Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Charles-Henri Malbert
Summary: An open-source solution using 3D-printable mechanical pieces and software tools was successfully applied for frameless stereotaxic targeting in pigs of varying weights. Localization was achieved using an IR camera and CT imaging, with positive targeting confirmed in the first trial for all subjects by radiopaque CT enhancement or actual recording of the STN electrophysiological signature.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE METHODS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eva Baur, Matteo Hirsch, Esther Amstad
Summary: This study presents a method to introduce controllable open pores into hydrogels while maintaining their mechanical properties. The hydrogels are 3D printable and the pore size can be tuned from nanometers to centimeters. This work allows for size-selective infiltration of different substances at specific locations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anjutha Selvaraj, Apoorv Kulkarni, J. M. Pearce
Summary: Autoinjectors are popular medical devices used for drug delivery, and the market for these devices is rapidly growing. However, they can be expensive for consumers, limiting their accessibility. This study presents the design and manufacture of a low-cost autoinjector, using 3D printing and open-source hardware. The device was tested for safety and dosing accuracy, showing promising results. Future work is needed to make distributed manufacturing of such medical devices feasible and reliable.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junlong Liao, Changqing Ye, Jie Guo, Carlos Ezio Garciamendez-Mijares, Prajwal Agrawal, Xiao Kuang, Julia Olga Japo, Zixuan Wang, Xuan Mu, Wanlu Li, Terry Ching, Luis Santiago Mille, Cun Zhu, Xingcai Zhang, Zhongze Gu, Yu Shrike Zhang
Summary: A printable CPC ink was developed and used with a 3D printing system to create CPC superstructures with complex structures and structural colors. The performance of the printed objects could be easily adjusted by modifying ink composition and printing parameters. This technology opens up possibilities for applications such as intelligent color displays and 3D integrated sensors.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junlong Liao, Changqing Ye, Jie Guo, Carlos Ezio Garciamendez-Mijares, Prajwal Agrawal, Xiao Kuang, Julia Olga Japo, Zixuan Wang, Xuan Mu, Wanlu Li, Terry Ching, Luis Santiago Mille, Cun Zhu, Xingcai Zhang, Zhongze Gu, Yu Shrike Zhang
Summary: A printable CPC ink was developed in this study, allowing the fabrication of CPC superstructures with specific geometries and structural colors. This technology enables the creation of CPCs with various desired functions and the mimicry of hierarchical structures and color manipulation strategies found in nature.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joong Ho Shin, Sungyoung Choi
Summary: The field of microfluidics has rapidly advanced but faces limitations due to reliance on specialized equipment and facilities. Efforts are being made to create microfluidic products using open-source and do-it-yourself principles. This review provides an overview of DIY microfluidics, discussing fabrication techniques, equipment recreation, challenges, and strategies for driving microfluidics innovation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Brandon J. Winters, Nick Banfield, Cassandra Dixon, Anna Swensen, Dakota Holman, Braxton Fillbrown
Summary: In the past four decades, significant changes in instrument design, fabrication, and availability have been driven by the emergence of 3D printing, open-source code and equipment, and low-cost electronics. This has created an opportunity for the wide-spread production and availability of low-cost sophisticated scientific equipment. One specific example is a 3D printable and open-source, modular spectrometer, which is designed to be produced on low-end consumer-grade 3D printers and with parts available at local hardware stores, offering similar capabilities to commercially available equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Navid Ranjbar, Carsten Kuenzel, Carsten Gundlach, Paul Kempen, Mehdi Mehrali
Summary: This study investigates the role of halloysite nanotube as a mineral-based thixotropic admixture to 3D printable geopolymer mortar. The first part of the study focuses on the thermal evolution of halloysite at different temperatures. The second part examines how calcination and concentration of halloysite affect the properties of 3D-printable geopolymer mortar. It was found that the addition of 1-2 wt% halloysite significantly improves the rheological properties and buildability of the mortars without compromising their mechanical strength.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Petr Klapetek, Petr Grolich, David Nezval, Miroslav Valtr, Radek Slesinger, David Necas
Summary: This article introduces an open-source software package for analyzing the performance of nanoscale devices, with special features handling models of imperfect nanoscale objects, including adding random roughness. The method is compared to conventional optical approaches, showing significant practical applicability in areas requiring repeated calculations.
COMPUTER PHYSICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liyang Shen, Tung-ping Wang, Ting-Han Lee, Michael Forrester, Andrew Becker, Sabrina Torres, Connor Pearson, Eric W. Cochran
Summary: The study introduces 3D printable polymer-toughened epoxy resin composites with enhanced mechanical properties. By utilizing self-assembling micelles, a balance of structure, creep resistance, and flowability is maintained throughout the 3D printing process, resulting in composites with improved impact strength without compromising thermal properties.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Navid Ranjbar, Mehdi Mehrali, Carsten Kuenzel, Carsten Gundlach, David Bue Pedersen, Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz, Jon Spangenberg
Summary: This study presents a two-step approach for quantifying concrete printability through dynamic mode rheological measurements: modeling shearing history during extrusion and monitoring the hardening evolution of deposited material. By applying this method, the static yield stress at the origin can be quantified to determine the material printability, ensuring shape stability of the printed structure.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Junjie Zhu, Jixun Chen, Zihan An, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Ai-Zheng Chen, Shi-Bin Wang, Yuewei Li
Summary: This article explores the integration of self-healing polymers with photocuring 3D printing (P3DP) technology to enhance the durability and performance of printed components. It provides an overview of different P3DP technologies and presents the formation mechanisms and applications of self-healing polymers in P3DP. The challenges and future prospects of combining self-healing polymers and P3DP technology are discussed.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. K. Bow, N. Gallup, S. A. Sadat, J. M. Pearce
Summary: This study describes the design and manufacture of an open source surgical fracture table that uses widely available materials and 3D printed components. The open source table reduces costs significantly and increases accessibility to medical equipment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy M. Smith, Christopher A. Kantzos, Nikolai A. Zarkevich, Bryan J. Harder, Milan Heczko, Paul R. Gradl, Aaron C. Thompson, Michael J. Mills, Timothy P. Gabb, John W. Lawson
Summary: We developed a new oxide-dispersion-strengthened NiCoCr-based alloy, GRX-810, using a model-driven alloy design approach and laser-based additive manufacturing. This alloy shows significant improvements in strength, creep performance, and oxidation resistance compared to traditional polycrystalline wrought Ni-based alloys.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Senthil Kumar Kaliyavaradhan, P. S. Ambily, Prabhat Ranjan Prem, Swapnil Balasaheb Ghodke
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the test methods used to characterize the fresh and hardened properties of 3DPC and discusses the factors influencing test techniques and future research directions for standardizing the test methods. The extensive information provided in this review will assist the engineering community and 3DPC manufacturers in selecting suitable methods or standards to test 3DPC.
AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura G. Schaerer, Ruochen Wu, Lindsay I. Putman, Joshua M. Pearce, Ting Lu, David R. Shonnard, Rebecca G. Ong, Stephen M. Techtmann
Summary: This article explores the feasibility of using microorganisms in an industrial system to upcycle PET plastic waste into edible microbial protein powder, solving both the environmental issue of PET waste and the global food shortage problem.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Uzair Jamil, Joshua M. M. Pearce
Summary: As conventional solar power generation increases in Alberta, so does the conflict with agriculture over land use. The solution to enable both low-carbon electricity generation and agricultural output is to co-locate solar photovoltaics (PV) and agriculture, known as agrivoltaics. This review examines the policies that affect the growth of agrivoltaics in Alberta, including regulations governing solar PV-based electricity generation and frameworks for land utilization. To support the rapid deployment of agrivoltaics, recommended policies include openly accessible research, defining and categorizing agrivoltaics technology, developing standards and regulations, and incentivizing agrivoltaics deployment over conventional PV. These measures contribute to achieving conservation, sustainability, renewable energy, and climate-related goals in the food and energy sectors in Alberta.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nima Asgari, Matthew T. McDonald, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: Greenhouses provide fresh food by extending growing seasons, but high carbon emissions and energy costs limit their application. Utilizing waste heat from cryptocurrency mining can reduce greenhouse heating costs. A thermal model was developed to estimate the heating and cooling demands of greenhouses, and experimental evaluation showed the potential of cryptocurrency mining for heating. Parametric analysis demonstrated the economic profitability of using waste heat depending on utility rates and Bitcoin value.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nelson Sommerfeldt, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This study quantifies the techno-economic potential of using solar photovoltaics (PV) to support heat pumps (HP) for replacing natural gas heating in North American residences. Simulations compare different heating systems, including PV with grid electricity and HP with grid electricity, to identify conditions for lower life cycle cost. The results show that PV becomes a hedge against rising prices when inflation rates are high or PV capital costs are low, increasing the adoption of HPs and reducing carbon emissions. The study also discusses the impact on energy policy, such as rebates and utility business models.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sudhachandra Masna, Stephen M. Morse, Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This study investigates the retrofitting of existing animal fencing on farms for vertical-mounted photovoltaic (PV) racking, in order to reduce the capital cost of agrivoltaic systems. Different types of fences and wind load calculations are analyzed to determine the feasibility of fence-based PV racking across the U.S. The results show that retrofitting PV modules on existing fencing can save costs and lower the levelized cost of electricity, but further research is needed to assess the full benefits of vertical PV agricultural fencing on a global scale.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Uzair Jamil, Abigail Bonnington, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: Canada aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the non-emitting share of electricity generation to 90% by 2030. This study shows that agrivoltaics, the combination of solar photovoltaic systems and agriculture, have the potential to provide a significant portion of Canada's electricity needs. By using a small percentage of agricultural lands, agrivoltaic systems can potentially supply between a quarter and more than one third of Canada's electricity demand. This presents an opportunity for sustainable electricity generation, electrification of transportation and heating, economic growth in the computing sector, and help eliminate fossil fuel dependence in the US through green electricity exports.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Dheeraj Choppara, Alysia Garmulewicz, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: The purpose of this study is to protect the 3D printing industry from innovation stagnation caused by patenting obvious materials by using an open-source approach. An open-source algorithm was implemented in Python to identify obvious 3D printing materials, and compound combinations of two and three constituents were tested. The results show the potential of an open-source system to generate suitable printing materials for specific business cases based on desired material properties.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Joshua M. Pearce, Richard Parncutt
Summary: This article compares and synthesizes various approaches to estimate the future human death tolls from climate change and discusses their implications for energy policies. According to several studies, if the global temperature rises to or exceeds 2 degrees Celsius this century, mainly wealthier individuals will be responsible for causing the deaths of approximately 1 billion mostly poorer individuals, which is comparable to involuntary or negligent manslaughter. Based on this, aggressive energy policies are suggested to immediately reduce carbon emissions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anjutha Selvaraj, Apoorv Kulkarni, J. M. Pearce
Summary: Autoinjectors are popular medical devices used for drug delivery, and the market for these devices is rapidly growing. However, they can be expensive for consumers, limiting their accessibility. This study presents the design and manufacture of a low-cost autoinjector, using 3D printing and open-source hardware. The device was tested for safety and dosing accuracy, showing promising results. Future work is needed to make distributed manufacturing of such medical devices feasible and reliable.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Christopher Baldus-Jeursen, Aliaksei L. Petsuik, Sophie-Anne Rheault, Sophie Pelland, Alexandre Cote, Yves Poissant, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This study compares two snow loss models widely used in the solar photovoltaic industry to forecast energy losses due to snow. The study found that the Townsend and Powers model provides a closer approximation of annual energy losses than the Marion et al. model. However, there is still room for improvement in these models to provide accurate snow loss predictions.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jack E. Peplinski, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: Despite the Canadian federal government's $3.1 billion investment in health information technology (HIT), each of the 10 provinces still maintains separate HIT systems that are costly, inconsistent, and lack interoperability. This paper proposes the use of HermesAPI, a free and open-source software, to integrate the common functions of billing, lab results, and diagnostic imaging across these systems. The study found that implementing HermesAPI would save a total of CAD$6.4 million by reducing development costs for private EMR companies, while also promoting competition and improving patient care.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Riya Roy, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This study compares the lifecycle costs and environmental impacts of rooftop and utility-scale solar PV systems, and finds that rooftop systems have lower energy and CO2 emissions, as well as shorter energy payback times.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryan A. Williams, Daniel J. Lizzadro-McPherson, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: Estimations of snow loss in solar photovoltaic systems in northern latitudes are crucial for project financing and long-term performance guarantees. This study shows that as the climate changes, snow losses for PV systems in most of North America are expected to decrease, with some areas potentially experiencing reductions below 5% within 20 years.
Article
Thermodynamics
Seyyed Ali Sadat, Jonathan Takahashi, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This paper introduces SAMA, an open-source microgrid optimization software designed to economically optimize hybrid energy systems using specific load configurations and meteorological data. The validation results show congruence between SAMA and Homer Pro. SAMA can be used for various applications and has unique features, while also allowing for customization according to user needs.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce
Summary: This study explores the energy performance of a free-swinging bifacial solar photovoltaic rack and finds that it generates more energy than a vertical fixed-tilt PV system while having lower costs.