Saturday, March 29, 2025

Predicting Thermal Runaway in Electric Vehicles: A Risk-Based Approach

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the automotive industry with their sustainability, efficiency, and reduced emissions. However, battery safety remains a critical challenge—especially the risk of thermal runaway. This dangerous phenomenon occurs when a battery cell overheats uncontrollably, leading to fire, explosion, or complete failure.

To enhance EV safety, researchers are developing risk accumulation models to identify vehicles most susceptible to thermal runaway before failure occurs. Let’s explore how this approach works and why it’s crucial for the future of EV technology.

                                                                           


What is Thermal Runaway?

Thermal runaway is a chain reaction where excessive heat in a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery leads to:

⚠️ Increased internal temperature → ⚠️ Decomposition of battery materials → ⚠️ Gas generation & pressure buildup → ⚠️ Fire or explosion

Key Causes of Thermal Runaway in EV Batteries

1️⃣ Overcharging or Overdischarging – Alters internal chemistry, leading to heat buildup.
2️⃣ Mechanical Damage – Crashes or impacts can puncture battery cells.
3️⃣ Manufacturing Defects – Poor cell design or contamination increases risk.
4️⃣ High Ambient Temperature – Prolonged exposure to heat accelerates degradation.
5️⃣ Poor Cooling System Performance – Inefficient heat dissipation raises temperatures.

Risk Accumulation: A New Approach to Identifying Vulnerable EVs

Instead of waiting for sensors to detect overheating, researchers are now developing risk accumulation models that predict which vehicles are at higher risk of thermal runaway based on multiple stress factors over time.

🔹 How It Works:
Collect Data – Battery voltage, temperature, current, charge cycles, and environmental factors.
Assess Risk Contribution – Each factor (e.g., high-speed charging, frequent deep discharges) is assigned a risk score.
Cumulative Risk Index – By tracking stress accumulation, the model identifies EVs nearing critical safety thresholds.
Early Warning System – Vehicles flagged for preventive maintenance or battery replacement before failure occurs.

Machine Learning & AI in Thermal Runaway Prediction

Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms play a vital role in analyzing vast amounts of battery data and recognizing patterns that indicate high-risk vehicles.

🚗 Techniques Used in Prediction Models:
📌 Neural Networks – Identify nonlinear relationships in battery aging patterns.
📌 Decision Trees & Random Forests – Classify vehicles based on accumulated risk scores.
📌 Bayesian Networks – Factor in uncertainty and predict failure probability.

Why This Matters for EV Safety

🔹 Early Detection = Fewer Accidents – Prevents catastrophic EV battery failures.
🔹 Extended Battery Life – Identifies stressors that accelerate degradation.
🔹 Cost Savings – Reduces expensive recalls and insurance claims.
🔹 Enhanced Consumer Confidence – Boosts EV adoption by ensuring safer designs.

The Future of EV Thermal Safety

As risk accumulation models evolve, we may see real-time onboard diagnostics that warn drivers and fleet operators before a dangerous battery event occurs. With better battery monitoring, AI-powered risk prediction, and proactive maintenance, EVs will continue to become safer and more reliable.

💬 What do you think about AI-driven battery safety in EVs? Let’s discuss!

31st Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 25-26 April 2025 | Berlin, Germany

Nomination Link

Friday, March 28, 2025

Optimizing Parallel SiC MOSFETs: Current Balancing Using PCB Sensors

Introduction

Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs are transforming power electronics, offering higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and lower losses compared to traditional silicon devices. However, in high-power applications, multiple SiC MOSFETs are often connected in parallel to handle greater current loads.

A major challenge? Current imbalance.

When MOSFETs operate in parallel, even slight variations in device characteristics can lead to unequal current sharing, causing:
Overheating of certain devices
Reduced efficiency
Early device failure

To tackle this, researchers are now using PCB-based current sensors with peak detection techniques to actively monitor and balance current flow in parallel SiC MOSFETs.

                                                                           


Why Do Parallel SiC MOSFETs Need Current Balancing?

In theory, parallel-connected MOSFETs should evenly share current, but in reality, factors like:
🔹 Threshold voltage mismatch
🔹 Variations in internal resistance (Rds(on))
🔹 Differences in gate drive signals
🔹 Parasitic inductance in PCB layout

…can cause one MOSFET to carry more current than others, leading to overloading and failure.

Peak Detection Using PCB Sensors: A Smart Solution

Instead of using bulky, expensive current sensors, PCB-based sensors provide a compact, cost-effective way to monitor current in real time.

📌 How It Works:
1️⃣ Embedded PCB traces act as current sensors, detecting voltage drops caused by flowing current.
2️⃣ A peak detection circuit captures transient current peaks during switching events.
3️⃣ This data is used to adjust gate drive signals or modify circuit design to ensure balanced current distribution.

Advantages of Using PCB Sensors for Current Balancing

Compact & Low-Cost – Eliminates the need for expensive Hall-effect sensors or shunt resistors.
High-Speed Response – Captures fast switching transients in SiC MOSFETs.
Real-Time Monitoring – Enables adaptive gate control for active current balancing.
Enhanced Reliability – Prevents overheating and extends device lifespan.

Applications in Power Electronics

🔹 EV Powertrains – Ensures balanced current flow in high-power inverters.
🔹 Renewable Energy – Improves efficiency in solar and wind power converters.
🔹 Industrial Drives – Enhances performance in motor control systems.

Conclusion

Using PCB-based current sensors with peak detection offers a game-changing approach to balancing current in parallel SiC MOSFETs. By ensuring equal current sharing, this technique helps maximize efficiency, reliability, and longevity in high-power applications.

As SiC technology continues to evolve, smart current monitoring solutions like this will be key to unlocking its full potential.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Effects of a liquefied petroleum gas stove and fuel intervention on head circumference and length at birth: A multi-country household air pollution intervention network (HAPIN) trial

Introduction

For millions of households worldwide, traditional cooking methods using wood, charcoal, or dung remain the primary source of fuel. While these fuels provide energy, they also generate high levels of household air pollution (HAP)—a major risk factor for respiratory diseases, poor pregnancy outcomes, and child development issues.

The HAPIN (Household Air Pollution Intervention Network) trial, a groundbreaking multi-country study, examines whether switching to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves can improve newborn health, particularly focusing on head circumference and length at birth.

Why Birth Size Matters

Head circumference and length at birth are key indicators of fetal growth and brain development. Smaller measurements are often linked to:
🔹 Higher risk of neonatal mortality
🔹 Lower cognitive development in childhood
🔹 Increased risk of chronic diseases later in life

Could reducing household air pollution with clean cooking solutions lead to better birth outcomes? The HAPIN trial investigates this important question.

The HAPIN Study: Design and Implementation

The HAPIN trial is a randomized controlled study conducted across four countries:
🌎 Guatemala
🌎 India
🌎 Peru
🌎 Rwanda

The study enrolled pregnant women in households using solid fuels and randomly assigned some to receive LPG stoves and free fuel throughout pregnancy. Researchers then compared the birth size (head circumference and length) of babies born in intervention vs. control groups.

Key Findings: Did LPG Improve Birth Size?

Reduction in Household Air Pollution: Households using LPG had significantly lower exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and carbon monoxide (CO)—major pollutants linked to poor birth outcomes.

Improved Birth Length, but Limited Head Circumference Changes:
🔹 Some regions showed slightly longer newborn length in the LPG group.
🔹 However, the effect on head circumference was not significant, suggesting other factors (e.g., nutrition, maternal health) may play a stronger role.

Potential Long-Term Benefits: While immediate birth outcomes showed moderate improvements, reducing air pollution exposure during pregnancy could have long-term benefits for child growth and cognitive function.

Why the Impact Might Be Modest

While cleaner cooking fuels reduce airborne toxins, birth outcomes are also shaped by:
🔸 Maternal nutrition and health
🔸 Prenatal care access
🔸 Genetic and environmental factors

Thus, a single intervention (like switching to LPG) may not be enough to fully optimize birth size but remains a critical step toward healthier pregnancies.

                                                                  


The Bigger Picture: Clean Cooking for a Healthier Future

🔹 3 billion people still rely on polluting fuels for cooking.
🔹 Indoor air pollution contributes to over 4 million premature deaths annually.
🔹 Transitioning to clean energy (LPG, electric, or biogas) is essential for maternal and infant health worldwide.

Final Thoughts

The HAPIN trial highlights the importance of clean cooking interventions for newborn health. While LPG adoption alone may not drastically change birth size, it reduces pollution exposure, setting the stage for better long-term health outcomes.

Moving forward, integrating clean energy solutions with maternal health programs could amplify benefits—helping ensure that every baby gets the healthiest start in life.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilization to Boost Sugar Beet Productivity and Socio-Ecological Benefits in China: Insights from a Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Sugar beet is a key crop in China’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to sugar production and rural economies. However, achieving optimal yields while maintaining environmental sustainability is a major challenge—primarily due to the inefficient use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Overuse of nitrogen not only increases production costs but also leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

A recent meta-analysis of sugar beet farming practices across China provides valuable insights into how optimizing nitrogen application can enhance both crop productivity and socio-ecological benefits. Let’s dive into the findings and explore why smart nitrogen management is the key to sustainable sugar beet farming.

                                                                            


The Role of Nitrogen in Sugar Beet Cultivation

Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, impacting root development, chlorophyll synthesis, and sugar accumulation in sugar beets. However, applying too much nitrogen can lead to:
❌ Reduced sugar content in beets
❌ Increased soil acidification and nutrient imbalances
❌ Higher emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas
❌ Contamination of groundwater through nitrate leaching

On the other hand, too little nitrogen can stunt growth and reduce yields. Finding the right balance is essential for maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental harm.

Key Findings from the Meta-Analysis

🔎 1. Optimized Nitrogen Application Increases Yield and Quality
The study revealed that moderate nitrogen application (120–180 kg/ha) significantly increased sugar beet root yield and improved sugar content. Excessive nitrogen (>200 kg/ha) led to larger root biomass but diluted sugar concentration, reducing overall quality.

🔎 2. Reduced Environmental Impact with Precision Fertilization
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) improved with precision fertilization methods such as split application, deep placement, and fertigation. These techniques cut nitrogen losses by up to 30%, reducing nitrate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

🔎 3. Economic Benefits for Farmers
By adopting optimized nitrogen management, farmers reduced fertilizer costs by 15-25%, while maintaining or even increasing crop yields. Higher sugar content also led to better market prices, boosting profitability.

🔎 4. Socio-Ecological Advantages
Sustainable nitrogen management not only benefits farmers but also contributes to improved soil health, cleaner water resources, and reduced carbon footprint, supporting China’s green agriculture goals.

Best Practices for Nitrogen Optimization in Sugar Beet Farming

Site-Specific Fertilization – Tailor nitrogen application based on soil tests and crop needs rather than applying a fixed amount.
Split Application – Apply nitrogen in multiple doses (e.g., before planting, during early growth, and mid-season) to enhance uptake and reduce losses.
Use of Nitrification Inhibitors – These slow down nitrogen conversion, preventing leaching and gaseous losses.
Adoption of Organic Fertilizers – Combining synthetic nitrogen with organic manure or compost improves soil structure and microbial activity.
Precision Agriculture Technologies – Tools like remote sensing, AI-driven soil analysis, and GPS-guided fertilization help optimize nitrogen use with higher accuracy.

Conclusion: A Path Toward Sustainable Sugar Beet Farming

The meta-analysis highlights that optimizing nitrogen application is a win-win strategy for both farmers and the environment. By fine-tuning fertilization practices, China’s sugar beet industry can:
✔ Enhance yields and sugar quality
✔ Reduce fertilizer waste and environmental harm
✔ Improve farmer incomes and sustainability

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Award: Recognizing Visionaries Transforming Patient Care

Introduction

The healthcare industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by breakthroughs in technology, data-driven decision-making, and innovative care models. Behind every groundbreaking advancement, there are visionary leaders who push the boundaries of what’s possible—transforming patient care, improving access, and driving efficiency.

The Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Award celebrates these pioneers—individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to healthcare through innovation, leadership, and impact.

                                                           


Why Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Matters

The challenges in healthcare are complex:
Rising costs strain both providers and patients.
Aging populations increase the demand for high-quality care.
Technological disruptions require adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.
Data security & privacy concerns grow with the rise of digital health.

Leaders who embrace innovation are at the forefront of solving these issues—developing solutions that improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and create more sustainable healthcare systems.

What Defines a Healthcare Innovation Leader?

Recipients of the Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Award embody key qualities that set them apart:

🔹 Visionary Thinking – Anticipating future healthcare needs and driving change.
🔹 Technology Integration – Leveraging AI, telemedicine, big data, and robotics to enhance patient care.
🔹 Patient-Centric Approach – Developing solutions that prioritize patient outcomes, experience, and accessibility.
🔹 Collaboration & Influence – Bringing together stakeholders—clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and tech developers—to foster progress.
🔹 Impact & Scalability – Creating innovations that not only work in one setting but can be replicated for widespread change.

Innovations Shaping Modern Healthcare

Leaders recognized for their contributions to healthcare innovation have driven significant advancements across multiple domains, including:

🩺 Telemedicine & Remote Care – Expanding healthcare access through virtual consultations, reducing wait times, and improving rural healthcare access.

🧠 Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning – Enhancing diagnostics, predicting disease progression, and personalizing treatment plans.

💉 Biotechnology & Precision Medicine – Leveraging genetic insights for targeted therapies, revolutionizing cancer treatments and rare disease management.

🏥 Smart Hospitals & Digital Health – Implementing IoT-based monitoring, electronic health records (EHRs), and automated workflows to improve efficiency.

🌍 Global Health Initiatives – Driving scalable innovations to combat pandemics, improve vaccination programs, and enhance healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.

Celebrating Excellence: Past Award Winners & Their Impact

The Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Award has been presented to individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on global health. Past winners have:

✅ Developed AI-driven diagnostic tools that detect diseases earlier and more accurately.
✅ Launched blockchain-based patient records to enhance data security and interoperability.
✅ Created affordable and portable medical devices for use in low-resource settings.
✅ Spearheaded policy changes that drive innovation adoption at a national or global scale.

The Future of Healthcare Innovation Leadership

As healthcare continues to evolve, the next generation of leaders will face new challenges and opportunities, including:
📌 Advancing personalized medicine with AI-driven insights.
📌 Enhancing mental health services through digital platforms and virtual therapies.
📌 Strengthening global health equity by ensuring that innovations reach all populations.
📌 Harnessing quantum computing for drug discovery and disease modeling.

Conclusion

The Leadership in Healthcare Innovation Award not only honors pioneers in the field but also inspires future leaders to push boundaries and create transformative solutions. In a world where healthcare is rapidly evolving, innovation is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Machine Learning-Optimized Performance Enhancement of CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ Perovskite Solar Cells Using SCAPS-1D and wxAMPS

Introduction

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have revolutionized the field of photovoltaics due to their high efficiency, low-cost fabrication, and tunable properties. Among the various perovskite materials, CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ (Methylammonium Tin Bromide) is gaining attention as a lead-free alternative with promising optoelectronic properties. However, challenges like efficiency loss, stability issues, and charge recombination must be addressed for practical applications.

In this blog, we explore how machine learning (ML)-based optimization, combined with numerical simulations using SCAPS-1D and wxAMPS, can significantly enhance the performance of CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ PSCs by selecting the best charge transport materials (CTMs).

                                                                 


Why CH₃NH₃SnBr₃?

Lead-based perovskites like CH₃NH₃PbI₃ have dominated research due to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, concerns over lead toxicity have prompted a search for eco-friendly alternatives. Tin-based perovskites such as CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ offer a non-toxic solution while maintaining good optoelectronic properties like:
High absorption coefficient
Direct bandgap (~1.8 eV, ideal for visible-light absorption)
Potential for high efficiency in solar applications

Despite these advantages, tin perovskites suffer from high defect densities and rapid oxidation (Sn²⁺ → Sn⁴⁺), leading to performance degradation. Optimizing the charge transport layers (CTLs) can mitigate these issues.

The Role of Charge Transport Materials (CTMs)

Charge transport materials, including the electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL), play a crucial role in determining device efficiency. The right choice of CTMs enhances charge extraction, reduces recombination, and improves stability.

Common CTMs used in perovskite solar cells:
🔹 Electron Transport Layers (ETLs): TiO₂, SnO₂, ZnO, PCBM
🔹 Hole Transport Layers (HTLs): Spiro-OMeTAD, Cu₂O, PEDOT:PSS, NiO

Selecting the best combination of ETL and HTL is key to improving the device’s overall performance.

Machine Learning for PSC Optimization

Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool for material and device optimization in photovoltaics. By training ML models with experimental and simulation data, researchers can efficiently predict optimal CTMs, device structures, and operating conditions.

Key ML techniques used:
📌 Regression Models – Predict PCE based on material properties
📌 Neural Networks – Identify complex nonlinear relationships in device behavior
📌 Bayesian Optimization – Finds the best CTM combinations with minimal experiments

By integrating ML with numerical simulations (SCAPS-1D and wxAMPS), researchers can rapidly screen multiple CTM combinations and fine-tune parameters like:
🔹 Energy band alignment
🔹 Carrier mobility
🔹 Defect density reduction

SCAPS-1D & wxAMPS: Simulation Tools for Performance Enhancement

🔹 SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) is widely used for simulating PSCs by solving Poisson’s equation and continuity equations for charge carriers. It allows users to model defects, interface properties, and material characteristics.

🔹 wxAMPS (Advanced Semiconductor Device Simulator) provides an alternative approach to simulating multilayer solar cells, with a focus on recombination and transport mechanisms.

Using these tools, researchers can test different CTM configurations and validate ML predictions before moving to experimental fabrication.

Key Findings from ML-Based Optimization

🔸 Optimized CTM Combinations: ML-assisted simulations suggest that SnO₂ (ETL) and Cu₂O (HTL) offer the best performance for CH₃NH₃SnBr₃-based PSCs, minimizing charge recombination.

🔸 Band Alignment Improvement: Adjusting energy band offsets between CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ and CTMs enhances charge transport efficiency.

🔸 Efficiency Boost: ML-guided optimization predicts an efficiency increase of ~20-30% compared to conventional trial-and-error approaches.

Conclusion & Future Outlook

Machine learning is revolutionizing PSC research by accelerating material discovery and device optimization. By leveraging SCAPS-1D and wxAMPS, we can efficiently design high-performance CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ perovskite solar cells with optimal charge transport materials.

Future directions include:
🔹 Further enhancing stability with doped CTMs
🔹 Expanding ML models with real-world experimental datasets
🔹 Exploring new, cost-effective, and scalable fabrication methods

As ML-driven solar cell optimization advances, tin-based perovskites could soon become a viable alternative to lead-based counterparts, paving the way for eco-friendly, high-efficiency photovoltaics.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Monday, March 24, 2025

Advances in implantable capsule robots for monitoring and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

 

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Advances in Implantable Capsule Robots for Monitoring and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

The field of medical robotics has seen tremendous progress in recent years, particularly in the development of implantable capsule robots for gastrointestinal (GI) health. These tiny yet powerful devices are revolutionizing how doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat digestive disorders, offering a non-invasive, efficient, and patient-friendly approach to healthcare.

                                                            


What Are Implantable Capsule Robots?

Implantable capsule robots are miniaturized robotic devices that can be swallowed or implanted in the digestive tract to continuously monitor, diagnose, and even treat gastrointestinal diseases. Unlike traditional endoscopy, which requires sedation and hospital visits, these capsules provide real-time data collection and even targeted drug delivery without discomfort.

Key Technological Advances

  1. Wireless Powering and Communication

    • Early capsule endoscopes relied on batteries, limiting their operating time. Today, advanced wireless power transfer and energy harvesting technologies allow capsules to function longer without bulky power sources.

    • Wireless communication enables real-time data transmission to external devices, providing immediate insights for doctors.

  2. Precision Drug Delivery

    • Modern capsule robots can carry and release medications at specific locations within the GI tract, reducing side effects and improving treatment effectiveness.

    • Some models even have smart sensors that detect inflammation or infections and release drugs accordingly.

  3. Advanced Imaging and AI Integration

    • High-resolution cameras and AI-powered image analysis allow for accurate detection of ulcers, polyps, and even early-stage cancers.

    • AI algorithms can differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues, reducing diagnostic errors and improving efficiency.

  4. Minimally Invasive Surgical Capabilities

    • Some cutting-edge capsule robots are equipped with micro-tools for biopsy collection and tissue repair, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.

    • These capsules can be remotely controlled to perform small interventions inside the GI tract.

Applications in Gastrointestinal Disease Management

  • Early Cancer Detection: AI-powered capsules can detect colorectal cancer, significantly improving survival rates through early intervention.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Monitoring: Patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can benefit from continuous monitoring, helping doctors tailor treatments based on real-time inflammation levels.

  • Painless Diagnosis of GI Bleeding: Traditional methods for detecting internal bleeding can be uncomfortable. Capsule robots allow for non-invasive, continuous monitoring.

  • Smart Microbiome Analysis: These capsules can analyze gut bacteria, providing valuable insights into digestive health, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

The Future of Capsule Robots in Medicine

As technology progresses, capsule robots will become even smarter and more autonomous. Future developments may include:
AI-driven autonomous movement, allowing capsules to navigate the GI tract independently.
Long-term implantation, enabling continuous health monitoring for chronic conditions.
Biodegradable materials, eliminating the need for retrieval after use.

Conclusion

Implantable capsule robots are redefining the way gastrointestinal diseases are diagnosed and treated, offering a non-invasive, accurate, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods. With ongoing research and advancements, these robotic capsules could soon become a mainstream tool in personalized medicine, improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Impact of induction of anaesthesia simulation training on veterinary students' perceived preparedness and confidence in anaesthesia

Introduction

Anaesthesia is a critical aspect of veterinary medicine, requiring precision, knowledge, and confidence to ensure patient safety. For veterinary students, mastering anaesthesia induction can be challenging due to the high-risk nature of real-life practice. Simulation training has emerged as an effective tool to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on clinical experience. But how does it impact students’ perceived preparedness and confidence? Let’s explore.

                                                                 


Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Traditional veterinary education involves classroom lectures and supervised clinical exposure. However, students often feel unprepared when transitioning to real-world anaesthetic procedures. Simulation training allows students to practice in a controlled environment, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with real-life situations. By engaging with simulation models or virtual reality setups, students can familiarize themselves with the step-by-step process of anaesthesia induction before handling live animals.

Boosting Confidence Through Hands-on Experience

Confidence is crucial for effective anaesthesia management. Simulation training provides repeated exposure to various anaesthetic scenarios, helping students refine their skills and decision-making abilities. By practicing in a risk-free setting, students gain confidence in:

  • Administering anaesthetic drugs correctly

  • Monitoring patient vitals effectively

  • Troubleshooting common anaesthetic complications

Repetition and familiarity build muscle memory, allowing students to perform procedures more efficiently and with greater assurance when they transition to clinical practice.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Anaesthesia is dynamic, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Simulation-based training often includes unexpected complications, challenging students to think critically and make real-time decisions. Whether dealing with hypotension, hypoxia, or adverse drug reactions, students learn to anticipate problems and respond appropriately, reinforcing their clinical judgment.

Reducing Anxiety and Improving Readiness

Many students experience anxiety when first performing anaesthetic procedures on live animals. Simulation training helps alleviate this stress by providing a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. As a result, students enter clinical settings with greater confidence and a sense of readiness, ultimately improving patient safety and overall learning outcomes.

The Future of Anaesthesia Training in Veterinary Education

With advancements in technology, simulation training is becoming an integral part of veterinary curricula. High-fidelity models, virtual reality, and interactive software programs continue to evolve, providing students with even more realistic and immersive learning experiences. As simulation-based training becomes more widespread, veterinary students will likely feel better prepared and more confident in managing anaesthesia in their future careers.

Final Thoughts

The induction of anaesthesia is a high-stakes procedure that demands competence and confidence. Simulation training has proven to be a valuable educational tool in veterinary medicine, allowing students to refine their skills, enhance critical thinking, and gain confidence before entering clinical practice. By incorporating simulation into veterinary education, we can better prepare future veterinarians for the complexities of anaesthesia management, ultimately improving patient care and safety.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Estimating Recharge Areas for the Los Humeros Geothermal Field: Insights into the Conceptual Model

 Introduction

The Los Humeros Geothermal Field (LHGF) in Puebla, Mexico, is one of the country's most important geothermal energy sources. Understanding how water recharges this system is crucial for maintaining its long-term sustainability. Recharge occurs primarily through two main pathways: block recharge and mountain front recharge. In this blog post, we explore how these recharge mechanisms contribute to the geothermal system and how they refine our conceptual model of the field.

                                                           


Understanding Recharge in Geothermal Systems

Recharge in geothermal fields refers to the process where water from precipitation or nearby sources infiltrates the underground system, replenishing the geothermal reservoir. The two key recharge mechanisms for LHGF are:

  1. Block Recharge – Water percolates through faults, fractures, and porous rocks, reaching deep geothermal reservoirs. This process is influenced by geological structures that allow for vertical and lateral water movement.
  2. Mountain Front Recharge – Water enters the geothermal system from elevated areas (e.g., surrounding mountains), driven by gravity and hydrostatic pressure. This type of recharge is essential for maintaining the pressure and temperature balance in geothermal reservoirs.

Recharge Area Estimation for Los Humeros

Estimating the recharge areas involves multiple techniques, including:

  • Hydrological and Geochemical Analysis: Identifying the origin of water using isotopic composition and chemical tracers.
  • Geophysical Surveys: Using electrical resistivity and seismic methods to map underground water movement.
  • Numerical Modeling: Simulating groundwater flow and heat transport to predict recharge contributions.

Recent studies have suggested that a significant portion of recharge in Los Humeros originates from mountain fronts, particularly from the higher elevations surrounding the caldera. However, block recharge is also substantial due to the presence of extensive fault systems that enhance vertical infiltration.

Implications for Geothermal Resource Management

A refined understanding of recharge mechanisms allows for better geothermal field management by:

  • Optimizing Drilling Locations: Identifying zones with sustained recharge ensures long-term steam and hot water availability.
  • Sustainable Water Use: Preventing excessive extraction that could lead to reservoir depletion.
  • Enhanced Energy Production: Balancing recharge and extraction rates to maximize geothermal efficiency.

Conclusion

Estimating recharge areas through block and mountain front pathways is critical for advancing the conceptual model of the Los Humeros Geothermal Field. By integrating geochemical, geophysical, and modeling techniques, researchers can better understand how water sustains this geothermal system, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable energy production.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Integrated Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas Storage and Carbon Sequestration in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs: Engineering Insights into Gas Mixing

 Introduction

The growing demand for cleaner energy solutions has driven innovation in underground gas storage (UGS) systems. One of the emerging trends in this sector is the integration of hydrogen-blended natural gas (H2-NG) storage with carbon sequestration in fractured carbonate reservoirs. This dual-purpose approach not only enhances energy security but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. This blog explores the engineering aspects of gas mixing in such hybrid storage systems and their implications for the energy industry.

                                                                    


The Concept: Hydrogen-Blended Gas Storage & Carbon Sequestration

Hydrogen blending with natural gas is a promising strategy to reduce carbon footprints while leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure. Meanwhile, underground carbon sequestration helps offset emissions from industrial activities. Fractured carbonate reservoirs, with their high porosity and permeability, present an ideal medium for both these processes. The challenge, however, lies in understanding and controlling gas mixing behaviors to ensure efficiency and safety.

Engineering Challenges of Gas Mixing in Hybrid UGS Systems

1. Gas Dispersion and Stratification

  • Hydrogen, being less dense than methane, tends to rise within the storage reservoir.

  • Uneven mixing can lead to varying gas compositions at different depths.

  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models can predict these variations to optimize storage operations.

2. Impact on Reservoir Rock and Sealing Integrity

  • Hydrogen may react with carbonate minerals, potentially altering porosity.

  • CO2 sequestration can lead to mineral trapping, enhancing long-term containment.

  • Engineering studies focus on geomechanical stability to prevent leakage.

3. Wellbore and Infrastructure Considerations

  • Hydrogen embrittlement poses risks to wellbore materials and pipeline integrity.

  • CO2 injection requires corrosion-resistant materials.

  • Advanced monitoring technologies like fiber optics and downhole sensors are used to detect gas composition changes.

Benefits of Integrated Gas Storage and Sequestration

  • Decarbonization of Natural Gas: Hydrogen blending reduces the carbon intensity of the stored and transported gas.

  • Carbon Footprint Reduction: Storing CO2 underground helps offset emissions from industrial sources.

  • Energy Security: Utilizing existing infrastructure minimizes costs and ensures a steady energy supply.

  • Economic Viability: Synergistic storage operations can create new business models for energy companies.

Future Prospects and Research Directions

The integration of hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration in fractured carbonate reservoirs is still in its early stages. Ongoing research aims to refine gas mixing models, develop enhanced materials for infrastructure resilience, and optimize storage strategies for maximum efficiency. As technology advances, this hybrid approach could become a cornerstone of the global energy transition.

Conclusion

Engineering analysis of gas mixing in hydrogen-blended natural gas storage and carbon sequestration systems is critical for ensuring operational success. With further innovation, these integrated storage solutions can significantly contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape. As industries and policymakers focus on clean energy solutions, hybrid underground storage systems will play a crucial role in achieving climate goals while maintaining energy security.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Main Methods and Tools for Peptide Development Based on Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs)

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a fundamental role in numerous biological processes, including signaling pathways, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. Targeting PPIs with peptide-based therapeutics has emerged as a promising strategy for treating diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections.

Why Target PPIs with Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can mimic or disrupt PPIs, making them valuable for drug discovery. Unlike small molecules, which often struggle to bind the large, flat surfaces of PPIs, peptides offer high specificity and affinity, making them excellent candidates for therapeutic interventions.

                                                                      


Main Methods for Peptide-Based PPI Modulation

1. Rational Design and Computational Approaches

Computational tools have revolutionized peptide design by allowing researchers to model and predict peptide-PPI interactions before experimental validation.

  • Molecular Docking: Simulates peptide binding to a target protein to predict interaction strength.
  • Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations: Provides insights into peptide stability and conformational changes.
  • Machine Learning & AI: Predicts peptide sequences with optimal binding properties.

🛠 Tools Used:

  • HADDOCK (for docking simulations)
  • Rosetta (for protein design and modeling)
  • AlphaFold (for predicting protein-peptide interactions)

2. Phage Display Technology

Phage display is a high-throughput screening technique that allows researchers to identify peptides capable of binding to target PPIs. This method involves displaying peptide libraries on bacteriophages and selecting those with strong binding affinities.

🛠 Key Applications:

  • Identifying peptide inhibitors of oncogenic PPIs.
  • Developing high-affinity peptides for immune system modulation.

3. Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD)

Structural biology techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, provide detailed 3D structures of PPIs. These structures guide the rational design of peptides that either disrupt or stabilize interactions.

🛠 Tools Used:

  • PDB (Protein Data Bank) – for structural reference
  • PyMOL – for molecular visualization
  • Chimera – for molecular docking and analysis

4. Peptide Stapling and Chemical Modifications

Peptide stapling enhances peptide stability, bioavailability, and cell permeability. This technique involves adding chemical cross-links (staples) to lock peptides into their bioactive conformations.

🛠 Common Modifications:

  • Stapled Peptides: Increase resistance to enzymatic degradation.
  • Cyclization: Improves binding affinity and structural rigidity.
  • Non-natural Amino Acids: Enhance selectivity and stability.

Experimental Validation Techniques

After designing potential PPI-targeting peptides, researchers use biophysical and biochemical assays to validate their effectiveness.

🔬 Common Validation Methods:

  • Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): Measures real-time peptide-protein interactions.
  • Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC): Determines binding affinity and thermodynamics.
  • Cell-Based Assays: Tests peptide function in a biological context.

Conclusion

Peptide-based modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a powerful approach for developing next-generation therapeutics. Advances in computational modeling, high-throughput screening, and structural biology have significantly accelerated peptide discovery. With the integration of machine learning and AI, the future of peptide therapeutics looks promising for tackling complex diseases.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

🏆 Biotechnology Advancement Award 2025 – Honoring Innovators Shaping the Future of Life Sciences 🧬🌍

 🏆 Biotechnology Advancement Award 2025 – Honoring Innovators Shaping the Future of Life Sciences 🧬🌍 📅 Date: 29–30 Aug 2025 📍 Venue...