods: In total, 80 GeneXpert/PCR-confirmed (40 OXA-48 and 20 KPC and NDM each) and 37 whole-genome-sequenced (25 OXA-232 and 6 KPC-2, plus NDM-1 and NDM-5) K. pneumoniae were subjected to screening by temocillin (30 μg disk) (MAST Diagnostica, Germany) and D71C (MASTDISCS^®). Isolates resistant to temocillin (<11 mm) and D71C were subjected to four tests: an in-house tool (OXA-48 disk test) and three commercial phenotypic tests: (i) the MASTDISCS^® Combi (D72C) (MAST Group Ltd., Bootle, UK); (ii) the MASTDISCS^® Combi (D73C) (MAST Group Ltd., UK); and (iii) an immunochromatographic assay (ICT), which is the KPC/IMP/NDM/VIM/OXA-48 Combo test kit (Medomics, China), for the detection of OXA-48-, KPC-, and NDM-like carbapenemases. Results: Temocillin exhibited good sensitivity and specificity (100% and 97.50%) compared to D71C (70% and 100%). Among the confirmatory tests, the in-house OXA-48 disk test had 92.50% sensitivity and 100% specificity, while the commercial MAST DISC tests D72C, D73C, and ICT had 97.50%, 95.00%, and 100% sensitivity and 100%, 91.67%, and 95% specificity, respectively. Conclusions: The temocillin disk test is a good screening tool. With high sensitivity and specificity, ease of performance, short turnaround time, and low cost, we recommend the ICT format for routine diagnostic use. In resource-constrained centers, the OXA-48 disk test is an excellent alternative with high sensitivity and specificity. Full article

The demand for large-scale components continues to grow with the development of frontier technologies. Traditionally, these components are machined using machine tools, which are costly and have functional limitations. High-flexibility robots provide a cost-effective solution for machining large-scale components. This research proposes a dual-robot fabrication system for producing a 2.4 m × 4.58 m carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) antenna reflector. First, the kinematic model of the in-house developed robot was established to compute its theoretical workspace, which was subsequently used to partition the machining regions. Based on laser tracker measurements and theoretical calculations, a method and procedure for calibrating the Tool Center Point and Tool Control Frame of the robot were proposed. Subsequently, the dual-robot fabrication system was configured based on the determined machining regions for each robot. To further improve the figuring accuracy of the system, the support structure and figuring path were investigated and determined. Finally, processing experiments were conducted, and the material removal function for the flexible processing tool was computed to shape the reflector surface. The final results achieved the required surface figure accuracies for areas ≤ φ1750 mm, ≤φ2400 mm, and the whole surface were improved to 13.5 μm RMS, 23.4 μm RMS, and 45.8 μm RMS, respectively. This validates the processing capability and demonstrates the potential application of the dual-robot fabrication system in producing large-scale components with high accuracy. Full article

Activated biomass has gained interest as an alternative to coal-based activated carbon (AC). This work investigates the environmental impact (EI) of coconut shell (CS)-derived AC as a substitute for non-renewable coal-based AC. The AC was produced in-house using tandem acid activation and pyrolysis, employing two activation pathways: sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). This study further investigates the impact of activation routes, fuel types, and water sources on environmental outcomes. This evaluation focuses on six key impacts: climate change, fossil depletion, freshwater ecotoxicity, freshwater eutrophication, land use, and energy net. The H₂SO₄ activation pathway is more favorable in terms of EI due to its lower net energy requirement (27.2 MJ) and reduced carbon emissions (1.2 kg CO₂ eq.). However, it requires 4.7 kg of AC to adsorb 1 kg of dye, whereas the H₃PO₄ pathway requires only 4.3 kg. Therefore, while the H₃PO₄ pathway may be preferred for applications needing higher adsorption capacities, the H₂SO₄ pathway offers a more environmentally benign option, highlighting the trade-offs in selecting an activation method for AC production. Additionally, this study highlights that CS-derived AC offers substantial energy savings of 78%, alongside a 75% reduction in carbon emissions and an 80% decrease in fossil depletion compared to coal-based AC. Overall, the synthesized AC shows promise as a sustainable alternative to coal-based counterparts. Full article

Hydrocarbon fuel biofouling and biocorrosion require expensive cleanup of aviation infrastructures unless appropriate sustainment measures are applied. The identification of novel biological control agents offers promising alternatives to the current chemical biocides used in fuel sustainment. In this study, 496 microbial fuel isolates from our in-house repository were screened to identify new endogenously produced antimicrobial compounds. Using agar plug screening, liquid culture growth testing, and Jet A fuel culture assays, the two fuel-isolate strains Pseudomonas protegens #133, and Bacillus subtilis #232 demonstrated promising biocontrol activity against bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) of #232 culture filtrate identified several common lipopeptide antimicrobials including gageostatin C, gageopeptin B, and miscellaneous macrolactins. In contrast, LC-QTOF-MS/MS identified the siderophore pyochelin as one of the predominant compounds in #133 culture filtrate with previously demonstrated antimicrobial effect. Jet fuel microbial consortium culture testing of #133 culture filtrate including flow-cytometry live/dead cell mechanism determination demonstrated antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria. The study concludes that antimicrobial compounds secreted by #133 have bactericidal effects against Gordonia sp. and cause cell death through bacterial lysis and membrane damage with potential applications in the biocidal treatment of hydrocarbon-based aviation fuels. Full article

Background: Implant surgical guides manufactured in-house using 3D printing technology are widely used in clinical practice to translate virtual planning to the operative field. Aim: The present in vitro study investigated the dimensional changes of 3D surgical guides printed in-house using Shining 3D surgical guide resin (SG01). Materials and methods: Five test bodies, varying in shape and dimensions, were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and manufactured using three different Light Crystal Display (LCD) 3D printers (AccuFab-L4D, Elegoo Mars Pro 3, and Zortrax Inspire). Specific printing and post-processing parameters for the SG01 resin were set to produce 25 test bodies (5 of each shape) from each of the three printers, resulting in a total of 75 samples. The dimensional changes were evaluated using a digital calliper at four different time points: immediately after printing (T0), one month after storage (T1), immediately after sterilization (T2), and one month after sterilization (T3). Results: All the test bodies showed deviations from the overall CAD reference value of 12.25 mm after printing and post-processing (T0) and following steam sterilization (T2). Similar trends were observed for the effect of storage times at T1 and T3. The AccuFab prints demonstrated a better dimensional stability than the Elegoo and Zortrax samples. Conclusions: The LCD 3D printers, sterilization, and storage times influenced the dimensional stability of the test bodies made with SGO1 resin. Full article

Motion planning is critical for ensuring precise and efficient operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While polynomial parameterization has been the prevailing approach, its limitations in handling complex trajectory requirements have motivated the exploration of alternative methods. This paper introduces a finite Fourier series (FFS)-based trajectory parameterization for UAV motion planning, highlighting its unique capability to produce piecewise infinitely differentiable trajectories. The proposed approach addresses the challenges of fixed-time minimum-snap trajectory optimization by formulating the problem as a quadratic programming (QP) problem, with an analytical solution derived for unconstrained cases. Additionally, we compare the FFS-based parameterization with the polynomial-based minimum-snap algorithm, demonstrating comparable performance across several representative trajectories while uncovering key differences in higher-order derivatives. Experimental validation of the FFS-based parameterization using an in-house quadrotor confirms the practical applicability of the FFS-based minimum-snap trajectories. The results indicate that the proposed FFS-based parameterization offers new possibilities for motion planning, especially for scenarios requiring smooth and higher-order derivative continuity at the expense of minor increase in computational cost. Full article