Core Product Research Articles

The Impacts of Digital Economy on the Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Digital economy, as a new economic model after agriculture and industrial economy, is rising rapidly and gradually, becoming the main economic form of current society. This economic model is based on Internet information technology and regards big data as a core production factor. The digital economy contributes significantly to resource allocation optimization and the transformation of traditional sectors through precise identification and deep integration of data resources. In the meantime, small and medium-sized businesses, which are a significant component of the national economy, consistently hold a significant position in employment and technical innovation. The trend of small and medium-sized businesses going digital has become unavoidable in order to keep up with the growth of the digital economy. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the digital economy affects small and medium-sized businesses' digital transformations and to examine the relationship, present state, and difficulties between the two. The specific effects of the digital economy on the transformation of small and medium-sized businesses from the perspectives of production process, operation management, and product services, as well as the opportunities and difficulties posed by digital transformation, are then discussed in order to offer helpful resources and motivation for this process.

Distribution characteristics, sources and risk assessment of heavy metal(oid)s in road dust from a typical lead-zinc mining area in South China.

Although the construction of green mines has effectively reduced soil pollution issues, dust contaminants continue to pose potential risks to human health and environment. This study investigated the concentrations, sources, and human health risks of metal(oid)s present in road dust across different functional zones of the largest lead-zinc mine in Guangdong Province, China, namely the Fankou lead-zinc mine. First, a systematic collection of 45 dust samples from six functional zones was conducted, focusing on the concentrations of ten heavy metal(oid)s (HMs), including As, Cd, Pb, and Zn etc. The results indicate that mining and smelting activities at the Fankou lead-zinc mine dictate the accumulation and distribution of HMs in the dust across the various functional zones. Except for Mn, Cr, and Thallium (Tl), the concentrations of other HMs significantly exceed the soil background values. These HMs primarily originate from mixed sources, including natural, traffic, and industrial activities. In particular, the presence of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the dust resulted in moderate to severe pollution, posing extremely high potential ecological risks. Furthermore, the bioavailable concentrations of HMs in the dust were analyzed using two in vitro gastrointestinal simulation methods: Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) and Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET), allowing for a further assessment of metal bioavailability and estimation of (non)carcinogenic risk probabilities for humans. The bioaccessible heavy metal contents extracted through SBET and PBET were relatively low, with most samples exhibiting bioaccessibility below 40%. In comparison to the total concentrations of HMs in the dust, the estimated non-carcinogenic risks (HQ and HI) and carcinogenic risks (CR) associated with bioavailability (PBET and SBET) for As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Pb, and Zn were significantly reduced, falling within safe values for both adults and children. However, the carcinogenic risk posed by total As remains a concern for local adults and children, indicating that the potential carcinogenic risk of As should not be overlooked. Therefore, additional protective measures should be considered to reduce resident exposure to dust, particularly in the core production areas of the mining district.

Overview of Operational Global and Regional Ocean Colour Essential Ocean Variables Within the Copernicus Marine Service

The Ocean Colour Thematic Assembly Centre (OCTAC) of the Copernicus Marine Service delivers state-of-the-art Ocean Colour core products for both global oceans and European seas, derived from multiple satellite missions. Since 2015, the OCTAC has provided global and regional high-level merged products that offer value-added information not directly available from space agencies. This is achieved by integrating observations from various missions, resulting in homogenized, inter-calibrated datasets with broader spatial coverage than single-sensor data streams. OCTAC enhanced continuously the basin-level accuracy of essential ocean variables (EOVs) across the global ocean and European regional seas, including the Atlantic, Arctic, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Black seas. From 2019 onwards, new EOVs have been introduced, focusing on phytoplankton functional groups, community structure, and primary production. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of the OCTAC catalogue from 2015 to date, evaluates the accuracy of global and regional products, and outlines plans for future product development.

Exploring the biosynthesis potential of permafrost microbiomes

BackgroundPermafrost microbiomes are of paramount importance for the biogeochemistry of high latitude soils and while endemic biosynthetic domain sequences involved in secondary metabolism have been found in polar surface soils, the biosynthetic potential of permafrost microbiomes remains unexplored. Moreover, the nature of these ecosystems facilitates the unique opportunity to study the distribution and diversity of biosynthetic genes in relic DNA from ancient microbiomes. To explore the biosynthesis potential in permafrost, we used adenylation (AD) domain sequencing to evaluate non-ribosomal peptide (NRP) production in permafrost cores housing microbiomes separated at kilometer and kiloyear scales.ResultsPermafrost microbiomes represented NRP repertoires significantly different from that of temperate soil microbiomes, but as for temperate soils, the estimated domain richness and diversity was strongly correlated to the bacterial taxonomic diversity across locations. Furthermore, we found significant differences in both community composition and AD domain composition across geographical and temporal distances. Overall, the vast majority of biosynthetic domains showed below 90% amino acid similarity to characterized BGCs, confirming the high degree of novelty of NRPs inherent to permafrost microbiomes. Using available metagenomic sequences, we further identified a high biosynthetic diversity beyond NRPs throughout arctic surface soils down to deep and ancient (megayear old) permafrost microbiomes.ConclusionWe have shown that arctic permafrost microbiomes harbor a unique biosynthetic repertoire rich in hitherto undescribed NRPs. This diversity is driven by geographic separation across kilometer scales and by the bacterial taxonomic diversity between microbiomes confined in separate permafrost layers. Hence the permafrost biome represents a unique resource for studying secondary metabolism, and potentially for the discovery of novel drug leads.

Critical decisions at the early stage of start-ups: a systematic literature review

This systematic literature review (SLR) identifies and ranks the decisions that can be considered critical for entrepreneurs at the early stage of the start-up process. The sample (N = 56) derived from the SLR contained primary publications from the A + and A journals of the VHB-Journal ranking. Deductive and inductive approaches were used to define the critical decision domains. Then, the relevance of the domains was evaluated using the frequency of the selected studies. A key implication for founders is to understand that not all decisions that could be taken in the early stage may be critical for success. Most critical seems to invest time and effort in the, what we label the internal business and human core (Core People and Product Definition) and the external business and human core (Market segment selection and Partnerships). This study depicts an integrated view of the fragmented field of critical decisions in the context of early-stage start-ups by using a SLR. Thus, it creates value for theory-building and practitioners in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Resilience assessment of the aircraft manufacturing core products supply chain: the international trade network perspective

Resilience assessment of the aircraft manufacturing core products supply chain: the international trade network perspective

An Innovative Perspective for Constructing Cultural and Creative e-Commerce Platforms: Integrating Insights from ICDT Theory and Brand Personality

Thriving in competitive business environments requires innovation, especially within cultural and creative-based e-commerce platforms. This study examines the application of two prominent theories, ICDT theory and brand personality, in assessing new business models. Focusing on 479 respondents from Taiwan, this research explores how the implementation of ICDT and brand personality in cultural and creative e-commerce influences customer behavior. Statistical analyses and the Smart PLS method are adopted to identify the significance of and relationships between the variables in the structural equation model. The profound influence of the ICDT model is evident in the emergence of virtual information space, virtual communication space, and virtual transaction space. Brand personality traits underscore the significance of intellectual excellence, M-type traits, seeking innovation and change, and stable reliability in shaping customer values. This research enriches the literature by emphasizing the essential role of innovative technologies and brand issues integrated with core product attributes for successful consumer acceptance in the fiercely competitive landscape of e-commerce platforms.

Big data development and labor income share: Evidence from China's national big data comprehensive pilot zones

In the midst of the rapid development of the digital economy, data has emerged as a new core production factor. It not only creates value for producers but also benefits the majority of ordinary workers, playing a crucial role in optimizing income distribution and promoting common prosperity. Utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2021, this study evaluates the impact of big data development on the labor income share of enterprises, employing the establishment of China's national big data comprehensive pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment. Additionally, it examines the heterogeneity of this impact across regional, industry, and firm levels. The findings reveal that big data development significantly increases the labor income share of firms, mainly through mitigating labor mismatch, improving innovation capability, and upgrading human capital. Heterogeneity analysis shows that big data development exerts a stronger effect on eastern and labor-rich regions, high-tech and non-labor-intensive industries, big-data industries and low-competition industries, as well as state-owned and mature enterprises. This study provides policy insights on fully harnessing the benefits of big data pilot policy to increase labor income share, with important implications for developing countries.

Development and prospect of the acetylene production chain based on the process systems engineering: a focus on the polyvinyl chloride production

Abstract With the shortage of international oil resources and rising oil prices, the acetylene chemical industry has been revitalized. As an important basic raw material in the petrochemical industry, it can produce many chemical products and extend the acetylene production chain. Firstly, the production, conversion, and utilization of acetylene are outlined. Subsequently, this paper focuses on reviewing the core production process routes and the corresponding research progress in the acetylene production chain and points out the development trends of the domestic acetylene downstream conversion. Then, considering that acetylene is produced by calcium carbide technology in Ningdong and the extended downstream polyvinyl chloride industry chain is a large energy consumer and the focus of environmental safety monitoring, the entire process from coal-based calcium carbide acetylene production to polyvinyl chloride synthesis is elaborated from the perspective of process systems engineering. The resource utilization status and bottlenecks in the process are declared, and the direction of process improvement and optimization is proposed. Finally, the entire acetylene production chain is briefly analyzed and reviewed.

Microalgae-Based Crop Support Technologies Show Multifaceted Promise Well-Suited to Looming Threats

This review summarises the available evidence on the prospects for using microalgae or their extracts to support crop production. The evidence is limited but suggests technological promise in several distinct ways, namely, higher core productivity, enhanced resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and better-quality produce. The different efficacy pathways of these microalgal technologies were examined to assess their scope to help address key farmer priorities. Their scope to help farmers face climate change and land degradation was a particular focus, given the magnitude of these threats. These microalgal technologies are framed in terms of their pertinence to farmer priorities due to the centrality of farmers to food systems. Notably, farmers’ technology adoption decisions are key to food system outcomes. The findings reported suggest that these crop support technologies could potentially deliver major benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment. For the moment, however, this emerging literature remains largely neglected. Possible reasons for this are considered, as are potential ways forward. The review focuses particularly on the two most researched and widely available microalgae, the genera Arthrospira and Chlorella, in the interest of highlighting options farmers could adopt rapidly while research on the wider body of microalgae-based crop technologies continues.

Study on the differentiation of sensory quality of mainstream Jiang-flavor baijiu in the Chinese market based on Pivot Profile.

Jiang-flavor baijiu (JFB) is a prominent type of Chinese baijiu, known for its unique flavor attributes, sensory experience, and high tasting value. Previous research has mainly focused on the detection and identification of its flavor substances, but in-depth studies on the precise sensory description and differentiation of its flavor qualities are still lacking. In this study, a rapid sensory analysis method, Pivot Profile (PP), was applied to 30 mainstream JFBs in the Chinese market, generating 91 sensory attributes with independent definitions, from which 29 main sensory attributes were established that were easy to perceive and descriptive, as well as convenient for transmitting their sensory qualities and distinguishing differences in price and production region, including color (one descriptor), aroma (21 descriptors), taste, and mouthfeel (seven descriptors). The nine key sensory attributes that distinguish JFB quality are as follows: Jiang, Grain, Chen, Qu, Rancid, Acid, Sweet, Fullness, and Harmony. It was found that price was positively correlated with sensory quality, with greater variation in the quality of samples within the medium price range (RMB 500-1000). All samples from MTCQ1 (the core production area of Maotai Town) performed better in sensory quality. In addition, salted vegetable showed a high degree of regional characteristics, concentrated in most of the production regions of Guizhou Province. Aroma attributes were more suitable than taste and mouthfeel as sensory indicators for distinguishing production regions. This study has opened the direction of systematic construction of sensory description of JFB and provided a successful case for the evaluation of Chinese baijiu using novel sensory analysis techniques.

A Study on Enhancing Axial Flux Motor Efficiency Using Cladding Core Technology

With the rise of eco-friendly policies, advanced motor technologies are being developed to replace fossil fuel-based engines in the mobility industry. Axial flux motors, known for their ability to reduce size and increase output torque compared to radial flux motors, require different materials and manufacturing techniques. Specifically, the production of complex stator cores and segmented magnets presents significant challenges, often leading to higher costs. To address this issue, soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials, which offer greater design flexibility, are being explored for use in stator cores. However, soft magnetic composite materials exhibit lower permeability and saturation flux density compared to laminated silicon steel, resulting in reduced output torque and efficiency. This paper investigates the effects of stator geometry on axial flux motor performance and explores cladding core technology, which combines soft magnetic composite materials with silicon steel. By conducting finite element method (FEM) analysis to evaluate the output torque and efficiency based on the shape of the silicon steel within the cladding core, this study proposes an optimized cladding core design to enhance the efficiency and output torque of axial flux motors.

Imports and the CO2 emissions of firms

We explore how importing of intermediate goods affects the carbon intensity of firms in the Swedish manufacturing sector. By exploiting exogenous shocks to foreign export supply of intermediate goods, we estimate that a 10 percent increase in imports causes a 5.6 percent reduction in carbon intensity. Average carbon intensity among the firms in our sample between 2004 and 2016 decreased by around 50 percent, and our results suggest that import growth accounted for about a third of this decline. Exploring the mechanisms, we find evidence for both a technique effect and a product composition effect. Importing has a positive impact on productivity, scale of production, and abatement investments. It also encourages firms to focus more on their core products. We find no evidence for a pollution haven effect.

Production of high-quality casting cores from lignin-based binders using blow-out method

Production of high-quality casting cores from lignin-based binders using blow-out method

MODEL OF SPARE PARTS INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN THE SUPPLY SYSTEM: THE CASE OF THE ‘OLL TRAK PARTS’ COMPANY

The article identifies the relevance of the problem of optimisation of material reserves of a company and their effective management, as the state of existing reserves has a decisive impact on the competitiveness of the company, its financial condition, and the corresponding performance results. It allows the formulation of the research objective in this development. It is a given that inventory management technology is an integral part of the management system of any manufacturing and trading company. The efficiency of these companies depends on such critical criteria as the number of costs incurred for inventory management. Traditional indicators, such as inventory volume, resource turnover, and continuity of supply, cannot be used in isolation to accurately measure the extent to which an inventory management system is improving since they are part of the overall cost criterion. The article examines scientific developments of theoretical foundations for implementing rational solutions in the supply chain, where the authors use modern research methods and approaches. After analysing these studies, we identify the main problematic issues: determining a rational way of servicing orders by the core production warehouse systems, organising an efficient product supply form, and developing rational inventory management technologies throughout the entire product supply chain. We create a structural model of interaction between the warehouse system of the ‘OLL TRAK PARTS’ company and suppliers and customers, formed with the participation of certain parties in all relevant operations. The structure of stocks accounts for the customer’s needs in a multi-nomenclature offer of spare parts for trucks, cars, and agricultural machinery supplied by ‘OLL TRAK PARTS’. The authors build a mathematical model of spare parts inventory management under limited demand conditions, which considers the following parameters of influence: the period for ordering spare parts, the cost of supplying ordered spare parts, and the cost of storing one unit of spare parts inventory. To achieve maximum measurement accuracy with a minimum number of trials and to maintain the statistical reliability of the results, we develop a full-factor experiment plan for three input parameters with three levels of values, consisting of 27 series of trials. The experiment allowed us to model the change in minimum costs with different order volumes of spare parts. Based on the results of the regression analysis of the obtained values of the estimated indicator, we determined the type of regression model – a linear form with a non-zero coefficient. Keywords: model, warehouse, system, logistics, interaction.

Thermal Properties of 3D-Printed Molds for Light Metal Casting

AbstractBinder Jetting technology is well established for the production of sand molds and cores for foundry use, owing to its flexibility and expansive design capabilities. A wide array of sand, aggregate, and binder combinations is commercially available. Utilizing these types of refractory materials in the casting process presents both technical and economic benefits and drawbacks. For intricate cast components, foundry technologists must assess the thermophysical properties of the mold material systems. With this knowledge, specialized high-performance material combinations may be employed in specific areas of the mold, while more economically viable systems are used for shaping the external mold support. This study primarily focuses on determining the heat capacity and thermal diffusivity and consequently the thermal conductivity using a specially developed analytical method. It investigates three different fundamental aggregates: silica, cerabeads®, and chromite. The result’s range provides an overview of relevant characteristics for the selected material systems. Given that the properties of sand affect heat flow during casting and solidification, these newly determined values can be utilized in future simulations. Consequently, these findings aid in maintaining and enhancing the quality of critically stressed cast parts.

Influential Factors on Diffusion Bonding Strength as Demonstrated by Bonded Multi-Layered Stainless Steel 316L and 430 Stack.

In this study, we optimized the parameters of diffusion bonding on multi-layered stainless steel 316L and 430 stacks. The preparation process for diffusion bonding is crucial, as the bonding surfaces need to be polished and meticulously cleaned to ensure a smooth bonding process. We fabricated twelve-layer plates consisting of 55 mm × 55 mm × 3 mm and 100 mm × 50 mm × 3 mm dimensions, and the bonding response was investigated by evaluating the tensile strength of the bonding zone under varying bonding conditions, with a bonding temperature ranging from 1000 to 1048 °C, a bond time ranging from 15 to 60 min, pressure ranging from 10 to 25.3 MPa, and under a vacuum environment. SS430 exhibits a significantly higher compression creep rate than SS316L. The compressibility of diffusion welding materials does not impact the diffusion bonding strength. Multi-axial tensile strength tests confirmed strong bonding joint strength in various axes. The tensile strengths of monolithic and Diffusion bonding (DB) specimens tested in parallel are essentially identical. The optimized diffusion bonding parameters (Condition G2C: 1048 °C/25.3 MPa/15 min) are ideal for producing SS316L stainless steel cores in compact heat exchangers, offering a superior bonding quality and reduced costs. These findings have practical implications for the production of stainless steel cores in compact heat exchangers, demonstrating the relevance and applicability of our research.

Analysis of the Quality of Community Satisfaction in Public Services in Tanjungpinang Class I State Detention House

This thesis research is entitled: Analysis of the Quality of Community Satisfaction in Public Services at the Tanjungpinang Class I State Detention House. This research was carried out in response to complaints from community members, especially from the families of Correctional Inmates (WBP) at the Class I Tanjungpinang State Detention House (Rutan). The aim of this research is to find out and analyze public satisfaction with public services at the Class I Tanjungpinang State Detention House and to find out and analyze the obstacles to public satisfaction with public services at the Tanjungpinang Class I State Detention House. To answer the problem formulation, researchers used research methods with a qualitative descriptive approach and data analysis techniques based on the theory of Milles & Huberman (2014). Meanwhile, to determine the level of satisfaction in public services. Researchers use indicators based on (Bernes, 2003:71), which describes the level of satisfaction with public services through five criteria, namely: Core Products or Services; Support Services System; Technical Performance; Elements of Interaction with Customers and Emotional Elements. The results of the research show that public satisfaction with the services provided by the management of the Tanjungpinang Class I State Detention House (Rutan) is not satisfactory and does not meet community expectations. It is recommended that the Head of the Tanjungpinang Class I State Detention House provide training to his employees so that they gain skills and are more insightful in carrying out their duties.

The Use of Polyimide as a Bonding Material to Improve the Mechanical Stability, Magnetic and Acoustic Properties of the Transformer Core Based on Amorphous Steel.

The constantly evolving electrification also entails an increase in requirements for the effective and efficient distribution of electricity with the lowest possible power losses. Such needs can be met by highly effective electrical devices, and one of them is a transformer whose main component is a magnetic core. Currently, one of the soft magnetic materials used alternatively for the production of transformer cores are amorphous metal strips with competitive losses. However, to successfully use these materials, a key problem must be solved: limited mechanical stability. The presented article describes the development and application of a polyimide-based binder for efficient bonding of an amorphous metal ribbon. The layered binder was characterized using confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and its anticorrosion and mechanical properties were examined. As a final step, a prototype of a toroidal magnetic core bonded with the binder was manufactured and subjected to the evaluation of no-load loss and the analysis of the emitted noise. It was confirmed that the proposed polyimide binder tremendously improved the mechanical stability while reducing core losses and audible noise.

Reservoir evaluation of dolomitized Devonian strata in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: implications for carbon capture, utilization, and storage

Abstract Differentially dolomitized carbonate strata in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) are increasingly targeted for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), yet few studies have evaluated the petrophysical characteristics of these conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs for this purpose. To address this, this study uses drill-core analysis (sedimentology, diagenesis, pore morphology, and distribution), together with core-plug and production data, to evaluate the properties of five depleted oil and gas fields in the Middle to Upper Devonian Swan Hills Formation, Leduc Formation and Wabamun Group. The Swan Hills and Leduc formations are composed of reef, shoal, and lagoon deposits that are predominantly fossil-rich (e.g., stromatoporoid-dominated rudstones and boundstones). In contrast, the carbonate-ramp deposits of the Wabamun Group are fossil-poor, consisting instead of variably bioturbated carbonate mudstones, wackestones, and packstones. Replacement dolomitization is variable throughout each stratigraphic unit, but generally occurs within fossil-rich and/or heavily bioturbated intervals. Fracture densities are broadly comparable in limestone and dolostone. Porosity in the Swan Hills and Leduc formations is predominantly moldic and vuggy, occurring where fossils (e.g., stromatoporoids) are partially or fully dissolved. Pore space in the Wabamun Group is mostly restricted to intercrystalline porosity in burrows. In general, burial cements (e.g., calcite and dolomite) are volumetrically insignificant and only partially fill pores. Exceptions to this include porosity-occluding cements associated with fractures and breccias in the vicinity of faults. Dolomitization and depositional facies are found to exert a strong control on pore morphology, distribution, and interconnectivity. Porosity is principally controlled by the relative abundance of skeletal grains and by the presence of burrows. These highly porous facies acted as fluid pathways during burial diagenesis, resulting in their preferential dolomitization, solution enhancement of pre-existing pores, and creation of volume reduction-related porosity. The high CO2 storage capacity and low unplanned plume migration risk (due to depositional and/or diagenetic baffles) of dolomitized reefal reservoirs (e.g., Swan Hills and Leduc formations) make them more attractive targets for CCUS than those with limited capacity and/or potential migration pathways (e.g., fault-related fractures and breccias in the Wabamun Group). These results demonstrate that drill-core analysis, in combination with legacy data, can provide valuable insights into the factors that control reservoir CO2 injectivity, plume migration, and storage capacity.