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Digital transformation as a catalyst for resilience in stock price crisis: evidence from a ‘New Quality Productivity’ perspective
Get PDFThis study explores the impact of digital transformation on stock price crash risk using Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2011 to 2022. Leveraging the TF-IDF algorithm and deep learning models, it contextualizes digital transformation within China's “new quality productivity” framework, which prioritizes technological innovation over traditional productivity drivers. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly reduces stock price crash risk, particularly in labor and capital-intensive sectors, by enhancing market transparency and decreasing information asymmetry. Furthermore, the integration of digital transformation with the “new quality productivity” framework amplifies this protective effect, with pronounced benefits for large firms and those covered by analysts or research reports. Conversely, smaller firms or those without such coverage experience a smaller impact. By demonstrating how advanced digital technologies bolster operational agility and investor confidence, this study highlights the critical role of digital transformation in fostering resilience and stabilizing stock prices during crises.Asia-Pacific Financial Market
Impact-driven scholar, reflective practitioner, or pracademic? Conceptualizing hybrid roles to bridge the research-practice gap in HRM
Get PDFBridging the gap between theoretical concepts relating to human resource management (HRM) and practical application of research insights is essential for creating important, relevant, and therefore high impact management theories about work and organizations. Pracademics, who actively participate in both research and practice activities, cross boundaries between domains, so play a critical role in bringing theories into practice. However, the role of pracademics is conceptually underdeveloped and ambiguous, limiting our understanding of how actors engage in bridging the research-practice divide. We propose a continuum of research-practice roles, recognizing that hybrid roles are often fluid in nature. We explain how hybrid professionals hold different identities; as impact-driven scholars, reflective practitioners, or pracademics. These roles have implications for individuals' activities, identity work, career, and collaboration. Drawing on three contemporary challenges in HRM, we illustrate how hybrid professionals can align HRM theory and practice and help close the research-practice gap. As well as theoretical and managerial implications, we also highlight implications of the continuum of roles for policy makers and funders.Human Resource Management Revie
Computational design for micro fluidic devices using lattice boltzmann and heuristic optimisation algorithms
Get PDFKipouros, Timoleon - Associate SupervisorThe study on micro devices is gaining importance in various fields from
biological to engineering. The dimensions of these devices range from
millimetres (mm) to micrometres (μm) and they work within the laminar flow
regime due to their low Reynolds number. Although diffusivity dictates the
mixing in such conditions, this work is based on the simulation of two non
reacting iso-thermal and incompressible fluids for both streams, so the mixing is
governed only by turbulence. A numerical study using the Lattice Boltzmann
method (LBM) is carried out in order to examine the mixing in one configuration.
In the second part of the work an interface is developed between the LBM code
and multi objective optimisation software in order to investigate new
configurations which enhance the mixing. The objectives are to maximise the
vorticity and minimise the pressure drop, which are conflicting between
themselves. The tool that integrates the optimiser and the LBM code for
simulating microreactor, can run on a multi level parallelisation, hence the time
required for the whole simulation has been drastically reduced.
A preliminary optimisation is performed on a microreactor with multi holed baffle
plate. Despite small number of iterations, three totally different configurations
have been found: greatest vorticity, smallest pressure drop and a compromise.
The first two configurations satisfy the expectations, whereas the compromise
solution presents an innovative configuration. In fact, it has a low pressure drop
and a high vorticity, which is achievable by having high Reynolds number and
big diameters of the holes. Hence, this tool proves to be robust and efficient in
the multi objective optimisation of microreactor.MSc in Thermal Powe
Data "Underlying data set for Collings et al 2025_Impact of growing temperature on spear and root carbohydrate content and the effects on postharvest asparagus tip breakdown incidence"
No full textRaw data set for tip breakdown percentages in asparagus spears are shown for each season, grade, growing condition and storage time.
Sugar data in asparagus roots and spears are to follow.Tip breakdown has been identified as the main issue causing deterioration in asparagus quality during storage; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for its development are unknown. Previous work showed higher incidence of tip breakdown occurring later in the season, when growing temperature is higher. To further our understanding and identify potential biomarkers of this physiological disorder, spears from two growing conditions (cooler vs. warmer), were harvested through the season to assess tip breakdown incidence, and quality attributes (asparagine and non-structural carbohydrates) during storage. Rapid growth due to warmer temperatures (up to 45°C) resulted in spears with lower sugar content and higher incidence of tip breakdown compared to cooler conditions. Asparagine slowly increased through the season (7 to 11 mg g-1 DW) with no differences between growing condition suggesting it is not a biomarker for tip breakdown. Pre-season spears (warm temperature only) had double the amount of sugar compared to early-season spears, with no incidence of tip breakdown despite an extended storage period (up to 18 days at 7°C). Sugar concentrations in roots were similar between growing conditions and between pre- and early-season despite clear differences in spear sugar content. These results showed a strong positive link between cooler growing conditions, high spear sugar content and low susceptibility to tip breakdown which was not reflected in root sugar concentrations.Cobrey Farm
Understanding the impacts of septicity on wastewater treatment
Get PDFBajon Fernandez, Yadira - Associate SupervisorWastewater septicity develops during wastewater conveyance through the
sewerage network to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The problems
related to septicity have been mainly researched in sewerage networks and are
almost exclusively related to hydrogen sulphide, such as concrete corrosion and
odour nuisance. The aim of this work is to better understand the mechanisms
governing septicity in wastewater and mitigate the impacts both in sewers and
wastewater treatment plants. For doing so, a septicity measure that captures the
key indicators was developed, which include sulphide, oxidation reduction
potential (ORP), pH, soluble COD and ammonia. Furthermore, the impacts of
septicity on a conventional wastewater treatment plant consisting of a primary
settler, activated sludge plant and secondary settler were tested. Septic
wastewater with 6.4 mg/L of sulphide was found to impact activated sludge flocs,
with significant proliferation of filamentous bacteria, resulting also in a reduced
COD removal by 55% and nitrification by 44%. Furthermore, sludge bulking in the
secondary settler and consequent biomass washout was observed. Additionally,
the impact on chemical phosphorus removal (CPR) was tested and septic
wastewater was found to reduce the effectiveness of CPR starting at a 0.35 S:Fe
molar ratio and only 10% phosphorus removal efficiency was measured at a 1.4
S:Fe molar ratio. Finally, a novel dissolved sulphide sensor was trialled to monitor
sulphide at the inlet chamber of a WWTP. The data collected allowed the
assessment of the efficiency of nitrate dosing at a rising main. Furthermore, it
allowed to build up a data-driven sulphide prediction model utilising readily
available data. Overall, the thesis provided the starting bricks for the development
of a septicity management framework and highlighted that optimised nitrate
dosing at the study rising main utilising the dissolved sulphide data was the most
economic septicity management option.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)STREAM Eng
Dry spectral diagnostic tools and methods for precise fertilizer application
No full textCorstanje, Ronald - Associate Supervisor
Haefele, Stephan M. - Associate Supervisor, Rothamsted Research
Kebede, Fassil - Associate Supervisor, UM6P, MoroccoThis study explores the potential of soil spectroscopy to enhance fertilizer
decision-making by providing cost-effective, portable instruments for farm-level
soil property prediction. The study focused on assessing the performance of
various spectrometers, including low-cost near-infrared (NIR) devices, compared
to mid-infrared (MIR) bench-top instruments, using a case study on maize
productivity in East Africa and soil data from Morocco’s semi-arid rainfed wheat-
growing regions. The overall aim was to determine whether these spectroscopic
methods could generate reliable predictions of key soil properties for nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium fertilizer recommendations.
The results indicate that NIR spectroscopy, despite being the most affordable and
portable option, demonstrated sufficient accuracy for predicting key soil
properties such as soil pH, organic carbon, and exchangeable potassium, with
concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) ranging from 0.77 to 0.96. However,
the prediction of phosphorus (Olsen P) showed considerable uncertainty,
particularly for values above 15 mg P kg⁻¹, where deviations from measured
values increased. Comparatively, the MIR spectrometer showed better prediction
accuracy for phosphorus, though its higher cost and complexity limit its
applicability in resource-limited settings. The NIR spectrometer, with a prediction
accuracy suitable for nitrogen fertilization (deviation between -8 to 8 kg N ha⁻¹),
emerged as a promising tool for cost-effective and rapid nutrient
recommendations in developing countries.
Furthermore, this research demonstrated that integrating spectroscopic data into
crop models like QUEFTS for nutrient management enhances decision-making
by considering both soil supply and crop response to nutrients. The findings
underscore the necessity of developing region-specific calibration models to
improve prediction reliability, with spatial autocorrelation analysis of soil spectra
suggesting that proper calibration sample selection can improve prediction
performance, especially for phosphorus and other key properties.
Ultimately, this thesis contributes to the ongoing development of soil spectral
libraries and highlights the potential of low-cost, field-friendly spectrometers to
improve nutrient management and crop productivity in regions with limited soil
data.OCP Group of MoroccoPhD in Environment and Agrifoo
Advanced manufacturing processes for the production of biosensors
Get PDFBiosensors were first described over thirty five years ago, but commercialisation
did not occur until the early 1970s. Interest was subsequently sparked by the
market for large numbers of disposable devices required for self-testing of blood
glucose levels by diabetic patients. The introduction of automated production
technology, for the manufacture of the millions of devices required, became a
necessity. Screen printing has been the most successful of these technologies to
date, but there are many other techniques which could be applicable to biosensor
production.
This thesis reviews the main technologies used in sensor construction and
describes the manufacture of some devices using a range of these processes.
The construction of transducers and subsequent chemically- and biologically-sensitive
layers, as well as membrane structures are considered. Most of the
work presented here concerns the manufacture of electrochemical devices, but
many of the techniques described would be equally applicable to certain aspects
of the production of other classes of biosensors.Ph
Experimental and numerical analysis of a test rig for structural testing of a full-scale aircraft wing
Get PDFComplexities are involved in testing an aircraft structure, including its size, which is essential for determining cost and feasibility. This paper focuses on the novelty of investigating the use of a scaled-down version of a full-scale aircraft wing and a test rig to predict the test rig’s structural response to the wing’s loading condition, thereby improving design and modelling techniques for the test rig. This paper also presents a methodology for sizing the test rig and the aircraft wing to perform structural tests on the wing. Numerical and experimental models subjected to various load cases are compared. This study begins by justifying the use of finite element analysis (FEA) for relevant parts of the test rig. A detailed explanation of the sizing method and its overall effect on the test rig is also provided. The results indicate a substantial similarity between the numerical and experimental models with respect to the stresses and deformation of the test specimen.This publication has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101102004; UKRIAerospac
Methodology and results of phase change material integration in photovoltaic-thermal systems for enhanced energy production in domestic settings: a review
Get PDFThis review explores the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems to improve temperature control and energy storage. It provides a comprehensive overview of current PV/T systems integrated with PCMs, highlighting their potential to increase domestic energy production. The paper covers fundamental principles, benefits, and limitations of PVT technology, the role of PCM applications, and methods of integration. It also examines efficiency gains in power and thermal output, discusses challenges, and suggests future research directions for sustainable energy. Incorporating PCMs into PV/T systems marks notable progress in balancing electrical and thermal efficiencies. Finned serpentine heat exchangers improve heat transfer to PCMs, with more fins increasing surface area and cooling efficiency, while optimised flow rates balance electrical gains against thermal losses. Encapsulation prevents leakage and enhances thermal conductivity. Design factors such as a 25° inclination, insulation, and using dual PCMs in cold regions further improve performance. Economically, PV-T/PCM systems can have shorter payback periods than conventional PV panels if they are used for dual energy and in regions with high solar radiation. However, their viability depends on solar radiation, energy prices, and system costs, which vary by location.Journal of Energy Storag
Feasibility of graphene-enhanced strength in sanitary ceramics
Get PDFTMS 2025: Annual Meeting & Exhibition, 23-27 March, Las Vegas, NV, USAIn the competitive production of sanitary ceramics (SCs), fractures during the drying and handling stages significantly contribute to production waste. This study explores the incorporation of graphene, known for its exceptional mechanical properties, to enhance the strength and reduce waste in SCs. Utilising a modified slip casting process, graphene was introduced into Vitreous China (VC) and Fine Fireclay (FFC) ceramics through two methods representing two points of possible graphene inclusion along the production process: An earlier inclusion stage, which was examined by adding graphene solution into ceramic powder to create slip (powder-solution) and a later stage represented by graphene solution added to a readymade slip (solution-solution). The results demonstrated that the solution method significantly improved the mechanical strength of VC, achieving a 12% increase at 1 g graphene inclusion, while the powder method caused a decline in strength due to slip flocculation. FFC showed consistent strength improvements with both methods, with an average increase of 7% at 1 g graphene inclusion. Although the potential for graphene-enhanced ceramics is promising, further research is needed to quantify material savings, evaluate cost-effectiveness, and optimise the integration process for industrial-scale production.Advances in Ceramic Materials and Processing. TMS 202