Search Results (100,290)

The synthesis of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPA)-based polymers via the surfactant-free precipitation polymerization (SFPP) method produced thermosensitive nanospheres with a range of distinctive physicochemical properties. Nano- and microparticles were generated using various initiators, significantly influencing particle characteristics, including the hydrodynamic diameter (D_H), which varied from 87.7 nm to 1618.1 nm. Initiators, such as potassium persulfate and 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride, conferred anionic and cationic functionalities, respectively, impacting the electrokinetic potential (EP) of the particles. Notably, certain particles with cationic initiators exhibited negative EP values at 18 °C, attributed to residual initiator components that affected the surface charge distribution. The presence of hydrophilic N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAA) segments also influenced solubility and phase transition behaviors, with critical dependencies on the HEAA/NIPA (N-isopropyl acrylamide) molar ratios. EP measurements taken at 18 °C and 42 °C revealed substantial differences, primarily governed by the initiator type and polymer composition. Observed variations in particle stability and size were associated with the choice of crosslinking agents and comonomer content, which affected both D_H and EP in distinct ways. This study provides insights into key factors influencing colloidal stability and electrostatic interactions within thermosensitive polymer systems, underscoring their potential applications in biomedical and industrial fields. Full article

This paper presents the results of a pilot application of Powder-Bed Fusion of Metals Using a Laser (PBF-LB/M) for the fabrication of M300 (1.2709) maraging steel sheet metal bending tools. S235 steel was used as a substrate for the fabrication of bending punches. The main goal of the research was to determine the usability of such tools without heat treatment, which would contribute to the increase in the cost of tool production. Industrial tests of tools were conducted during the forming of Inconel 625 and AW-6061 T0 aluminium alloy sheets. The punches were subjected to tests of surface roughness, hardness, microstructure, porosity, and geometric quality in order to verify the quality and accuracy of tools made by the PBF-LB/M technique before and after experimental investigations in industrial conditions in a selected manufacturing company. It was found that tools with an M300 steel working layer after the PBF-LB/M process without heat treatment show suitability for bending sheet metal in a certain range of force parameters, ensuring obtaining elements after bending from Inconel 625 and AW-6061 T0 aluminium alloy sheets of the required geometric quality. Full article

Due to the high energy consumption characteristics of industrial warehouse buildings, the demand for energy regeneration technology is increasingly urgent. In recent years, with the rapid development of building energy technology, warehouse building energy regeneration technology has made remarkable progress in energy conservation and sustainable development. A deep understanding of the previous research progress and trends can provide the scientific basis for guiding subsequent in-depth research. Through the bibliometric analysis of 145 journal articles collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2004 and 2024, this research has studied the research trends and progress on the application of energy regeneration in industrial warehouse buildings. This study first revealed the overall development trend of energy regeneration technology in warehouse buildings through quantitative analysis, indicating that related research is growing rapidly. Core scholars in the field such as Lund H. and Mathiesen B.V., as well as major journals such as Energy and Sustainability, have been identified through the analysis of the literature. Five core research themes, including energy efficiency improvement and regeneration technology, renewable energy system design, life cycle sustainable technology, renewable energy utility assessment, and policy support and energy consumption simulation, were identified through cluster analysis. Through evolutionary analysis, this study demonstrates the development process of energy regeneration in warehouse buildings and the critical role played by advances in new energy technologies in the field of warehouse construction. On this basis, this study proposes current key research directions, including energy life cycle assessment, energy regeneration environment optimization, and energy system management. The research on the energy regeneration of warehouse buildings has gradually become an important cross-subject of architecture and energy technology, providing technical support for the transformation of low-carbon storage buildings. The analysis of the current research status, evolutionary logic, and research trends can provide scientific references for further in-depth research and technological applications in this field. Full article

In recent years, Generation Z has had a pivotal influence across global industries, with tourism being significantly impacted. As the first generation fully immersed in digital technology, Generation Z members have travel preferences, behaviours, and values which differ markedly from previous generations, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the tourism sector. This study explores studies on Generation Z in the context of the tourism industry through key research questions, including the primary trends and thematic clusters in the existing literature, the most influential journals and authors, and the temporal evolution of research in this area. To address these questions, this article presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 217 publications on Generation Z and tourism, spanning from 2018 to 2024, sourced from the Web of Science. Using VOSviewer, the analysis maps the main trends, the most influential publications, and the emerging themes, providing insights into how Generation Z is reshaping the tourism landscape. The bibliometric analysis and VOSviewer mapping add a rigorous methodological approach, offering a structured overview of existing research while identifying gaps for further exploration, especially in this emerging field. The study highlights the most published and cited journals, providing a broad contextual view, followed by an in-depth exploration of thematic clusters within Generation Z tourism research. The results indicate that although research on this topic gained attention in 2018, it is still in its early stages, with significant room for expansion. Current studies primarily focus on social media marketing communications for Generation Z, as well as Generation Z tourism experiences and their attitudes and preferences towards tourism, suggesting areas for future exploration. Full article

Keel bone damage (KBD) is a prominent concern within the realm of the egg-laying industry, exerting substantial impacts on the welfare and productivity of laying hens. This comprehensive review undertakes a detailed exploration of the diverse factors contributing to KBD, such as inadequate calcium sources in the medullary bone, genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, and physical stressors. The consequences of KBD on production performance, stress and inflammation levels, and the physical and chemical properties of the keel are meticulously examined. Additionally, the review evaluates the existing methods for assessing KBD, including keel curvature scoring, imaging techniques, palpation, biomechanical testing, behavioral observations, and biochemical markers. Finally, management strategies, including nutritional adjustments, genetic selection, and environmental modifications, are proposed to potentially mitigate the prevalence and severity of KBD, thereby aiming to enhance the welfare and productivity of laying hens. Full article

Nanotechnology has revolutionised biomedical research, offering innovative healthcare solutions. Plant-based nanotechnology is emerging as a sustainable alternative, minimising environmental impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This paper explores the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles (PNPs) in medicine, highlighting their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness. PNPs, synthesised through green methods, have demonstrated promising applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as a high surface area and bioactive components, enable improved drug delivery, targeting, and controlled release, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy. Additionally, plant-derived compounds’ inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, retained within platinum nanoparticles (PNPs), present innovative opportunities for combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting wound healing. Despite their potential, challenges remain in standardising PNP synthesis, ensuring consistency, and scaling up production for industrial applications. This review emphasises the need for further research on PNP toxicity, biocompatibility, and regulatory frameworks to fully harness their capabilities in clinical and commercial applications. Plant-based nanotechnology represents a promising, greener alternative for advancing healthcare solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article

Civil briquette furnace slag (FS), as a type of industrial solid waste, is not currently being recycled as a resource by the building materials industry. This study focuses on the potential of FS in the formulation of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) compared with calcium carbide slag (CS). This study encompasses three distinct AAM systems: alkali-activated fly ash alone (AAFA), fly ash–slag powder blends (AAFB), and slag powder alone (AABS). Electrical conductivity, fluidity, drying shrinkage, and flexural and compressive strengths were also assessed. Advanced characterization techniques, including SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, and TG-DSC, were utilized to examine the morphology, mineralogy, and reaction products. Despite the chemical similarity between FS and CS, FS exhibits limited active chemical components (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, CaO, and MgO) and primarily functions as a physical filler, and thus lacks the chemical binding properties of CS. FS has a positive effect on the long-term compressive strength of the AABS system but not on the AAFA and AAFB systems. The NaOH-activated SP mortar sample with 20% FS reaches a compressive strength of 29.8 MPa at 360 days. The binding strength in AAMs incorporating FS is predominantly attributed to the gel formation within the alkali-activated matrix. This research offers valuable insights into the strategic use and substitution of CS, FS, and other silico–aluminon additives within the context of AAMs development. Full article

The paradigms of Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) require functional architectures to deploy and organize hardware and software taking advantage of modern digital technologies in industrial systems. In this sense, a lot of the literature proposes and describes this type of architecture with a conceptual angle, without providing experimental validation or with scarce details about the involved equipment under real operation. Aiming at overcoming these limitations, this paper presents the experimental application of an IIoT architecture divided into four functional layers, namely, Sensing, Network, Middleware and Application layers. Automation and IoT hardware and software are used to implement and apply the architecture. Special attention is put on the software Grafana, chosen in the top layer to deploy graphical user interfaces that are remotely accessible via web. A pilot microgrid integrating photovoltaic energy and hydrogen served as scenario to test and prove the suitability of the architecture in four application cases. Full article

Rural digitalization not only constitutes the strategic orientation of rural revitalization but also serves as a potent means for augmenting farmers’ income. This study regards the implementation of China’s digital village pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment. Based on the panel data of Chinese counties spanning from 2017 to 2022, it employs a multi-period difference-in-differences model to investigate the influence of rural digitalization on the coordinated development of urban and rural areas from the perspective of the income gap. The findings indicate that the policy has significantly reduced the urban–rural income gap. Mechanism analysis reveals that this reduction is achieved through enhancing county innovation capacity, accelerating agricultural digitization, promoting advanced industrial structure, and expanding non-farm employment. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the policy has a greater impact in regions with less robust digital infrastructure, higher levels of community service, and stronger financial development. Consequently, it is indispensable to enhance the digital literacy of farmers, accelerate the digitalization of agriculture and the upgrading of industrial institutions, promote the balanced development of digital villages in various regions, and fully exert the guiding and facilitating role of community service levels. Full article

Prefabrication is increasingly recognized as a sustainable construction practice, with the efficiency of prefabricated component (PC) production lines playing a critical role in its success. However, supplier selection for PC production lines has become more complex due to evolving industrial demands, uncertain supply chain conditions, and operational complexities. This study addresses this gap by developing a lean-based AHP–improved VIKOR decision-making framework to enhance the supplier selection for PC production lines. The framework integrates advanced lean principles with universal and specific evaluation criteria, identified through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews. Its validity was tested via a real-world case study with Yizhong Construction Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China. The results show that the three suppliers are ranked as Zhongjian > Tianyi > Xindadi, where Zhongjian is the best supplier in this case study, with a VIKOR index of 0.156. The findings show that the developed framework can improve the supplier selection efficiency by aligning with lean principles and enhancing the performance of PC production lines. By addressing the challenges of PC supplier selection, this study provides a practical tool to advance the adoption of prefabrication in construction. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of the PC industry by offering a robust method for the selection of suitable suppliers, which can help to optimize the production efficiency and support sustainable practices in construction. Full article

Digital technologies are fundamentally transforming professions by altering roles and redefining competencies across all sectors. The progression from computerization to digitization, digitalization, and now digital transformation has been driven by the widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA). Industry 4.0 introduced smart automation and connectivity, Industry 5.0 emphasized human–machine collaboration and personalization, and Industry 6.0 now integrates advanced technologies with sustainability and ethical considerations, exerting a profound influence on many professions. This transformation is especially significant in emerging markets, where AI and BDA are overhauling traditional practices and enhancing efficiency but also introducing new challenges. Focusing on the accounting profession, this paper examines AI’s and BDA’s dual impact on the roles and skill sets of professional accountants (PAs). Specifically, it addresses how these technologies shape the activities, interactions, roles, and competencies of PAs in an Industry 6.0 context, as well as the opportunities and challenges that arise. Given the public interest role of PAs in ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial reporting, understanding their perceptions and experiences of digital transformation is essential. The findings reveal that while AI and BDA drive efficiency gains and open strategic pathways, they also risk eroding core traditional accounting competencies, reducing client engagement, and raising ethical concerns such as data security and privacy—all of which can undermine service quality and, ultimately, public trust. These insights underscore the need for responsible AI and BDA integration, particularly in emerging markets, where digital literacy gaps and regulatory limitations may slow adoption. This study offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and organizations, highlighting the importance of ethical standards, targeted training, and sustainable practices to preserve the relevance and integrity of the accounting profession in an increasingly technology-driven era. Full article

The article presents the development and validation of transdisciplinary collaboration (TDC) guidelines for nature-based design (NBD) of sustainable buildings that were used to develop and validate a proposed NBD Overlay of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work (PoW) 2020. The study first presents the results of consultations with architects on the application of NBD in all stages the RIBA PoW. The development of the proposed NBD Overlay of the RIBA PoW is described, followed by the results of a survey of architects on its contents. Over 80% of the architects in the consultation group confirmed the significance of the proposed NBD Overlay and its relevance in advancing sustainable building practices. The potential of the proposed NBD Overlay to foster tansdisciplinary collaboration and promote NBD approaches, principles, and solutions bodes well for the future of sustainable architecture, driving the industry towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment. Full article

Haze pollution control is integral to green development, and fiscal and taxation policies are fundamental mechanisms supporting this effort. This study leverages the implementation of China’s Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) Law as a quasi-natural experiment to assess the impact and mechanisms of the greening of the tax system on haze pollution based on panel data from 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2021. The findings indicate that (1) the implementation of the EPT Law significantly reduces haze pollution, with results confirmed after a series of robustness tests; (2) the EPT Law controls haze pollution through promoting cleaner industrial structure, fostering green technological innovation, and strengthening the rigidity of environmental law enforcement; (3) fiscal decentralization enhances the inhibitory effect of the implementation of the EPT Law on haze pollution; (4) the haze-reduction effect of the EPT Law is especially notable in non-old industrial bases, areas with less pressure on officials’ promotions, and areas with higher public environmental awareness. This study not only enriches research on the policy effects of the EPT Law but also contributes to the environmental sustainable development goal of greening the tax system and continuously fighting for blue skies. Full article

In this article, the structure formation and phase composition of coatings containing Cr₂AlC MAX phase under the conditions of plasma spraying were studied. Mechanical mixtures of commercially available Cr₃C₂ and Al powders were used as a material for spraying. The amount of aluminium in the mixtures was 9 and 18 wt.%. As a result of studying physicochemical processes occurring during plasma spraying of mechanical mixtures of selected compositions, the formation of coatings containing Cr₂AlC MAX phase was established, the synthesis of which occurs both at the stage of the particles flight of initial components in the plasma jet as a result of the collision and coagulation, and at the stage of a coating layer formation as a result of layering particles deformed during the collision–splats. It is shown that for the formation of a denser coating with a higher MAX phase content for spraying, it is rational to use a mixture of chromium carbide powders with 9 wt.% of aluminium. A coating with the composition 91Cr₃C₂-9Al (wt.%) has high corrosion resistance in operation conditions in a chloride-acetate solution, and by its indicators of corrosion resistance, is not inferior to the Cr₃C₂-NiCr coating, which is widely used in industry to protect parts from corrosion and wear. The obtained results show the possibility and feasibility of using mechanical mixtures of commercially available powders for the formation of coatings containing Cr₂AlC MAX phase instead of expensive synthesized MAX-Cr₂AlC powders. Full article

The paper evaluates the benefits and challenges of employing humanoid robots in tourism and hospitality, examining their roles, decision-making processes, human-centric approaches, and oversight mechanisms. Data will be collected from a variety of sources, including academic journals, websites of the companies where the robots operate, case studies, and news articles. Specific attention will be given to concrete examples of humanoid robots deployed in the tourism and hospitality sector, such as Connie, Spencer, and Henn-na Hotel’s robots. Robots highlight the potential to assume roles traditionally occupied by humans. The presence of humanoid robots also influences cultural practices and social interactions within the hospitality context. Humanoid robots also have the potential to improve equity and accessibility in the tourism and hospitality industry. The interaction between humans and humanoid robots can have psychological and emotional effects on both guests and employees. Finally, the usage of humanoid robots intersects with broader sustainability operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across various sectors within the tourism and hospitality industry. Introducing humanoid robots represents a challenge in innovation that holds promise for revolutionizing service delivery and guest experiences. Full article