Innovative Techniques Research Articles

Childhood cataract in Indian subcontinent: Challenges and strategies

Abstract Cataracts in children are one of the leading causes of visual impairment and if not treated timely have an impact on the neurobiological development of the child, leading to amblyopia. Cataracts in children are either congenital, developmental, or traumatic. A comprehensive ocular, systemic examination, age of onset, morphology, and laterality of cataracts are essential factors to be considered during management. Innovations, technology, and expert surgical techniques have made surgery uneventful with good visual outcomes. In this article, we summarize the current situation, barriers, challenges, and recommendations for the management of congenital cataracts in India. Strategies for managing congenital cataracts must be adapted and developed according to regional conditions. A basic framework for acceptable outcomes must focus on developing systems to address the critical components of education, access, quality care, and good follow-up.

The Digital Economy: Opportunities and Difficulties Isamic Economy's Future

The advent of technical innovation and economic digitalization via social media platforms and shopping applications has an impact on community social and economic activity. The manual, traditional economic system has been replaced by a modern one. A basic definition of a digital economy is any economic output that uses multifunctional internet-based technologies applied in a variety of digital business models for products or services. The expansion of the Islamic economy's involvement in e-commerce must be promoted in order to support the rise of financing via the digital economy and the empowerment that comes with it. One approach that can be used to create halal product innovations that are popular on the digital economy platform is principle-based regulation. With this technology, one would anticipate that. The results of this study demonstrate that initiatives to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic expansion may present a chance to increase access, particularly to Islamic economic inclusion. The digital economy is also anticipated to serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge about how to better public services, finance, or social services, as well as new technologies that could offer all societal levels first-rate, quick, and reasonably priced Islamic economic services while also enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of economic activity.

Modernization and underemployment in a dual agrarian sector: The case of Brazil (1950–1980)

This paper presents a case study of employment trends in Brazilian agriculture between 1950 and 1980. Using primary data, I document the displacement of workers from large and mid-sized establishments and the expansion of self-employment in an increasingly fragmented smallholding sector. I compute novel measures of rural population and find significant corresponding trends in employment-to-population ratios, thus contributing new evidence of the persistence of rural underemployment in a period of fast industrialization and growth. I conclude by examining the main rural development policies adopted in the period within a coherent framework for understanding the adoption of technical innovations. I argue, in particular, that the State concentrated price and credit subsidies on large and mid-sized producers and neglected investments in research, extension, and rural infrastructure. This policy mix interacted with Brazil’s dual agrarian structure and enhanced the incentives for the adoption of labor-saving innovations.

Good functions, measures, and the Kleinbock–Tomanov conjecture

Abstract In this paper, we prove a conjecture of Kleinbock and Tomanov (2007) on Diophantine properties of a large class of fractal measures on Q p n \mathbb{Q}_{p}^{n} . More generally, we establish the 𝑝-adic analogues of the influential results of Kleinbock, Lindenstrauss and Weiss (2004) on Diophantine properties of friendly measures. We further prove the 𝑝-adic analogue of one of the main results of Kleinbock (2008) concerning Diophantine inheritance of affine subspaces, which answers a question of Kleinbock. One of the key ingredients in the proofs of Kleinbock, Lindenstrauss and Weiss is a result on ( C , α ) (C,\alpha) -good functions whose proof crucially uses the Mean Value Theorem. Our main technical innovation is an alternative approach to establishing that certain functions are ( C , α ) (C,\alpha) -good in the 𝑝-adic setting. We believe this result will be of independent interest.

Analysis on the Motivation and Performance of Enterprise Snake Swallowing Elephant Mergers and Acquisitions: Taking Nanling Civil Explosion Acquisition of Explosive as an Example

As the invisible cornerstone of the national economy, the civil explosive industry has faced problems such as overcapacity and fierce competition while it continues to develop. Therefore, this paper studies the motivation of snake swallowing elephant mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the civil explosive industry and the impact of M&A on performance. Taking Nanling Civil Explosion's acquisition of Explosive as an example, this paper selects financial data of the past five years and adopts literature research method, case study method, event study method and AMPS model to analyze the motivation of M&A, market reaction after M&A and changes of financial indicators. The study found that the merger improved the market performance of the enterprise, enhanced the profitability, solvency, operating capacity and growth capacity, and promoted the technical and financial innovation of the civil explosive industry, which is of great significance to the development of the entire civil explosive industry. Reasonable merger and acquisition and resource integration will help the long-term development of the enterprise, and will bring more opportunities and challenges for the enterprise. This paper provides some reference value for the snake swallowing elephant type M&A in this industry in theory and practice.

Development and application prospect of photonic integrated circuits

Because the technical process is reaching its limits, the development of integrated circuits has entered the slow zone, which makes people gradually pay more attention to the new generation of integrated technologyphotonic integrated circuits (PIC). To give readers a general idea of PIC, this paper will first introduce the basic knowledge of photonic integrated circuits and compare photonic integrated circuits with traditional integrated circuits (IC) from different points of view, including their development history, properties, components, and potential. After that, some current technical innovations in optical communication, optical computing, and photonic quantum applications and development trends of photonic integrated circuits will be reviewed. Finally, three novel and promising technologies will be introduced to discuss how to solve the major challenge of improving integration. This work is not only a comprehensive and concise summary of the development of photonic integrated circuits so far but also an active exploration of solutions to the major challenges facing people in this field.

You Are Not Alone! Care Professionals‘ Acceptance of Telemedicine in Nursing Homes Comparing Pre- and Post-Implementation Evaluations

A lack of personnel in care institutions and high proportions of older people in need of care pose central challenges for today’s aging society, often resulting in the hospitalization of geriatric patients. In many cases, these hospitalizations are not medically necessary and cause deterioration of health. Applying telemedicine in nursing homes represents one approach aimed at a reduction of unnecessary hospitalizations of geriatric patients and supporting care personnel in medically uncertain situations. For a sustainable and successful implementation of technical innovations such as telemedical consultations, the care personnel’s perspectives and acceptance are especially essential. The Optimal@NRW project implemented telemedical consultations in 24 nursing homes in Germany, investigating medical and economic efficiency and in particular also the social acceptance of digital care in nursing homes. This paper presents quantitative results comparing the acceptance evaluations before (PRE: N = 130) and after (POST: N = 87) the implementation of the telemedical consultations in the nursing homes from the perspective of care professionals. The results showed positive evaluations of the telemedical consultations in both evaluation phases: POST evaluations especially showed a lower evaluation of perceived barriers of using telemedical consultations in nursing homes. This study’s insights enable one to derive guidelines and recommendations regarding the communication and information of telemedical applications considering the needs and wishes of care personnel as a central user group.

Construction of Smart Agricultural Precision Services in the Context of Agricultural and Rural Modernization

Smart agriculture relies on the Internet of Things, sensors and other technologies to intelligently manage agricultural production and improve the efficiency of production and operation. Smart agriculture relies on the automated control of the agricultural production process, automated early warning functions and application advantages to achieve the sustainable development goals of optimizing the use of resources, improving the quality of life. However, the current smart agriculture precision service still exists problems such as insufficient support, high cost and lack of talents. Focusing on the above problems, the article puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for the construction of smart agriculture precision service from the aspects of technical support, cost control, talent training, innovation and research and development.

Effects of dual injection operations on combustion performances and particulate matter emissions in a spark ignition engine fuelled with second-generation biogasoline

The automotive industry must mitigate climate change by reducing vehicle carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation through technical solutions and innovations. Biofuels are seen as a solution to reduce CO2 emissions, but they may affect fuel performance and emissions. Second-generation biogasoline mixed with ethanol has proven that it can be introduced as a drop-in fuel with the same performance and tailpipe emissions at the same level as fossil fuels. However, particulate matter (PM) emissions are significantly higher than fossil fuels. This study aims to experimentally investigate the effect of port and direct fuel injections on the PM emissions in a boosted spark ignition (SI) engine fuelled by Euro 6 standard biofuel with a 99 octane number blended with 20% ethanol compared to a fossil fuel baseline. The single-cylinder SI engine was equipped with two fuel injectors, a direct injector and a port fuel injector, and operated with externally boosted air. The split injection ratio was adjusted from 100% direct injection (DI) to 100% port fuel injection (PFI) to investigate the combustion characteristics and particulate emissions (PM) at different engine loads and speeds. The results indicate that by changing 100% DI to 80% PFI, PM emissions numbers between particle sizes of 23 and 1000 nm were dropped by 96.56% at a low load operation of 4.6 bar IMEP for the 99 RON E20 biogasoline and by 84% for the 95 RON E10 fossil fuel while maintaining the same indicated thermal efficiency and a similar level of other emissions. However, at a higher load above 10 bar IMEP, it was found that full DI operation reduced particulate numbers (PN) by 64% and 38% for 99 RON E20 biogasoline and 95 RON E10 fossil fuel at 20 bar IMEP, respectively, and enabled more stable operation at 3000 rpm with higher load operation regions.

Digitalization and alternative marketing channels in the Uruguayan fruit and vegetable chain

This study aims to delve into the potentials and difficulties of digitalization on the real commercial experience of some of the fundamental actors in the Uruguayan fruit and vegetable chain (producers, merchants, intermediaries, consumers, and private and public technicians). For that, these social actors and their projects were described and consulted in search of appreciations or points of view regarding technical innovations, barriers to commercialization, family labor, public policies, pressure for land use, and other complex problems. Through a “snowball sampling”, carrying out semi-structured questionnaires for more than 4 months from INIA Las Brujas, we obtained information mainly from actors in the south and some points in the northwest and east-central Uruguay. Opinions come from the complexity of people in their different roles, with the expected emergence of tensions and contradictions at different moments of the participatory-action research. We could appreciate that the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution are having a significant impact in the Uruguayan fruit and vegetable chain. Digital technology is providing new tools for marketing such as: electronic commerce platforms, mobile applications, traceability and monitoring technologies for data analysis, etc. Support in this transformation comes both from private initiatives and public projects, some of which are outlined. We discuss some causes of digitalization disparities and some solutions, debating the role of each one of the represented actors and their possibilities of change.

On knowledge and economic transformation: Joseph Schumpeter and Alfred Marshall on the theory of restless capitalism

ABSTRACT Joseph Schumpeter and Alfred Marshall pioneered the study of innovation and entrepreneurship as key forces of economic development. This article offers an overview of key ideas developed by these influential economists in works published between 1890 and 1944. We argue that while our own time presents a partly different set of challenges, opportunities and institutional conditions than those of that age, many insights championed in their work remain highly relevant for our time and day. Noting how analysis of markets is relatively absent from some of the strands of contemporary innovation research, we suggest that re-visiting the foundational work of Schumpeter and Marshall can help stimulate deep insights relevant to societal transformation and the potential role of technical innovations.

Mitigating excessive financialization or promoting innovation? Productivity effects of China's carbon emission trading scheme

AbstractThe success of the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) in fostering a mutually beneficial outcome for both the economy and the environment depends on its ability to enhance total factor productivity (TFP). We investigate the diverse implementation of this market‐based environmental policy across Chinese provinces using a staggered Difference‐in‐Differences model. Our study delves into the mechanisms of the ETS, particularly focusing on financialization and innovation, utilizing listed companies in Chinese stock markets as our research sample spanning from 2009 to 2022. Our analysis shows several key findings: (1) ETS facilitates the growth of TFP in micro‐firms, positively influencing other listed companies within the same sector and city. However, its impact on TFP is notably weaker in regions with robust environmental information disclosure and stringent environmental regulations. (2) The ETS helps alleviate resource misallocation stemming from excessive financialization of firms, prompting them to reallocate investments from financing activities to production and operation activities, thus enhancing TFP. (3) Contrary to expectations, the ETS does not directly influence TFP through enhancing firm innovation ability; instead, it encourages directed technical innovation toward green technology over digital technology. This study highlights the effectiveness of the ETS in promoting firm development and sheds light on resource management practices within firms.

Life cycle assessment and comparison of energy supply system technical innovation: A case study

As the key sector of energy consumption in China, the industrial sector contributes the most to environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. With the goals of reaching the peak of CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, optimizing the energy supply system of industrial enterprises is significant to achieve low-carbon development. In this study, the case of system upgrading concerning waste heat utilization in a manufacturing unit is applied. The total environmental impact of the energy supply system before and after transformation is quantified and compared based on life cycle assessment method, with “cradle to gate” as the system boundary and one year of system operation as the functional unit. It can be found that the environmental impact of the energy supply system is reduced from 4.54 to 4.14 through technical innovation. The key processes contributing to the environmental impact of the system are the refrigeration system, soft water system and boiler system. Electricity consumption of refrigeration system, NaCl of the soft water system and natural gas of the boiler system are identified as key substances. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the environmental benefits of reducing electricity consumption will be more effective than that of NaCl and natural gas. With the transformation of waste heat utilization and the increase of photovoltaic power generation, the environmental impact of the system is reduced obviously, which is significant for the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industry.

A deep connection among the natural resources, technical progress, efficient energy and sustainability: The mediating role of governance

Many changes in the environment are causing worry among people all around the world. Several variables are at play here, including climate change, desertification, deforestation, coastal ecosystem erosion, land degradation, excessive fishing, extinction of species, and biodiversity loss. These problems, according to many observers, are the long-term, cumulative effect of human activity on the environment, which has significantly altered Earth's surface. Society and the economy cannot be improved without using natural resources. Yet, environmental deterioration and resource depletion have resulted from unsustainable usage, putting human and environmental health at risk. Reducing carbon emissions is often believed to depend on technological advancements. Using data from 2000 to 2021, this research intends to examine the 20 Emerging economies' CO₂ emissions concerning its potential drivers, including conservation of energy and materials, technical innovation, and governance. We provide more comprehensive evaluations of various multivariate econometric methods, including various cointegration approaches (e.g., Padroni and Kao), long-run estimates of fixed and random effects, robustness checks using cointegration regressions (e.g., FMOLS and DOLS), and the frequency-domain PMG method. Although technical innovation and good governance can improve the environmental quality of emerging economies, our findings demonstrate that energy and land conservation reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, carbon emissions are adversely affected by the governance interaction term (GOV) with natural resources. Policymakers may use these results to help Emerging Markets achieve sustainable development.

Reduction of Postoperative Complications in Pancreatic Surgery by Standardizing Perioperative Management: An Observational Cohort Study

Introduction: Resection for pancreatic malignancy remains the gold standard for cure. Postoperative morbidity continues to be high even after technical innovations. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a standard perioperative pancreatic oncological surgery step-by-step protocol in reducing organ-specific complications. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we analyzed the outcomes of oncologic pancreatic head resections from 2015 to 2022 after the implementation of a standard perioperative fail-safe protocol and compared these data with a historical cohort (2013–2014). In the study group, all patients were treated with preoperative limited mechanical bowel preparation, administration of a somatostatin analog, and a “pancreatic duct tube” in pancreatoduodenectomy. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of postoperative organ-specific complications. Results: A total of 151 patients were included in this study. The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) in the fail-safe group was 4.2%. Other organ-specific complications as postoperative hemorrhage (2.5%) and delayed gastric emptying (9.2%) also occurred less frequent than before implementation of the fail-safe protocol. Conclusion: The use of this standardized fail-safe protocol for oncologic pancreatoduodenectomy can lead to a low postoperative morbidity with improved surgical outcomes.

Structural iterative rounding for generalized k-median problems

AbstractThis paper considers approximation algorithms for generalized k-median problems. These problems can be informally described as k-median with a constant number of extra constraints, and includes k-median with outliers, and knapsack median. Our first contribution is a pseudo-approximation algorithm for generalized k-median that outputs a 6.387-approximate solution, with a constant number of fractional variables. The algorithm builds on the iterative rounding framework introduced by Krishnaswamy, Li, and Sandeep for k-median with outliers as reported (Krishnaswamy et al. in: Proceedings of the 50th Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, 2018). The main technical innovation is allowing richer constraint sets in the iterative rounding and using the structure of the resulting extreme points. Using our pseudo-approximation algorithm, we give improved approximation algorithms for k-median with outliers and knapsack median. This involves combining our pseudo-approximation with pre- and post-processing steps to round a constant number of fractional variables at a small increase in cost. Our algorithms achieve approximation ratios $$6.994 + \epsilon $$ 6.994 + ϵ and $$6.387 + \epsilon $$ 6.387 + ϵ for k-median with outliers and knapsack median, respectively. These improve on the best-known approximation ratio $$7.081 + \epsilon $$ 7.081 + ϵ for both problems as reported (Krishnaswamy et al. in: Proceedings of the 50th Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, 2018).

Nexus of natural resources exploitation, social protection, and sustainable environment: COP27 is a sufficient solution?

A pervasive threat regarding human health, ecological balance, progress, and sustainability marks the current era. Many nations are grappling with the consequences of climate change and global warming caused by excessive carbon emissions from various harmful activities. Consequently, while some nations face resource constraints, they also work hard to keep the environment clean and green to promote sustainable growth. Concerns about the effects of climate change and global warming have recently shifted the focus of national governments and policymakers. Furthermore, these issues take center stage in developed nations due to the scarcity of natural resources, leading to increased carbon emissions. This research uses a panel data set that covers the top 20 developed countries from 2000 to 2021 to examine the relationship between nature's bounty (NAT) and welfare (SP) and carbon emissions (CO2). The next-generation panel assembly root test verified that all indicators were stationarity at the first difference, and the cross-sectional dependence (CSD) mirrored the panel countries' CSD. The second-generation cointegration technique (Wester Lund and Edgerton) was used to find an equation involving the variables. The rigorous check by the Cup-BC test and long-run empirical estimates from the Cup-FM estimation highlighted that technical innovation, social protection, and higher levels of green energy contribute to greater environmental sustainability and lower CO₂ emissions. Environmental quality declines and CO2 emissions rise in developed countries due to population, natural resource availability, and economic complexity index. The study's results may illuminate the reasons for environmental deterioration and propose solutions.

Особенности объемно-планировочных решений стационарных зданий цирков

Objective: this work is devoted to the study of the features in space-planning solutions for stationary circus buildings and to determine the development of circus architecture. In recent years, with the appearance of new technologies, the requirements for space-planning and technical solutions of circus buildings have undergone significant changes. It is very important to preserve the traditions of circus art and, at the same time, for expansion of the circus performances are necessary modifications and transformations of the buildings. Methods: have been made a comprehensive analysis of existing circus buildings in Europe, Asia and Russia. The research is based on the analysis of professional literature and scientific articles. Results: has been revealed patterns and main features in construction of multifunctional entertainment buildings with elements of circus and various show performances (on ice, on water, in the air). Technical innovations applied in modern representations, such as removable playpens, the use of virtual reality and modern technical balancing systems, dictate new approaches to the organization of space. In Europe, animal performances are a thing of the past. In Russia and Asia, animals remain an essential part of the circus show, meanwhile control over their living conditions is becoming more strict. Based on the study of the already built circus facilities were determined the prospects for the construction of new and reconstruction of existing buildings. Practical significance: the results allow us to identify the main trends in the space-planning solutions of stationary circus buildings. This research will be useful for architects, designers and other specialists who are engaged in the design and reconstruction of circuses. The results of this research can be used to create modern and functional circus buildings that will meet the expectations of the audience and provide comfortable conditions for the artists.

Analysis of Export Competitiveness of Agri-Food Products at the EU-27 Level through the Perspective of Technical Complexity

This paper aims to identify the export competitiveness of agri-food products at the level of the European Union Member States, considering indicators/elements belonging to technical innovation (technical complexity) as well as qualitative elements. The main research problem is to examine the differences in the technical complexity of agri-food exports (EXPY) between EU Member States. Through detailed analysis of product categories and Member States’ performance, we have identified significant differences in the technical complexity of exports. Products such as dairy, meat, cereal and vegetable preparations were associated with high technical complexity, while fruit, tobacco and oils were classified in the low technical complexity category. We also identified Member States with exports characterised by high technical complexity, including Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg, and those with low technical complexity, such as Slovakia, Latvia and Croatia. These findings suggest the influence of various factors, such as economic specialisation, natural resources and R&D investment on shaping the agri-food export landscape in the European Union. In-depth analysis of these issues provides significant insights for understanding the economic and technical dynamics in the European agri-food sector.

Smart systems for real-time bearing faults diagnosis by using vibro-acoustics sensor fusion with Bayesian optimised 1-D CNNs

ABSTRACT Diagnosis of bearing faults in real-time is challenging when healthy bearing conditions are mixed with faulty ones, affecting the overall system of rotating machinery. Deep Learning provides an effective approach for condition-based maintenance of bearing faults, bypassing traditional signal processing complexity. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) excel in real-time fault detection in bearings, leveraging their feature extraction capabilities from heterogeneous sensors. Usually, selecting optimal hyperparameters for CNNs is time-consuming and impacts model performance. Recent literature demonstrates that CNNs-based models for detecting bearing faults typically undergo trial searches to select optimal hyperparameters, leading to time-intensive procedures. To fill this research gap, our study proposes a Bayesian optimised 1-D CNNs method to address hyperparameter tuning challenges. Using Machinery Fault Simulator®, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in identifying various bearing fault conditions through vibro-acoustics sensors. Bayesian optimisation efficiently partitions datasets for parallel computation, optimises hyperparameters, and minimises loss functions to enhance validation accuracy. The proposed method achieved a test accuracy of 99.62%, surpassing the benchmark’s 99.27%. Its effectiveness for bearing fault diagnosis is evident, compared to 96.76% without optimisation. Therefore, this study presents technical innovations, showcasing the diagnosis of diverse bearing faults with limited data through the integration of vibro-acoustics sensors.