Transformation Approach Research Articles

A Green Chemo-Enzymatic Approach for CO2 Capture and Transformation into Bis(cyclic carbonate) Esters in Solvent-Free Media.

A sustainable approach for CO2 capture and chemo-enzymatic transformation into bis(cyclic carbonate) esters from CO2, glycidol, and organic anhydrides under solvent-free conditions has been demonstrated. The chemo-enzymatic process is based on two consecutive catalytic steps, which can be executed through separated operations or within a one-pot combo system, taking advantage of the synergic effects that emerge from integrating ionic liquid (IL) technologies and biocatalysts. In a first step, lipase-catalyzed transesterification and esterification reactions of different diacyl donors (e.g., glutaric anhydride, succinic anhydride, dimethyl succinate, etc.) with glycidol in solvent-free under mild reaction conditions (70 °C, 6 h) produce the corresponding diglycidyl ester derivatives in up to 41% yield. By a second step, the synthesis of bis(cyclic carbonate) esters was carried out as a result of the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 (from an exhausted gas source, 15% CO2 purity) on these diglycidyl esters, catalyzed by the covalently attached 1-decyl-2-methylimidazolium IL (supported ionic liquid-like phase, SILLP), in solvent-free condition, leading up to 65% yield after 8 h at 45 °C and 1 MPa CO2 pressure. Both key elements of the reaction system (biocatalyst and SILLP) were successfully recovered and reused for at least 5 operational cycles. Finally, different metrics have been applied to assess the greenness of the solvent-free chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bis(cyclic carbonate) esters here reported.

Transformable Soft Gripper: Uniting Grasping and Suction for Amphibious Cross-Scale Objects Grasping.

Robotic grasping plays a pivotal role in real-world interactions for robots. Existing grippers often limit functionality to a single grasping mode-picking or suction. While picking handles smaller objects and suction adapts to larger ones, integrating these modes breaks scale boundaries, expanding the robot's potential in real applications. This article introduces grasping modes transformable soft gripper capable of achieving amphibious cross-scale objects grasping. Despite its compact and fully scalable design (20 mm in diameter prototype), it morphs into two configurations, gripping objects from 10% (2 mm) to over 1000% (200 mm) of its size, spanning a vast 100-fold range. To enhance its grasping efficacy, we derived theoretical analytical models for the two distinct grasping modes. Subsequently, we present a detailed illustration of the gripper's fabrication process. Experimental validation demonstrates the gripper's success in attaching or detaching everyday items and industrial products, achieving high success rates in both air and underwater scenarios. Amphibious grasping and card manipulation demonstrations underscore the practicality of this transformative soft robotics approach.

Comprehensive Insights on MXene-Based TENGs: from Structures, Functions to Applications.

The rapid advancement of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has introduced a transformative approach to energy harvesting and self-powered sensing in recent years. Nonetheless, the untapped potential of TENGs in practical scenarios necessitates multiple strategies like material selections and structure designs to enhance their output performance. Given the various superior properties, MXenes, a kind of novel 2D materials, have demonstrated great promise in enhancing TENG functionality. Here, this review comprehensively delineates the advantages of incorporating MXenes into TENGs, majoring in six pivotal aspects. First, an overview of TENGs is provided, stating their theoretical foundations, working modes, material considerations, and prevailing challenges. Additionally, the structural characteristics, fabrication methodologies, and family of MXenes, charting their developmental trajectory are highlighted. The selection of MXenes as various functional layers (negative and positive triboelectric layer, electrode layer) while designing TENGs is briefed. Furthermore, the distinctive advantages of MXene-based TENGs and their applications are emphasized. Last, the existing challenges are highlighted, and the future developing directions of MXene-based TENGs are forecasted.

Enhancing Math education for visually impaired students: alternative text implementation in LATEX, MathJax, MathML and LAMBDA

Abstract This article outlines an innovative procedure to improve the accessibility of Mathematics for secondary school students with visual impairments. Using LATEX, a widely used typesetting system, a transformative approach is developed that converts traditional mathematical content into three accessible formats: PDF, MathJax and LAMBDA. Central to this system is the integration of alternative text, which offers full descriptions of images and mathematical formulae and promotes a richer understanding of its content. The broader implications of this project include the introduction of novel teaching models for educators, enhanced accessibility of Mathematics programmes, and the potential to encourage the enrolment of visually impaired students in science degree courses. Ultimately, this work contributes to the creation of the conditions for the development of an inclusive and barrier-free learning environment in Mathematics education.

Circular Economy in Action: Examining the Decoupling of Economic Growth and Material Use across EU Countries

The circular economy (CE) is a transformative approach that not only preserves and reuses resources but also redefines how economic growth can be achieved in a more sustainable manner. The aim of the paper is to assess whether economic growth in EU countries can be decoupled from resource use through CE practices. Using data from Eurostat spanning 2010-2022, we analyze key indicators such as Raw material consumption (RMC), Gross domestic product (GDP) and Circular material use rate (MUR). We apply correlation analysis and decoupling analysis to assess the efficacy of CE practices in achieving sustainable economic growth. The results indicate significant variability among EU countries in their ability to decouple economic growth from resource consumption. Some countries demonstrated strong absolute decoupling, indicating successful CE integration, while others faced challenges with expansive negative decoupling. The study underscores the necessity for tailored strategies to enhance CE implementation across diverse economic contexts within the EU. Keywords: decoupling, circular economy, raw material, circular material, GDP, EU countries

Increasing Transformative Impact by Design in Education in the Caribbean

Educational researchers in the Caribbean have an opportunity to be part of the solutions to grand challenges, such as climate change, violence, and disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. The transformative approach to research provides a framework that focuses on issues of inequities and power differences in a conscious effort to increase social, economic, and environmental justice. Examples of studies from different parts of the world are used to illustrate the application of this framework with the goal of increasing the research impact. The strategies used in the transformative approach, such as building culturally responsive relationships, integrating social activist strategies, developing coalitions, and addressing power inequities, can be applied in ways that are responsive to the culture and context of the Caribbean.

Synthesis of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Palladium-catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization

: Nowadays palladium-catalyzed C–H bond activation is a useful approach for the synthetic transformation of organic compounds due to step economy, the use of non-prefunctionalized substrates and reduced chemical wastes. Among the various synthetic strategies, palladium catalyzed intra and inter-molecular C–H bond activation has recently drawn a lot of interest to synthesize the decorated π-conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. In this review, we have focused on recent progress along with previous strategies to synthesize various polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by the use of Pd-catalyzed C–H bond activation. We have also discussed the mechanistic details of the reaction intra and inter-molecular C–H bond activation.

Decision-based Data Distribution (D³): Enabling Users to Minimize Data Propagation in Privacy-sensitive Scenarios

In many scenarios, users have to communicate sensitive data with third parties such as doctors, lawyers, insurance companies, social workers, or online shops. Handing over personal data is necessary to use those services, but delegating tasks to increase efficiency still poses the risk that personal data might be leaked. To minimize this risk and further enhance the privacy of users, we propose an interaction concept that uses layered encryption of messages to provide a trade-off between privacy and usability. Users can choose which data is additionally encrypted in an inner layer, e.g. only for the eyes of their doctor, and which data is available in an outer (encrypted or unencrypted) layer for all staff members. Another benefit is the hiding of sensitive data from package inspection or crawling algorithms via emails, while less critical parts can still be processed by these systems via the partial access. To investigate this concept, we derive relevant use cases for form-based communication via email from a quantitative pre-study with 1011 participants, showing that general practitioners are the most suitable use case. We developed demonstrators for this use case and evaluated them in a qualitative study with 42 participants. Our results show that the possibility of minimizing the propagation of sensitive data through additional encryption is highly appreciated and the usage of form-based communication is a promising approach for digital transformation.

“Just Because I’m Different!”: The Call for Socio-Cultural Transformation of Covert Bullying Practices in Jamaican High Schools

With the growth of technology and social media, many forms of bullying in Jamaican high schools have intensified and remained covert, while promoting a climate of socio-cultural differences and relational aggression. The purpose of this article is to use the insights and implications garnered from a covert bullying study to share recommended transformational approaches and strategies that will reduce bullying practices and negative socio-cultural differences within local school communities, while also engendering a culture of equality and social justice.

Circular Economy: The 4Rs reduce-reuse-recycle-recover

Abstract This article summarizes the lecture presented at the Net Built 2024 conference. The lecture addresses the unsustainability of the current linear economy, characterized by the “take, make, dispose” model, in light of environmental challenges. The inefficiencies of this system lead to increased energy consumption, elevated CO2 emissions, and the exacerbation of climate change. It examines the current state of design and construction with respect to climate change and sustainable resource management. Additionally, the lecture introduces a methodology that integrates technologies and design philosophies capable of driving significant positive change. By advocating for a transformative approach to the expected lifetime of buildings and components, this presentation explores new paradigms grounded in the principles of the circular economy. To illustrate these strategies and their outcomes, the author provides a series of case studies. The presentation delves into open methods and strategies for managing building systems, focusing on lifecycle impact, durability, serviceability, and obsolescence.

Sustainable Digital Transformation In Africa: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems With Modern Technology

Today, the continent of Africa is at an epoch in its digital transformation journey. As the continent embraces modern technologies, it often encounters a disconnect between them and its indigenous cultural practices and environmental contexts. This paper proposes a radical shift from the Western-centric technological paradigms to a model that integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with digital transformation efforts. This study offers a unique view on sustainable and culturally congruent technological development by examining the limitations of current digital frameworks and presenting successful case studies where IKS have been harmoniously integrated with technology. We explore the potential of IKS to complement and redefine the global technological landscape. Our analysis predicts that by 2040, Africa could emerge as a trailblazer in global technology by embracing and amplifying its indigenous wisdom within its digital advancements. This paper challenges conventional wisdom and advocates for a transformative approach to digital development deeply rooted in Africa's cultural and environmental realities.

Revolutionizing Knowledge Synthesis: Introducing AI-Enhanced Collaborative Theory (AIECT)

In an era of unprecedented data development, standard literature review approaches can result in information overload and missed chances for theoretical innovation. This paper introduces AI-Enhanced Collaborative Theory (AIECT), a paradigm for dynamic collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) systems and human researchers to improve knowledge synthesis and theoretical progress. AIECT focuses on the intersection of human intuition and AI capabilities, including essential components like dynamic co-creation, iterative feedback loops, contextual intelligence, and ethical frameworks. Empirical experiments show that AIECT can significantly increase the efficiency and depth of literature reviews and theory creation, showing its potential to revolutionize research processes and address information overload concerns. While limitations such as sample size and the need for additional validation are acknowledged, the findings indicate that AIECT represents a transformative approach to academic inquiry, encouraging innovative, ethical, and nuanced research techniques. By safely integrating AI, AIECT sets the way for advances in knowledge synthesis and provides a systematic foundation for future scholarly endeavors in various domains.

Nanotechnology In Prosthodontics

Nanotechnology is rapidly transforming the field of medicine, offering new and innovative solutions to some of the most complex challenges in healthcare. At its core, nanotechnology involves manipulating and engineering materials at the nanometer scale, where unique physical, chemical, and biological properties emerge. In medicine, this ability to work at such a small scale opens the door to revolutionary advancements, such as targeted drug delivery systems, improved diagnostic tools, regenerative medicine, and even nanoscale surgery. Nanotechnology in prosthodontics represents a transformative approach to dental restoration and rehabilitation, enhancing the precision and effectiveness. Commonly used dental materials, despite their limitations in physical and biological properties, have not been replaced but can instead be enhanced with nanomaterials to improve their inherent qualities while remaining cost-effective. The current article focuses on the nanomaterials utilized in prosthodontics

Computation of acoustic scattered fields and derived radiation force and torque for axisymmetric objects at arbitrary orientations.

This study presents a theoretical framework for calculating acoustic scattering fields, as well as radiation force and torque resulting from the interaction between an incident wave and an axisymmetric object positioned at arbitrary orientations. Grounded in the partial-wave expansion method, it formulates scattering products using beam-shape and scalar scattering coefficients. The incorporation of geometric features into the scalar scattering coefficients is achieved through the conformal transformation approach. Notably, its applicability is restricted to scenarios where the object is positioned at its standard orientation, a limitation circumvented by employing rotational transformations to extend the model to non-standard orientations. A rotational transformation tunes the original frame (observation coordinate system) into a reference frame (computation coordinate system), for any deviated orientation and facilitating solution of scattering products. While the non-intuitive nature of rotational transformations disrupts the inheritability of the partial-wave expressions for the scattering products, an alternative approach is provided based on rotation addition theorem. This method directly incorporates object orientations into the beam-shape and scalar scattering coefficients, bypassing rotational transformations and preserving the partial-wave format. Comparative analysis with full three-dimensional numerical simulations shows theoretical methods are computationally more efficient while ensuring substantial consistency.

Green chemistry in manufacturing: Innovations in reducing environmental impact

Green chemistry has emerged as a transformative approach in reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of how green chemistry principles are applied in various manufacturing sectors to minimize hazardous waste and energy consumption. The paper begins by outlining the core principles of green chemistry, highlighting their relevance to sustainable industrial practices. Key innovations in chemical engineering are discussed, focusing on waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, and the use of renewable raw materials. Through detailed case studies in the pharmaceutical, textile, and automotive industries, the paper demonstrates how the adoption of green chemistry has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of these sectors. The review also explores the challenges industries face in implementing green chemistry and the future direction of this field, emphasizing the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in driving further innovation. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, there are substantial opportunities for growth, especially in expanding the use of green chemistry across diverse industries. This paper concludes with recommendations for continued research and broader adoption of green chemistry to promote sustainable manufacturing.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Their Potential in the Treatment of Patients with Biliary Tract Cancer.

Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are aggressive in nature, often presenting asymptomatically until they are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical resection or liver transplantation are potential curative options. However, a large proportion of patients present with incurable locally advanced or metastatic disease and most of these patients are only eligible for palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care. More recently, targeted therapies have proven beneficial in a molecularly selected subgroup of patients with cholangiocarcinoma who have progressed on previous lines of systemic treatment. However, only a minority of patients with BTCs whose tumours harbour specific molecular alterations can access these therapies. Methods: In relation to ADCs, studies regarding use of antibody-drug conjugates in cancer, particularly in BTCs, were searched in Embase (1974 to 2024) and Ovid MEDLINE(R) (1946 to 2024) to obtain relevant articles. Examples of current clinical trials utilising ADC treatment in BTCs were extracted from the ClinicalTrials.gov trial registry. Conclusions: Overall, this review has highlighted that ADCs have shown encouraging outcomes in cancer therapy, and this should lead to further research including in BTCs, where treatment options are often limited. The promising results observed with ADCs in various cancers underscore their potential as a transformative approach in oncology, warranting continued exploration and development and the need for education on the management of their specific toxicities. By addressing current challenges and optimising ADC design and application, future studies could potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients with BTCs and beyond, potentially in both early and advanced stage settings.

Rapid Prototyping Technology: A Driving Force in Product Design Innovation

Abstract: This paper explores the transformative impact of rapid prototyping on product design processes across various industries. Rapid prototyping, characterized by its ability to quickly create physical models from digital designs, significantly enhances the iterative design phase, facilitating early testing and validation of concepts. RP includes the integration of technologies such as 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), and additive manufacturing in accelerating product iterations, reducing time-to-market, and fostering innovation. Rapid prototyping (RP) has emerged as a transformative approach in product development, significantly enhancing design processes across various industries. Sectors including automotive, consumer electronics and healthcare show how rapid prototyping streamlines communication among stakeholders, enhances user feedback incorporation, and reduces production costs

Circular economy and the separated yet inseparable social dimension: Views from European circular city experts

Circular economy has received significant attention worldwide for its potential to reconcile ecological limits and economic development. Europe, in particular, has made it a policy focus for achieving its climate ambitions. However, to date, the circular economy remains a loosely defined concept with competing discourses of technocentrism and holistic societal transformation. As the former prevails, its neglect of the social dimension raises concerns about the circular economy's social sustainability and feasibility. Therefore, this study explores how the relationship between the circular economy and the social dimension is perceived by experts directly engaged in the current circular transition process. By uncovering their experiences and perceptions, this study aims to offer empirical insights for the future development of the circular economy. Through qualitatively exploring the views of 14 experts across 11 European cities with a clear circular vision, this study found that although the social dimension is not a primary focus or fundamentally connected with the circular economy, it plays a fundamental role in the transition process and is simultaneously an impacted area. However, there is a significant gap between the ideal social environment required for circular transition and what the current transition can facilitate. As such, the future of the circular economy may be precarious unless it shifts from a technocentric tendency to more holistic, transformational approaches.

WEAVING THE HARMONY OF CULTURES INTO THE INFINITE TAPESTRY OF MATHEMATICS

This study explores Ethnomathematics as an innovative and transformative approach to teaching mathematics, highlighting its potential to promote inclusive and culturally relevant education. Ethnomathematics challenges the traditional view of mathematics as a neutral and universal science, proposing it as a cultural construct that reflects the practices, values, and needs of different social groups throughout history. By integrating students’ cultural realities into the school curriculum, this approach not only enriches mathematics education, making it more accessible and meaningful, but also serves as a catalyst for social inclusion and educational equity. Ethnomathematics promotes a dialogue between formal academic knowledge and diverse cultural practices, suggesting that mathematics education should be deeply contextualized and connected to students’ everyday experiences. This transforms mathematics education into something more relevant and engaging, while valuing and acknowledging the cultural traditions that shape students’ identities. This integration is seen as a form of social justice, as it challenges the hegemony of Western mathematical knowledge and values ​​the contributions of other cultures. To understand how Ethnomathematics can be effectively incorporated into the school curriculum, the study uses a rigorous bibliographical analysis, based on works by renowned authors such as Ubiratan D'Ambrósio, Milton Rosa, and Daniel Clark Orey. This detailed analysis allowed us to identify the main theoretical and practical contributions of Ethnomathematics, as well as highlight pedagogical strategies that value students' cultural traditions and adapt teaching materials for a more inclusive mathematics education. The study points to Ethnomathematics as a promising path for an education that respects and values ​​cultural diversity, promoting the development of critical and socially engaged citizens. This approach contributes to the construction of a more just and egalitarian society, where all forms of mathematical knowledge are recognized and celebrated.

Periodic and Axial Perturbations of Chaotic Solitons in the Realm of Complex Structured Quintic Swift-Hohenberg Equation

This research work employs a powerful analytical method known as the Riccati Modified Extended Simple Equation Method (RMESEM) to investigate and analyse chaotic soliton solutions of the (1 + 1)-dimensional Complex Quintic Swift–Hohenberg Equation (CQSHE). This model serves to describe complex dissipative systems that produce patterns. We have found that there exist numerous chaotic soliton solutions with periodic and axial perturbations to the intended CQSHE, provided that the coefficients are constrained by certain conditions. Furthermore, by applying a sophisticated transformation, the provided transformative approach RMESEM transforms CQSHE into a set of Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs). The resulting set of NODEs is then transformed into an algebraic system of equations by incorporating the extended Riccati NODE to assume a series form solution. The soliton solutions to this system of equations can be found as periodic, hyperbolic, exponential, rational-hyperbolic, and rational families of functions. A variety of 3D and contour visuals are also provided to graphically illustrate the axially and periodically perturbed dynamics of these chaotic soliton solutions and the formation of fractals. Our findings are noteworthy because they shed light on the chaotic nature of the framework we are examining, enabling us to better understand the dynamics that underlie it.