Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a central role in various chemical and environmental processes, and process intensification is often needed to improve efficiency. Microchannel reactors are well-suited for such applications because they provide enhanced mass transfer, particularly when slug flow is formed due to their high interfacial area. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is widely used to investigate slug flow formation and gas-liquid interface dynamics. However, despite extensive studies, few verified and validated models are available for accurately predicting slug flow, especially in horizontal circular T-junction microchannels. This study aims to develop, verify, and validate a reliable computational fluid dynamics model to simulate slug flow formation using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The use of CO2-water system provides realistic hydrodynamic behavior relevant for studying CO2 hydrodynamics inside microchannel reactors. Mesh sensitivity analysis was conducted using seven meshes to ensure mesh independence and computational efficiency. Mesh sizes beyond 370,000 elements showed only minor improvements in prediction accuracy. The model was then validated against experimental data by comparing the bubble length under multiple flowrate conditions, revealing strong agreement with deviations of 3.04%-6.90%. The experimental data showed high reproducibility with an average coefficient of variation of 2.4%, further confirming the model's reliability. This validated model can serve as a foundation for future CO2 studies on hydrodynamic optimization, such as the generation of flow pattern maps in microchannel reactors.
This study investigates NiAl-based composite materials produced by spark plasma sintering with various alloying additives (Cr, Co, Ti, Mo, V, Re, and Zr) and architectures (single-, two-, and three-layer configurations). The materials comprise an FCC solid solution matrix and regions with a mixed FCC-BCC structure containing large NiAl phase B2 intermetallic particles. The materials also contain the TCP phases of the Cr-Mo system (sigma- and & micro;-phases). Electrochemical and corrosion studies were conducted in an aqueous solution (25 g/L CsCl + 11 g/L KCl + 9 g/L NaCl). The multilayer material NiAl-NiCrCoMoVReTiZr/NiCrCo/NiAlCoCrMoReTiZr exhibited the most favorable characteristics in terms of the ratio of current density in the passive state and the extent of the passive state region, namely, 299 mV and 0.0014 mA/cm2. The most extended region of the passive state was found for the single-layer material NiAl-NiCrCoMoVReTiZr. However, its current densities in the passive state were higher (0.0033 mA/cm2) versus 0.0013-0.0015 mA/cm2 for other alloys. The lowest current density in the passive state was obtained for the NiAl-CrMoCoV material. Corrosion tests over a 6-month period revealed no mass changes or pitting traces in the material structure. This may be attributed to the chemical composition of the NiAl-based alloys, the presence of high-entropy regions, and the formation of intermetallic compounds, all of which enhance corrosion resistance.
Environmentally friendly and biodegradable composites are increasingly being studied for use in compatible films, safe food packaging, and wound dressings. Strengthening composite films with modified natural fibers has received limited attention. In this study, biodegradable composite films reinforced with abaca fibers coated with copper nanoparticles were successfully prepared. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were incorporated to provide both antimicrobial and conductive properties. Copper nanoparticle-coated abaca (banana) fibers (CuNPs) were synthesized by the stepwise reduction method, in which the nanoparticles were first prepared and subsequently immobilized onto abaca fibers (AF). This method produced stronger treated fibers than those prepared using a simultaneous reduction method. CuNPs on the surface of PVAcoated AF are nanosized and well-dispersed particles, resulting in higher electrical conductivity compared with the control (PVA-AF only). The incorporation of CuNP-coated PVA-AF into the composite film matrix (containing PVA, tapioca starch, glycerol, and chitosan) significantly improved the tensile strength and elongation compared with the control film. The thickness of films containing higher PVA content (60%-80%) increased compared with those with lower PVA proportions. A similar trend was observed for the water absorption, tensile strength, and elongation properties. The antibacterial activity of CuNP-coated AF showed an inhibition zone of 14 mm, which was comparable to that of gentamicin (17 mm). However, the antibacterial effect was localized and did not diffuse throughout the film.
This study investigates the mechanisms by which leadership style influences FinTech orientation in financial institutions. Grounded in complexity theory and the dynamic capabilities framework, this study explores how strategic agility and innovation function as mediating capabilities linking leadership behavior to FinTech readiness. A structured quantitative survey was administered to top managerial-level employees across banks, insurance firms, and microfinance institutions. A total of 104 complete and valid responses were collected using Go ogle Forms. Structural Equation Modeling using the CB-SEM technique was applied to analyze the data and assess the direct and mediated relationships among the constructs. The study reveals that leadership style has a significant impact on FinTech orientation, both directly and indirectly, through its impact on strategic agility and innovation (total effect leadership style -> FinTech: /3 = 0.457, t = 5.632). While the overall influence of leadership on FinTech orientation was found to be significant, the direct influence was reduced when the mediating factors were controlled for (indirect effects: leadership style -> strategic innovation -> FinTech: /3 = 0.227, t = 2.121, p = 0.034; leadership style -> strategic agility -> FinTech: /3 = 0.420, t = 3.455, p = 0.001). Strategic agility was the strongest predictor, highlighting its critical role in achieving responsiveness and agility in a financially challenged environment with structural barriers (strategic agility -> FinTech: /3 = 0.512, t = 2.961, p = 0.003; compared with strategic innovation -> FinTech: /3 = 0.330, t = 2.064, p = 0.037; and leadership style -> strategic agility: /3 = 0.580, t = 5.262, p G 0.001 vs. leadership style -> strategic innovation: /3 = 0.486, t = 4.549, p G 0.001). This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by empirically testing the capability-mediated model in an economy beset by conflict, supporting the need to enhance leadership practice to develop internal agility and innovation. The study also provides practical insights to financial institutions' professionals on how to overcome structural issues to enable digital transformation through the use of capabilities supported by strong leadership. Beyond finance, the findings demonstrate how leadership-enabled dynamic capabilities can accelerate digital transformation, strengthen organizational resilience, and support innovation management in structurally constrained and uncertain environments.
Indonesia's sugarcane agroindustry plays a crucial role in gross domestic product, yet it faces threats to supply chain sustainability. Empirical studies on selected sugarcane agroindustries are needed to analyse and improve sustainability performance. This study aims to develop a strategy for enhancing the supply chain sustainability performance of the sugarcane agroindustry through performance measurement and empirical case studies. This study employs the fuzzy inference system method, multidimensional scaling, and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system to assess supply chain sustainability performance. This study focuses on economic, social, environmental, and resource sustainability dimensions using 29 indicators. These indicators are subsequently aggregated to evaluate the supply chain's overall sustainability performance. Empirical studies were conducted on two sugarcane agroindustry supply chains to assess the effectiveness of the supply chain and develop strategies for enhancing performance. The sustainability performance of sugar factories by 2023 is almost sustainable and medium sustainable. This study successfully developed lessons learned for sustainability improvement strategies tailored to each agroindustry based on key indicators. Agro-industries are expected to enhance their supply chain sustainability performance and ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits by implementing these strategies. The following lessons were extracted: operational implementation and indicator adjustment, data quality and infrastructure, data pre-processing, and interpretation for managerial decision-making. The methodology for analysing performance and improvement strategies can be implemented to improve the future sustainability performance of the sugarcane agroindustry supply chain.
