Analecta Technica Szegedinensia

The Situation of Freight Transport and Other Logistics Tasks in Laos

2024-01-13T20:00:13+01:00

This study aims to analyse the obstacles and constraints in the shipping and logistics in Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia. Transportation and logistics play a pivotal role in Laos' national economy, acting as the lifeblood for the movement of goods and materials within the country and linking it to the international trade system. This case study highlights the significance of a robust logistics structure for Laos and its essential role in fostering economic development, agricultural growth, and connectivity. It also underscores the challenges faced by the country's logistics sector, such as limited-service frequency and road safety concerns. The study examines Laos transportation infrastructure, encompassing road, rail, and air networks, and sheds light on the obstacles and disparities that hinder value chain development in the country. These issues include disconnected stakeholder participation, the aging vehicle fleet, and financial limitations. Furthermore, the essay emphasizes the need for improved interconnectivity and inter-mobility to enhance the national, regional, and international connectivity of Laos and similar landlocked developing countries in Asia.

Dielectric Monitoring of Microwave Extraction Processes

2024-04-09T13:59:26+02:00

Our research investigated the dielectric traceability of microwave and ultrasound intensified extraction processes of plant by-products. For the experiments, I used plant by-products from beetroot, carrot and raspberry, which were extracted in 5% suspensions. The dielectric behaviour of the extracts was investigated in the frequency range 300-2400 MHz using an open-ended coaxial probe. For both the ultrasonic and microwave intensified procedures, the reported energy was 30, 45 and 60 kJ, respectively. Based on my research results, I found that the dielectric constant measured in the frequency range 700-900 MHz is closely related to the yield of total polyphenol and pectin regardless of the feedstock and treatment used, but the method has limitations due to the presence of components that affect the physical structure and the concentration of target components below the limit of detection.

Comparative analysis of meat products made from various chicken meat raw material

2024-01-15T15:02:29+01:00

Animal food, especially meat, has played an important role in the history of mankind. Different meats can be used in the production of meat products. In addition to lean meats, mechanically deboned meat (MDM) and mechanically separated meat (MSM) can also be used in meat products. However, the latter does not qualify as meat due to damage to the muscular structure due to the high pressure applied during the separation, therefore cannot be included in the meat content of products. The aim of our research work was to compare the characteristics of Bologna sausages made from chicken fillet, chicken MDM and poultry MSM. After evaluating our measurements (cooking loss, colour measurement, instrumental chemical composition measuring, stock measurement, determination of water activity, pH measurement, and sensory evaluation), we concluded that in the case of production with MSM, we produced a lower quality product using the same amount of meat raw material, which can be improved by using more additives (e.g. carminic acid, tetrasodium-pyrophosphate).

Development of an IoT based 3D printed Mobile Robot Platform for training of Mechatronics Engineering Students

2024-02-13T13:16:04+01:00

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened up new opportunities in education, particularly in the field of mobile robotics. Mobile robotics is a fast-growing field, and with the increasing demand for skilled robotics engineers, it is essential to provide students with hands-on experience in designing and developing robots. In this regard, an IoT-based 3D printed mobile robot platform has been developed for students training. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has been gaining attention as a means to improve science and engineering education. STEM education aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation among students. It involves an educational policy that aims to develop the next generation of skilled professionals by integrating the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of this approach is to provide students in mechatronics, who are assigned to the robotics lab during their studies, an up to date knowledge and experience in research and development activities. Thus, this paper aims to provide education that focuses on the acquisition and application of engineering knowledge, including control engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, information engineering, among others, with the main focus on mobile robot research.