Arçelik (Turkey)

Abstract The integration of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the treatment of laundry wastewater could significantly improve resource efficiency and reduce overall freshwater consumption, thus contributing to sustainable water management strategies. This study therefore demonstrated the effectiveness of different AOPs including O 3 , H 2 O 2 , O 3 /H 2 O 2 , O 3 /UV-C, H 2 O 2 /UV-C, and O 3 /H 2 O 2 /UV-C in the treatment of laundry wastewater to determine the most efficient AOP based on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and methylene blue active substances (MBAS). The results showed that the O 3 /H 2 O 2 /UV-C method had the highest removal efficiency for both COD (83%) and MBAS (96%). Additionally, a significant reduction in microbial growth was observed in the treated wastewater compared to untreated raw wastewater. Textile tests with the treated wastewater confirmed its potential for reuse in washing machines, as evidenced by achieving a gray scale number of 5, the highest possible without dyeing. These results are further proof of the feasibility of in-situ treatment for the sustainable reuse of laundry wastewater.

In recent years, rapid advancements in LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology have enabled high-brightness white LEDs—with superior features such as energy efficiency and long lifespan—to replace incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lamps. However, with this transformation, the requirements for high power factor (PF) and low total harmonic distortion (THD) have become prominent to achieve energy savings and reduce environmental impacts. In this paper, the development of low-cost and highly efficient power converter topologies has emerged as a valuable research area. The SEPIC (Single-Ended Primary-Inductor Converter), which offers a single-stage structure, stands out as an ideal solution in non-isolated applications due to its ability to perform both boost and buck operations. Operating the SEPIC topology in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) allows the input current too closely follow the input voltage, thereby reducing harmonic distortion and enabling a high-power factor. In this study, A 30W SEPIC-based LED driver for automotive lighting systems is designed and implemented, achieving an output voltage of 21V from a wide input voltage range of 9V to 36V. Experimental results show a high efficiency of 91.3% at full load, 94.6% at half load, and up to 95.2% during low-beam dimming operation. This study introduces a robust and efficient reference design for LED drivers supporting high-beam, low-beam, daytime running light (DRL) functions, offering valuable insights for both academic and industrial applications.

Human Mpox disease (MPX) is an endemic zoonotic disease that develops when patients are infected with the Mpox virus (MPXV). MPXV shares a high level of genetic similarity to other poxviruses and the clinical presentation of MPX is similar to other poxvirus infections which can result in a delay in diagnosis. In addition, the MPXV virus is phylogenetically divided into two different clades which affects the severity of disease. In recent years, there has been an unusual worldwide spread of MPXV, leading to a global public health problem. The most important step in the fight against MPX is rapid, highly specific, and accurate diagnosis. Following the rapid spread of disease in recent years, efforts to develop diagnostic tests have gained momentum. Here, MPX, MPX epidemiology, and MPX diagnostic tests are discussed. Furthermore, biochemical diagnostic tests, molecular diagnostic tests and their development, and point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic applications are reviewed. Molecular diagnostic technologies such as polymerase chain reaction, recombinase polymerase amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification methods that detect MPX are evaluated. Additionally, next-generation combined molecular techniques and their importance in PoC transition are explored.

Abstract Different skin diseases, such as cancers, inflammatory conditions, and bacterial infections, manifest at distinct skin depths. Microneedle arrays, recognized for their painless and minimally invasive drug administration, can be customized to penetrate these layers simultaneously. Here, the design of the microneedles (MNs) in nonlinear ways with diverse needle heights on the array enabling concurrent drug delivery to various skin layers is engineered. Additionally, varying the base diameter of the needles in the array facilitates prolonged or intermittent drug release, depending on the biodegradation kinetics of these needles. MNs, microfabricated with a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, are validated by skin administration. The nonlinear design of the MNs on the array introduces a novel perspective on addressing skin diseases at varying depths of the skin.

Microneedles (MNs), that is, a matrix of micrometer-scale needles, have diverse applications in drug delivery, skincare therapy, and health monitoring. MNs offer a minimally invasive alternative to hypodermic needles, characterized by rapid and painless procedures, cost-effective fabrication methods, and reduced tissue damage. This study explores four MN designs, cone-shaped, tapered cone-shaped, pyramidal with a square base, and pyramidal with a triangular-shaped base, and their optimization based on predefined criteria. The workflow encompasses three loading conditions: compressive load during insertion, critical buckling load, and bending loading resulting from incorrect insertion. Geometric parameters such as base radius/width, tip radius/width, height, and tapered angle tip influence the output criteria, namely, total deformation, critical buckling loads, factor of safety (FOS), and bending stress. The comprehensive framework employing a design of experiment approach within the ANSYS workbench toolbox establishes a mathematical model and a response surface fitting model. The resulting regression model, sensitivity chart, and response curve are used to create a multiobjective optimization problem that helps achieve an optimized MN geometrical design across the introduced four shapes, integrating machine learning (ML) techniques. This study contributes valuable insights into a potential ML-augmented optimization framework for MNs via needle designs to stay durable for various physiologically relevant conditions.

Despite the growing number of research in Human-Food Interaction (HFI), studies mainly adopt a technology-oriented approach. The field focuses on creating foods computationally, leaving the device design neglected. This paper addresses this oversight by focusing on a prominent technology as a case study (i.e., 3D Food Printing) and exploring new forms and meanings HFI technologies may embody. We first explored domestic users' food-related dynamics, habits, and preferences in everyday life (N=19). We then present the outcomes of design workshops with 25 professional designers, resulting in 73 unique concepts aligned with the in-sights from domestic kitchen users. Overall, we extracted ten design implications and developed three final concepts. The value of the design implications for HFI research unfolds in reconsidering definitions, limitations, and resource domains when ideating new technologies, thus extending the possibilities for future artifacts.