Internal Environment Research Articles

Design of Interactive Online Teaching System for Big Data Computer Information System Based on Mobile Sensor Network

The combination of the Internet and computers has resulted in many new products, including smart homes. The emergence of smart homes can satisfy people's detection of the internal environment of the home, not only to ensure the continuity and safety of indoor monitoring, but also to provide convenience for people to manage their family life. This paper analyzes the current status of smart home research at home and abroad, and people's needs for homes, and builds and designs smart home systems based on Ethernet and ZigBee protocol wireless sensor networks connected to TCP/IP protocol. In this article, the ARM chip is used in the Android system to ensure that the system and functions are matched, and information is transmitted through the serial port of the development board. After receiving the corresponding sending signal, the wireless module will use ZigBee technology to send the corresponding signal to achieve the goal of controlling home appliances. We divides the control system into two parts, the Android Voice Control Plateform and the data collection terminal. The former is based on the Android operating system and is designed for voice recognition control; the latter uses a ZigBee microcontroller to achieve control and feedback. This article uses the built-in voice control system of the smart home to subtly replace the conventional control method of the smart home. Moreover, the dialogue with users is very high, easy to use, low cost, and very practical. In addition, the research methods used in this article can also be applied to other related fields.

Development of an In-Pipe Inspection Robot for Large-Diameter Water Pipes

This paper describes the development of an in-pipe inspection robot system designed for large-diameter water pipes. The robot is equipped with a Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) sensor module. The robot system is intended for pipes with diameters ranging from 900 mm to 1200 mm. The structure of the in-pipe inspection robot consists of the front and rear driving parts, with the inspection module located centrally. The robot is powered by 22 motors, including eight wheels with motors positioned at both the bottom and the top for propulsion. To ensure that the robot’s center aligns with that of the pipeline during operation, lifting units have been incorporated. The robot is equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors at the front and rear to monitor the internal environment of the pipeline. Pipeline inspection is conducted using the MFL inspection modules, and the robot’s driving mechanism is designed to execute spiral maneuvers while maintaining contact with the pipeline surface during rotation. The in-pipe inspection robot is configured with wireless communication modules and batteries, allowing for wireless operation. Following its development, the inspection robot underwent driving experiments in actual pipelines to validate its performance. The field test bed used for these experiments is approximately 1 km in length. Results from the driving experiments on the field test bed confirmed the robot’s ability to navigate various curvatures and obstacles within the pipeline. It is posited that the use of the developed in-pipe inspection robot can reduce economic costs and enhance the safety of inspectors when examining aging pipes.

Dos Hemisferios: putting high-quality Ecuadorian wines on the map

Learning outcomes The learning objectives include understanding the unique environment and challenges that business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets, evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments, analyzing sales data and distribution channels and formulating new strategies. Case overview/synopsis Dos Hemisferios Winery, founded in 1999 as a hobby, grew into a family business. The Ecuadorian winery expanded production after winning an international award for its Paradoja blend in 2009. With a $10m investment in a new plant in 2017, the winery capacity increased to 500,000 bottles. President Robert Wright recognized the need to increase sales, aiming to sell at least 425,000 bottles annually at an average price of $8 per bottle to break even and become profitable in 2024. To tap into Ecuador’s top market in Quito, representing 46% of sales, Dos Hemisferios aimed to boost monthly revenues to $50,000 by addressing challenges such as low awareness and consumer reluctance. Initiatives under consideration included partnerships and events, winery tours, enhanced social media, new products and improved sales channel distribution. Complexity academic level The Dos Hemisferios case is appropriate for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in global business and strategy courses. The learning objectives for the case study include: understanding the unique environment and challenges business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets; evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analyzing sales data and distribution channels for the business; and providing students with the opportunity to formulate strategies to gain more share of the Ecuadorian wine market. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Barriers and drivers to the development of an effective water reuse chain: insights from an Italian water utility

AbstractWidespread adoption of water reuse technologies is critical to the development of a circular economy and to reduce the pressure on increasingly scarce freshwater resources. However, the adoption of water reuse technologies involves a complex and multi-level decision-making process, influenced by different factors that hinder or support such adoption, namely barriers and drivers. The present research provides a first identification of such factors from a value chain perspective. To do so, the paper first conceptualises the water reuse value chain, including the actors and stages required to bring collected wastewater to the reuse destination. It then conducts an exploratory case study in the context of an Italian water utility facing increasing water stress. External barriers such as societal perceptions and lack of demand for recycled water emerge as particularly influential in hindering the adoption of water reuse technologies. Drivers emerge from both the external and internal environment, with the level of water scarcity and the effectiveness of collaboration and coordination between different institutional and policy actors being particularly strong. Barriers and drivers are found to be of varying relevance depending on the characteristics of the facilities and the reuse value chain analysed, including the operational status of the reclamation facility, the type of final reuse, and the roles in the value chains. The paper provides relevant implications for academics, policymakers, and adopters of water reuse technologies for a more circular and environmentally sustainable water sector, offering useful insights for decision-makers in related sectors. Graphical abstract

A Company Analysis of XPENG Based on the Internal and External Environment

This paper examines the strategic evolution of XPENG Automobile within the burgeoning new energy vehicle sector. Through a SWOT analysis, it identifies the company's robust market momentum juxtaposed with pressing challenges in product upgrading and differentiation. Leveraging internal and external environmental evaluations, the study emphasizes the necessity for XPENG Automobile to bolster capital profitability, innovate core technologies, and diversify market strategies to enhance its competitive positioning. Furthermore, the paper delves into the multifaceted development risks facing XPENG Automobile, encompassing internal limitations in financing and after-sales services, necessitating a drive towards operational efficiency optimization. It advocates for proactive risk mitigation and the exploitation of emerging opportunities to reduce reliance on mainstream market trends and foster pioneering innovations. The paper sheds light on industry-wide dynamics by drawing insights from XPENG Automobile's journey as a trailblazer in China's new energy vehicle landscape. It underscores the company's resilience in navigating policy shifts and venturing into new markets, serving as a guiding example for the broader advancement of new energy vehicles in China.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES LISTED IN NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

<p>Internal control systems involve various methods and measures the organisation takes to safeguard assets, accurately check financial reports, enhance operational efficiency and execute managerial policies to achieve their financial objectives. The study sought to determine how internal control systems influence the financial performance of Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of risk assessment, internal control environment and information and communication systems on the financial performance of the listed companies in NSE. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised 63 listed companies in NSE as of 30th June 2023. A sample of 39 companies was drawn from the target population using a stratified random sampling technique. The study used primary data collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results were presented using tables and charts. The study found that internal control systems positively and significantly influenced the financial performance of the listed companies in NSE. The study recommended that to improve the financial performance of these firms, the management needs to determine and implement the optimal combination of effective and efficient internal control mechanisms.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: G20; L10; L20; M10</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0737/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Optimizing Accumulator Performance in Hydraulic Systems through Support Vector Regression and Rotational Factors

The piston-type accumulator is an energy storage device in hydraulic–pneumatic systems, playing a significant role in industries such as petrochemicals, heavy machinery, and steel metallurgy. The displacement parameters of the piston-type accumulator are vitally important for fault diagnosis and early warning in hydraulic systems. Traditional displacement measurement methods cannot meet the requirements of the internal testing environment of the accumulator. Therefore, this paper proposes an accumulator piston displacement signal compensation method based on rotational factors and support vector regression. Firstly, empirical mode decomposition is utilized to denoise the signal. Then, rotational factors are used to generate a delay compensation module to compensate for the signal attenuation and time delay caused by metallic reflection and scattering within the cylinder of the radar signal. The support vector regression model is improved based on a hash table to enhance its computational efficiency and achieve radar displacement signal compensation. Finally, a simulation experiment is designed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Additive Manufacturing Provides Infinite Possibilities for Self-Sensing Technology.

Integrating sensors and other functional parts in one device can enable a new generation of integrated intelligent devices that can perform self-sensing and monitoring autonomously. Applications include buildings that detect and repair damage, robots that monitor conditions and perform real-time correction and reconstruction, aircraft capable of real-time perception of the internal and external environment, and medical devices and prosthetics with a realistic sense of touch. Although integrating sensors and other functional parts into self-sensing intelligent devices has become increasingly common, additive manufacturing has only been marginally explored. This review focuses on additive manufacturing integrated design, printing equipment, and printable materials and stuctures. The importance of the material, structure, and function of integrated manufacturing are highlighted. The study summarizes current challenges to be addressed and provides suggestions for future development directions.

ADAPTATION MECHANISMS ARE USED BY THE BODY OF STUDENTS FOR RECOVERY AFTER PHYSICAL EXERTION

The study of the morphofunctional features of the body's adaptation to constantly changing living conditions is considered one of the most important problems of biology and medicine today. The effectiveness of adaptive processes in the body is the primary basis of good health and high productivity. Therefore, the resolution of the unexplained issues of this problem is important for the prevention and treatment of diseases, the search for effective rehabilitation measures. Knowledge of the laws of adaptation of the human body (athlete) to physical exertion is an objective prerequisite for the effective use of physical exercises in the rationalization of physical training aimed at preserving and strengthening people's health, increasing their work capacity, and implementing a genetically programmed longevity program. The defining function of muscle activity is the function of active adaptation of the body to constantly changing environmental conditions. The ultimate goal of this active adjustment is to maintain internal constancy environment, expanding the homeostatic limits of individual physiological constants, ensuring highly productive activity. The most effective means of adaptive change of a person's own nature is systematic physical training. High perfection of mechanisms of neurohumoral regulation functions; optimization of inter-system and intra-system connections; high development of self-regulation in the activity of functional systems. There is a direct relationship between the power of work and the perfection of mechanisms of regulation of functions: the more intensively the body functions under conditions of physical exertion, the greater the tension of regulatory systems; the more perfectly function regulation systems function, the body will be able to develop greater work capacity [1].

SWOT ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONS PROVIDING MANUAL THERAPY AND MEDICAL MASSAGE SERVICES

The article considers the SWOT-analysis methodology for assessing and comparing public and private institutions in Ukraine, in particular the arrangement of offices and the quality of services provided by specialists in manual therapy and therapeutic massage. This will help the administration to accept and correct the shortcomings for the future prospective development of institutions and health care activities in general. The study examines strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats that can affect the quality of providing preventive and health services in order to increase the number of visits. In this study, the SWOT-analysis has been considered as a diagnostic procedure for assessing the state and development trends of the institution. The method of expert assessment has been used in the study, in order to prevent incorrect assessment of factors, especially the internal environment due to its subjective approach, issues of completeness, validity and reliability of primary information, the bias of quantitative analysis over qualitative, poor adaptation to changing environmental conditions. As a result, comparative differences and similarities of internal and external factors of development between private and state institutions have been found in the study. The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of institutions, establishments that provide manual therapy, therapeutic and preventive massage services. The following methods have been used to solve the tasks of this study: analysis and generalization of data from scientific and methodological literature, analysis of normative and legal, internal statutory documentation, questionnaires, interviews, expert evaluation. The analysis of external factors of the SWOT -analysis demonstrates the same number of opportunities of public and private institutions. A number of priority opportunities for the development of private institutions are technical improvement and the possibility of improving the level of professionalism by undergoing advanced training abroad, increasing the quantitative spectrum of the provision of medical and preventive services. State institutions include the creation of competitive conditions, the purchase of modern equipment, salary increases, etc. Threats to the prospects of a state institution include threats to its financial situation, and to a private - reputation of an institution and its specialists.

Progress in the Regulation of Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment by Bioactive Compounds of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) can aid tumor cells in evading surveillance and clearance by immune cells, creating an internal environment conducive to tumor cell growth. Consequently, there is a growing focus on researching anti-tumor immunity through the regulation of immune cells within the TME. Various bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are known to alter the immune balance by modulating the activity of immune cells in the TME. In turn, this enhances the body's immune response, thus promoting the effective elimination of tumor cells. This study aims to consolidate recent findings on the regulatory effects of bioactive compounds from TCM on immune cells within the TME. The bioactive compounds of TCM regulate the TME by modulating macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T lymphocytes and their immune checkpoints. TCM has a long history of having been used in clinical practice in China. Chinese medicine contains various chemical constituents, including alkaloids, polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. These components activate various immune cells, thereby improving systemic functions and maintaining overall health. In this review, recent progress in relation to bioactive compounds derived from TCM will be covered, including TCM alkaloids, polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. This study provides a basis for further in-depth research and development in the field of anti-tumor immunomodulation using bioactive compounds from TCM.

The serine protease CORIN promotes progression of gastric cancer by mediating the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway.

The serine protease CORIN catalyzes pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) into an active ANP and maintains homeostasis of the internal environment. However, it is unclear whether CORIN participates in the regulation of tumor progression. We analyzed the expression profile of CORIN in gastric cancer tissues (GCs) and adjacent nontumoral tissues (NTs). We investigated the prognostic value of CORIN in GC patients. We characterized the in vitro and in vivo activity of CORIN in cultured GC cells with gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. The underlying mechanism was explored by using bioinformatics, a signaling antibody array, and confirmative western blot analyses, as well as rescue experiments with highly selective small-molecule inhibitors targeting the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway. CORIN was upregulated in GCs than in NTs. Overexpression of CORIN was correlated with unfavorable prognoses in patients with GC. Ectopic expression of CORIN was promoted, whereas silencing of CORIN suppressed proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of GC cells, and tumor growth in vivo. Overexpression of CORIN-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway, while silencing of CORIN yielded opposite results. The in vitro tumor-promoting potency of CORIN could be antagonized by selective inhibitors targeting the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, CORIN is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC patients, which may promote tumor progression by mediating the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway and EMT in GC cells.

Monitoring Environmental Factors Associated with Indoor Growth Chambers and Greenhouses for Cannabis Cultivation

Greenhouse cultivation has no seasonal limitations and research is being conducted globally to assess control of environmental factors within greenhouses to optimize growing conditions. Attempts to improve the environmental factors in greenhouse cultivation include control of temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, carbon dioxide level, and air flow rate. Furthermore, indoor cultivation systems (growth chambers) have been developed and researched for comparison with greenhouse cultivation. In our study, comparative environmental data were collected in association with cannabis cultivation for a greenhouse and growth chamber, since commercial cannabis cultivation can include such methods. Accordingly, the data in this research were collected by choosing the same cannabis cultivars for both cultivation methods and by controlling the internal growing environments that affected cultivation. Data also were collected on the plant biochemical properties over the same time period and the collected data were analyzed using psychrometric charts. The findings of this research show that if the internal environment of the indoor cultivation method is well-regulated, better results in cannabidiol (CBD) extraction from blossoms can be achieved as compared to greenhouse cultivation, in which environmental regulation is less precise. Therefore, we conclude that if we can control the internal environment of greenhouse cultivation to be similar to the indoor cultivation method, the productivity of the two methods should be similar. The findings of this research can be used to develop greenhouse cultivation methods for other plants in order to improve future productivity and efficiency.

Competitive Responses by Art Galleries at Rocky Mountain Resort Destinations: Sufficient to Maintain Sustainability?

Strategic management theory predicts that managers systematically scan their firms’ internal and external environments to identify possible factors that might impinge on their strategic plans and performance. Like many organizations, art galleries have been challenged over the past two decades by digital pressures such as social media and ecommerce. Lately, outfalls from the COVID-19 pandemic have added further to the woes of art galleries. This study examines how art galleries, as small businesses, respond to these significant contextual shifts. It is predicted that art galleries will implement innovative competitive strategies as a means to address the pandemic, ecommerce and digital market pressures. Ingenuity is a companion component of strategy and reflects the extent of creativity associated with innovation. These relationships were analyzed in a sample of art galleries located in resort destinations of the Rocky Mountains including Aspen, Bozeman, Jackson Hole, Park City and Sun Valley. Results from this study underscore the value for gallery owners and managers in instituting innovation as well as the value of ingenuity in creating distinctive competitive strategy. Different resort communities surfaced as leaders in cultivating innovation and ingenuity. Implications for practice and future research are considered.

Magnesium implantation as a continuous hydrogen production generator for the treatment of myocardial infarction in rats

Molecular hydrogen is an emerging broad-spectrum antioxidant molecule that can be used to treat myocardial infarction (MI). However, with hydrogen inhalation, the concentration that can be reached within target organs is low and the duration of action is short, which makes it difficult to achieve high dose targeted delivery of hydrogen to the heart, seriously limiting the therapeutic potential of hydrogen for MI. As a result of reactions with the internal environment of the body, subcutaneous implantation of magnesium slices leads to continuous endogenous hydrogen production, leading to a higher hydrogen concentration and a longer duration of action in target organs. In this study, we propose magnesium implant-based hydrogen therapy for MI. After subcutaneous implantation of magnesium slices in the dorsum of rats, we measured hydrogen production and efficiency, and evaluated the safety of this approach. Compared with hydrogen inhalation, it significantly improved cardiac function in rats with MI. Magnesium implantation also cleared free radicals that were released as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as suppressing cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Research and Application of the Simulation Method for Product Development Process Based on System Dynamics

Product development is a complex process involving intricate components, dynamics and constantly evolving internal and external environments, as well as numerous influencing factors. In order to accurately simulate and predict the effectiveness of the development process, this paper proposes a system dynamics simulation method based on information maturity. Different types of development processes are simulated, and the discussion includes the impact of activity information correlation, information evolution coefficient, start time, and other parameters on the dynamic behavior of the process. This study examines a specific mold development process as a case study to validate the method’s feasibility, accurately predicting the duration and cost of the process. It also investigates dynamic fluctuations resulting from uncertain events such as changes in customer demand and resource shortages. The method provides support for process optimization and resource scheduling.

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.

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.

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.