Development Process Research Articles

Research on the Development Process and Prospects of Hong Kong, China's International Financial Center

Research on the Development Process and Prospects of Hong Kong, China's International Financial Center

Strategizing the processes of innovative library development in the digital economy

Strategizing the processes of innovative library development in the digital economy

Jews and Non-Jews in the Budapest Bar Association

Abstract Legal experts and lawyers in particular, had a uniquely important role in the process of state-building and modernization of the Habsburg Empire. After the collapse of the Monarchy, their contribution to the transition from a multinational empire to a nation-state was crucial, too. New states with different political contexts had various impacts on the profession itself and its inner life as well. Chambers were struggling to maintain their autonomy against the state, and at the same time, radically anti-Semitic ideologies were emerging within the profession and eventually came into power. This group of professionals could serve as an excellent proxy to study the complex process of social, political, and cultural developments of the elites from the imperial to interwar years and also to explore encounters between Jews and non-Jews and their changes. This paper aims to reexamine the success of the social integration of Jews in the legal profession, particularly among lawyers and the Budapest Bar Association.

Psychomatics-A Multidisciplinary Framework for Understanding Artificial Minds.

Although large language models (LLMs) and other artificial intelligence systems demonstrate cognitive skills similar to humans, such as concept learning and language acquisition, the way they process information fundamentally differs from biological cognition. To better understand these differences, this article introduces Psychomatics, a multidisciplinary framework bridging cognitive science, linguistics, and computer science. It aims to delve deeper into the high-level functioning of LLMs, focusing specifically on how LLMs acquire, learn, remember, and use information to produce their outputs. To achieve this goal, Psychomatics will rely on a comparative methodology, starting from a theory-driven research question-is the process of language development and use different in humans and LLMs?-drawing parallels between LLMs and biological systems. Our analysis shows how LLMs can map and manipulate complex linguistic patterns in their training data. Moreover, LLMs can follow Grice's Cooperative principle to provide relevant and informative responses. However, human cognition draws from multiple sources of meaning, including experiential, emotional, and imaginative facets, which transcend mere language processing and are rooted in our social and developmental trajectories. Moreover, current LLMs lack physical embodiment, reducing their ability to make sense of the intricate interplay between perception, action, and cognition that shapes human understanding and expression. Ultimately, Psychomatics holds the potential to yield transformative insights into the nature of language, cognition, and intelligence, both artificial and biological. Moreover, by drawing parallels between LLMs and human cognitive processes, Psychomatics can inform the development of more robust and human-like artificial intelligence systems.

Acid Strength Effects on Dimerization during Metal-Free Catalytic Dioxygen Reduction.

Development of earth-abundant catalysts for the reduction of dioxygen (ORR) is essential for the development of alternative industrial processes and energy sources. Here, we report a transition metal-free dicationic organocatalyst (Ph2Phen2+) for the ORR. The ORR performance of this compound was studied in acetonitrile solution under both electrochemical conditions and spectrochemical conditions, using halogenated acetic acid derivatives spanning a pKa range of 12.65 to 20.3. Interestingly, it was found that under electrochemical conditions, a kinetically relevant peroxo dimer species forms with all acids. However, under spectrochemical conditions, strong acids diminish the kinetic contribution of this dimer to the observed rate due to lower catalyst concentrations, whereas weaker acids were still rate-limited by the dimer equilibrium. Together, these results provide insight into the mechanisms of ORR by organic-based, metal-free catalysts, suggesting that balancing redox activity and unsaturated character of these molecules with respect to the pKa of intermediates can enable reaction tuning analogous to transition metal-based systems.

Elucidating biofouling development and succession in membrane distillation using treated effluent

Biofouling in membrane distillation (MD) has several repercussions, including reduced efficiency of the MD process and limiting membrane life. Additionally, the evaluation of MD biofouling using treated effluents from wastewater treatment plants remains an unexplored area. Thus, biofouling formation and development in a long term MD process (15 days) using treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant was explored in this study. The results revealed that flux decline occurred in four phases: i) initial decline (0-1 d), ii) gradual decline (1-5 d), iii) progressive decline (5-10 d), and iv) rapid decline (10-15 d). Liquid Chromatography-Organic Carbon Detection (LC-OCD) analysis demonstrated that the treated effluent contained humic-like substances, which deposited on the membrane surface in phase 1. Whereas biopolymers development on the membrane surface in phase 2 and 3 was linked to biofouling. Microbial community analysis revealed that the initial colonisers were predominantly thermophilic bacteria, which were different from the microbial community of the treated effluent. The biofilm-forming bacteria included Schlegelella, Meiothermus, and Vulcaniibacterium. These microorganisms proliferate and release excessive extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to the development of mature biofilm on membrane surface. This helped in the deposition of organics and inorganics from the bulk feed, which led to microbial community succession in phase 4 with the emergence of the Kallotenue genus. The results suggested that organic substances and microbial communities on membrane surface at different stages in a long-term MD process had a significant influence on MD performance for high-quality wastewater reuse.

Art for art’s sake? Artists as partners in urban regeneration

ABSTRACT Responding to the polarized view of artists either being displaced or co-opted in urban regeneration, this paper unveils a middle ground in which artists also act as partners or co-producers in these processes. We illustrate this intermediary role in property development processes with reference to a case study of the Seaport Innovation District in Boston by drawing upon a survey of resident artists and interviews with artists, planners, architects and economic development specialists. The paper makes two contributions to the literature. It offers a fresh look at the dialectical relationship between cultural and economic modes of production by more fully integrating consideration of artists’ sensibilities and practice with those of a host of built environment disciplinary practices including architects, planners and real estate developers. As a result, it extends extant analysis of urban regeneration-led gentrification from its urban planning, geography and sociology disciplinary roots into the disciplines of architecture and real estate. Our findings lead onto a research agenda centered on consideration of the intermediary roles played by creative and cultural sector actors and how creativity might be captured to positive effect, in the production of the built environment.

Histological study of the development of the digestive system during larval feeding in the pike silverside Chirostoma estor.

Chirostoma estor (Jordan, 1879) is an endemic freshwater species with a high potential for aquaculture; however, as in many other fish, larviculture of this species is the most critical stage, in which the higher mortality rates. Therefore, it is necessary to fully describe the development of the digestive system to establish better feeding protocols in the larval culture of C. estor, both for aquaculture and restoration purposes. In the present study, larviculture was carried out from hatching to 20days after hatching (DAH). The organisms were fed with the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis from 2 to 14 DAH, and nauplii of Artemia sp. from 15 to 20 DAH. A total of 12 organisms (0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 DAH) were taken for size and weight growth and histological and histochemical analysis. The histological analysis indicated that after 3 DAH, the opening of the mouth and anus was observed, coinciding with the beginning of exogenous feeding. In addition, the digestive system developed, with differentiation of the oropharyngeal sections, esophagus, and intestine, folding of the intestinal mucosa, as well as associated organs (liver and pancreas) that reach their maximum development at 20 DAH. Thus, C. estor at this stage of development can digest and absorb nutrients despite being an agastric fish. The results obtained in this study will facilitate a better understanding of the ontogenetic morphophysiological development processes, associated with the transition of larvae to exogenous feeding, which ensures a higher percentage of survival during larval development and of course, adds to the diversity ontogenetics of teleostean.

Revolutionary Integration of Artificial Intelligence with Meta-Optics-Focus on Metalenses for Imaging

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances the development of Meta-Optics (MOs), which encompasses advanced optical components like metalenses and metasurfaces designed to manipulate light at the nanoscale. The intricate design of these components requires sophisticated modeling and optimization to achieve precise control over light behavior, tasks for which AI is exceptionally well-suited. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can analyze extensive datasets and simulate numerous design variations to identify the most effective configurations, drastically speeding up the development process. AI also enables adaptive MOs that can dynamically adjust to changing imaging conditions, improving performance in real-time. This results in superior image quality, higher resolution, and new functionalities across various applications, including microscopy, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics. The combination of AI with MOs thus epitomizes a transformative advancement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in imaging technology. In this review, we explored the latest advancements in AI-powered metalenses for imaging applications.

Simulation of predicting atrial fibrosis in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during sinus node recovery time in optical imaging

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, and its development process and prediction of the degree of atrial fibrosis are of great significance for treatment and management. Optical imaging technology provides a new means for non-invasive observation of atrial electrical activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive effect of sinus node recovery time on the degree of atrial fibrosis in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and to provide a basis for the application of optical imaging technology in the study of atrial fibrosis. The study collected clinical and optical imaging data from a group of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and used statistical analysis methods to investigate the relationship between sinus node recovery time and the degree of atrial fibrosis. The research results indicate that there is a significant correlation between the recovery time of the sinus node and the degree of atrial fibrosis, that is, there is a positive correlation between the prolonged recovery time of the sinus node and the aggravation of atrial fibrosis. SNRT can serve as an effective indicator for evaluating atrial matrix and can be applied to predict recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Shortening SNRT through catheter ablation can become an important predictor of effective catheter ablation.

Flavopiridol inhibits adipogenesis and improves metabolic homeostasis by ameliorating adipose tissue inflammation in a diet-induced obesity model

Repositioning of FDA approved/clinical phase drugs has recently opened a new opportunity for rapid approval of drugs, as it shortens the overall process of drug discovery and development. In previous studies, we predicted the possibility of better activity profiles of flavopiridol, the FDA approved orphan drug with better fit value 2.79 using a common feature pharmacophore model for anti-adipogenic compounds (CFMPA). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of flavopiridol on adipocyte differentiation and to determine the underlying mechanism. Flavopiridol inhibited adipocyte differentiation in different cell models like 3T3-L1, C3H10T1/2, and hMSCs at 150 nM. Flavopiridol was around 135 times more potent than its parent molecule rohitukine. The effect was mediated through down-regulation of key transcription factors of adipogenesis i.e. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and their downstream targets, including adipocyte protein −2 (aP2) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Further, results revealed that flavopiridol arrested the cell cycle in G1/S phase during mitotic clonal expansion by suppressing cell cycle regulatory proteins i.e. Cyclins and CDKs. Flavopiridol inhibited insulin-stimulated signalling in the early phase of adipocyte differentiation by downregulation of AKT/mTOR pathway. In addition, flavopiridol improved mitochondrial function in terms of increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in mature adipocytes. In the mouse model of diet-induced obesity, flavopiridol attenuated obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and improved serum lipid profile, glucose tolerance as well as insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, the FDA approved drug flavopiridol could be placed as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of cancer and obesity comorbid patients.

Development and Application of Hydrogen-Based Direct Reduction Iron Process

The conventional iron and steel industry (ISI), driven by coal utilization as its predominant feedstock, constitutes a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen metallurgy presents the opportunity to mitigate carbon emissions in ISI from the origin. Among hydrogen metallurgical approaches, the hydrogen-based direct reduction iron (H-DRI) process stands out for its substantial carbon reduction capabilities and established technological maturity. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of the development and application surrounding the H-DRI process. Firstly, the main chemical reactions of H-DRI and the relevant important parameters are introduced. Subsequently, an overview is provided of several prominent H-DRI processes, including HYL, Midrex, Midrex-H2®, HYL-III, HYL-ZR, BL, and Finmet, elucidating their characteristics through comparative analysis. Moreover, some research results of H-DRI process optimization are summarized. Leveraging insights garnered from globally representative projects exemplifying the industrial deployment of H-DRI technology in recent years, the trajectory of and prospective trends for industrial development in the field of H-DRI processes are explored. Further, prevailing challenges and impediments encountered in the adoption of H-DRI processes are identified, culminating in strategic recommendations tailored towards fostering future advancements. In the long term, the H-DRI process is expected to become a key path to achieve ISI cleaner production.

The Development and Practice of Loose-leaf Textbooks of "Electrical Training" under the Background of "Three Teachings" Reform

This paper focuses on the background of the "Three Teachings" reform and deeply explores the development and practice of the loose-leaf textbook of "Electrical Training". Firstly, it explains the connotation and significance of the "Three Teachings" reform, and points out its key role in promoting educational progress; then it analyzes the existing problems of electrical training textbooks. Next, it details the development process of the loose-leaf textbook, including the content design centered around actual needs and trends, the structural arrangement of flexible combination and convenient update, etc., and uses practical cases to show its remarkable effects and advantages. Finally, it looks forward to its future development trends, such as optimizing the development mechanism, integrating information technology and promoting experience. Generally speaking, this research has important guiding and practical value for the improvement and development of this loose-leaf textbook.

Negative association of atmospheric pollutants with semen quality: A cross-sectional study in Taiyuan, China

BackgroundIn recent decades, the quality of male semen has decreased worldwide. Air pollution has been linked to lower semen quality in several studies. However, the effects of atmospheric pollutants on different semen characteristics have not always been consistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the Air Quality Index (AQI) and six atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3), semen quality, and their key exposure window periods. MethodsThis study included 1711 semen samples collected at the reproductive clinics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan, Shanxi, China, from October 10, 2021, to September 30, 2022. We evaluated the association of AQI and six atmospheric pollutants with semen quality parameters throughout sperm development and three key exposure windows in men using single-pollutant models, double-pollutant models, and subgroup analyses of semen quality-eligible groups. ResultsBoth the single-pollutant model and subgroup analyses showed that PM, CO, and O3 levels were negatively correlated with total and progressive motility. At 70–90 d before semen collection, CO exposure and semen volume (β =-1.341, 95 % CI: −1.805, −0.877, P <0.001), total motility (β =-2.593, 95 % CI: −3.425, −1.761, P <0.001), and progressive motility (β =-4.658, 95 % CI: −5.556, −3.760, P <0.001) were negatively correlated. At 0–9 days before semen collection, CO was negatively correlated with normal morphology (β =-3.403, 95 % CI: −5.099, −1.708, P <0.001). Additionally, the AQI was adversely associated with total and progressive motility in subgroup analyses of the semen quality-eligible groups. ConclusionsDuring the entire sperm development process, multiple air pollutants were determined to have an adverse correlation with semen quality parameters. AQI was significant marker for the combined effects of various atmospheric pollutants on male reproductive health.

Orderly and synergistic development of urban-rural integration based on evolutionary game model: A case study in the Jiangxi Province, China

The orderly synergy is crucial to the integrated development of urban and rural areas in China. The orderly synergistic development process can be regarded as a game of balancing the interests of rural and urban areas. Therefore, numerical simulations with scenario analysis using the evolutionary game approach are conducted to investigate the orderly synergistic development of urban-rural integration. The results show that: (1) The values of orderly synergistic benefits of urban-rural integration are negatively correlated with the Nash equilibrium values at the municipal and provincial levels. (2) The orderly synergistic benefits of policy and market environments have different strategic choices and behavioral constraints for both urban and rural areas. (3) The benefits of “market-oriented” urban-rural choices are greater than those of “policy-oriented” directions. At the municipal level, the main factors influencing the choice of a “market-oriented” direction are the increased benefits of water resources, land resources, rural population mobility, and urban innovation factors. while at the provincial level, all factors lead to urban-rural trends in a “policy-oriented” direction.

Co-designing with high-performance athletes and stakeholders: The AHEAD intervention for personal development

The overall purpose of this study was to describe the development of a personal development intervention for high-performance sport. More specifically, the primary objective of the study was to present the results of the co-design phases of the intervention development process. The academic research team initiated the process of intervention development, informed by a grounded theory and using a logic model and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist for Population Health and Policy (TIDieR-PHP). During the co-design phases of intervention development, 28 participants (15 athletes, 8 coaches, 5 technical leaders) were engaged via focus groups or individual interviews. We used qualitative description methodology and analyzed data using an abductive content analysis procedure. Participant engagement helped inform the development of the intervention logo, activity bank, delivery format, scheduling, and individualized approach. By the end of the development phase, the intervention comprised five personal development strategies: self-awareness, goal setting, reflecting, perspective-taking, and evaluating.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS IN ANTI-AGING CLINIC USING SWOT APPROACH ANALYSIS AND BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS (BMC) APPROACH

Elderly individuals have a substantial risk of suffering from chronic diseases that require high medical costs, both financially and in terms of time needed. It is important to pay attention to the quality of life of the elderly to reduce the burden of dependency. PT X has opened an Anti-Aging Clinic with the aim of providing services in preventing the decline in cell quality (anti-aging) to enhance the productive activities of the elderly. The main aim of this research is to analyze the SWOT followed by Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Canvas (VPC) analysis. The research method used is descriptive with a qualitative approach, and the data analysis technique uses SWOT including IFAS and EFAS, BMC analysis, and VPC. Data collection techniques include observation with documentary studies and secondary data. The Anti-Aging Clinic is in a hold and maintain position. The results serve as the basis for BMC mapping and VPC determination, especially in improving products and services. From its implementation, key activities are the main key to the clinic's management process that needs to be strengthened through market penetration and product development processes.

Central Bank Digital Currency Development Status and Future Challenges

The development and popularization of digital currency is the inevitable trend of the development of the digital era, and its development speed is relatively fast, and the development potential is large. This paper discusses the connotation and characteristics of digital currency, expounds the definition of digital currency, introduces the use of blockchain as the underlying technology of digital currency, studies the development status of digital currency, divides it into legal currency and non-legal currency and defines and discusses it, at the same time discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by digital currency, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of digital currency. Methods of developing digital currency are discussed at the level of legal protection, regulation, technology and commodity, and academic literature, research reports and policy documents related to digital currency at home and abroad are extensively collected and analyzed to understand the development process and theoretical basis of digital currency. Promote social change and financial innovation, and promote the promotion and dissemination of digital currency, so that digital currency has more development opportunities.

Undergraduate acute care clinical competencies for managing acute care cases in adult patients within a South African in-hospital environment: A modified Delphi Study

IntroductionWith the increase of global population, there has been an increased demand for acute care services both locally and globally. In the absence of an acute care competency-based curriculum in South Africa, this study sought to identify the core competencies required by undergraduate medical students to safely manage adult patients within an acute care setting in a South African hospital environment. MethodologyThe modified Delphi study comprised of three rounds. The traditional Delphi method, which uses the same participants across various rounds, was modified by using different stakeholders across the three rounds. Emergency Medicine (EM) specialist trainees (registrars) generated competencies in round one, which were provided to a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in undergraduate curriculum development in round two, using a 5-point Likert scale for rating their agreement-disagreement. Round three entailed inviting the round one contributors to anonymously comment, via online survey, on the competencies generated in round two. ResultsA total of 34 EM registrars participated during round one and 7 curriculum development experts participated during round two. A total of 120 competencies were identified from the 3-round Delphi study; of these 103 (85.8%) were reached by “Strong Agreement”; 16 (13.3%) reached by “Agreement”; and 1 (0.8%) was undecided. DiscussionThe results of the modified Delphi study contributed to developing a comprehensive list of undergraduate acute care clinical competencies set in a South African context. The value of engaging with medical practitioners at the forefront of delivering acute care in a South African healthcare environment who are exposed on a daily basis to the healthcare needs of society, became evident. The findings of this study highlight and reinforce the importance of contextual relevance during the curriculum development process. ConclusionThe modified Delphi method, based on three iterative rounds and feedback from experts, was effective in reaching consensus on the competencies required by undergraduate medical students to manage acute care adult patients safely within a South African hospital environment.

Knowledge representation to support EMDAP implementation in advanced reactor licensing applications

The Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIKW) pyramid depicts the general principle of a decision-making process. Various levels of abstraction are required to formalize the available data/information/knowledge with respect to the decision being supported. The Evaluation Model Development and Assessment Process (EMDAP) was developed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) to guide the development and assessment of Evaluation Models (EMs) for transient and accident analysis of nuclear power plants under design basis accidents. It concerns the decision of adequacy of an EM with respect to the purpose of analysis (NPP application). However, lack of data, scaling issues, modeling limitations, computation, and experimental overhead are some of the key factors that challenge the EM adequacy decision in EMDAP. Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) which is used for complexity resolution can also introduce noise due to bias and variance in expert opinion and judgment. The uncertainty in the decision due to these issues and challenges can be minimized by enhancing the EMDAP from the DIKW perspective. In this work, we formulate a systematic scheme for knowledge representation, and classification and characterization of evidence to enhance clarity and transparency in the EMDAP implementation. The proposed scheme is governed by the concept of the value of information, where we contextualize, classify, characterize, and evaluate the evidence (relevant data/knowledge/information related to EM development, verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification) with respect to the relevant decision attributes or elements of EMDAP. We make use of the Predictive Capability Maturity Model (PCMM), Argumentation technique, and process quality assurance for knowledge representation to support EMDAP implementation in advanced reactor licensing applications. The main objective of the proposed scheme is to support decision-making by making it more transparent, traceable, and accountable. The illustration of the proposed scheme is provided using a system simulation code (SAS4A/SASSYS-1) as the primary EM and a generic sodium fast reactor under loss of flow accident as the target reactor application.EMDAP involves different elements that require expert input and insights. However, the process of expert elicitation may require significant resources and time. To address these issues, we identify generative artificial intelligence models as potential tool which (after systematic testing and capabilities analysis) can be used for domain specific expert elicitation and information extraction for efficient implementation of EMDAP.