Transformation Process Research Articles

Living Hybrid Exciton Materials: Enhanced Fluorescence and Chiroptical Properties in Living Supramolecular Polymers with Strong Frenkel/Charge-Transfer Exciton Coupling.

A family of chiral perylene diimides (PDIs) was newly developed as excellent circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials. They are asymmetrically derivatized with a double-alkyl-chained L- or D-glutamate unit and a linear or branched alkyl chain. When water is added to the tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of glutamate-PDI-linear-alkyl chain compounds, kinetically formed H-aggregates are formed in globular nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs undergo spontaneous transformation into thermodynamically stable nanotubes via helical nanostructures, which showed structured broad spectra originating from the strong coupling of delocalized Frenkel excitations (FE) and charge transfer excitations (CTE). Significant enhancement of circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence quantum yield, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) are observed during the transformation of NPs to the FE/CTE-coupled helical and tubular structures. This transformation process is significantly accelerated by applying physical stimuli, i.e., ultrasonication or adding helical aggregates as seed crystals, a feature unique to living supramolecular polymerization. Meanwhile, the branched chain-containing PDIs only form H-aggregates and did not show FE/CTE hybrid exciton states with living supramolecular polymerization properties. This study unveils that suitably designed chiral PDI derivatives show FE/CTE coupling accompanied by high fluorescence quantum yields, enhanced chiroptical properties, and supramolecular living polymerization characteristics.

Tree age affects carbon sequestration potential via altering soil bacterial community composition and function

Among various factors related to the forest carbon pool, the tree stand age, which interacts with soil organic matter, decomposition rates, and microbial activity, is essential and cannot be disregarded. However, knowledge about how tree phases influence soil carbon sinks is not adequate. This study sampled Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) plantations with different tree stand ages to investigate the temporal dynamics of soil carbon sink in the forest. Physiochemical analyses and high-throughput sequencing results further revealed the interactions of tree stands and their related rhizosphere microbiome. It was found that microbial composition and metabolic activity were significantly affected by different tree ages, whose structures gradually diversified and became more stable from young to mature forests. Many keystone taxa from the phyla Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Nitrospirota were found to be associated with carbon transformation processes. Interestingly, the carbon resource utilization strategies of microbial groups related to tree ages also differed, with near-mature forest soils showing better labile carbon degradation capacity, and mature forests possessing higher degradation potential of recalcitrant carbon. Age-altered tree growth and physiology were found to interact with its rhizosphere microbiome, which is the driving factor in the formation and stability of forest soil carbon. This study highlighted that the tree age-associated soil microbiomes, which provided insights into their effects on soil carbon transformation, were significant in enhancing the knowledge of carbon sequestration in L. kaempferi plantations.

КРЕАТИВНЫЕ ИНДУСТРИИ КАК СПЕЦИФИЧЕСКИЙ СЕКТОР СФЕРЫ УСЛУГ

The modern economy is undergoing processes of structural transformation. The economies of developed countries go through these transformations somewhat earlier, and the economies of developing countries - with a time shift. At the same time, one of the general fundamental trends is a decrease in the share of traditional sectors, in particular industry, in the output structure. As a result, there is a transition to a post-industrial economy. The transformation processes do not end there. The quantitatively developing tertiary (service) sector of the economy is also changing its structure. It highlights the creative economy sector, which is based on creative industries. This is a specific sector of the modern service industry. The article analyzes the role of creative industries as a specific sector of the service sector in the context of the transition from an industrial type of production to a post-industrial one. The author emphasizes the influence of creative industries on economic development and innovation, based on an analysis of changes in the structure of employment and the specifics of consumption in developed countries. Particular attention is paid to how the expansion and deepening of creative industries contributes to economic progress, greater innovation and changes in the nature and structure of employment, transforming society as a whole. The article also examines trends in the development of creative industries and their ability to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions of the global market, emphasizing their role in the formation of a model of sustainable economic and social development. The need to strengthen government support for creative industries is pointed out, because they can become one of the key factors in ensuring Russia's competitiveness in a post-normal world.

Lumican promotes calcific aortic valve disease through H3 histone lactylation.

Valve interstitial cells (VICs) undergo a transition to intermediate state cells before ultimately transforming into the osteogenic cell population, which is a pivotal cellular process in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Herein, this study successfully delineated the stages of VIC osteogenic transformation and elucidated a novel key regulatory role of lumican (LUM) in this process. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) from nine human aortic valves was used to characterize the pathological switch process and identify key regulatory factors. The in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and double knockout mice were constructed to further unravel the calcification-promoting effect of LUM. Moreover, the multi-omic approaches were employed to analyse the molecular mechanism of LUM in CAVD. ScRNA-seq successfully delineated the process of VIC pathological transformation and highlighted the significance of LUM as a novel molecule in this process. The pro-calcification role of LUM is confirmed on the in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo level, and ApoE-/-//LUM-/- double knockout mice. The LUM induces osteogenesis in VICs via activation of inflammatory pathways and augmentation of cellular glycolysis, resulting in the accumulation of lactate. Subsequent investigation has unveiled a novel LUM driving histone modification, lactylation, which plays a role in facilitating valve calcification. More importantly, this study has identified two specific sites of histone lactylation, namely, H3K14la and H3K9la, which have been found to facilitate the process of calcification. The confirmation of these modification sites' association with the expression of calcific genes Runx2 and BMP2 has been achieved through ChIP-PCR analysis. The study presents novel findings, being the first to establish the involvement of lumican in mediating H3 histone lactylation, thus facilitating the development of aortic valve calcification. Consequently, lumican would be a promising therapeutic target for intervention in the treatment of CAVD.

Photo-aging of brominated epoxy microplastics in water under simulated solar irradiation.

Microplastics have become an increasingly concerning pollutant in aquatic environments, and photodegradation is their main degradation pathway in water. Gaining insight into the transformation process of microplastics will enhance our understanding of their behavior and destiny in natural environments. This paper studied the aging process of BER microplastics in aquatic environments under simulated sunlight and investigated the changes in the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and the changes in the leachate. During the photodegradation process, BER-MPs underwent extensive oxidation and reduction in particle size, and the originally smooth surface developed numerous voids, accompanied by yellowing. Introduction of O atoms in the molecular chains increased their hydrophilicity, resulting in the polymer chains breaking away from the plastic particles and dissolving in water. Also, once BER was excited by light, environmentally persistent free radicals are produced on its surface. Moreover, the breaking of C-Br bonds occurred during the photodegradation process of BER-MPs, which suggested that tetrabromobisphenol A would be transformed during the photoaging process of BER even if it was covalently bound to BER.

Current challenges on the widespread adoption of new bio-based fertilizers: insights to move forward toward more circular food systems

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers.

Navigating identity dissonance: subjectification to balance socialization.

One of the main goals of medical education is to facilitate the development of a professional identity. As part of this effort, trainees are exposed to the values and cultures of the profession in a process known as socialization. Learners must then negotiate incongruent aspects between their preexisting identities and nascent professional identities. Individuals from historically underrepresented ethnic groups often undergo more significant changes due to their values and culture not being as prevalent within the dominant ideology of medicine. This transformative process can lead to identity dissonance and manifest as an internal discomfort resulting from perceived contradictions between one's existing identity and the required professional identity. Identity dissonance may be traumatic and pose a threat to the academic performance and professional integration of trainees. These detrimental effects harm the medical workforce by depriving it of a group crucial in addressing health inequities. Educators tasked with facilitating the professional development of learners must consider their implicit expectations about professionalism, explore the distinct challenges experienced by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in their professional development, and work to develop strategies to help trainees navigate identity dissonance. Subjectification, an education philosophy that focuses on compelling individuals to explore the new possibilities and responsibilities imparted to them by their education, provides a theoretical framework to help educators guide learners through identity dissonance.

Multi-Level Switching Control Scheme for Folding Wing VTOL UAV Based on Dynamic Allocation

A folding wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV is capable of transitioning between quadrotor and fixed-wing modes, but significant alterations occur in its dynamics model and maneuvering mode during the transformation process, thereby imposing greater demands on the adaptability of its control system. In this paper, a multi-level switching control scheme based on dynamic allocation is proposed for the deformation stage. Firstly, according to the physical characteristics of the wing folding mechanism, a dynamic model is established. The influence of the incoming flow on the rotors is considered, and the dynamic coupling characteristics in its transition process are analyzed. Secondly, by inverting the changes in rotor position and axial direction, a dynamic allocation algorithm for the rotors is designed. Then, the quadrotor controller and the fixed-wing controller are switched and mixed in multiple loops to form a multi-level switching control scheme. Finally, the simulation results show that the designed multi-level switching control scheme is effective and robust in forward and backward deformation processes, and its anti-interference ability is stronger compared with that of the control scheme without dynamic allocation.

Can regional innovation policies promote corporate digital transformation? Empirical evidence from China’s national innovation demonstration zones

ABSTRACT Using a sample of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2007 to 2022, this study constructs a multi-period difference-in-differences model with the establishment of national innovation demonstration zones (NIDZs) as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the effect of a regional innovation policy on corporate digital transformation. The study finds that the government’s NIDZ policy has significantly promoted the digital transformation of enterprises. The policy effect is mainly reflected in promoting the application of the underlying digitalization technology. An analysis of the influence mechanism shows that NIDZs promote corporate digital transformation through innovation-driven government support and financing optimization effects. To promote corporate digital transformation and enhance enterprise value, NIDZs require relatively perfect digital infrastructure, a high level of intellectual property protection, non-state-owned enterprises, low management myopia, and manufacturing enterprises. The government can set up NIDZs and actively use regional innovation policies to promote the digital transformation of enterprises, explicitly solving the challenging issues that enterprises face in the transformation process.

Machine learning for high-precision simulation of dissolved organic matter in sewer: Overcoming data restrictions with generative adversarial networks

Understanding the transformation process of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the sewer is imperative for comprehending material circulation and energy flow within the sewer. The machine learning (ML) model provides a feasible way to comprehend and simulate the DOM transformation process in the sewer. In contrast, the model accuracy is limited by data restriction. In this study, a novel framework by integrating generative adversarial network algorithm-machine learning models (GAN-ML) was established to overcome the drawbacks caused by the data restriction in the simulation of the DOM transformation process, and humification index (HIX) was selected as the output variable to evaluate the model performance. Results indicate that the GAN algorithm's virtual dataset could generally enhance the simulation performance of regression models, deep learning models, and ensemble models for the DOM transformation process The highest prediction accuracy on HIX (R2 of 0.5389 and RMSE of 0.0273) was achieved by the adaptive boosting model which belongs to ensemble models trained by the virtual dataset of 1000 samples. Interpretability analysis revealed that dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH emerge as critical factors warranting attention for the future development of management strategies to regulate the DOM transformation process in sewers. The integrated framework proposed a potential approach for the comprehensive understanding and high-precision simulation of the DOM transformation process, paving the way for advancing sewer management strategy under data restriction.

Effects of Arrhenius Activation Energy on Thermally Radiant Williamson Nanofluid Flow Over a Permeable Stretching Sheet with Viscous Dissipation

This paper explores the role of viscous dissipation, Arrhenius activation energy, and thermal radiation of Williamson nanofluid flow over a permeable stretching sheet. The governing partial differential equations have been simplified through a transformation process, resulting in a set of non-linear differential equations. To find a solution for these equations, a numerical approach is employed, specifically the fourth order Runge-Kutta method. Additionally, a shooting technique is utilized to enhance the accuracy of the numerical solutions. Overall, the study involves reducing complex equations, solving them numerically, and refining the results through a combination of methods. The study investigates the impact of different physical parameters on key factors like velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, nano particle volume fraction, and rates of mass and heat transfer. This study exhibits that activation energy parameter enhances concentration profiles, whereas fitted rate constant shows opposite behavior. The activation energy into heat transfer model allows for the optimization of heat transfer systems utilizing Williamson nano fluids.

Mercury sources, transport, and transformation in rainfall-runoff processes: Mercury isotope approach

Mercury (Hg) in runoff water poses significant ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems that can affect organisms. However, accurately identifying the sources and transformation processes of Hg in runoff water is challenging due to complex natural conditions. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of Hg dynamics in water from rainfall to runoff. The Hg isotope fractionation in water was characterized, which allows accurate quantification of Hg sources, transport, and transformations in rainfall-runoff processes. Δ200Hg and corrected Δ199Hg values can serve as reliable tracers for identifying Hg sources in the runoff water and the variation of δ202Hg can be explained by Hg transformation processes. During runoff migration processes, Hg from rainfall is rapidly absorbed on the land surface, while terrestrial Hg entering the water by the dissolution process becomes the primary component of dissolved mercury (DHg). Besides the dissolution and adsorption, microbial Hg(II) reduction and demethylation of MeHg were dominant processes for DHg in the runoff water that flows through the rice paddies, while photochemical Hg(II) reduction was the dominant process for DHg in the runoff water with low water exchange rates. Particulate Hg (PHg) in runoff water is dominantly originated by the terrestrial material and derived from the dissolution and adsorption process. Tracking sources and transformations of Hg in runoff water during the rainfall-runoff process provides a basis for studying Hg pollution in larger water bodies under complex environmental factors.

Red mud treated with KOH: synthesis of sustainable materials from waste for water treatment.

Solid waste resulting from bauxite ore (red mud) was converted into useful products consisting in hydrogarnet together with zeolite. Red mud (RM) transformation from disposal material into new source was carried out using potassium hydroxide as an activator and hydrothermal process (HY) or vapor phase crystallization (VPC) approach. HY process was performed at 60, 90, and 130°C whereas during the VPC method, red mud was contacted only with vapor from the distilled water heated at 60 and 90°C. The results indicate the formation of katoite and zeolite L (LTL topology) with both approaches. All the synthetic products display magnetic properties. In addition, a preliminary investigation on arsenic removal from drinking water (from 59 to 86%), makes the synthetic materials appealing for environmental applications. Finally, the synthesis of a large amount of very useful newly-formed phases using vapor molecules confirms the efficiency of the innovative and green VPC process in waste material transformation.

Acid-base synergistic effect towards catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of aldehydes/ketones by using alcohols as hydrogen donors is an attractive and environmentally friendly hydrogenation technology, which has evoked widespread attention in synthesis of fine chemicals from biomass resources. In this work, a Co-Al mixed metal oxide catalyst (Co1Al2-MMO-200) was obtained through structural topological transformation process of layered double hydroxides, which was used in the CTH reaction of furfural with isopropanol. Notably, the reaction rate achieves 0.023 mol g−1 h−1, which is preponderate to acid-base catalysts earlier reported. The joint research based on CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD and poisoning experiment substantiates that the synergy effect of acid-base sites plays an essential role in this catalytic system. Isotopic labelling MS, in-situ FT-IR and DFT studies further verify that the CTH reaction of furfural occurs via the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) route, in which the basic site promotes the deprotonation of isopropanol whilst the acid site facilitates the formation of a six-membered ring transition state. This work demonstrates an acid-base synergetic catalysis for the CTH reaction by revealing the structure-property correlation and exploring reaction route, which is instructive for designing high-performance heterogenous catalysts.

Radical Difunctionalization of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons Employing the Same Functional Reagent

The radical difunctionalization of unsaturated hydrocarbons serves as an efficient means to rapidly construct molecular skeletons and synthesize‐highly valuable compounds. In this transformational process, diverse positions within unsaturated hydrocarbons are sequentially functionalized by a single radical precursor reagent, thereby achieving highly efficient and selective transformations that promote atom economy. Furthermore, this approach minimizes the generation of numerous byproducts stemming from cross‐coupling reactions between reactants, owing to the reduction of the number of participating components. Therefore, this review provides an in‐depth analysis of the radical difunctionalization of unsaturated hydrocarbons utilizing a single functional reagent in recent decades. The discussion is based on eight different radical classes (carbon‐, nitrogen‐, phosphine‐, oxygen‐, sulfur‐, selenium‐, tellurium‐, and chlorine‐centered radicals), emphasizing the mechanism of specific radical difunctionalization. It also analyzes in detail the regulation of key factors such as regional selectivity, and provides unique insights into reaction transformations.

Interpreting Digital Transformation from a Psychological Perspective: A Case Study of the Oil and Gas Industry

This article addresses the problem statement and objective by exploring the necessity, scope, and execution of digital transformation in the oil and gas industry from a psychological perspective. It highlights the cognitive barriers faced by non-ICT professionals, which are often overlooked in traditional approaches. The study integrates case studies and empirical evidence from a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative surveys among employees, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformation process. The research emphasizes the integration of psychological theories with practical digital transformation strategies, illustrating key obstacles and solutions. By adopting a holistic approach that incorporates both technological advancements and psychological insights, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of digital transformation efforts. Major contributions include identifying cognitive barriers, proposing solutions to overcome these barriers, and presenting real-world applications that demonstrate the successful merging of psychological insights and digital strategies in the oil and gas sector.

THE FORMATION OF GENDER HISTORY AND ITS SUBJECT

Thе article aims to highlight the foundation of gender history as a discipline and to reveal the process of formation and transformations of the subject of gender history in the research of American, European and Ukrainian historians. From the beginning it was connected with the development of the movement for human rights, feminism, the struggle for gender equality and non-discrimination. The pluralism of approaches to the study of gender history and the definition of its subject is shown regarding to the diversity of approaches to the essence of history and gender, their interaction with sexuality, body, identity, race, ethnicity and nationality, colonialism, power relations, dominance and subordination, and the meaning of gender in history.

A novel BWM-entropy-COPRAS group decision framework with spherical fuzzy information for digital supply chain partner selection

AbstractThe transformation and upgrading of traditional supply chain models through digital technology receive widespread attention from the fields of circular economy, manufacturing, and sustainable development. Enterprises need to choose a digital supply chain partner (DSCP) during the process of digital transformation in uncertain and sustainable environments. Thus, the research constructs an innovative decision methodology for selecting the optimal DSCP to achieve digital transformation. The proposed methodology is propounded based upon the entropy measure, generalized Dombi operators, integrated weight-determination model, and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) method under spherical fuzzy circumstances. Specifically, a novel entropy measure is proposed for measuring the fuzziness of spherical fuzzy (SF) sets, while generalized Dombi operators are presented for fusing SF information. The related worthwhile properties of these operators are discussed. Further, an integrated criteria weight-determination model is presented by incorporating objective weights obtained from the SF entropy-based method and subjective weights from the SF best worst method. Afterward, an improvement of the COPRAS method is proposed based on the presented generalized Dombi operators with SF information. Lastly, the practicability and validity of the proposed methodology are verified by an empirical study that selects an appropriate DSCP for a new energy vehicle enterprise to finish the goal of digital transformation. The sensitivity and comparative analysis are carried out to illustrate the stability, reliability, and superiority of the propounded methodology from multiple perspectives. The results and conclusions indicate that the propounded method affords a synthetic and systematic uncertain decision-making framework for identifying the optimal DSCP with incomplete weight information.

Exploring Dynamic Capability Drivers of Green Innovation at Different Digital Transformation Stages: Evidence from Listed Companies in China

Digital transformation has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for corporate green innovation, specifically in the context of the green development of the manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, it is evident that there are significant disparities in the various stages of corporate digital transformation. Furthermore, the precise dynamic capabilities required to propel corporate green innovation at distinct stages of this transformation, along with their underlying influencing mechanisms, remain ambiguous. Drawing on dynamic capabilities, this paper delves into the inherent mechanism of corporate green innovation based on the data of listed companies in the Chinese manufacturing industry. The study reaches the following conclusions: (1) The driving process of digital transformation in green innovation exhibits distinct stage characteristics. Digital transformation significantly enhances the quantity of green innovation in the steering period and has a significant impact on both the quantity and quality of green innovation in the shaping and upgrading periods. Moreover, the shaping period has a stronger impact on quantity, while the upgrading period has a stronger impact on quality. (2) There is an evident evolution and upgrading of dynamic capabilities as digital transformation progresses. Among these capabilities, adaptive capability plays a mediating role in the steering period, and innovative capability plays a mediating role in the upgrading period. (3) Top management teams’ environmental attention plays a positive moderating role in digital-transformation-driven green innovation by strengthening absorptive and innovative capabilities. This study reveals the cascading evolution of dynamic capabilities in the digital transformation stage, explores the synergistic effect of top management teams’ environmental attention and specific dynamic capabilities, and provides management strategies for the “quantitative growth and qualitative enhancement” of corporate green innovation.

Unveiling the Enigma: Empowering Citizen Engagement in Decision-Making Deciphering Albania's Case

This article aims to fill the gap and analyze citizen involvement in developing and transitional democracy, focusing specifically on Albania, a country in the Western Balkans. The objective of this article is to examine the models, trends, obstacles and opportunities offered by citizen participation, as well as to evaluate the determinant factors and their impact on the transformative processes of democratization and the fragile development of Albania. The article explores the participation of citizens in the decision-making process, and their role in policy-making and democratic decision-making and tries to understand how citizens can be more actively involved in the decision-making process and how this involvement can increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of policies. In this study, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze existing practices of citizen involvement in the decision-making process at different levels of local and central government. We focus on the tools and mechanisms that can be used to encourage the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process. The results of this study aim to provide recommendations for policymakers and practitioners at different levels of government to improve the involvement of citizens in the process of decision-making. In conclusion, through these recommendations, we aim to help increase transparency, responsibility and legitimacy of decision-making processes and create an environment where citizens feel involved and heard in decision-making that affects life. Received: 8 March 2024 / Accepted: 13 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024