Basic Principles Research Articles

Principles of HR Strategic Management in Innovation Entrepreneurial Structures

In innovation entrepreneurial structures, where dynamism and continuous changes become everyday factors HR strategic management plays a key role in reaching success. Elaboration and effective implementation of strategies in HR management require observance of several fundamental principles. The article studies principles of HR strategic management in innovation business structures, which build the basis of successful strategic management in innovation development, where efficiency of HR management becomes a key factor for attaining goals and maintaining competitiveness. The author pointed out to the importance of adaptation and flexibility in HR management so that the innovation business structure could respond quickly to changes in market environment and technological trends. At the same time the author also highlighted such aspects as orientation to employees’ development, leadership strengthening, motivation of creative thinking and team-building that can introduce innovation. Efficient HR management can serve as a catalyst for elaboration, development and sustainable introduction of innovation in entrepreneurial structures.

Modelling the impact of business risk on the competitiveness of purpose-grown biomass of annual and perennial crops

Perennial energy crops compete with conventional annual crops in land-use. The production price of biomass from perennial energy crops is thus derived on the basis of the opportunity cost principle. This means that in deciding whether to grow perennial energy crops, the farmer will demand a price for biomass that will at least provide him with the same economic effect over the lifetime of the plantation in the form of the present value of net cash flows over the lifetime of the energy crop plantation. The level of discounts used to discount the cash flows associated with (annual) conventional crops and perennial energy crops plays an important role in modelling the biomass production price. The business risk associated with the two types of crops is different, with generally higher risk associated with perennial energy crops. This study focuses on developing a methodology to incorporate the risk associated with growing conventional and energy crops and to derive the discount rate for both crop groups. The methodology is demonstrated using the example of the Czech Republic and the price level in 2021. The analysis using Czech data led to a discount rate of 8.5 % for conventional crops and 11.5 % for perennial energy crops. The increase in the discount value for perennial energy crops leads to an increase in the expected biomass sales price by a producer. The sensitivity of the biomass production price level to an increase in the discount rate is lower for Miscanthus plantations compared to short rotation coppice.

Recent advances in continuous flow synthesis of metal-organic frameworks and their composites.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their exceptional properties and diverse applications across various fields. The conventional batch synthesis methods for MOFs and their composites often suffer from challenges such as long reaction times, poor reproducibility, and limited scalability. Continuous flow synthesis has emerged as a promising alternative for overcoming these limitations. In this short review, we discuss the recent advancements, challenges, and future perspectives of continuous flow synthesis in the context of MOFs and their composites. The review delves into a brief overview of the fundamental principles of flow synthesis, highlighting its advantages over batch methods. Key benefits, including precise control over reaction parameters, improved scalability and efficiency, rapid optimization capabilities, enhanced reaction kinetics and mass transfer, and increased safety and environmental sustainability, are addressed. Additionally, the versatility and flexibility of flow synthesis techniques are discussed. The article then explores various flow synthesis methods applicable to MOF and MOF composite production. The techniques covered include continuous flow solvothermal synthesis, mechanochemical synthesis, microwave and ultrasound-assisted flow synthesis, microfluidic droplet synthesis, and aerosol synthesis. Notably, the combination of flow chemistry and aerosol synthesis with real-time characterization is also addressed. Furthermore, the impact of flow synthesis on the properties and performance of MOFs is explored. Finally, the review discusses current challenges and future perspectives in the field of continuous flow MOF synthesis, paving the way for further development and broader application of this promising technique.

Assessment and examination of the respiratory system.

This article aims to outline the fundamental principles of consultations with and clinical assessments of patients with symptoms that may be indicative of respiratory system pathology. The article explores how to perform a respiratory system-focused patient history and physical examination. An evaluation of clinical 'red flags' to reduce the risk of omitting serious illness is also considered, alongside the exploration of features of respiratory pathology and evidence-based clinical decision-making tools that may be used to support clinical diagnosis.

Extending the Finite Area Method for enhanced simulation of deformable membranes and its application to extrusion blow moulding

This paper investigates the mechanics of the Extrusion Blow Moulding (EBM) process, focusing on the clamp and inflation phases. The simulation framework employed in this study has been developed using OpenFOAM ® and extends the available Finite Area Method with a vertex-centred approach. This cutting-edge developments integrated a corotational formulation with a quasi-static approximation. The computational code and algorithm are verified and validated through comparisons between analytical solutions, experimental measurements and simulation results, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the proposed approach. The implemented code is verified by checking fundamental principles of hyperelastic materials behaviour, demonstrated through equibiaxial deformation of spherical balloons. The use of neo-Hookean and Mooney–Rivlin material models provides crucial insights into material responses under different inflation conditions. The studies begin employing a conceptual mould within the EBM process that allows examining the effects of mould clamping on parison deformation. Then the study extends to analysing a real bottle manufactured via EBM, employing Stereolithography (STL) digitization and thickness mapping to quantify the thickness distribution. The simulation results closely replicates experimental observations, capturing the inherent non-linearity of these process stages, including large deformations and displacements, hyperelasticity and parison-mould contacts. This interdisciplinary research enhances understanding of the EBM process phases and analogous processes, providing valuable insights for plastic manufacturing. It improves the design process for meeting specific requirements and offers guidelines to avoid potential failures. The findings underscore the importance of such studies in advancing sustainable and efficient plastic manufacturing practices, with applications ranging from inflatable structures to EBM processes.

BOOK REVIEW of European Democracy and Single Market: 30 Years of the Maastricht Treaty

The book under review focuses on two of the most important aspects of the development of the EU integration process – the strengthening of the EU founding value of democracy and the achievement of the EU Single market objective following the entering into force of the Maastricht Treaty. The collective volume features authors coming from different national and academic backgrounds. The democracy-market nexus is approached from a number of perspectives, not always much explored in the past. The analyses seems to suggest that a durable evolution of the EU integration process can only be based on basic principles or founding values of the EU, like in the case of democracy, which is one of the most important ingredients for a European Single market, focused more on social and environmental issues rather than economic ones.

O-232 New principles for the use of artificial intelligence in human reproduction: leave everything as it is?

Abstract Study question Which fundamental principles in bioethics ought to be reinforced in the face of the novel introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Summary answer Contrary to recent arguments, there is no need for new ethical principles to address moral worries regarding AI-based IVF. What is known already Several AI-based technologies are currently introduced into various stages of the IVF process. These include, for instance, the prediction of success rates, automation of sperm selection and cryopreservation, and optimization of embryo evaluation. The anticipated benefits of such automation are couched with high hopes of improving efficiency, accessibility and consistency in ART. However, it is an open question which ethical principles are fit to address introduction of AI in the IVF lab. In the field of assisted reproduction, like in other medical contexts, arguments abound that the current set of ethical principles cannot adequately deal with anticipated moral issues. Study design, size, duration A literature study was performed to map principles formulated by international organizations and professional organizations. These are mostly formulated echoing the four leading principles of medical ethics–respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—yet, with the addition of a new principle: explicability. The latter can be understood in terms of intelligibility (viz. ‘how does it work?’) and in terms of accountability (viz. who is responsible for the way it works?). Participants/materials, setting, methods Literature study, conceptual analysis, and ethical analysis. Main results and the role of chance One can expect that AI-driven reproductive medicine will bring new ethical challenges and potential harms that compound the anticipated benefits. The black-box character of many possible AI applications in IVF is a special challenge for informed consent as algorithms are becoming exponentially more complex in contrast to the relatively linear technological improvements of machines traditionally used in the profession. This opacity problem could undermine trust in the output of the systems. With such challenges at stake, how can we understand the justification for explicability as a separate principle? Based on the methodological criterion of simplicity, there are good reasons to avoid expanding the number of principles. Explicability can be subsumed under the four existing principles, which is morally relevant if bioethics is to retain a hands-on element. The contrary would have an unnecessary watering down effect on the separate, well-established principles, paradoxically making it more complex to follow their interactions. Furthermore, setting a high threshold of explicability could be perplexing for IVF patients (morally relevant in terms of autonomy) and doctors (morally relevant in terms of accountability and contextual factors of for example workload), possibly reopening discussion about paternalism in reproductive medicine. Limitations, reasons for caution This normative analysis does not presume to offer a complete bioethical theory. Rather, we take a pragmatic and principle-based approach which is crucial given the embryonic stage of AI technologies and to better understand the novel digital setting before us. Wider implications of the findings These findings instigate reflection about (bio)ethical analysis of AI by accentuating the importance of specification and contextualization of principles on a topic that will gradually mature. This analysis also connects with questions on how technological developments in the reproductive realm can contribute to moral progress. Trial registration number Not Applicable

A Preliminary Study of Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Islamic Financing Facilities among Halal-Certified Companies in Malaysia

Halal business and Islamic finance adhere to the same fundamental principles and core beliefs. However, there is a divergence between these two industries, particularly in Malaysia, where the utilisation and adoption rate of Islamic financial facilities is still relatively low. This disconnect is particularly prevalent in Malaysia. In order for a company to run in a manner that is really halal, not only must it concentrate on halal production, but it must also finance the firm using shariah-compliant financing; this is something that has not yet been entirely accomplished. As a result, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the survey instrument in determining the influence of relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, owner-manager expertise, competitive pressure, and customer pressure on the desire to adopt Islamic finance facilities. Specifically, the aim of this study is to review the usefulness of the survey instrument in determining these factors. At the Halal Fiesta (Halfest), a survey was carried out with 30 halal-certified companies utilising a straightforward random sampling approach. This survey served as a preliminary assessment. The findings of the study provide evidence that there is a need for additional improvement and suggest that the survey instrument is appropriate for a more in-depth study that involves a bigger and more representative sample within the halal business.

Heteroplasmy Is Rare in Plant Mitochondria Compared with Plastids despite Similar Mutation Rates.

Plant cells harbor two membrane-bound organelles containing their own genetic material-plastids and mitochondria. Although the two organelles coexist and coevolve within the same plant cells, they differ in genome copy number, intracellular organization, and mode of segregation. How these attributes affect the time to fixation or, conversely, loss of neutral alleles is currently unresolved. Here, we show that mitochondria and plastids share the same mutation rate, yet plastid alleles remain in a heteroplasmic state significantly longer compared with mitochondrial alleles. By analyzing genetic variants across populations of the marine flowering plant Zostera marina and simulating organelle allele dynamics, we examine the determinants of allele segregation and allele fixation. Our results suggest that the bottlenecks on the cell population, e.g. during branching or seeding, and stratification of the meristematic tissue are important determinants of mitochondrial allele dynamics. Furthermore, we suggest that the prolonged plastid allele dynamics are due to a yet unknown active plastid partition mechanism. The dissimilarity between plastid and mitochondrial novel allele fixation at different levels of organization may manifest in differences in adaptation processes. Our study uncovers fundamental principles of organelle population genetics that are essential for further investigations of long-term evolution and molecular dating of divergence events.

Aptasensors and Advancement in Molecular Recognition Technology

AbstractSynthetic oligonucleic acids known as aptamers exhibit remarkable selectivity and affinity for target recognition and binding. Selected via an iterative process known as “selective evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment” (SELEX), aptamers fold into defined 3D conformations to interact with their targets. The incorporation of aptamers as recognition elements has driven notable progress in biosensors, giving rise to the development of aptasensors. Here, the process of aptamer discovery and the development of various types of aptasensors are summarized. The fundamental design principles of aptasensors are elaborated along with the superiority of aptamers compared to antibodies. The various modes employed by aptasensors, such as structure‐switching design, hybridization chain reaction amplification, enzyme‐assisted recycling, and split aptamer design are examined. Further light is shed on the diverse landscape of aptasensors, their adaptability to different analytes aptasensors as well as their potential to propel advancements in modern biosensor technology. As a nucleic acids‐based biosensor platform, aptasensors poise to become a next generation of sensitive and cost‐effective technology to shape the future of molecular recognition in biosensing.

Solid Oxide Cell Reactor Model for Transient and Stationary Electrochemical H2O and CO2 Conversion Process Studies

Abstract The ability of high-temperature solid oxide cell (SOC) electrochemical reactors to efficiently convert atmospheric carbon to high value chemicals for industrial and energy storage applications via CO2 and co-electrolysis makes them a key technology for active carbon utilisation. However, due to additional operational risks from thermochemical reactions on thermal management, limited experimental capacity, and relative novelty, CO2 and co-electrolysis lag behind steam electrolysis in large-scale adoption. Here, a 1D+1D SOC model based on fundamental first principles considering three-dimensional heat transfer was improved via a unique method for representing co-electrolysis electrochemistry, solving with low computational effort. Validation against experimental data for two compositions and pressures, showed high levels of accuracy with respect to characteristic cell voltages, temperatures, and outlet compositions. The model also showed CO2 reduction during co-electrolysis mainly occurred via reverse water gas shift, while CO2 electrolysis still accounted for up to 35% of the total share. Pressurised co-electrolysis operation promotes exothermic methanation, causing pronounced heating of the reactor, consequently reducing the isothermal current density. Therefore, low to moderate pressurisation is likely most suited for coupling with downstream synthesis processes to avoid the installation of unnecessarily large systems and associated high costs.

Application Prospect of Ion-Imprinted Polymers in Harmless Treatment of Heavy Metal Wastewater.

With the rapid development of industry, the discharge of heavy metal-containing wastewater poses a significant threat to aquatic and terrestrial environments as well as human health. This paper provides a brief introduction to the basic principles of ion-imprinted polymer preparation and focuses on the interaction between template ions and functional monomers. We summarized the current research status on typical heavy metal ions, such as Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cr(VI), as well as metalloid metal ions of the As and Sb classes. Furthermore, it discusses recent advances in multi-ion-imprinted polymers. Finally, the paper addresses the challenges faced by ion-imprinted technology and explores its prospects for application.

Lagrangian Finite Element Model Formulation and Experimental Validation of the Laser Impact Weld Process for Ti/Brass Joining

Information on the flyer deformation during laser impact welding (LIW) is an important aspect to consider when high reliability of the welded components is required. For this reason, accurate numerical models simulating thermal and mechanical aspects are needed. In the present work, the cross-section morphology during LIW of Ti/Brass joints at varying laser pulse energies is modeled by a 2D finite element (FE) model. A hydrodynamic plasma pressure model able to describe the evolution of the pressure load step by step, taking into account the progressive deformation of the flyer, was implemented. Hence, this paper proposes an alternative method to the conventional node concentrated forces or predefined velocity as flyer boundary conditions. The levels of the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), shear stress, and critical flyer velocity at the collision point were used as reference parameters to predict the success of the welding bond, distinguishing the welded area from the unwelded area. The model was validated by comparison with the experimental data, which showed the effectiveness of the proposed FE code in predicting the cross-section morphology of the welded materials. Moreover, practical industrial information such as variation in the flyer impact velocity, collision angle, and process temperatures was predicted by varying the process laser pulse energy according to the basic principle of the process.

Capturing Transient Events in Series: A Review of Framing Photography

AbstractObserving transient events is of great importance for understanding fundamental principles and further controlling the related processes. To surmount the limitations of human vision, special tools are required to detect and record these transient events. Among existing approaches, framing photography stands out by its high spatiotemporal resolution with a 2D field of view and low crosstalk between adjacent frames. This review aims to summarize the technical routes of framing photography and provide a guide for choosing suitable tools for the observation of transient phenomena. The basic principles of framing photography are introduced and then an overview of the main categories by analyzing the system configurations and working principles are presented. Then, the existing devices are classified into mechanical, electrical, and optical framing photography. For each category, representative techniques and applications are discussed. Finally, a prospect for framing photography is provided.

Triboelectric Nanogenerators: State of the Art.

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), as a novel energy harvesting technology, has garnered widespread attention. As a relatively young field in nanogenerator research, investigations into various aspects of the TENG are still ongoing. This review summarizes the development and dissemination of the fundamental principles of triboelectricity generation. It outlines the evolution of triboelectricity principles, ranging from the fabrication of the first TENG to the selection of triboelectric materials and the confirmation of the electron cloud overlapping model. Furthermore, recent advancements in TENG application scenarios are discussed from four perspectives, along with the research progress in performance optimization through three primary approaches, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Finally, the paper addresses the major challenges hindering the practical application and widespread adoption of TENGs, while also providing insights into future developments. With continued research on the TENG, it is expected that these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for its extensive utilization in various real-world scenarios.

Placement Principles of Islamic Calligraphy in Architecture: Insights from the Al-Hambra and Al-Azem Palaces

This paper addresses a critical gap in the study of Islamic architecture by exploring the interconnected relationship between Arabic calligraphy and architectural design. Specifically, it examines the principles guiding the placement of Islamic calligraphy within the interior and exterior spaces of Islamic public buildings through a qualitative analysis of two notable case studies, the Al-Hambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and the Al-Azem Palace in Hama, Syria. This research elucidates fundamental principles that underpin the integration of calligraphy in Islamic architectural contexts. To enhance the robustness of the findings, interviews were conducted with three expert master calligraphers, providing skillful insights that enrich the understanding of calligraphy placement. This study reveals significant implications for the decoration of walls and ceilings in Islamic buildings. However, the findings are limited by the scope of the case studies and the subjective interpretations of the interviewed experts. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field, informing contemporary architectural practices and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Large-scale genomic analysis of the domestic dog informs biological discovery.

Recent advances in genomics, coupled with a unique population structure and remarkable levels of variation, have propelled the domestic dog to new levels as a system for understanding fundamental principles in mammalian biology. Central to this advance are more than 350 recognized breeds, each a closed population that has undergone selection for unique features. Genetic variation in the domestic dog is particularly well characterized compared with other domestic mammals, with almost 3000 high-coverage genomes publicly available. Importantly, as the number of sequenced genomes increases, new avenues for analysis are becoming available. Herein, we discuss recent discoveries in canine genomics regarding behavior, morphology, and disease susceptibility. We explore the limitations of current data sets for variant interpretation, tradeoffs between sequencing strategies, and the burgeoning role of long-read genomes for capturing structural variants. In addition, we consider how large-scale collections of whole-genome sequence data drive rare variant discovery and assess the geographic distribution of canine diversity, which identifies Asia as a major source of missing variation. Finally, we review recent comparative genomic analyses that will facilitate annotation of the noncoding genome in dogs.

Cold Spray Technology and Its Application in the Manufacturing of Metal Matrix Composite Materials with Carbon-Based Reinforcements

Cold spray technology, as an emerging surface engineering technique, effectively prepares hard coatings by high-speed projection of powder materials onto substrates at relatively low temperatures. The principal advantage of this technology lies in its ability to rapidly deposit coatings without significantly altering the properties of the substrate or powder materials. Carbon-based materials, especially carbides and diamond, etc., are renowned for their exceptional hardness and thermal stability, which make them indispensable in industrial applications requiring materials with high wear resistance and durability at elevated temperatures. This review elucidates the fundamental principles of cold spray technology, the key components of the equipment, and the properties and applications of hard coatings. The equipment involved primarily includes spray guns, powder feeders, and gas heaters, while the properties of the coatings, such as mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and tribological performance, are discussed in detail. Moreover, the application of this technology in preparing metal matrix composite (MMC) materials with carbon-based reinforcements, including tungsten carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, and diamond, are particularly emphasized, showcasing its potential to enhance the performance of tools and components. Finally, this article outlines the challenges and prospects faced by cold spray technology, highlighting the importance of material innovation and process optimization. This review provides researchers in the fields of materials science and engineering with a comprehensive perspective on the application of cold spray technology in MMC materials with carbon-based reinforcements to drive significant improvements in coating performance and broaden the scope of its industrial applications.

Phenomenological Nondimensional Parameter Decomposition to Enhance the Use of Simulation Modeling in Fire Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Nuclear Power Plants

Simulation modeling is crucial in support of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for nuclear power plants (NPPs). There is a challenge, however, associated with simulation modeling that relates to the time and resources required for collecting data to determine the values of the input parameters. To alleviate this challenge, this article develops a formalized methodology to generate surrogate values of input parameters grounded on the decomposition of phenomenological nondimensional parameters (PNPs) while avoiding detailed data collection. While the fundamental principles of the proposed methodology can be applicable to various hazards, the developments in this article focus on fire PRA as an example application area for which resource intensiveness is recognized as a practical challenge. This article also develops a computational platform to automate the PNP decomposition and seamlessly integrates it with state-of-practice fire scenario analysis. The applicability of the computational platform is demonstrated through a multi-compartment fire case study at an NPP. The computational platform, with its embedded PNP decomposition methodology, can substantially reduce the effort required for input data collection and extraction, thereby facilitating the efficient use of simulation modeling in PRA and enhancing the fire scenario screening analysis.

FEATURES OF PHILOSOPHICAL METHODS IN THE STUDY OF CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND MAN

Philosophical methods, which differ in their universality and focus on the search for fundamental principles, have been studied, which allows to complement scientific methods in the search for root causes and general patterns. It has been proven that philosophy not only intersects with other sciences and fields of knowledge, but also creates new fields of research. The creation of new methods within the framework of philosophy itself is considered. Philosophical methods are justified as more free and flexible compared to scientific methods, which allows philosophers to explore the nuances and complexities of concepts and ideas. The development of the philosophy of language, which gave a powerful impetus to the formation of universal translator programs based on artificial intelligence, is analyzed.