Essential Characteristics Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT This study analysed the spatial changes in pit-type cave dwellings due to spontaneous renovations initiated by villagers since the 1980s through spatial analysis on 61 pit-type cave dwellings in Yaodi Village, focusing on spatial composition and spatial configuration. The results revealed the following: (1) the modified pit-type cave dwellings have maintained their essential spatial characteristics within one living unit; (2) Pit-type cave dwellings generally reinforce the boundaries between units through physical elements, weakening the connections between the living units. Combined with socio-environmental changes，the analysis results and discussion confirm the spontaneous modifications of pit-type cave dwellings should be treated as a space evolution rather than a destruction. Moreover, the tendency for separation among modified dwellings should be seen as spatial manifestations of the concepts of “private” and “public” subject to the influence of the changes of functional use and land use transfers. This offers a perspective for recognizing and understanding the conservation and development of pit-type cave dwellings today. Ultimately, the pit-type cave dwellings should be seen as a dynamic evolutionary process rather than a static material object and a way of participating in social change, rather than merely a reflection of the superstructure.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of key concepts for modern communication studies - discourse and media discourse. It traces the evolution of the concept of discourse from linguistic and semiotic interpretations to socio-philosophical ones, where it is understood as a practice that constructs reality through language and is inextricably linked to power (M. Foucault). Alternative approaches are considered: J. Habermas's normative ideal of communicative rationality and the radical postmodernist position, which rejects stable meanings in favor of a struggle of interpretations (J. Derrida, E. Laclau, C. Mouffe). The synthesis of these directions is critical discourse analysis, which offers a toolkit for revealing ideologies embedded in language practices. The second part of the work reveals the specifics of media discourse as a technologically mediated and institutionalized form that dominates the information age. Its essential characteristics are identified: mass orientation, intentional persuasiveness, subordination to the laws of the media context, and postmodern features-fragmentation, clip-like nature, hyperreality. In conclusion, the fundamental differences between the two phenomena are systematized, and the status of media discourse as a leading force determining the rules for constructing social meanings and collective identities in the modern world is substantiated. The author concludes that their relationship is dialectical, and proficiency in critical analysis of media discourse becomes crucial for navigating the modern information space.

The rapid proliferation of healthcare Internet of Things (IoT) systems has intensified the need for robust encryption mechanisms capable of securing sensitive medical data, particularly Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images. This research introduces a novel Modified Encryption Algorithm designed to enhance data confidentiality, integrity, and resilience against cyber threats within resource-constrained IoT environments. Through extensive simulation evaluations, the proposed algorithm demonstrates superior performance compared to widely used lightweight encryption schemes such as PRESENT, SIMON, and LEA. The algorithm achieves a remarkably high entropy value of 15.469, indicating strong randomness and resistance to statistical attacks. Additionally, the low correlation coefficients—vertical (0.0182), horizontal (–0.0132), and diagonal (0.0625) which confirm effective pixel decorrelation and robust cipher strength. The research obtained Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI) value of 33.362 further validates the algorithm’s capability to withstand differential attacks, while a Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) score of 0.175 confirms that essential image characteristics remain intact, ensuring acceptable visual quality where required for clinical interpretation.

Laser material processing is becoming an increasingly vital component of the value chain in battery manufacturing and development. We differentiate between passive processes, which replace existing technologies without substantially affecting battery properties, and active processes, which specifically modify the architecture of electrodes and batteries, thereby altering and ideally significantly enhancing their electrochemical properties. Passive processes encompass laser cutting, slitting, notching for electrode processing, and busbar laser welding in module manufacturing, mainly utilized to optimize production economics [1]. Active laser processes involve directly structuring electrodes to enhance the active surface area or modifying current collectors, which serve as additional steps to improve diffusion kinetics or electrode layer adhesion [2]. A common characteristic of all laser processes is that their speeds must be substantially increased for successful integration into manufacturing to achieve throughput that aligns with battery production. We have made significant progress with the innovative approach of 3D electrode structuring and implemented roll-to-roll structuring for on-the-fly high-power laser ablation. This enables the prototype production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with 3D electrodes, cylindrical cells, and pouch cells, preparing them for industrial modules [3]. This significant development step makes it possible, for the first time, to transfer the 3D battery concept from the laboratory to industrial production. Simultaneously, designs of laser-structured electrodes were optimized to significantly enhance battery properties concerning lifetime, high-rate capability, energy and power density, and cell safety by suppressing Li plating during fast charging [4].A variety of electrochemical analysis techniques were employed to assess the electrochemical properties. These were complemented by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) [5]. LIBS is a relatively new metrology approach for understanding and improving the chemistry of electrodes and electrolytes in LIBs [6,7]. LIBS for LIBs is a compelling value proposition. This all-optical technology (utilizing light for excitation and measuring spectra) measures the complete electrode chemistry (active material, binder, additives) and determines the quality (homogeneity/heterogeneity, purity) of the electrodes, thus implicitly indicating the reliability and accuracy of the various, and sometimes quite complex, production steps in electrode manufacturing. During LIBS, laser ablation of a small portion of the electrode material converts it into a transient high-temperature vapor plasma. The generated plasma spectroscopically encodes the battery chemistry. LIBS is performed at atmospheric pressure and provides micron spatial resolution, enabling 2D/3D elemental mapping; Figure 1 shows an example of 3D lithium distribution from one pristine and one degraded graphite anode. LIBS for LIBs allows standoff chemical analysis for laboratory or advanced manufacturing, enabling real-time monitoring of the battery chemistry (in-line metrology). A high-throughput technical approach is presented that is capable of elemental mapping of large footprint electrodes at high processing speeds. A suitable selection of laser beam wavelengths enables the investigation of binder distribution (after coating) and degradation processes (post-mortem), both essential characteristics for electrode development through coating and subsequent laser structuring (3D battery concept). Preliminary studies of inline LIBS demonstrate its significant potential for controlling binder migration during coating and as a function of drying conditions.[1] W. Pfleging, A review of laser electrode processing for development and manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, Nanophotonics 7(3) (2018) 549[2] W. Pfleging, Recent progress in laser texturing of battery materials: a review of tuning electrochemical performances, related material development, and prospects for large-scale manufacturing, Int. J. Extrem. Manuf. 3 (2021) 012002[3] A. Meyer, P. Zhu, A. Smith, W. Pfleging, Gaining a New Technological Readiness Level for Laser-Structured Electrodes in High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells, Batteries 9(11) (2023) 548[4] Y. Sterzl, W. Pfleging, Optimizing Structural Patterns for 3D Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries for Enhanced Fast-Charging Capability and Reduced Lithium Plating, Batteries 10(5) (2024) 160[5] R. E. Russo, Laser ablation research and development: 60 years strong, Applied Physics A 129 (2023) 168[6] Y. Zheng, D. Yin, H.J. Seifert, W. Pfleging, Investigation of Fast-Charging and Degradation Processes in 3D Silicon–Graphite Anodes, Nanomaterials 12(1) (2022) 14[7] H. Hou, L. Cheng, T. Richardson, G. Chen, M. Doeff, R. Zheng, R. Russo, V. Zorba, Three-dimensional elemental imaging of Li-ion solid-state electrolytes using fs-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 30 (2015) 2295 Figure 1

Introduction Agricultural live streaming has emerged as a vital channel for rural development, yet limited research examines how new farmer live streamers’ characteristics influence consumer behavior. Guided by the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and parasocial interaction theory, this study investigates how the characteristics of new farmer live streamers shape consumers’ purchase intention in agricultural e-commerce. Methods Five key streamer characteristics—authenticity, social responsibility, trustworthiness, affinity, and interactivity—were identified through surveys, interviews, and text analyses. Data from 441 valid responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the proposed relationships. Results The findings reveal that authenticity, social responsibility, trustworthiness, and interactivity positively affect purchase intention, whereas affinity shows no significant impact. Parasocial interaction mediates the effects of authenticity, trustworthiness, affinity, and interactivity on purchase intention, but not social responsibility. Additionally, regional cultural differences negatively moderates the relationship between parasocial interaction and purchase intention. Discussion These findings provide actionable implications for stakeholders: governments, agricultural enterprises, and new farmer streamers should cultivate essential streamer characteristics, strengthen parasocial connections, and adapt engagement strategies to regional cultural contexts to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of agricultural live streaming.

Abstract This article employs bibliometric methodologies to examine the essential characteristics, disciplinary knowledge structures, and the prevailing themes and trends in the study of personal bankruptcy systems. The foundational data is derived from relevant literature documented in the Web of Science Core Collection database spanning from 2003 to 2024. The findings reveal that: (1) the volume and citation frequency of literature related to personal bankruptcy systems have exhibited exponential growth, with scholars from the United States playing a dominant role in this field; (2) research primarily focuses on law, economics, and sociology, indicating a trend towards interdisciplinary integration, though a stable core group of authors has yet to emerge; (3) existing studies predominantly discuss the economic effects, social implications, and legislative enhancements of personal bankruptcy systems; (4) current research concentrates on bankruptcy discharge, debt restructuring, and consumer credit issues. Future studies should pay greater attention to regional variations in personal bankruptcy systems, engage in empirical analysis, and enhance interdisciplinary integration to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the refinement of personal bankruptcy legislation.

The aim of the research is to substantiate the role of social partnership as a mechanism for organizing the activities of modern psychological and pedagogical classes. The article clarifies the essential characteristics of social partnership in education, reveals the features of its implementation in various organizational models of psychological and pedagogical classes, specifies the stages of interaction between the subjects of social partnership, and provides a theoretical justification for the organizational and pedagogical conditions that ensure the effectiveness of social partnership mechanisms in organizing the activities of psychological and pedagogical classes. The experience of social partnership between the Mari State University and the psychological and pedagogical classes of educational organizations in the Republic of Mari El is systematized and presented. The scientific novelty of the research lies in clarifying methodological approaches, identifying organizational and pedagogical conditions that ensure the effectiveness of social partnership mechanisms in organizing the activities of psychological and pedagogical classes, and specifying indicators for their implementation effectiveness. As a result of the study, it is established that the identified organizational and pedagogical conditions of social partnership positively influence its effectiveness at the regional level.

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of large language models (LLMs) has sparked growing interest in their potential applications within urban planning. These models offer novel capabilities in natural language processing tasks, potentially providing advanced support across various aspects of urban planning. Despite the promises, little is known about how and to what extent LLMs have been applied in the planning literature. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The review depicts five key domains where LLMs are being applied in urban planning: (a) planning and management; (b) public services and participation; (c) transportation and urban mobility; (d) environmental monitoring and sustainability; and (e) urban design and architecture. Additionally, the review identifies four essential characteristics that LLMs should possess to be effective in urban planning: (a) professionalism; (b) inclusivity; (c) trustworthiness; and (e) convenience. Considering the findings, a conceptual framework is developed that illustrates how these characteristics enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of LLMs in supporting urban planning tasks. This framework offers a theoretical foundation for urban planners to effectively integrate LLMs into practice and provides a roadmap for future research and technological innovations in the application of LLMs within urban environments.

The theoretical content and formation mechanism of the core competitiveness of enterprises are discussed in this paper. First, the evolution process of the concept of core competitiveness is sorted out through literature review to clarify its important position in the field of strategic management. Then, the essential characteristics of core competitiveness such as value, scarcity, difficulty to imitate and irreplaceability are analyzed in depth from the perspective of resource-based view and dynamic capability theory. Based on this, construct a model of the formation mechanism of enterprise core competitiveness that includes three key links: resource accumulation, capability integration, and continuous innovation, and explore the commonalities and differences in the process of cultivating core competitiveness in different types of enterprises through case analysis. The results show that the formation of core competitiveness is a dynamic and complex system process influenced by multiple internal and external factors. Therefore, enterprises need to select and cultivate core competitiveness in a targeted manner based on their own characteristics and the external environment. Finally, strategic suggestions for enterprises to build and enhance core competitiveness are proposed, covering aspects such as strengthening strategic orientation, optimizing resource allocation, promoting organizational learning, and strengthening innovation-driven. This study has significant theoretical guidance and practical reference value for enterprises to maintain a sustained competitive advantage in a highly competitive environment.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the hemodynamic characteristics when the ternary hybrid nanoparticles are mixed with base fluid (blood) and flowing through a curved tapered overlapped stenosed artery under the influence of electric and magnetic fields. Design/methodology/approach In this work, the silver (Ag), graphene oxide (GO) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) are dispersed into the base fluid blood resulting in the formation of Ag–GO–ZrO2/blood ternary hybrid nanofluid. Here, the electric and magnetic fields are assumed to be in the axial and azimuthal directions, respectively. The governing equations associated with ternary hybrid nanofluid flow through curved, tapered and stenosed artery are simplified with the nondimensional variables and mild-stenosis approximations. These transformed equations capture the essential hemodynamic characteristics while reducing mathematical complexity. To obtain closed-form solutions, the system is analytically solved with the aid of the DSolve module in Mathematica 12.3. Findings The authors have discussed the impact of various model parameters on the flow characteristics of the ternary hybrid nanofluid flowing through a curved tapered overlapped stenosed artery. Through the present study, it is found that the blood flow velocity rises on increasing ternary hybrid nanoparticle volume fraction but decreases with higher ZrO2 volume fraction. The wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure gradient are higher in the case of diverging artery as compared to nontapered and converging. Additionally, the ANN analysis concludes that the model demonstrates a high degree of accuracy, achieving 99.92% in testing and 99.37% in validation for WSS (HNF) and 99.24% in testing and 99.27% in validation for WSS (THNF). Originality/value The present work advances the study of ternary hybrid nanofluid flow through a curved stenosed artery under the influence of EMHD effects. The study considers the tapering effects of the curved artery by examining three distinct geometries: diverging, nontapered and converging shapes. It offers new perspectives on flow dynamics and contributes to the advancement of targeted drug delivery applications for the arterial diseases.

Abstract Rotating machinery often operates under complex working conditions where compound faults frequently occur. However, diagnosing such compound faults under data imbalance scenarios remains a significant challenge in industrial applications. This study presents a groundbreaking computational model to tackle these challenges through three key innovations. The proposed framework improves diagnostic capabilities from data and model angles through three main innovations. Specifically, a unique Dynamic Class-Aware Sampler is proposed to optimize the data distribution, which effectively reduces model learning bias at its origin without the complications of synthetic data creation. Besides, a hybrid feature learning structure that combines the Short-Time Fourier Transform with a Convolutional Block Attention Module augmented Convolutional Neural Network is developed. This construction employs channel and spatial attention mechanisms to disentangle intricate signals and concentrate on essential time-frequency characteristics. A hierarchical multilabel classifier with a label-adaptive attention mechanism is designed to adaptively detect single and compound faults by learning the relations between heterogeneous fault embeddings. Comprehensive experiments on the publicly available bearing dataset reveal that the proposed model delivers exceptional diagnostic accuracy, particularly in conditions of high data imbalance, confirming its applicability in real-world industrial settings.

One of the most essential characteristics of a complex technical system is that it performs ‘an important useful function only with the assistance of a human operator and standard infrastructures…’ [1]. At the earliest stages of the development of a system, deciding whether the human operator should be regarded as part of the complex system or an external entity is necessary. In most cases, the human operator should be treated as an external entity.Most complex technical systems cannot function without the active involvement of a human operator, who retains responsibility for decision-making, control, and management functions. From a functional standpoint, operators can be considered an integral part of the system. However, the system designer rarely possesses sufficient authority over the operator to incorporate them fully into the system’s design. From the perspective of the systems engineer, the human operator instead represents an element of the system’s environment.Under this paradigm, the systems engineer must devote particular attention to the design and development of the operator interface, which is a critically important aspect of any complex technical system [2]. Accordingly, the development of universal technical solutions that enhance the quality of the human–machine interface in complex technical systems represents both a significant and timely challenge, the resolution of which can be applied across a wide range of practical applications.The primary objective of the present work is to improve the performance of the human–machine interface by compensating for the inertial and nonlinear characteristics of the human operator as a control element within a complex technical system.

The article analyses the qualitative change in the institutional environment under the influence of the digitalisation of the economy, which is a condition and factor for the consolidation and concentration of capital as a strategic economic resource for development. At the same time, research into the nature of the origin of capital has shown that no single form of capital dominates. The successful combination of all forms of capital leads to the emergence of digital innovations, which, in turn, contribute to the formation of digital competencies at the level of economic entities and their implementation in the justification of management decisions. It is noted that these processes underlie significant changes in the promotion of innovative products and information and communication technologies in developed and developing countries. It has been proven that an unfavourable institutional environment stands out as the main reason for the slowdown in the digitalisation of the Ukrainian economy and the consolidation and concentration of business capital. Given this, there is a pressing scientific interest in the rationale, development and solutions in the digital economy with appropriate institutional support from state policy to improve the structure and quality of capital. The focus is on the peculiarities of the formation of digital business structures, in particular platform-type structures, as well as on the institutional design that determines the rules for the consolidation and concentration of capital in such structures. It has been found that digital technologies are changing the very nature of business structures and their behaviour in virtual life, with a transition to digital platforms, virtual business mobility and data exchange as a new form of capital. This is evidence that the digital economy is transferring capital and the activities of business structures from the real to the virtual world. The object of this study is the consolidation and concentration of capital, and the subject of the study is the essential characteristics of the digital economy, the institutional design that determines the rules of capital consolidation and concentration, and methods of managing them. Methods for managing the processes of capital consolidation and concentration are outlined, taking into account the specifics of the formation of digital business structures. The impact of new digital technologies on the consolidation and concentration of capital to ensure the financing of innovative renewal and restructuring of the economy is shown.

Contemporary public administration reforms in Kazakhstan are oriented toward the principles of inclusiveness and human-centeredness; however, their theoretical conceptualization and practical implementation remain insufficiently studied and systematized. The research problem consists in the insufficient theoretical elaboration and systematization of the relationship between inclusiveness and human-centeredness in Kazakhstan's public administration and in the gap between the declared principles and their practical implementation. This article fills this gap by comparing the essential characteristics of the two approaches and clarifying their interaction based on the experience of Kazakhstan. The aim of this study is to identify the interrelation between inclusive and human-centered approaches, assess their implementation in the context of Kazakhstan, and develop recommendations for their integration. The methodological basis of the study includes qualitative analysis of secondary sources, comparative analysis of governance models, examination of Kazakhstan’s experience, and the development of the author's conceptual model. The originality and scholarly value of the research lie in the exploration of the relationship between inclusive and human-centered approaches, their application to Kazakhstan’s governance practices, and the formulation of an original model of inclusive public administration. The findings demonstrate that inclusive governance involves broad participation of all societal groups, while the human-centered approach focuses on prioritizing the needs of each individual citizen. These approaches are shown to be complementary. Practical examples, such as the «e-Otinish» and electronic petitions system, illustrate the potential of digitalization in implementing the principles of openness, accountability, and citizenoriented service delivery.

Integrating multi-compartment microbiome data with clinical parameters enhances mortality prediction using autoencoder.

Inverse airfoil design, a cornerstone in aerospace engineering, involves iterative modification of airfoil geometries to achieve specified aerodynamic performance. While recent advances in deep learning have enabled faster alternatives for airfoil shape predictions from pressure coefficient (Cp) distributions, a persistent challenge remains: existing deep-learning-based models often generate airfoils with non-smooth geometries, manifesting as wiggles and kinks on the surface, which are physically nonviable for practical applications. Addressing this critical gap, we introduce a novel gradient-based regularization approach that incorporates first- and second-order spatial gradient terms into the loss function of deep neural networks (DNN), to enforce geometric smoothness while preserving essential aerodynamic characteristics. Results demonstrate that our method achieves a 13% reduction in geometric prediction error with first-order gradient regularization and a 15.5% reduction when both first- and second-order terms are included, compared to baseline deep learning frameworks. Airfoils generated yield pressure coefficient distributions with a 13% lower error relative to vanilla DNN models, underscoring the aerodynamic fidelity of our approach. Furthermore, a spectral analysis of the results show that gradient-regularized models suppress high-frequency oscillations to yield smoother geometries while accurately capturing low-frequency curvature. The improvement is also established against traditional B-spline smoothening and parameterization techniques. Models are tested on unseen angles of attack (AoA), extending the scope of our findings to applications in airfoil morphing. Finally, gradient-regularized DNNs trained across varied Reynold's numbers (Re) and AoA values accurately reconstruct airfoil geometries, demonstrating enhanced generalization over solely inviscid-trained models and applicability of the framework to reliably generate industrially relevant and aerodynamically robust designs.

Exploring the interplay between adaptive behavior, support needs, quality of life, and self-determination with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Historical and contemporary evidence shows that sortition (political lottery) can be used in very different political systems with various functions (not only the ‘sanitizing’ one). But we must likewise acknowledge that it has specific important characteristics – wherever the lot may be situated in a system, it affirms at this point a specific kind of equality: the ‘blind equality’, different from equality of opportunity, intersectional equality, and other (less simple) forms of equality. The article stresses various aspects and correlates of ‘blind equality’. This kind of equality is the basis of sortition, but also of majority voting, and this link may explain how majoritarian rule and political lottery could join historically in the democratic model of classical Greece.

Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Istanbul oregano) is one of the most economically important oregano species, widely used in the spice, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its high essential oil content, particularly rich in carvacrol. This study aimed to evaluate the essential oil traits and quality characteristics of 20 Istanbul oregano C clones and two registered cultivars developed through clone selection. Field trials were conducted under Mediterranean climate conditions (Aydın and İzmir, Türkiye) during 2021-2022 using a RCBD with three replications. Essential oil rate (EOR) was measured by water distillation, while essential oil composition (EOC) was analyzed by GC- MS and compared with ISO 13171 (2016) standards. The results highlighted a significant influence of genotype × environment (G × E) interactions on EOR and EOC. EOR values ranged from 4.1% to 11.73% across environments, with C-417 and D-343 consistently exceeding the population average. Carvacrol was the dominant compound (62.26-87.24%), while thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene also showed considerable variation across genotypes and environments. Notably, A-419 displayed the highest carvacrol levels in both sites, whereas several genotypes (D-343, C-417, A-419, A-420) successfully combined high EOR with stable oil profiles. Almost all genotypes complied with ISO 13171 (2016) standards, underlining their industrial potential. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that both environmental and genetic factors, as well as their interaction, play a decisive role in shaping yield stability and EOC in Istanbul oregano. Superior genotypes identified through clone selection emerged as promising variety candidates for future breeding programs, sustainable cultivation practices, and commercial exploitation.

ABSTRACT Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education. Drawing upon Edelson’s conceptualization of design theories, the framework describes essential characteristics of resources and structures intended to support individual, collective, and organizational learning in ways that foster systemic coherence and shared instructional vision. We discuss opportunities and challenges of engaging in design research with educational systems and implications for scaling and sustaining innovations in mathematics education, including how our adaptation of design research expands what can be accomplished when working with, rather than within, educational systems.