Search

Purpose - The current paper is intended to introduce knowledge workers and managers to a unique paradigm on virtue epistemology, that is, reflective knowledge, based on the doctrines of Islamic philosophy as 'Ilm.' The study proposed a holistic framework to acquire reflective knowledge, the epistemic attributes of knowledge workers, and the significance of reflective knowledge in the dynamic knowledge economy. Methodology – Theoretical framework proposed in the current paper is based on the theories proposed by Muslim philosophers. Books on the epistemological aspect of Islamic philosophy and web-based articles on Ilm as reflective knowledge were taken as references. Findings - Islamic philosophy helps to put forth a holistic paradigm on the virtues of knowledge workers and the attributes that help learning organizations acquire reflective knowledge. Practical Implications - The propositions made in this paper may be tested for empirical evidence in future research. Moreover, the framework to acquire reflective knowledge and instilling epistemic virtues in knowledge workers may be a powerful tool for knowledge managers. Originality/Value - Islamic philosophy is based on theological grounds; however, this paper intends to introduce the doctrines based on logic and rationale, proposed by noted scholars. The current study is also unique in constructing a holistic framework that may assist organizations to acquire reflective knowledge and train knowledge workers to acquire prescribed epistemic attributes.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) hold great promise in molecular separations owing to their robust, ordered and tunable porous network structures. Currently, the pore size of COFs is usually much larger than most small molecules. Meanwhile, the weak interlamellar interaction between COF nanosheets impedes the preparation of defect-free membranes. Herein, we report a series of COF membranes through a mixed-dimensional assembly of 2D COF nanosheets and 1D cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The pore size of 0.45–1.0 nm is acquired from the sheltering effect of CNFs, rendering membranes precise molecular sieving ability, besides the multiple interactions between COFs and CNFs elevate membrane stability. Accordingly, the membranes exhibit a flux of 8.53 kg m−2 h−1 with a separation factor of 3876 for n-butanol dehydration, and high permeance of 42.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 with a rejection of 96.8% for Na2SO4 removal. Our mixed-dimensional design may inspire the fabrication and application of COF membranes., The fabrication of defect-free covalent organic framework (COF) membranes for the separation of small molecules is challenging. Here, the authors report robust COF membranes with precise molecular sieving through a mixed-dimensional assembly, exhibiting high performance for alcohol dehydration and salt rejection.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), which are fabricated by incorporating dispersed fillers into a continuous polymeric matrix, have been broadly utilized in gas separation due to their unique hierarchical structures and enhanced separation performance. Fillers of intrinsic nanopores (FINs) have drawn considerable attention because they not only can provide additional molecular transport channels but also have a potential size-sieving property. Although many excellent reviews about MMMs have been published, quite few of them are specifically designed for MMMs containing FINs. This Review focuses on three kinds of FINs, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as the representatives of organic, inorganic, and inorganic–organic FINs. The typical physical and chemical features of these three kinds of FINs are introduced. Afterward, methods to prepare FIN-based MMMs are briefly introduced. Particularly, solutions to prevent the aggregation and improve the dispersion of FIN...

For high-performance mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), it is crucial to design gas transport channels in fillers to rationally manipulate the structure-property relationship. In this study, the novel porous organosilicon nanotubes (PSiNTs) were incorporated into Pebax to prepare MMMs for biogas purification (CO2/CH4 separation). After comparing the separation performance of MMMs containing PSiNTs and MMMs containing non-porous organosilicon nanotubes (SiNTs)，it can be found that the porous structure on wall of organosilicon nanotubes had a significant effect on the improvement of the gas permeability. In addition, the amino-modified PSiNTs (N-PSiNTs) were prepared and introduced into membranes to significantly enhance the CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity. Firstly, the porosity of N-PSiNTs afforded rapid gas transport channels in MMMs and intensified the diffusion mechanism, increasing the CO2 permeability. Secondly, the reversible reaction between amino groups and CO2 in MMMs intensified the facilitated transport mechanism, increasing the CO2/CH4 selectivity. In particular, the Pebax-N-PSiNTs with 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% N-PSiNTs exhibited the optimal separation performance, which surpassed 2008 upper bound and were superior to the MMMs incorporated with other kinds of nanotubes.

Internet communication become the need of entire world, today internet is like a recourse of power that is used to run human life. The users, as a layman, may not know that internet, a way of communication, as the use of internet is increasing also data and information that is traveling through internet is increasing by every passing day every minute. In an internet environment where every user need security about their data and information that they want to share with other, such environment requires secrecy and security to safeguard the privacy. There are many approaches available that can be adopted to provide user data security, Steganography is one of the techniques which offer sufficient platform to tackle this aspect in a suitable way. The working is very easy; the information (data) can be hidden inside the other information (data) while viewers may see the cover and hidden data will be known to intended viewers only that know the way of decryption that is adopted at sender side. In simple world two images are selected, one as cover and other as message carrier, but the view and size of original image may not be changed. This paper discusses certain technique and algorithms in context to Least Significant Bit (LSB) and ascertains possible depth of LSB usage where the distortion of image starts and attracts the attacker/ hacker. It became a unique way of information hiding by merging images with cipher data or plain text.