Industry Standards Research Articles

From classroom to career: a new approach to work-integrated learning in communication studies

PurposeThis study aimed to realign the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) curriculum at an Australian university with communication industry standards and student career goals. It proposes practical suggestions for a third-year communications studies WIL course that will effectively prepare students for professional success by integrating insights from industry and students.Design/methodology/approachIt analyses free-text feedback from student experience of course surveys (n = 20), semi-structured interviews with industry partners (n = 8), and conducts a detailed review of existing WIL course materials. Drawing from the Employability Capital Growth Model (ECGM) as a theoretical framework, the study explores the findings for links to capital.FindingsThe findings emphasise the need for WIL programs to better align with the industry’s evolving demands, incorporating practical, real-world experiences to enhance skill development and workforce readiness. Feedback from students and industry partners aligns with the ECGM framework and underscores the importance of integrating coaching and mentoring into the curriculum to support employability. Based on these insights, an integrated set of practical suggestions is presented.Originality/valueThis project fills a gap in WIL scholarship by focussing on a communication studies environment, ensuring it aligns with industry demands while prioritising student engagement. By ethically involving industry partners and integrating student feedback, the suggestions set out a curriculum that is both current and resonates with learner experience and career readiness. It bridges the academic-professional divide, preparing students as confident, skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce.

The effect of temperature on the sealability of bismuth–tin alloy plugs

Innovative solutions for plugging oil and gas wells are becoming increasingly important to ensure safe operations, save costs, and guarantee that the wells are sealed with a long-term perspective. Among these innovations, bismuth alloys have emerged as a potential sealing material, attracting attention for their distinctive properties. Despite the promising characteristics of bismuth alloys, comprehensive testing is required to fully understand their behavior and to validate their suitability as a sealing barrier. This study focuses on testing the sealability of eutectic bismuth-tin alloy plugs across a range of temperatures (23–120 °C). Examining this influence is crucial because bismuth alloys can be engineered to have specific melting points and characteristics, allowing them to respond effectively to the prevailing temperature conditions in the wellbore. To this end, the study employs an integrated approach, combining laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, to assess the performance of the plug under the influence of the variables pressure, temperature, and curing time through push-out tests. Preliminary results indicate that the sealing efficiency of the bismuth-tin alloy tends to increase over time at lower temperatures, whereas it decreases significantly as temperatures approach its melting point. Therefore, the eutectic bismuth-tin alloy can be employed safely as an environmental plug, but its applicability as a deep-set plug in high-temperature wells is questioned. In this case, selecting an alloy that has a higher melting point is recommended. This work not only underscores the necessity of understanding the thermodynamic influences on bismuth alloys but also sets the stage for future innovations in well sealing technologies, potentially establishing new industry standards.

Identifying Key Barriers to Green Transition Development in China’s Express Industry Based on the Fuzzy DEMATEL Method

The “green transformation of the express” delivery industry in this study primarily refers to the adoption of green energy and environmentally friendly technologies in express delivery packaging, transportation, and recycling systems. This transformation can significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the express system, promoting the sustainable development of the entire industry. However, the progress of green transformation in China’s express delivery industry has been impeded by various barriers. To address this, we propose a barrier analysis framework based on the Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to explore key obstacles to green transformation in the express industry. Our research aims to answer three main questions: (1) What are the key barriers to green transformation in China’s express delivery industry? (2) How do these barriers interact and influence each other? (3) What strategic measures can be implemented to overcome these barriers? We first compile a list of barriers, innovatively proposing two new ones: “inadequate green standards in the express industry” and “suboptimal green packaging technology”. Considering the ambiguity in expert input and the complex interactions among barriers, we employ fuzzy DEMATEL within an Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Sets (IT2FSs) environment to investigate the significance and causality of these barriers. This approach distinguishes our study from previous research by providing a more nuanced understanding of barrier interactions in the specific context of China’s express delivery industry. Based on our analysis, we identify eight critical barriers and propose corresponding strategic measures.

FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE DUAL FORMOF HIGHER EDUCATION

The advantages and possibilities of a dual form of higher education as a symbiosis of theoretical and professional-practical components of education are considered. In this case, the applicant receives all the necessary knowledge on the basis of a higher education institution (university or college), and practices them at an enterprise or company with which the institution cooperates. This system is currently being implemented in all European countries. Modern professional education, including higher education, lacks practical content. Instead, the dual form involves constant communication between the educational institution and the employer. Enterprises reserve the required number of training places for future specialists in higher education institutions. Students work in their chosen specialty during the entire period of professional training. There are various options for combining training and practice: three days at the enterprise and three days at the institution; classes in the morning, and work in the afternoon or vice versa. Depending on the chosen program and the agreement with the employer, applicants can spend a week studying theory and a week gaining practical experience, or two months attending lectures and the next two months working, developing and improving the acquired skills and abilities. Undoubtedly, the introduction of dual education requires adjusting industry standards and revising educational programs, designing learning outcomes that are required by the labor market. The concept of training specialists under the dual form of education, approved in Ukraine, regulates the rights, interests and obligations of educational institutions, employers, and students. Dual education makes it possible to turn students into mobile, competent, dynamic and experienced professionals who know what they want to achieve. It opens up new opportunities for professional training. At the same time, in the authors’ opinion, it is inappropriate to transform all professional education into dual education; this is a form of education for those who are able to combine study and work experience.

A Comparative Evaluation of Powder Characteristics of Recycled Material from Bronze Grinding Chips for Additive Manufacturing.

In the manufacturing process of ship propellers, large quantities of grinding chips are generated. These grinding chips result from the finishing of the blade surfaces after the primary casting process of the propeller. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare different preparation processes used to produce chip powders with sufficient powder quality for the additive manufacturing process of directed energy deposition. The preparation of the samples was performed through different sieving, milling and re-melting processes. For the characterization of the prepared samples, powder analysis according to relevant industry standards was carried out. It was found that the re-melting processes result in superior powder quality for additive manufacturing in terms of particle size, morphology, and flowability. For some characteristics, the powder exhibits even better properties than those of commercial powders. Furthermore, the powder properties of the milled samples demonstrate a promising potential for use in additive manufacturing.

Registration of ‘AuSable’ navy bean

Abstract‘AuSable’ (Reg. no. CV‐358, PI 705150) navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2023 as an early‐mid season, disease‐resistant, upright, short‐vine bean cultivar with excellent dry down. AuSable was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 6 years of field trials, AuSable yielded 3073 kg ha−1, flowered in 46 days, and matured in 95 days on average. Plants averaged 45 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.7 and seed size of 22 g 100 seed−1. AuSable combines high yield potential with early midseason maturity in a navy bean seed type. AuSable has outyielded ‘Merlin’ by 17% across 6 years and matured 3 days earlier. It exhibits uniform dry down equivalent to ‘Vigilant’ and is well adapted to the intensively managed, narrow row, direct‐harvested production systems where beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. AuSable possesses resistance to Bean common mosaic virus, is resistant to anthracnose races 7 and 73, has shown moderate tolerance to white mold, and was as tolerant to post emergence damping off caused by Rhizoctonia solani as other navy beans. It is susceptible to common bacterial blight. The seed size of AuSable (22 g 100 seed−1) is most similar to ‘Valiant’ and slightly smaller than ‘Liberty’ (23 g 100 seed−1). Seed of AuSable meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the navy bean seed class.

Commonalities between robust hybrid incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion and proportional-integral-derivative flight control law design

Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion (INDI) has received substantial interest in the recent years as a nonlinear flight control law design methodology that features inherent robustness against bare airframe aerodynamic variations. However, systematic studies into the robust design benefits of INDI-based control over the classical divide-and-conquer philosophy have been scarce. To bridge this gap, this paper compares the setup of hybrid INDI with a standard industry benchmark that is based on two-degree-of-freedom gain-scheduled proportional-integral-derivative control. This is done on an architectural basis and in terms of achievable robust stability and performance levels with respect to a common set of design requirements. To this end, a non-smooth, multi-objective H∞-synthesis algorithm is used that incorporates mixed parametric and dynamic uncertainties in the design objective and constraints. It is shown that close similarities exist between hybrid INDI design and gain-scheduled PID control, which leads to virtually equivalent robustness and performance outcomes in both linear time-invariant and linear time-varying contexts. It is therefore concluded that the main benefit of the hybrid INDI does not lie in improved robustness properties per se, but in the opportunity to perform modular robust design in an implicit model-following context. Specifically, this implies that the areas of flying qualities, robustness, and nonlinear implementation are directly visible and accessible in the control law structure.

Comparative analysis and enhancement of conical component calculation under internal pressure in European pressure vessel Standards

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of conical components in pressure vessels emphasizing their significance when utilized to transition between different diameters or slopes. A thorough design and analysis are underscored as essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of these components under diverse loading circumstances. The paper aims to propose enhancements to the European Pressure Vessel Standards concerning conical components under internal pressure, with a focus on improving safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Existing European standards are reviewed, identifying potential gaps and proposing practical solutions. The paper also presents research findings on the influence of cone apex angles, shell geometries and design pressure on cone plate thickness calculations. A new methodology for the design and analysis of conical components in pressure vessels is proposed, offering a potential pathway to safer and more efficient pressure vessels. A range of cylinder diameter between 1000 and 2500 mm and cone angles between 30° and 60° are used as input to quantify the difference in cone thickness for a design pressure ranging between 10 and 200 barg. The proposed method yields results much closer to AD2000 compared to EN13445, leading to slightly thicker cones (up to 2.2 mm for the selected range of cone diameters and angles) compared to the former, resulting in safer pressure vessel design, and thinner cones (up to 22 mm) compared to the latter resulting in significant material savings. A comparative analysis was performed through Finite Element Analysis validating the EN13445 unsuitability for cone thickness calculations. A modification is proposed for equation (7.6)-(8) in EN13445 resulting in thinner plates reducing the cone plate thickness difference to 0.9 % on average compared to the current deviation of -9.6 % on average for the selected range of cylinder diameters and cone angles.

Optimal interference mitigation with deep learningbased channel access in wireless body area networks

SummaryWireless body area networks (WBANs) are essential for medical applications, especially in remote health monitoring, as they transmit crucial and time‐sensitive data collected by nodes positioned around or within the body. However, the coexistence of WBANs with wireless channels can degrade performance due to interference. This study introduces OIM‐DLCAM, an optimal interference mitigation scheme for WBANs, which utilizes a deep learning‐based channel access method. OIM‐DLCAM addresses interference through the multiobjective Hungarian optimization (MOHO) algorithm, considering design constraints such as node transmission power, packet delivery ratio, and interference range. Additionally, it employs a deep probabilistic neural network‐based channel access method (DPNN‐CAM) to effectively mitigate interference by making decisions regarding contention window size, frame length, and buffer size. The proposed OIM‐DLCAM scheme ensures fairness between users while enhancing system performance. Simulation results from both static and dynamic sensor node scenarios demonstrate its effectiveness under various conditions, showcasing its potential to improve WBAN performance in medical applications. The simulations reveal that OIM‐DLCAM outperforms existing state‐of‐the‐art schemes across various scenarios, with efficiency gains of up to 86.187%, 72.452%, and 47.954% for WBAN node density, mobility, and packet arrival rate, respectively. Moreover, it significantly reduces the average end‐to‐end delay and packet drop rate while improving throughput and packet delivery ratio compared with existing schemes. Additionally, comparisons with industry standards, such as the IEEE 802.15.4e norm, validate the suitability of OIM‐DLCAM for cofounded WBANs.

Investigating the Anticancer Potential of Zinc and Magnesium Alloys: From Base Materials to Nanocoated Titanium Implants.

In this work, we show the in vitro anticancer potential of surgical wires, obtained from zinc (ZnMg0.004) or magnesium (MgCa0.7) alloys by spatial technology comprising casting, extrusion, and final drawing processes. We also present the selective anticancer effects of applied soluble multilayer nanocoatings of zinc and magnesium onto titanium surfaces using the pulse laser deposition method. In the latter, the titanium samples were produced via 3D printing using the selective laser melting method and coated with various combinations of zinc and magnesium layers. For cytotoxicity studies, human dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs) and human osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cell line were used as representatives of healthy and cancer cells. Cells were examined against the 0.3-3.0 cm2/mL material extract ratios obtained from experimental and steel surgical wires, the latter being the current clinical industry standard. The MgCa0.7 alloy wires were approx. 1.5 times more toxic to cancer cells at all examined extract ratios vs. the extracts from steel surgical wires that exhibited comparable toxicity towards healthy and cancer cells. The ZnMg0.004 alloy wires displayed increased toxicity towards cancer cells with decreasing extract ratios. This was also reflected in the increased anticancer effectiveness, calculated based on the viability ratio of healthy cells to cancer cells, from 1.1 to 4.0 times. Healthy cell viability remained at 80-100%, whereas cancer cell survival fluctuated at 20-75%, depending on the extract ratio. Furthermore, the culture of normal or cancer cells on the surface of Zn/Mg-coated titanium allowed us to select combinations of specific coating layers that yielded a comparable anticancer effectiveness to that observed with the experimental wires that ranged between 2 and 3. Overall, this work not only demonstrates the substantial anticancer properties of the studied wires but also indicates that similar anticancer effects can be replicated with appropriate nanocoatings on titanium samples. We believe that this work lays the groundwork for the future potential development of the category of new implants endowed with anticancer properties.

The opportunities and challenges of provisioning low pesticide risk fresh produce by smallholder farmers to hospitality and foodservice organizations

ABSTRACT This study explores how hospitality businesses source low pesticide risk fresh produce from smallholder farmers. Stakeholder interviews across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia (n=19) reveal a lack of standardisation for low-pesticide fresh produce. Despite concerns about potential pesticide contamination, local, seasonal and low-carbon options are prioritized, and intermediaries are considered as providers of food safety reassurance. Collaboration with smallholder farmers is limited due to unpredictable supply and capacity. The study calls for the set-up of industry standards on low pesticide risk fresh produce and smallholder collaboration capacity building, potentially through technology, to improve food safety, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

Development and Application of a Lignin-Based Polyol for Sustainable Reactive Polyurethane Adhesives Synthesis.

In response to the environmental impacts of conventional polyurethane adhesives derived from fossil fuels, this study introduces a sustainable alternative utilizing lignin-based polyols extracted from rice straw through a process developed at INESCOP. This research explores the partial substitution of traditional polyols with lignin-based equivalents in the synthesis of reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives (HMPUR) for the footwear industry. The performance of these eco-friendly adhesives was rigorously assessed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and T-peel tests to ensure their compliance with relevant industry standards. Preliminary results demonstrate that lignin-based polyols can effectively replace a significant portion of fossil-derived polyols, maintaining essential adhesive properties and marking a significant step towards more sustainable adhesive solutions. This study not only highlights the potential of lignin in the realm of sustainable adhesive production but also emphasises the valorisation of agricultural by-products, thus aligning with the principles of green chemistry and sustainability objectives in the polymer industry.

Project management education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a multi-method approach

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to assess the current state and demand of the project management education. Project management has gained increasing importance as a critical discipline for achieving successful project outcomes in various industries and sectors. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the demand for skilled project management professionals has increased due to different developmental projects and ambitious initiatives like NEOM.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative multi-method approach to comprehend the objective in depth. In the first round, a systematic literature review (SRL) was applied to explore the state of project management education (PME) in KSA. In the second, structured interviews with professionals were arranged to explore the phenomenon of interest in more detail. Moreover, three case studies were also included to support, comprehend and generalize the findings.FindingsThe study highlights the strengths and gaps in PME. The study also provides an insight to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the PME in KSA. Besides these, the research recommends exploring different avenues for the promotion of PME in the country.Originality/valueThe study offers a pioneering exploration of PME in KSA. It uses a multi-method approach to unveil unique insights into the country's educational landscape and its alignment with global industry standards.

Penilaian Kinerja Berbasis Rasio Keuangan Pada PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Tahun 2020 – 2022

This research aims to determine and analyze the financial performance of PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk uses liquidity, solvency and profitability ratios measured by industry standards. The analytical method used in this research is descriptive quantitative. The data source in this research is the annual financial report of PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk during 2020-2022. The research results show that the overall analysis of the average value of the current ratio and quick ratio shows that the condition is not good because the ratio is below industry standards, namely 200% and 150%. For analysis of the average value of the Debt to Equity Ratio, it shows that the condition is not good because the ratio is above the industry standard of 90%. Meanwhile, the Debt to Assets Ratio shows good condition because the ratio is below the industry standard of 35%. For the analysis of the average ROA and ROE, the results are not good because the ratio is below the industry standard, namely 30% and 40%. Meanwhile, ROI shows good results because the ratio is above the industry standard, namely 30%.

Study on the labels of selected cat and dog foods from Türkiye

At first look, the label contains details about the contents and properties of the cat and dog foods. Label information must be included in accordance with national and international requirements. The sufficiency of cat and dog food labelling in Türkiye has not before been evaluated. In this study, the labelling information for 215 chosen cat and dog foods (164 cats and 51 dogs) available in Türkiye was analysed using Turkish national legislation and the Federation of the European Pet Food Industry standards. It was determined that all food labelling information was compliant with Turkish feed legislation. In comparison, only 67.1% of cat and 78% of dog diets included the metabolised energy value on the package. Cat foods have a website at 60.8%, whereas dog foods have 81.7%. It is found that the cat and dog food labels totally comply with Turkish legislation rules. On the other hand, more information may be valuable in enlightening customers. The recommended amount of food per day was unclear in numerous products, which is an area of improvement. In future studies, competencies of the daily nutrition advice information on the labels can be evaluated.

Registration of ‘Coral’ pink bean

Abstract‘Coral’ (Reg. no. CV‐359, PI 705151) pink bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2022 as a midseason, disease‐resistant, upright short vine bean cultivar with uniform dry down. Coral was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. Coral combines high yield potential with midseason maturity in a pink bean seed type. Over the span of 6 years of field trials, Coral produced an average yield of 3228 kg ha−1, flowered at 46 days, and matured in 97 days. Plants averaged 48 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.4, and seed size of 42 g 100 seed−1. Notably, Coral has outperformed ‘Rosetta’ by 8% across the 6‐year trial period and reached maturity 1 day earlier. It is well adapted to the intensively managed, narrow‐row, direct‐harvested production systems where beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Coral exhibits resistance to Bean common mosaic virus, is susceptible to anthracnose, has shown tolerance to common bacterial blight, and white mold. Additionally, it demonstrated tolerance to root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani similar to Rosetta. Seed size of Coral (42 g 100 seed−1) is larger than Rosetta (37 g 100 seed−1). Seed of Coral meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the pink bean seed class.

Registration of ‘Denali’ white kidney bean

Abstract‘Denali’ (Reg. no. CV‐360, PI 705152) white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2022 as a midseason, disease‐resistant, bush bean cultivar with uniform dry down. Denali was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 8 years of field trials across Michigan, Denali yielded 3500 kg ha−1, flowered in 37 d, and matured in 97days on average. Plants averaged 46 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.3 and seed size of 62 g 100 seed−1. Denali combines high yield potential with midseason maturity in a white kidney seed type. Denali outyielded ‘Beluga’ by 13% years and matured 5 days earlier. It is well adapted to the irrigated production systems on coarse‐textured soils where kidney beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Denali is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and exhibits significantly higher levels of tolerance to root rot than ‘ND Whitetail’. Tolerance to common bacterial blight and white mold exhibited by Denali is comparable with ND Whitetail, ‘Yeti’, and ‘Snowdon’. Denali is susceptible to anthracnose. Seed size of Denali (0.62 g) is slightly smaller than Snowdon (0.69 g) and equivalent to seed produced by other white kidney bean cultivars. Seed of Denali meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the white kidney bean seed class.

Analis Rasio Keuangan Untuk Mengukur Kinerja Keuangan Pada PT. Astra Otoparts, Tbk Periode Tahun 2021-2023

Abstract : This study aims to assess the financial performance of PT Astra Otoparts Tbk from 2021 to 2023 using Liquidity, Solvency, Activity, and Profitability Ratios, based on secondary data from financial reports obtained from the IDX website. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method. The findings indicate that Liquidity Ratios and Solvency Ratios are below industry standards, reflecting an unhealthy financial condition, except for the Debt to Equity Ratio which is healthy. Activity Turnover Ratios in 2023 are also below industry averages, although Days of Receivable, Fixed Asset Turnover, and Working Capital Turnover in 2021-2022 show satisfactory conditions. Profitability Ratios, including Profit Margin on Sales, Net Profit Margin, and Return on Investment, remain below industry averages, indicating poor financial health.

Exploring behaviours of RESTful APIs in an industrial setting

A common way of exposing functionality in contemporary systems is by providing a Web-API based on the REST API architectural guidelines. To describe REST APIs, the industry standard is currently OpenAPI-specifications. Test generation and fuzzing methods targeting OpenAPI-described REST APIs have been a very active research area in recent years. An open research challenge is to aid users in better understanding their API, in addition to finding faults and to cover all the code. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing a set of behavioural properties, common to REST APIs, which are used to generate examples of behaviours that these APIs exhibit. These examples can be used both (i) to further the understanding of the API and (ii) as a source of automatic test cases. Our evaluation shows that our approach can generate examples deemed relevant for understanding the system and for a source of test generation by practitioners. In addition, we show that basing test generation on behavioural properties provides tests that are less dependent on the state of the system, while at the same time yielding a similar code coverage as state-of-the-art methods in REST API fuzzing in a given time limit.

The Docking of Talent Training Strategies and Job Market in Higher Vocational Colleges Under the Background of Slow and Difficult Employment

Students in higher vocational colleges are faced with difficult problems such as slow employment, which highlights the dislocation between education and the market. This study surveyed thousands of students and hundreds of enterprises, and put forward docking strategies. The analysis shows that the mismatch between skills adaptation and literacy is the main cause of slow employment. To this end, research and design training programs, including curriculum restructuring, school-enterprise cooperation practice platforms, and employment-oriented quality improvement plans are imperative. At the same time, we will develop teaching modules for career planning to enhance competitiveness and ensure that the content is synchronized with industry standards. After the implementation, the employment rate of students increased by 15% within six months, the degree of interconnection increased by 20%, and the degree of enterprise recognition increased by 25%. The research effectively promotes the docking of higher vocational education with the market, and has far-reaching significance for easing slow employment.