Massive Transformation Research Articles

Big Data Analytics as an elementary Customer Loyalty Instrument for German banks – an empirical approach from a banker’s perspective

The German banking sector is undergoing a massive transformation phase due to increasing digitalization. This challenge is enormously influenced by demographic change, the low-interest phase, technological progress as well as supervision and regulation. As a result, banks in Germany are forced to deal with strategies for customer centricity. In this context, Big Data analytics can be seen as a useful tool to better understand customers, e.g. by predicting product affinities, purchase probabilities or distribution channel preferences. The consolidated view of Big Data Analytics and Customer Centricity is already considered in the scientific literature. The studies on the combination of Big Data Analytics and the German banking sector, on the other hand, are rudimentary so far. The main purpose of this research is to answer the following research questions: [I: “Does Big Data Analytics improve the quality of advice (measured by the principles of client advisory services) from an advisor’s perspective and does it have an influence on customer loyalty?”] and [II: To what extent can Big Data Analytics make a positive contribution to the situation of banks in the age of digitalization?”]. To answer the research questions, the results of a survey of banking experts (N = 43) form the backbone of this empirical research. The findings of this paper can be of benefit to researchers and practitioners alike, in order to make the potential of big data analytics recognizable and usable for banks in the context of customer centricity.

Peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grid: Frameworks, implementation methodologies, and demonstration projects

• A comprehensive review of existing research and pilot projects on P2P energy trading. • Detailed analysis of the implementation methodologies with mathematical formulations. • Discussion on the developed P2P testbed and live demonstration projects. • Directions for future research work in developing P2P energy trading frameworks. Energy sector is undergoing a massive transformation that includes key aspects such as integrating renewables, improving operational efficiency, leveraging smart grid infrastructure, and handling the dynamics of transactive energy; all of which necessitates ecosystem players to refine their role, devise efficient regulatory/policy frameworks, and experiment with new business models. Given these circumstances, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading appears to be one of the viable solutions in which an end-user can sell/buy power to/from other users instead of fully relying on the utility for the same. However, the implementation of P2P energy trading in the distribution networks introduce new challenges, such as network constraint violations, increased communication requirements, compromised end-user privacy, the threat to the financial viability of the utility companies, etc. Various pilot projects and research are being carried out at different levels worldwide in this regard. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the existing research and implementation activities on P2P energy trading, and suggests potential future research avenues. Readers gain an understanding of P2P energy trading frameworks, implementation methodologies, and demonstration projects through this article.

Variant selection of massive γ subgrains and corresponding mechanical properties in Ta containing γ-TiAl-based alloys

The variant selection of subgrains in massive γ (γm) is systematically studied by 0–2 at.% Ta-containing γ-TiAl-based alloy. Results show that the precipitation of γm phase increases first, and then decreases with the rising of Ta. The critical content of Ta, which massive transformation is promoted or inhibited, is identified. EBSD and HRTEM results reveal variant selection process during nucleation and growth inner α matrix along all possible {111}γ, in terms of minimization of energy of highly defected α grain caused by Ta, thereafter, the subgrains of γm are refined. These fine subgrains and highly defected α2 grain can enhance the mechanical properties of TiAl-xTa alloy.

Changing trends and factors influencing anticoagulant use in patients with acute ischemic stroke and NVAF at discharge in the NOACs era

ObjectivesWe sought to explore the trends and influencing factors of the use of anticoagulants in patients with acute ischemic stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) at discharge in the era of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). MethodsWe recruited consecutive inpatients with acute ischemic stroke and NVAF in a registered study (NCT04080830) from January 2016 to December 2021. The relevant data of patients were collected. We compared the proportions of anticoagulant treatment at discharge before and after NOACs entered China's medical insurance system. The proportion of each antithrombotic status as well as anticoagulant agents at discharge in every year were calculated, and the trends during the study period were analyzed. The relevant factors affecting anticoagulant use at discharge were further analyzed. ResultsThe proportion of anticoagulation at discharge increased significantly after NOACs entered China's medical insurance system in 2018 versus before (χ2 = 42.828, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in antithrombotic status (χ2 = 69.954, P < 0.001) and in the proportion of different anticoagulant drugs (χ2 = 63.049, P<0.001) by year. Anticoagulant therapy (χ2 = 1.55, P = 0.671) and NOACs (χ2 = .178, P = 0.243) increased over 2016–2018 but was relatively stable during 2018–2021. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥75 years, coexisting cerebral artery stenosis, massive cerebral infarction and hemorrhagic transformation were independent risk factors affecting anticoagulants use (all P < 0.05). ConclusionNOACs have indeed improved anticoagulants use in patients with acute ischemic stroke and NVAF at discharge. However, some specific factors affect anticoagulation therapy use at discharge and hinder further improvement even in the NOACs era.

Earthquake, disaster capitalism and massive urban transformation in Istanbul

AbstractIn this paper, I discuss how the earthquake risk is exploited by ‘disaster capitalism’, in order to convert Istanbul to a massive construction site. The shock of the 1999 Marmara Earthquake has been effectively used by the neoliberal market and government as ‘a shock therapy’ to implement a construction‐led development model for Turkey and to favour the construction sector by introducing new incentives, exceptional rights and interventions, which otherwise might be challenged. The current Turkish government justify the ongoing massive urban transformation and new mass housing projects as an improvement of the housing stock to make residential buildings stronger and more resilient to earthquakes. However, areas actually under earthquake risk do not match the areas that are officially declared under disaster risk by the government. The Disaster Law #6306 that granted the government the absolute right to expropriate land based on the justification of ‘protecting residents against earthquakes and other natural disasters’ was applied in a selective way to seize valuable land in Istanbul. In the paper I explore how the disaster was quickly converted to an opportunity for economic growth. To do that I introduce stories of three different neighbourhoods in Istanbul, namely Moda, Tozkoparan and Fikirtepe, each of which experience the ongoing massive urban transformation differently based on the land value of the neighbourhoods, class position of the residents, and residents' capacity to organise in order to protect their rights. I describe, how disaster capitalism is lived and experienced differently in these three neighbourhoods. Although the massive construction projects are indifferent to life's sustainability, those projects are justified as interventions in terms of public health and safety through making housing resilient to earthquakes. I critically discuss how in each case biopolitics presents disaster capitalism's massive urban transformation projects as a manifestation of liveliness.

Investigation of a Ni-38Mo binary alloy fabrication by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering

The present work investigated a Ni-38Mo binary alloy with a specific interest in Ni solid solution and Ni-Mo intermetallic phases. To this end, a homogeneous Ni-Mo alloy powder obtained via mechanical alloying was consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The main constitutive phases post-SPS were a Ni(Mo) solid solution and the δ-NiMo intermetallic phase. Subsequent heat treatment at 1200 °C caused an increase in microhardness to 985 HV, while an additional aging process at lower temperatures caused a softening effect associated with the presence of β-Ni4Mo. Microstructural observation suggested that heat treatment at 1200 °C was responsible for the promotion of δ-NiMo in favor of mechanical properties and the stability of such intermetallic phase, which prevented massive phase transformation in subsequent heating. Thus, the present work may lay the groundwork for a multipurpose Ni-Mo alloy having attractive structural and functional properties.

Do Consumer Opinions Matter? Consumer Perception and Purchasing Decisions of Greenhouse Vegetables in Ghana

The pursuit to achieve zero hunger and food security of the Sustainable Development Goal-2 (SDG-2) is leading to a massive transformation of conventional food production systems into innovative systems of agriculture, such as greenhouse farming across the globe. However, empirical studies on consumers’ opinions and choices of greenhouse products are scanty, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, therefore, bridges this knowledge gap by assessing consumer perception and purchasing behavior of greenhouse vegetables in Ghana. Data on 400 greenhouse vegetable consumers was solicited and analyzed using the perception index and multivariate ordered probit (MOP) model. The perception analyses show positive consumer perceptions of the environment and health attributes but negative on the affordability attribute of greenhouse farming. The MOP shows that consumer’s personal features and attributes of greenhouse technology are the key drivers of the consumption intensity of greenhouse vegetables. The findings have implications for government interventions to spur investment in greenhouse technology for affordable vegetable products.

Impact of Human Disturbances on the Spatial Heterogeneity of Landscape Fragmentation in Qilian Mountain National Park, China

Qilian Mountain National Park (QLMNP) is a biodiversity hotspot with great agriculture and tourism resources. With the expansion of human activities, a few areas of the park are experiencing massive landscape transformation, and these areas are also highly ecologically sensitive. Nevertheless, there are substantial differences in the human activities and natural resources of various communities around QLMNP, resulting in heterogeneous landscape degradation. Hence, this study explores the extent and drivers of spatial heterogeneity in landscape fragmentation associated with ecologically vulnerable communities in QLMNP. Multiple ring buffer analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were used to analyze the relationships between landscape fragmentation and variables of human activities and facilities to identify the main factors influencing landscape fragmentation in different regions. The results reveal that human disturbance had a stronger relationship with landscape fragmentation in QLMNP than natural factors do. Among the drivers of landscape fragmentation, the distribution of residential areas and the extension of agricultural land were found to have more significant impacts than tourism. Expansion of cropland had a greater impact on the eastern part of the national park, where overgrazing and farming require further regulation, while tourism affected the landscape fragmentation in the central area of the national park. The point-shaped human disturbance had a larger impact than the linear disturbance. The study findings can be used to formulate a comprehensive plan to determine the extent to which agriculture and tourism should be developed to avoid excessive damage to the ecosystem.

Revamping Higher Education in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Education system is considered as the backbone of any nation and higher education is particularly important for the growth of nation as it is a powerful instrument to build knowledge based society. The higher education in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone massive transformation with tremendous increase in number of institutions. Erroneously it is also looked upon as a lucrative business by some private players at the cost of its quality even in some crucial areas like medical education and engineering. The curriculum, teaching-learning and evaluation methods require revisions. The prevailing system is more oriented in generating educated unemployed youth rather than producing skilled manpower. The proportion of contractual lecturers is very high across all institutions of UT. Both technology and infrastructure in education require upgradation. The recruitment policies are not fool proof. Only the standard certification may be given credits for Career Advancement Scheme in higher education. Several institutions are marred with inefficient and corrupt administrators. There is no mechanism in place to seek feedback of educational administrators. The focus must shift from establishing more institutions to their consistent performance. The National Education Policy 2020 is to be implemented in its true spirit with focus to create vibrant multidisciplinary institutions.

Schumpeter Lecture 2022: Job Search in the 21St Century

Abstract Formal job search has undergone massive transformations in the last two decades with the move to online platforms. This makes more stages of the job search process observable, and allows researchers to intervene in this market and improve the design of the job search process and the information available in it. This paper showcases studies that illustrate the potential of analyzing online job search data and of intervening in the online job search process. It presents the current insights and some open questions and highlights conditions under which some of the recent interventions are likely to improve market outcomes overall, rather than improving only the outcomes for the treated individuals.

Phase transformation mechanisms, microstructural characteristics and mechanical performances of an additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy under dual-stage heat treatment

Understanding phase transformation behaviors and microstructural evolutions during optimized post-heat treatments is essential for tuning the mechanical performances of additively manufactured titanium alloys. In this work, distinctive dual-stage heat treatments were proposed for improving the microstructure and properties of the laser powder bed fusion processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The effects of the heat treatments on phase transformation behaviors, microstructural characteristics, mechanical and tribological properties of the alloy were investigated systematically. The dual-stage heat treatments combined with salt bath quenching proved to be an effective approach for obtaining fine lamellar α/β microstructures through the introduction of martensitic and massive phase transformations, as well as achieving optimized strength and ductility. The grain boundary populations of the alloy were strongly influenced by the phase transformation behaviors. Moreover, high-density dislocations were introduced during the dual-stage heat treatments, and the <a> type dislocations were dominant. The nonadditive strengthening mixture rule between obstacles and dislocations was substantiated in this alloy. Different wear mechanisms were found in the dual-stage heat-treated alloys depending on their microstructural characteristics. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of phase transformation, strengthening and toughening are also discussed.

Formation of a nanoscale two-phase microstructure in Cu–Zn( Al) samples with macroscopic concentration gradient

In binary Cu Zn and ternary Cu–Zn–Al with 1.5 wt% Al, the formation of a nanoscale two-phase α + ordered β 2 microstructure is observed after quenching samples with a macroscopic solute concentration gradient from 875 °C in iced brine. The two-phase microstructure has formed from high temperature β phase and is located at higher Zn contents, after the concentration invariant massive or martensitic transformation, respectively. Its occurrence further substantiates the high competition between different types of solid-state reactions in brass. The nanoscopic α + β 2 microstructure was investigated by a combination of EBSD and TEM. Experimentally measured Kikuchi patterns were correlated with dynamically simulated ones by a pattern deconvolution which compensates the limitation of existing commercial EBSD software. The employed combination of methods revealed changing phase fractions of α and β 2 along the Zn gradient. Cellular reaction, coupled growth and spinodal decomposition were discussed as possible mechanisms for the formation of the nanoscale structure, with coupled growth identified as the most likely. • Combination of state-of-the-art EBSD and (HR)TEM analysis for phase identification • Determination of c-dependent phase fractions by a comparative study of measured and dynamically simulated Kikuchi patterns • Observation of nanoscopic α + β 2 microstructure in α/β brass in direct competition with massive/martensitic transformation • Classification of competitive solid state reactions depending on the level of undercooling classification of competitive solid state reactions depending on the level of undercoolings

Effects of oxygen addition on the microstructure, phase transformations, and oxidation resistance of TiAl alloys

This study investigated the effects of oxygen addition on the microstructure, phase transformations, and oxidation resistance of TiAl alloys at 1023 K. The addition of oxygen stabilized the α (α2) phase at the expense of the γ phase and reduced the oxidation mass gains of the TiAl alloys by more than 20%. Oxide scales composed of external scattered Ti-rich oxide particles/Al-rich/Ti-rich mixed Ti/Al oxides, and internal affected zones with Al-rich precipitates were observed in all oxidized samples. The results showed that the microstructure and phase transformations of the alloys were altered by adding 1 at% oxygen. The addition of O accelerated the α → α2 chemical ordering reaction and partly suppressed the α → γ massive phase transformation. The oxidation resistance of the TiAl alloys in air at 1023 K was not significantly affected by the addition of oxygen.

Students’ achievement in an online course on technical writing and communication skills

PurposeThis study aims to investigate students’ satisfaction, self-efficacy and perceived competencies in a ‘technical writing and communication skills’ course after the switch of teaching the course from face to face to fully online during and after COVID-19. The study also measured the Achievement of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology course learning outcomes (CLOs).Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional survey design approach was adopted in this study. Students were asked to respond to an online survey after completion of the course to measure the target parameters. The data of 250 respondents, analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 28, show high scores on all constructs.FindingsStatistically significant differences among gender, field of study, grade point average (GPA) level, type of school attended and attainment of English proficiency certificate were detected for students in terms of their baseline perceived competencies, achievement of CLOs and self-efficacy scores. In addition, gender, field of study, GPA and holding an international English proficiency certificate had statistically significant effect, whereas the academic level and type of school were insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the data had been collected through survey only. A limitation of this method is that there could be survey fraud. Second, as some respondents found the survey long, their responses might have been less reliable. Moreover, as the survey was entirely conducted online, this may have caused limited sampling, because some respondents are less likely to have internet access/disconnection and respond to online surveys. Furthermore, this research had focused on studying the impact of an online course on university students’ achievement in a Jordanian university, this limits the generalizability of the result to students of other levels and classes, or ones studying in other universities or living in different countries.Practical implicationsBecause of its impact on effective teaching and achievement, educators need to pay much attention to self-efficacy when designing new curricula for different environmental contexts. Furthermore, it is apparent that some courses, such as “technical writing” can be taught fully online without affecting students’ performance and achievement. Because educators always look for ways that make teaching effective, they may need to consider online platforms for teaching specific courses, hence save time, effort and resources.Originality/valueA course on technical writing and communication skills offered to undergraduate engineering and information technology students at Princess Sumaya University for Technology was switched from face to face to fully online modality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the period 2020–2021. The effect of such massive and sudden transformation on students’ achievement and satisfaction called for immediate scrutiny of the prospect and expectancy of online learning.

Intercalation‐assisted massive phase transformation: The key to SHS synthesis?

AbstractSelf‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) is the term used for a spontaneous, irreversible combustion of initial reagents when ignited. There is limited knowledge of the mechanistics of this versatile materials synthesis process for Chevrel phase compounds (CPCs), which limits its applicability. In this report, the successful and rapid processing of three classes of sulfide CPCs via SHS is demonstrated, and a mechanism is provided to explain rapid transformation rates and nanostructured products that are fully transformed. Cu4Mo6S8, Ni2Mo6S8, and Fe2Mo6S8 compounds were synthesized, and thermochemical measurements revealed that an overall reaction temperature did not surpass the melting points of the reactants. The nature of the specific SHS process is argued here to involve an intercalation‐assisted massive phase transformation facilitated by the use of an MoS2 precursor.

Automotive IoT Ethernet-Based Communication Technologies Applied in a V2X Context via a Multi-Protocol Gateway.

The architectural approach for complex communication systems must adapt quickly and take into consideration the increasing set of requirements for every industrial field. The automotive domain is evolving toward the electrification era, with massive technological transformations being realized on all architectural, hardware, and software levels. The legacy usage of exclusively microcontrollers is altered by adopting microprocessors with extended functionalities, reshaping the development structure. Although new hardware capabilities are available and Ethernet communication protocols can contribute to a new range of use-cases for intra-car or for vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication, the implications of using multiple protocols that cover different types of requirements, in the same architecture, are not fully determined. The importance of establishing clear expectations for intelligent communication systems considering various technological and architectural factors is significant for future improvements. In the current paper, we examine the compatibility and real-time responsiveness capabilities, in a diverse, service-oriented architecture, for the major automotive IoT Ethernet-based communication technologies. The feasibility analysis is materialized in a multi-protocol gateway solution that facilitates data exchange between entities with different technological origins. Scalable Service-Oriented Middleware over IP (SOME/IP) is considered the relevant protocol in the automotive domain, alongside the Data Distribution Service (DDS), which combines automotive and IoT applicability. The enhanced Communication ion Layer (eCAL) middleware is added to the mix as an alternative solution for future communication scenarios. The obtained results confirm the compatibility between the targeted technologies, offering a clear understanding regarding the limits of a complex multi-protocol communication system. The defined service-oriented architecture offers efficient data exchanges in a gateway context, also allowing the exploration of the real-time capabilities.

Journal quality criteria: Measurement and significance

The landscape of scientific communication imposes obvious requirements on its actors, which are not always unambiguously interpreted by the latter. The basic criterion of scientific communication is its quality. Since scientific journals serve as the main channel for rational debates based on facts, their quality level seems to be the most significant for the development of scientific knowledge. Today, scientific journals are undergoing a massive transformation: from changing the format of content presentation to becoming a body of collective communication. These changes cannot but affect the quality characteristics of journals. Since the changes are multilateral in nature, the scientific, editorial, and publishing communities have not formed an unambiguous opinion about which criteria of the journal characterize its quality aspects, and which can be attributed to “formal”, “technical”. In this article, the authors, based on Russian and international expert opinion, analyze the quality criteria for journals. Based on the data of the questionnaire developed by the authors, which considers the categories and criteria of the Scopus expert system, a survey of editors (n = 130) of Russian scientific journals was conducted. The questionnaire was completed anonymously, and the study participants were made aware of its objectives. The data obtained made it possible to analyze the editors’ ideas about the qualitative characteristics of a scientific journal and their influence on its promotion. A sufficiently deep understanding by the editors of the essence and specifics of the analyzed characteristics was recorded. At the same time, certain aspects require targeted work on their optimization and development. There is also an obvious need for further research on the topic, considering the subject field of journals traditions.

The Contributions and Impact of Malik Badri

We live in a time where ideas and principles are questioned, dissected, and contested at a dizzying rate. It can be difficult to decipher reason and proof from conjecture and avowal. Disjointed ideas and information are widely available without a necessary chain of transmission or reliable connection to sources of knowledge. In this confusing contemporary context, almost anyone can become a leader in thought, guiding naïve followers down unknown paths with unclear destinations. Yet, true thought leadership is that which is connected to the past and charts a clear, well-lit path forward toward an illumined future. Throughout time, there has been a legacy of truly brilliant thinkers whose genius is in communicating timeless wisdom in a powerful manner that speaks to the zeitgeist of their time. This ability allows them to make a significant impact on the hearts and minds of the people. The world lost one of these giants in thought leadership this past year.Professor Malik Babiker Badri was a man who not only innovated and developed novel ideas within his own area of expertise, but whose ideas had ripple effects well beyond the boundaries of his field of knowledge. Known to the academic and professional world as the “father of modern Islamic Psychology,” he also played a part in shaping massive cultural transformations that changed the world. These include the Black American experience, the epidemic of alcoholism, and the global AIDS crisis. Professor Badri brought to the world a cultural and spiritual revolution in the way many view their relationships to themselves, their societies, and their spirituality. Although several of his works have become seminal reads in the field of Islamic Psychology, and Islamic thought more generally, much of his great work remains unrecognized—perhaps because of his humility and lack of self-promotion. The time has come for the recognition of the significance of this man’s contributions which position him among the great thinkers of human history. This article charts the chronological and thematic development of Badri’s contributions over the course of his life and paints a picture of the significance of his work and its impact on the world.

Non-invasive sensing techniques for glucose detection: a review

Diabetes is becoming more prevalent over the world, with approximately 7.8 million new cases diagnosed each year. The most crucial aspect of diabetes therapy is frequent glucose monitoring; the one and only way diabetics can maintain healthy blood sugar standard is through diet and exercise. Blood glucose monitoring techniques have gone through massive transformations over the past few years. Non-invasive procedures outperform invasive and minimally invasive ones in terms of inconvenience, pain, and recovery time. Thus, this review aims to explore the latest tools for non-invasive glucose monitoring sensors and techniques. The study showed that non-invasive techniques such as optical and non-optical techniques are better than invasive techniques in terms of accuracy, reliability, repeatability, and ease of use. The study also uncovered that the photoacoustic spectroscopy and ultrasonic techniques have room for further development and advancement considering their flexible nature. The work also proved that the ultrasonic technique is the most promising approach, in conclusion.

The Evolution of Prefabrication Based Modular Housing: Expectation and Challenge

The building construction industry is on the verge of a massive transformation of construction practices caused by constant pressure to evolve and adapt to increasing global and urban challenges. The neglect of the vernacular building method in the building production process was first realized by using fairly cheap and abundant concrete and reinforced concrete as a substitute for stone and wood, which are the materials of vernacular structures. The world continues to face housing pressures caused by an insufficient inventory of housing units accessible to local residents. This study aims to explore the history of the development of modular-prefabricated construction with a qualitative-histography approach. This goal can be achieved through a series of processes ranging from reviewing relevant literature, discussing findings, and presenting contemporary research themes. The idea of prefabrication was integrated to reinterpret the contemporary sense of dwelling. However, the lack of a concept of knowledge and an understanding of well-defined prefabrications can hinder the integration of methods and theories on the subject. The results of this study show that there is ambiguity regarding the advantages of prefabricated construction practices that are developing today so it becomes a challenge for construction business actors to provide guarantees to the public of the quality of the promised products.