Process Of Micro Research Articles

Release of millions of micro(nano)plastic fragments from photooxidation of disposable plastic boxes

The widespread use of disposable plastic boxes is exacerbating the dangers of microplastics (MPs); however, little is known about the fragmentation behavior of MPs during aging. In this study, the dynamic evolution on the release of micro(nano)plastics and photoaging properties of two disposable plastic boxes (polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS)) were investigated under light irradiation and mechanical abrasion. Results showed that the weight of PP and PS was decreased by 53 % and 100 %, respectively after 60 d of ultraviolet irradiation (UV60). Moreover, a large number of fragmented particles were produced from the combined light irradiation and abrasion, with 0.142 ± 0.006 and 0.141 ± 0.013 million micro(nano)plastics/mL particles from PP and PS boxes, respectively, and the nanometer range (<100 nm) accounted for 70.8 % and 46.8 %. The correlation model of the average size or alteration time versus carbonyl index (CI) was developed, which indicated that the fragmentation behavior was mainly related to the photooxidation, though mechanical abrasion also played a certain enhancing role. Additionally, PS was susceptible to the fragmentation and photooxidation compared to PP possibly since the phenyl ring of PS was more vulnerable to UV attack than the methyl of PP. The findings of this study clarify the dynamic fragmentation process of micro(nano)plastics of disposable plastic boxes and provide useful information to access environmental fate of MPs more holistically.

Challenges in Understanding Electrochemical Growth

Over the past 100 years, electrodeposition has matured to an important method with numerous industrial applications, up to processes in micro- and nanofabrication. Knowledge on electrochemical processes on the atomic scale is still limited, however. While for vapor deposition under vacuum conditions the evolution of the deposit morphology can nowadays be predicted with high precision, a similar predictive understanding of electrodeposition is missing so far. A key issue here is the electrochemical interface where this growth occurs. The structural complexity of this interface on the one hand makes understanding of the elemental processes in nucleation and growth difficult. On the other hand, it is just this complexity that allows to tune electrodeposition processes in ways that are not possible for deposition in vacuum and thus make them attractive for many applications.In this talk, I will discuss current challenges in developing a true microscopic picture of electrodeposition processes, using examples from us and other groups. The focus will be on puzzling experimental observations and fundamental aspects that we do not yet understand and thus provide a rich field for future research. These include the mechanisms of elemental steps in electrochemical growth processes, such as ion transfer, intra- and interlayer surface diffusion, and the resulting development of the deposit morphology. Of particular interest is how these events are influenced by the electric field and electrolyte species in the electrochemical double layer, which is of key relevance for understanding the effects of overpotential and additives. A further challenge is to extend the insights obtained for electrodeposition of metals to the electrochemical growth of compound materials, such as oxides.

Autonomous cycles of data analysis tasks for innovation processes in MSMEs

PurposeThe authors propose the concept of “Autonomic Cycle for innovation processes,” which defines a set of tasks of data analysis, whose objective is to improve the innovation process in micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors design autonomic cycles where each data analysis task interacts with each other and has different roles: some of them must observe the innovation process, others must analyze and interpret what happens in it, and finally, others make decisions in order to improve the innovation process.FindingsIn this article, the authors identify three innovation sub-processes which can be applied to autonomic cycles, which allow interoperating the actors of innovation processes (data, people, things and services). These autonomic cycles define an innovation problem, specify innovation requirements, and finally, evaluate the results of the innovation process, respectively. Finally, the authors instance/apply the autonomic cycle of data analysis tasks to determine the innovation problem in the textile industry.Research limitations/implicationsIt is necessary to implement all autonomous cycles of data analysis tasks (ACODATs) in a real scenario to verify their functionalities. Also, it is important to determine the most important knowledge models required in the ACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem. Once determined this, it is necessary to define the relevant everything mining techniques required for their implementations, such as service and process mining tasks.Practical implicationsACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem is essential in a process innovation because it allows the organization to identify opportunities for improvement.Originality/valueThe main contributions of this work are: For an innovation process is specified its ACODATs in order to manage it. A multidimensional data model for the management of an innovation process is defined, which stores the required information of the organization and of the context. The ACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem is detailed and instanced in the textile industry. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques required for the ACODAT for the innovation problem definition are specified, in order to obtain the knowledge models (prediction and diagnosis) for the management of the innovation process for MSMEs of the textile industry.

Continuum multiscale modeling of absorption processes in micro- and nanocatalysts

In this paper, we propose a novel, semi-analytic approach for the two-scale, computational modeling of concentration transport in packed bed reactors. Within the reactor, catalytic pellets are stacked, which alter the concentration evolution. Firstly, the considered experimental setup is discussed and a naive one-scale approach is presented. This one-scale model motivates, due to unphysical fitted values, to enrich the computational procedure by another scale. The computations on the second scale, here referred to as microscale, are based on a proper investigation of the diffusion process in the catalytic pellets from which, after continuum-consistent considerations, a sink term for the macroscopic advection–diffusion–reaction process can be identified. For the special case of a spherical catalyst pellet, the parabolic partial differential equation at the microscale can be reduced to a single ordinary differential equation in time through a semi-analytic approach. After the presentation of our model, we show results for its calibration against the macroscopic response of a simple standard mass transport experiment. Based thereon, the effective diffusion parameters of the catalyst pellets can be identified.

An Ultra-Micro-Volume Adhesive Transfer Method and Its Application in fL-pL-Level Adhesive Distribution.

This study is aimed at addressing the urgent demand for ultra-micro-precision dispensing technology in high-performance micro- and nanometer encapsulation, connection, and assembly manufacturing, considering the great influence of colloid viscosity and surface tension on the dispensing process in micro- and nanometer scale. According to the principle of liquid transfer, a method of adhesive transfer that can realize fL–pL levels is studied in this paper. A mathematical model describing the initial droplet volume and the transfer droplet volume was established, and the factors affecting the transfer process of adhesive were analyzed by the model. The theoretical model of the transfer droplet volume was verified by a 3D scanning method. The relationships between the transfer droplet volume and the initial droplet volume, stay time, initial distance, and stretching speed were systematically analyzed by a single-factor experiment, and the adhesive transfer rate was calculated. Combined with trajectory planning, continuous automatic dispensing experiments with different patterns were developed, and the problems of the transfer droplet size, appearance quality, and position accuracy were analyzed comprehensively. The results show that the average relative deviation of the transfer droplet lattice position obtained by the dispensing method in this paper was 6.2%. The minimum radius of the transfer droplet was 11.7 μm, and the minimum volume of the transfer droplet was 573.3 fL. Furthermore, microporous encapsulation was realized using the method of ultra-micro-dispensing.

Theoretical Modeling of Composite Micro‐ and Nano‐Fiber Devices and Electronic Information Application Research

With the continuous development of information science and technology, micro‐ and nano‐fiber optic sensing technology has been widely used in the fields of medicine, communication engineering, and environmental monitoring, and fiber optic devices are widely available in the market because of their advantages such as anti‐magnetic interference, corrosion resistance, light weight, high sensitivity, and transmission bandwidth. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intrinsic correlation between micro‐ and nano‐optical fiber devices and electronic information, introduce the fabrication process of micro‐ and nano‐optical fiber, numerical simulations, and corresponding magnetic field experiments, explore the effects of polarization dispersion and polarization‐related dissipation on the system, and enhance the sensing characteristics of micro‐ and nano‐optical fiber through experimental design to maximize its functionality. The experimental results show that the refractive index and magnetic field exhibit a linear relationship with correlation coefficients of 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, when the external magnetic field is between 70 Oe and 300 Oe.

Innovation process of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in greater Jakarta area (perspective from foodpreneurs)

PurposeMicro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a critical part of a country or region’s economy. They have contributed to more than half of Indonesia’s gross domestic product. However, MSMEs today are still getting problems and obstacles in the Indonesian industry. One of them is the lack of knowledge about entrepreneurship that hampers the development of a business and the emergence of innovation. This study aims to understand the innovation process and extend the knowledge regarding entrepreneurship in food and beverage MSMEs in Greater Jakarta Area.Design/methodology/approachThis study is descriptive–associative research. It uses the online survey as a data collection method with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique is purposive sampling with the criteria foodpreneurs from MSMEs in Greater Jakarta Area. The data are measured using Likert scale and analyzed using structural equation modeling-partial least squares.FindingsThe results suggest that centralized decision-making positively impacts collaboration, communication and contributes to innovation. Communication effects the entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship. In terms of collaboration, it affects entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship. Then, the entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship influence innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is only conducted using MSMEs of food and beverages in Greater Jakarta Area as the samples. Hence the results cannot be generalized. Different sectors may have different results.Practical implicationsA centralized decision can be done but limited in certain situations only. Then, foodpreneurs should collaborate and communicate more intensely with their employees. It will impact the harmonious collaboration and collective problem-solving to achieve creative solutions.Originality/valueThere is limited research focusing on foodpreneurs and the innovation process. So, this research results can add to the existing literature review.

The Validation of Various Technological Factors Impact on the Electron Beam Lithography Process

One of the most significant processes in micro- and nanoelectronics technology is Electron Beam Lithography (EBL). This technique maintains a leading role in extremely high-resolution structures fabrication process with micro- and nanometer dimensions down to dozens of nanometers. The EBL is a highly complex process and determining fundamental technological factors that affect the final pattern shape is crucial. One of them is the used lithography system, consisting of a substrate and a polymer layer that affects the electron scattering effects. To obtain the required pattern geometry, it is also necessary to properly select the electron beam parameters for given materials. The aim of this work is to discuss the differences in the exposition process for various accelerating voltage (EHT) values. Additionally, the investigation of geometry features and the impact of the exposure dose and the structure dimensions on the final absorbed energy distribution profile in the resist layer is presented and discussed. Numerical studies, using CASINO software and Monte Carlo method, are presented to compare the energy distribution in the polymer that affects the structure formation in the resist layer.

Photochemical Micro-/Nano-Swelling of Silicone Rubber Induced by Long Pulse-Repetition Interval of an ArF Excimer Laser

Long pulse-repetition intervals of 100 to 500 ms of a 193 nm ArF excimer laser successfully increased the height of the photochemical micro-/nano-swelling of silicone rubber, observed with a scanning electron microscope. The effect of the interval was seen despite the heating of the silicone rubber to 80 °C during laser irradiation. The height of the micro-/nano-swelling was saturated when the laser pulse number was 300 or greater, although each of the saturated heights of the micro-/nano-swelling formed by several pulse-repetition intervals was different. Thus, a second ArF excimer laser irradiated the growing micro-/nano-swelling before the saturation; the saturated height of the growing micro-/nano-swelling could be controlled by the pulse-repetition interval of the second ArF excimer laser. To examine the process of micro-/nano-swelling, an early stage of the growth was observed using an atomic force microscope; a dent structure of the micro-/nano-swelling was clearly recognized. In addition, a needle-like structure of the micro-/nano-swelling could be formed when silica glass microspheres were sparsely aligned.

A Mini Review: Hybridized Electric Discharge Machining

The miniaturization of technology in global current scenario make a necessity to innovate a new technology to meet the requirement. The machining and finishing is animportant operation of any manufacturing process and the miniaturization of technology create a need to invent a machining processes for micro and nanoscale machining for high strength alloys, sensitive material and environment. The hybridization of various conventional and un-conventional machining is the way to satisfy the adversative machining conditions by combining the two or many machining processes. The presented work reviewed the assistance of electric discharge machining (EDM) by various other processes or energy and impact of Laser assistance tomany other process by discussing their positive and deleterious aspects.

Penerapan Strategi “Pair System” untuk Meningkatkan Validitas Penelusuran Lulusan

Tracer study merupakan strategi melacak lulusan agar diperoleh data yang valid, jumlah yang bekerja, wirausaha dan melanjutkan kuliah. Strategi “Pair system” adalah proses pelacakan alumni dengan melibatkan siswa baru mencari pasangan dengan wilayah terdekat guna meningkatkan data lulusan yang lebih update/terkini. Tujuan dari penerapan Pair System dalam penelusuran lulusan untuk mendeskripsikan strategi peningkatan validitas penelusuran lulusan melalui Pair System dan peta kebekerjaan lulusan sesuai kompetensi. Metodenya, siswa baru dipasangkan dengan alumni terdekat, bisa melalui komunikasi digital dan ataupun home visit, selain juga memperoleh informasi, siswa baru memperoleh pengalaman belajar dari alumni. Strategi “Pair System” ini telah melalui proses analisis mikro dan makro sekolah selanjutnya dilakukan analisis SWOT yang memperhatikan kekuatan, kelemahan, peluang dan tantangan serta dijabarkan dalam matrik SWOT. Hasil penerapan strategi penelusuran Pair System diperoleh 72% menjadi 93%, ada kenaikan 21%, sedangkan hasil kebekerjaan lulusan dengan strategi ini 52% menjadi 72%. Kebekerjaan sesuai kompetensi keahlian yakni keahlian Teknik Kendaraan Ringan dari terserap 41% menjadi 72%, Teknik Pemesinan 50% menjadi 70%, Teknik Instalasi Tenaga Listrik dari 33% menjadi 68%, Teknik Audio Video 36% menjadi 68%, desain pemodelan dan informasi bangunan 43% menjadi 52%. Penerapan strategi dapat meningkatkan validitas penelusuran dan kebekerjaan, serta bermanfaat menjalin ikatan kekeluargaan terutama kompetensi, komunikasi dan networking.

Financing woes: estimating the impact of MSME financing gap on financial structure practices of firm owners

PurposeAccessing formal mainstream finance is a cumbersome process for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of emerging economies. Empirical investigations have connected finance accessibility to financing gap that restricts MSMEs from borrowing through formal channels. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of financing gap on firms' financial structure (FS) practices. In this regard, the research framework divides financing gap into four dimensions, namely: demand gap (DG), supply gap (SG), knowledge gap (KG) and empathy gap (EG).Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a quantitative approach to establish the underlying relationship between the variables. The participants of the self-structured questionnaire survey were 219 MSME owners from manufacturing, trading and service industries. The results are inferred through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.FindingsThe findings recognise a significant impact of financing gap on the FS practices of firm owners. The financing constraints contributing to KG, SG and EG are found to be extending the unwillingness of firm owners to borrow through formal channels. Further, the results also confirm the influence of financing gap on the pecking order framework (POF) of MSMEs' FS.Practical implicationsThe study offers the perspective and hesitance of MSME owners towards mainstream financing. The key findings are useful for the financial intermediaries and policymakers, who need to be sensitive and proactive in their small business lending process.Originality/valueThe study adds to the limited evidence of various dimensions of financing gap. It also addresses the role of financing gap on the conscious preferences of MSME owners towards the informal source of financing along with the POF.

Bud Initiation, Microsporogenesis, Megasporogenesis, and Cone Development in Platycladus orientalis

As a native tree species with a strong adaptability, Platycladus orientalis is a species of choice for afforestation and landscaping in northern China. However, it develops mostly male cones and few female cones. In addition, its reproductive characteristics are not yet clear, which limits further breeding work. To systematically clarify the reproductive biology characteristic and fertilization mechanism of P. orientalis, the present study comprehensively investigated the process of micro and macro-sporogenesis in male and female cones from bud initiation to fertilization, and seed development. The specific time in each developmental stage, including bud initiation, microsporogenesis, megasporogenesis, and cone and seed development, was determined, and the abortive phenomenon during development was discovered in both male and female cones. In addition, this research showed that the microspore mother cells were dormant in winter at meiosis stage, and the male gametophyte started to develop when dormancy ended. The tapetum developed normally and belonged to the secretory type. The optimal treatment time for male and female cones transformation by artificial induction was from late June to mid-July. This finding provided a theoretical basis for hybridization, breeding, improvement of seed yield and quality, and artificial induction of male and female cone transformation in P. orientalis.

A Conceptual Approach to Identify Factors Affecting the Digital Transformation of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) during Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

This article aims to identify both internal and external factors that influence the Digital Transformation (DT) process of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic, which hits all countries including Indonesia, forces business entities, including MSMEs, to digitally transform their business process. The government’s policies on physical distancing and Large-Scale Social Restriction in several regions greatly impacts MSMEs’ activities i.e. decreasing demands or sales up to 60%. The government’s support for improving the telecommunications infrastructure and a digital ecosystem plays an essential role in accelerating DT. Besides, the government’s initiative to establish business centers can also promote DT of the MSMEs. Moreover, this article describes the challenges faced by MSMEs in carrying out DT during the pandemic. This article applied a conceptual approach to explore the influential factors, both internal and external factors of DT process for MSMEs. Besides, this article will explain DT of MSMEs based on capability and the ecosystem perspectives. As this article suggests, considering those factors will broaden our understanding of MSMEs’ efforts to digitalise their business. The digital transformation model via business centers establishment can encourage MSMEs to go digital.

The measurement process in micro and small software maintenance companies: empirical study

With the dissemination of quality models and the need for measurement-based management for software organizations, a variety of approaches and models are emerging to support organizations on this journey. According to a Systematic Review of Literature that selected 30 of 692 papers returned from search sources, it was noticed the need for guidelines and guides regarding the measurement process in a specific sector: micro and small companies that work with software maintenance. In this work, an empirical study was carried out to understand how the measurement process aligned with quality models can be implemented in these organizations. The field study followed the implementation of an improvement program based on CMMI® level 2 in 7 Brazilian companies from Maringá, Paraná. Finally, it was found that the process for the definition of a measurement guide can be common to a specific group of companies, taking steps and guidelines for its execution, always aligned with the organization’s strategy, giving top management an objective view work and process, supporting decision making.

On the Limits of Scanning Thermal Microscopy of Ultrathin Films.

Heat transfer processes in micro- and nanoscale devices have become more and more important during the last decades. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based method for analyzing local thermal conductivities of layers with thicknesses in the range of several nm to µm. In this work, we investigate ultrathin films of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), copper iodide in zincblende structure (γ-CuI) and some test sample structures fabricated of silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) using SThM. Specifically, we analyze and discuss the influence of the sample topography, the touching angle between probe tip and sample, and the probe tip temperature on the acquired results. In essence, our findings indicate that SThM measurements include artefacts that are not associated with the thermal properties of the film under investigation. We discuss possible ways of influence, as well as the magnitudes involved. Furthermore, we suggest necessary measuring conditions that make qualitative SThM measurements of ultrathin films of h-BN with thicknesses at or below 23 nm possible.

Proposal of innovation criteria for the selection process of micro, small and medium enterprises projects in the Inovacred Program

Innovation plays a prominent role in development strategies in the world. Developed and emerging countries seek to making innovation policies as the central issue of their economic agenda. In this regard, in Brazil, the Inovacred Program by the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (FINEP) aimed to support innovation projects at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This work proposes innovation criteria to assess the selection process of Inovacred Program projects. Four steps were taken such as from the identification criteria used in the evaluation of entrepreneurial innovation, the characteristics of micro and small companies, and the questionnaires application to collect feedback from experts on the relevance of innovation criteria. As result, were defined two proposals for innovation criteria based on the 29 experts from agencies accredited to Inovacred. Although of differences, both tenders have a significant number of criteria, being considered broad according to the scope of evaluation.

Proposal of innovation criteria for the selection process of micro, small and medium enterprises projects in the Inovacred Program

Proposal of innovation criteria for the selection process of micro, small and medium enterprises projects in the Inovacred Program

Non-traditional and hybrid processes for micro and nano manufacturing

Non-traditional and hybrid processes for micro and nano manufacturing

Linking micro and macroevolution in the presence of migration

Understanding macroevolutionary patterns is central to evolutionary biology. This involves the process of divergence within a species, which starts at the microevolutionary level, for instance, when two subpopulations evolve towards different phenotypic optima. The speed at which these optima are reached is controlled by the degree of stabilising selection, which pushes the mean trait towards different optima in the different subpopulations, and ongoing migration that pulls the mean phenotype away from that optimum. Traditionally, macro phenotypic evolution is modelled by directional selection processes, but these models usually ignore the role of migration within species. Here, our goal is to reconcile the processes of micro and macroevolution by modelling migration as part of the speciation process. More precisely, we introduce an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) model where migration happens between two subpopulations within a branch of a phylogeny and this migration decreases over time as it happens during speciation. We then use this model to study the evolution of trait means along a phylogeny, as well as the way phenotypic disparity between species changes with successive epochs. We show that ignoring the effect of migration in sampled time-series data biases significantly the estimation of the selective forces acting upon it. We also show that migration decreases the expected phenotypic disparity between species and we analyse the effect of migration in the particular case of niche filling. We further introduce a method to jointly estimate selection and migration from time-series data. Our model extends traditional quantitative genetics results of selection and migration from a microevolutionary time frame to multiple speciation events at a macroevolutionary scale. Our results further support that not accounting for gene flow has important consequences in inferences at both the micro and macroevolutionary scale.