Topic Review
Impacts of AV and CAV Technologies
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) and connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are expected to have a significant impact on highways. The capacity impact of AVs will change based on their penetration in the vehicle fleet. For medium-term planning horizons, AVs will reduce capacities, whereas for long-term planning horizons and the buildout, capacities will be positively impacted. 
  • 389
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Emissions, Decarbonization, and Alternative Fuels in Inland Navigation
In response to the pressing need for transportation decarbonization, the often overlooked domain of inland waterway transport and seeks to answer which alternative fuel or power source is the most promising for that sector. As the shipping industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, it has been shifting towards alternative fuels and decarbonization measures in the effort to reduce them, whereas the inland waterways, operating predominantly on diesel engines, have not achieved equivalent substantial progress. Liquified natural gas (LNG) initially emerged as a favored alternative fuel, but recent studies emphasize a shift towards “greener” solutions like batteries and hydrogen. Europe and Asia lead in these developments. This investigation uncovers critical gaps in research and development, particularly in the Northern European countries that have extensive inland waterway networks. It also calls for future studies to explore the performance of vessels that have adopted LNG compared to other emerging alternatives and emphasizes the importance of considering the time lag between technology development and research publication.
  • 250
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Ankle and Foot Arthroplasty and Prosthesis
The foot and ankle serve vital roles in weight bearing, balance, and flexibility but are susceptible to many diverse ailments, making treatment difficult. More commonly, Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) and Total Talus Replacement (TTR) are used for patients with ankle degeneration and avascular necrosis of the talus, respectively. Ankle prosthesis and orthosis are also indicated for use with lower limb extremity amputations or locomotor disability, leading to the development of powered exoskeletons. However, patient outcomes remain suboptimal, commonly due to the misfitting of implants to the patient-specific anatomy. Additive manufacturing (AM) is being used to create customized, patient-specific implants and porous implant cages that provide structural support while allowing for increased bony ingrowth and to develop customized, lightweight exoskeletons with multifunctional actuators. AM implants and devices have shown success in preserving stability and mobility of the joint and achieving fast recovery, as well as significant improvements in gait rehabilitation, gait assistance, and strength for patients. 
  • 293
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
From Shallow to Deep Bioprocess Hybrid Modeling
Hybrid neural network (HNN)  modeling is the combination of artificial neural networks (ANNs) with prior knowledge in a mathematical framework. There are two main approaches to incorporating prior knowledge: design and training methods. Design approaches use prior knowledge to define the network structure, while training approaches use it to guide parameter estimation. Both approaches reduce data dependency, making models less sensitive to sparse and noisy data, and improving their descriptive and predictive capabilities compared to pure ANNs. HNNs are a powerful tool for understanding complex processes like bioprocesses and accelerating product development. Bioprocess modeling is challenging due to nonlinearity, dynamics, and uncertainty. Traditional models based on physical and chemical laws can be overly simplistic or hard to calibrate. Data-driven ANN models lack interpretability and generalization. HNNs combine the strengths of both approaches, enhancing the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of bioprocess modeling by integrating prior knowledge with ANNs.
  • 238
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Product Engineering Modelling in Aesthetic Design Education
By progressively embracing the general principles of integrated, parametric, interdisciplinary design that considers the manufacturing elements of the imagined product, the modern aesthetic designer is called upon to broaden their knowledge and abilities. Especially when there is a need to produce complex shapes, when cost-effective, there are also numerous 3D printing technologies available today, to be used both in the conceptual phase (prototyping) and for actual production.
  • 264
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Using STEM to Educate Engineers about Sustainability
Sustainable design means to base design on any systems and methods that can fulfill any of the sustainability goals: reducing waste, recycling plastics, upcycle materials, etc., and having less of an impact on the environment. Therefore, a challenge arises: how to design products based on sustainable design. This research presents a case study, about how students in a university’s design department, used sustainability practices in their projects, to adopt sustainability as a major aspect during the design process of a product. The researchers used STEM methodologies to educate and guide the students to adopt recycling and upcycling practices to design and develop an educational mobile robot for Educational Robotics and Mechatronics applications. Students were encouraged to develop their problem-solving approaches when developing their designed robots, for a mechatronics project given to them. In this way, the researchers fostered the active and motivated participation of students; an increased interest was found related to several factors, including challenge, competition, group participation, and more. 
  • 424
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Voltage-Source-Converter-Based High Voltage Direct Current Transmission System
Long-distance offshore wind power transmission systems utilize multi-terminal high voltage direct current (MT-HVDC) connections based on voltage source converters (VSCs). In addition to having the potential to work around restrictions, the VSC-based MT-HVDC transmission system has significant technical and economic merits over the HVAC transmission system. Offshore wind farms (OWFs) will inevitably grow because of their outstanding resistance to climate change and ability to provide sustainable energy without producing hazardous waste. Due to stronger and more persistent sea winds, the OWF often has a higher generation capacity with less negative climate effects. The majority of modern installations are distant from the shore and produce more power than the early OWF sites, which are situated close to the shore. 
  • 360
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Automated Shuttle Buses
Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAV) is an umbrella term for shared public buses and logistics vehicles, also known as robot taxis or shuttle buses. Automated shuttle buses entail adopting new technologies and modifying users’ practices, cultural and symbolic meanings, policies, and markets. This results in a paradigmatic transition for a typical sociotechnical system: the transport system. However, the focus of the extant literature often lacks an overall vision, addressing a single technology, supply chain, or societal dimension. Although systemic design can manage multiple-level and long-term transitions, the literature does not discuss how systemic design tools can support implementation. 
  • 338
  • 17 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Graphene-Based Materials for Tribological Engineering Applications
Graphene and graphene-based materials are relatively novel 2D materials with great tribological potential. Graphene is inherently low-friction, very high stiffness, and its thermal conductivity may reduce friction and wear.
  • 279
  • 17 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Power Cost and CO2 Emissions
Hydrogen is considered the primary energy source of the future. The best use of hydrogen is in microgrids that have renewable energy sources (RES). These sources have a small impact on the environment when it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a power generation cost close to that of conventional power plants.
  • 260
  • 17 Nov 2023
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