Innovation In Field Research Articles

Functionalized Binders Boost High‐Capacity Anode Materials

AbstractThe burgeoning field of energy storage battery innovation has sparked a relentless pursuit of high‐capacity anode materials to meet the escalating demand for improved energy density. Typically, these materials for batteries experience significant volume changes during cycles, which severely test the structural integrity and lifespan of electrode configurations. High‐performance binders have emerged as a critical component in addressing this challenge. Although they represent a small proportion of the battery's composition, binders play a pivotal role in enhancing electrochemical efficiency, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of batteries. The advancement of high‐capacity anode materials has rendered traditional binders inadequate, prompting the development of functional binders that are increasingly being refined to meet these requirements. This article began by outlining the role and requirements of binders within electrodes, examining cutting‐edge characterization methodologies, and discussing the “structure‐function” paradigm that underpins binder selection. It then showcased the research advancements in identifying suitable binders for high‐capacity anode materials, including silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and germanium (Ge). In summary, the article contemplated the future direction of binder development and application in high‐capacity electrode materials. The aim is to facilitate the progression of high‐performance, high‐capacity anodes, thereby accelerating the development of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries.

Pathway to a fully data-driven geotechnics: Lessons from materials informatics

This paper elucidates the challenges and opportunities inherent in integrating data-driven methodologies into geotechnics, drawing inspiration from the success of materials informatics. Highlighting the intricacies of soil complexity, heterogeneity, and the lack of comprehensive data, the discussion underscores the pressing need for community-driven database initiatives and open science movements. By leveraging the transformative power of deep learning, particularly in feature extraction from high-dimensional data and the potential of transfer learning, we envision a paradigm shift towards a more collaborative and innovative geotechnics field. The paper concludes with a forward-looking stance, emphasizing the revolutionary potential brought about by advanced computational tools like large language models in reshaping geotechnics informatics.

Innovative design and field performance evaluation of a desert-adapted PV module for enhanced solar energy harvesting and reliability in harsh arid environments

The aim of this study is to present and evaluate the performance of a novel photovoltaic (PV) module configuration introduced as the “Desert Module,” developed to enhance the production and efficiency of PV power plants operating in harsh desert locations. This innovative module has been constructed by incorporating various technological solutions to address desert climate conditions such as high temperatures, soiling, and intense UV radiation. To assess the performance of the developed “Desert Module,” a comprehensive evaluation was conducted by comparing its performance to that of a conventional module. The study encompasses three main aspects: (i) indoor characterization, including flash and electroluminescence tests; (ii) performance assessment in a hot semi-arid climate over an eight-month period; and (iii) economic analysis to benchmark the costs of electricity produced from the proposed configuration against conventional alternatives. The results indicate that the Desert Module outperforms the conventional module across all performance metrics, enhancing the average efficiency by 0.5%. In addition, the performance ratio for the Desert Module stands at 0.87, surpassing the 0.82 achieved by the conventional module. Throughout the experiment, the average energy yield was enhanced by 5.8% and the conversion efficiency by 1.95%. Notably, during the hottest period (between July and August), the deviations on the energy yield and the conversion efficiency exceed 7% and 3%, respectively, in favor of the Desert Module, highlighting its resilience to the high temperatures characterizing desert locations. Furthermore, the Desert Module demonstrates a 4.44% reduction in the levelized cost of electricity compared to the conventional module, positioning it as a more economically viable option for large-scale energy generation in desert environments.

Intercultural education through an online field course during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional field-courses for intercultural education were suspended. In response, we developed and implemented an innovative online field course that leveraged live online field experiences. Drawing from Cognitive Load Theory and Four Components Instructional Design, our aim was to create an engaging online intercultural course that addressed the challenges of remote instruction. The course focused on introducing students to field challenges in rural India, equipping them with the necessary skills for conducting online field research. Throughout the course, we employed Action Research methodologies to study and refine our approach while monitoring student’s progress towards achieving the course objectives. While physical presence in the field is valuable for certain aspects of intercultural education, we found that online field courses, supported by live virtual field visits and online fieldwork, can provide students with a meaningful intercultural experience. To manage the cognitive load experienced by students, we emphasised carefully designed and flexible course content, as well as providing close supervision and feedback.

Development of innovative processes in the field of agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Agriculture remains an important component of Kazakhstan's development, creating a significant part of the country's GDP. However, it still requires finding new opportunities to increase the efficiency of its functioning. Thus, the purpose of the work was to analyse the possibility of developing agriculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely, with the help of innovations. The main method used in writing the article can be considered modelling, taking into account the number of models of functioning of state regulation in the country built in the work to improve innovation processes in the country. Other methods include analysis, induction, comparison, and others. This paper substantiates the need to improve state regulation in the field of innovation in agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also describes the likely directions of development in this direction. In connection with the existing shortcomings in the management system, models of state support for enterprises in the agricultural sector were developed and proposed for the development of innovation in the industry. The presented models provide the possibility of using modern tools for regulating processes, taking into account a systematic approach, which ensures the coordination of actions of the relevant authorities to ensure both private and national interests. The main difference between the models proposed in the work and those existing in the Republic of Kazakhstan is the presence of a single centre that is fully responsible for the development of agriculture at the local and national levels, and ensures the achievement of an increase in innovation in it. Thus, the work allows re-evaluating the existing methods of agricultural development, and also brings new knowledge to the formation of the principles of public administration

Rights and guarantees for employees in case of collective redundancy: legal and practical aspects

The article analyzes in detail and comments on the main legal and practical aspects of domestic labor legislation that regulates the rights and guarantees established for employees in case of collective dismissals by the employer, as well as the practical and correct application of the relevant legal provisions, with the formulation in the exposure process of the material of the conclusions and recommendations based on the researched current topic. At the same time, the comments contained in this article are intended to assist the teaching staff, doctoral students, master’s students, students of higher education institutions/faculties of law and scientific researchers of organizations/centers in the field of science and innovation in the systemic assimilation of labor legislation norms regarding the rights and guarantees of employees subject to collective layoffs within the unit. In addition, the stated comments are aimed at a deeper understanding and the most correct/exact application of the legal norms in force regarding collective dismissals by employers, lawyers, human resource service specialists, representatives of social partners and non-governmental organizations, judges, prosecutors , lawyers, mediators, workers and union activists, employees and interested civil servants.

Gamification as an innovative method in user experience design

AbstractThe growing research field of gamification promises new insights and innovative methods for the active design of user experience. This article examines the extent to which gamification complements the established methods of user experience design in the context of product development. To this end, assessment criteria are proposed that can be used to evaluate human-centred design methods. A qualitative comparison is then used to determine the added value of the innovative field of gamification for future user experience design in consumer products.

Internal Management Strategy of Chinese Internet Enterprises and Business Performance: A Study of Tencent Internet Enterprises in China

The objective of this research is to examine the relationship between the internal management strategy of Chinese internet enterprises and business performance. The research results in the fields of business models and innovations, internet business models and their innovation theories and practices, and business ethics are analyzed and discussed, while the internet development process of China is reviewed. Then, the existing problems are analyzed, and the concerned field and concepts in this study are clarified. Based on previous theoretical research and market research, the research methodology is designed, the research hypotheses are proposed, and the research models are constructed to perform quantitative and qualitative research. Next, the cases of Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent are engaged to conduct empirical analysis and verify the conclusions. The correlation analysis show that the impact on corporate financial performance is positive when social responsibility to shareholders, creditors, users, and government is undertaken, which is consistent with the original hypothesis. However, fulfilling social responsibility to employees and suppliers is significantly and negatively related to financial performance, which is inconsistent with the original hypothesis. Therefore, companies should take a long-term perspective and not just see short-term benefits at the expense of long-term social benefits. Companies pay attention to and carry out a series of social responsibility activities can establish stable emotional ties with the public, so that the company can gain the support and trust of many parties in society, and can enhance market competitiveness and bring good development opportunities, thus improving the viability of the company and increasing social and economic value for the company

A mini Review on Analytical and Bioanlytical Techniques in Study of Drugs-Protein Interaction

The choice of a suitable analytical technique for the identification of a drug or a combination of drug mainly depends on the sample matrix complexity and the analyte concentration. The appropriate choice of an analytical method is based on properties of studied analyte such as intrinsic structure and physicochemical properties etc. The extensive development of the pharmaceutical field requires more meticulous analytical methods for the control of various diseases by means of drugs. The aim of this review article was to study the drug protein interaction with respect to various analytical methods which are applied in research and innovative field of Pharmacy. The crucial factor involved and affects the binding of drugs with Body protein is distribution as well as bioactivity of drugs in the body. In biological science and medicine, the quantitative analysis of protein in biological liquids is of great importance. The aim of the review was therefore to summarize all available examples and information about the use of current analytical applications on various categories of drugs in their dosage forms and in biological samples. The different pharmaceutical active compounds, which have been determined using different methods, are summarized for the future reference of researcher.

Lessons from the 'Dark' Side

Collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders is important in handling complex societal problems. Even if collaborating is acknowledged as contributing towards societal change and innovation, collaborators’ emotional experiences during development, consolidation and completion of a given project are underexplored. This article discusses emotional labour in three cross-sectoral collaborations using participatory observations and interviews. It analyses the potentials and pitfalls of focusing on emotional labour that foregrounds collaboration as a dynamic that changes with the development phases of a project trajectory. The study finds that rendering interpersonal dynamics visible may both be a way to gain authority and legitimization in the collaboration but can also be used as a strategy to marginalise others. On the other hand, maintaining the invisibility of emotional labour can also be an expression of power. The obscurity of these complex dynamics makes it difficult to navigate and propose what makes a good collaboration. The paper aims to contribute, from a practitioner-oriented and theoretical vantage point to a more reflexive and sustainable practice and nuanced understandings of collaborative practices in research and at an institutional level, particularly in the field of social change and innovation.

Компаративный анализ подходов к инновационной политике в сфере здравоохранения в Российской Федерации, Европе и США

Innovations in health policy are critical to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affordable and effective health services, consistent with the relevance of the research topic. The aim of this article is to determine the approaches to the interpretation of innovation policy in health care, as well as to consider specific problems of innovation policy of health care in the Russian Federation, European countries and the US. The study uses general scientific research methods: comparison, analysis, generalization, specification. Five directions of approaches to the definition of innovation policy in health care organizations are considered: systemic, market, patient-oriented, equity-oriented, as well as technological determinism. Specific problems of innovative healthcare policy in the Russian Federation, European countries and the USA are considered, and possible solutions to them are proposed. It is concluded that, regardless of the level of achievements in the field of innovation in health care, all countries are faced with a list of specific problems that require coordinated action in finding a joint solution for all stakeholders.

Topological optimization of structures with thermomechanical loading under compliance constraints for 3D printing applications

Currently, due to the high costs of production and expensive raw materials, approaches, including, making models smaller and lighter, are especially considered in the design of structures. In order to better describe the capabilities, efficiency, and limitations of an innovative field called topology optimization, various practical problems under different loadings and boundary conditions were evaluated in this study. Optimization algorithms were used in ANSYS software for the optimization of a cantilever beam under static loading, double-girder beam and a dome-shaped geometry under static and thermal loading, a hot fluid transfer tee and an engine exhaust manifold under static loading and convection heat transfer. The results showed that the reduced volume in the final models were equal to 66.29%, 52.88%, 50.05%, 51.85%, and 35.02%, respectively. Consequently, this reduced volume causes some increase in the tension, and displacement of the final model, which can adjust them according to the limitations governing the problem. Furthermore, the amount of increase in the average value of the stress in the cantilever beam, double-girder beam, and dome-shaped geometry were 88, 800, and 6 MPa, and the average amount of displacement in these samples increased by 10.2%, 200%, and 3.3%, respectively. Challenges, and manufacturability of optimized problems were investigated by 3D printing of a dome-shaped model using the FDM method, which illustrated that the output product has a suitable level of accuracy and smoothness. Subsequently, by using supporting structures, three-dimensional holes were created with proper precision in the 3D-printed sample, which satisfied the manufacturability of relatively complex models.

The psychological and behavioral consequences of customer empowerment in new product development: Situational framework, review, and research agenda

AbstractIn search of innovation and market success, firms have started to empower their customers in many ways, from customizing and self‐producing their own products (products made for one) to selecting and designing products for the broader marketplace products made for many. This power shift has important behavioral and psychological consequences for customers and, hence, has attracted considerable interest from academics and practitioners alike. However, the literature is scattered, provides inconsistent findings, and lacks both a comprehensive conceptualization and empirical overview. Specifically, extant literature neglects the situational nature of customer empowerment, equalizing inherently different customer empowerment activities while failing to consider the divergent effects on participating versus observing customers (i.e., customers who do not participate in the new product development process themselves). This limits advancement of the field, and impedes integration with the related fields of innovation, marketing, and consumer research. To facilitate a better understanding of the psychological and behavioral consequences of customer empowerment, we systematically review literature in the field and develop a conceptual framework that integrates different customer empowerment situations and their respective psychological (e.g., firm perceptions and feelings of empowerment) and behavioral (e.g., product preferences and willingness‐to‐pay) consequences. Using this framework, we structure previous research, highlight similarities and differences across customer empowerment situations, and set the stage for future research. By taking a customer perspective, this research advances our understanding of why some customer empowerment strategies are more successful than others (and under which circumstances). On a broader level, we show that adopting a behavioral and psychological perspective may be a promising way to study innovation.

Pulsed Direct Current Arc-Induced Nanoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

This study explores the innovative field of pulsed direct current arc-induced nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DCAI-nano-ESI-MS), which utilizes a low-temperature direct current (DC) arc to induce ESI during MS analyses. By employing a 15 kV output voltage, the DCAI-nano-ESI source effectively identifies various biological molecules, including angiotensin II, bradykinin, cytochrome C, and soybean lecithin, showcasing impressive analyte signals and facilitating multicharge MS in positive- and negative-ion modes. Notably, results show that the oxidation of fatty acids using a DC arc produces [M + O - H]- ions, which aid in identifying the location of C═C bonds in unsaturated fatty acids and distinguishing between isomers based on diagnostic ions observed during collision-induced dissociation tandem MS. This study presents an approach for identifying the sn-1 and sn-2 positions in phosphatidylcholine using phosphatidylcholine and nitrate adduct ions, accurately determining phosphatidylcholine molecular configurations via the Paternò-Büchi reaction. With all the advantages above, DCAI-nano-ESI holds significant promise for future analytical and bioanalytical applications.

Photonics-powered augmented reality skin electronics for proactive healthcare: multifaceted opportunities.

Rapid technological advancements have created opportunities for new solutions in various industries, including healthcare. One exciting new direction in this field of innovation is the combination of skin-based technologies and augmented reality (AR). These dermatological devices allow for the continuous and non-invasive measurement of vital signs and biomarkers, enabling the real-time diagnosis of anomalies, which have applications in telemedicine, oncology, dermatology, and early diagnostics. Despite its many potential benefits, there is a substantial information vacuum regarding using flexible photonics in conjunction with augmented reality for medical purposes. This review explores the current state of dermal augmented reality and flexible optics in skin-conforming sensing platforms by examining the obstacles faced thus far, including technical hurdles, demanding clinical validation standards, and problems with user acceptance. Our main areas of interest are skills, chiroptical properties, and health platform applications, such as optogenetic pixels, spectroscopic imagers, and optical biosensors. My skin-enhanced spherical dichroism and powerful spherically polarized light enable thorough physical inspection with these augmented reality devices: diabetic tracking, skin cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular illness: preventative medicine, namely blood pressure screening. We demonstrate how to accomplish early prevention using case studies and emergency detection. Finally, it addresses real-world obstacles that hinder fully realizing these materials' extraordinary potential in advancing proactive and preventative personalized medicine, including technical constraints, clinical validation gaps, and barriers to widespread adoption.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INNOVATION POTENTIAL OF ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS

The article is aimed at reviewing and clarifying the theoretical and methodological aspects of forming the concept of "innovation potential of enterprise". To assess the state of development of the innovative potential of Ukrainian enterprises in the context of digital transformation. To substantiate the feasibility of using a digital transformation strategy to achieve the set goals in the current competitive environment. The level of development of the innovation potential of Ukrainian enterprises was measured over a number of years (2010-2021). Methodology. The article uses economic and abstract and logical research methods in combination with methods of analysis, synthesis and graphical representation. This made it possible to assess the level of development of the innovative potential of Ukrainian enterprises according to the main international rating and macroeconomic indicators. Results. The results of the assessment of the development of Ukraine's innovation potential revealed that the cost of implementing innovative developments in the country's GDP is decreasing every year. It was found that Ukrainian enterprises are slowly diversifying their production towards knowledge-intensive goods and services. This slow state of innovation is reflected in global indices, where Ukraine ranks among lower-middle-income countries. The main reason for this situation is the limited state policy in the field of innovation. It is established that at the state level, the development of innovation potential in the context of digital transformations is formed within the framework of scientific research and high-tech start-ups. Practical implications. In order to increase the innovation activity of enterprises and grow their innovation potential, it is advisable to change the values and guidelines of strategic management. In these conditions, the digital transformation strategy, which is considered as part of the overall communication strategy of the enterprise, becomes relevant for application. In the course of implementing the digital transformation strategy, effective communication interaction between the enterprise and its customers is ensured, and a qualitatively new model of communication processes management is formed and applied, taking into account digital technologies. Value/originality. Research on the development of innovation potential in Ukraine proves the need to use a digital transformation strategy as an effective modern tool for managing an enterprise in the context of digital transformation.

Achieving banking industry innovation performance using total quality management: an empirical study

PurposeWhile scholars have researched the impact of specific total quality management (TQM) aspects on innovation performance (INP), empirical evidence on how the former, as a composite construct, influences the latter is rare. To add, empirical evidence on the mechanism through which TQM passes to affect innovative behaviour (INB) and, then, INP is limited. Essentially, scholars have requested that future research look at the boundary conditions that support the adoption of TQM activities in businesses. Although the banking sector has experienced a number of transformations, there is still a need to raise the standard of service provided to bank customers. This research sheds more light on this subject.Design/methodology/approachThis research tests the hypotheses in Ahinful et al.’s (2023) conceptual model using responses from 260 top- and middle-level bank managers by applying Smart PLS. Organisational support and team member exchange were used as potential control variables for the mediator, while slack resources and bank size were applied to the target endogenous latent construct. Mediation and moderation effects were estimated using the variance accounted for (VAF) and product indicator approaches, respectively. Sig. level was set at 5%.FindingsThis study found that TQM and INP had a positive and significant connection (ß = 0.303, p = 0.000), and INB partially mediated this connection (VAF = 40.92%). However, government regulation (GOV; ß = 0.055, p = 0.365), market dynamism (MKD; ß = 0.063, p = 0.434), competitive intensity (CMP; ß = 0.069, p = 0.297) and technological turbulence (TUR; ß = 0.011, p = 0.865) all failed to moderate the TQM–INB connection, although the expected positive directions of these moderation relationships were established.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides empirical evidence on the TQM–INP connection, how this connection may be mediated and how the TQM–INB connection may be activated. It also sheds light on novel ways in which service quality in the banking sector may be improved. Upcoming research may explore other control variables in their research. Since the moderating relationships were unsupported, this avenue is open for further research, particularly in other banking settings across the globe.Practical implicationsPractical lessons for bank consultants, regulators, customers, employees and managers are deliberated.Originality/valueThis research is novel. It is the first to test the hypotheses in Ahinful et al.’s (2023) conceptual model. This study advances the theoretical frameworks and existing knowledge within the TQM, innovation and performance management fields.

The impact of digitalization on the efficiency of innovation factor allocation: from the perspective of factor flow

ABSTRACT The quick progress of digitalization has caused profound impacts on innovation activities. However, the impact and mechanism of digitalization on the efficiency of innovation factor allocation remain to be discussed. This study extends Brandt’s misallocation framework to the field of innovation and measures the efficiency of innovation factor allocation in China from 2011 to 2021. Then we empirically study the impact of digitalization on the efficiency of innovation factor allocation and intensively analyse the mechanism and heterogeneous effects. The results show that digitalization significantly and positively impacts the efficiency of innovation factor allocation. In particular, the promotion effect on the efficiency of innovation capital allocation is more obvious. The flow of innovation factors is an important transmission mechanism for digitalization to promote the efficiency of innovation factor allocation. The heterogeneity tests show that the impact of digitalization on inland areas and areas with overallocation of innovation factors is not obvious. This study constructs an analysis framework from the perspective of factor flow and tests the heterogeneous effects of digitalization on the efficiency of innovation factor allocation. Our findings have important implications for how to comprehensively improve the efficiency of innovation factor allocation in the digital era.

The mediating role of marketing management in the relationship between online presence and product innovation among SMEs

PurposeThis study explores the mediating role of marketing management in the relationship between online presence and product innovation among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprises 205 Costa Rican SMEs collected by the Global Competitiveness Project during the first half of 2019. The data were analyzed using a two-stage modeling strategy for ordinary regression models to analyze mediation effects.FindingsMarketing management as a strategic resource or capability accounts for the relationship between online presence and product innovation performance in SMEs, meaning that online presence resources require complementary organizational capabilities in marketing management to enhance product innovation.Originality/valueThis study, grounded in the resource-based view theory, contributes to the innovation field by identifying marketing management capabilities as an intermediate strategic interaction between online presence and product innovation performance in SMEs. Thus, managers should recognize the advantages of integrating marketing management principles and tactics into online presence tools to realize the value of their products by tailoring them to their client’s needs.

Motivation, inclusivity, and realism should drive data science education.

Data science education provides tremendous opportunities but remains inaccessible to many communities. Increasing the accessibility of data science to these communities not only benefits the individuals entering data science, but also increases the field's innovation and potential impact as a whole. Education is the most scalable solution to meet these needs, but many data science educators lack formal training in education. Our group has led education efforts for a variety of audiences: from professional scientists to high school students to lay audiences. These experiences have helped form our teaching philosophy which we have summarized into three main ideals: 1) motivation, 2) inclusivity, and 3) realism. 20 we also aim to iteratively update our teaching approaches and curriculum as we find ways to better reach these ideals. In this manuscript we discuss these ideals as well practical ideas for how to implement these philosophies in the classroom.