Assessment of challenges and strategies for driving energy transitions in emerging markets:A socio-technological systems perspective

The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability,climate change,the just energy transition,dynamic operating environments,and complex social challenges.Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles.The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems.Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming,where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy.Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective,specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory(ANT),this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions.These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies.Furthermore,our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift;it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives.Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions,this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT,which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures.Consequently,we propose an emerging market energy transition framework,which not only addresses technological aspects,but also integrates social considerations.This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics.The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers,researchers,and practitioners engaged in the mining industry,enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution.Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis,we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations,facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.

Addressing inclusion,innovation,and sustainability challenges through the lens of economic geography:Introducing the hierarchical regional innovation system

The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace.In this context,the field of economic geography(EG)has been playing an important role in understanding both the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of these challenges,as it deals with a variety of complementary notions and perspectives.Departing from this lens,our aim is to explore a conceptual framework that can help us to understand environmental changes relating to multi-dimensional territorial development,notably in eco-nomic contexts where inequality is high,and stratification based on hierarchies regulate social and economic life.Based on the territory concept,we propose the original notion of a hierarchical regional innovation system(HRIS)that emphasises the pervasive role of hierarchies(powers)in regional innovation systems and illustrate its value with evidence and case studies from extant literature on sustainability transitions.The HRIS can help us understand and promote development paths considering the contribution of inclusive eco-innovations(another original conceptual amalgam).Through some empirical cases from other studies in low-carbon transitions,we show the application of the HRIS(and inclusive eco-innovation)framework.In conclusion,we provide incen-tives to explore new regional innovation systems,alongside the HRIS,adapted to different regions worldwide and centred on the inclusiveness of people and places.

Exploration of the Inheritance and Innovation Carrier of National Culture in the Teaching Model of Art Design Major in Higher Vocational Colleges:Integrating Lijiang Baisha Murals into Higher Vocational Art Design Curriculum System

This study aims to further promote the inheritance and innovative development of intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan Province,promote the protection,inheritance,integration,and innovation of ethnic culture in Lijiang,strengthen the protection and inheritance of Baisha murals in Lijiang,and change the teaching of art design majors in vocational colleges in Yunnan.Given the lack of traditional Chinese culture and local ethnic culture,this article focuses on the teaching of art design majors in Yunnan vocational colleges.It explores the construction model of the cultural inheritance and innovation carrier of Lijiang Baisha murals to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the local people,and efforts will be made to promote the high-quality development of the Baisha ethnic area in Lijiang.

Construction of an Evaluation Index System for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Vocational Colleges from Students’Perspective

Innovation and entrepreneurship education is an essential content in the current teaching of colleges and universities and an important driving force to promote students’employment.Currently,colleges and universities continue to strengthen the innovation of innovation and entrepreneurship teaching,and the construction of the evaluation system of innovation and entrepreneurship education is lagging.The evaluation system is an important evaluation standard for innovation and entrepreneurship teaching and the basis for educational innovation,which is also a critical part of teaching that requires attention.This paper takes the construction of the evaluation index system of innovation and entrepreneurship education in vocational colleges as the research goal and understands the function of innovation and entrepreneurship evaluation as well as the evaluation principle through the literature analysis method.It also analyzes the evaluation index system of innovation and entrepreneurship teaching from students’perspective to provide an effective reference for the implementation of innovation and entrepreneurship education in higher vocational colleges.

Research on Partner Selection in Enterprise Innovation Ecosystem

In the face of fierce market competition,enterprises must ensure the competitiveness of their products or services through technological innovation.However,the complexity of technology often surpasses the capabilities of individual enterprises,leading them to deepen cooperation with other organizations.The entities within the enterprise innovation ecosystem depend on each other,collaborate closely,and rely on core enterprises to integrate resources,thereby creating system value and enhancing competitiveness.The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of selecting appropriate ecosystem partners.It begins by providing an overview of relevant concepts,characteristics,selection factors,and methods.Subsequently,it analyzes the roles,resources,and synergy evolution of the entities within the ecosystem.An evaluation system encompassing operation,core,synergy,and development capability is then established.This system comprises 16 indicators,including organization scale and reputation,and is accompanied by a hierarchical evaluation model.Finally,the validity of the evaluation system is confirmed through empirical analysis,utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.

Construction of Biological Experiment Curriculum System in the Context of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

Innovation and entrepreneurship education is an important direction for the current reform of higher education and should be included in the professional talent training plan and the construction of the biological experiment curriculum system.Specific measures include in-depth excavation of the connotation of biological experiment teaching courses from the perspective of talent training,building an innovation and entrepreneurship biological experiment curriculum system guided by the needs of social development,establishing a comprehensive and diversified platform for practice and innovation,and constructing a teaching team that integrates innovation and entrepreneurship education and professional education.

An Evaluation of the Coupling Coordination of Technological Innovation System in China’s Marine Biopharmaceutical Industry

The marine biopharmaceutical industry(MBI)has been considered as an important part of the blue economy.The high-quality development of this industry depends on the high-level coordinated development of technological innovation system(TIS).In the present study,the coupling mechanism of industrial innovation input subsystem and innovation output subsystem was analyzed for the first time.On this basis,the development level and coupling coordination level of TIS in China’s MBI during 2008-2018 were empirically evaluated with the capacity coupling coordination model.Then,the obstacle factors were diagnosed and recognized with the obstacle model.The results showed that the innovation input index fluctuated at a low level in China’s MBI.The innovation output index has basically maintained a growth trend,whereas the quality of development was not high.Although the coupling coordination level of TIS showed a positive change as mild disordered→primary coordinated→well-coordinated,the development type of innovation system has changed from the lagging output of innovation into the lagging input of innovation.Insufficient input of innovation factors remained the main obstacle to the improvement of coordination level.Based on the above analysis,suggestions were put forward from the perspectives of policy and fund guarantees to improve the coupling coordination level in China’s MBI.

Investigating the components of fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments with an integrated quantum spherical decision support system

This study aimed to evaluate the components of a fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments.A new decision-making model was created using multiple stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis and elimination and choice translating reality techniques based on quantum spherical fuzzy sets.First,in this model,the criteria for distributed energy investment necessities were weighted.Second,we ranked the components of the fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments.The main contribution of this study is that appropriate strategies can be presented to design effective fintech ecosystems to increase distributed energy investments,by considering an original fuzzy decision-making model.Capacity is the most critical issue with respect to distributed energy investment necessities because it has the greatest weight(0.261).Pricing is another significant factor for this condition,with a weight of 0.254.Results of the ranking of the components of the fintech ecosystem indicate that end users are of the greatest importance for the effectiveness of this system.It is necessary to develop new techniques for the energy storage process,especially with technological developments,to prevent disruptions in energy production capacity.In addition,customers’expectations should be considered for the development of effective and user-friendly financial products that are preferred by a wider audience.This would have a positive effect on fintech ecosystem performance.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease:Navigating terminological evolution,diagnostic frontiers and therapeutic horizon-an editorial exploration

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),once known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),represents a spectrum of liver disorders characterized by lipid accumulation within hepatocytes.The redefinition of NAFLD in 2023 marked a significant reposition in terminology,emphasizing a broader understanding of liver steatosis and its associated risks.MASLD is now recognized as a major risk factor for liver cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma,and systemic complications such as cardiovascular diseases or systemic inflammation.Diagnostic challenges arise,particularly in identifying MASLD in lean individuals,necessitating updated diagnostic protocols and investing in non-invasive diagnostic tools.Therapeutically,there is an urgent need for effective treatments targeting MASLD,with emerging pharmacological options focusing on,among others,carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.Additionally,understanding the roles of bile acid metabolism,the microbiome,and dietary interventions in MASLD pathogenesis and management holds promise for innovative therapeutic approaches.There is a strong need to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in understanding,diagnosing,and managing MASLD to improve physicians’approaches and patient outcomes.

The Role of Trait Activation Theory in Occupational Behavior:A Systematic Review

The Trait Activation Theory(TAT)is widely regarded as the most influential personality theory approach in psychology.The purpose of this study is to analyze the TAT’s role in the contemporary workplace.Which personality traits are more likely to predict work success?Which characteristics should businesses prioritize throughout the recruiting and selection processes?According to the Trait Activation Theory,what is the significance of motivation in the workplace and how can employers find employees who can be more productive,efficient,and involved in the organization’s goals?A systematic review of past recent research was used to answer the questions raised above.Following the gathering and examination of multiple recent publications on the issue,it was determined that the use of this model had a favorable impact on individual and group performance,working relationships,manager job performance,and workplace creativity.

Improving innovation and entrepreneurship education in higher institutions: the impact of "Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation" education on undergraduates' entrepreneurial intentions

The exploration of the way"mass entrepreneurship and innovation"(MEI)education influences students'aspirations to become entrepreneurs has grown into an important area of analysis in studies related to higher education.This research intends to examine the consequences of MEI education on students'tendency towards entrepreneurship,and to put forward methods for augmenting the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship in private higher educational establishments.To achieve this objective,questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed in the study,which involved a total of 197 students and five education experts.The statistical analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that MEI education was positively related to students'entrepreneurial intentions,and that both entrepreneurial experience and family entrepreneurial background played moderating roles in this relationship.The interview findings indicated that private universities could enhance educational reforms by designing talent training programs,developing diversified curricula,and developing more professional entrepreneurial platforms to encourage students'entrepreneurial intentions.This study offers fresh insights for improving and perfecting the mechanism of innovation and entrepreneurship education in private universities.

Influence mechanism of government subsidy on the green transformation of coal company in China

The optimization of government subsidies to enhance the efficiency of coal companies’green transformation constitutes a critical component in the pursuit of global sustainability.We investigate the influence mechanism of government subsidies on the green transformation using data from the listed coal companies in China from 2007 to 2022.According to our findings and hypothesis testing,previous government subsidies did not have a significant direct impact on coal companies’green transformation.Nevertheless,government subsidies can help coal companies transition to greener practices by promoting innovative green initiatives.Furthermore,we confirmed an indirect route:that government subsidies enable the adoption of low-carbon initiatives,which in turn could facilitate the transition of coal companies towards green practices.In addition,we discovered that the coal company’s digitization will improve this indirect route.Thus,we propose increasing the effectiveness of government subsidies in facilitating coal companies’transition to green practices by focusing on technological advancements and enhancing company digitalization.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Natural Medicine

As the world continues to search for innovative therapeutic solutions,the field of natural medicines has emerged as a vibrant area of research.The potential of natural products to treat a wide range of diseases,coupled with the relatively low sideeffects of such products,has captured the attention of scientists,clinicians,and the general public alike.This Special Issue on Natural Medicine aims to present the latest advancements in this exciting field,highlighting both fundamental research and clinical applications.The collection of articles in this Special Issue covers a broad spectrum of topics,ranging from medicinal chemistry to biological mechanisms,and from the study of single botanic compounds to complex plant formulas.We are particularly pleased to include a comprehensive review by Yi Wang et al.on the bioactivities,mechanisms,production,and potential application of bile acids in preventing and treating infectious diseases.This review not only summarizes the current landscape of bile acids research but also highlights several promising compounds for future investigations,such as the recent interest in ursodeoxycholic acid.In a related topic,Shishan Yu’s team has developed artificial bear bile using synthetic chemistry and enzyme engineering,providing a sustainable substitute for natural bear bile.This innovation meets medical needs while addressing animal welfare issues,representing a notable progression in the field.

Callfor Papersfor Special Issue Innovative Pharmaceutical Research Facilitated by Ai

Al is revolutionizing the current paradigm of pharmaceutical research,addressing the challenges encountered at all stages of the process.Al driven drug discovery is based on biomedical big data and new algorithms to identify drug targets,screen and optimize active compounds,analyze drug properties,and facilitate drug production and quality control.On this basis,we are organize this special issue entitled“Innovative Pharmaceutical Research Driven by Al”,to collect Research articles,Review papers,and Short communications,facilitating pharmaceutical research.

Innovation and Firm Co-ownership Network in China’s Electric Vehicle Industry

Firms are embedded in complex networks,where diverse ideas combine and generate new ideas.Shareholders of firms are of-ten seen as critical external resources that have significant influence on firm innovation.The current literature tends to focus on the rela-tionship between firms and their shareholders,while paying less attention to the connections between firms with the same shareholders.This article identifies two types of network spillover effects,intra-city network effect and inter-city network effect,by visualizing the co-ownership networks in China’s electric vehicle(EV)industry.We find that firms with the same shareholders,which are defined as co-owned EV firms,are more innovative than non-co-owned ones.Furthermore,there are two dominant types of firm co-ownership ties formed by corporate and financial institution shareholders.While corporate shareholders help exploiting local tacit knowledge,financial institutions are more active in bridging inter-city connections.The conclusion is confirmed at both firm and city levels.This paper theor-izes the firm co-ownership network as a new form of institutional proximity and tested the result empirically.For policy consideration,we have emphasized the importance of building formal or informal inter-firm network,and the government should further enhance the knowledge flow channel by institutional construction.

Message from animal models and experimental medicine for 2024-Striving for excellence with distinctive features

Since its inception,Animal Models and Experimental Medicine(AMEM)has received 632 articles in total from 52 countries and regions includ-ing China,Iran,the United States,India,Nigeria,Israel,Germany,Iraq,Italy,Japan,Australia,Bangladesh,Belgium,Brazil,and Canada,among others.AMEM has become an important international exchange plat-form for innovative research achievements in the field of laboratory animal science and basic medicine.

The Future of Environmental Engineering Technology:A Disruptive Innovation Perspective

Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies.However,few researchers have evaluated the current status and future trends of technologies.This paper summarizes the current research status in eight major subfields of environmental engineering—water treatment,air pollution control,soil/solid waste management,environmental biotechnology,environmental engineering equipment,emerging contaminants,synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions,and environmental risk and intelligent management—based on bibliometric analysis and future trends in greenization,low carbonization,and intelligentization.Disruptive technologies are further identified based on discontinuous transformation,and ten such technologies are proposed,covering general and specific fields,technical links,and value sources.Additionally,the background and key innovations in disruptive technologies are elucidated in detail.This study not only provides a scientific basis for strategic decision-making,planning,and implementation in the environmental engineering field but also offers methodological guidance for the research and determination of breakthrough technologies in other areas.

Kinematic-mapping-model-guided analysis and optimization of 2-PSS&1-RR circular-rail parallel mechanism for fully steerable phased array antennas

This paper presents a systematic methodology for analyzing and optimizing an innovative antenna mount designed for phased array antennas, implemented through a novel 2-PSS&1-RR circular-rail parallel mechanism. Initially, a comparative motion analysis between the 3D model of the mount and its full-scale prototype is conducted to validate effectiveness. Given the inherent complexity, a kinematic mapping model is established between the mount and the crank-slider linkage, providing a guiding framework for subsequent analysis and optimization. Guided by this model, feasible inverse and forward solutions are derived, enabling precise identification of stiffness singularities. The concept of singularity distance is thus introduced to reflect the structural stiffness of the mount. Subsequently, also guided by the mapping model, a heuristic algorithm incorporating two backtracking procedures is developed to reduce the mount's mass. Additionally, a parametric finite-element model is employed to explore the relation between singularity distance and structural stiffness. The results indicate a significant reduction(about 16%) in the antenna mount's mass through the developed algorithm, while highlighting the singularity distance as an effective stiffness indicator for this type of antenna mount.

Formulating Innovative Societal Educational Learning Systems Using Gamification Techniques in 3D Environments

Gamified education has set the ground for the delineation of state-of-the-art literacy skills,enabling learners to develop their digital,cognitive,emotional and social competencies,through active experimentation,motivation and engagement,all while ensuring that pedagogical objectives are being effectuated,therefore capacitating the optimization of the learning process,as a whole.In this paper,we commence by assessing some of the most fundamental frameworks,models and theories evolved around the concept of gamification.We,additionally,showcase schemes through which it stimulates the actualization of active,multidimensional learning,by promoting the application of technological advancements,for the enhancement of learners’hard and soft skills,within time and cost effective frameworks.Ultimately,we,thoroughly,present a newly introduced,cross-platform,innovative educational learning system product,funded by the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Development and Investments,howlearn.Using gamification techniques,in 3D virtual environments,for the realization of STEAM related experiments which cover the vast majority of learners’subject material,while,simultaneously functioning as an authoring tool,whilst essentially accounting for accessibility,geographical and other socio-economic considerations,howlearn advocates youth-centered learning,providing the foundations towards the establishment of gamified,socially sustainable,multifaceted,inclusive educational learning systems.

A novel multi-channel porous structure facilitating mass transport towards highly efficient alkaline water electrolysis

An advantageous porous architecture of electrodes is pivotal in significantly enhancing alkaline water electrolysis(AWE)efficiency by optimizing the mass transport mechanisms.This effect becomes even more pronounced when aiming to achieve elevated current densities.Herein,we employed a rapid and scalable laser texturing process to craft novel multi-channel porous electrodes.Particularly,the obtained electrodes exhibit the lowest Tafel slope of 79 mV dec^(-1)(HER)and 49 mV dec^(-1)(OER).As anticipated,the alkaline electrolyzer(AEL)cell incorporating multi-channel porous electrodes(NP-LT30)exhibited a remarkable improvement in cell efficiency,with voltage drops(from 2.28 to 1.97 V)exceeding 300 mV under 1 A cm^(-1),compared to conventional perforated Ni plate electrodes.This enhancement mainly stemmed from the employed multi-channel porous structure,facilitating mass transport and bubble dynamics through an innovative convection mode,surpassing the traditional convection mode.Furthermore,the NP-LT30-based AEL cell demonstrated exceptional durability for 300 h under 1.0 A cm^(-2).This study underscores the capability of the novel multi-channel porous electrodes to expedite mass transport in practical AWE applications.