Journal of Computers, Mechanical and Management

Advances in 4D Bio-Printing Technology for Enhanced Drug Delivery Systems

2024-10-02T13:29:17+03:00

This mini-review covers the premise of how 4D bio-printing constitutes the next step out of the realm of 3D bio-printing by establishing time as a functional dimension. While structures derived from 3D bio-printing are static, 4D-bio-printed structures have time to change shape by responding to a certain external stimulus such as temperature or light. This review of materials and processes for use in 4D bio-printing looks at how this will improve drug delivery systems. With this technology, the systems can now be designed so that they not only administer drugs in a controlled manner but also adjust to meet the needs of the concerned patient. Such adaptability opens avenues for further personalized medicine, whereby treatments are more tailored to the patient's specific needs. Development of complex drug delivery systems - Bio-printing in 4D brings hope to deliver formulations that had been difficult to realize earlier. These include multi-chamber devices or bio-erodible materials that degrade the safety feature once the therapeutic payload has been delivered to the body. Thus, 4D bio-printing offers a possibility for more effective treatments and better health results in defeating some of the potential shortcomings in the traditional drug delivery approaches. The potential this technology brings in terms of versatility towards personalized medicine portends a considerable influence over the future of healthcare through adaptive, patient-specific solutions.

Advancements in Hybrid Polymer Composites with Banana Fiber Reinforcement: A Review of Mechanical and Thermal Properties

2024-10-17T17:13:36+03:00

The world is rapidly moving forward in the search for materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. Composite materials have been a subject of great interest because of their improved attributes and wide range of applicability, especially when reinforced with fibers. Natural fibers are currently replacing synthetic reinforcement materials because of their advantages, such as low cost, low density, non-toxicity, reduced waste, and competitive strength. Many studies have explored the potential uses of natural fibers, including jute, bagasse, and sisal, but particularly banana fibers, in various composites. Polymer composites incorporating banana fibers derived from the waste stems of banana trees indigenous to Southeast Asia display substantial enhancements in their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The major components of banana fibers include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which can be further modified using chemical or surface treatments. Apart from being cheaply available, these fibers offer substantial improvements in mechanical properties, such as wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and increased electrical conductivity. Such hybrids are called hybrid composites, and are composite materials in which banana fibers are mixed with other types of natural or artificial fibers and combined into polymer matrices. Particularly, in mechanical and thermal aspects, significant improvement can be seen in hybrid composites that comprise banana fibers together with either natural or synthetic fabrics. The goal of hybridizing banana fibers with other fibers is to enhance their overall mechanical properties, reduce water absorption, and improve thermal stability. A review of the relevant literature indicates that these banana fiber-reinforced hybrid composites could serve as suitable alternatives to pure glass fiber-reinforced composites, with comparable or even better load-bearing capacities. In light of the increasing environmental concerns and stringent regulations by government agencies, biodegradable and renewable natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted significant attention as sustainable alternative materials. Consequently, one can consider the development of high-performance composites based on easily available banana fibers is an effective research direction for cost-effective biomaterials.

Advancing Tribology with Natural Fibers The Future of Biodegradable Composite Materials

2024-09-25T18:19:31+03:00

Asbestos and copper, which have good heat-dissipation characteristics, have been used in friction materials; however, environmental pressure has forced a shift to non-toxic and biodegradable materials. This is because of the pressure to develop environmentally benign materials, and research interest is currently being placed on non-asbestos friction composite materials. While synthetic fiber composites are eco-friendly, the problems associated with cost and pollution have revived interest in natural fiber composites, the tribological behavior of which requires further investigation. Some of the main features that point toward natural fibers for reinforcement in composites are their abundance and ease of processing. This paper presents an overview of the tribological behavior of naturally fiber-reinforced composite materials that have potential applications in the automotive sector because of the following key factors: fiber types, matrices, polymers, treatment of fibers, and test parameters. Environmental sustainability concerns and new regulations have driven the search for biodegradable, renewable, and natural fiber-reinforced composites. These fibers have some advantages over synthetic fibers in terms of low density, comparable strength, nontoxicity, low cost, and minimal waste involved in disposal. Recent research has also identified the potential of fibers, such as jute, bagasse, and sisal. Natural fiber-reinforced composites show very good potential for tribological applications. They offer a singular link between environmental advantages and improved material performance, which makes them an appropriate alternative for use in industries.

Advancing Artiﬁcial Intelligence Adoption and Decision-making with Extended Technology Acceptance Model

2024-10-02T14:47:25+03:00

Despite Kuala Lumpur’s push for AI integration, only 23% of businesses have adopted AI, lagging behind the global average of 37%, with 65% still relying on basic data tools and only 10% using advanced analytics. This study investigates the factors inﬂuencing AI adoption in Kuala Lumpur's IT sector, focusing on Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), and Perceived Organizational Support (POS). Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uniﬁed Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as theoretical foundations, this study extends these frameworks by incorporating POS to emphasize the critical role of organizational support in AI adoption. Data from a survey of 340 IT managers were analyzed us- ing PLS-SEM. The results demonstrate that both PEOU and POS signiﬁcantly impact PU, which in turn inﬂuences AI adoption intentions. POS emerged as a vital factor, indicating that organizational support, such as training and resource provision, is key in making AI useful and encouraging its adoption. This research has practical implications for businesses and policymakers. Organizations should focus on improving organizational support mechanisms, particularly through targeted training programs and technical assistance to enhance AI adoption. Policymakers are encouraged to reﬁne initiatives like Industry4WRD by strengthening infrastructure and providing sector-speciﬁc support. The study's novelty lies in its focus on emerging markets like Kuala Lumpur, addressing a gap in AI adoption research by exploring the organizational challenges speciﬁc to such regions.