Zoheir Kordrostami, Kourosh Hassanli and Amir Akbarian
The purpose of this study is to find a new design that can increase the sensitivity of the sensor without sacrificing the linearity. A novel and very efficient method for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to find a new design that can increase the sensitivity of the sensor without sacrificing the linearity. A novel and very efficient method for increasing the sensitivity of MEMS pressure sensor has been proposed for the first time. Rather than perforation, we propose patterned thinning of the diaphragm so that specific regions on it are thinner. This method allows the diaphragm to deflect more in response with regard to the pressure. The best excavation depth has been calculated and a pressure sensor with an optimal pattern for thinned regions has been designed. Compared to the perforated diaphragm with the same pattern, larger output voltage is achieved for the proposed sensor. Unlike the perforations that have to be near the edges of the diaphragm, it is possible for the thin regions to be placed around the center of the diaphragm. This significantly increases the sensitivity of the sensor. In our designation, we have reached a 60 per cent thinning (of the diaphragm area) while perforations larger than 40 per cent degrade the operation of the sensor. The proposed method is applicable to other MEMS sensors and actuators and improves their ultimate performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Instead of perforating the diaphragm, we propose a patterned thinning scheme which improves the sensor performance.
Findings
By using thinned regions on the diaphragm rather than perforations, the sensitivity of the sensor was improved. The simulation results show that the proposed design provides larger membrane deflections and higher output voltages compared to the pressure sensors with a normal or perforated diaphragm.
Originality/value
The proposed MEMS piezoelectric pressure sensor for the first time takes advantage of thinned diaphragm with optimum pattern of thinned regions, larger outputs and larger sensitivity compared with the simple or perforated diaphragm pressure sensors.
Details
Keywords
Amir Samadi, Reza Amini, Mehran Rostami, Pooneh Kardar and Michele Fedel
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using conductive polymers such as polyaniline (PANI) as corrosion inhibitors for metals.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using conductive polymers such as polyaniline (PANI) as corrosion inhibitors for metals.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the effect of the addition of praseodymium (Pr3+) cations on the corrosion inhibition performance of PANI for AZ31 magnesium alloy was appraised through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests.
Findings
The results of EIS and potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated the improvement of corrosion resistance of AZ31 during different immersion times.
Research limitations/implications
This anti-corrosion ability of PANI/Pr3+ composite applies as non-toxic environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor on the self-healing corrosion protection properties.
Practical implications
The conductive polymers are interested for many industries. The reported data can be used by the formulators working in the R&D departments.
Social implications
The anti-corrosion ability of PANI/Pr3+ composite present a novel and high effective route against metal corrosion besides application of toxic corrosion.
Originality/value
The application of titanium dioxide coating in the field of architectural heritage is a great challenge. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to study the synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition performance of Pr3+ cations doped PANI nano-fibers as an anti-corrosion additive for AZ31 magnesium alloy in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.
Details
Keywords
Behzad Abbasnejad, Sahar Soltani, Amirhossein Karamoozian and Ning Gu
This systematic literature review aims to investigate the application and integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in transportation infrastructure construction projects…
Abstract
Purpose
This systematic literature review aims to investigate the application and integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in transportation infrastructure construction projects focusing on sustainability pillars.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a systematic literature review approach, combining qualitative review and quantitative analysis of 142 academic articles published between 2011 and March 2023.
Findings
The findings reveal the dominance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a central tool for sustainability assessment, while other technologies such as blockchain and autonomous robotics have received limited attention. The adoption of I4.0 technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, Augmented Reality (AR), and Big Data, has been prevalent for data-driven analyses, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) and 3D printing are mainly being integrated either with BIM or in synergy with Artificial Intelligence (AI). We pinpoint critical challenges including high adoption costs, technical barriers, lack of interoperability, and the absence of standardized sustainability benchmarks.
Originality/value
This research distinguishes itself by not only mapping the current integration of I4.0 technologies but also by advocating for standardization and a synergistic human-technology collaborative approach. It offers tailored strategic pathways for diverse types of transportation infrastructure and different project phases, aiming to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The study sets a new agenda for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet ambitious future sustainability and efficiency goals, making a compelling case for rethinking how these technologies are applied in the construction sector.
Details
Keywords
Diagnosing pain and pain inflicting diseases are crucial issues in the health care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Diagnosing pain and pain inflicting diseases are crucial issues in the health care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to delineate possible peculiarities in pain perception, characterizing a syndrome-specific spectrum of pain causing diseases as well as particular features of pain expression in Rett syndrome (RTT).
Design/methodology/approach
A selective review of the literature on pain, dolorous disorders and diseases, molecular aspects of pain transduction, pain perception, and expression of painful conditions in RTT was undertaken.
Findings
RTT causing mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) have an impact on various endogenous molecules modulating pain transmission. Individuals with RTT are specifically prone to numerous pathological states which can cause pain. By thorough observation/application of proper tools, it is possible to recognize painful states in persons with RTT.
Originality/value
This paper imparts empirical/evidence-based data on pain perception/transmission, possible syndrome-specific causes of pain and pain expression/assessment in RTT, with the objective of promoting the quality of clinical practice in this crucial issue.
Details
Keywords
Hylmee Matahir, Jain Yassin, Herniza Roxanne Marcus, Nur Aima Shafie and Nor Farizal Mohammed
This paper aims to examine the dynamic relationship among energy efficiency, health expenditure and economic growth in Malaysia over the sample period of 1980–2016.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the dynamic relationship among energy efficiency, health expenditure and economic growth in Malaysia over the sample period of 1980–2016.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses autoregressive distributed lag cointegration analysis and the causality approach by the vector error correction model to analyse the relationship among energy efficiency, which is proxied by energy intensity and the determinant factors.
Findings
The findings of this paper suggest long-run cointegration causal links between economic growth and health expenditure. However, a mixed conclusion for both determinants exists: an increase in real income contributes to more efficient use of energy sources, whereas an increase in government spending on health intensifies energy usage.
Originality/value
Most previous relevant research has focussed on energy efficiency as measured by economic intensity and economic growth and do not relate to the issue of health expenditure. The recent health catastrophe brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic emphasises the significance of allocating more resources to health care. The findings will be helpful in the development of energy efficiency and economic policies in pursuit of sustainable development goals.