Transformation Process Research Articles

Updating mechanism of siderite roasting through insights into reactions between inherent oxides of iron and carbon

The roasting of siderite (FeCO3) was investigated to clarify the reaction mechanism in inert atmosphere using micro fluidized bed reaction analyzer coupled with on-line particle sampling (MFBRA-P). Thermodynamic results indicated that the reactions of 6FeO + CO2 → C + 2Fe3O4 and 3FeO + CO → C + Fe3O4 are both possible to occur in the transformation process of siderite to Fe3O4. The presence of C was identified in the final solid product through analysis scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and calcination experiment of product sample in the atmosphere containing O2. Combining thermodynamic and experimental results, an updated reaction mechanism of siderite roasting in inert atmosphere was proposed. The siderite is first decomposed to form FeO and CO2, and in turn FeO rapidly reacts with CO2 to form Fe3O4 and CO. Meantime, the released CO2 or CO during decomposition reacts with FeO to form C and Fe3O4.

Nano cells from fruit bunch residue: Nestling nanotechnology within the circular oil palm milling residue management

Nano-structured materials gain a vast market acceptance mainly due to their overarching endurance. Nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) is one example of an augmenting agent unviable for production by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to the underlying process complexity. This study aims to characterise the NFC-alternative cells denoted as TRX-cellsⓇ, which is a mix of cellulose and non-cellulose components, ruling out its status as ‘cellulose nanofibers, CNF’. The aim to test-fit the TRX-cells® production process into the circularity model was executed by deliberating on the usability of the byproduct. In doing so, fibrous oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was treated with dioxydanyl radicals (DIOR) and homogenised. The rapid EFB-DIOR reaction at 70°C targeting dearomatisation reaction in a 10%-solid open system was performed before refining the DIOR-treated EFB to micro-scale fibres. Subjecting the micro-fibres to 17 kWh/mt PFI-milling yielded 85–95% of nano-scale fibrous mass. Relative to the stiff micro-fibres, the nano-scale cells web exhibit 34–41% softness enhancement judged from the web tear resistance profile associated with inter-fibre space reduction. Advanced chromatographic evidence for 27% xylan amongst TRX-cells®’ total aldo-sugars was one form of the non-cellulose nano-component. High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy hyphenated to Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-ray (HRTEM-EDX) elemental mapping showed a 0.4 atomic percentage of nano-biominerals, confirming the presence of the redistributed dearomatised cells adjacent to cellulose held in the web of the hemicellulose. Shearing at the dearomatised inter-cell wall layers by PFI mill peeled 5 nm–100 nm thickness laminae. The smorgasbord of cellulose and non-celluloses resulted in crystallinity comparable to softwood NFC of approximately 60%, with unique preservation and precision-printing enabling properties. Given the non-recyclability of the DIOR-treated EFB microfibres, nestling the rapid waste transformation process into the circularity model shed light on circular bio-nanotechnology to the spectrum of opportunity for zero-waste, reduced emission and net zero carbon practices on top of an added value from waste transformation to a product.

Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Behavioral Problems of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through Deinstitutionalization.

People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) with extensive support needs are more likely to live in segregated and highly institutionalized environments. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in functioning and quality of life for people with IDD and extensive support needs after transitioning to ordinary homes in the community. The sample included 54 adults with IDD and extensive support needs, who were assessed at three time points: before transition, six months later, and one year after transition. The Resident Choice Scale, San Martin Quality of Life Scale, Active Support Participation Measure, and the Behavior Problem section of the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning were administered. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and t-tests for repeated measures were carried out. There were significant improvements in decision-making, participation and independence in daily activities and quality of life, as well as a reduction in the presence and intensity of behavioral problems. The benefits found in this study support transformation processes towards more inclusive services and professional practices that foster people's rights and feeling of belonging to the community.

Plasma water treatment for PFAS: Study of degradation of perfluorinated substances and their byproducts by using cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet

This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure (NTP APPJ) for treating PFAS - contaminated water in different matrices. Successful removal of several perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C6 to C4), perfluroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) (C8 to C4) and perfluropolyethers (PFPEs) (GenX and ADONA) PFAS compounds was achieved in laboratory scale experiments. In the deionized water (DW), high removal efficiencies (> 90%) were observed for longer-chain PFAS, PFOS (99.89%), PFHxA (94.61%) and ADONA (94.83%), while shorter- chain compounds had lower removal rates. Real water samples (tap water and synthetic effluent) showed lower overall degradation percentages (8–50%) depending on compound and matrix. Short-chain PFAS displayed around 10% removal in tap water, while PFOS and GenX achieved 50% and 32% removal, respectively. Complex matrix effects influence degradation rates. Byproducts from the plasma treatment were investigated, revealing distinct degradation mechanisms for various PFAS compounds. For PFSAs and PFCAs, degradation involved electron transfer, bond breaking and subsequent reactions. Conversely, ADONA and GenX degradation initiated with ether-group cleavage, followed by additional transformation processes. Plasma-based technology shows potential for degradation of PFAS, especially for newer substitute compounds like ADONA and GenX. However, further research is needed to optimize plasma performance for complete mineralization of PFAS. This study also proposes a degradation mechanism for ADONA, marking a novel investigation into ether-group PFAS degradation with potential implications for further research and understanding toxicological implications.

Generalized extended Bonferroni means for isomorphic membership grades

The generalized extended Bonferroni mean (GEBM) is a powerful tool for modeling the complex process of aggregating information, whether it is homogeneously or heterogeneously connected, within a composite aggregation structure. It maintains several favorable characteristics and effectively captures the diverse and interconnected nature of expert opinions or criteria, which is commonly observed in various decision-making contexts. This research expands upon the existing GEBM framework by applying it to the specific domains of q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs) and extended q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (Eq-ROFSs). Furthermore, it examines the transformation processes among different variants of GEBMs. To facilitate the development of generalized aggregation functions, the de Morgan triplet for q-ROFSs and Eq-ROFSs are established. By introducing an isomorphism, the transformation relationship between the aggregation functions for q-ROFSs and Eq-ROFSs is analyzed. Based on this foundation, the Bonferroni mean de Morgan triplet-based GEBMs for q-ROFSs and Eq-ROFSs are proposed, and the keeping-order relations for these proposed GEBMs are discussed. Finally, several special cases of the GEBMs for q-ROFSs and Eq-ROFSs are obtained, and several relevant theorems are verified.

The Digital Transformation Model for Innovative Marketing Maturity in the Oil Companies

Purpose: The manufacturing industry has been at the cutting-edge of technology advancements, which has Objectives: The objective of this research is to examine digital transformation within the oil and gas industry, focusing on the transition to renewable energy sources and the role of innovative technologies. It aims to explore how digital technology transforms operational strategies and the importance of data utilization, brand recognition, and ethical data practices in this transformation process. Methods: This study employs a qualitative investigation methodology to delve into digital transformation in the oil and gas sector. Through interviews with industry decision-makers, the research gathers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by firms adopting digital solutions and strategies. Results: The findings of the research highlight the transformative nature of digital technology within the oil and gas industry. They underscore the significance of managing internal and external boundaries during the transformation process. Key factors such as data utilization, brand recognition, and ethical data practices emerge as crucial for successful digital transformation. The study provides empirically grounded directions for developing frameworks to guide digital transformation practices in the industry. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research contributes to the understanding of digital transformation in the oil sector. By shedding light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in adopting digital solutions, the study aims to facilitate sustainable development and enhance innovation potential in the energy landscape. The findings offer valuable insights for firms navigating the complexities of digital transformation and pave the way for future research in this area.

'Through the Flower': On Audre Lorde and Intersectionality

The article aims to explore the origins of intersectionality through thelegacy of Lorde's feminism and her radical thinking. The concept ofintersectionality has taken on a complex position in feminist scholarshipover the past decade. Many scholars have also considered thecontributions of Audre Lorde to the discussions around intersectionality.It draws parallels between her ideas and it shows how her ideas areinfluenced by both rebellious literary forms and political writing styles.Lorde's radical feminist works have often been regarded as both areflection of identity politics and a shift in situational perception.Intersectionality is in addition said to be a movement that is trying toreclaim the ideas of identity politics and develop new ways to understandthe decentred structures of power. The article uses historicocritical andanalytical approaches to argue that the oeuvre of Lorde's feminismprovides a new perspective on the subject. In her works, Lorde describesa world that is definable only in terms of its relational terms, a world thatis torn apart by the divisions between race, class, sexuality, and gender.She also describes a world that is capable of being understood onlythrough its destructive divisions. The world that she is talking about is aplace that needs to be changed through a process of transformation. Thisworld is also a place where history has been made through the multiplemovements and revolutions that have occurred in it. These are thecontours that define the complex ground that third world feminist politicsare based on.

Digital transformation as a catalyst for business model innovation: A critical review of impact and implementation strategies

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, digital transformation has emerged as a crucial driver of organizational success. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the intersection between digital transformation and business model innovation, examining the impact and implementation strategies associated with this transformative process. The study begins by elucidating the concept of digital transformation and its significance in reshaping traditional business models. It explores how advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things, have revolutionized various aspects of business operations, including customer engagement, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. Furthermore, the paper critically evaluates the impact of digital transformation on business model innovation, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt and evolve in response to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences. Through a systematic analysis of relevant literature and case studies, the study highlights the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities inherent in leveraging digital technologies to drive business model innovation. Moreover, the paper examines different implementation strategies adopted by organizations to effectively integrate digital transformation initiatives into their existing business models. It discusses the importance of strategic planning, organizational culture, and leadership commitment in driving successful digital transformation initiatives. Overall, this critical review contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of digital transformation as a catalyst for business model innovation. It provides valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the complex landscape of digital disruption and capitalize on emerging opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness.

EVALUATION OF THE CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVES OF SME EXECUTIVES TOWARDS THE INDUSTRY 4.0 PROCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH THE SWARA METHOD

The aim of this study is to determine the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey towards the digital transformation that comes with Industry 4.0 and to determine the potential development and orientation of the information they had. In this study, the questions asked to thirty-two SME executives five years ago with a semi-structured interview were again directed to the same individuals. According to the results, it’s been seen that the executives have more knowledge of the Industry 4.0 process and have more information about the relevant technologies compared to the answers in 2017. In addition, executives have started to take more part in activities in this field. During the five-year period, the most concerned issue of executives was identified as cyber security and budget planning. In the second application of the study, it’s also aimed to determine the importance levels of some opportunities that are predicted to be caused by the Industry 4.0 transformation process on SMEs. In order to realize this aim, Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) application was made with five experts, and the first three opportunities with the highest level of importance were determined as low-cost production, competitiveness and improvement in production defects.

Does digital transformation benefit innovation in manufacturing firms? Empirical evidence based on data mining and textual analysis methods

With the increasing spread of the digital economy and the application of digital technologies, more and more manufacturing enterprises have begun to improve the efficiency of digital transformation with the help of big data and other digital technologies to promote the high-quality development of enterprises. Through the open big data platform, manufacturing enterprises can collect data and information reflecting the needs of users in a timely manner to achieve real-time optimization of the production process and timely detection of problems to a certain extent, thereby improving the ability to research and innovation. Through the establishment of econometric models and empirical tests, we also find that the education level of managers affects the process of digital transformation and influences the impact of digital transformation on innovation.

CULTURAL DYNAMICS OF THE KANIKKAR TRIBE: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC INQUIRY

This ethnographic study delved into the intricate cultural dynamics of the Kanikkar tribe, a marginalized indigenous community residing in the southern regions of Kerala. Through immersive fieldwork and qualitative analysis, the research explored the multifaceted aspects of Kanikkar culture, including their social organization, livelihood, traditional practices, belief systems, cultural identity, and interactions with the surrounding environment. The Kanikkar tribe displayed unique cultures, lifestyles, customs, traditions, religious practices, and rituals. Their lifestyles connected them to the land, forests, rivers, and natural resources. Subsistence practices such as hunting, fishing, agriculture, and gathering sustained them. Traditional clothing, music, dance, and storytelling formed integral parts of their cultural expression. They were renowned for their traditional medicinal expertise, possessing intricate knowledge of herbs and their healing properties. The findings of this inquiry shed light on the resilience of Kanikkar traditions in the face of modernization, as well as the ongoing processes of cultural adaptation and transformation within the community.

Voluntourism placements: Voluntourists’ experiences and learning potential

ABSTRACT This paper aims to contribute to the broader understanding of voluntourists’ impressions with voluntourism and how their experiences evolve throughout the volunteering process (pre-, peri-, and post-trip stages). Interviews of Belgian and Dutch voluntourists (n = 21) were analysed thematically, focusing on their overall experiences by questioning success factors, obstacles, and stakeholders’ roles. Results show that providing organisations, host countries/cultures/residents, and other volunteers/tourists functioned in triangular relationships that influence voluntourists’ intercultural and transformative learning processes. This study concludes that when the stakeholders recognise their roles and see participants’ learning as a goal, voluntourism may enhance the interests of its customers (volunteers and host countries), thus making it a genuine learning opportunity.

Business text classification with imbalanced data and moderately large label spaces for digital transformation

Digital transformation refers to an organization’s use of digital technology to improve its products, services, and operations, aligning them with evolving business requirements. To demonstrate this transformative process, we present a real-life case study where a company seeks to automate the classification of their textual data rather than relying on manual methods. Transitioning to automated classification involves deploying machine learning models, which rely on pre-labeled datasets for training and making predictions on new data. However, upon receiving the dataset from the company, we faced challenges due to the imbalanced distribution of labels and moderately large label spaces. To tackle text classification with such a business dataset, we evaluated four distinct methods for multi-label text classification: fine-tuned Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), Binary Relevance, Classifier Chains, and Label Powerset. The results revealed that fine-tuned BERT significantly outperformed the other methods across key metrics like Accuracy, F1-score, Precision, and Recall. Binary Relevance also displayed competence in handling the dataset effectively, while Classifier Chains and Label Powerset exhibited comparatively less impressive performance. These findings highlight the remarkable effectiveness of fine-tuned BERT model and the Binary Relevance classifier in multi-label text classification tasks, particularly when dealing with imbalanced training datasets and moderately large label spaces. This positions them as valuable assets for businesses aiming to automate data classification in the digital transformation era.

Personnel development under digital economy conditions

Personnel development under digital economy conditions

Student Leadership on Community Empowerment: Study on Zero Waste Program in Lamongan Regency, East Java

<p class="TableParagraph"><strong>This article is about the role of college students as leaders in activities relating to public interests and problems, particularly on issues of community empowerment in Indonesia, and especially in an activity called the Desa Mandiri Sampah in Kediren Village Lamongan Regency East Java Province. This article aims to examine the role of college students as leaders through several aspects, namely personality, abilities, behavior, relationships with the people they lead, and processes. This article uses qualitative research methods, involving interviews and non-participatory observation of a group of students involved in community empowerment activities. Personality can be seen in students' friendliness to the village community and their attention to the existing challenges and opportunities. Such attention can also be seen as ability. Ability is also seen in the application of their skill to organize project and of their knowledge about waste problems. Such knowledge can also be seen as the power that leaders use to bring changes, as well as relating to the aspect namely relationship between the leader and the people they lead. Behavior can be seen in increasing understanding and motivation, providing facilities for the village community, activating existing resources in the village, as well as implementing cooperation and coordination. The transformational process of leadership can be seen in this series of activities, that these college students, as initiators and implementers, have raised citizen awareness, shared knowledge and carried out solution activities, as well as embraced members of village community to take part actively.</strong></p><p class="TableParagraph"><strong> </strong></p><p class="TableParagraph"> </p>

Effect of applied stress on bainite transformation, microstructure, and properties of 15CrMo steel

The effect of external stress on the isothermal bainite transformation kinetics and microstructure of 15CrMo steel was studied using dilatometer, optical microscopes (OM), electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD), scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the additional mechanical driving force provided by the external stress promotes the transformation of bainite, resulting an increase volume fraction of bainite-ferrite (BF) and causing the BF laths to become slender. The application of external stress can also induce selective orientation during the bainite transformation process, and the orientation relationship between the prior austenite and the BF under stress is closer to the Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) relationship. There is also an incomplete transformation of bainite transformation under stress. At the same time, the Vickers hardness of 15CrMo steel would increase after applying external stress. The mechanical driving forces calculations demonstrate that when tensile stress and compressive stress are of similar magnitudes, they provide comparable mechanical driving forces. As a result, they exert similar effects on the kinetics of bainite transformation, leading to no discernible differences in the resulting bainite microstructure.

Reinventing Web Security: An Enhanced Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Network Approach to Intrusion Detection

Web3.0, as the link between the physical and digital domains, faces increasing security threats due to its inherent complexity and openness. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDSs) encounter formidable challenges in grappling with the multidimensional and nonlinear traffic data characteristic of the Web3.0 environment. Such challenges include insufficient samples of attack data, inadequate feature extraction, and resultant inaccuracies in model classification. Moreover, the scarcity of certain traffic data available for analysis by IDSs impedes the system’s capacity to document instances of malicious behavior. In response to these exigencies, this paper presents a novel approach to Web3.0 intrusion detection, predicated on the utilization of cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks (CycleGANs). Leveraging the data transformation capabilities of its generator, this method facilitates bidirectional conversion between normal Web3.0 behavioral data and potentially intrusive behavioral data. This transformative process not only augments the diversity and volume of recorded intrusive behaviors but also clandestinely simulates various attack scenarios. Furthermore, through fostering mutual competition and learning between the discriminator and generator, the approach enhances the ability to discern the defining characteristics of potential intrusive behaviors, thereby bolstering the accuracy of intrusion detection. To substantiate the efficacy of the CycleGAN-based intrusion detection method, simulation experiments were conducted utilizing public datasets, including KDD CUP 1999 (KDD), CIC-DDOS2019, CIC-IDS2018, and SR-BH 2020. The experimental findings evince the method’s remarkable accuracies across the four datasets, attaining rates of 99.81%, 97.79%, 89.25%, and 95.15%, respectively, while concurrently maintaining low false-positive rates. This research contributes novel insights and methodologies toward the advancement of Web3.0 intrusion detection through the application of CycleGAN technology, which is poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying the security landscape of Web3.0.

Open innovation at the digital frontier: unraveling the paradoxes and roadmaps for SMEs' successful digital transformation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature regarding the open innovation management approaches that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use to access digital technologies and incorporate them into their organizational processes. The research question is: What organizational and process-level managerial actions do SMEs take to successfully access and implement digital technologies within their organizational processes?Design/methodology/approachUsing Guertler et al.'s (2020) Action Innovation Management Research (AIM-R) framework, this study examines the digital transformation experiences of 10 European SMEs to gain insights into the managerial actions that foster successful digital transformation.FindingsThe findings of the paper reveal two major contributions. First, a digital transformation roadmap for SMEs is proposed, with a focus on accessing external resources and reconfiguring internal ones to ease their digital transformation journey. Second, three distinct paradoxes that influence the digital transformation process in SMEs are highlighted, providing useful insights into the challenges and tensions SMEs face during this journey.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective on the digital transformation of SMEs by examining the managerial actions required for successful technology adoption and revealing the paradoxes that may emerge during this transformative process. The findings form the basis for future research, deepening our understanding of digital transformation in SMEs and providing actionable advice to managers and practitioners navigating this journey.

Crafting in situ boron and selenium-doped carbon nitride nanosheets for turbocharged benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol under solar spectrum

This research focuses on the fabrication and application of in situ boron and selenium-doped carbon nitride nanosheets as effective photocatalysts using sun spectrum irradiation to convert turbocharged benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol. To optimize the doping method for enhanced activity, the effect of changing dopant concentrations on catalytic efficiency was thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, a through analysis of the reactive species involved in the conversion process helped to clarify the photocatalytic process. Based on charge transfer and low recombination, the results indicate that boron and selenium dopants work synergistically to improve catalytic efficiency. This research helps to improve the development of new photocatalytic materials for the sustainable and ecologically friendly transformation of organic molecules under solar spectrum irradiation. The regeneration of NADH using B,Se-CN photocatalyst demonstrates very good efficiency. It also demonstrated the high conversion efficiency of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol. This study emphasizes the possible use of B,Se-CN composite in the area of photoinduced conversion-based organic transformation. The knowledge gathered from this research opens up new avenues for the development and enhancement of effective photocatalysts that might be used in a range of solar-powered organic transformation processes.

Empowering employees for digital transformation in manufacturing enterprises: A case study

Purpose: This study explores how manufacturing enterprises can effectively promote digital transformation through employee empowerment with ability, motivation, and opportunity empowerment at different stages.Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on ability, motivation, and opportunity (AMO) theory, this qualitative research takes the Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group as a typical case to discuss manufacturing enterprises’ evolving employee empowerment model. Gioia structured data analysis method was adopted to analyse the data.Findings/results: In the stage of information technology (IT) application, the main task of employee empowerment is strengthening the employees’ abilities (‘can do’) and motivation (‘want to do’) by training their IT knowledge and skills, changing their mindset towards IT application, and letting them experience the efficiency of the latter. In the intelligence manufacturing stage, training employees to do better is the core content of employee empowerment. Enterprises can strengthen employees’ intelligent manufacturing skills, practice data-based performance appraisal and salary management, and let employees participate in intelligent manufacturing. In the stage of digital transformation of the whole process, employees are required to ‘do their best in the long run’. Enterprises could improve employee collaboration capabilities, build growth mechanisms, and involve every employee in innovation.Practical implications: In the digital transformation process, manufacturing enterprises could empower employees according to the different goals and requirements in the three stages of IT application, intelligence manufacturing, and digital transformation of the whole process. It has reference value for manufacturing enterprises to achieve digital transformation.Originality/value: This study explores a three-dimensional evolving employee empowerment model to promote manufacturing enterprises’ digital transformation.