Renewal Process Research Articles

Digital Gig Work Under Unstable Energy Infrastructures: Invisible Workarounds and Alternative Imaginaries

Digital upskilling and remote work are frequently presented as pathways for displaced communities who face political, economic crises and employment barriers. The viability and stability of available energy infrastructures for these communities is critical to the long-term success of these proposed job trajectories. In this paper, we investigate how 17 Syrian refugees living in Lebanon navigate their local unstable energy infrastructures to conduct digital gig work and receive digital training. We found that digital gig work and training are workarounds to the political and social inaccessibility of local labor markets for refugees and that participants rely on a series of material energy strategies to optimize their electricity access. We argue that to support refugees conducting digital gig work and training, we must recognize and account for ecological, social, and technological limitations and frailties in the development of technological solutions and draw our attention to how infrastructures are perpetually undergoing processes of breakdown, repair, and renewal. We argue that this attention to ongoing transformation and renewal creates new opportunities for productive and creative reconfiguration as well as modes through which CSCW may intervene in unstable energy contexts. From this perspective, we emphasize the importance of better resourcing displaced communities with information regarding energy access and supporting them in establishing and strengthening their own visions for alternative energy systems and employment pathways.

Digital twin for decision support system of industrial utility management

Manufacturing and industrial operations rely heavily on energy that is generated mostly from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which harm the environment and contribute to climate change. Thus, renewable energy is being integrated into industrial processes to lessen environmental effects and reduce fossil fuel usage. However, the renewable source performance process can be greatly affected by disturbances and constraints, such as ambient air temperature and relative humidity, minimum utility consumption, and the total energy required, making effective control difficult. This study proposes a digital twin built with machine learning regression techniques for load demand forecasting as a decision-support system for industrial utility management. From the results, the ensemble tree (ET) model produced the highest accuracy, based on validation and test dataset root mean squared error values of 23.164 and 27.558, respectively, and R2 values of 0.96 and 0.95, respectively. The digital twin and load demand forecasting approaches effectively created an efficient operating schedule for industrial utility management. The ET model had a total error of 23.86%, substantially lower than the average load demand's total error of 65.29%. Therefore, the ET model with weather conditions in four scenarios could be recommended to optimize energy utilization when creating the operating schedule.

Research on Age-Friendly Renewal Design of Community Parks Based on Elderly Participatory Construction: A Case Study of Xinmenkou Community Park Renewal

Age-friendly design embodies a pivotal urban development endeavor in addressing the aging society during China’s urban renewal era. Among the key components of this renewal process, community parks occupy a prominent position, and their adaptation to cater to the older population stands as a significant area of research and development. Drawing upon an analysis of the characteristics and requirements of the senior population, along with factors influencing their participatory construction of community parks, this study proposes methodologies for elderly-involved construction activities encompassing design, planting, maintenance, and activity participation. Capitalizing on a user-centric approach, the study targets three primary aspects—space, facilities, and activities—to proceed with an age-friendly renovation for the Xinmenkou Community Park in Gulou District, Nanjing, China. By introducing tailored zones such as a self-created space zone, a planting experience zone, a voluntary maintenance zone, and an activity participation zone, the design aims to fulfill the aspirations of older residents for the participatory construction of community parks. This innovative scheme revitalizes aging urban communities and presents a fresh perspective for urban renewal strategies.

Transformasi Layanan SIM Nasional Presisi (SINAR) melalui Inovasi Aplikasi Digital Korlantas Polri di SATPAS Colombo Surabaya

The implementation of public services in Indonesia is regulated by Law Number 25 of 2009, namely a series of activities to meet service needs in accordance with regulations for every citizen and resident. This service includes goods, services or administrative services provided by public service providers. In addition, through Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2003 concerning national policies and strategies for developing E-government, communication and information technology is utilized in government processes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration. One form of e-government-based public service innovation introduced by the National Police Chief is the National Police Traffic Corps Digital application in the form of the SINAR Service with the aim of providing more effective and efficient public services in the driving license (SIM) renewal process which can be accessed online. The aim of this research is to describe the Digital Application Innovation of the National Police Traffic Corps in the SINAR (Precision National Driving License) Service at SATPAS Colombo Surabaya. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that: 1) Relative Advantage, This innovation was accepted quickly, even though there were internal challenges related to the applicant's signals and devices. 2) Compatibility, acceptance of innovation is fast, but some people still don't know about SINAR services because socialization is not yet comprehensive. 3) Complexity, innovation is accepted quickly, but there are technical problems such as lag or bugs when uploading photos. 4) Triability, positive and rapid acceptance of the innovation due to internal testing by the development team, Satpas staff, as well as a two-week trial with SIM applicants that successfully identified and fixed problems, ensuring the application meets user needs. 5) Observability, innovation is accepted quickly in society, but there are still deficiencies in data collection on applicant queues by security officers that need to be considered.

Soil moisture determines the consistency of organic matter decomposition in field and lab test patterns

Litter decomposition serves as the primary process for soil organic matter formation and renewal. However, few studies have been conducted to validate field large-scale litter decomposition patterns. In this study, cotton strips and Solanum nigrum were used to explore the decomposition differences between standardized litter and conventional litter, along with the release of heavy metal Cadmium (Cd). The indoor characteristics of organic matter decomposition were further verified. After 6 months of Cd pretreatment, litter was placed on the surface of soil collected from 15 sites across the China for 3 months of lab tests. The results indicated that the decomposition rates of both litter types were regulated by soil moisture and generally showed a trend of deceleration from east to west, consistent with the field decomposition pattern. In addition, the mass loss of cotton strip was significantly lower than S. nigrum due to the higher Cd concentration. With the decomposition process, both litter types showed a decreasing trend in Cd concentration, especially the cotton strip. Interestingly, our study found soil factors had the highest relative influence on decomposition. A higher soil microbial moisture use efficiency in the mid-latitude region during litter decomposition may be attributed to the adaptability of microorganisms. Our research demonstrated the consistency of lab test patterns with the field experiments, emphasizing the distinctions between standardized and conventional litter. This study not only revealed the influence mechanism of soil moisture and Cd on litter decomposition rate but also emphasized the important role of microorganisms in the litter decomposition process, which provided a new perspective for a deeper understanding of the ecosystem carbon cycle and heavy metal pollution.

Revolutionizing Islamic Religious Education: Transforming Paradigms from Al-Azhar in Anticipation of the Future

Islamic religious education has undergone a substantial metamorphosis over time, reflecting the dynamics of societal development and the changing demands of the era. This article delineates the journey of the Islamic religious education revolution through paradigm shifts that occurred at Al-Azhar, a prominent institution of higher education in the Islamic world. Through a deep historical analysis, this article explores the significant steps taken by figures such as Muhammad Ali Pasha, Muhammad Abduh, and Muhammad Rashid Rida in bringing about changes to the Al-Azhar curriculum. The process of renewal not only encompasses the integration of modern elements from the West but also involves responding to the challenges of the times. This article details the role of Al-Azhar in creating a new foundation that enables Islamic religious education to face the future more dynamically and relevantly

Effect of the Reactor Material on the Reforming of Primary Syngas

Syngas, mostly hydrogen and carbon monoxide, has traditionally been produced from coal and natural gas, with biomass gasification later emerging as a renewable process. It is widely used in fuel synthesis through the Fischer–Tropsch (FT) process, where the H2/CO ratio is crucial in determining product efficiency and quality. In this sense, this study aimed to reform an emulated syngas resulting from the supercritical water gasification of biomass, tailoring it to meet the H2/CO ratio required for FT synthesis. Conditions resembling dry reforming were applied, using temperatures from 600 to 950 °C and steel wool as a catalyst. Additionally, the effects of Inconel and stainless steel as reactor materials on syngas reforming were investigated. When Inconel was used, H2/CO ratios ranged between 1.04 and 1.84 with steel wool and 1.28 and 1.67 without. When comparing reactions without steel wool performed either in the Inconel or the stainless steel reactors, those using Inconel consistently outperformed the stainless steel ones, achieving CH4 and CO2 conversions up to 95% and 76%, respectively, versus 0% and 39% with stainless steel. It was concluded that the Inconel reactor exhibited catalytic properties due to its high nickel content and specific oxides.

Reimagining crisis management with an organizational learning framework

AbstractTechnological advancements have altered the landscape of crisis management, making many crises potentially preventable and controllable. Moreover, these technological advancements have provided opportunities for organizations to implement an informed learning approach in crisis responses. The interconnectedness and complementary aspects of three theories within crisis management, including the situational crisis communication theory's base crisis response strategies, image repair theory's corrective action, and discourse of renewal theory's organizational learning, were assessed and integrated into a proposed framework for understanding a comprehensive approach to crisis management. In this research, technology is regarded as both an asset for facilitating organizational learning (e.g., informed decision‐making through data analytics), and a potential source of challenges in crisis communication (e.g., Zoombombing and negative social amplification). The proposed framework aims to bridge proactive risk and reactive crisis management efforts through organizational learning. Findings from this 4 × 2 between‐subjects experimental design study explore the effectiveness of organizational learning to address crisis responsibility in an evolving technological landscape.

Manual Madness: Challenges of Contract Renewal in Campus Vending Machine Business

The vending machine industry has evolved from conventional to connected machines. Vending machines are currently in wide use and typically involve a remote machine holding a plurality of products or items to be dispensed after receiving money from a purchaser. The industry has gone beyond just delivering snacks and is developing new and sophisticated retail solutions for both large and small companies. In this study, a qualitative inquiry was conducted in one of the branch universities of the largest public universities in Malaysia. A total of three vending machine entrepreneurs were qualitatively interviewed individually. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to find a common theme. As a result, three challenges were identified: using a lot of paper, being time-consuming, and having no alert process. Contract renewal is significant and should not be taken for granted and it is a far-sighted move for a business manager to use the most efficient process from start to end. The respondent agreed that the current renewal process is redundant and time-consuming. Therefore, the researchers proposed to all the parties to reduce the hassle of renewing the contract. Based on this research, the authority department in public or private universities can develop an innovation in monitoring systems to improve the process. The results can provide suitable coping strategies for business owners to have the best practices for a contract renewal mechanism.

High-Precision Numerical Investigation of a VAWT Starting Process

For both conventional and renewable energy conversion processes, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to address more energy-related challenges in recent decades. Using CFD to investigate vertical-axis wind turbines has become more common in recent years. The main goals of this application have been to more accurately predict the turbine’s performance and to comprehend the complicated nature of the complex turbulent flow. The vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) simulation for energy-generating applications has several intricate components. One of them is the study of the chaotic flow that occurs during the first stages of the starting process, and which greatly influences overall effectiveness. In this article, the performance of the wind turbine was increased using a passive flow control approach. The numerical research was carried out using Large Eddy Simulation for four alternative tip speed ratios in both cases, the classic and the optimized case, equipped with a vortex trap on the extrados of the blades. The power and torque coefficient variations, as well as the velocity magnitude contours, show that the starting process may begin with a significant improvement in efficiency when flow control is used.

Rhythm and shift frequency of strategic renewal in Indonesian firm performance

PurposeThis study aims to explore how manufacturing firms in emerging economies can effectively adjust the rhythm and shift frequency between exploitation and exploration renewal. The authors also examine how these strategic adjustments can significantly boost firm performance, offering insights into the dynamic process of strategic renewal.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes annual reports of 127 Indonesian manufacturing firms from 2014 to 2019, applying both linear and curvilinear regression models to examine the hypotheses. Data on exploration and exploitation renewal were meticulously gathered using computer-aided text analysis, using targeted keywords to identify strategic renewal efforts.FindingsThe study shows that a rather irregular balance rhythm between exploitation and exploration renewal surprisingly enhances firm performance. A curvilinear relationship emerges as performance peaks when the shift frequency of renewal occurs about three times. This relationship optimizes the strategic renewal processes, emphasizing that firms need to remain agile and adaptable in today’s dynamic market environment.Originality/valueThis study leverages organizational learning to assess how the paradoxical dimensions of exploration and exploitation renewal impact firm performance. By focusing on the temporal transition of these tensions, it provides insights into optimizing the rhythm and shift frequency of renewal, transitioning from a static to a dynamic accord.

A proton-coupled electron transfer process from functionalized carbon dots to molecular substrates: the role of pH.

Multiple electron and proton transfers in nanomaterials pose significant demands and challenges across the various fields such as renewable energy, chemical processes, biological applications, and photophysics. In this context, pH-responsive functional group-enriched carbon dots (C-Dots) emerge as superior proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) agents owing to the presence of multiple functional groups (-COOH, -NH2, and -OH) on the surface and redox-active sites in the core. Here, we elucidate the 2e-/2H+ transfer ability of carboxyl-enriched C-Dots (C-Dot-COOH) and amine-enriched C-Dots (C-Dot-NH2) with molecular 2e-/2H+ acceptor (benzoquinone, BQ) as a function of pKa, facilitated by the formation of new O-H bonds. The ground state and excited state pKa values of different functional groups on the surface of C-Dots are determined using steady-state absorbance and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The optical spectroscopy and electrochemical studies are employed to comprehend the influence of the surface and core of C-Dots on the proton and electron transfer processes as a function of pH. The cyclic voltammetry analysis reveals a standard Nernstian shift in E1/2 per pH unit of 30 mV, indicating that the functionalized C-Dots hold promise as candidates for the 2e-/2H+ transfer process. The calculated bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of the electroactive O-H/N-H bonds provides a more nuanced and detailed understanding of PCET thermodynamic landscapes. These findings underscore the potential of nanoscale functionalized C-Dots for facilitating multiple PCET reactions in future energy technologies.

Numerical Analysis and Safety Assessment of the Former Site of Shanghai South Downtown Library Reinforced by U-Steel During Integral Translation

ABSTRACT The utilization of overall translation techniques in buildings offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, shortened construction timelines, and environmental sustainability. These techniques are increasingly being employed for the conservation and renovation of existing historic structures. Taking the former site project of the South Downtown Library in Shanghai, which requires the overall translation due to the requirements of urban renewal, as an example, a systematic detection and identification of the damage and safety states of the overall structure were conducted. The damaged condition and overall structural safety were evaluated, and the corresponding reinforcement and repair suggestions were proposed. The former site of the library, a brick-timber mixed structure, was reinforced using U-steel through internal support and external pulling. The structure was also lifted and translated using the overall translation technique. The displacement responses of the key parts of the structure were monitored using the displacement sensors during the translation. The detailed finite element model of the former site of the Shanghai south downtown library, strengthened by U-steel, was established using the ABAQUS. The displacement responses of the structure’s key components during the jacking and translation were analyzed, and compared with the actual monitoring results. Good agreements were observed between the model predictions and test results. Utilizing the validated finite element model, parametric analyses were carried out. The effects of the rate of jacking and translation as well as the ground flatness on the displacement responses of a structure were analyzed, the mechanical and safety states of the structure reinforced with U-steel were further evaluated. This study can provide a reference for the overall translation technique and safety assessment of similar historic buildings in the urban renewal processes.

Unveiling and explaining the procedural justice in the policy design of renewable energy siting process in the United States

Unveiling and explaining the procedural justice in the policy design of renewable energy siting process in the United States

How Green Space Justice in urban built-up areas affects public mental health: a moderated chain mediation model.

Green and blue spaces, as crucial components of urban ecosystems, significantly impact the physical and mental health of residents. However, the mechanisms through which Green/Blue Space Justice influence residents' health remain unclear. This study aims to explore the impact of green spaces on public psychological responses, physical activity, and mental health from a justice perspective, and to examine the moderating role of blue spaces in this relationship. The research was conducted in selected communities within the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration in Hunan Province, China. A total of 801 valid questionnaires were collected through field visits and online surveys. The study uses an improved Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method to assess green space accessibility. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation effect analysis to reveal the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that Green Space Justice has a significant positive impact on psychological responses, physical activity, and mental health; psychological responses and physical activity play crucial mediating roles between Green Space Justice and mental health; and Green Space Justice significantly affects mental health through a chain mediation path involving psychological responses and physical activity. Moreover, Blue Space Justice significantly moderates the impact of Green Space Justice on psychological responses and physical activity, but does not have a significant direct impact on mental health. This study enriches the theory of Green Space Justice by revealing the mechanisms through which it influences mental health via psychological responses and physical activity. It provides a scientific basis for the development of healthy cities. Additionally, it recommends that urban planning should prioritize the equitable distribution and high accessibility of both green and blue spaces to comprehensively enhance residents' physical and mental well-being. Policymakers should consider prioritizing the accessibility of high-quality green spaces for vulnerable communities during urban renewal and expansion processes to reduce social health inequalities and promote broader public health outcomes.

A Review of Renewable Energy Powered Seawater Desalination Treatment Process for Zero Waste

Freshwater resources have faced serious threats in recent decades, primarily due to rapid population growth and climate change. Seawater desalination has emerged as an essential process to ensure a sustainable supply of freshwater to meet the global demand for freshwater. However, this approach has some shortcomings, such as the disposal of brines containing high levels of contaminants creating environmental problems, and the energy-intensive nature of desalination, primarily powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, as a solution, the zero liquid discharge approach has been identified by the body of research to be one of the viable methods to solve these problems. Over 90% of freshwater and reusable salts could be recovered through this approach. Adopting renewable energy-powered systems could make zero-liquid discharge desalination plants operate in an entirely environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. This review explores the integration of renewable energy-powered systems for the optimisation of seawater desalination treatment processes for zero-waste and improved productivity. The review also examines technologies and strategies that improve the efficiency and sustainability of desalination systems. By analysing recent research, we provide insights into the advancements, challenges, and prospects for optimizing renewable energy-powered seawater desalination processes aimed at achieving zero waste.

Hawkes Models and Their Applications

The Hawkes process is a model for counting the number of arrivals to a system that exhibits the self-exciting property—that one arrival creates a heightened chance of further arrivals in the near future. The model and its generalizations have been applied in a plethora of disparate domains, though two particularly developed applications are in seismology and in finance. As the original model is elegantly simple, generalizations have been proposed that track marks for each arrival, are multivariate, have a spatial component, are driven by renewal processes, treat time as discrete, and so on. This article creates a cohesive review of the traditional Hawkes model and the modern generalizations, providing details on their construction and simulation algorithms, and giving key references to the appropriate literature for a detailed treatment.

From Sucre to Santo Domingo (1972-1992)

This piece will deal with the History of the Church in Latin America from 1972 to 1992. This period covers twenty years that unite the XIV Assembly of the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) in Sucre (Bolivia) to the IV General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic).2 From 1968 to 1972, the Latin American Church was led by CELAM, which had undergone an enormous process of prophetic renewal. In Sucre, CELAM would change its path forward and, with this, begin a period of conflict that continues into the beginning of the twenty-first century.

From public policy towards the green energy transition: Do economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity matter?

The green energy transition is essential to addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable development, yet it faces numerous challenges related to securing financing, implementing effective public policies, and improving material efficiency. This study aims to elucidate the complex interaction of these factors by investigating the impact of economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity on the green energy transition in OECD countries for the period 1995-2020. Despite widespread theoretical discussion, the effects of these factors, which act as drivers for each other, have been neglected. The study contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, 9, and 12 by focusing on affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production. Using the Westerlund and Edgerton cointegration approach, the study finds a long-run relationship between these variables. The long-run estimators, RCCE and AMG, are used to assess the magnitude of this relationship. The results show that increased economic freedom positively affects the green energy transition in the Republic of Korea. In contrast, economic globalization is negatively impacting the transition in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Stricter environmental policies are encouraging green energy adoption in Slovenia and Korea. Material productivity is supporting the green energy transition in both the OECD panel and in individual countries such as the Czech Republic, Spain, and Hungary. The study recommends policy measures to encourage green energy adoption, including establishing industrial standards for recycling, increasing material productivity, and strengthening renewable energy-based production processes. While environmental policies have proven effective in some countries, the overall framework across OECD countries is inadequate. Policymakers are called upon to critically review and improve current policies by balancing the implementation of disincentives that increase costs for polluting activities with subsidies that reduce the financial burden of the green energy transition. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to regulation. Excessive regulation or excessively pro-market policies can hinder the green energy transition. It is therefore important for policymakers to find a middle ground that promotes environmental sustainability while promoting economic freedom.

Challenges faced by international medical graduate (IMG) residents interested in hematology-oncology.

29 Background: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) comprise over one-third of internal medicine (IM) trainees and practicing oncologists in the United States. We aimed to examine challenges faced by IM IMG residents in pursuing hematology-oncology (HO) fellowship positions. Methods: We conducted a pilot survey using SurveyPluto to assess demographics and evaluate visa related challenges amongst ACGME residents interested in HO. The survey was disseminated through the ASCO IMG Community of Practice (CoP), the Heme-Onc Fellows Mentorship Empowerment (H.O.M.E) group and the IMG Oncologists social media homepage (@IMG_Oncologists). Results: A total of 59 IMG residents completed the survey (20% PGY-1, 36% PGY-2 and 44% PGY-3). The majority of trainees (88%) were from community or university-affiliated community programs. J-1 visa was the most common visa type (67.8%). The visa process was rated as difficult or very difficult by 36% of trainees. Annual visa renewal was required by 51% trainees and 55.9% reported visa related impact on plans for research grant applications (Table). The greatest challenges associated with visa status were disruption of travel plans and inability to unite with family (35.6%); obtaining documentation from home country (33.9%); visa renewal (28.8%) and lack of clarity in visa instructions (27.1%). Among resources that respondents wanted better access to, IMG networking groups (81.4%), legal/financial aids (47.5%), institutional visa seminars (45.8%) and flexibility from their program to visit family overseas (45.8%) were identified as priorities. Conclusions: Visa related barriers pose significant challenges to IMGs interested in HO. Policy changes, advocacy work and additional resources could be beneficial for future IMG oncologists. Challenges associated with visa status for hematology/oncology aspirants. Greatest visa related barriers during training % of respondents (n=59) Documentation from home country 33.9% Disruption in travel plans/ inability to unite with family 35.6% Lack of clarity in renewal instructions/ renewal process post document procurement 55.9% Ability to secure grant affected by visa 22% Non-monetary grant aspects affected by visa 13.6% Did not pursue grants due to visa 20.3% Desired resources during residency Institutional visa seminars 45.8% IMG network groups 81.4% Program flexibility to visit family overseas/ legal and financial aids 45.8%/47.5%