Concept Of Process Research Articles

A Numerical Bio-Geotechnical Model of Pressure-Responsive Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

The employment of Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is of increasing interest as a technique for environmentally sustainable soil stabilisation. Recent advancements in synthetic biology have allowed for the conception of a pressure-responsive MICP process, wherein bacteria are engineered to sense environmental loads, thereby offering the potential to stabilise specific soil regions selectively. In this study, a 2D smart bio-geotechnical model is proposed based on a pressure-responsive MICP system. Experimentally obtained pressure-responsive genes and hypothetical genes with different pressure responses were applied in the model and two soil profiles were evaluated. The resulting model bridges scales from gene expression within bacteria cells to geotechnical simulations. The results show that both strata and gene expression–pressure relationships have a significant influence on the distribution pattern of calcium carbonate precipitation within the soil matrix. Among the evaluated experimental genes, Gene A demonstrates the best performance in both of the two soil profiles due to the effective stabilisation in the centre area beneath the load, while Genes B and C are more effective in reinforcing peripheral regions. Furthermore, when the hypothetical genes are utilised, there is an increasing stabilisation area with a decreased threshold value. The results show that the technique can be used for soil reinforcement in specific areas.

Tazkiyat Al-Nafs of Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani (1814-1897 Ad) As an Antidote to Consumerism Culture

Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani is a great scholar and local Sufi of the archipelago. His Sufism teachings are widely studied by Muslims around the world, especially Indonesia. During the advancement of industry in the postmodern era, a new phenomenon called consumerism emerged. The emergence of consumerism culture has a negative impact on society and the environment. This article explains the concept of tazkiyatun nafs Al-Bantani model and processes it into an antidote to the problem of consumerism. This study is library research using a qualitative approach. The data were collected using documentary techniques referring to books, articles, and other published materials. The acquired data is then analysed employing the descriptive-analytical method. This study finds that the concept of tazkiyat al-nafs of al-Bantani departs from his maqâmât, which contains nine stages in the spiritual journey. This research also proves that tazkiyat al-nafs of al-Bantani can solve consumerism culture and transform society into a noble and Islamic character. More interestingly, the concept of tazkiyatun nafs Al-Bantani model can be used as a research theoretical framework to overcome various moral problems in the contemporary era.

Investigation of Deepfake Voice Detection Using Speech Pause Patterns: Algorithm Development and Validation

Background The digital era has witnessed an escalating dependence on digital platforms for news and information, coupled with the advent of “deepfake” technology. Deepfakes, leveraging deep learning models on extensive data sets of voice recordings and images, pose substantial threats to media authenticity, potentially leading to unethical misuse such as impersonation and the dissemination of false information. Objective To counteract this challenge, this study aims to introduce the concept of innate biological processes to discern between authentic human voices and cloned voices. We propose that the presence or absence of certain perceptual features, such as pauses in speech, can effectively distinguish between cloned and authentic audio. Methods A total of 49 adult participants representing diverse ethnic backgrounds and accents were recruited. Each participant contributed voice samples for the training of up to 3 distinct voice cloning text-to-speech models and 3 control paragraphs. Subsequently, the cloning models generated synthetic versions of the control paragraphs, resulting in a data set consisting of up to 9 cloned audio samples and 3 control samples per participant. We analyzed the speech pauses caused by biological actions such as respiration, swallowing, and cognitive processes. Five audio features corresponding to speech pause profiles were calculated. Differences between authentic and cloned audio for these features were assessed, and 5 classical machine learning algorithms were implemented using these features to create a prediction model. The generalization capability of the optimal model was evaluated through testing on unseen data, incorporating a model-naive generator, a model-naive paragraph, and model-naive participants. Results Cloned audio exhibited significantly increased time between pauses (P<.001), decreased variation in speech segment length (P=.003), increased overall proportion of time speaking (P=.04), and decreased rates of micro- and macropauses in speech (both P=.01). Five machine learning models were implemented using these features, with the AdaBoost model demonstrating the highest performance, achieving a 5-fold cross-validation balanced accuracy of 0.81 (SD 0.05). Other models included support vector machine (balanced accuracy 0.79, SD 0.03), random forest (balanced accuracy 0.78, SD 0.04), logistic regression, and decision tree (balanced accuracies 0.76, SD 0.10 and 0.72, SD 0.06). When evaluating the optimal AdaBoost model, it achieved an overall test accuracy of 0.79 when predicting unseen data. Conclusions The incorporation of perceptual, biological features into machine learning models demonstrates promising results in distinguishing between authentic human voices and cloned audio.

Towards industry 5.0 through metaverse

The digital transformation of the industry allows the optimization of resources through enabling technology that virtualizes the behavior of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) along the entire value chain. However, these virtual environments characterized by machine-to-machine interactions lacked the presence of humans who are at the center of the next defined industrial revolution, Industry 5.0. The goal is for humans to be actively integrated into these virtual environments called metaverses where interactions with environmental digital assets are possible. To achieve this human-centered industrial metaverse perspective, it is necessary to provide humans with technologies that allow them to reach a more immersive and realistic conception of the production processes. For this purpose, we present in this paper, a framework based on hyperconnectivity where several enabling technologies (e.g., Digital Twins, Virtual Reality, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)) are integrated in order to converge towards the industrial human-centered metaverse. To validate our framework, a demonstrator has been developed enabling the evaluation of the behavior of humans in virtual environments when facing collaborative tasks that require human-to-human interaction. Within the evaluation of this demonstrator, an experiment based on an assembly that requires interaction with an autonomous vehicle has been carried out both in reality and in the virtual world. The results obtained indicate that the avatars’ metaverse performance is closer to reality when individuals have previous experience with VR goggles, even proving, in this case, the effectiveness of metaverse for industrial operators’ training. In addition, the performance of the application has been evaluated with technical parameters and the perception of the users has been analyzed by conducting a survey receiving very positive feedback and results. Therefore, the industrial metaverse, blending cutting-edge tech with a human-centric approach for Industry 5.0, is now a reality.

Hydrogen production from wet biomass via a formic acid route under mild conditions

Renewable Hydrogen is a key building block for a sustainable energy economy. An attractive resource for its production is waste biomass. This contribution analyses a promising new Biomass-to-H2 two-step approach, consisting of (1) biomass oxidation to formic acid and methyl formate in the so-called OxFA-Process and (2) hydrogen generation by dehydrogenation or decarbonylation of these intermediates. This contribution explains a novel hydrogen production concept and compares three distinct process routes for their efficient implementation. By using Aspen Plus® V12 the process was designed and optimized to achieve maximum hydrogen yield. An economic analysis allowed to compare the different characteristics of each process concept and to select the most promising option. The chosen concept was subject to a detailed cost and sensitivity analysis showing that this new route has high potential and competitiveness for hydrogen production from waste biomass.

KEBERHASILAN USAHA DITINJAU DARI BALANCE SCORECARD

This research aims to develop a system for measuring the organizational performance of real estate development companies based on the concept of Balance Scorecard (BSC) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) at PT. Meka Asia Property. This research is a type of quantitative research with a descriptive approach. This research uses primary data and secondary data with several data collection methods including interviews, questionnaires, literature studies and documentation. The research results show that PT. Meka Asia Properti has performed well. Judging from the average score obtained, it is 3.7 which is included in "Good Company Performance". From the AHP results, the weight of each perspective is 0.64 for the customer perspective which shows the highest priority, and than the internal business process perspective at 0.21, then the financial perspective with a weight of 0.11, then the last one is 0 .04 for the growth and learning perspective which has the lowest weight

Partial- and full-tunneling processes across potential barriers

We introduce the concept of partial-tunneling and full-tunneling processes to explain the seemingly contradictory non-zero and vanishing tunneling times often reported in the literature. Our analysis starts by considering the traversal time of a quantum particle through a potential barrier, including both above- and below-barrier traversals, using the theory of time-of-arrival operators. We then show that there are three traversal processes corresponding to non-tunneling, full tunneling, and partial tunneling. The distinction among the three depends on the support of the incident wave packet's energy distribution in relation to the shape of the barrier. Non-tunneling happens when the energy distribution of the quantum particle lies above the maximum of the potential barrier. Otherwise, full-tunneling process occurs when the energy distribution of the particle is below the minimum of the potential barrier. For this process, the obtained traversal time is interpreted as the tunneling time. Finally, the partial-tunneling process occurs when the energy distribution lies between the minimum and maximum of the potential barrier. This signifies that the quantum particle tunneled only through some portions of the potential barrier. We argue that the duration for a partial-tunneling process should not be interpreted as the tunneling time but instead as a partial traversal time to differentiate it from the full-tunneling process. We then show that a full-tunneling process is always instantaneous, while a partial-tunneling process takes a non-zero amount of time. We are then led to the hypothesis that experimentally measured non-zero and vanishing tunneling times correspond to partial- and full-tunneling processes, respectively.

Life, its definition, origin, evolution, and four-dimensional hierarchical structure

The main unique features of biological systems are reviewed, and four necessary and sufficient attributes of life are formulated, based on the ideas of Ervin Bauer. The possibility of the occurrence of each of these attributes during the origin of life is analyzed. As a result, different scenarios for the origin of life are presented, with their pros and cons. Next, the mainstream of biological evolution is discussed, considering it as a special case of general complexification, and structuredness is defined as a quantitative measure of structural complexity. By introducing the concepts of post-dissipative structure and ratcheting process based on “frozen” patterns, their role in the generation of biological structures underlying biological evolution is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is proposed that all living things can be divided into micro- (unicellular) and macro- (multicellular) creatures, which differ from each other even more radically than the difference between prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. Then the fifth, sufficient, but not necessary attribute of life, hierarchicality, is formulated, which is fully applicable only to macrolife. It is also shown that living organisms are primarily chemodynamic rather than thermodynamic systems, and three basic laws of biochemodynamics are formulated. Finally, fifteen basic features of living beings, grouped into four basic blocks, are summarized.

Daring to Imagine: A Future Without Zionism

This article locates the rising extremism in Israel in the dynamics of the ongoing Zionist settler-colonial project in Palestine. It introduces the concept of process in settler-colonial settings as the interaction between the settler-colonial structure with its inherent violence and the agency of the colonized with its inevitable resistance. It is within that context that extremism is nourished and grown. The article argues that Zionism is entrapped in path of escalating violence, the end of which we have not yet seen, to maintain the goals of Jewish supremacy and subdue the natives’ resistance to taking over their land. Therefore, the article defines the challenge of a peaceful relationship between Israelis and Palestinians as being based on abolishing Jewish supremacy and establishing equal political and national rights for Israelis and Palestinians. The article argues that to achieve full equality, recognition of the right and legitimacy of the Israeli Jewish national group to belong to the land in equality with the Palestinian nation and to establish a common political framework of sharing the land, can be achieved only by imagining a future without Zionism.

A model of personal relationships and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents: A person*environment model

Although cyberbullying is relational by nature, prior models focused on individual explanations for cyberbullying rather than integrating contextual processes. We present the Relational Model of Cyberbullying Motivation and Regulation (RMC). This model applies the concepts of proximal processes (e.g., interactions with parents, teachers, peers) from ecological systems theory and the concepts of psychological resources (e.g., autonomy, competency, and relatedness) from self determination theory to explain youth motivation and self-regulation of cyberbullying. First, we review theoretical foundations for the theories involved and outline postulates for youths’ proximal influences, motivations for, and regulation against cyberbullying perpetration. Then, we present a pathway by which the most proximal social influences on youth impact the development of psychological resources, which then may impact cyberbullying. We also present pathways by which autonomy, competence, and relatedness have an indirect impact on cyberbullying via motivation and self-regulation. The RMC informs intervention efforts by identifying proximal contexts and leverage points to disrupt processes that lead to competence and/or autonomy to cyberbully others.

“Dehumanization of man” is a key problem of the modern era

The human problem, which originally belongs to the number of fundamental problems of philosophy and culture, does not lose its significance today, but also acquires a special acuteness and, accordingly, relevance.The phenomenon of dehumanization, the concept of alienation, globalization and globalization processes are considered from the standpoint of historical determinism, when solving the tasks set, they turned to the ideas of K. Marks, E. Fromm, D. Lukach, T. Adulo, etc. When writing the article, methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison were used. Globalization processes, which are a distinctive feature of all states and societies, combine an infinite number of aspects of social life that vary in scope – from local to planetary, while having different dynamics and orientation. Globalization and globalization processes are not the end or the stop of social processes. Dehumanization presupposes the degradation of morality. The research is based on conceptual provisions, ideas, results of the problem of dehumanization and the problem of alienation in the context of globalization, the publications of Russian and foreign authors on the stated topic are analyzed. The object of study is the problem of “dehumanization of man” and the topic of alienation in modern globalizing conditions.As a result of the analysis, certain vectors of the spiritual development of modern society are outlined in the conditions of a systemic crisis of value orientations and lack of spirituality, inhumanity. The article presents the outlines of new ethical programs that are designed to counteract the process of modern man’s loss of a genuine humane essence and his purpose in society.

Взаимосогласительные процедуры в рамках налогового мониторинга как вид альтернативного урегулирования спора

The article analyses the content of mutual agreement procedures provided for by Art. 105.31 Tax Code of the Russian Federation from the point of view of their possible legal qualification. The article studies the content of the concept of alternative dispute resolution and negotiation process, searches for their similarities and differences with mutual agreement procedures, concludes that the actual content of these procedures does not allow to characterise them as a form of alternative dispute resolution.

Towards Functional Safety in Dynamic Distributed Systems

Functional safety (FS) is a well-established concept to avoid technical systems to cause harm during operation. Since FS is based on information exchange, the communication infrastructure plays a vital role to enable FS. Black channel or grey channel approaches are the basis for achieving effective and efficient FS schemes. While simple safety functions (SFs) can be implemented using point-to-point (P2P) transmission protocols, they are usually not suitable to provide FS in dynamic distributed systems (DDSs). This paper discusses time-sensitive networking (TSN) as an important approach for providing FS in wireless TSN (W-TSN) and evaluates the achievable safety integrity levels (SILs) for applications based on PROFISafe running over W-TSN. A discussion on initial ideas for providing FS in DDSs reveals that FS concepts have to be designed and optimized jointly with communication protocols beyond P2P transmission to improve the resulting efficiency required for applying the concepts in industrial processes.

Audit-Ready Processes in the Pharmaceutical Industry: A Brief Review

An audit-ready process in the pharmaceutical industry refers to a systematic approach implemented by pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. It involves establishing and maintaining procedures, controls, and documentation that enable efficient and effective audits by regulatory authorities, external auditors, or internal audit teams. This study begins by providing an overview of the regulatory landscape in the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting the key regulations and guidelines that govern the industry. It explores the evolving expectations of regulatory authorities, emphasizing the need for pharmaceutical companies to maintain rigorous compliance and transparency throughout their operations. This study develops into the concept of an audit-ready process, defining its key components and characteristics. It examines the benefits of such processes, including improved risk management, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased stakeholder confidence. The study also explores the challenges associated with implementing audit-ready processes, such as resource allocation, training, and cultural shifts within organizations. This study analyzes various methodologies and frameworks that can be utilized to establish audit-ready processes in the pharmaceutical industry. It explores the principles of quality management systems, risk-based approaches, and data integrity frameworks, highlighting their relevance and applicability in ensuring audit compliance and readiness.

Sensitizing nursing faculty about formation of professional identity: Exploration of lessons learnt at a nursing institute in India.

Background We initiated a conversation regarding the concept of professional identity formation (PIF) with faculty of Institute of Nursing at our university through a participatory workshop. We report the planning and conduct of the workshop, as well as lessons learnt from the discussions in the workshop. Methods We designed and implemented a day-long workshop for 28 nursing faculty at Institute of Nursing, Bhaikaka University, Gujarat. The expected learning outcomes of the workshop were to: (i) understand the concept of PIF and process of socialization; (ii) identify factors influencing socialization; and (iii) discuss strategies to support PIF. The workshop included a series of four small group discussions, each followed by debriefing. We collected feedback using a questionnaire with 4 open-ended questions and written reflections on the learnings, within 2 days of the workshop. We carried out manual content analysis of text data generated during group work, reflections and feedback. Results Twenty-six of the 28 participants responded to the questionnaire. Thirteen mentioned interactions during group activities and discussions with facilitators as a good part of the workshop. Constructive suggestions on improving the workshop were received from 13 respondents. Twenty-three respondents reported they would make changes in their practice after the workshop. Five respondents found the activity on roles and responses during socialization as needing more discussion. Key themes identified from the participants' reflections were: (i) their different views about professional identity, (ii) experiences and reactions and (iii) their future action plan. Conclusions The workshop was well received by the participants. Our approach to the workshop might help other institutions design and implement similar activities as a part of their faculty development programme.

Physician’s conceptions of the decision-making process when managing febrile infants ≤ 60 days old: a phenomenographic qualitative study

BackgroundThe management of febrile infants aged ≤ 60 days and adherence to guidelines vary greatly. Our objective was to describe the process of decision-making when managing febrile infants aged ≤ 60 days and to describe the factors that influenced this decision.MethodsWe conducted 6 focus group discussions with 19 clinically active physicians in the pediatric emergency departments of 2 university hospitals in Skåne region, Sweden. We followed an inductive qualitative design, using a phenomenological approach. A second-order perspective was used, focusing on how physicians perceived the phenomenon (managing fever in infants) rather than the phenomenon itself. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a 7-step approach.ResultsPerforming a lumbar puncture (LP) was conceived as a complex, emotionally and mentally laden procedure and dominated the group discussions. Three central categories emerged as factors that influenced the decision-making process on whether to perform an LP: 1) a possible focus of infection that could explain the origin of the fever, 2) questioning whether the temperature at home reported by the parents was a fever, especially if it was ≤ 38.2°C, and 3) the infant’s general condition and questioning the need for LP in case of well-appearing infants. Around these 3 central categories evolved 6 secondary categories that influenced the decision-making process of whether to perform an LP or not: 1) the physicians’ desire to be able to trust their judgement, 2) fearing the risk of failure, 3) avoiding burdensome work, 4) taking others into account, 5) balancing guidelines and resources, and 6) seeing a need to practice and learn to perform LP.ConclusionsThe difficulty and emotional load of performing an LP were important factors that influenced the decision-making process regarding whether to perform an LP. Physicians highlighted the importance of being able to rely on their clinical judgment and make independent decisions. Guidelines may consider allowing a degree of flexibility and independent thinking to take into account patients’ characteristics and needs.

Inclusive assimilation: middle-class Asian parenting in suburban America

ABSTRACT Previous studies find that Asian American parents enforce a strict academics-centered success frame upon their children. However, there is limited research on the actual standards of successful childrearing from the perspective of parents. Drawing on in-depth interviews with middle-class parents of Chinese and Indian descent in New Jersey (N = 44) conducted between December 2020 and January 2022, I contest the conception of a unidirectional parental assimilation process that presumes White middle-class families to be the default destination for assimilation. I argue that middle-class Asian American parenting can be better understood as an ‘inclusive assimilation’ process. Parents not only aim for a well-rounded education for their children as touted by White parents but, similarly to Black and Hispanic families, also embrace racial socialization efforts in their parenting, partly in response to the rise in anti-Asian violence observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

N21 Shared Decision Making: A Qualitative Exploration of Clinical Nurse Specialists in Gastroenterology

Abstract Background Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) participation in the Shared Decision Making (SDM) process and understanding basic concepts and principles related to the decision-making process are critical. (Storms et al. 2015). The core concept role of CNS includes a clinical focus on direct and indirect care of the patients in the specialist area, health educator and trainer, patient advocate, audit and research and consultation (NCNM, 2008). They have many opportunities to participate in the SDM process with patients arising from clinic visits, telephone helpline services and multidisciplinary team meetings. Nurses are progressively deemed influential in shared decision-making; however, studies on the SDM role of the CNS are limited; our study investigates the experiences of CNS in SDM, in the speciality of gastroenterology (GI) in both medical and surgical. Methods This study adopted a qualitative descriptive style. The survey was distributed to medical and surgical GI CNS at a tertiary referral hospital. This study aimed to look at three aspects of CNS's SDM experience: the CNS's knowledge about SDM, generating discussion and coordination, and respect for sociocultural factors. Semi-depth interviews were conducted for data collection. There were 11CNS participants from surgical and medical GI specialities, including IBD, hepatology, endoscopy, upper GI, and colorectal nursing. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and coded. Results Six themes emerged from the data collected: perceptions, attitudes, positive change, influential factors, reflection and obstacles. SDM is an unknown concept for the majority of the CNS.CNS self-identified as integral to the speciality and the patient's primary contact. Conclusion CNS has little understanding of the SDM concept. SDM is perceived as MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) making decisions without patient involvement. Formal education and increased awareness of the SDM process are essential for CNS active participation in individual patients. The procured knowledge of SDM enhances the CNS's confidence in active participation in MDT team meetings and the SDM process. It consequently improves patient experience, knowledge and participation in the SDM process.

Green Metrics and Sustainability in Photocatalysis

AbstractIn the past century, significant advancements in synthetic chemistry undeniably contributed to the wellness of mankind, from the development of new drugs to the design of materials for energy production and storage. However, this technological progress has also brought forth significant challenges, emphasizing the urgent need to rethink chemistry for more environmentally friendly approaches. In this Review a critical and comprehensive analysis of the sustainability in the preparation of commonly used photocatalysts is performed, by employing mass‐based metrics. Additionally, a comparative evaluation is made between some selected photocatalytic protocols and traditional reactions not relying on light. The objective is to quantitatively evaluate claims of sustainability and greenness commonly associated with photocatalysis, by exploring the real impact of photocatalytic procedures on waste generation. This quantitative approach provides insights into the broader concept of sustainable processes, challenging assumptions and encouraging a more rigorous evaluation of green claims in catalysis. Furthermore, the toxicity of the involved species and the availability of the required chemical elements is commented on to provide a global perspective on the sustainability of the analyzed transformations. The results shed light on the true environmental footprint of photocatalysis and reveal that the notion of green chemistry can sometimes be overstated.

The Risk Function of Breast and Ovarian Cancers in the Avrami-Dobrzyński Cellular Phase-Transition Model.

Specifying the role of genetic mutations in cancer development is crucial for effective screening or targeted treatments for people with hereditary cancer predispositions. Our goal here is to find the relationship between a number of cancerogenic mutations and the probability of cancer induction over the lifetime of cancer patients. We believe that the Avrami-Dobrzyński biophysical model can be used to describe this mechanism. Therefore, clinical data from breast and ovarian cancer patients were used to validate this model of cancer induction, which is based on a purely physical concept of the phase-transition process with an analogy to the neoplastic transformation. The obtained values of model parameters established using clinical data confirm the hypothesis that the carcinogenic process strongly follows fractal dynamics. We found that the model's theoretical prediction and population clinical data slightly differed for patients with the age below 30 years old, and that might point to the existence of an ancillary protection mechanism against cancer development. Additionally, we reveal that the existing clinical data predict breast or ovarian cancers onset two years earlier for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations.