Industrial Sphere Research Articles

Репрезентация межличностных отношений в английском деловом дискурсе

The purpose of the study is to find out which components of the frame of interpersonal relations are activated in the projection to the industrial sphere, based on the analysis and systematization of linguistic means of representing interpersonal relations in English business discourse. The work examines the frame of interpersonal relations and identifies those of its characteristics that are activated in a context limited by the work conditions. In this regard, the author analyzes scientific works devoted to the topic of discourse, provides an existing typology of discourse and describes the characteristics of business discourse. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematization of lexical units with the semantic component “interpersonal relationships” used in the context of business relations. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that a wide range of linguistic means is used to represent interpersonal relations. It was revealed that in most cases the institutional nature of business discourse is preserved, which is demonstrated by the examples considered. However, in some cases the speaker intentionally allows deviation from the features of business discourse, while maintaining the professional context. This indicates that business discourse has variants of strict and non-strict regulations, which, in turn, refers to the need to work further on classification of discourse.

The main trends of advanced scientific and technological development of Russian industry

The article presents the results of a practical assessment of the results of development of the national economy of the Russian Federation, expressed in the main trends of advanced scientific and technological development of the country’s industry. The study notes the importance of the industrial sphere for acquiring national technological sovereignty. In order to reduce import dependence on foreign suppliers, the current trends of advanced scientific and technological development of industry and its place in ensuring national security of the Russian economy are considered. The main indicators of the production index in high-tech industries are studied in conjunction with a comprehensive assessment of the used and developed advanced production technologies. The author of the study proposes a modernized model for managing the process of advanced innovative import substitution.

Assessment of the impact of intensification of heat exchange processes in heaters on power unit efficiency

In various spheres of modern industry, including power engineering, the issue of low efficiency of operation of heatexchange equipment, where condensation of vapour-gas media occurs, is a significant concern. It is known that one of the effective ways of solving this problem is intensification of heat exchange processes by transitioning from the traditional film condensation mode to the droplet condensation mode. A promising and technically straightforward way to achieve the droplet mode of condensation is a method based on the treatment of heat-exchange surfaces using a surfactant – octadecylamine (ODA). The analysis of studies, in which results of experimental research and industrial implementation are given, has shown that application of the specified method in conditions of condensation of water steam promotes formation of a stable droplet mode of condensation; as a result, the heat transfer coefficient on the steam side can more than double.Equally important and interesting is the question of how the efficiency of heat exchangers impacts the overall efficiency of complex systems, in which they operate. In this study, we examined the effect of the operational efficiency of network and regenerative heaters on the energy efficiency and economic performance of a power unit based on steam turbine unit T-110-12,8-3 operating in the heat recovery mode. To this end, we calculated the thermal scheme under various operating conditions of these heat exchangers and determined several key efficiency indicators, including the fuel heat utilisation factor (HUF) and electrical efficiency (EE). It is revealed that intensification of heat-exchange processes by a factor of 2 in horizontal delivery water heaters (HDWH) or in low-pressure heaters (LPH) significantly enhances the efficiency indicators of the power unit as a whole. At the same time, as the analysis of calculation results showed, the greatest benefits are realized when this measure is implemented in HDWH.

Multiphase Behavior of the Water + 1-Butanol + Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems at 101.3 kPa

The growing demand for more sustainable routes and processes in the mixture separation and purification industry has generated a need to search for innovations, with new solvent alternatives being a possible solution. In this context, a new class of green solvents, known as deep eutectic solvents (DESs), has been gaining prominence in recent years in both academic and industrial spheres. These solvents, when compared to ionic liquids (ILs), are more environmentally friendly, less toxic, low-cost, and easier to synthesize. In addition, they have significantly lower melting points than their precursors, offering a promising option for various applications in this industrial sector. Understanding and studying the thermodynamic behavior of systems composed of these substances in purification and separation processes, such as liquid–liquid extraction and azeotropic distillation, is extremely important. This work aimed to study the phase behavior of liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) and vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) of water + 1-butanol + DES (choline chloride + glycerol) systems with a molar ratio of 1:2. Experimental LLE data, obtained at 298.15 K and 101.3 kPa, and VLE data, obtained at 101.3 kPa and in the temperature range of 364.05 K–373.85 K, were submitted to the thermodynamic quality/consistency test, proposed by Marcilla et al. and Wisniak, and subsequently modeled using the gamma–gamma approach for the LLE and gamma–phi for the VLE. The non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model was used to calculate the activity coefficient. The results are presented for the VLE in a temperature–composition phase diagram (triangular prism) and triangular phase diagrams showing the binodal curve and tie lines (LLE). The separation and distribution coefficients of LLE were determined to evaluate the extractive potential of the DES. For the VLE, the values of the relative volatility of the system were calculated, considering the entrainer free-basis, to evaluate the presence or absence of azeotropes in the range of collected points. From these data, it was possible to compare DES with ILs as extracting agents, using data from previous studies carried out by the research group. Therefore, the results indicate that the NRTL model is efficient at correlating the fluid behavior of both equilibria. Thus, this study serves as a basis for future studies related to the understanding and design of separation processes.

Localisation as Sociocultural Adaptation of Modern Design of Visual Communications

The aim of the article is to ground and formulate the definition of the term “localisation” in design using the example of visual communications. Results. A review of definitions and interpretations of localisation in different scientific and industrial spheres highlights that the term has different semantic meanings. In the sphere of visual communications, the concept appeared in web design, programming interfaces of programmes and games in the context of language, as well as technical, normative (State Standards) and legal parameters. Nowadays, the use of the term has expanded to the majority of graphic design, branding and marketing product. Its content is associated with sociocultural characteristics of the target groups. Interviews conducted with experts in the re-publishing and redesign of English-language books in the Ukrainian language, advertising communications, curatorship in mural placement and social poster display confirm the relevance of the content and design adчaptation to the specifics of target groups. Localisation in design is defined as a strategy in increasing the functional and communicative efficiency of the project through the adaptation of the content and design to the specifics of sociocultural, legislative, technological, geographical and historical conditions of its use within the country, region, etc. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the theory of design, the term “localisation” is grounded and introduced (using the example of visual communications); the specifics of using the concept of “local” in the context of consideration of these phenomena are clarified; the results of interviews of Ukrainian experts with experience in the localisation of visual communications are presented; the necessity in sociocultural adaptation of the content and design of visual communications to the requests of target groups is emphasised. Conclusions. In conditions of globalisation, the significance of localisation of visual communication projects is increasing. Its implementation requires immersion in the local culture and/or close contact with their representatives during the design process. However, the most effective localisation can be carried out directly by a representative of the target group as a carrier of its local culture.

Theoretical approaches to the reproduction of the fixed assets of industrial enterprises

The process of reproduction of fixed assets is of great significance to industrial enterprises. Currently, scientific literature contains various viewpoints on the definition of the categories of “fixed assets” and “reproduction”. Moreover, the peculiarities of the stages of reproduction cycle in the industrial sphere are not disclosed in proper detail. The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize theoretical approaches to the content of the conceptual apparatus of the problem of reproduction of fixed assets with the consideration of the specificity of the stages of the process at the industrial enterprises. The object of the study is the process of reproduction of fixed assets of industrial enterprises. The research is based on the combination of general scientific and special methods which were applied to ensure the reliability and objectivity of the research results. During the research the authors used methods of comparative analysis, generalization, systematization, analysis and synthesis, and grouping. As the result of theoretical overview of the categories of “fixed assets”, “reproduction”, “reproduction of fixed assets” the authors suggest the definition of the “reproduction of fixed assets of industrial enterprises” concept which is connected with the basic peculiarities of the stages of the reproduction cycle and the ways of their implementation at the industrial enterprises. Comprehension of the basic characteristics of fixed assets and the mechanism of their reproduction are crucial for making managerial decisions which is especially important for planning production processes in the conditions of reindustrialization, import substitution and growing sanction pressure on the Russian economy. A perspective direction for further studies is development of detailed recommendations on realization of the stages of the reproduction cycle at the industrial enterprises under the current conditions.

Investigating the mediating role of green performance measurement systems in the nexus between green intellectual capital and environmental performance

PurposeThis study aims to propose and examine a conceptual model that shows how green performance measurement systems (GPMS) mediate the relationship between green intellectual capital components and environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research surveyed 407 Vietnamese publicly listed companies to gather empirical data. Then, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) are used to examine the degree of emphasis firms place on using GPMS to transform green intellectual capital into firm value.FindingsThe results indicate that both green human capital and green organizational capital have a direct positive impact on environmental performance. On the contrary, the influence of green social capital on environmental performance was found to be indirect through the mediation of GPMS.Practical implicationsGPMS can be considered a tool that helps managers renew, develop and synchronize their systems to take advantage of green resources in environmental performance improvement.Social implicationsThe effective assimilation of GPMS within industrial entities holds the potential to mitigate air pollution and hazardous waste, thereby ameliorating social conditions for both employees and the neighboring community. Besides that, proficient implementation of GPMS enhances collaborative efforts within the industrial sphere, yielding collective societal benefits.Originality/valueThis study emphasizes the importance of aligning green intellectual capital with appropriate control mechanisms, such as performance measurement systems, to maximize the benefits derived from these capital resources. The findings provide insights for organizations seeking to enhance their environmental performance and sustainability practices by effectively using their intellectual and social capital while implementing robust measurement systems.

Reaction-controlled Pickering interfacial catalysis: A green route to produce crystalline adipic acid under solvent-free conditions

The pursuit of a greener adipic acid synthesis process, aiming to replace the highly polluting nitric acid oxidation method, has been a longstanding endeavor in both academic and industrial spheres. In this study, we present a reaction-controlled Pickering interfacial catalysis system, enabling the efficient oxidation of cyclohexene to adipic acid using 30 wt% hydrogen peroxide without the involvement of organic solvents. Following the reaction, the system spontaneously undergoes demulsification, facilitating easy recovery of catalyst particles via simple filtration, followed by product separation through cooling-induced crystallization. Employing high speed microscopic imaging for in-situ characterization of interfacial properties, we elucidate the influence of reaction conditions on interfacial properties and catalytic performance. The reaction-controlled Pickering interfacial catalysis system demonstrated herein offers a novel and industrially feasible strategy for developing green adipic acid synthesis route.

Growth Dynamics of Sugarcane in North Karnataka, India

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) holds immense significance in India's agricultural, economic and industrial spheres. In Karnataka, sugarcane was cultivated on an area of 6.37 lakh hectares with annual production of 61.15 million tonnes (2021-22). Bagalkote district ranked as the state's second-largest sugarcane producer, accounting for 16.82 per cent of the total cultivated area and contributed for 15.06 per cent in the total production of the state. The present study was conducted to know trends in sugarcane cultivation in Karnataka and Bagalkote district. The secondary data on area, production and productivity of sugarcane for a period of 20 years (2001-2021) were collected from the publications of Department of Economics and Statistics (DES) and were analysed using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and Cuddy Della Valle Index. The results of the analysis revealed a significant compound growth rate of 3.50 per cent annually for sugarcane production in Karnataka, driven by augmented area and productivity and area under sugarcane expanded by 2.92 per cent per annum. In Bagalkote district, sugarcane production increased by 4.21 per cent annually, attributed solely to the increased cultivated area, even though productivity exhibited a slight decline. The Cuddy-Della Valle Index revealed higher instability in production and area compared to productivity in both Karnataka and Bagalkote district. The study highlights the importance of farmers adopting new high-yielding sugarcane varieties that demonstrate resilience to adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases as a means to sustain and boost productivity for higher sugarcane production.

Smart socio-technological infrastructures: cyber security risks and the human factor

Smart socio-technological infrastructure is a new approach to the design and creation of complex systems, based on the integration of technological and social elements. Currently, smart sociotechnological infrastructures are applied in all spheres of life, from business and industry to healthcare and medical facilities. The implementation of these infrastructures creates new opportunities for the development of various fields. However, it causes a number of problems. The reasons for new information security problems arising from the characteristics of smart sociotechnological infrastructures may include the increase in the number of devices (the number of devices interacting with each other increases, which expands the potential attack plane), the complexity of integration (the integration of social and technological components leads to the creation of new vulnerabilities), data heterogeneity (where the processing and storage of various types of information, including confidential information, make them an attractive target for cybercriminals), the dynamism of the environment (smart socio-technological infrastructures are constantly evolving and adapting, which makes it difficult to ensure their security). This article examines information security problems of smart socio-technological infrastructures. New threats arising from the introduction of these infrastructures are classified. The development of information security culture is justified as one of the main factors of combating these threats, and recommendations are given on the principles and methods of its formation.

“Acting on apartheid in a way that is consonant with the Irish people’s love of freedom”: anti-apartheid activism in Ireland, 1959–1994

ABSTRACT This article seeks to provide a broad overview of anti-apartheid activism in Ireland, in doing so, demonstrating that anti-apartheid activists in Ireland forged a distinct identity grounded in Ireland’s anti-colonial history as well their alignment with the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP). Focusing on the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM) it highlands the role played by its most prominent figure, the exiled South African academic and senior ANC/SACP member Kader Asmal. Securing a national profile through the mass protest campaign against the 1969–70 Springbok rugby tour, the IAAM portrayed itself as above domestic politics. Nonetheless, efforts to force the disaffiliation of the Provisional Sinn Féin in the early 1980s proved the impossibility of entirely avoiding entanglement in the domestic political climate. The IAAM was also criticised by the women who led the 1984–87 strike against South African goods at Dunnes’ Stores, who saw it as dependent on middle-class support and reluctant to enter the industrial sphere. Drawing on engagement with the IAAM’s internal archive, the article contributes towards filling a substantial gap in the scholarship of anti-apartheid activism globally, as well the study of left-wing activism and trade unionism in late 20th century Ireland.

A do-it-yourself benchtop device for highly scalable flow synthesis of protein-based nanoparticles

Synthesis of nanoparticles is typically carried out in batch procedures, which offer limited control of parameters, and a narrow range of possible batch volumes. In contrast, flow synthesis systems, usually having a microfluidic chip as a crucial part, are devoid of these drawbacks. However, large scale devices – millifluidic systems – may offer several advantages over microfluidic systems, such as easier and cheaper production, enhanced throughput, and reduced channel clogging. Here we report a millifluidic system for the generation of protein nanoparticles, using the flow format of the original swift thermal formation technology (STF), which can process batch volume ranging from 100 µl to any practically significant amount. Capabilities of the system are demonstrated with model synthesis of Epirubicin-encapsulated BSA nanoparticles. A better degree of scalability of the synthesis over batch procedure is shown: with a 10-fold working volume increase, hydrodynamic diameter and loading capacity changed by only 10 % and 1 % respectively, compared to 60 % and 30 % for the batch synthesis. Additionally, we provide all engineering drawings, electrical circuits, programming code and nuances of assembly and operation, so that our findings can be easily reproduced. The ease of construction of the device and the superior characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles compared to the batch method indicate application potential in both the biomedical research and industrial spheres.

Fandom as Method: Decolonising Research on Social Media Communications Through Chinese Transnational Fandoms of a Japanese Olympic Figure Skater

This paper focuses on international sports personality in figure staking Yuzuru Hanyu, who plays for Japan, and his transnational fandoms in China, to examine the politicisation of his evolving fandom during and after his performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Our contribution is to illustrate the value of analysing fandoms in the Chinese social media as a method that seeks to advance a decolonised approach to communication studies. This study uses digital ethnography to collect data and conducts critical thematic analysis to illustrate the complexity of socially mediated fandom debates and flames. Consulting interdisciplinary literature in sports fandom and communication, athletic branding, and political communication, we propose a fresh critical approach to Chinese communication studies, which we have conceptualised as “fandom as method.” We offer a case study to illustrate this critical approach, which we argue is a contribution to decolonising scholarship by promoting inclusivity of alternative approaches, in communication studies in the global south. “Fandom as method” can excavate new terrain, rather than simply adding to West-centric theoretical advances. Findings underscore that critically analysing the complex interplay between fans, anti-fans, and the authorities through “fandom as method” can reveal previously undetected communication patterns. More importantly, fandom as method can help us interrogate the nuances of communications situated within complex, dynamic, evolving patriotic and nationalistic social media discourses. This approach helps to explicate opaque clashes of “mainstremeist belief and action” in the name of patriotism and nationalism which, in the Chinese context, are subject to intervention from the authorities as the ultimate other. It reveals how social media activity politicises a sports personality, a fandom trend that seems likely to spill over into other spheres of the entertainment industry.

The politics of Africa’s urban–industrialisation: authoritarian centralisation and policy integration

A growing body of literature addresses the implications of the ongoing rapid state-led, export-oriented industrialisation in African cities for a range of development concerns – e.g. labour relations, value chain development, gender relations and China’s involvement in infrastructural development. This study focuses on another important implication of Africa’s rapid industrialisation that has not been sufficiently explored – urban–industrial integration. Recent scholarship that looks at the interaction of urban and industrial development in Africa identifies challenges emerging at the nexus caused by lack of policy integration (PI). However, this literature does not address why this disconnect between the policy spheres arises or why it continues to persist. Based on thematic analysis of over a hundred qualitative interviews with key policy actors in the urban–industrial sphere, I argue policy fragmentation in the African urban–industrial nexus is driven by processes of ‘authoritarian centralisation’ that foster adverse political conditions for PI – more specifically conceptual integration, policy coordination and infrastructural integration. The study illustrates the relationship between authoritarian centralisation and PI and discusses the ways in which authoritarianism has shaped urban policy, planning and development and its integration into industrial and economic development strategies. The paper contributes to the nascent literature on the politics of urban–industrialisation in a broader range of developmental authoritarian African states. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0 .

Varieties of work‐based higher education: France, Germany and the United States compared

AbstractIn recent years, higher education systems worldwide have been marked by a considerable expansion of work‐based higher education (WBHE), with the institutional spheres of academia, industry and state increasingly coming together. We take the case of WBHE to analyse institutional arrangements in the different skill formation systems of France, Germany and the United States. We ask: Which factors drive the development of WBHE programmes and how does their governance compare across the three distinct country settings? The study finds that the growth of WBHE in all three countries indicates a reconfiguration of education and training governance of high skills. Nonetheless, actor constellations, organizational interests and especially the degree of state intervention surrounding WBHE remain anchored in long‐standing national skill formation patterns.

Evolving Roles and Practices in Product Design: A Comprehensive Analysis

Evolving Roles and Practices in Product Design: A Comprehensive Analysis

СИСТЕМНИЙ АНАЛІЗ МЕТАЛУРГІЙНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА ЯК ПІДҐРУНТТЯ ФОРМУВАННЯ СИСТЕМИ КОМПЛАЄНС

The purpose of the study is to determine modern approaches to the strategy of applying the compliance system at metallurgical enterprises. From the standpoint of the theory of hypercomplex dynamic systems, the components of the metallurgical enterprise are considered. Hypercomplexity is provided by the variety of sub-sectors included in the research object. The system properties of metallurgical production are highlighted, in particular, hypercomplexity (S1), dynamism (S2) and structurality (S3). It is shown that one of the latest global scientific developments regarding the procedure for compliance with obligations in the financial and industrial spheres is the theoretical concept of Compliance. It is advisable to provide advisory functions to the Compliance system at the enterprise, when the final decision on the implementation of its recommendations is taken by the management of the enterprise at the appropriate level. It is shown that common to all theories of Compliance is finding a balance between such categories as "compliance" with established requirements and "risks" from inappropriate fulfillment of obligations. The ratio of financial risks and the probability of compliance with these risks of business entities is given. It is shown that Compliance should acquire the status of not only a controlling body, but also take into account the elements of psychology in the implementation of its activities.

Strategic aspects of increasing efficiency of economic activity of industrial enterprises

The article is devoted to the topical issues of the domestic industry. The authors consider the category of “the efficiency of economic activity” as a target landmark in the activity of an industrial enterprise. This landmark is a combination of parameters characterizing the accumulated effect level caused by the company’s improvement of the organization of operational process. The authors study the efficiency not as a leading objective of the company’s activity but as a result of its development strategy and within the framework of the strategy. Digitalization of a company’s business process is a tool which ensures creating conditions for improving the efficiency of an industrial company’s economic activity. The article determines the significance of digitalization in the industry for improving the efficiency of the company’s activity. And major attention is focused on the peculiar features of digitalization in the sphere of industry. The authors give grounds for its role in the activity of enterprises, pointing out that digitalization contributes to improving the mechanism of its regulation as well as provides for the company’s economic effect.The purpose of the article is to study digitalization in the context of its impact on the efficiency of the economic activity of an industrial enterprise, and to consider the opportunities and challenges of digitalization of the industrial production sphere. In accordance with the purpose the authors have set the tasks connected with studying scientific categories of “the efficiency of economic activity: and “strategic development”, examining strategic issues of improving the efficiency of the activity of industrial enterprise, overviewing the peculiar features of digitalization of industrial production which determine the priorities for future development of the domestic economics.The theoretical and methodological basis of the study includes scientific achievements of the scientific school of strategizing under the Lomonosov Moscow State University as well as scientific achievements of domestic and foreign researchers regarding the issues of improving the efficiency of economic activity of enterprises. To justify the results the authors use the combination of research methods and approaches of analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, scientific abstraction.

Professional education and the needs of modern Russian industry

Aim. To identify the correspondence of the level of professional training of graduates of higher and secondary educational institutions to the needs of modern industry on the example of St. Petersburg enterprises, as well as to assess the dynamics of changes in the basic competencies of new employees coming from the educational environment to the labor collectives.Objectives. To determine the quality of interaction between the educational and industrial spheres on the example of St. Petersburg; to assess the level and dynamics of changes in professional knowledge and skills, social qualities and universal competencies of graduates of St. Petersburg higher and secondary vocational educational institutions.Methods. On the basis of employers’ survey the quality of training of graduates of St. Petersburg higher and secondary vocational educational institutions was assessed by such indicators as the level of professional knowledge and skills, social qualities and universal competences. The results of the monitoring were compared and the dynamics of changes in recent years in the quality of training of young specialists according to the main requirements of employers was revealed.Results. The degree of interaction between industrial structures and the system of professional education in the conditions of increasingly complex economic situation and social transformations is determined. The role of the enterprise as an economic unit is shown, modern labor relations in the production team are characterized. The parameters of employers’ assessment of the quality of training of graduates of St. Petersburg higher and secondary vocational educational institutions are proposed. On the basis of employers’ data, the level and dynamics of changes in professional knowledge and skills, social qualities and universal competencies of graduates of St. Petersburg higher and secondary vocational educational institutions who were hired in 2014-2022 in the St. Petersburg production sphere were assessed. Conclusions. The directions of activation of interaction between the education system and industrial production, professional orientation of young people, formation of the creative component both in the educational process and in the production team have been proposed. The efficiency of measures on formation of progressive labor market on the basis of improvement of quality of preparation of graduates of higher and secondary professional educational institutions employed at enterprises, their quick adaptation in the conditions of production process and labor relations is determined.

Developing AI literacy in HRD: competencies, approaches, and implications

ABSTRACT In recent years, the surge of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been notable across global academic and industrial spheres. Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars have paid considerable attention to its application. Recognizing the importance of preparing employees and organisations for the AI era, this paper explores the concept of AI literacy, focusing on the required competencies from an HRD perspective. Based on research on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of AI, we analysed AI-related competencies from four aspects: skills, relevance, values, and knowledge. Although the current literature on AI literacy contributes to a comprehensive understanding and highlights its importance across multiple domains, we identified some areas that lack attention and necessitate further research. The paper concludes by proposing directions for future research, accentuating the critical role of HRD in equipping the workforce with AI literacy to adeptly navigate the continually evolving technological landscape, and highlighting the need for scholars to engage in discussions about AI literacy on an international scale.