Internal Environment Research Articles

Organization of Effective Interaction Between the Employer and the Educational Organization in the Professional Training of Engineers

The development of modern industry actualizes the issues of organizing interaction with educational organizations that conduct professional training of engineers, because the "personnel shortage" is obvious. On the other hand, educational organizations cannot carry out professional training without focusing on the requirements of industry, and without fulfilling the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard 3++ in terms of practical training. Thus, the organization of effective interaction between the employer and the educational organization is necessary for both sides of the process.The authors of the article highlighted the conditions for the organization of interaction between an employer and an educational organization, compliance with which will help bring the professional training of engineering personnel to a qualitatively new level and make it the most effective. These authors include: taking into account and using the historically established experience of Russian and Soviet vocational education; application of the practice of interaction of foreign educational organizations; application of the principles of continuity, continuity; the intersection of the educational space of the educational organization and the internal environment of the enterprise; creation of a regional sectoral integration educational space.The purpose of the article is to describe the conditions for effective interaction between an employer and an educational organization. The authors give examples of foreign and domestic pedagogical experience that can be used in the practice of vocational training.Within the framework of this study, the following methods were used: the method of historical and pedagogical research was used to study foreign and domestic pedagogical experience. The conclusions were formulated through the use of the method of observation of the educational process and the analysis of pedagogical experience.The authors come to the conclusion that compliance with the conditions described in the publication is important and can be used to create a pedagogical system of professional training of engineers.

Effect of hydroxy-terminated hyperbranched polymer coated separator on the lithium-ion battery performances

Abstract The hydrophobicity of polyolefin separators causes poor compatibility with the internal environment of lithium-ion batteries and thus elevates lithium-ion migration barriers. In this research, hydroxy-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HTHP) coated separators are fabricated successfully based on the simple and easy-on impregnation method. Abundant hydroxyl groups in HTHP reinforce separator electrolyte affinity, generating the much lower contact angle and higher electrolyte uptake. Accordingly, HTHP-coated separators show broader electrochemical window and superior ionic conductivity and Li+ transport number, which facilitate the Li+ migration within porous pathways and hence maximally weaken counteranions-induced polarizations. The lower interfacial resistances also guarantee the Li+ accelerated diffusion via the separator–electrodes interfaces. Therefore, batteries containing modified separators exhibit optimized C-rate capacity and cycling stability. However, immoderate HTHP coating blocks partial pores and thus restricts Li+ transference, which deteriorates C-rate capacity and cycling durability in turn. This separator modification scheme possesses advantages of simple preparation, environment-friendly, and low manufacturing cost, providing practical guidance for low-cost and high-performance separator manufacture.

Noncoding RNAs: the crucial role of programmed cell death in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone remodeling. Osteoporosis can lead to bone loss and bone microstructural deterioration. This increases the risk of bone fragility and fracture, severely reducing patients’ mobility and quality of life. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the development of osteoporosis remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that multiple noncoding RNAs show differential expression in the osteoporosis state. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Noncoding RNAs are an important class of factors at the level of gene regulation and are mainly involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Programmed cell death is a genetically-regulated form of cell death involved in regulating the homeostasis of the internal environment. Noncoding RNA plays an important role in the programmed cell death process. The exploration of the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis has become an interesting area of research and has been shown to play a role in many diseases such as osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the mechanism of noncoding RNA-mediated programmed cell death on bone homeostasis imbalance leading to osteoporosis. And we provide a deeper understanding of the role played by the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis at the gene regulatory level of osteoporosis. We hope to provide a unique opportunity to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR ASSESSING THE OPERATIONAL QUALITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF PARTIAL MILITARY DESTRUCTION

Purpose. Research conducted in the direction of operational quality proves that the life cycle of construction products can also be significantly increased due to the use of the latest technologies of a complex technical approach. The complex technical approach covers the principles of using the latest technologies, which compensate for the functional costs of the object at the stage of operation. As part of the latest technologies, the modern world requires the presence of developments that effectively save resources and at the same time ensure the required level of security in various crisis situations, including during a state of war. The main purpose of implementing this approach is to establish the reasons for the loss of reliability and resource when accounting for changes in the conditions of the external and internal environment. Methodology. Methods and techniques for diagnosing the reliability and operational quality of construction objects make it possible to implement assessment procedures at various stages of the life cycle, including during the current period, in previous design cycles (prototype search stages), as well as comparative and analytical comparison with analogues . The results of the implementation make it possible to identify the promising direction of normalization of construction projects, to substantiate and develop technologies for the formation of its operational quality. Findings. The situation of the physical state of the industrial building due to military destruction is analyzed, after which the search for optimization technologies in the formation of reliability and operational quality of construction objects, including for the effective implementation of investment and construction projects, is substantiated and proposed. Originality. Adaptation approaches of timely response in emergency conditions, in order to comply with the planned standards of operational quality, are substantiated, implemented on the practical example of the implementation of the technical report of the production and mechanical building No. 132, located in the city of Zaporizhzhia, SE "Ivchenko-Progress" 63T-1286-OB – TK after military destruction. Practical value. Adaptation approaches of timely response in emergency conditions, in order to comply with the planned standards of operational quality, are substantiated, implemented on the practical example of the implementation of the technical report of the production and mechanical building No. 132, located in the city of Zaporizhzhia, SE "Ivchenko-Progress" 63T-1286-OB – TK after military destruction. Conclusions. The results of scientific and practical research made it possible to reveal the actual principles of management technologies, evaluation and methods of improving operational quality at all stages of the life cycle of a construction object, taking into account risky and dangerous situations during military operations. This technical report was prepared on the basis of the performed visual and instrumental research of construction structures of the industrial building. The decision of the scientific group of experts established that the operation of the object under study should be stopped until its operational suitability is restored in accordance with the proposed recommendations in accordance with the project documentation. The scientific and practical significance of the study justifies the need for further application of the latest technologies of the complex technical approach in the formation of operational quality for the effective implementation of investment and construction projects.

Research on the Activation Path of Employees’ Openness to Digital Transformation: A New Impetus to Realize Enterprises’ Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development

Digital transformation is an important strategic decision for the sustainable development of enterprises, which helps enterprises achieve sustainable performance, sustainable management, and even sustainable business models. While there have been a number of useful studies discussing the impetus of digital transformation, most of them have neglected the role from employees, especially their attitudes and perceptions towards transformation. Focusing on employees’ openness to digital transformation, we selected six antecedents to construct a configuration model, using fsQCA and NCA methods to explore the complex causal relationship between each antecedent and openness to digital transformation. This aims to derive the activation paths for employees’ openness to digital transformation, so as to help the enterprises’ digital transformation and further achieve sustainable development. Through the data analysis of 462 employees of Chinese enterprises, the following conclusions are drawn: firstly, single antecedents are not necessary conditions for high/non-high digital transformation openness activation; secondly, there are three configurations associated with the high openness activation of digital transformation: a comprehensive collaboration type under internal environment dominance (S1a + S1b), the consideration of both an internal and external environment type under mindfulness characteristics’ dominance (S2), and a mindful substitution type under internal environment dominance (S3); and finally, there are four configurations associated with non-high digital transformation openness activation and an asymmetric relationship exists with the high digital transformation openness activation path.

Single-nucleus RNA transcriptome profiling reveals murine adipose tissue endothelial cell proliferation gene networks involved in obesity development

Endothelial cells play an important role in the metabolism of adipose tissue (AT). This study aimed to analyze the changes that adipose tissue in AT endothelial cells undergo during the development of obesity, using single-nucleus RNA sequence (snRNA-seq). Mouse paraepididymal AT cells were subjected to snRNA-seq with the 10X Genomics platform. The cell types were then clustered using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and unbiased computational informatics analyses. Protein–protein interactions network was established using the STRING database and visualized using Cytoscape. The dataset was subjected to differential gene enrichment analysis. In total, 21,333 cells acquired from 24 mouse paraepididymal AT samples were analyzed using snRNA-seq. This study identified 18 distinct clusters and annotated macrophages, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, T cells, endothelial cells, stem cells, neutrophil cells, and neutrophil cell types based on representative markers. Cluster 12 was defined as endothelial cells. The proportion of endothelial cells decreased with the development of obesity. Inflammatory factors, such as Vegfa and Prdm16 were upregulated in the medium obesity group but downregulated in the obesity group. Genes, such as Prox1, Erg, Flt4, Kdr, Flt1, and Pecam1 promoted the proliferation of AT endothelial cells and maintained the internal environment of AT. This study established a reference model and general framework for studying the mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets of endothelial cell dysfunction-related diseases at the single-cell level.

Ten years of Industry 4.0 adoption: external and internal perspective in a systemic model towards Industry 5.0

PurposeThis study aims to provide a systemic and integrated view of how Industry 4.0 and its enabling technologies affect companies' internal and external environments. It offers a comprehensive view of the contribution about ten years after the start of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Design/methodology/approachThe study performs a systematic literature review based on Industry 4.0 management literature. Analyzing the results of the 308 final papers in the sample made it possible to build a theoretical model to explain the contribution of Industry 4.0 to the internal and external environment of the company.FindingsThe results highlight the contribution of Industry 4.0 to the processes and environment of the company by providing a systemic and integrated view, highlighting the most applied enabling technologies and their internal, external, and combined usefulness in business processes.Research limitations/implicationsFinally, the paper provides a broad view of the Industry 4.0 topic ten years after its origin through an extensive literature analysis that allows us to highlight the significant studies and the areas still under-researched by researchers and opens the debate on the Industry 5.0 scenario.Originality/valueThe model makes it possible to appreciate the role of Industry 4.0 and its enabling technologies in companies in a broad and systemic view and to understand, from a managerial point of view, the interactions, synergies, and possibilities within processes and the reflection on the external environment.

Trade Secret Protection and the Integration of Information Within Firms

We examine the effect of trade secret protection laws on internal information integration (i.e., the extent to which economic agents are provided with access to decision-relevant information from other economic agents within a firm). We argue that stronger trade secret protection laws increase firms’ internal information integration because they reduce the proprietary costs of information leakage. To test our prediction, we measure a firm’s internal information integration by the share of its sites integrated into its enterprise management system. Exploiting the staggered adoption of trade secret protection laws via the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA), we find that these laws increase firms’ internal information integration. This effect is stronger (weaker) for firms with higher proprietary costs (coordination benefits). Further, we provide evidence that the UTSA-induced increase in internal information integration translates into improvements of firms’ internal information quality and decision-making quality. Taken together, our results enhance the understanding of the economic trade-offs shaping firms’ internal information environment. This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting. Funding: S. Bormann and K. Hombach gratefully acknowledge funding from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) [Grant Project-ID 403041268–TRR 266 Accounting for Transparency]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03484 .

Green perspective on intellectual capital, corporate social responsibility, and competitive advantage: The role of firm performance

Green economy issues can occur both in the external and internal environment of business entities in terms of intellectual capital activities, social responsibility, and competitive advantage. This study aims to examine the relationship between intellectual capital, corporate social responsibility, firm performance, and competitive advantage through the mediating role of firm performance from a green perspective. Data were collected from annual reports accessed through the official Stock Exchange websites in each respective research country. The number of samples used is 60 sample data from pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Data analysis is carried out using multiple linear regression, path analysis, and Sobel test. This study shows that green intellectual capital, corporate social responsibility, and firm performance have a significant effect on green competitive advantage. Green intellectual capital and green corporate social responsibility have a significant effect on firm performance. Regarding mediating relationships, the results showed green intellectual capital and corporate social responsibility can increase green competitive advantage through firm performance. This shows that a company manager should pay attention to improving intellectual capital capability and corporate social responsibility because they have been proven to improve firm performance and competitive advantage in the context of green economy issues.

Remotely Controlled Smart Monitoring System of Hermetic Paddy Storage to Reduce Postharvest Losses in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, efficient grain storage is crucial, particularly for paddy storage. Traditional methods like gunny bags and plastic containers are common, but the recent introduction of hermetic storage technologies, such as GrainPro bags and hermetic cocoons, have significantly reduced postharvest losses paddy. However, most research focuses on oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in those open storage systems. This study introduces an innovative, cost-effective remote monitoring system for hermetically sealed grain storage, designed using locally sourced components, including a Digital Hygrometer, WiFi Mini IP Camera, and a Remote Controller unit. Tested over a 125-day period at Advanced Storage Lab, Bangladesh Agricultural University, the system effectively monitored the internal environment of the storage units. Key findings show that the internal temperature of the storage bags varied between 16.7°C and 29.2°C, demonstrating lesser fluctuation compared to the ambient temperature range of 16.1°C to 33.5°C. The relative humidity inside the storage units remained stable between 45% and 54%, in contrast to the external humidity range of 45% to 81.2%. Additionally, using the Steffe and Singh equation, an increase of 0.512% in Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of paddy was recorded. Notably, there was no evidence of insect or mold growth after 125 days of storage. This study's remote monitoring system not only marks a significant advancement in hermetic grain storage technology but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. It provides a practical, real-time solution to monitor and manage key environmental parameters, ensuring the preservation of grain quality over time.

Analysis of the External and Internal Environment at the Fire and Rescue Training Centre of DKI Jakarta Province

Internal and external environmental analysis is a very important initial assessment step in business strategy design. This article examines the external and internal environment at the fire and rescue training center of DKI Jakarta province. The problem in this essay is investigated qualitatively, utilizing descriptive approaches. The data collection method employs triangulation, and data analysis is done inductively. The external environment was evaluated using the Political, Economic, Social, and Technology (PEST) method and Porter's Five Forces, whereas the internal environment was analyzed using the Resource-based View (RBV) approach and the value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) frameworks. The external environment was analyzed using the Political, Economic, Social, and Technology (PEST) approach and Porter's Five Forces, while the internal environment was analyzed using the Resource-based View (RBV) approach and the value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) frameworks. The results of the external analysis show that the competitive strength of the Fire Prevention and Suppression Training Centre of DKI Jakarta Province is in the medium category. According to the findings of the internal analysis, the resources and capabilities that give the company a competitive advantage are training buildings, certified instructors, the only government relations, and the ability to design training programs based on needs, while other aspects such as technology, supporting facilities, funding flexibility, excellent service, and forming business partnerships remain competitively parity. 

COVID-19 crisis – coping up strategies of companies to sustain in markets

Purpose Pandemics are frequent events, and the impact of each pandemic makes a strong and long-term effect on companies and markets. Given the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to investigate the crisis from a different perspective to know how companies have sustained growth in markets. The purpose of this paper is to understand how profit-oriented customer-centric companies (small, medium and large) have responded and adapted to COVID-19 crisis, using the complexity theory. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the complexity theory, a humble attempt is made to develop theoretical propositions by conceptualizing companies as complex adaptive systems. The paper examines companies from three dimensions (i.e. internal mechanism, environment and coevolution). Findings Companies self-organize, emerge into new states and become adaptive to the changing environment. Companies create knowledge to understand the dynamic anatomy and design survival and growth strategies during and post COVID-19 era. Complex adaptive systems perspective provides companies with insights to deal with complex issues raised due to COVID-19 pandemic. They can handle the impact of pandemic efficiently with complex adaptive systems by developing and implementing appropriate strategies post-COVID-19. Originality/value The study reveals how companies evolve and emerge into as complex adaptive systems to adapt themselves to the highly dynamic environment, which are uncertain, unpredictable, nonlinear and multifaceted, in the context of COVID-19. Implications for theory and practice of viewing companies as complex adaptive systems and coevolving structures in the COVID-19 context are discussed.

Strategic Management in Improving the Quality of Education in Madrasah Dta Al-Ishlahul Athfal Cirebon

The achievement of quality education will not succeed without the right strategy for improving the quality of all components in an educational institution. This study aims to reveal and analyse the natural background, analysis of internal and external conditions, implementation and evaluation of strategic management, and the results achieved from implementing strategic management in improving the quality of education in Madrasah DTA Al-Ishlahul Athfal Cirebon. The research method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques are carried out through interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results of strategic management research in improving the quality of education in Madrasah DTA Al-Ishlahul Athfal Cirebon consist of four stages: environmental analysis, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Environmental analysis is carried out by internal analysis covering strengths and weaknesses and external analysis covering opportunities and threats. The conclusion of this study is strategic management in improving the quality of education carried out by Madrasah DTA Al-Ishlahul Athfal Cirebon, namely by carrying out several stages as follows. The stage of analysis of the internal and external environment, formulation of strategic management, implementation of strategic management, evaluation of strategic management and results of strategic management.

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL RESEARCH ON CHINA'S RESPONSE TO POPULATION AGING IN THE NEW ERA

Population aging is an important trend of social development. At present, China is in the largest aging process in history, catching up with or even surpassing the aging speed of Western countries in the rapid evolution, with many pressures and challenges under the complex internal and external environment. China has put forward a series of new theories, new ideas and new strategies on the work of aging, forming a theoretical system with rich connotation, complete system and strict logic, which guides the practice of the Chinese government to deal with population aging. This paper deeply analyzes the relevant theoretical basis, analyzes the current situation, characteristics and causes of China's aging, and summarizes the practice of China's innovative response to aging since 2010, in order to provide valuable experience for the rest of the world to deal with aging.

Colonoscopy preparations: electrolyte imbalances and precautions in the fragile patients

Abstract Bowel preparation intake for colonoscopy can cause electrolyte imbalances. Although it is a rare complication, occurs as a consequence of the loss of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen, and because some electrolytes from the preparations can be absorbed. The possible imbalances cover all the alterations range of the internal environment (hypo and hypernatremia, hypo and hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, hypocalcaemia, and hyperphosphataemia or hypermagnesaemia). Electrolyte disturbances and their severity depend on electrolyte content of the preparation solution, the fluid replenishment conducted, and patient characteristics. Electrolyte imbalances are generally transient, and these should not cause complications if adequate fluid replenishment with or without electrolytes during bowel preparation is conducted and maintained over time once the colonoscopy is performed. We reviewed the most frequent electrolyte imbalances that occur with the most used bowel cleansing preparations and precautions to be taken into consideration in fragile patients.

Toll-like receptors in health and disease.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are inflammatory triggers and belong to a family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are central to the regulation of host protective adaptive immune responses. Activation of TLRs in innate immune myeloid cells directs lymphocytes to produce the most appropriate effector responses to eliminate infection and maintain homeostasis of the body's internal environment. Inappropriate TLR stimulation can lead to the development of general autoimmune diseases as well as chronic and acute inflammation, and even cancer. Therefore, TLRs are expected to be targets for therapeutic treatment of inflammation-related diseases, autoimmune diseases, microbial infections, and human cancers. This review summarizes the recent discoveries in the molecular and structural biology of TLRs. The role of different TLR signaling pathways in inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, and even cancers (oral, gastric, breast, colorectal) is highlighted and summarizes new drugs and related clinical treatments in clinical trials, providing an overview of the potential and prospects of TLRs for the treatment of TLR-related diseases.

The Internal Work Environment and Job Alienation: The Case of Faculty Members

The objective of this study is to examine the nature of the relationship between the internal work environment including its all-encompassing dimensions (organizational structure, participation in decision-making, incentives) and job alienation in Higher education institutions through focusing on faculty members at Jijel University in Algeria. That being the case, the study aims to fill a research gap by investigating the underexplored relationship between the Internal Work Environment and Job Alienation, hence while there is ample literature on work alienation, studies specifically focusing on work alienation within higher education institutions through the prism of internal work environment are notably scarce. The study utilized a descriptive approach, employing a survey sampling method to collect data from the target population with a specifically designed questionnaire for this purpose. The questionnaire consisting of 60 items was administered to a randomly selected sample of 167 faculty members at Jijel University. The collected data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. The study's findings illustrate that faculty members perceive their work environment as inadequate for carrying out their activities, coupled with a notably high level of job alienation. Additionally, the research underscores a significant correlation between the internal work environment, encompassing its various dimensions, and the prevalence of job alienation among faculty members at Jijel University. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-07 Full Text: PDF

An Exploration of Rural Elderly Care Models under the Rural Revitalization Strategy: A Case Study of Ningxia

With the deepening of aging, elderly care has become a focus of attention in various countries. China is also facing a serious aging issue, and how to reasonably solve the elderly care problems has become one of the key research topics for Chinese experts and scholars. China has vast territory with significant regional disparities between the east and west, leading to unbalanced urban and rural development. The aging issue in western rural areas is more severe, yet their development is relatively lagging behind, with serious population loss challenging traditional family care models. Addressing the elderly care problem requires targeted measures based on practical considerations. Taking Ningxia as a case study, this paper finds that the material living standards of elderly rural residents in Ningxia are low, and their spiritual life is relatively lacking. By analyzing the deficiencies in rural elderly care in Ningxia from the perspectives of family care and institutional care, corresponding solutions are proposed. Currently, rural family care in Ningxia faces difficulties, institutional care development is immature, and public acceptance is low. Therefore, suggestions are made to improve rural infrastructure to retain labor, enhance the operation and internal environment of care institutions, and increase public acceptance, aiming to improve the living conditions of elderly rural residents in Ningxia and meet their care needs.

A Company Analysis on Geely Based on Its External and Internal Environment

Through in-depth analyses within Geely, this paper explores the company's profile, the company's internal and external industry environment and competitive landscape, its internal management and operational mechanisms, as well as risks and challenges. By systematically studying and analysing Geely, it reveals the various problems and opportunities that the company is facing in the process of development. While reflecting Geely's competitive advantages in the market, it also reflects that Geely has certain deficiencies that need to be further improved and enhanced, and that the company needs to strengthen its innovation ability and risk response ability in the face of fierce industry competition and risk challenges. At the same time, this paper demonstrates Geely's vision for the future, as well as its strong market adaptability and scientific and technological strength in response to market changes. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Geely, which holds important theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the company's competitiveness and elucidating its development strategy.

Стратегические угрозы низкой производительности труда в строительной отрасли

The author applied the methods of Professor L.V. Kvint’s scientific school of strategizing to the construction industry in the Russian Federation. Strategic threat is a set of adverse conditions and factors that affect the strategic results. This term belongs to the first stage of strategizing which analyzes external and internal environment and assesses new opportunities and threats. The research featured various strategizing issues in the domestic construction industry, in particular, those that increase labor performance. The factors that reduce labor productivity were divided into several groups as “an unstable contractor”, “an unstable team”, and “an unstable worker”. The article describes strategic threats to the development of the construction industry and introduces some ideas on how to strategize labor performance, e.g., by developing and implementing social and technological innovations. In this regard, the priority tasks should include the following measures. The best workers should be encouraged to develop their professional skills and paid as much as qualified engineers. Robotic complexes and technical systems are to replace heavy physical labor. Innovative construction technologies and products should cover a wide range of construction types.