Commercial Process Research Articles

Biodiesel production via simultaneous esterification and transesterification of Periplaneta americana oil with liquid lipase Eversa® transform 2.0

Undeveloped Periplaneta americana oil (acid value 38.32 mg KOH/g) was directly used for one-step production of biodiesel with lipase without acid-pretreatment step for the commercial alkaline process. Biodiesel was produced via simultaneous esterification and transesterification of Periplaneta americana oil in the presence of lipase Eversa® Transform 2.0 (ET2) (12 US$/kg) in solvent-free system. The maximum biodiesel yield of 98.63 % was obtained under the optimized conditions of 32 °C, 8.5 wt.% lipase dosage, 8 h, 6.5/1 methanol/oil molar ratio, and 4 wt.% water. Lipase ET2 was recycled 6 times at > 89.52 % biodiesel yield. Biodiesel yield of 93.94 % was further achieved in a 1 L reactor with 15.08 g/kg lipase/biodiesel. Biodiesel cost was estimated as 589.3 US$/ton. Kinetics study gave activation energy of 24.50 kJ/mol with kinetic Michaelis constant of 1.19 mol/L. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel met both Chinese national and US ASTM standards that could be blended with petro-diesel to be applied in both countries. This study suggests that lipase could directly catalyze waste oils for the production of biodiesel at low temperature.

Energy Transition: The Impact of Increasing Energy Production from Renewable Sources on the Commercial Optimization Process of Conventional Power Generation Assets

Abstract Changing the way electricity is produced, as part of the energy transition process, brings new challenges to the energy industry and in particular to the power generation practices. The switch from energy systems based on fossil fuels to generation technologies based on renewable sources is proving to be much more complex than expected. Multiple recent studies have shown that the intermittency in renewable production processes is putting pressure on the system and increasing balancing and maintenance costs of the grid, calling for an efficient management of the electricity produced. Therefore, a complete phase-out of conventional power generation units (e.g. coal, gas and nuclear) is still difficult to imagine in practice, mainly because of their role in balancing the system during the hours when renewables are not available (e.g. no wind, no sun or reduced hydraulicity). From the perspective of technical and commercial management aspects, the operation of conventional assets involves the consideration of multiple constraints (such as a longer operating time before they are shut down, or a longer preparation time before they can be restarted) in order to avoid financial loss and further damages. Therefore, the aim of this is to: 1. study the impact brought by the large installed capacity of renewable assets on the energy system; 2. analyse the options for gradual phase-out of conventional assets, from the perspective of system stability; 3. draw conclusions on how the commercial optimization of the production assets should develop as the energy transition advances. The novelty of this paper lies in the fact that it makes a business study of this transition process, which does not really exist yet, and case and simulation studies, along with statistical and time series analysis were used as a methodological approach for the research.

Підходи до комерціалізації результатів інноваційної діяльності спільних підприємств

Various approaches to the commercialization of the results of innovative activities of joint enterprises are considered. According to the results of the review of the results of the evaluation of the innovative activity of the countries of the world, a ranking scheme of the leading countries in terms of the directions of innovative activity was generated. The process of commercialization of the results of innovative activities of enterprises is described. Systematized methods of evaluating the potential of commercialization of innovative activity, among which the method of technological audit, the method of fuzzy logic and the four-dimensional approach are highlighted. Approaches to evaluating its effectiveness are considered. Emphasis is placed on the main criteria in approaches to the commercialization of innovations, namely on the evaluation of the potential of commercialization and the assessment of its effectiveness. The list of indicators allowing to evaluate the financial result of the commercialization of the company’s innovations is highlighted. Methods of assessing the prospects and readiness for market commercialization of innovative developments, which are most adaptable for joint ventures, are described. The priority list includes the methodology for assessing the readiness for market commercialization of scientific developments, the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) methodology, developed by the US National Aerospace Agency NASA, and the TPRL (Technology Project Readiness Level) methodology. The main centers of transformation of innovative ideas or research results into marketable products or services are highlighted. The focus is on Technology Transfer Offices (TTO), startup accelerators and incubators, public-private partnerships, direct investment in research and development, open innovation, cluster innovation projects, and market-oriented innovation. The procedure for assessing the levels of suitability for commercialization of innovative development is illustrated. Based on the results of the conducted research, a general scheme for the commercialization of innovations was built.

The Development of a Bacterial Nanocellulose/Cationic Starch Hydrogel for the Production of Sustainable 3D-Printed Packaging Foils.

Polymers have become an important part of everyday life, but most of the polymers currently used are petroleum-based. This poses an environmental problem, especially with respect to products that are quickly discarded. For this reason, current packaging development focuses on sustainable materials as an alternative to synthetic ones. Nanocellulose, a relatively new material derived from cellulose, has unique properties such as high strength, low density, high surface area, and good barrier properties, making it popular in various applications. Additionally, 3D printing technologies have become an important part of industrial and commercial processes, enabling the realization of innovative ideas and functionalities. The main aim of this research was to develop a hydrogel of bacterial nanocellulose with suitable rheological properties for the 3D printing of polymer foils. Three variations of bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel differing in ratios of bacterial nanocellulose to cationic starch were produced. The rheological studies confirmed the suitability of the hydrogels for 3D printing. Foils were successfully 3D-printed using a modified 3D printer. The physical-mechanical, surface, and optical properties of the foils were determined. All foils were homogeneous with adequate mechanical properties. The 3D-printed foils with the highest amount of cationic starch were the most homogeneous and transparent and, despite their rigidity, very strong. All foils were semi-transparent, had a non-glossy surface, and retained poor water wettability.

Association of liver-abscess presence and severity with trim loss, slaughter yield, carcass grading performance, lung lesions, and value of fed-Holsteins*

ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the effects of liver abscesses on carcass characteristics and value of Holstein carcasses. Materials and MethodsFed-Holsteins were evalu- ated at 2 commercial processing facilities in Texas (n = 1,073) and Kansas (n = 1,070) from fall of 2016 through spring of 2017. Liver abscesses were visually assessed and scored; simultaneously, lungs were manually palpated to assess degree of consolidation and fibrin tag formation, to assess their association with liver abnormality. Finally, carcass trim was weighed from carcasses moved off line for zero tolerance trimming. Carcass and viscera values were assigned using USDA market reports and adjusted based on viscera condemnations along with premiums and dis- counts for quality and yield outcomes. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GENMOD procedures of SAS v9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with carcass as the experi- mental unit. Results and DiscussionHot carcass weight was re- duced (−25.1 kg, −6.6%) in carcasses that had an ad- hered and open liver abscess as compared with carcasses without abscessed livers. Carcasses with adhered, open, or adhered and open liver scores had increased carcass trim (0.72, 3.92, and 3.39 kg, respectively) when compared with carcasses without abscessed livers (0.38 kg). Similarly, carcasses with adhered, open, or adhered and open liver scores returned gross carcass revenues that were 5.0% to 6.4% less (–$97.69, –$93.86, and –$121.22/carcass, re- spectively) than carcasses without abscessed livers. Liver abscesses reduced gross offal values of individual animals by 20% to 84% depending upon severity. Implications and ApplicationsFed-Holsteins have been a significant portion of the beef industry, even though Holsteins have increased rates of severe liver ab- scesses compared with their non-dairy-reared equivalents. Therefore, methods to control liver abscesses should be employed, to mitigate the greater financial risk that Hol- steins and dairy-reared animals incur to both cattle feeders and beef processors.

Approach to Chemical Process Transition Control via Regulatory Controllers with the Case of a Throughput Fluctuating Ethylene Column

For chemical processes, dynamic optimization is employed for process transition. On the basis of the multilayer control structure, the employment of dynamic optimization is affected by the regulatory control system. To avoid the adjustment of the regulatory control system, set-point optimization is proposed. For comparison, two types of optimization models, namely direct optimization and set-point optimization, are formulated. The superiority of set-point optimization is rigorously proven. By simulating the commercial process of a throughput-fluctuating ethylene column, the integrated absolute error and maximum deviation of product quality are reduced by more than 150% with set-point optimization. The results indicate that the approach to process transition via regulatory controllers not only avoids the insecurity caused by the switching of set-point controllers but also improves the optimization performance. In conclusion, the proposed optimization structure, namely set-point optimization, is operable and stable for commercial chemical process transitions.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Characterization and Assessment of Vegetable Tannins from Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves for Leather Tanning

For commercial leather processing, chrome tanning is the most used approach but it significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Vegetable tannins, which are large polyphenolic compounds, form strong interactions with proteins and carbohydrates, thereby enhancing the adaptability and value of vegetable-tanned leather as well as reducing environmental impact. In this study, vegetable tannins were extracted from the leaves of Guava plants (Psidium guajava) using ethanol as the solvent, facilitated by ultrasound. Extracted tannins were quantified using the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic method. Ultrasound enhanced the extraction process producing a high yield in less time due to its mechanical, thermal, and cavitation impacts. The extracted tannins were characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including Proton (1H) Nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The effect of various process variables, such as temperature, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power, extraction period, and powder fineness, were also investigated to optimize the extraction process. Finally, the extracted tannins were employed in leather tanning processes to assess their potential as tanning agents. The extracted tannins ensured uniform diffusion of tannins, improved thermal stability and reduced the number of tannins in effluent by 68% making it an environmentally friendly leather tanning process.

LexA, an SOS response repressor, activates TGase synthesis in Streptomyces mobaraensis

Transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13, TGase), an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of covalent cross-links between protein or peptide molecules, plays a critical role in commercial food processing, medicine, and textiles. TGase from Streptomyces is the sole commercial enzyme preparation for cross-linking proteins. In this study, we revealed that the SOS response repressor protein LexA in Streptomyces mobaraensis not only triggers morphological development but also enhances TGase synthesis. The absence of lexA significantly diminished TGase production and sporulation. Although LexA does not bind directly to the promoter region of the TGase gene, it indirectly stimulates transcription of the tga gene, which encodes TGase. Furthermore, LexA directly enhances the expression of genes associated with protein synthesis and transcription factors, thus favorably influencing TGase synthesis at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Moreover, LexA activates four crucial genes involved in morphological differentiation, promoting spore maturation. Overall, our findings suggest that LexA plays a dual role as a master regulator of the SOS response and a significant contributor to TGase regulation and certain aspects of secondary metabolism, offering insights into the cellular functions of LexA and facilitating the strategic engineering of TGase overproducers.

Yellow mustard gum: pilot-scale production and characterization.

Yellow mustard gum (YMG), which is extracted from the mucilaginous part of yellow mustard bran, has been considered an emerging natural hydrocolloid gum but lacks commercial development and production. To promote the commercial utilization of YMG, this study developed a pilot-scale YMG production protocol in an economic and environmentally friendly way to produce a clean-label YMG product. This YMG produced at pilot scale (YMW) was characterized in terms of chemical composition, rheological properties, and interaction with a commercial gum, κ-carrageenan, and was compared with purified YMG through ethanol precipitation (YME). The protocol processed up to 100 L of raw material with zero solvent and a minimal number of steps and showed strong quasi-industrial potential. The YMW showed a similar chemical composition as YME. However, the YMW contained a slightly lower amount of carbohydrate and a much larger amount of ash and potassium than the YME. The rheological results concluded that both the YMW and YME solutions exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior and a weak gel, with YME showing higher viscosity and stronger gel structure. Most interestingly, YMW could form unpourable gels when blended with native κ-carrageenan whereas YME barely achieved this despite the equivalent total gum concentration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of YMG production at a large scale with economic and green procedures and discovered its new functionality for commercial utilization. The gelling ability of YMG could provide it with wider applications as a result of a new potential synergistic combination. All this information should accelerate the process of full commercialization of YMG as a clean-label functional ingredient. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Virtual reality as a method of cognitive training of processing speed, working memory, and sustained attention in persons with acquired brain injury: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) often leads to persisting somatic, cognitive, and social impairments. Cognitive impairments of processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory are frequently reported and may negatively affect activities of daily living and quality of life. Rehabilitation efforts aiming to retrain these cognitive functions have often consisted of computerized training programs. However, few studies have demonstrated effects that transfer beyond the trained tasks. There is a growing optimism regarding the potential usefulness of virtual reality (VR) in cognitive rehabilitation. The research literature is sparse, and existing studies are characterized by considerable methodological weaknesses. There is also a lack of knowledge about the acceptance and tolerability of VR as an intervention method for people with ABI. The present study aims to investigate whether playing a commercially available VR game is effective in training cognitive functions after ABI and to explore if the possible effects transfer into everyday functioning. One hundred participants (18-65years), with a verified ABI, impairments of processing speed/attention, and/or working memory, and a minimum of 12months post injury will be recruited. Participants with severe aphasia, apraxia, visual neglect, epilepsy, and severe mental illness will be excluded. Participants will be randomized into two parallel groups: (1) an intervention group playing a commercial VR game taxing processing speed, working memory, and sustained attention; (2) an active control group receiving psychoeducation regarding compensatory strategies, and general cognitive training tasks such as crossword puzzles or sudoku. The intervention period is 5weeks. The VR group will be asked to train at home for 30min 5days per week. Each participant will be assessed at baseline with neuropsychological tests and questionnaires, after the end of the intervention (5weeks), and 16weeks after baseline. After the end of the intervention period, focus group interviews will be conducted with 10 of the participants in the intervention group, in order to investigate acceptance and tolerability of VR as a training method. This study will contribute to improve understanding of how VR is tolerated and experienced by the ABI population. If proven effective, the study can contribute to new rehabilitation methods that persons with ABI can utilize in a home setting, after the post-acute rehabilitation has ended.

Techno-economic assessment of renewable dimethyl ether production pathways from hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the context of power-to-X

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an emerging alternative to traditional diesel and LPG as a power-to-X product. This study employs kinetic models to simulate potential DME production routes, assessing key technical and economic performance indicators for comparison. Aspen Plus, a commercial process flowsheet simulation tool, is used alongside Pinch methodology for heat integration. Four production routes are examined: two direct, converting feed gas directly to DME, and two indirect, involving methanol as an intermediate step. For one case in each, CO2 is initially converted to CO via the reverse water gas shift process (rWGS). Post heat integration, all routes exhibit higher cooling demand, with significant energy savings, notably in the indirect pathways. Indirect routes achieve power-to-fuel efficiencies of up to 39.6%, considering electrolysis and carbon capture. Direct routes excel in carbon conversion efficiencies, reaching 92.6%. Economically, indirect routes have higher upfront costs but lower operational expenses due to better energy efficiencies. Direct CO2 conversion yields the lowest levelized manufacturing costs at 2.45 €/kg, closely followed by the indirect route with rWGS. Further research is needed to enhance kinetic models and reduce simulation result uncertainty for direct conversion.

How Demand Shocks “Jumpstart” Technological Ecosystems and Commercialization: Evidence from the Global Electric Vehicle Industry

We examine how exogenous demand shocks overcome ecosystem bottlenecks in the commercialization of an emergent technology. We argue that demand shocks that spur new technology adoption by niche users pull “hub” firms into country technology markets, despite ecosystem bottlenecks, thereby serving to “jumpstart” the process of ecosystem development and technology commercialization. By analyzing global electric vehicle markets over the period 2008–2017, we find that extreme weather events such as abnormal heat-related events spur adoption of electric vehicles by end users, thereby propelling automotive or hub firms’ entry into country technology markets, and the subsequent shift of their electric vehicle product portfolios toward the more radical version of the technology. Notably, such demand shocks propel firms’ commercialization strategy, despite ecosystem bottlenecks such as the lack of regulatory and economic inducements for adoption, relative absence of complements, and product market differences. After entry, entrant firms’ electric vehicle product portfolios transition from hybrids toward radical technology products and investments in complements, albeit contingent on their competitive market position in the legacy technology. We discuss the implications of these findings concerning the uptake of demand shocks, and their robustness to modeling choices, technological generations across extended timeframes, potential mediating forces, and boundary conditions owing to firm and country-market heterogeneity. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2022.0075 .

Reaction mechanisms for methyl isocyanate (CH3NCO) gas-phase degradation

Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a toxic chemical found in many commercial, industrial, and agricultural processes, and was the primary chemical involved in the Bhopal, India disaster of 1984. The atmospheric environmental chemical reactivity of MIC is relatively unknown with only proposed reaction channels, mainly involving OH-initiated reactions. The gas-phase degradation reaction pathways of MIC and its primary product, formyl isocyanate (FIC), were investigated with quantum mechanical (QM) calculations to assess the fate of the toxic chemical and its primary transformation products. Transition state energy barriers and reaction energetics were evaluated for thermolysis/pyrolysis-like reactions and bimolecular reactions initiated by relevant radicals (•OH and Cl•) to evaluate the potential energy surfaces and identify the primary reaction pathways and products. Thermolysis/pyrolysis of MIC requires high energy to initiate N-CH3 and C-H bond dissociation and is unlikely to dissociate except under extreme conditions. Bimolecular radical addition and H-abstraction reaction pathways are deemed the most kinetically and thermodynamically favorable mechanisms. The primary transformation products of MIC were identified as FIC, methylcarbamic acid, isocyanic acid (isocyanate radical), and carbon dioxide. The results of this work inform the gas-phase reaction channels of MIC and FIC reactivity and identify transformation products under various reaction conditions.

Exploring the current state of technology transfer in the United States: perspectives and improvement strategies from the experts.

Technology transfer (TT) is a necessary, yet complex process to convey and disseminate scientific knowledge to the commercial sector. However, multiple barriers in TT can impede commercialization and innovative progress. To cultivate a deeper understanding, we conducted five interviews with strategic, elite leaders in different areas of TT in the United States. Experts shared their perspectives on the current state of TT, what needs improvement, and potential solutions to enhance the TT landscape, with a focus on biotechnology and medical devices. The formation of strong management teams, a comprehension of the regulatory, reimbursement, and funding pathways and policies, and thorough market assessments were noted as key aspects for venture success. Collaboration with Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), industry experts, and strategic partners are also essential to support academic innovators and guide them throughout the complex commercialization process. There is agreement that a venture should have a defined vision and clear goals with a robust business case for the innovation; early involvement of TTOs is essential. Comprehension of the complexities and key facets of TT, while also streamlining the process, will better position biomedical innovators for success.

Eliminating Voids and Residual PbI2 beneath a Perovskite Film via Buried Interface Modification for Efficient Solar Cells.

The commercialization process of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is markedly restricted by the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability. During fabrication and operation, the bottom interface of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite layer frequently exhibits voids and residual PbI2, while these defects inevitably act as recombination centers and degradation sites, affecting the efficiency and stability of the devices. Therefore, the degradation and nonradiative recombination originating from the buried interface should be thoroughly resolved. Here, we report a multifunctional passivator by introducing malonic dihydrazide as an interfacial chemical bridge between the electron transport layer and the perovskite (PVK) layer. MADH with hydrazine groups improves the surface affinity of SnO2 and provides nucleation sites for the growth of PVK, leading to the reduced residual PbI2 and the voids resulting from the inhomogeneous solvent volatilization at the bottom interface. Meanwhile, the hydrazine group and carbonyl group synergistically coordinate with Pb2+ to improve the crystal growth environment, reducing the number of Pb-related defects. Eventually, the PCE of the PSCs is significantly enhanced benefiting from the reduced interfacial defects and the increased carrier transport. Moreover, the reductive nature of hydrazide further inhibits I2 generation during long-term operation, and the device retains 90% of the initial PCE under a 1 sun continuous illumination exposure of 700 h.

Mechanism of ZnFe2O4 NPs on biohydrogen production by Clostridium pasteurianum

The biohydrogen production in Dark fermentation (DF) could be enhanced by ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials (NPs). The optimum conditions were obtained by a response surface method. Eventually, a biohydrogen production of 2645 mL/L was obtained after 48 h of batch culture, which is 116% higher than control without ZnFe2O4 NPs. The mechanism was investigated by a multi-scale method. In bioreactor scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could enhance the glucose metabolic ability of C. pasteurianum to promote cell growth and biohydrogen production. The metabolic pathways of biohydrogen production were shifted from the butyric acid-type to the ethanol-type. In cellular scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could reduce bacterial flagella assembly. In macromolecule scale, the activities of hydrogenase and ethanol dehydrogenase were increased. In genetic scale, the differentially expressed genes mainly involved in biohydrogen production, like those encoded Fe-only hydrogenase, ethanol dehydrogenase, and nitrogenase were up-regulated. The results could provide theoretical and technical supports for the development of commercial biohydrogen process.

Advancement of sustainable trypan blue degradation through rice husk ash based-heterogenous Fenton catalyst and study with gaussian process regression

Dyes and their derivatives have been found to be harmful to aquatic organisms, and discharging dye effluent without proper treatment into the environment can lead to affect the usability of water for distinct purposes, including drinking water, agriculture, and commercial processes. To overcome this environmental crisis a cost-effective rice husk ash (RHA) derived catalyst was synthesized as Fenton catalyst and a new, environmentally, and friendly treatment was used to treat trypan blue (TB) from synthetic wastewater. SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR were used to describe the prepared catalyst's comprehensive characterization. The optimization of degradation was observed with the batch study, while the reaction time was 1 h at 313 K with 180 ppm catalyst and 200 ppm of H2O2 under pH of 3. DNA study of treated and untreated wastewater demonstrated the non-toxic nature of treated trypan blue containing wastewater. For the betterment of water quality monitoring system Gaussian process regression (GPR) model was introduced for dye degradation determination and prediction in aqueous medium. By managing and controlling dye levels, treatment plants can mitigate the negative effects on receiving water bodies and ecosystems. The production cost of catalyst per kg of rice husk ash was estimated to $ 15.4803 which can be reused up to four cycles with minimum efficiency of 87 %. The outcomes unequivocally demonstrated that the suggested approach offered a completely sustainable resolution for reducing various forms of waste.

Development of a membrane process in CAPE-OPEN to CAPE-OPEN (COCO) simulator for carbon dioxide separation

Commercial process simulation software like HYSYS® and UniSIM® are available but they require a license to operate. CAPE-OPEN to CAPE-OPEN (COCO) is a free process simulation software that includes many unit operations. In terms of material and energy balance, COCO gives very close results compared to commercial software. Gas-separation membrane can be developed manually in HYSYS® and UniSIM® using a component splitter but this unit is not available in COCO. In this work, a membrane module was built in COCO with the use of the open-source numerical computational application (Scilab). The membrane unit was developed by writing material and energy balance equations in Scilab. The equations were solved numerically by changing the permeate-cut values. The code was then integrated into COCO using the Scilab plugin. The built code was tested with an industrial membrane unit for carbon dioxide separation from flue gas. Results show that the module gives an acceptable error of 4.5 % when performing material and energy balance compared to real data.

IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HRM- A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

It is now a necessity of survival rather than choice for businesses to accept and keep technology separate from them. Businesses are now integrating technology with their objectives to guarantee their existence, expansion, and continuity. The company has completely changed due to technological improvements, which have made its commercial processes more efficient and well connected than before. Business technology innovations involve bringing people and machines closer together and investigating methods to use technology to increase productivity, simplicity of use, and efficiency. One such transformation in business is the application of artificial intelligence (AI). In today's cutthroat corporate world, artificial intelligence (AI) is critical to human resource management (HRM). AI has the potential to completely transform HRM procedures by automating mundane jobs, expediting workflows, and offering HR managers specialized solutions. AI can also enhance hiring, training, performance evaluation, and pay administration. HR departments may manage their workforce more effectively and efficiently by utilizing AI technologies. HR organizations may optimize expenses and deliver superior employee service by utilizing AI-powered solutions. AI is playing a bigger role in HRM now that it can help businesses become more efficient while simultaneously raising employee satisfaction. By analyzing employee feedback, HR departments can better understand how employees view their work environment and chances for advancement. This helps HR departments get insights into employee engagement and productivity. It makes it possible for HR departments to automate the hiring process, which facilitates the process of finding qualified applicants. This study can offer insights into AI potential in HRM and assist clarify the existing state of AI in HRM.

Hybrid synaptic structure for spiking neural network realization

Neural networks and neuromorphic computing represent fundamental paradigms as alternative approaches to Von-Neumann-based implementations, advancing in the applications of deep learning and machine vision. Nonetheless, conventional semiconductor circuits encounter challenges in achieving ultra-fast processing speed and low power consumption due to their dissipative properties. Conversely, single flux quantum circuits exhibit inherent spiking behavior, showcasing their characteristics as a promising candidate for spiking neural networks (SNNs). In this work, we present a compact hybrid synapse circuit to mimic the biological interconnect functionality, enabling the weighting operations for excitatory and inhibitory impulses. Additionally, the proposed structure facilitates input accumulation, which is performed before the activation function. In the experiments, our synaptic structure interfaces with a soma circuit fabricated using a commercial Nb process, underscoring its compatibility and supporting its potential for integration into efficient neural network architectures. The weight value on the synapse is configurable by utilizing cryo-CMOS circuits, providing adaptability to the inference networks. We’ve successfully designed, fabricated, and partially tested the JJ-Synapse within our cryocooler system, enabling high-speed inference implementation for SNNs.