Advanced Industrial Research Articles

A Design School for Social Innovation: Reflections on a Pilot Case in Japan

AbstractThe paradigm of design must drastically change to promote sustainable social development that considers not only economic growth but also human well‐being and environmental sustainability. Some scholars argue that the central paradigm of design should focus more on the societal perspective. This article refers to such a socially oriented design approach as design for social innovation (DfSI). Our study identified key insights for designing and promoting a DfSI education programme by investigating and analysing a Japanese pilot case, the Design School at National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST‐DS). Based on an analysis of in‐depth interviews that we conducted with the AIST‐DS programme managers and learners, we clarified the effectiveness and challenges of the programme. Furthermore, this article presents relevant design considerations for better planning and promotion of the DfSI education programme. Our case study findings are derived from a deep and detailed analysis, with practical implications for educators and researchers. Simultaneously, from an academic perspective, we hope that these findings will constitute a foothold for accumulating knowledge on DfSI education in the future.

Fabrication of Al18B4O33 Spherical Powder with Increased Fluidity via Control of B2O3 Particle Size and Distribution

Ceramic materials have become essential due to their high durability, chemical stability, and excellent thermal stability in various advanced industries such as aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor. However, high-performance ceramic materials face limitations in commercialization due to the high cost of raw materials and complex manufacturing processes. Aluminum borate (Al₁₈B₄O₃₃) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its superior mechanical strength and thermal stability, despite its simple manufacturing process and low production cost. In this study, we propose a method for producing Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ spherical powder with increased uniformity and high flowability by controlling the particle size of B₂O₃. The content ratio of the manufactured Al18B4O33 spherical powder was Al2O3: B2O3 = 87:13, and it exhibited a 17% reduction in the Hausner ratio (1.04) and a 29% decrease in the angle of repose (23.9°) compared to pre-milling conditions, demonstrating excellent flowability.

Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont Buchnera aphidicola AIST from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum.

The genome of Buchnera aphidicola National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), an obligate bacterial endosymbiont from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, was determined. The genome sequence provides valuable information for comparative and evolutionary aspects of the intimate insect-microbe mutualism.

Development of a conceptual model on I4.0 technologies’ influence on SCR

Purpose In a dynamic and uncertain business environment, it is necessary for companies to adapt to be capable of addressing the changing circumstances and ensure business continuity. Hence, companies are employing advanced Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. This study aims to explore the role of advanced I4.0 technologies in facilitating companies’ development towards supply chain resilience (SCR).Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a structured approach of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to identify 234 articles. Under PRISMA, we adopted a three-phase methodology of planning, conducting and reporting the review results. The data of these articles were synthesized using a Scopus database to investigate the relationship between I4.0 technologies and SCR.Findings The study’s findings map the technologies appropriate in different supply chain nodes and bridge the literature gap in the intersection of I4.0 technologies and SCR. The study results indicate the role of I4.0 technologies role in achieving resilience in key functions of an organization through an I4.0 technologies-enabled sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and return resilience (I-SMDRR) framework. The I-SMDRR framework also depicts the relationship being moderated by internal and external risk factors.Originality/value The study offers a unique framework by mapping sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and return resilience through I4.0 technologies. Additionally, the review delineates the theory-mapped research gaps helpful for future researchers. In summary, this systematic review of the literature identifies the components that lead to developing SCR.

The economic rise of China – an analysis of China’s growth drivers

The economic rise of China has changed the global economy. The authors explore China’s transformation from a low-cost manufacturing hub to an increasingly innovation- and service driven economy. Major growth drivers for the period 2010–2025 are analysed, including the paradigms of “Made in China” and the “Dual Circulation Strategy”. The export intensity of China’s economy is declining overall, with a tendency towards greater regional diversification and a gradual decoupling from North America and the European Union. At the same time, trade and investment activities are increasingly geared to the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, labour and energy cost advantages for manufacturing operations in China are likely to diminish in the coming years, calling into question China’s attractiveness as a global manufacturing hub. In this regard, the further development of regional and industrial clusters is pivotal for China to enhance its global competitiveness and remain an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the medium term. On the other hand, high productivity in science and technology and rich deposits of critical minerals put China in a favourable position in advanced industries. Important challenges include the still wide development gap between rural and urban areas, the structural mismatch in the labour market, with persistently high youth unemployment, and the race to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Industrial Land Protection and Allocation Efficiency: Evidence from Guangdong, China

Industrial land allocation in China has been distorted for a long time by local governments providing land at a low price to attract manufacturing activities. This study explores whether an industrial land protection policy can reduce the distortions and, hence, improve land allocation efficiency in China. Using industrial land zoning and protection policies adopted in some cities in Guangdong province, this study finds that industrial land allocation efficiency is indeed improved after the implementation of protection policies, reflected in higher land prices and greater land use intensity. However, the improvement is smaller for industrial land provided to advanced manufacturing industries, indicating that local governments continue to rely on a strategy of offering cheap land to compete for high-end manufacturing activities. Further analysis suggests that the adoption of industrial land protection in one region generates a positive spillover effect on industrial land allocation efficiency in neighboring regions. Overall, this study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of industrial land protection.

Embodied participation: Dance knowledge informing workplace training

Research into physical simulation practices across industries (aviation, transport and healthcare), provides insights into embodied knowledge. Embodied knowledge informed by dance knowledge can positively expand the capacity of workplace training. Through a detailed examination of a variety of technologically advanced industry environments where embodied knowledge is applied, this article identifies the ways in which dance knowledge can be transformed into new and enhanced forms of embodied participation. The question of how dance knowledge is transferred across industries is addressed through theories of embodied cognition paired with emergent communication strategies from human–computer interaction and human factors. Key insights extend concepts of somatic practice across arts and industry for mutual benefit.

Understanding the new quality productive forces in the energy sector

The introduction of the term “new quality productive forces” (NQPF) in China signals its move towards cutting-edge technologies and innovation as the new drivers of economic growth. As it shifts from labor-tensive sectors towards advanced industries, the energy sector is also expected to experience significant regime switch. This paper discusses how the new term articulated by the top leadership will reshape China’s energy sector including its labor, technology, critical resource supply, and the industrial value chain. The development of NQPF not only affects labor landscape and technology development, but also bring about significant change in the industrial value chain in China’s energy sector. I summarize that NQPF refers to high-tech driven, and sustainability-oriented productivity with more radical rather than incremental innovation. Overall, the energy sector is the key domain for creating NQPF for high-quality economic growth and the new forces act as a significant catalyst in transforming the energy sector towards achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable development.

Application of Reference Electrode for All-Oxide Solid-State Battery to Reveal Electrode Reactions and Degradation Mechanisms

All-solid-state batteries are attracting attention as the next generation batteries for their wide operating temperature range, high energy density and safety. Among the several types of all-solid-state batteries, all-oxide solid-state batteries (AOSSBs) have the advantage of their particular safety due to their outstanding chemical and thermal stability without a risk of generating toxic gases. However, AOSSBs have difficulty in reassembling electrodes and reference electrodes being placed, which is essential for understanding electrode reactions during cycling and degradation mechanisms, because their fabrication process needs high-temperature sintering for sufficient inter-particle contact to have robust cells. In fact, few reports have developed the AOSSB cells with a reference electrode,[1] although there are more reports of developing reference electrodes in sulfide-type solid electrolytes, which do not need sintering.[2,3,4,5] Furthermore, even when the reference electrode is inserted into the AOSSB, it is difficult to fabricate the three-electrode cells which operates under conditions as close as possible to those of the actual full cells because the reference electrode placed in between positive and negative electrodes affects the sintered state of the solid electrolyte and many of the reference electrode configurations have influence on dimensions of AOSSB full cells.Here, we have developed a new multi-layered cell system, which incorporates reference electrodes into AOSSBs and enables the operation under conditions close to those of the actual full cells. Moreover, the reference electrodes of this system are also used as temporal carrier ion sources to adjust the redox state of each electrode.The scheme of this multi-layer cell system is shown in Fig. 1. Because the reference electrodes are located on the backside of the positive and negative electrodes, the full cell configuration in the center can work in the same way as an actual full cell. Moreover, by applying the external power source between the reference electrode and positive or negative electrode, the redox state of the positive or negative electrode can be adjusted (In this case, the reference electrode works as a counter electrode.).In this study, we demonstrate this system in Na-ion battery system with Na3Ti2(PO4)3, a bipolar active material, as both positive and negative electrode active materials, Na3Zr2(SiO4)2(PO4)3 as a solid electrolyte, and Na3V2(PO4)3 as a reference electrode active material. Using these materials, the reference electrode system successfully works to show the same electrode potential of positive and negative electrodes as reported in the literature with the liquid-electrolyte cell [6]. Furthermore, we analyzed the degradation mechanism of this full cell when cycling at various temperatures. On the meeting site, the change in voltage curves upon cycling will also be presented and the dominant degradation mode in this cell is to be discussed. Acknowledgments This study is partially based on the results obtained from a project, JPNP14004, commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). We thank Zyun Siroma and Hikaru Sano (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)) for fruitful discussions. References Jiang et al., J. Power Sources, 529, 231278 (2022).Hertle et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 170, 040519 (2023).Ikezawa et al., Electrochem. Commun., 116, 1067 (2020).Fukunishi et al., J. Power Sources, 564, 232864 (2023).Sedlmeier et al, J. Electrochem. Soc., 170, 030536 (2023).Senguttuvan et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 135, 3897 (2013). Figure 1

The Comparative Analysis on the Impact of the Great Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 Shock in Response to Macroeconomic Policies

Abstract: The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic shock have similarities and differences. They both cause major economic downturn, affecting the normal functioning of the society. The cause and impact of them are different since the GFC is an internal shock whereas the economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic is an external shock that cannot be predicted. The corresponding expansionary fiscal and monetary policies are also slightly divergent. This research compares the economic impact of the GFC and the COVID-19 shock, specifically in China, focusing on the policy responses in different situations. Based on the analysis of the impact of the policies implemented in the GFC, the four-trillion investment proposed in 2008 was not a sustainable fiscal policy since it had made the government highly in debt. In 2020, the government also employed expansionary fiscal policies, but instead of spending on basic infrastructure, it concentrated on the advanced technology and service industry. Further, this paper suggests that the government could spend more on new investment plan like 5G technology to revive the economy during the aftermath of the pandemic.

Analysis of torque variation in bolt fastening on coated steel surfaces

As the number of parts ever increases, the push for automation in assembly processes is intensifying in advanced manufacturing industries. The drive to improve productivity through manufacturing automation is relentless, and minimizing torque variation in automated bolt fastening is crucial for achieving successful assembly. Therefore, a precise understanding of the mechanisms of interfacial friction between bolts and coated steel plates, along with a torque analysis based on the interactions of various involved parameters, is essential. This study examines the interactions between surface topography and mechanical properties of bolts and coated steel plates. We explain three primary friction modes (plowing, sliding, and penetrating) within the defined contact areas and propose a prediction model based on contact mechanics to estimate the frictional torque under the bolt head on coated surfaces. Additionally, we quantitatively evaluate how the proportions of these friction modes change under various axial loads and coating conditions, and how these variations affect torque values. We also assess how variations in key parameters influence changes in friction modes, providing insights into the critical factors that should be monitored for effective control of fastening torque. This study presents methods for analyzing and calculating friction torque, offering guidelines for monitoring bearing surfaces to address bolt topography deviations and solving key industrial challenges in automated assembly.

Investment Priorities for Technological Breakthroughs Based on Scale Effect

The article presents an analytical approach to calculating the value of technological scale effect in regional industry clusters using econometric models. This approach allows for the identification of production zones in Russia with the highest technological potential. The authors propose a method for calculating investments based on the traditional investment multiplier. This method enables rapid technological advancements in specific regional and sectoral clusters within the country. The methodology has been tested on two groups related to the agricultural sector: the main group and the control group, each consisting of seven territorial entities of the Russian Federation. The article also discusses the implementation of a selective investment policy to foster economic growth and enhance the performance of existing advanced industries.

A comprehensive cost mapping of digital technologies in greenhouses

Conventional greenhouse producers face significant challenges in integrating advanced Industry 4.0 technologies into their production processes. One of the main obstacles is the lack of clarity regarding the components of technological costs. This article develops a cost mapping for the implementation of such technologies in the context of greenhouses. The mapping distinguishes between capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX), categorizing the key technological components and their financial implications. Based on the general findings from the literature review, several cost areas can be identified and classified as follows: hardware acquisition, installation and retrofitting, integration and customization, software and services, operational and maintenance costs. This cost structure will serve as a basis for future economic models and cost-benefit analysis (CBA), promoting strategic decision-making and a more informed and precise selection of digital technologies.

Optimizing Open Radio Access Network Systems with LLAMA V2 for Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications, and Massive Machine-Type Communications: A Framework for Efficient Network Slicing and Real-Time Resource Allocation.

This study presents an advanced framework integrating LLAMA_V2, a large language model, into Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) systems. The focus is on efficient network slicing for various services. Sensors in IoT devices generate continuous data streams, enabling resource allocation through O-RAN's dynamic slicing and LLAMA_V2's optimization. LLAMA_V2 was selected for its superior ability to capture complex network dynamics, surpassing traditional AI/ML models. The proposed method combines sophisticated mathematical models with optimization and interfacing techniques to address challenges in resource allocation and slicing. LLAMA_V2 enhances decision making by offering explanations for policy decisions within the O-RAN framework and forecasting future network conditions using a lightweight LSTM model. It outperforms baseline models in key metrics such as latency reduction, throughput improvement, and packet loss mitigation, making it a significant solution for 5G network applications in advanced industries.

War Reparations, Structural Change, and Intergenerational Mobility

Abstract From 1944 to 1952, largely agrarian Finland had to export, on average, 4% of its yearly GDP in industrial products to the Soviet Union as war reparations. To meet the reparation demands, the Finnish state needed to provide extensive temporary support to Soviet-assigned industries with insufficient production capacity. This article documents the long-term effects of this extensive and temporary industrial policy on industrial and local development and on individual outcomes. Using newly digitized data sets, I show in a difference-in-differences setup that the short-term nonmarket production persistently and significantly increased the employment and production of the manufacturing industries exposed to the policy. These industries plausibly benefited from large initial investments and exposure to export markets associated with the war reparations. The episode further led to local development and structural change, as the more exposed regions became persistently more industrialized. I substantiate these within-Finland results with triple-difference setups using comparable Norwegian data. I use Finnish administrative data to study the long-term individual effects of the episode. Tracking individuals over 30 years, I show that the initial state investments and the persistent change in the local industrial structure increased long-term incomes, led to more educational attainment, and promoted the upward mobility of children and young adults in the more exposed regions before the war reparations period. The observed effects are driven by the more advanced heavy industry, which received the majority of state assistance.

Research on the mechanism of digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness on the digital innovation performance of complementary enterprises: evidence from China

PurposeIn the era of the digital economy, the digital innovation ecosystem is an important vehicle to alleviate enterprises' resource and capability constraints and thus improve their digital innovation performance. Embedding digital innovation ecosystems for survival and development opportunities has become a new strategic choice for enterprises. However, how digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness affects the digital innovation performance of complementary enterprises has not yet been fully revealed. This study examines whether digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness affects the digital innovation performance of complementary enterprises through ambidextrous capabilities (exploration and exploitation) and the moderating role of strategic flexibility.Design/methodology/approachA field survey was conducted in China, collecting survey data from 578 complementary enterprises in advanced manufacturing industries embedded in digital innovation ecosystems. This study applies multiple regression analysis to verify the relevant hypotheses.FindingsThe results confirmed that (1) digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness has a significant positive effect on complementary enterprises' digital innovation performance; (2) Ambidextrous capabilities play a partial mediating role in the relationship between digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness and complementary enterprises' digital innovation performance. (3) Strategic flexibility positively moderates the effect of digital innovation ecosystem embeddedness on ambidextrous capabilities and digital innovation performance.Practical implicationsThe findings, intended to guide enterprises that complement the digital innovation ecosystem to achieve digital innovation and performance improvement, highlight the importance of eco-embedded strategies, ambidextrous capabilities and strategic flexibility.Originality/valueThe finding enriches antecedent research on digital innovation performance and provides practical insights for firms to embed themselves in digital innovation ecosystems to improve performance.

Повышение экономической безопасности российской золотодобывающей промышленности на основе использования конкурентных преимуществ и адаптации передового зарубежного опыта

the article presents the results of substantiation of promising directions for increasing the economic security of the Russian gold mining industry based on the use of its competitive advantages and adaptation of advanced foreign experience. The most highly productive foreign technologies are identified, as well as advanced industry practices, the use of which has the potential to increase the economic security of the studied industry

A low-temperature process for lithium extraction from lithium-bearing mineral: Conversion behavior and mechanisms

Lithium extraction from lithium-bearing clay mineral (LiBC) has received significant attention due to the increasing demand of lithium for the advanced renewable energy industry. However, the low contents of valuable elements and stable physiochemical properties of LiBC result in high energy consumption and low efficiency in extracting lithium from LiBC. This study demonstrates a low-temperature strategy using (NH4)2SO4 as an additive to effectively extract lithium from LiBC. In details, the thermodynamic analysis verifies that Li, Al, and Fe can be converted to sulfates at 250–450 °C during thermal treatment, indicating the possibility for extraction of Li under low-temperature conditions. Subsequently, the leaching behavior of lithium under different roasting temperatures and water leaching conditions was investigated. The results show that 83.43 % of Li can be extracted under optimized conditions. The mechanism study was carried out through a number of characterization techniques including 3D microscope, TG-DSC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. It reveals that formation of liquidus phase of molten salt is the key to achieve low-temperature roasting and transfer and reactions at the interface of molten salt and LiBC can be significantly enhanced that can easily breakdown the interlayer structures. Consequently, it offers distinct advantages, since the roasting temperature can be significantly decreased with minor impurity ions being leached into the solutions. This research therefore provides an efficient and environmentally friendly method for lithium extraction from minerals.

Is industrial structure determined on water endowment in China? An empirical study of 31 provinces between 2011 and 2021

The interaction between water resources and industrial development remains inadequately comprehended in China. This study aims to explore the influence of water resources on industrial structure and its underlying mechanisms. The study establishes a theoretical mechanism framework based on the resource curse and blessing theory, examines the influence of water endowment on industrial structure, and investigates its influencing mechanism by using panel data from 31 provinces in China between 2011 and 2021. The study finds that, between 2011 and 2021, the national water-industry coordination gradually increased and remained uncoordinated. Water endowment and industrial structure exhibit a U-shaped relationship with spatial spillover effects. Water endowment reverses the industrial structure in water-scarce regions, while it promotes it in water-abundant regions. Both the curse and blessing of water resources are identified in China, and 30 provinces are “cursed”. The water-industry coordination plays a moderating role in the influence of water endowment on industrial structure, mitigating the effects of both the water resource curse and blessing. It expands the range of influence of the reverse effect and can shift the water resource curse to the water resource blessing. It is therefore proposed to employ water resources as an effective instrument to facilitate regional industrial upgrading, reinforce advanced agglomeration industry system, promote industrial structure adaptation to water resources, and strengthen the implementation of “Determining Industry on Water”. The paper illustrates the different water-industry interactions in water-scarce and water-abundant regions and the role of water-industry coordination in transforming the resource curse into the resource blessing.

RETRACTION: Boroxine Nanotubes: Moisture‐Sensitive Morphological Transformation and Guest Release

AbstractRETRACTION: K. Ishikawa, N. Kameta, M. Masuda, M. Asakawa, T. Shimizu, “Boroxine Nanotubes: Moisture‐Sensitive Morphological Transformation and Guest Release,” Advanced Functional Materials 24, no. 5 (2013): 603–609, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201302005.The above article, published online on 16 September 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors; the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Jörn Ritterbusch; and Wiley‐VCH GmbH, Weinheim. The retraction has been agreed upon authors' request and following an investigation by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) due to image falsification in electron microscopy images in Figures 1g, 1h, 1i, 2a, 2b, 2c, S1a, S1b, and S1c, where the second author falsified incorrect scale bars; all affecting the interpretation of the data and research results presented.