Innovative Research Research Articles

Research on the Impact of Digital Transformation on Total Factor Productivity of Manufacturing Enterprises

Using a dataset of Chinese A-share manufacturing listed companies from 2007 to 2022, this study constructs an enterprise digitalization index based on annual report text data and empirically investigates the impact of digital transformation on the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of manufacturing enterprises in China. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances the TFP of manufacturing enterprises through various mechanisms, including stimulating innovative product research and development, fostering innovation capabilities, optimizing resource allocation, and upgrading human capital. Moreover, the study explores the heterogeneity of this impact across different regions and enterprise levels. It is observed that the positive effect of digital transformation is more pronounced for enterprises in the eastern region compared to those in the central and western regions. High-tech enterprises experience a more significant impact than low-tech enterprises, and the effect is more substantial for non-state-owned enterprises compared to state-owned enterprises. Additionally, the impact is more pronounced for enterprises in the growth and maturity stages than for those in the decline stage. This paper also integrates theory with practical reality, offering policy recommendations relevant to manufacturing industry.

Production of cycloalkane-rich fuel by vacuum pyrolysis of mixed waste plastics using combined titanium and aluminum oxide: a preliminary investigation

The mitigation of plastic pollution constitutes one of the major challenges worldwide. Innovative research approaches have been solicited to improve the properties of fuel derived from plastic pyrolysis. The present study looks at the effect on the chemical composition of pyrolysis oil of the application in situ of a mixed metal oxide of titanium and aluminum in vacuum pyrolysis of mixed waste polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The experiment was performed at process parameters of 250 °C temperature, 79.9 Kpa vacuum pressure, and 1:10 catalyst-to-feedstock ratio, first without the mixed metal oxide (parent reaction) and then with the mixed metal oxide (modified reaction). The results showed that the presence of combined titanium and aluminum oxides in the reaction medium accounted for the presence of alkyl-substituted cycloalkanes at an area% of 33.97% in the liquid product, and a calorific value of 11,950 cal/gm was reported for the modified reaction. The parent reaction produced higher liquid and gaseous yields of 28.3% and 43.1% respectively while the modified reaction produced a greater percentage of char (23.8%) and residual wax(36.0%). The fuel properties of the liquid products obtained were equally determined.

Current status and prospects of clinical practice for arteriovenous graft in China

The use of arteriovenous graft (AVG) fails to meet the clinical needs in China, although it is recommended by guidelines to be the alternative access for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Patency and complication incidence of AVG reported by recent research is superior to traditional cognition, and thus AVG should be one of main types of access in our country. Personalized selection of proper patients and grafts may improve the outcomes of AVG. In the future, outcomes of AVG must be further improved by clinical research with accurate personalized selection, basic research of precise molecule target and innovation of graft materials.

Updated evidence on raspberries as functional foods: Anticancer bioactivity and therapeutic implications

AbstractRaspberries (RBs) (Rubus idaeus) are rich in bioactive compounds with promising anticancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the anticancer effects of RBs, highlighting their potential as natural agents in cancer prevention and therapy. Bioactive compounds in RBs induce apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle, inhibit angiogenesis, and suppress metastasis. Preclinical studies demonstrate significant anticancer effects against colon, breast, lung, prostate, and cervical cancers, with clinical studies also supporting their therapeutic potential. Although preclinical findings are encouraging, further large‐scale clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in humans. Optimizing formulations to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness is crucial. This review emphasizes the potential of dietary interventions involving RBs as a complementary approach to conventional cancer therapies, paving the way for future research and clinical innovations.

Preface: 6th International Conference on Automatic Control and Mechatronic Engineering (ACME 2024)

2024 6th International Conference on Automatic Control and Mechatronic Engineering (ACME 2024) is to facilitate an exchange of information on best practices for advanced automation, control technology, vehicle engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and mechatronic engineering, addressing the problems and opportunities of a sustainable future. This conference provides a forum for engineers and scientists in academia, industry, and government to address the most innovative research and development including technical challenges and economic issues, and to present and discuss their ideas, results, work in progress and experience in these aspects. ACME 2024 was held during July 13-14, 2024, in Sapporo, Japan. The development of science occurs by utilizing collaboration with other branches of science such as technology, mechanical engineering, and mathematics. The distinctive feature of collaboration that has become an important value. We thank all participants for ACME 2024 who have contributed their research. I hope, with this kind of collaboration, we can jointly improve the development quality in this era. Organizing Committees of ACME Sapporo, Japan

Polarization Analysis of Vertically Etched Lithium Niobate-on-Insulator (LNOI) Devices

LNOI devices have emerged as prominent contributors to photonic integrated circuits (PICs), benefiting from their outstanding performance in electro-optics, acousto-optics, nonlinear optics, etc. Due to the physical properties and current etching technologies of LiNbO3, slanted sidewalls are typically formed in LNOI waveguides, causing polarization-related mode hybridization and crosstalk. Despite the low losses achieved with fabrication advancements in LNOI, such mode hybridization and crosstalk still significantly limit the device performance by introducing polarization-related losses. In this paper, we propose a vertically etched LNOI construction. By improving the geometrical symmetry in the waveguides, vertical sidewalls could adequately mitigate mode hybridization in common waveguide cross sections. Taking tapers and bends as representatives of PIC components, we then conducted theoretical modeling and simulations, which showed that vertical etching effectively exempts devices from polarization-related mode crosstalk. This not only improves the polarization purity and input mode transmittance but also enables lower polarization-related losses within more compact structures. As a demonstration of fabrication feasibility, we innovatively proposed a two-step fabrication technique, and successfully fabricated waveguides with vertical sidewalls. Such vertical etching technology facilitates the development of next-generation high-speed modulators, nonlinear optical devices, and other advanced photonic devices with lower losses and a smaller footprint, driving further innovations in both academic research and industrial applications.

Does artificial ecosystem recharge make sense? based on the coupled water orbit research framework

By formulating an innovative Coupled Water Orbit Research Framework (CWORF) in cohesion with the modified Hypothesis Extraction Method (HEM), this study undertakes a comprehensive examination and assessment of the Autonomous Water Orbit (AWO) linkages within each sector. Building upon this foundation, the CWROF also integrates Structure Path Analysis (SPA) to scrutinize the critical paths of the AWO in each sector. Additionally, the framework quantifies specific water consumption at different layers of the production chain, enabling a more precise assessment of water consumption and inter-sectoral water usage linkages compared to existing studies. By applying this framework, existing water conservation policies can be refined, thereby achieving enhanced environmental sustainability. The study utilizes six Input-Output (IO) tables and water resource bulletins spanning from 2002 to 2020, as published by the China Bureau of Statistics. It is instrumental in dissecting the current interplay between water resource utilization and economic development. This research aims to analyze the structural nuances of water consumption and the dependency characteristics across diverse sectors within the production chain. It strategically identifies pivotal paths and sectors in the production chain where water consumption is most pronounced, and highlights critical chains contributing to water stress. The results indicate that sectors such as “Farming, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, Fishery, and Water Conservancy” exhibit high water consumption. Furthermore, light industries, represented by “Food and Tobacco” and “Textile Product” sectors, significantly impact indirect water usage across sectors. The study also reveals that the strength of the water feedback loop in the economic system diminishes as the number of layers increases, with the aforementioned sectors frequently appearing in transmission paths and serving as key interface nodes. This research underscores the critical interconnections between water usage and economic activities providing a foundational framework for refining water conservation policies and enhancing water allocation and management capabilities. The introduced CWORF extends beyond conventional methods, offering a more precise and nuanced approach to measuring inter-sectoral water utilization.

Innovative research on waste tire recycling for sustainable biofuel production: Assessment of its usability on multi-cylinder diesel engine employing constant injection of oxyhydrogen and biogas through a premixing device

This study investigates the production of waste tire pyrolyzed oil on a laboratory scale and its potential use as a fuel along with biogas and hydrogen in a variable-speed transportation engine. The pyrolyzed oil, obtained from waste tire pieces through a lab-scale plant, undergoes distillation and is blended with diesel fuel in a 20% ratio. This blended fuel is supplied to a multi-cylinder variable-speed transportation engine, either alongside biogas or HHO separately or both combined, at fixed flow rates with air passage through a premixing device (venturi). This study aimed to assess engine combustion characteristics such as in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate; performance parameters, including brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), as well as emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The results indicate that using pyrolyzed oil in unmodified diesel engines reduces combustion characteristics and performancewhile increasing HC and NOx emissions and decreasing CO emissions. In addition, supplying biogas and the fuel mixture further deteriorates combustion and performance, while increases HC and CO emissions, and reduces NOx emissions. The focus of the present research is to evaluate the impact of adding green hydrogen (HHO) gas to a pyrolyzed oil fuel mixture and a biogas-led fuel mixture in a compression ignition (CI) engine. The results indicate that the addition of hydrogen enhances combustion characteristics, engine performance and reduces emissions, except for NOx. Specifically, there is an increase in cylinder peak pressure and HRR by around 6–10% range, improvement in BTE by 16–20% and BSFC by 5–7%, along with a decrease in HC and CO emissions by 13–16% and 11–13%, respectively. However, there is an increase in NOx emissions of 6–9%. In essence, the addition of green hydrogen enhances engine performance and reduces emissions in waste tire-derived pyrolyzed oil and biogas blends, indicating a viable path for sustainable transportation fuel.

Team informational resources, information elaboration, and team innovation: Diversity mindset moderating functional diversity and boundary spanning scouting effects

AbstractThe knowledge integration perspective on team innovation holds that information elaboration – the exchange, discussion, and integration of task‐relevant information and perspectives – is the core team process driving team innovation. Factors reflecting the informational resources the team can draw on through information elaboration therefore are important influences on team innovation. In this respect, team innovation research points to team functional diversity and to team boundary spanning scouting to acquire information from outside the team. Team innovation research also makes clear that informational resources (as reflected in functional diversity and boundary spanning scouting) do not guarantee team information elaboration, and that identifying moderation in this relationship is particularly valuable. Building on this state of the science, we focus on the moderating role of the team diversity mindset – members' shared understanding of the importance of information elaboration for team performance – in the relationships of team functional diversity and boundary spanning scouting with information elaboration and team innovation. A multi‐wave and multi‐source survey of N = 215 teams involved in knowledge work in various Chinese organizations supported our research model for team boundary spanning scouting but not for team functional diversity.

From Molecular Design to Practical Applications: Strategies for Enhancing the Optical and Thermal Performance of Polyimide Films.

Polyimide (PI) films are well recognized for their outstanding chemical resistance, radiation resistance, thermal properties, and mechanical strength, rendering them highly valuable in advanced fields such as aerospace, sophisticated electronic components, and semiconductors. However, improving their optical transparency while maintaining excellent thermal properties remains a significant challenge. This review systematically checks over recent advancements in enhancing the optical and thermal performance of PI films, focusing on various strategies through molecular design. These strategies include optimizing the main chain, side chain, non-coplanar structures, and endcap groups. Rigid and flexible structural characteristics in the proper combination can contribute to the balance thermal stability and optical transparency. Introducing fluorinated substituents and bulky side groups significantly reduces the formation of charge transfer complexes, enhancing both transparency and thermal properties. Non-coplanar structures, such as spiro and cardo configurations, further improve the optical properties while maintaining thermal stability. Future research trends include nanoparticle doping, intrinsic microporous PI polymers, photosensitive polyimides, machine learning-assisted molecular design, and metal coating techniques, which are expected to further enhance the comprehensive optical and thermal performance of PI films and expand their applications in flexible displays, solar cells, and high-performance electronic devices. Overall, systematic molecular design and optimization have significantly improved the optical and thermal performance of PI films, showing broad application prospects. This review aims to provide researchers with valuable references, stimulate more innovative research and applications, and promote the deep integration of PI films into modern technology and industry.

Supporting Innovative Scalable Approaches to School-Based Mental Health: Development and Innovation Research at the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Supporting Innovative Scalable Approaches to School-Based Mental Health: Development and Innovation Research at the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Mentorship Interventions Personalized Support Systems Across Varying Higher Educational Settings: Recommendations for Personalized Educator Support

This mixed methods case study examines the experiences of mentors and mentees in a personalized mentorship support program (PMSP) at a midwestern public higher education (MPHE) institution as the program transitioned from a pilot phase dedicated to historically underrepresented educators (HUE) into year two, which sought to position the program as a viable system of institution-wide faculty support and retention. Results from year 1 and 2 of the program indicate a closing gap between faculty mentors and mentees for the outcomes of career success, intention to stay, and job satisfaction. This study provides recommendations for program strategy at varying higher education institutions to better promote program innovation and future research.

Pressure Control Ventilation Versus Volume Control Ventilation in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

This review compares the safety and effectiveness of volume control ventilation (VCV) and pressure control ventilation (PCV) during laparoscopic surgery. Nine studies were chosen for in-depth examination following the application of stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria to the 184 publications that the literature search turned up. PCV is well-known for its capacity to preserve lower peak airway pressures during laparoscopic procedures, lowering the risk of volutrauma and barotrauma and enhancing oxygenation under these conditions of elevated intra-abdominal pressures. On the other hand, VCV guarantees a constant tidal volume and offers accurate ventilation management, both of which are essential for preserving stable carbon dioxide levels. VCV, however, may result in higher peak airway pressures, raising the risk of lung damage brought on by a ventilator. Research indicates that PCV provides better respiratory mechanics management during laparoscopic surgery, but VCV consistent tidal volume delivery is useful in some clinical situations. When choosing between PCV and VCV, the anesthesia team's experience, the demands of each patient, and the surgical circumstances should all be taken into consideration. Real-time monitoring tools and sophisticated ventilatory technology are essential for maximizing ventilation techniques. Further improving patient outcomes can be achieved by incorporating multimodal anesthesia approaches, such as the use of muscle relaxants and customized intraoperative fluid management. Muscle relaxants optimize conditions for mechanical ventilation by ensuring adequate muscle relaxation, reducing the risk of ventilator-associated lung injury, and enabling more precise control of ventilation parameters. Tailored intraoperative fluid management helps maintain optimal lung mechanics by avoiding fluid overload, which can lead to pulmonary edema and compromised gas exchange, necessitating adjustments in ventilation strategy. While both ventilation modalities can be utilized efficiently, the research suggests that PCV may be more advantageous in controlling oxygenation and airway pressures. In the dynamic and demanding world of laparoscopic surgery, ongoing research and clinical innovation are crucial to improving these tactics and guaranteeing the best possible treatment. In order to obtain the best possible patient outcomes during laparoscopic surgeries, this review emphasizes the significance of customized breathing techniques.

Green lean six sigma practices: a scale development and measurement model from an engineer’s perspective

PurposeSince the advent of Industry 4.0, there has been a growing research interest in developing the Green Lean Six Sigma concept in the direction of achieving sustainable development, primarily aligned with Goal 12 of the agenda. Given that the concept is still in its early stages of exploration and requires further development through empirical validation, opportunities exist for innovative research. Yet, difficulties arise in adopting this green initiative due to an inadequate understanding of its strategic practices. Thus, this study aims to establish strategic practices facilitating its adoption in the Industry 4.0 era and develop a validated multi-item scale to measure the practices.Design/methodology/approachA three-phase methodological approach is designed to perform the techniques of exploratory and confirmatory analyses in the manufacturing context. To be a sound study, engineers have been involved since they play a pivotal role in the realm of manufacturing; however, the existing research on engineers' viewpoints on this subject is limited, emphasizing the need for further investigation.FindingsUpon validation of the ultimate fallouts, the analyses demonstrated a confirmatory model with eighteen scales determining five practices: strategic integrity, human resource management, technologies and tools, eco-production, and eco-networks. The findings further revealed robust correlations among these core practices within the model.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study entails depicting and discussing a measurement model for future research since there is currently no empirically validated model available to measure this multidimensional green initiative.

The Dutch Black Hole Consortium

The Dutch Black Hole Consortium is funding an educational project to bring scientific results into both classrooms and informal learning settings. For primary level, lessons are being created using innovative techniques and research to stimulate scientific thinking through hands-on and minds-on learning. The lessons build on the existing project Minds-On. At secondary level, the focus lies with teacher education; trainee physics teachers will be able to experience real scientific research to inspire and improve their classroom practices. The consortium is also developing a large citizen science project and science museum exhibits.

Research on Marketing and Innovation Strategies of HEYTEA in the Overseas Market

Chinese tea culture has a long history, and on this basis, many Chinese merchants have made great achievements in product research and development and innovation. Nowadays, milk tea, a low-consumption drink, is popular all over the world. Among them, HEYTEA stands out, is well received by young groups in the Chinese market, and attracts a wide range of other consumer groups, HEYTEA has not only achieved great success in marketing, but its unique product positioning and innovative marketing strategy have also attracted many consumers.With the intensification of market competition and the trend of consumption upgrading in China, HEYTEA needs to explore new growth points. Therefore, the overseas market has become an important direction for HEYTEA’s development. This study aims to analyze HEYTEA’s marketing and innovation strategies to enter the overseas market and discusses HEYTEA’s corporate strategy. In the process, it analyzes different marketing and innovation strategies of HEYTEA in the overseas market by using macro-environment analysis tools, market segmentation, and other methods.This study also draws on the store experience of Starbucks and Blue Bottle to predict and determine HEYTEA ‘s development strategy and prospects in overseas markets, providing reference for other tea brands.

Innovative Research on Land Resource Studies Curriculum Based on the Integration of OBE and CDIO Concepts

Land Resource Studies is an interdisciplinary applied science that encompasses the study of related concepts of land resources, types of land, their characteristics and spatial distribution, quantity and quality of land, land survey and evaluation, land development and utilization, land governance and restoration, as well as land protection and management. By examining the current state and existing issues in the teaching of land resource courses, and integrating the OBE-CDIO concept, this study conducts reforms and innovations from multiple dimensions including OBE outcome-oriented educational innovation, CDIO engineering education model innovation, and the integration of ideological and political elements. The ultimate goal is to realize a student-centered, outcome-oriented, and theory-practice integrated approach in the land resource studies curriculum. This innovation aims to cultivate students ability for systematic thinking and hands-on practice, achieving the goal of training interdisciplinary talents in the field of land resource studies.

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

Journalists at the Frontline: Recognising and Managing Emotions in the Face of Conflict and Terrorism in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This article examines the impact of emotions on the professional realities and practices of Burkinabè reporters working in conflict-ridden regions of Burkina Faso. To achieve this, it adopts an innovative theoretical perspective that links the emotional turn in journalism to the sociology of risk. Using an original “fieldwork in delegation” methodology involving three focus groups and 37 interviews with Burkinabè journalists, the study closely investigates the specific realities of these volatile areas. The results highlight four main forms of professional adjustment that are emerging in the current context of crisis: (1) individual adjustments - to secure both physical and mental security, (2) professional adjustments - to secure working and employment conditions, (3) media adjustments - to secure the practical and economic functioning of the media companies; and (4) values adjustments - to reflect the core values underpinning the profession in conflict-situation. The article demonstrates that the Burkinabè journalists’ current attempt to manage risk and emotion is rooted in their traditional role, but also in the new responsibilities they wish to assume in the current security context. This innovative and significant research provides a useful foundation for reflection for those interested in the experiences of local journalists operating in other global conflict zones.

Innovative and Practical Research on the Teaching Mode of New Media Operation Course in Drama, Film and Television Art Design Major

The rapid development of new media has prompted the major of drama, film and television art design to innovate the teaching mode of new media operation courses, aiming to cultivate compound talents who are proficient in both the profession and new media operation. At present, the curriculum system generally introduces new media elements, adopts diversified teaching methods such as project-based, case teaching, and flipped classroom, emphasizes practical operation and innovative thinking, deepens school-enterprise cooperation, and provides internship and training opportunities. However, the contradiction between teaching objectives and industry needs, the construction of teaching staff, the gap between students skills and industry expectations, and psychological challenges still exist. In order to solve these problems, the dual-teacher teaching system was implemented, and industry experts were introduced to teach together with teachers in the school. Project-based teaching allows students to grow in actual combat, the competition mechanism enhances learning motivation, the new model of school-enterprise cooperation provides a practical platform, and the course content is dynamically adjusted to adapt to industry changes. It is necessary to optimize students continuous learning motivation, the coherence of teaching content, the fairness and professionalism of competition design, and the coordination of cross-disciplinary cooperation, in order to cultivate high-quality talents that are more in line with the needs of the new media era.