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As a manufacturing power in the era of Industry 4.0, the Chinese traditional manufacturing industry urgently needs innovation and upgrading. In this process, the pressure on the traditional manufacturing industry is mainly financial shortages. The government can act as a Booster to add power to the upgrading by providing financial support. We build a three-tier game model consisting of Raw Material Suppliers, a Traditional Manufacturer, and an Original Equipment Manufacturer to explore the upgrading conditions and construct three settings: Agency, Consignment, and Design. We find that the government subsidy can serve as an effective way to ease enterprises' financial burden and improve the innovation level, which is more evident when the traditional manufacturer innovates. In addition, when the market competition and the government subsidy are both at a moderate level, the combined effect of the two factors is positive, and the condition is the best to upgrade. Encouragingly, the social welfare under Design will be the highest when the government subsidy is slightly great. Finally, excessive subsidy hinders upgrading and aggravates market competition, even if the traditional manufacturer enjoys exorbitant profits. HIGHLIGHTS The upgrading on the manufacturing industry in the era of Industry 4.0 The right of product design in supply chain models The cross-influence of the government subsidy and market competition on industrial upgrading is introduced The conditions to help upgrade the manufacturing industry are given in the era of Industry 4.0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ki67 index changes during the treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) treatment. The study aimed to detect alterations of grade based on Ki67 index and immune microenvironment in PanNET responding to capecitabine/temozolomide (CapTem). Method: Retrospective data of patients with PanNET were collected. In control group, 35 patients underwent surgery immediately after biopsy. In CapTem group, 38 patients received CapTem after biopsy and responded well to treatment (defined as either stable disease or partial response), and subsequently underwent surgery. All patients have pathological Ki67 index at biopsy and after surgery. CD163 + CD68 + CD206 + M2 macrophages, CD68 + CD86 + CD80 + M1 macrophages, CD11b + CD33 + myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells were stained using multiplex immunofluorescence. Results: In control group, the paired grade based on Ki67 index directly after surgery showed no upgrade or downgrade compared to biopsy. In patients who responded well to CapTem, the grade based on Ki67 index before and after CapTem was altered. Thirteen patients had upgraded Ki67 index and 11 patients had downgraded. The proportion of stable disease was higher in the upgraded group compared to downgraded group (p = 0.0155). And upgraded group had a significantly shorter mPFS than patients in the downgrade group (8.5 months vs. 20 months, HR 4.834, 95% CI 1.414 to 16.53, p = 0.012). M1 macrophages was significantly lower in the downgraded group than in the Ki67 upgraded group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Grade based on Ki67 index and immune environment change in PanNET patients responding well to CapTem. Patients with downgraded had longer mPFS compared to those with upgraded. It is necessary to reassess the Ki67 index after CapTem treatment, even in patients responding well to CapTem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the predictive value of controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score for the prognosis of prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 257 patients' characteristics, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values, biopsy, and pathological specimen features were all recorded. The CONUT score was calculated for each patient from three blood parameters: total lymphocyte count (TLC), serum albumin, and cholesterol concentrations. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the total CONUT score and the variables including age, body mass index, prostate volume, PSA, biopsy and pathological specimen features, and PSA‐recurrence free survival (PSA‐RFS) time. The Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test were used for PSA‐RFS analysis. Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between clinicopathological factors, the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) upgrading, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Results: Statistically significant differences were determined in pathologic ISUP grade, and total tumor volume between low and high CONUT score groups. Additionally, the high CONUT score group had a significantly higher BCR rate and lower PSA‐RFS when compared with the low CONUT score group. A strong positive correlation between total CONUT score and pathologic ISUP grade and a moderate negative correlation between total CONUT score and PSA‐RFS was determined. In multivariate analysis, a total CONUT score ≥2 had a statistically significant association with ISUP upgrading (odds ratio [OR] = 3.05) and BCR (3.52). Conclusion: Preoperative CONUT score is an independent predictive factor for ISUP score upgrading and BCR in patients who undergo radical prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-oil produced via fast pyrolysis, irrespective of the biomass source, faces several limitations, such as high water content, significant oxygenated compound concentration (35–40 wt.%), a low heating value (13–20 MJ/kg), and poor miscibility with fossil fuels. These inherent drawbacks hinder the bio-oil's desirable properties and usability, highlighting the necessity for advanced processing techniques to overcome these challenges and improve the bio-oil's overall quality and applicability in energy and industrial sectors. To address the limitations of bio-oil, a magnetic bimetallic oxide catalyst supported on activated rice straw biochar (ZrO2-Fe3O4/AcB), which has not been previously employed for this purpose, was developed and characterized for upgrading rice straw bio-oil in supercritical butanol via esterification. Furthermore, the silica in the biochar, combined with the Lewis acid sites provided by ZrO2 and Fe3O4, offers Brønsted acid sites. This synergistic combination enhances the bio-oil's quality by facilitating esterification, deoxygenation, and mild hydrogenation, thereby reducing oxygen content and increasing carbon and hydrogen levels. The effects of variables, including time, temperature, and catalyst load, were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal reaction conditions were determined using a three-factor, one-response, and three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD). The ANOVA results at a 95% confidence level indicate that the results are statistically significant due to a high Fisher's test (F-value = 37.07) and a low probability (p-value = 0.001). The minimal difference between the predicted R² and adjusted R² for the ester yield (0.0092) suggests a better fit. The results confirm that the optimal reaction conditions are a catalyst concentration of 1.8 g, a reaction time of 2 h, and a reaction temperature of 300 °C. Additionally, the catalyst can be easily recycled for four reaction cycles. Moreover, the catalyst demonstrated remarkable reusability, maintaining its activity through four consecutive reaction cycles. Its magnetic properties allow for easy separation from the reaction mixture using an external magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the economic upgrading of suppliers in global value chains (GVCs) is influenced by the prevailing governance structures in supplier-lead firm relationships. Using a novel governance index for Philippine and Thai manufacturers, this paper tests if tight effective control received by suppliers can be detrimental to higher-order GVC upgrading. The unique 2012 Survey on Adjustments of Establishments to Globalization was used to calculate the index for Philippine manufacturers, while the World Bank's Productivity and Investment Climate Study 2006–2007 was used for Thailand. The econometric results confirm that tight governance negatively affects upgrading in both countries. Specifically, the Philippine estimates show that tight governance has no impact on process upgrading given that: (1) all GVCs benefit from efficient suppliers, regardless of governance structures; and (2) process upgrading has relatively simpler technological requirements than higher-order upgrading. Tight governance significantly reduces the probability of achieving more sophisticated product, functional, and intersectoral upgrading, especially when this encroaches on the lead firm's core functions. But since governance and control are necessary for efficient GVC operations, suppliers must conscientiously build capabilities and networks to move up the upgrading ladder. For weak-capability suppliers, innovation networks are important external sources of technology and knowledge spillovers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on field research conducted by an international team of researchers investigating the opportunities for social upgrading of smallholder farm owners and tenants and their workers in the Global South. The main objective has been to assess the influence of crop characteristics, end markets, and value chain governance (including product and process standards), as well as national political, economic, and cultural contexts, on the conditions of farmers and farmworkers. Accordingly, the selected crops differ along the axes of domestic versus international end markets and short versus long shelf-life: coffee (cash crop), rice (staple crop), and mangoes (perishable crop). The selected countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Our main findings relate to the importance of collective action by key stakeholders, including smallholders and a supportive state, for economic and social upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ki67 index changes during the treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) treatment. The study aimed to detect alterations of grade based on Ki67 index and immune microenvironment in PanNET responding to capecitabine/temozolomide (CapTem). Method Retrospective data of patients with PanNET were collected. In control group, 35 patients underwent surgery immediately after biopsy. In CapTem group, 38 patients received CapTem after biopsy and responded well to treatment (defined as either stable disease or partial response), and subsequently underwent surgery. All patients have pathological Ki67 index at biopsy and after surgery. CD163 + CD68 + CD206 + M2 macrophages, CD68 + CD86 + CD80 + M1 macrophages, CD11b + CD33 + myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells were stained using multiplex immunofluorescence. Results In control group, the paired grade based on Ki67 index directly after surgery showed no upgrade or downgrade compared to biopsy. In patients who responded well to CapTem, the grade based on Ki67 index before and after CapTem was altered. Thirteen patients had upgraded Ki67 index and 11 patients had downgraded. The proportion of stable disease was higher in the upgraded group compared to downgraded group (p = 0.0155). And upgraded group had a significantly shorter mPFS than patients in the downgrade group (8.5 months vs. 20 months, HR 4.834, 95% CI 1.414 to 16.53, p = 0.012). M1 macrophages was significantly lower in the downgraded group than in the Ki67 upgraded group (p

Pathological upgrading poses a significant challenge in treatment decision-making, particularly for patients considered for active surveillance (AS). This study aimed to devise a novel scoring system to predict the risk of upgrading in patients with biopsy Gleason grade group 1 prostate cancer. We conducted a retrospective review of 235 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between February 2014 and June 2022. Data on patient age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, body mass index, clinical T-stage, prior biopsy history, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) score, time interval from biopsy to surgery, and pathological outcomes were collected. After a comprehensive review of the literature, multivariate analyses identified seven factors associated with upgrading in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy: uninformative prior biopsy sample, PSA level, greatest percentage of tumor involvement, radiological PIRADS score, age, delay from biopsy to surgery and extension of positive cores. These factors were integrated into our devised U.P.G.R.A.D.E. model to form a scoring system. The U.P.G.R.A.D.E. score was calculated based on the cumulative score of these variables. The predictive performance of the U.P.G.R.A.D.E. scoring system was assessed, revealing a cohort with a mean age of 64.22 ± 5.88 years and a mean PSA value of 8.92 ± 5.05 ng/mL. The pathological samples of 95 patients (40.6%) were upgraded, and the upgraded patients exhibited significantly higher U.P.G.R.A.D.E. scores (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for the U.P.G.R.A.D.E. scoring system demonstrated robust predictive ability for upgrading (AUROC = 0.952; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.926–0.978; p < 0.001). In addition, a higher U.P.G.R.A.D.E. score was strongly associated with an increased risk of upgrading in biopsy Gleason grade group 1 patients, suggesting potential limitations for active surveillance eligibility in these individuals. Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these initial findings.

The clothing industry is often perceived, particularly in the European context, as a declining, traditional, labour-intensive industry. Nonetheless, in recent years in Poland, after over three decades of steady shrinkage, though the average scale of operations has continued to decline, the number of firms in the sector has been much more stable. In their analysis of the locations of apparel producers on the national level, the authors point to the changing geography of the sector in terms of its increased or diminishing relative presence in some areas. The links between location tendencies among firms in the clothing industry and other fashion-related institutions and initiatives are noted, as are new firms in the creative sector. The spatial patterns observed point to the ability of the resized sector to leverage emerging market opportunities and upgrade selectively, and to its broader evolution from a traditional towards a creative industry.

Isolation of essential oil using microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) method could enhance the yield compared to steam-distillation or conventional hydro-distillation methods. This study explored the isolation of essential oil from Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) using the MAHD method with several parameters, such as solid-to-liquid ratio, power of the microwave, and extraction time. The essential oils produced were evaluated based on yield, density, refractive index, and composition. The result showed that the density of the essential oil product was in the range of 0.866–0.902 g/mL, while the refractive index was in the range of 1.470–1.475, which met the ISO standard. Chemical compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. It was found that the total amount of citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol in the product obtained by MAHD is higher than the one from conventional methods. This study aims to identify the most efficient operating conditions to maximize yield while analyzing energy consumption to determine the most cost-effective conditions.

In this research, optimization and statistical analysis of upgrading Iranian oil refinery residue in the presence of an H-ZSM-5 catalyst using RSM were performed. The residue (specific gravity: 0.9625, API: 15.5, viscosity (at 50 0C): 275 cSt) was from Abadan oil refinery, Iran. Twenty-nine experiments were designed at five levels of temperature (360 to 440 0C) and five levels of catalyst/feed ratio (30 to 70 wt%). The processing time in all experiments was 2 hr. The responses contained conversion, API, specific gravity, and viscosity. The catalyst was analyzed using XRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. RSM was used to model the responses. Quadratic polynomial equations were presented for the models. Based on the results, temperature and catalyst/feed ratio had significant effects on the responses of conversion, API, specific gravity, and viscosity. The interaction of independent variables was just significant for viscosity response. The carbon number variations for the feed and the product were 13 to 50 (230 to 582 °C) and 5 to 16 (47 to 273 °C), respectively. In the optimum conditions, including temperature: 439 °C and cat/feed ratio: 69 wt%, conversion, specific gravity, viscosity, and API of the upgraded residue were 64.09 wt%, 0.8202, 4.50 cSt, and 41.00, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic upgrading of wasted plastic and renewable biomass represents a sustainable method to produce chemicals but is limited to carbohydrates, leaving other value‐added chemicals, such as organonitrogen compounds, being scarcely explored. Herein, we reported an electrocatalytic oxidation strategy to transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic‐derived ethylene glycol (EG) and biomass‐derived polyols into formamide, in the presence of ammonia (NH3) over a tungsten oxide (WO3) catalyst. Taking EG‐to‐formamide as an example, we achieved a high formamide productivity of 537.7 μmol cm−2 h−1 with FE of 43.2 % at a constant current of 100 mA cm−2 in a flow electrolyzer with 12‐h test, representing a more advantageous performance compared with previous reports for formamide electrosynthesis. Mechanistic understanding revealed that the cleavage of the C−C bond in the EG was facilitated by nucleophilic attack of in situ formed nitrogen radicals from NH3, with resultant C−N bond construction and eventually formamide production. Furthermore, this strategy can be extended to transformation of PET bottle and a series of biomass‐derived polyols with carbon number from three (glycerol) to six (glucose), producing formamide with high efficiencies. This work demonstrates a sustainable upgrading strategy of plastic and biomass that may have implications to more value‐added chemicals production beyond carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Social & Technology / Jurnal Sosial dan Teknologi (SOSTECH) is the property of Green Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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To investigate the predictors of Gleason Grading Group (GGG) upgrading in low-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score = 3 + 3) from transperineal biopsy after radical prostatectomy (RP). The clinical data of 160 patients who underwent transperineal biopsy and RP from January 2017 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. First, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to obtain independent predictors of postoperative GGG upgrading. Then receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of predictors. Finally, Linear-by-Linear Association test was used to analyze the risk trends of patients in different predictor groups in the postoperative GGG. In this study, there were 81 cases (50.6%) in the GGG concordance group and 79 cases (49.4%) in the GGG upgrading group. Univariate analysis showed age, free/total prostate-specific antigen (f/tPSA), proportion of positive biopsies, positive target of magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) and positive target of contrast-enhanced ultrasound had significant effects on GGG upgrading (all P <.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.066, 95%CI = 1.007-1.127, P =.027), f/tPSA (OR = 0.001, 95%CI = 0-0.146, P =.001) and positive target of MRI (OR = 3.005, 95%CI = 1.353-76.674, P =.007) were independent predictors. The prediction model (area under curve = 0.751 P <.001) had higher predictive efficacy than all independent predictors. The proportion of patients in exposed group of different GGG increased with the level of GGG, but decreased in nonexposed group, and the linear trend was significantly different (all P <.001). Age, f/tPSA, and positive target of MRI were independent predictors of postoperative GGG upgrading. The predictive model constructed had the best diagnostic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Original timber stairwell doors in historic masonry apartment buildings of architectural heritage value can be found in the larger cities of Norway. In Oslo, there are around 4000 such buildings, of which many still hold preserved original stairwell doors. The doors often have glass with decorative patterns in the upper parts, and timber panels on the lower part. Old residential buildings are vulnerable to fire due to the building construction and need fire protection upgrades. The stairwell doors are critical elements to prevent fire spread and to keep evacuation routes safe, so their function and condition are important to the level of fire protection in the building. The research work in this paper aims to find retrofit methods for upgrading the fire resistance of these types of doors so they maintain their integrity and insulating properties for up to 30 minutes, at the same time as they maintain their architectural expression. The upgrades must be as little intrusive and destructive as possible. Intermediate scale tests were carried out in a fire resistance test furnace, using different door configurations. The tests lasted between 30 minutes and 42 minutes, with a thermal exposure from the standard time/temperature curve described in EN 1363–1. The results from the tests showed that 40 mm thick laminated wood could withstand up to 30 minutes of fire exposure, thin timber panels could be upgraded using stone wool and robust gypsum boards type R, and that fire-resistant glass could be mounted on the inside of the original glass in different ways. Visual observations indicate that adding smoke seals inside the door leaf are effective for stopping cold and hot smoke. The solutions presented enables the preservation of the original doors' architectural design, their historical values and aesthetic character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Carta Económica Regional is the property of Universidad de Guadalajara and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Granulated truck waste tire was first pyrolyzed in a fixed‐bed reactor under an inert atmosphere and at certain conditions. The highest oil yield of which was 47.0 wt %, was attained at 550 and 20°C/min. The oil was separated into a fraction of 150–300°C boiling points, so‐called diesel‐like fuel (DBY), with a calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst at an optimal ratio of 2 wt %. The fraction was subjected to desulfurization, bleaching, and deodorization, respectively, at specific conditions, and this process resulted in a decrease of 75.8 wt % compared to its initial sulfur content of 5000 ppm. The upgraded diesel‐like oil (DAF) fraction contained chemical compounds with carbon numbers C6–C26. In addition, its physicochemical characteristics showed a kinematic viscosity of 3.13 cSt (40°C), a density of 832 g/L (15°C), a lower heating value of 42.32 MJ/kg, and an H/C molar ratio of 1.73. Lastly, the DAF was tested with commercial diesel fuel for its motor and emission performance via a single‐cylinder diesel engine. All in all, it can be said that the DAF may be harnessed as a substitute for diesel fuels after its further upgrading via catalytic hydrodesulfurization etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal settlements pose multifaceted challenges to urban development, necessitating a reconsideration of traditional upgrading approaches. This study examines the integration of the street-led approach within the Ezbit Hegazi informal settlement, leveraging the Alexandria University Centre of Excellence for Smart Urban Governance's (ALEXU-CoE-SUG's) innovative framework. It highlights the centrality of 'Demand for Good Governance' (DFGG) practices in bridging the gap between governmental (supply-side) and community (demand-side) objectives, fostering a collaborative urban upgrading process. Through an in-depth case study analysis, this paper reveals the potential of aligning governmental agendas with local aspirations, emphasizing the importance of local dynamics in sustainable urban development. The findings indicate that integrating bottom-up community engagement with top-down institutional support can lead to more effective and sustainable urban regeneration. The study concludes that a combined approach, leveraging both grassroots initiatives and formal governance structures, is crucial for the successful upgrading of informal settlements. The findings contribute to the urban studies literature by providing insights into the synergies between supply and demand perspectives in the context of informal settlement upgrading, offering implications for policy and practice in similar urban settings globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas is a strategic source of energy and Uzbekistan ranks 11th in the world for mining and 14th for reserves. The article investigates whether and how the BRI and Chinese capital have contributed to Uzbek structural transformation in the gas industry. It argues that although the Chinese BRI seems to adopt an extractive approach to acquire natural resources, its interventions are also an opportunity for multi-directional forms of upgrading in the gas sector, both directly and indirectly. Directly, first the Chinese involvement as a consumer has reconfigured geo-economic power relations around gas. Secondly, there is an unprecedented support by China to national infrastructure development, both as a lender and a producer. Thirdly, China is the main source of machineries to enable energy transmission. Despite these factors, BRI and the Chinese presence are contributing only marginally to upgrading. A coordinated industrial strategy coming from the Uzbek state remains a necessary condition for structural transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural transformation is among the core questions in development economics, but in recent decades, the discipline has shifted its focus away from production and transformation in favour of analyses on exchange, growth and productivity. Yet, the structural transformation question remains central, and needs to be confronted with the main changes in the global economic and political landscape, such as the emergence of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With its emphasis on an infrastructure-based connectivity agenda, the BRI opens the space for a paradigm shift in development, and for a renewed emphasis on structural transformation. This article introduces a special issue that explores the role of the BRI in promoting structural transformation in low- and middle-income countries, to understand if and under which conditions the BRI creates pathways that can change the structure of the economies. Through an explicit focus on the role of BRI on transformation in low- and middle-income countries, this special issue examines how domestic institutions regulate and coordinate production diversification, national and international sectoral specificities, and drivers and barriers to technological innovation and trade. In this sense, the special issue sheds light on new conceptualisations and empirical examples of industrial policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers across two universities and three different mathematics education courses implemented their vision of a novel grading approach called (Up)grading. (Up)grading shifts the focus of assessment from grades to growth. Key features of implementing (Up)grading included (a) providing students with opportunities to reflect upon and grow from their learning experiences, and (b) giving them a voice in determining their course grade. The findings suggest that most students perceived (Up)grading as a positive experience in their learning and as an assessment approach. The features of (Up)grading students believed contributed to the positive experience included giving them opportunities to reflect on their work and learn from their mistakes, as well as targeted feedback, enabling them to independently move their thinking forward. Tensions in the process did arise, including students' initial anxiety with the norm shift from grades to growth and instructors' management of the flow of assignments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge for upgrading hydrothermal liquefaction biocrude into sustainable aviation fuel is the presence of inorganic material. Unlike commercial crude oil or biofuel from energy crops, excessive amounts of contaminants such as salt, water, and ash in biocrude oil from hydrothermal liquefaction can cause catalyst deactivation during hydroprocessing, decreased distillation efficiency, and equipment fouling from alkali deposits. Therefore, efficient removal of these impurities in HTL biocrude oil is essential. This work investigated a novel 3-stage pretreatment process, removing water, salt, and ash without chemicals, to produce a HTL biocrude oil precursor suitable for hydroprocessing. The influence of water to oil (W:O) ratio, temperature, and time on desalting efficiency was determined. After pretreatment, 81% of salt was removed, reducing total salt content to

This research investigates the strategic responses adopted by Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the face of an adverse socio-economic environment. Focusing specifically on B2B firms, the study examines how the current crisis compels managers to mitigate the risk of buyer attrition. This analysis leads to the identification of four distinct adaptation strategies employed by these firms. Furthermore, the research delves into the concept of ‘upgrading’ challenging the prevailing notion that product development is the sole pathway for upgrading. The results suggest that effective upgrading can be initiated from various aspects of the firm’s operations. This novel perspective suggests that upgrading can be a viable strategy for firms seeking to escape from a captive supplier position, by improving either functionality or resilience. This is a new perspective that goes beyond what could be expected from the literature. The findings provide useful insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the performance of SMEs in the current dynamically shifting B2B landscape.

Plastics have revolutionized our lives; however, the exponential growth of their usage has led to a global crisis. More sustainable strategies are needed to address this dilemma and transform the plastics economy from a linearity to a circular model. Herein, we systematically summarize the recent progress in renewable energy‐driven plastic conversion strategies, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and their integration. By introducing the significant works, the design principles, mechanisms, and system regulations, we decipher and compare the various aspects of plastic conversion. These approaches show high reactivity and selectivity under environmentally benign conditions and provide alternative reaction pathways for plastic conversion. Plastic upcycling as a chemical feedstock can yield value‐added chemicals and fuels, contributing to the establishment of a sustainable and circular economy. Additionally, several innovations in reaction engineering and system designs are presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of sustainable energy‐driven plastic conversion technologies are comprehensively discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews and equates the historical upgrade of Ghana's polytechnics to technical universities compared to the United Kingdom and South Africa, including its processes as a borrowed educational policy. Furthermore, it critically reviews the policy's incubation process, the borrowing process, the implementation process and the actual outcome of the policy in action. The study reveals the loopholes as an elusive decision to convert the ex-polytechnics and its managers' harshly misplaced priorities of mimicking academic universities. Although the conversions proved essential to its core mandate, we argue that the focus was to be given to curriculum, teacher development and infrastructure funding. Improvements in the standing and prestige of Ghana's technical universities are seen as a conversion consequence. However, maintaining a vocational and technical focus and guaranteeing the necessary resources and facilities for the newly transformed institutions may present difficulties. Finally, the study reveals reflective characteristics of historical happenings in the UK and South Africa compared to Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

67 million hectares of high-standard farmland has been constructed in China by the end of 2022. The production quality and capacity of these farmland need to be upgraded after long-time utilization, low investment, and disaster damage. The next construction is required for the food security. However, there is seldom report so far. This study aims to optimize the projects and then upgrade the high-standard farmland using TOPSIS and coupling coordination degree. Taking the Laoling City, Shandong Province as the research area, 87.93% of field was built into the high-standard farmland from 2013 to 2022. The evaluation index system was constructed from three aspects: construction foundation, fertility quality and water resource utilization. 14 indicators were contained, such as farmland area, building time, cost input, road accessibility, field breakage degree, soil organic matter, soil P, soil K, salinity degree, soil texture, water quantity, pond density, ditch density and water system connectivity. Furthermore, 57 688.44 hm² high-standard farmland from 950 administrative villages were taken as the evaluation unit to realize the implicative construction. The AHP and TOPSIS analysis were chosen to evaluate the current situation as functional effectiveness of facilities, potential to arable land productivity and sustainable utilization of water resources. The production capacity of farmland was also evaluated to determine the coupling coordination degree for the cooperativity among three aspects. The upgrading project areas were delimited using the cooperativity index and spatial patterns. The results show that: 1) The construction foundation was relatively superior in the southwest and eastern regions, while the weak performance distributed mainly in the south and central regions. High fertility areas were accounted for a small proportion of 14.46% in the central, southern and northeast regions. Water resources presented a trend of high in the central region and low in the northern and southern regions. 2) The coupling coordination index of the three dimensions were ranged from 0.41 to 0.85. The high values were clustered in the southwest, east and northeast, whereas, the low values were in the south and northwest, and the median cross-distributed in the central and southern regions. 3) According to the coupling coordination degree index, the information and pertinency target, the evaluation units were broadly classified as near-term, midterm and long-term construction sequences, where the areas of each period were 8633.23, 11004.64 and 9102.62 hm², respectively. According to spatial pattern, three sequences were divided into 12 upgrading projects with the average stage of 4 projects. Different obstruction factors were optimized to improve the quality and efficiency of each project, in term of water source security, facilities, fund integration, land capacity and structural improvement. The construction quality and operation period of high-standard farmland were considered to balance the land use with productivity degradation. The optimal configuration was achieved under the constraint of water resources, following the principle of coordination and adaptation to local conditions. Thus the finding can also provide a strong reference to select the priority areas for the high-standard farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mid-1972, the World Bank approved its first loan for a sites and services project, selecting Senegal for the location based on the country's prior experience with similar schemes. Through a close reading of documents in the Bank archive, this article explores the serious differences that emerged between the Bank and Senegal in shaping the project, focusing on three issues: determining whether slum clearance or upgrading should be used to manage existing unregulated urban settlements; eliminating government subsidies for moderate-income housing schemes in order to shift investment to sites and services; and setting appropriate standards for the new Bank-sponsored neighbourhood. Moreover, the partners conceived the project quite differently: while the Bank was fixed on the successful implementation of its first sites and services scheme, for Senegal, this project was only one element of a larger vision for Dakar, which reflected the ambitions of the country's first postcolonial president, Léopold Senghor, and was given shape in the 1967 master plan developed by French urban planner Michel Écochard. The article examines the completed project through the contrasting evaluations produced by the project partners, and considers the complex power dynamics of the relationship between the Bank and Senegal as aid lender and recipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationships between value chain actors in the shea sector in Northern Ghana, the governance mechanism that prevails, and the upgrading opportunities for upstream actors. The value chain analysis (VCA) framework was the main analytical tool employed for this assessment. Participating actors in the shea global value chain were shea kernel producers, shea butter processors, aggregators, and industrial processors and exporters of shea products. The results showed that, although women shea upstream actors (especially shea kernel producers) interface directly with aggregators, the relationship is weak and restricted to spot buying, and arms-length market governance relationship. Although the upstream actors are enthusiastic to upgrade their products, they are constrained by inadequate access to requisite assets, resources, capabilities, and skills. The shea upstream actors were confined to low value-adding segments and activities of the shea-GVC. Industrial processors and exporters appear reluctant to directly support upstream women processors to upgrade through offering credits, technology transfer and skills enhancement. Lowering barriers to upgrading opportunities in the value chain calls for intervention of the government, and support from international development organizations (NGOs), and midstream and downstream actors. Government must create an enabling policy environment that incentivize downstream actors to build capacities of upstream actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris COP21 held on December 2015 represented a step forward global GHG emission reduction: this led to intensify research efforts in renewables, including biofuels and bioliquids. However, addressing sustainable biofuels and bioliquid routes and value chains which can limit or reverse the ILUC (indirect land-use change effect) is of paramount importance. Given this background condition, the present study targets the analysis and modelling a new integrated biomass conversion pathway to produce renewable advanced fuels, enabling the issue of indirect land-use change (ILUC) of biofuels to be tackled. The bioenergy chain under investigation integrates the decentralized production of biogas through anaerobic digestion and its upgrading to biomethane, followed by a centralized conversion to liquid transport fuels, involving methane reforming into syngas, Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis, and methanol synthesis. The methodology adopted in this work stem from extensive literature review of suitable bio/thermo-chemical conversion technologies and their process modelling using a commercial flow-diagram simulation software is carried out. The major significance of the study is to understand the different modelling approaches, to allow the estimation of process yields and mass/energy balances: in such a way, this work aims at providing guidance to process modellers targeting qualitative and quantitative assessments of biomass to biofuels process routes. Beyond FT products, additional process pathways have been also explored, such as MeOH synthesis from captured CO2 and direct methane to methanol synthesis (DMTM). The analysis demonstrated that it is possible to model such innovative integrated processes through the selected simulation tool. However, research is still needed as regards the DMTM process, where studies about modelling this route through the same tool have not been yet identified in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Opuntia Brava is the property of Universidad de Ciencias Pedagogicas de Las Tunas, Centro de Documentacion e Informacion Pedagogica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of External Economic Bulletin / Külgazdaság is the property of KOPINT Konjunktura Kutatasi Alapitvany and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The co-pyrolysis of PVC- and biomass-upgraded bio-oil catalyzed by Ni-modified ZSM-5 was studied. Ni-ZSM-5 catalyst was prepared by impregnation method and characterized by XRD and NH3-TPD. The co-pyrolysis characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood powder (WP) were studied by TGA, and the effect of molecular sieves on the pyrolysis characteristics was also investigated. The pyrolysis experiments were carried out by a fixed-bed reactor, the composition and content of bio-oil and gas were analyzed, and the number of carbon atoms in the bio-oil was classified. The addition of H-ZSM-5 catalyst resulted in a significant increase in the content of light aromatic hydrocarbons compared with no catalyst, while the use of modified Ni-ZSM-5 further promoted the generation of light aromatic hydrocarbons and inhibited the formation of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be attributed to the unique pore structure of molecular sieve and the excellent catalytic activity of Ni. The formation mechanism of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses industrial upgrading possibilities for the Hungarian economy in light of recent changes in global Foreign Direct Investment activities. The changing economic landscape provides a reason to investigate the impact of the recent developments in Hungary, a country with an open, dependent economy. The study investigates how the front-running sector, the manufacturing industry, performs during the current, turbulent times. Does it upgrade from the earlier assembly-focused positions in global value chains, or are there any signs of deterioration by backshoring certain activities to the headquarters of multinational companies? By using both primary and secondary research and conducting a regional comparison, the study finds that the Hungarian economy still shows the characteristics of a “factory economy”, but progress has been made towards the aspired “knowledge economy” status.

The quality and extraction rate of oil shale is a significant challenge in the oil shale processing field. In this article, the effects of heating rate and grain size as fundamental parameters in oil shale production from the QaliKuh reservoir in Iran on the quantity and quality of produced oil shale are explored as other sources. Fisher’s developed microwaves at 2450 kHz were used to heat several oil shale samples at power levels of 650, 900, and 1200 watts up to coking temperature (700 °C). It was observed that the amount of oil produced increased from 5.2% to 5.9%, then it reduced to 5% weight of the sample as the microwave heating rate increased; however, the quality of the oil (asphaltene reduced from 25% to 19%, sulfur content reduced from 16% to 7%, and carbon percentage increased from 67% to 78%,) improved. In contrast, conventional oil shale pyrolysis showed that the quality of the oil improved with an increase in the heating rate (asphaltene reduced from 31% to 28 %, sulfur content reduced from 19% to 13%, and carbon percentage near to constant), while the amount of produced oil diminished from 4.7% to 4.3% weight of the sample. The grain size of the shale was divided into three ranges: 7-12 mm, 7-4 mm, and less than 4 mm. In the case of microwave heating, the amount of produced oil increased with the grain size reduction (from 5.9% to 6.8% weight of the sample). Still, the quality fluctuated (asphaltene reduced from 20% to 18 % then increased to 22%, sulfur content reduced from 12% to 10% then increased to 15%, carbon content increased from 75% to 80% then reduced to 69%, Aliphatic component increased from 38% to 40.5% then reduced to 34%, also aromatic index reduced from 0.28% to 0.26% then increased to 0.31%). These results suggest that there is potential for further research to optimize the grain size for oil shale production. With the conventional heating techniques, the quality of the produced oil improved but can also fluctuate with decreases in grain size (from 4.7% to 5.4% then 5.1%). Also, the quality fluctuated (asphaltene reduced from 31% to 30 % then increased to 33%, sulfur content reduced from 19% to 17% then increased to 20%, carbon content increased from 62% to 71% then reduced to 64%, Aliphatic component increased from 28% to 30% then reduced to 25%, also aromatic index reduced from 0.29%, to 0.42% then increased to 0.36%). It was found that microwave pyrolysis yielded more oil produced than the conventional method and improved the quality of the oil. An optimal particle size and heating rate can be established based on the results, sparking interest in further research to explore these possibilities.

The existence of CO2 in biogas limits its utilization in engines by lowering its energy value and density. It contributes to global warming which is a major concern globally. The elimination of CO2 content from biogas will significantly improve the quality of biogas. In this study, biogas upgrading by calcined eggshell waste was systematically investigated. The influence of adsorbent particle size, mass, calcination temperature, and flow rate on carbon dioxide removal was studied in detail. Chemical adsorption of CO2 by calcined eggshells in a packed column having 280 and 400 μm, calcined under 800 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C, with the mass of 25, 50, and 75 g was experimentally investigated at a different flow rate as 0.03 and 0.04 m3/h. The results revealed that a particle size of 280 μm, calcined at 850 °C, flow rate of 0.03 m3/h, and mass of 75 g perform better in the upgrading of carbon dioxide in biogas with RE and sorption of 82.5 %, and g 5.0 g/100 g respectively, creating methane enriched fuel. X-ray Fluorescence shows the presence of CaO automatically facilitates the whole process of purification. The pores were mesoporous as seen in the pore distribution curve via BET analysis while Scanning Electron Microscopy was for morphology purposes. The sorbent was successfully regenerated five times with a RE of 79.8 % and SC of 4.97 g/100 g in the first cycle. The results proved that calcined eggshells are a promising sorbent in biogas upgrading.

Hydrothermal upgrading (HTU) performance during aquathermolysis process of heavy crude oil was conducted. All upgrading tests were conducted using a 300-ml autoclave batch reactor at 250 °C and 300°C under high pressure for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h in a nitrogen environment. Comprehensive analyses of physical and chemical characteristics of the upgraded oils, including viscosity, elemental composition, SARA fractions as well as Carbon number distribution in saturates of oil samples before and after upgrading, were studied to evaluate the hydrothermal upgrading performance. The results showed that, by increasing the reaction temperatures and times the upgrading performance was improved. The maximum upgrading performance was observed at 300 °C and 72 h for in terms of viscosity reduction, increasing the quantity and quality of saturates as a result of thermal decompositions of resin and asphaltenes, and increasing their quantity. In addition, an improvement in upgrading performance can be observed in the increasing of the H/C ratio, removing sulfur and nitrogen due to their desulfurization and denitrogenation. Generally, the obtained data showed that, HTU under studied conditions might be useful for heavy oil pretreatment due to the significant influence on viscosity reduction, heteroatoms removal as well as improving on its the main physical and chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable upgrading of renewable bulk materials, obtained by decomposition of biomass lignocellulose, could facilitate their use in the industrial production of chemicals. Homogeneous ruthenium catalysis plays a fundamental role in this area. The review deals with the upgradation of lignocellulosic molecules through the formation of new C−C and C−N bonds. Selected examples of catalytic bond forming reactions reported until mid of 2023, include: (a) dehydrogenative based couplings of alcohols, (b) reductive amination of carbonyl compounds, (c) direct C−H functionalization of (hetero)aromatic compounds. These approaches fulfill the requirements of sustainability: application occurs without any previous substrate activation, thus reducing the production of waste. New chemicals containing the intrinsic molecular structure of lignocellulose substrates, showed a broad range of applications: green fuels, hydrogen carriers, monomers of polymers, intermediates of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The results discussed in the review could inspire the reader to improve the valorization process, in terms of bio‐substrate scope as well as product complexity, through more strategic applications of the catalytic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, many research projects are focused on the conversion of renewable raw materials into chemicals and fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass is a raw material used for the production of bio-oils and black liquors. These biomass-derived fractions offer promising paths for the production of valuable chemical products. Various catalytic methods have been investigated for upgrading the biomass-derived fractions. Researchers are interested in the hydrodeoxygenation process (HDO); in this process, the oxygen groups are eliminated by breaking the C-O bonds and water as a product. Incorporating heterogeneous catalysts (i.e., noble metals, transition metals, and metal sulfides) improves this process. Most HDO review articles describe catalytic results for model phenolic compounds. However, there is also a need to investigate the catalytic activity of real biomass-derived fractions. This paper explains research results regarding the upgrading of lignin-derived fractions (i.e., black liquors) by HDO. The paper has been organized according to the type of heterogeneous catalyst and shows compelling results based on different experimental conditions. The final sections present an analysis of the documented results and outline perspectives about integrating lignin into the biorefinery framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass plays a significant role in replacing fossil resources, and catalytic transformation of platform chemicals to high‐value chemicals is an effective approach to maximize the utilization of biomass. Among of which, efficient and durable catalysts are the heart for upgrading of these platform chemicals, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐derived catalysts have attracted much attentions due to their suitable and versatile physicochemical properties. In this work, we present a short review on the applications of MOFs‐derived catalysts in upgrading of platform chemicals. The design and synthetic strategies of MOFs‐derived catalysts were summarized in detail, and their application in the catalytic upgrading of glycerol, ethanol, furanic compounds, levulinic acid and vanillin were addressed. The final section outlines the potential industrial applications of MOFs‐derived catalysts for upgrading platform chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary role of the architectural university environment is to promote architectural education and graduate architectural outputs that possess creativity, development and sustainability skills, and because a green education is a newborn concept that did not take a large space in the field of university education in general and architecture in particular, so the research problem was determined by (the scientific need to crystallize a comprehensive theoretical conception of Green architectural education and identifying its components, tools and characteristics in upgrading architectural education), as the research aims to (extract the most important formal and material characteristics and features of green architectural education). Accordingly, the research assumes that the departments of architecture advance green architectural education. The research concluded that green architectural education is a modern education that seeks sustainable development and technological development to achieve distinguished architectural outputs, possessing creativity and sustainability skills in preserving the technological ecosystem and enhancing its culture within the community to find positive solutions to all environmental problems. The research recommends providing an environmentally friendly academic infrastructure for environmental development and sustainable buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]