Gradual Transformation Research Articles

Optics, structures and luminescent properties in Dy3+-doped tellurite glass regulated by Nb2O5

In this work,60TeO2-(35-x)ZnO-xNb2O5–5SrF2-0.5Dy2O3 glasses was prepared to use a high-temperature melting method, where x represents the Nb2O5 content (x = 0,5,7.5,10).Raman spectra studies revealed that increasing the concentration ratio of Nb2O5 to TeO2 resulted in the gradual transformation of [TeO3] and [TeO3+1] units in the glass network to [TeO4] units. This transformation also enhanced the stability of the network structure. The emission peaks of the samples were observed at 481 nm (blue), 576 nm (yellow), and 663 nm (red), which is crucial for white light materials. The luminescent intensity increased with the increase of Nb2O5 concentration, reaching its maximum at 7.5% mol. The CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates fell within the range of white light, with corresponding color temperatures ranging from 5063 K to 5877 K. All the results show that the fluorescent materials used in high-brightness illumination can be obtained by adding an appropriate amount of Nb2O5 to Dy3+-doped tellurate glass.

Обсуждение работы журнала «Советский экран» в 1958 году. Кино и критика между идеологией и коммерцией

The article deals with the two packages of archival documents — the 1955 resolutions on the establishment of the popular illustrated magazine Sovetsky Ekran (The Soviet Screen) and the transcript of the discussion of the magazine’s work in the Union of Cinematography Workers in 1958. The author of the article considers the general style of the issues of The Soviet Screen of 1957 and 1958 and the individual materials, in particular, the wishes for the new magazine and the retellings of readers’ letters on the pages of the magazine; analyses and compares the initial goals of the magazine, its real format in 1957, its gradual transformation in 1958, and the evolution of tasks and strategies declared in various documents, published texts, and oral presentations at discussion. Certain contradictions are observed between the stated purpose of advertising Soviet films in order to increase distribution and cinema rental profits, and the ideological requirements emanating from the state cultural management. The author highlights an ambiguous attitude towards mass demands and the creative interests of the intelligentsia. There was a lack of consensus on film journalism, the preferred genres, and themes of the magazine articles both among the ‘ordinary readers’ and the professionals of the film industry — writers, critics, and journalists. The absence of a common vision on almost all the issues raised in the discussion allows us to see the complexity and versatility of tastes and mores among the intelligentsia of the Thaw, to recognise the contradictions between the perception of art and culture by the intelligentsia, on the one hand, and the mass perception, on the other hand. The article also sheds light on attitudes towards commerce, profit, and the social, financial and media success in the late 1950s.

ОБРАЗ БАБЫ-ЯГИ В ЗАПАДНЫХ ВИДЕОИГРАХ: ОТ СТАРУШКИ ВЕДЬМЫ ДО БЕЗУМНОЙ УЧЕНОЙ

Baba Yaga is a character of Slavic folklore, but widely known to Western audiences. Her similarity to the image of the “evil witch” allowed her to gain a foothold in popular culture as an antagonist and become a character in comics, TV series or even board games. From wh ere she moved into video games, and her image is not just a conditional opponent, but a full-fledged NPC (non-player character), with a well-developed quest branch. The article discusses the gradual transformation of the appearance of the character, its function in the plot of the game. As in folklore tales, the image of Baba Yaga is quite ambiguous, and she can play the role of both an antagonist and a guardian or assistant in the plot of the game. Therefore, in the analysis, it is necessary to take into account not only the appearance of the character, but also her role in the overall plot. The influence of the image of the “evil witch” existing in Western culture on her is touched upon and how its reinterpretation made the game Baba Yaga closer to its folklore prototype.

Effect of Solution Annealing Time on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Selective-Laser-Melted 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel

The 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) produced by selective laser melting (SLM) exhibits high strength (1078.8 MPa) but poor plasticity (15.2%) owing to the high cooling rate during SLM, which inhibits the formation of austenite and creates a nearly entirely ferritic microstructure. The dual-phase nature can be restored through solution annealing, which enables well-matched strength and plasticity, but which has not been extensively studied. We investigate the effects of 5 min, 30 min, and 120 min of solution annealing at 1000 °C on the dual-phase ratio, grain size, texture strength, inclusions, grain boundary characteristics, and mechanical properties of SLM-manufactured 2205 DSS. After 30 min of solution annealing, the elongation increased to 32.2% owing to the restoration of the dual-phase structure, the reduction in dislocation density, the weakening of texture, and the decrease in grain size. Increasing solution annealing time also corresponded to a decrease in the ultimate tensile strength (from 831.7 to 787.5 MPa) and yield strength (from 610.3 to 507.8 MPa) due to grain coarsening and the gradual transformation of ferrite to austenite. Furthermore, the mechanism of the transformation from ferrite to austenite was proposed, and it was observed that the transformation of MnSiO3 to MnCrO4 provided nucleation sites for austenite.

Separation of lignin derivatives from hemp fiber using supercritical CO2, ethanol, and water at different temperatures

The process of lignin extraction often involves intricate chemical transformations, influencing its potential for high-value utilization. By investigating the process of lignin derivatives extraction from hemp fibers using supercritical CO2, ethanol, and water, we identified the relationship between the chemical structure of lignin derivatives and temperature. This discovery contributes to controlling the chemical structure of lignin derivatives through temperature modulation. We observed that lignin derivatives extracted within the temperature range of 100–120 °C exhibited the lowest average molecular weight and polydispersity index, presenting a disordered microstructure with the highest hydroxyl content. Lignin derivatives extracted between 140 and 160 °C showed an increase in average molecular weight and polydispersity index, decreased hydroxyl content, and a gradual transformation of microstructure into spherical particles. At 180 °C, the average molecular weight and polydispersity index of lignin derivatives decreased, the microstructure of lignin derivatives showed fewer spherical particles, while its hydroxyl content exhibited a partial recovery. Chemical analysis revealed a lower degree of condensation in lignin derivatives at 100–120 °C. Between 120 and 160 °C, the degree of condensation increased. At 180 °C, extensive degradation occurred in lignin derivatives. This research advances innovative techniques for lignin derivative separation, contributing to their utilization in higher-value applications.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE TRADITIONS OF NORTHERN NATIONAL ROMANTICISM IN THE CONDITIONS OF CHINA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE QINGDAO GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE)

Chinese local architectural and artistic traditions proved to be so resistant to external influences that they in turn actively transformed the borrowed styles, giving them a local flavour. As an early example of the gradual transformation of foreign styles on local soil, the Dunhuang cave temple complex should be mentioned, where the traditions of decorating the interiors of Buddhist cave sanctuaries borrowed from India increasingly moved away from the original models, acquiring a local flavour during the heyday. We can talk about similar processes at the beginning of the 20th century in the case of the development of the German settlement of Qingdao, where, in fact, purely German traditions acquired a fundamentally different context in a different cultural and natural environment. The phenomenon of the transformation of northern national romanticism in the conditions of foreign settlements on the territory of China is studied. The Qingdao Governor’s Residence was analyzed as the main example. By comparing this object with European objects of northern national romanticism, the ways in which the borrowed styles were transformed under the influence of local Chinese traditions were determined. Changes took place at the level of landscape traditions, architectural objects, design elements, works of art. This phenomenon continued the process of transformation of foreign phenomena, which took place much earlier, for example, in the unique cave complex of Dunhuang.

The moderate Enlightenment in the Baltic provinces: Gustav von Bergmann

ABSTRACT Gustav von Bergmann (1749–1814) was a Lutheran pastor in Livland, one of the Baltic provinces of the Russian Empire. Being interested in Enlightenment ideas, he published a string of literary, historical and political works in German and Latvian. In these works, the tension between ‘radical’ and ‘moderate’ wings of Baltic Enlightenment becomes visible, and they can serve as an example of intertwined and often conflicting ideas concerning the education of the ‘common people’ and agrarian reforms within the context of Volksaufklärung (Popular Enlightenment). In the article, an overview of the debates on serfdom and political reforms has been provided by sketching different approaches of Baltic intellectuals and also influences on their ideas from German-speaking countries. Bergmann wrote historical works that emphasised the need of social reforms, but at the same time opposed radical political changes; the shift in his views was influenced by French revolution. His publications in Latvian were in line with Volksaufklärung ideas and corresponded to the concept of gradual transformations by preparing peasants for freedom through the means of education. Belletristic fiction in almanacs, sermons, and translation of German bestseller Noth- und Hülfsbüchlein (1788) served this purpose along with the practical work such as smallpox inoculation.

POISONING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Over the past decade, the proliferation of electronic devices, wearables, and information technology has enabled the collection and extraction of vast amounts of personal and behavioural data, penetrating our biological and physical nature. We are witnessing the gradual transformation of data mining into life mining. The big data collected feeds machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence systems, which effectively implement real-time surveillance of our lives, mainly for commercial purposes. Starting from theoretical reflections on the relationship between humans and non-humans in AI, the essay identifies some projects by fashion and jewellery designers that subvert the ubiquitous surveillance system, acting concretely in specific processual and technological dynamics. Finally, by adopting a disruptive approach, the essay seeks to chart new spaces of design thinking that disobey or begin to question the prevailing logic involved in AI.

Transformations towards an integrated leadership development system—A longitudinal study in a high-performing public organization

Leadership development (LD) plays a significant role in achieving high-quality performance and business results, but there is little research on how leadership development itself evolves as the organization develops. This study explores how a leadership development system evolved over 30 years, during a time when the organization became increasingly high performing. Through reflexive thematic analysis of organizational documents and interviews with top managers and practitioners, the study provides a rich longitudinal description of the evolvement. The results revealed three pervasive changes of the leadership development system: 1) from a system for business-specific learning to one for system-wide learning; 2) from a system for personal development to one for customer-oriented quality development; and 3) from a leadership development system consisting of leadership development programs to one that is integrated into regular meetings and uses simple rules. These changes supported the gradual transformation of the leadership development from being independent to becoming integrated in the wider system, supporting the business system. The findings offer a unique insight into how an organization transitioned from individual leader development towards promoting collective aspects of leadership development. The study provides two main theoretical contributions that support the perspective of viewing leadership development as integrated within organizational development. Firstly, we present a more multifaceted way of understanding leadership development, wherein managers and employees, customer outcomes, and business advancement are seen as mutually developing. Secondly, we introduce two new critical points that complement previous descriptions of an advanced leadership development system: It is system wide (not only business specific) and customer oriented (not only leader/participant oriented).

Programmed microalgae-gel promotes chronic wound healing in diabetes

Chronic diabetic wounds are at lifelong risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers owing to severe hypoxia, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), a complex inflammatory microenvironment, and the potential for bacterial infection. Here we develop a programmed treatment strategy employing live Haematococcus (HEA). By modulating light intensity, HEA can be programmed to perform a variety of functions, such as antibacterial activity, oxygen supply, ROS scavenging, and immune regulation, suggesting its potential for use in programmed therapy. Under high light intensity (658 nm, 0.5 W/cm2), green HEA (GHEA) with efficient photothermal conversion mediate wound surface disinfection. By decreasing the light intensity (658 nm, 0.1 W/cm2), the photosynthetic system of GHEA can continuously produce oxygen, effectively resolving the problems of hypoxia and promoting vascular regeneration. Continuous light irradiation induces astaxanthin (AST) accumulation in HEA cells, resulting in a gradual transformation from a green to red hue (RHEA). RHEA effectively scavenges excess ROS, enhances the expression of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, and directs polarization to M2 macrophages by secreting AST vesicles via exosomes. The living HEA hydrogel can sterilize and enhance cell proliferation and migration and promote neoangiogenesis, which could improve infected diabetic wound healing in female mice.

BCC-FCC transformation induced exchange bias effect in the Fe2MnGa alloys

Transformation from a body-centered cubic (BCC) to a face-centered cubic (FCC) phase has garnered substantial attention in materials design due to its capacity for adjustable properties. In this study, we investigated the magnetic behavior of stoichiometric Fe2MnGa during the BCC-FCC transformation. Our findings unveil that the Fe2MnGa alloy undergoes a gradual transformation from BCC to FCC phase. During this transformation, the proportion of FCC phase gradually increases, resulting in a dual-phase structure, until it ultimately reaches a pure FCC phase. Furthermore, as the cooling processes, a magnetic transition from ferromagnetic to weak magnetic state was observed within the FCC phase. Following this magnetic transition, the sample exhibits an exchange bias effect, indicating a mixed ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic state rather than a pure antiferromagnetic state. The magnitude of the exchange bias field is directly proportional to the proportion of the FCC phase, suggesting a negligible contribution of the BCC phase to the exchange bias effect. The controllable dual-phase nature of Fe-Mn-Ga alloys holds significant potential for material design.

Microstructural characterization of 15Cr steel after quenching and slow cooling rates

Abstract Ferritic 15 %-Cr steels have better oxidation resistance, due to their higher chromium content, and creep strength, their lower dislocation density and lack of lath microstructure than conventional martensitic steels such as MarBN. Their mechanical properties are sensitive to chemical composition and heat treatment. In this study, we first simulated the formation of stable phases in two ferritic steels containing 2 % nickel (wt.%) and an alloy without nickel using the thermomechanical software MATCALC. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) reveals the formation of carbides and intermetallic phases after diffusion annealing, both during rapid cooling in oil and slow cooling in the furnace. Dilatometry and XRD studies confirm the gradual phase transformation of ferrite to austenite from 650 °C onwards during heating. Dilatometry also shows that ferritic steels have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than martensitic steels, austenitic steels, and superalloys, which results in lower thermal stresses during frequent start-up and shutdown of power plants.

Research on the Path of Improving the Efficiency of Urban Community Governance from the Perspective of Collaborative Governance: A Case Study of Daqing City, China

Under the background of “co-construction, co-governance, and sharing,” the role of the grassroots level is becoming increasingly important. In the past, the governance body was single with blocked information, and the inefficient governance mode required gradual transformation. In order to achieve collaborative governance and break through the obstacles in grassroots governance, the key lies in how to play the role of the community, coordinate the relationship between citizens and the community, and allow the community to better play the role of grassroots governance. Under the guidance of the concept of collaborative governance and combined with relevant data, this paper discusses the problems and current situation of community governance in Daqing City, China, explores the path to improve the efficiency of urban community governance, and puts forward relevant constructive suggestions to better realize the role of community in grassroots governance.

Influence of Rare Earth Ce Additions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Experimental Pipeline Steels

Herein, the effect of Ce additions ranging from 57 to 263 ppm is evaluated for an experimental pipeline steel. Compared to the Ce‐free steel, progressive Ce additions result in a slightly refined microstructure, significantly improve transverse impact properties, and slightly increase strength. All these observations can be attributed to the gradual transformation of Mn sulfide and Mn–Si–Al oxide inclusions to Ce‐containing oxide/sulfides. In particular, the inclusions consist exclusively of sub‐5 μm spherical Ce2O2S particles upon near‐stoichiometric additions of Ce, considering the oxygen and sulfur impurity level of the steel. The results suggest that Ce is a potentially promising alloying addition for next‐generation pipeline steels by replacing overtly deleterious inclusions with potentially beneficial ones.

Micro-Mechanism Analysis of Computer Industry Division of Labor Modularization Based on Supramarginal Models

After the modularization of computer production technology in the last century, market value gradually dispersed from the integrated enterprise IBM, leading to a gradual transformation in the organizational structure of the industry. However, the implementation of technological modularization does not necessarily result in the modularization of industrial division of labor. This paper addresses the evolutionary problem of organizational modularization by constructing a supramarginal model and transforming it into a choice problem for division of labor structures. The modularization of product production technology provides a uniform standard for interfaces between various components of complex products, leading to positive transaction efficiency between module manufacturers and module integrators. As transaction efficiency improves, the production organizational structure shifts from integration to modularized division of labor. Based on this foundation, the paper analyzes the impact of industry modularized division of labor on individual welfare and market expansion.

Superquantum effects on physical systems from a hydrodynamic perspective

Employing a nonlinear time-dependent Schrödinger equation that describes the transition between quantum and classical regimes, we explore superquantum effects on physical systems from a hydrodynamic point of view. The degree of quantumness, a pivotal parameter in this transition equation, gauges the impact of quantum effects arising from the quantum potential. As this parameter varies continuously between zero and one, it facilitates the gradual transformation of systems from purely classical to entirely quantum regimes. We extend our analysis by setting the degree of quantumness greater than one, thereby investigating superquantum phenomena. Notably, this transition equation can be reframed as a scaled time-dependent Schrödinger equation with a rescaled Planck constant. Through computational simulations derived from the scaled Schrödinger equation, we examine superquantum implications for two systems, including Gaussian wave packet scattering from an Eckart barrier and metastable state decay. This research suggests that the hydrodynamic formulation of the quantum–classical transition equation offers a profound understanding of superquantum influences on physical systems.

Subscription Economy: impacts on inequality

As more companies and services shift from the traditional one-time purchase to subscription-based services or a combination of both. This is primarily due to subscription-based companies growing 3.7 times faster than the companies in the S&P 500. The economy simultaneously undergoes a gradual transformation. Although subscription-based service seems to give consumers more choices about the products they buy, it increases the overall prices they pay for using the same product over a prolonged period. The increase might seem negligible over small periods, but its impact is significant over longer periods and acts as a lump-sum tax. Its properties as a lump-sum tax raises the question of whether it worsens inequality, like other regressive taxes, by disproportionally lowering poor people’s disposable income and increasing the companies’ profits. This study has found a weak correlation between SEI (Subscription Economy IndexTM) and inequality, specifically, the Gini coefficient and the U.S.’s top 0.1% net worth. The SEI is a measurement from Zuora.com’s quarterly report that seeks to analyze the growth and resilience of businesses in the subscription sector and view trends of the subscription economy. The correlation is primarily weak because the SEI grows faster than the Gini coefficient and the top 0.1% net worth by a numerical percentage of about 20% each year. However, whenever the percent change in SEI grows, so does the percent change in the Gini coefficient and top 0.1% net worth, and vice versa.

Religion and Policy of Catholic Prohibition under the Nguyen Dynasty: Analysis of Ritualistic Considerations

This article examines the religious landscape of the Nguyen Dynasty, focusing on the significance of Confucianism and conflicts with Catholicism. The analysis draws from a range of sources, including edicts, historical chronicles, reports, treaties, and studies by Vietnamese and foreign scholars. The period studied spans from the Nguyen Dynasty’s establishment under Gia Long to its surrender to French colonialism in 1884. Central to this examination is the scrutiny of the religious panorama prevalent during the Nguyen Dynasty. It disentangles the disparities between Catholicism and Confucianism, laying bare their fundamental divergences in beliefs and practices. It chronicles Gia Long's confrontational stance towards Catholicism, unraveling the subsequent religious discord it engendered. Moreover, the research delves into Minh Mang's policy of religious prohibition, unveiling the ritualistic conundrums that ensued due to the prohibitive edicts issued by Thieu Tri and Tu Duc. The study concludes that the Nguyen Dynasty’s prohibition policy on Catholicism had significant consequences for the Vietnamese society in the 19th century. The policy exacerbated the differences between Catholics and non-Catholics due to conflicts between traditional Vietnamese culture and Catholicism's divergent views on rituals, customs, and social values. Ultimately, the prohibition policy not only failed to curb the spread of Catholicism but also provided a pretext for French colonialists to invade Vietnam, leading to its gradual transformation into a French colony, and their goal of evangelization in the region. Overall, the research highlights the impact of religion on political power and the dynamics of cultural conflict in Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Poreklo konteksta i značenja motiva delfina posvedočenog na lucerni u Smederevskom muzeju (IV vek)

The dolphin motif on the ship-shaped oil lamp treasured in the Museum of Smederevo (4th century AD) has complex iconography, multi-layered and complex symbolism, and a long history. This article presents and explains how its iconography and meaning were gradually formed and developed in ancient Greek and Roman art, as well as the peculiarities of its gradual transformation into a Christian symbol. It is found that the context of the appearance of the dolphin motif in art during different epochs is not a mere coincidence, but the expression of a clear intention on the part of particularly learned artists and commissioners of works of art. Since there are no written records of this motif that would explain its iconography and meaning, and since the motif itself is by nature very hermetic, and at the same time very rare, the characteristic context of the appearance of the dolphin motif in art is also a decisive parameter for analyzing its meaning and its gradual formation.

АНАЛІЗ ЦИФРОВОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ ТА КІБЕРБЕЗПЕКИ АГРОБІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ ФІНАНСІАЛІЗАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article substantiates that digital transformation and cybersecurity development in agribusiness are essential components of the modern agro-industrial complex, especially in the context of economic financialization observed in both Ukraine and EU countries. It is argued that in Ukraine, despite the active implementation of digital technologies, the process of digital transformation lags behind the European Union, where the adoption of integrated management and data protection systems is progressing more rapidly due to more stable financing and established cybersecurity standards. The period from 2018 to 2023 was a turning point for Ukraine’s agribusiness sector, which, in the context of economic financialization and the rise of international cyberattacks, began adopting European practices for protecting information systems and modernizing digital infrastructure. It is asserted that the main cybersecurity challenges for agribusiness in Ukraine remain insufficient funding, limited investment, and the need to adapt to rapid technological changes, particularly amid the intensifying military conflict. The article underscores that collaboration with European partners and the attraction of international aid are key factors in strengthening cyber protection and improving the effectiveness of digital solutions in Ukraine's agricultural sector. Projections for 2024–2026 indicate that Ukraine will continue gradual digital transformation with a focus on information system security, though cybersecurity funding will likely remain at an average of 10–12% of the operational budget of agricultural enterprises, significantly lower than European benchmarks. Thus, it is concluded that while Ukraine is moving closer to European cybersecurity standards in agribusiness, it is likely to remain behind in the implementation of advanced technologies, such as blockchain, IoT, and artificial intelligence, due to limited resources. The European Union is expected to maintain its lead over Ukraine in digital transformation and cybersecurity, supported by increasing investments, integrated protection systems, and broader use of innovative technologies to ensure security and optimize agricultural production processes.