Industrial Strategy Research Articles

Value co-creation in sustainable express delivery: intergenerational perspectives

PurposeThe express delivery industry faces challenges engaging consumers in sustainable practices. This study explores how sustainable service quality affects corporate loyalty, mediated by value co-creation (VCC) and green customer satisfaction. It also scrutinizes low-carbon knowledge as a moderator and investigates variances in VCC outcomes between Generation Y and Generation Z consumer groups.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study involves a scenario experiment and a questionnaire answered by 596 Chinese consumers in 2023. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) tests proposed relationships. Regression analysis examines the chain mediating effect of VCC and green satisfaction, while group analysis assesses intergenerational differences.FindingsSustainable service quality positively influences consumer VCC, which in turn impacts customers’ green satisfaction and corporate loyalty. VCC and green satisfaction act as intermediaries between sustainable service quality and corporate loyalty. Low-carbon knowledge positively moderates sustainable service quality's impact on VCC. Generation Y and Generation Z show differences in the relationship between VCC and loyalty.Practical implicationsExpress delivery firms should enhance sustainable service quality and encourage consumer participation in VCC activities. This can improve consumer green satisfaction, loyalty and competitive advantages.Originality/valueThis study expands service marketing literature by clarifying VCC's role in sustainable services and offers insights into VCC's causes and effects. It proposes strategies for the express delivery industry to influence consumer behavior through sustainable service practices.

How do industry and other actors undermine tobacco control policies post-adoption? A scoping review

Abstract Background Over recent decades, many countries have strengthened their tobacco control policies. To be effective, full implementation is needed. Tobacco industry interference is widely recognised as a key barrier to tobacco control progress and evidence-based models like the policy dystopia model (PDM) list industry strategies, focusing on those avoiding and undermining policy adoption. While prior research highlighted industry activities post-adoption, these have not been captured systematically. This review aimed to map the efforts of industry, front groups and other actors to undermine the implementation of policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour measures. Methods We searched six literature databases, relevant bibliographies and grey literature, and consulted experts. We included articles describing one or more attempts to undermine adopted policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour. The PDM served as starting point for coding; additional strategies were identified inductively. Strategies were charted against aims and policies. Results Several aims and strategies were identified which were similar across policies. Following policy adoption efforts to 1) overturn and 2) weaken measures, and 3) delay implementation continued. Legal strategies were utilised and there were attempts to influence stakeholders. In addition, tobacco industry and other actors sought to 4) undermine policy effectiveness by creating confusion, circumventing policies, and noncompliance, and 5) use implementation as an opportunity to enhance industry reputation. Conclusions Interference from tobacco industry and other actors threatens effective tobacco control policy implementation. The public health community must continue to monitor, expose and counter industry conduct after policy adoption. More research is needed to enhance our understanding of how industry interferes in policy implementation, and how this can be pre-empted and countered. Key messages • The interference from tobacco industry and other actors following policy adoption threatens effective tobacco control, and needs to be monitored, exposed and countered by the public health community. • Policymakers and civil servants need to be wary of efforts to undermine tobacco control policies and act to ensure effective policy implementation.

The Influence of Extrinsic Motivation and Cross-Cultural Adjustment on Foreign Worker Commitment: The Mediating Role of Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Moderating Role of Employer Trust

Palm oil is a key income source in Malaysia, with the industry heavily reliant on foreign workers. This reliance necessitates a focus on their welfare to address workforce shortages. This study examines the relationship between extrinsic motivation and organizational commitment, mediated by cross-cultural adjustment and moderated by employer trust among foreign workers. This study employed a quantitative research design, using SPSS for data analysis, and surveyed 242 foreign workers from companies listed on the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) website in 2022, achieving a 100% response rate. The key findings show that organizational commitment positively influences extrinsic motivation, with cross-cultural adjustment significantly enhancing both. Employer trust moderates the relationship between organizational commitment and cross-cultural adjustment, underscoring its importance in cultural adaptation and motivation. These insights highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve job satisfaction and retention among foreign workers by addressing extrinsic motivational factors and cultural adaptation challenges. The research contributes to the literature by detailing the interplay of organizational factors and cultural adaptation in shaping motivational outcomes, suggesting future research to explore longitudinal studies and other moderating variables. These findings offer valuable implications for improving workforce performance and retention strategies in the palm oil industry.

An Analysis of the Risks and Rewards of Merger and Acquisition Strategies in the Gaming Industry

Abstract: In the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry, companies strive for growth and competitiveness through strategic means, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for diversification. This paper examines the risks and rewards inherent in such strategies, focusing on their implementation within the gaming sector. Through case studies like Microsoft's acquisition of Mojang and Activision Blizzard's purchase of King Digital Entertainment, it explores the complexities of M&A diversification and its impact on long-term gains. Drawing from literature on M&A theories and diversification strategies, it delineates the nuances of M&A execution and integration, crucial for success in the fast-paced gaming environment. While successful diversification can lead to market expansion, technological advancement, and risk mitigation, failures like Activision Blizzard's struggle with King Digital Entertainment underscore the importance of strategic alignment, resource integration, and market foresight. By dissecting these cases, this paper offers insights for industry stakeholders to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by M&A diversification in gaming.

Research on Marketing Strategies for Optimizing Entertainment Products Using the Internet

Abstract: The rapid development of science and technology has profoundly altered the way people live and consume. As a significant aspect of cultural consumption, the marketing approach to entertainment products has undergone a profound transformation in response to the Internet. The traditional marketing of entertainment products is mainly reliant on the use of television advertisements, newspaper publicity, and other offline activities. Though these methods have achieved notable results over time, their reach and marketing power are constrained, making it challenging to meet the diverse and personalized needs of todays consumers. The paper aims to explore the potential of the Internet and online media to enhance product marketing strategies in the entertainment industry in the digital age. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature reviews, case studies and data studies, this paper explores the concept and current status of online marketing, as well as the application of online marketing in entertainment industries such as movies, music and games, and how existing data analysis can be used to help the modern entertainment industry optimize its existing online marketing strategies. The results show that by rationally applying online marketing strategies and adapting them to local conditions, not only can audience and user engagement be increased, but sales performance and brand image can also be significantly improved.

Research on the Impact of Big Data and Enterprise Digitalization on the E-commerce Industry and Coping Strategies

Abstract: Big data, enterprise digitalization, and e-commerce all have one thing in common: they were born from the Internet. Since the onset of the 21st century, the global Internet industry has experienced rapid growth, with e-commerce emerging as a key player. Participants in e-commerce engage with both the global online marketplace and the physical market, utilizing modern communication networks and information technology to conduct business activities through e-commerce platforms or service platforms. E-commerce embodies characteristics such as market globalization, rapid transactions, virtualization, and cost-effectiveness, making it highly favored by enterprises. Presently, e-commerce relies heavily on robust databases, as well as the data collection, processing, and analysis capabilities of big data. This reliance compels traditional enterprises to undergo digital transformation. This study delves into the impact of big data and enterprise digitalization on the e-commerce industry, exploring the mechanisms underlying their influence on cross-border e-commerce. By examining these dynamics, the study aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce and the transformative potential of big data and digitalization in shaping its future trajectory.

Research on Jiangxi Cultural Wisdom Tourism Industry Strategy Based on OHDSI General Data Model and Digital Art Empowerment

With the rapid development and wide application of a new round of information technologies, such as the global Internet of Things, the new generation of mobile Internet, cloud computing, etc., informatization has opened a new stage of smart tourism (ST), and ST has become the main trend of tourism development in China at present and for a long time to come. Tourism industry has become one of the important pillar industries in Jiangxi, and it plays an increasingly prominent role in stimulating and supporting economic and social development. Wisdom tourism is an important means to improve tourism service, tourism management and tourism marketing, and an important starting point to promote the upgrading of tourism industry in Jiangxi Province, and to achieve carry-over and leapfrog development and overtaking at corners. This paper is constantly improving and updating on the basis of data warehouse integration mechanism. Under the data warehouse mechanism, through the effective integration of spatial data, virtual reality data and dynamic data, a comprehensive data warehouse oriented to tourism promotion, scenic spot management and department management is formed. It aims to promote the rapid implementation of ST, bring tourists a comfortable tourism experience, save costs and improve efficiency for tourism service providers.

Frameshift mutations in the mmpR5 gene can have a bedaquiline-susceptible phenotype by retaining a protein structure and function similar to wild-type Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Bedaquiline (BDQ) is crucial for the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, yet resistance threatens its effectiveness, mainly linked to mutations in the mmpR5 (Rv0678) gene. While frameshift mutations are thought to produce non-functional proteins, we hypothesize that they can result in conserved proteins through late-stop codons or alternative reading frames and remain BDQ susceptible. We extracted 512 isolates harboring frameshift mutations in mmpR5 from the World Health Organization (WHO) catalog and 68 isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) through a literature review. Using BioPython and AlphaFold2 we computed open (ORF) and alternative reading frames (ARFs) sequences and protein structures and assessed similarity to the wild type using an alignment and template modeling (TM)-score. Among the WHO 512 isolates, 24.8% were BDQ-sensitive. Out of 184 unique frameshift mutations with available nucleotide information, a late-stop codon in the ORF occurred for 32% of the mutations. Also, 40.7% resulted in a conserved sequence, through the ORF or one of the forward ARFs. In 68 isolates with available MGIT MIC data, the presence of late-stop codons in the ORF (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.36-19.3) or a conserved reading frame (OR 10.4, 95% CI 2.07-102.9) were associated with BDQ sensitivity. Protein structures from the conserved sequences showed high similarity (TM > 0.8). We show that frameshift mutations may retain BDQ susceptibility through late-stop codons in the ORF or conserved ARFs. These findings could improve the prediction of the BDQ phenotype from genomic data and have important implications for treatment decisions. Research Foundation-Flanders, Academy of Medical Sciences, the Wellcome Trust, the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK, and the Global Challenges Research Fund.IMPORTANCETuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains the deadliest infectious disease and is particularly challenging to treat when it becomes drug-resistant. Bedaquiline (BDQ) is a recently recommended core drug for treating drug-resistant TB. However, resistance to bedaquiline is already emerging, primarily due to mutations in the mmpR5 gene. Identifying which mutations cause resistance and which do not is a critical knowledge gap. In particular, little is known about the effect of frameshift mutations, typically thought to make TB bacteria resistant to bedaquiline by producing non-functional proteins. Yet, one-quarter of isolates with a frameshift mutation are still susceptible to bedaquiline. How the bacteria produce a functional protein despite the frameshift mutation is unknown. We analyzed over 500 frameshift mutations using computational methods to model their effects on protein structure and bedaquiline resistance. Our findings revealed that some frameshift mutations can still produce functional proteins, allowing bacteria to remain sensitive to bedaquiline. Specifically, bacteria can produce a functional protein despite frameshift mutations if the mutation occurs near the end of the protein or if an alternative reading frame is available. These insights improve our ability to interpret mutations associated with bedaquiline, the most important drug for drug-resistant TB, allowing more accurate and effective treatment decisions.

Genomic analysis of Salmonella Heidelberg isolated from the Brazilian poultry farms.

The rapid expansion of broiler chicken production in Brazil has presented significant sanitation challenges within the poultry industry. Among these challenges, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Heidelberg stands as a contributor to global salmonellosis outbreaks. This study analyzed 13 draft genomes of Salmonella Heidelberg isolated from the pre-slaughter broiler chickens farms in Brazil. By conducting in silico analysis of these genomes, the study investigated genome similarity based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and identified genes encoding resistance to antimicrobials, sanitizers, and virulence factors. Furthermore, mobile genetic elements (MGE) were identified to assess their potential role in propagating genes through horizontal gene transfer. A risk classification was also applied based on the resistomes. The genomes revealed a high prevalence of genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and genes linked to quaternary ammonium resistance. The study also uncovered six Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI) and over 100 genes encoding virulence factors. The association of MGE with antibiotic-resistant genes sul2 and blaCMY-2 raised concerns about the potential transfer to other bacteria, posing a substantial risk for spreading resistance mechanisms according to established risk protocols. Additionally, SNP analysis indicated close phylogenetic relationships among some isolates, suggesting a common origin. This study enhances our understanding of Salmonella Heidelberg strains by identifying key risk factors for transmission and revealing the association between resistance genes and MGEs. This insight provides a foundation for developing and implementing effective control, monitoring, and treatment strategies in the poultry industry.

The window of opportunity: a case study of the battery electric vehicle in Thailand

Purpose Thailand, although a late entrant, has emerged as a significant center for the production and export of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Asia. With the arrival of a disruptive battery-electric vehicle (BEV), this study aims to investigate whether Thailand can exploit this window of opportunity to leapfrog. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses data sourced from Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property to analyze electric vehicle (EV) patent applications. This paper collected qualitative data and conducted interviews with several EV manufacturers. Findings Although Japanese automakers dominate essential EV technology patents, they trail behind Chinese automakers, which benefited from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in EV sales. The incumbents, Japanese and Western, choose to expand their production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles. ICE technology does not constrain new entrants, such as Chinese automakers, Japanese newcomers and Thai newcomers. Compared to Japanese carmakers stuck with ICE and HEV technologies, they have been transitioning to BEVs at a faster pace. BEV has opened the door for large Thai indigenous energy corporations to enter the automotive industry by focusing on niche areas (nonfour-wheel vehicles) and supporting businesses like charging stations. In summary, Thailand has successfully attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) into the EV sector, but it has not yet succeeded in developing indigenous technologies related to EVs. The Thai automobile sector fails to leapfrog because it is too tied up with Japanese automotive production networks and has an unfavorable FTA with China. Originality/value This study sheds light on the limitations of an industrial development strategy relying on openness to trade and FDI without adequately strengthening indigenous technologies and firms, as the country adopting the strategy fails to leapfrog when the window of opportunities created by disruptive technologies arrives.

Sustainable utilization of phosphorus-rich sludge in cement composites: Multiscale evaluation and mechanistic analysis

The treatment of sludge poses challenges for resource utilization and environmental protection, and utilizing sludge as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) presents a viable solution. However, the phosphorus content significantly influences the cement hydration process. This study primarily investigates the feasibility of phosphorus-rich sludge (PRS) as SCMs and examines the effects of combining PRS with calcined clay on cement hydration. The research focuses on hydration heat, mechanical properties, microstructure, and durability of composites comprised of PRS, limestone, calcined clay, and ordinary Portland cement. The results indicate that PRS delays early hydration reactions, leading to a decrease in early compressive strength; after 7 days, the compressive strength is approximately 14.3 MPa (sample S20C10L15). However, over time, the strength increases to 34.1 MPa at 28 days, reflecting a 138.5 % increase compared to the 7-day compressive strength (with sample OPC exhibiting only 69.1 %). This correlates with the hydration exothermic peak occurring in the later stages and the transition of phosphorus's effect on cement hydration from inhibitory to non-inhibitory. The phosphorus in PRS partially replaces silicon atoms in C-(A)-S-H gel, forming C-S(A,P)-H gel. This process refines pore sizes within PRS cementitious materials, enhancing compressive strength over time. Early hydration inhibition and the subsequent pozzolanic reaction of PRS reduce portlandite content, which lowers carbonation durability and thermal expansion coefficient. However, the quaternary blend of PRS, limestone, calcined clay, and ordinary Portland cement demonstrates excellent mechanical properties. This study provides experimental evidence for reducing the environmental impact of PRS and exploring carbon reduction strategies in the cement industry.

Analysis of Channel Promotion of New Oriental Online Education in the Internet Era

With the rapid development of information technology and the popularization of the Internet, the field of education is experiencing unprecedented changes. Online education, as an important product of this change, has quickly become the new darling of the global education market with its characteristics of flexibility, convenience and personalized teaching. This paper takes New Oriental as a case study on the channel promotion strategy of online education industry. First of all, explain the channel marketing environment theories, including PEST theory, Marketing related theories, including the Omnichannel theory in the Internet era, and explain their characteristics and importance, and understand the marketing channel status of New Oriental online education based on the analysis of 4P marketing theory and the combination of questionnaire and interview conclusions as primary data and secondary data. Second, this study combines qualitative analysis with quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis, interview records and literature analysis were carried out through the chart data collected by the questionnaire, and qualitative analysis was adopted in the data provided by the official website of New Oriental. The existing problems in channel promotion of New Oriental online education can be find and this research will try to sort out a reasonable solution.

Effects of different feeding patterns on growth, enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiome of the juvenile Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai

In northern China, the predominant food sources for abalone farming include fresh kelp, salted kelp, and formulated diets, and abalone can also endure prolonged starvation when food is scarce. While there is a dearth of comprehensive investigation into the effects of these feeding patterns on the temporal dynamics of enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiome of abalone. In this study, a total of 3600 juvenile Pacific abalones were allocated to 12 tanks, randomly divided into four groups based on the feeding patterns: fresh kelp (labeled as FK), salted kelp (SK), formulated feed (FF), and starved group (S). After a 60-day feeding trial, the results showed that abalone in the FK, SK, and FF groups exhibited significant positive effects on both weight and shell growth compared to the S group (P<0.05). Notably, the FF group displayed the highest values of the growth performance. The activity of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in the FF group had an up-regulated trend over the course of feeding trial, whereas amylase and lipase activity in abalone declined along with starvation. Moreover, the microbial Shannon index showed an overall decreasing trend over time in the FF, FK, and SK groups except for the S group. The ANOSIM analysis revealed that both feeding pattern and cultivating time significantly influenced the structure of the microbial communities. Across the feeding trial, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and Firmicutes were identified as the dominant phyla in the intestinal microbiome of abalone under different feeding patterns. The core genera were Psychrilyobacter, Mycoplasma, and Vibrio. Additionally, the neutral model analysis revealed that stochastic processes both play a key role in shaping the assembly of microbial communities in different feeding patterns. This study could offer valuable insights into the impact of different feeding patterns on growth and physiology of abalone, thereby contributing to the enhancement of management strategies in the northern Chinese abalone aquaculture industry.

Impacts of human resources management strategies and practices on workers performance in construction industry: a review

Human resource management (HRM) plays a vital role in the growth and sustainability of companies and in achieving company objectives, as HRM relates to the workers’ practices and their functional roles. The main objective of this paper is to identify the HRM strategies, practices and their impact on worker’s performance in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry. The method which was used in this study was based on three stages. After the completion of the database and web engine search, the total number of sources found were 149. Next, the sources’ titles and abstracts were reviewed and those marked as relevant to the review were chosen to be retrieved and thoroughly reviewed. The sources were chosen based on the following inclusion criteria: (a) the sources implied in HRM strategies in the AEC industry, (b) the sources released between 2010 and 2023, (c) the online sources, and (d) the English-language sources. Also, the selected sources are reviewed to extract the factors using the content analysis method which is a thorough and systematic study of the contents of a specific body of material. In addition, content analysis is carried out to extract practices of HRM strategies and their impact on worker performance. This can be followed up and observed through the figures and tables that come later. As a final result, which concludes the outputs of the previous stages which results in a first-round total of 31 HRM strategies practice but in the second-round result of reaching 39 different sources from 149 related sources. After that, discussing the most popular between them based on the appearance of it in the sources which reviewed beside that, the impact of it on worker’s performance were viewed in the AEC industry. Based on that, it was found the following 5 categories of strategies: (1) Human Resources Planning; (2) Polarization and Recruitment; (3) Training and Development; (4) Human Resources Following-up; (5) Career Planning. At the same time the most popular practices are based on appearance in sources: In terms of Human Resources Planning Strategy, “The company’s management analyses the functions accurately”. In Polarization and Recruitment Strategy, “The company’s internal resources are the best to provide its human resource needs” and “Selection and recruitment policies are in line with the company’s current and future needs”. In Training and Development of Human Resources Strategy, “The company evaluates the results of development and training programs to achieve the purpose of feedback”. In Human Resources Following-up Strategy, “There is a fair incentive system in the company”. In Career Planning Strategy, “There is a clear description of the relationship of workers to each other”. Finally, human resource management strategies and practices are one of the major players in the AEC industry, which is evidenced by its impact on the performance of workers. First published online 22 October 2024

Retail Marketing Strategies in the Pharmaceutical Industry and its Approach for Chronic Diseases

The pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in the healthcare sector, particularly in medication development and distribution to deal with many chronic diseases. Since chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory diseases keep increasing around the globe, there is a huge need for effective pharmaceutical retail marketing, not only creating awareness but also creating access to essential medicinal drugs for the patient. Chronic conditions are quite different from acute conditions, mainly because the disease process is more continuous than discontinuous. Much more extended relationships with the healthcare providers are needed for chronic conditions, and equally, extended relationships with patients are needed to ensure continued management of diseases. In retail marketing strategy, therefore, acquiring appropriate consciousness among patients about their treatment choices, ensuring easy access to the drugs, and following the course of treatment prescribed are thus crucial.

The role of open enterprises in overcoming the Middle-Technology Trap

This paper aims to unveil the role of openness in fostering enterprises to achieve technological progress. By conducting a comparative analysis of Chinese and Western companies’ supply chain strategies in the internet and new energy industries, the article finds that American enterprises have a higher level of supply chain openness than Chinese enterprises in both two industries. Based on the case analysis, that paper argues that openness plays a vital role in promoting technological innovation in enterprises. The profound influence of openness in promoting technological advancement may be observed through three aspects: openness at the technical level, openness in attracting talent, and openness in facilitating the development of rules and regulations. Accordingly, suggestions are proposed to assist Chinese enterprises in avoiding the “Middle-Technology Trap” through openness on the basis of legislation and public policy intervention. Meanwhile, the Chinese government is suggested to promote national coordination to establish a national unified market to realize the three levels of openness of the supply chain and industrial chain strategies: enterprise-level, domestic regional level, and international level.

Analysis Of Room Promotion Activities At Kambaniru Beach Hotel &amp; Resort, East Sumba

This research evaluates the impact of room promotions at Kambaniru Beach Hotel &amp; Resort, East Sumba, on increasing competitiveness and occupancy rates. Using a qualitative approach and case study method, the research focuses on five promotion elements: advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, and digital marketing. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews, literature reviews, and documentation analysis, then analyzed using data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing methods, with validation through triangulation. The research results show that using social media and digital platforms for promotions successfully attracts millennial customers, while sales promotions and public relations have a minor impact. The main findings reveal that bundled package offers and seasonal discounts are the most effective promotion strategies, significantly increasing occupancy rates. However, the main challenges are seasonal fluctuations, budget limitations, and a need for more staff training in digital tools. Based on these findings, practical implications include enhancing digital promotions, refining advertising messages, and regularly assessing service quality. This research concludes that integrated and diverse promotion strategies are crucial for consistently increasing hotel occupancy and revenue and strengthening marketing strategies in the competitive hospitality industry.

Improvement of the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Ni-TiO2 composite coatings electrodeposited at various amounts of TiO2 powder

The purpose of this study was to produce efficient Ni-TiO2 composite coatings at different concentrations of TiO2 particles to enhance BS2 microstructure and corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt. % NaCl. % NaCl solution. EDS analysis shows that the Ti and O content increases by increasing the amount of TiO2. XRD results reveal that the preferential growth plane of pure Ni is (100), which corresponds to the (111) and (100) planes for Ni-TiO2 composite coatings. SEM shows that the substrates are coated homogeneously. In addition to the microstructural improvements, the corrosion resistance efficiency was enhanced significantly with the inclusion of TiO2 particles. Specifically, the study showed that 10 g/L of TiO2 provided the optimal balance, achieving a corrosion resistance efficiency of 74.6%, along with a marked reduction in porosity. Furthermore, the surface morphology confirmed a uniform and defect-free distribution of the TiO2 particles, contributing to the overall anti-corrosion properties. These findings suggest that Ni-TiO2 composite coatings are a promising candidate for industrial applications, particularly in environments where materials are exposed to harsh conditions, such as marine environments. The outcomes of this research have the potential to inform the development of advanced anti-corrosion strategies for various industries.

Global landscape of nicotine and tobacco products additives policies

IntroductionProduct design is a key tobacco industry strategy to recruit consumers and hinder cessation. An important technology in tobacco product design is the use of additives including those that create...

Building Collaborative Innovation Platforms for Engineering Education

The paper discusses the challenges of co-creating a 21st-century engineering, architecture, and urbanism curriculum in Egypt, emphasising the need for collaboration between the government, industry, and higher education providers. The paper aims to overcome barriers in the Government-University-Industry (GUI) nexus to align and enhance the engineering sector's contribution to Egypt's economic prosperity. The study identifies cultural, educational, and structural factors influencing innovation in Egypt and addresses gaps at the national, university, and program levels. The paper highlights the similarities of innovation landscape with the UK. The authors identified, poor communication and alignment between national goals, industrial strategy, and academic research that hinder engineering innovation in Egypt. The research highlights the inflexibility and lack of clarity in the current engineering curriculum, contrasting the evolving demands and advancements in engineering technology. The paper also refers to the UK Apprenticeship Education Programme as a possible model for improving industrial collaboration and discusses its relevance to Egypt's technical education initiatives.