A study on ceramic composite filters utilizing rice husk for enhancing groundwater quality

Summary: This study addresses the persistent reliance of certain communities on groundwater for drinking purposes, despite its failure to meet quality standards due to the presence of harmful coliform bacteria. To meet these standards, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly filtration method is proposed, utilizing clay and rice husk as formative elements. The research focuses on creating a ceramic composite filter by blending rice husk with clay in varying compositions (30 %, 40 %, and 50 %). The mixture is processed into a paste, shaped into a green body, air-dried, and fired at different temperatures (875 °C, 900 °C, and 925 °C). Compression, porosity, and flow tests are conducted to evaluate the filter's performance. An increase in rice husk composition leads to higher flow rates, indicating improved water flow through the filter, suggests a positive influence of rice husk on the hydraulic characteristics of the filter material. The ceramic composite filter effectively filters coliform bacteria, achieving a 93 % reduction, although it falls short of meeting drinking water quality standards. The optimal sintering temperature is identified at 900 °C with a forming pressure of 30 MPa. This study emphasizes the potential of clay and rice husk-based ceramic filters as a viable option for improving groundwater quality, acknowledging their positive impact on porosity and flow characteristics. However, further refinement is required to fully align with established drinking water quality standards, suggesting avenues for future research and development in this critical field. This research explores the potential development of technology ceramic composite filter with the hope of making a positive contribution to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions in the futur

Formalization of decision-making procedures regarding the extension of the operation term of railway rolling stock in the conditions of post-war development of Ukraine

Summary: Today, the vast majority of the railway transport fleet in Ukraine has reached the end of its service life, set by the manufacturer. One of the ways to solve the problem of aging rolling stock, along with the purchase of new wagons and locomotives, remains the extension of the service life of passenger wagons due to the restoration of their resource during appropriate repairs. However, the extension of the service life of rolling stock in Ukraine is regulated by a large number of documents (more than a dozen). Since information is scattered in various sources, the need to consider many criteria regarding the possibility of extending the service life of various types of railway rolling stock units creates certain difficulties in perceiving information and takes time to make a decision on the appointment of the necessary type of repair. One of the solutions to the problem of decentralization of the regulatory framework, along with its change, is its formalization for further development of automated decision-making systems in this area. The paper proposes the classification of passenger wagons of locomotive traction (as the most difficult case) by type and place of production from the point of view of the issue of continuing operation beyond the period established by the manufacturer. An algorithm has been developed for the exact calculation of the difference between dates (construction, repair history, and the maximum period of operation), ensuring compliance with regulatory documents, and based on it, software that allows to determine the existence of grounds for extending the term as quickly as possible in the conditions of technical diagnostics using a smartphone operation of the load-bearing structures of locomotive traction passenger wagons and calculate the type of repair that must be scheduled according to the calendar perio

Application of alkali-activated cements for immobilization of dry low-level radioactive waste containing copper ferrocyanide

Summary: The possibility of using alkali-activated slag-Portland cement for immobilization of dry radioactive waste containing copper ferrocyanide they been confirmed. Because of optimization, the areas of existence of compositions that provide the criterion requirements for strength have been established. Introduction of magnetite additives in the amount of 14...15 wt. % (factor X1), zeolite in the amount of 6.5...7.5 wt. % (factor X2) and dry radioactive waste on the basis of copper ferrocyanide in the amount of 10...12 wt. % (factor X3) provides criterion requirements for compressive strength. The maximum value of strength – 13.2 MPa on the 28th day of hardening is characteristic for the above-mentioned quantities of additives, and it is 1.32 times higher than the standard level of strength. Introduction of zeolite for 6.5...7.5 wt. % allows to reduce the mass and density (1.07 times), radioactivity (1.09 times) of composites. Because of modelling of compound compositions, especially in the expected reactions, the factor X3 shows a weakening factor contributing to the reduction of values of output parameters. Therefore, the introduction of dry radioactive waste into the alkaline slag-Portland cement matrix containing copper ferrocyanide is limited to no more than 12 wt. %. The processes occurring in the volume of the material explain the reduction of mass, density and radioactivity of the compounds. The energy released during radioactive decay of cesium, strontium and other radionuclides is absorbed by magnetite and converted into heat. Heat promotes the removal of physically bound and partially chemically bound water from the structure of tobermorite-like low-basic calcium hydrosilicates, hydrogranates, alkaline-alkaline-earth zeolite-type hydroaluminosilicates, and copper ferrocyanide hydrate shell. However, the passage of radiolysis does not affect the kinetics of strength gain of the compounds, but contributes to the increase of their compressive strength by 1.87 times compared to the strength of the compounds on 7 days of curin

Investigation of the influence of an intermediate adapter on the dynamic load of a supporting structure of a platform wagon

Summary: This article is focused on a presentation of the results of the theoretical justification of the use of an intermediate adapter placed between the main supporting structure of a platform wagon and the cargo. Such a decision will contribute to reducing the vertical load of both the supporting structure of a platform wagon and ensuring the safety of the cargo transported on it. The mathematical modelling of the vertical load of a platform wagon supporting structure when moving along the joint unevenness of the track was carried out to substantiate the use of the designed intermediate adapter. In this regard, a corresponding mathematical model was created. There is taken into account an oscillating system consisting of four bodies: the platform wagon supporting structure, two bogies (the 18–100 model) and the cargo. At the same time, the cargo is considered up to the full carrying capacity of the platform wagon. The track is considered elastic-viscous. The mathematical model was solved in the MathCad software. The initial conditions (displacement and velocities) are set to be close to zero. The results of the solution established that the accelerations acting on the platform wagon supporting structure are reduced by 8.4 % compared to those acting on the typical structure without the designed intermediate adapter. The acceleration acting on the cargo placed on the platform wagon frame is 11.9 % lower in comparison with the standard load perception scheme. The strength analysis of the adapter was calculated considering the determined values of the accelerations. At the same time, the finite element method was used for the strength analysis of the adapter in the SolidWorks Simulation software. It was determined that the calculated maximum stresses in the adapter structure are 4.1 % lower than permissible stress values. Therefore, the strength condition of the adapter is met. The performed research will contribute to a creation of developments in the design of modern designs of railway vehicle

Socio-cyber-physical systems’ threats classifier

Summary: The article considers a new approach to the formation of a threat classifier in socio-cyber-physical systems. These systems, as a rule, are complex and based on the synthesis of cyber-physical components using smart technologies and social networks. It is important to note that these systems also belong to critical infrastructure objects, which requires a new approach to the creation of multi-contour security systems. An important task for the formation of the security contour of such systems is the development of a threat classifier that allows to objectively assess the criticality of the organization's infrastructure elements. The presented classifier allows to define an expert approach at the initial stage for establishing weighting factors of the influence of threats, such as anomalies, deviations from normal functioning and computer incidents. At the next stage, the characteristics of the impact of threats on the platforms of socio-cyber-physical systems, as well as their impact on the external and internal aspects of the system, are determined. The influence of social engineering methods, which can significantly increase the risk of threat implementation and create various channels for their implementation, including mixed (targeted) attacks, is considered in detail. On the basis of the proposed approach to the classification of threats, a method of assessing the current state of the level of security of socio-cyber-physical systems and the possibilities of determining the critical points of the system infrastructure is proposed. Countermeasures and the ability of multi-loop security systems to provide effective infrastructure protection are also discusse

Study on the composite structure of cobalt-free oxides as cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs)

Summary: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) represent a promising technology for efficient and clean energy conversion. This study focuses on the design and development of a novel cathode material for SOFCs, specifically exploring the use of a free-cobalt cathode within a composite structure. Investigating the structure of cobalt-free composites of Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3-δ (BSF) and Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8B0.2O3-δ (B=Cu, Zn) (BSFB) have been prepared and evaluated as cathodes for IT-SOFCs. The solid-state reaction was employed for generating and modifying the composite structure of the model system. The decomposition reaction and the formation of perovskite structure have been observed using thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The study encompasses experimental procedures, data processing using GSAS software, and the application of the Rietveld method to achieve precise analysis results. Rietveld analysis outcomes offer intricate details about the crystal structure, encompassing crystal unit parameters, and scale factors. The solid-state reaction led to the reduction in the weight of the composite during the heating process. The decomposition reaction of oxides was generated between 650 to 950 oC. The average of total weight loss during the period treatment was achieved up to 18 % and the perovskite phase formed in the composite structure. A single-phase perovskite from a cubic structure with space group Pm-3m was demonstrated by all composite’s models. The lattice parameter and a unit cell volume were obtained from the model system of BSF, BSFC and BSFZ, respectively. This study explores the potential development of SOFCs technology with the hope of making a positive contribution to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions in the futur

Development of digital twin ecosystem and ontology in medicine

Summary: Providing citizens with high-quality and safe medical services, providing information support for medical research and continuous medical education, making both doctor’s decisions and management decisions necessitated the provision of tools to ensure complex digitization of healthcare. To achieve these goals, a wide range of modern technologies have emerged. One such technology is digital twin technology. Modern medicine, being formed in the environment of Health 4.0, includes not only the treatment of patients, but also the management of healthcare, the prevention of diseases and the processes of health restoration. With the increasing popularity of information communication technologies, people’s demand for health services is shifting from offline service to new online models. Currently, the field of online medicine is not developed enough to serve the elderly, chronically ill people and the people with infectious diseases. Using the advantages of digital twins in solving these problems can give positive results. The article describes the nature, capabilities and applications of digital twin technology. The principles of the formation of the medical digital twin ecosystem are developed to ensure citizens’ accessibility to medical services and to make both medical and managerial decisions. The architecture and structural components of the digital twin ecosystem providing the connection between physical medical objects (patient, hospital, doctor, etc.) and their virtual images are shown. An ontological model for the staged construction and functionalization of the general DT of healthcare is proposed and its hierarchical architecture is establishe

Development and analysis of computer vision system for micromechanics

Summary: In micromechanics the best technologies are MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and MicroEquipment Technology (MET). The MEMS used the electronic technology to produce mechanical components. Due to the advantages of the MET such as the development of low-cost micro devices, the possibility of using various manufacturing materials, the possibility of producing three-dimensional microcomponents it will be very useful to automatize all processes of mechanics production and develop different technological innovations. The automation and robotics are two closely related technologies since automation can be defined as a technology that is related to the use of mechanical-electrical systems based on computers for the operation and control of production. The field of micromechanics has been involved in different applications that cover almost all areas of science and technology, an example of this is the management of microdevices for the autofocus of digital cameras whose objective is image processing (recognizing and locate objects). The use of computer vision systems can help to automate the work of MEMS and MET systems, so the study of image processing using a computer is very important. The objective was to design a computer vision system that allows the movement of the lens to focus the work area, for the monitoring of the micromachine tool in manufacturing processes and assembly of microcomponents in real time using previously developed image recognition algorithms. The developed algorithms use the criterion of improving the contrast of the input image. We describe our approach and obtained results. This approach can be used not only in micromechanics but in nanomechanics to

Lexicon-based sentiment analysis of medical data

The article explores the possibilities of applying sentiment analysis for the use of information collected in the medical social media environment in medical decision-making. Opinions and feedbacks of medical social media subjects (physician, patient, health institution, etc.) make media resources an important source of information. The information collected in these sources can be used to improve the quality of health care and make decisions, taking into account the public opinion. Researches in this field have actualized the application of artificial intelligence methods, i.e., sentiment analysis methods. In this regard, it segments the medical social media environment in accordance with user relationships, and shows the nature of the information collected on each segment and its importance in decision-making to improve the quality of medical services. The possibilities of applying the lexicon-based sentiment analysis method for studying and classifying the collected data are explained in detail. The open database cms_hospital_satisfaction_2019 by the Kaggle company is used, and the opinions collected from patients about the services provided by a specific medical center are analyzed. This study analyzes opinions using the Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner lexicon and classifies them as neutral, positive and negative and the implementation of this process is described in stages. The importance of the obtained results in decision-making regarding the better organization, evaluation and improvement of the activity of the medical institution is show

A conceptual model of the data ecosystem formation in the health 4.0

Digitalization of health and medicine has become a global trend in recent years. The development of this trend is manifested in improving the quality of medical care, increasing access to medical services, and ensuring more effective health decisions. The global health trend is characterized by the transition from e-health to digital health, which is closely related to the formation and development of Industry 4.0. The projection of innovative approaches of Industry 4.0 into the health sector opens up great opportunities for creating a new healthcare paradigm (Health 4.0) by integrating modern technologies, analytical tools and smart medical devices. This article highlights Industry 4.0 technologies, the integration of which into healthcare has led to the generation of a huge amount of various data. Data collected through new technologies on the Health 4.0 platform, their types, structure, sources and capabilities are examined. It is shown that for the collection, transmission, storage, processing of heterogeneous data of a large volume, the introduction of new approaches and methods is required. In the environment of technological transformation, the evolution of the healthcare system at the data level and the conceptual model of the chain of formation of the Healthcare 4.0 ecosystem are proposed. The content of the components included in the Healthcare 4.0 data ecosystem is determined. Some problems arising in the formation of the data ecosystem on the Healthcare 4.0 platform and the processing of large health data are studie