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Order picking in warehouses is a labour- and time-intensive logistical process that significantly impacts the efficiency of supply chains. Although technical progress facilitates the automation of specific order picking tasks, human workers remain the primary actors of order picking. Owing to high operating costs associated with manual order picking, its design and management have been increasingly researched for decades. Because manual order picking systems are socio-technical systems, human factors and workers' interaction with technology are essential for operational success. As innovative technologies become increasingly utilised, such as augmented reality or exoskeletons, warehouse managers need to consider the effects of supportive and substitutive technologies on operational outcomes. However, the potentials and obstacles of using technologies in manual order picking require further investigations. Therefore, this study analyses literature content on supportive and substitutive technologies in manual warehouse order picking and investigates the existing state of research in this field. Text mining is employed to enhance the insights regarding the content analysis. Additionally, future research opportunities on the integration of supportive and substitutive technologies are proposed for manual order picking improvement and development of sustainable and human-centered logistics systems, according to the Industry 5.0 vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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 article offers a close textual analysis of Cindy Pon's speculative young adult (YA) novels, Want and Ruse, focused on the role of technology as both a facilitator of oppression and a tool for resisting it. This article explores the potential of speculative science fiction novels to help readers explore the complex social and material entanglements of digital technologies. The article also discusses the dual pedagogical layers of speculative YA texts as direct contributors to readers' understandings of the world and as educational tools within language arts classrooms. The author argues that, as technology continues to shape and transform society, it is crucial for scholars to examine the way digital tools and literacies are portrayed in speculative texts, particularly those aimed at younger readers, and to encourage students to critically engage with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we build on Adey, Budd and Hubbard's 2007 'Flying Lessons' paper by proposing four trajectories – bodies, infrastructures, technologies and disruptions – along which future research may follow for aeromobility studies. Since 'Flying Lessons', concerns for aviation have spread and developed into new areas beyond the experience of the individual air-passenger, but they have also remained somewhat disparate. Our article seeks to synthesise, trace and evaluate these shifts, and to draw out their interconnections, inter-referentialisms and contradictions. We envision a future geographies of flying that is far more entangled and attuned to aeromobilities' ambiguous relations, both human and more-than-human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical simulation has significantly broadened with the advancement of parallel computing, particularly in its capacity to comprehend physical phenomena across extensive temporal and spatial dimensions. Highperformance parallel computing finds extensive application across diverse domains of technology and science, including the realm of acoustics. This research investigates the numerical modeling and parallel processing of the two-dimensional acoustic wave equation in both uniform and non-uniform media. Our approach employs implicit difference schemes, with the cyclic reduction algorithm used to obtain an approximate solution. We then adapt the sequential algorithm for parallel execution on a graphics processing unit (GPU). Ultimately, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the parallel approach in yielding favorable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurring environmental challenges and the global energy crisis have led to intensified research on alternative energy sources. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution, produced through electrochemical, thermochemical, and biological methods. This study presents the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies. It also provides pertinent data on hydrogen production, identifying world‐leading countries in hydrogen production, such as the USA, Japan, and China, and the government policies that they have adopted. It reports market trends such as hydrogen synthesis by water electrolysis, the high cost of the electrolyzers used, and incentives for the carbon market to become competitive with other alternative energy sources. It also highlights startups from around the world that are developing innovative methodologies for producing hydrogen. The study concludes that integrating hydrogen production concepts with social, environmental, and industry interests is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The workplace is a key site through which sex and gender are organizationally produced and unequal gender relations take place. Technologies, which are embedded with and impacting gendered power relations, are also integral to work and workplaces worldwide. As nation‐states promote technologies and rebrand themselves, how do technologies catalyze new forms of gendered embodiment and work—and how might this contribute to a nation‐state's development plans and rebranding efforts? How do the intersections between states, labor, and technologies also reify inequalities, both in and beyond workplace settings? Based on 14 months of fieldwork and interviews with 62 participants, this article analyzes how Thai transgender women's work in the entertainment industry simultaneously advances technological growth and national rebranding efforts. In 2016, the Thai state launched "Thailand 4.0," an economic plan centered on technological growth, alongside efforts to restore its reputation from a sex tourism destination. In this context, Thai transgender entertainers promote what I call "techno‐professionalism," or professionalism that is not only enhanced by technologies, but that also supports state development plans and rebranding efforts. The concept of techno‐professionalism underscores how technologies figure centrally into new iterations of state development and nation‐branding promoted in global workplaces, adding to our understanding of the linkages between gender, labor, and national development. By highlighting how state development plans intersect with technologies and norms of professionalism, this article reveals how the economy and professions are made up of intimate social relations, including gendered technologies and gendered social roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Fodder scarcity and low quality affect the productivity of dairy cattle in Kenya yet only few smallholder dairy farmers show positive deviance in fodder conservation. Information on the strategies of such positive deviant (PD) farmers is scanty. The objective of this study was to determine strategies that distinguish PDs from peers (non-PDs) in fodder conservation among smallholder dairy farmers in highlands and midlands of Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among farms producing and conserving fodder in Tharaka Nithi County. Multistage sampling procedures was used; purposive sampling of the Sub-counties and locations, random selection of villages and proportional selection of 246 farms through snowball chain referral. Data were collected on demographic, socio-economic, farm characteristics and fodder conservation. Farms were categorized as PDs (n = 24) or non-PDs (n = 97). The PDs conserved fodder adequate to last dry season (about 3 months) and had milk yield 15 kg/cow/day and above, while non-PDs do not qualify for both criteria. Chi-square and T-test were used to analyze categorical and continuous variables respectively. Logit regression was used to examine independent variables that influence probability of PDs. Farmers with high school and tertiary education who accessed extension services were PDs while non-PDs had non-formal and primary education and access extension less. Farms conserving hay and silage dominated PDs. Land in hectare (ha) and herd sizes in Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) distinguished PDs (1.7 ha and 9.0 TLU) from non-PDs (0.7 ha and 3.3 TLU). The strategies that distinguished PDs from non-PDs were allocating land to fodder production, high milk yield kg/cow/day, large herd size and access to extension services. Increasing access to extension and resources (land) raised chances of PDs in fodder conservation. Knowledge of PDs strategies is important for fodder conservation, improve productivity and inform direction of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous driving has sparked an entire revolution in the vehicle sector, offering to increase the safety for road users, productivity, and convenience. However, using autonomous driving vehicles in hostile environments like the Arctic present's challenges because of the bad weather, lack of infrastructure, rough terrain, poor vision, icy and unreliable road surfaces, and inaccessible locations. The paper discuses key technical elements such as sensor systems, data fusion techniques, localization methods, perception algorithms (object detection, scene understanding), decision-making frameworks, and vehicle control mechanisms that are required for autonomous driving in the Arctic. The study focuses on how these innovations could be enhanced and changed to address the specific issues that the Arctic faces. It also highlights on-going academic and business research and development initiatives, showcasing innovations used to overcome difficulties specific to the Arctic. This paper provides great insight for researchers, decision-makers, and professionals interested in incorporating autonomous driving systems under extreme weather conditions. It enables deeper understanding of the difficulties and opportunities specific to the Arctic region, encouraging cooperation and creativity in the search for reliable and effective autonomous mobility solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of our Information and Communication Technologies for Education (ICT4E) implementation model highlights its adaptability to local realities, considering available resources, existing technological infrastructures, and the specific needs of learners. However, it is crucial to recognize that the inherent variability of educational contexts and resource constraints can present challenges to a generalized application of the model. In addition, the rapid pace of technological change can have an impact on the ongoing training of teachers, requiring constant vigilance to maintain the relevance of their pedagogical skills. Despite these challenges, our model stands out for its adaptable approach, encouraging ongoing adjustments to respond effectively to the diversity of educational environments. In addition, the prospect of research and innovation, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration and the adoption of holistic evaluation are essential strategies for strengthening the robustness of our model. However, it is imperative to remain attentive to ethical considerations, the issue of equity and inclusion, and the long-term impact of integrating ICT into education. Ultimately, our model aspires to be a balanced solution, aware of the challenges and open to the developments needed to ensure the harmonious and optimal integration of ICT into today's educational landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the perspectives of passengers who were railway users and how railways as a service can be uplifted with technological advancements through the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICTs). For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed comprised of six sections related to information on socio-economic-demographics, travel, station facilities, train facilities, customer care, and familiarity with and benefits of ICTs. A total of 800 respondents were recruited on trains and in railway stations to collect data through a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, bivariate correlation analysis, and ordered logistic regression analysis. The three hypotheses tested showed that (i) there is a correlation between socio-demographic factors, train frequency, and satisfaction levels, (ii) satisfaction with station and train facilities and customer care impacts users' travel likelihood with the train service, and (iii) users' familiarity with perceived benefits of ICTs influences passengers' travel likelihood with the train service. The results indicate that the users' satisfaction with attributes of station facilities, train facilities, and customer care and perceptions about ICTs significantly influences their travel frequency with the train service. This study is useful for multiple stakeholders, especially for railway management authorities, to provide inclusive services to passengers and to plan for future transportation, which should be well-equipped with ICTs, well-integrated with other transport modes, and well-connected with optimum stops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a historical perspective and a prospective analysis, the article aims to understand the role of technologies and their impact on society through the postulates of media ecology. Through this meta-discipline, we delve into the rigorous review of different authors who see technologies as playing a prominent role in shaping the future because they not only influence the culture of societies, but also impact the course, advancement and meaning of history. The text focuses on the advantages and on the explanation of the risks of generative artificial intelligence, identifying eight critical scenarios: weaponization, disinformation, proxy games, weakening, blocking or withholding of value, unwanted emerging goals, deception and power-seeking behavior. Subsequently, CASI regroups them into four threats: malicious use, the AI race, organizational risks and uncontrolled AI. We end the by drawing on McLuhan’s reflections and stressing the need to scale back technologies when they have reached elevated levels of development to minimize their negative impact. Although artificial intelligence has not reached that state, there is a warning about the accelerated evolution and the need for AI literacy as a measure to face risks and threats, in a limited time before it is too late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current analysis about the use of digital devices advises about emerging problems among young users. The present research analyses the consumption of technologies by university students and the predictive effect of fear of missing out (FOMO) and life satisfaction on problematic Internet use. A total of 814 Spanish university students (71.4% health area; 28.6% social sciences), of both genders (61.2% female), aged 17-54 years (M = 22.81, SD = 7.038) participated. Two scales were used to assess problematic use (EUPI-A, FOMOs) and the SWLS for life satisfaction. The results showed a high daily consumption (M = 9.039, SD = 4.307) of social networking and messaging tools, significantly higher in women, and inversely and significantly correlated with age. The model with the highest explanatory power (R2 corrected=.35, p<.001) included FOMO and life satisfaction as explanatory variables for problematic Internet use. The exposure of young people to multiple Internet risks using digital devices highlights the urgent need for media education to identify these dysfunctional behaviors which impact on mental health and interpersonal skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Losing indigenous knowledge is to lose the future and impoverish the societies because indigenous knowledge is considered one of the cornerstones and survival of communities, societies and economies. This study, thus, aims to explore and assess the contextual enablers of indigenous knowledge and their role in developing and sustaining the Ewe communities in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative research design, which enabled the researcher to engage the participants in an interview process and observation, was used in this study. It was augmented with a quantitative design using structured questions. Data analysis was guided by the basic principles of grounded theory. The coding system was aided by NVivo to analyze the qualitative data, while the quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS. Descriptive analysis and graphs were deployed in the presentation of the findings. Findings: The study discovered that the communities are in possession of several types of indigenous knowledge, ranging from tacit to explicit knowledge, which are embedded in their cultural and traditional systems and unique to every community; the culture of trust among the citizens and motivation to create and share knowledge in communities was high. Same time, family heads, farmer groups, libraries and museums played key roles in the preservation and management of indigenous knowledge in the communities. On the other hand, information officers and institutions like churches and police posts played insignificant roles in the management and preservation of knowledge in the communities just as the absence of a culture of willingness by the community members to create and share knowledge. Additionally, there was an absence of technological infrastructure, platforms, databases and policies to aid the management and preservation of knowledge in the communities. The study concludes that indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in the development and sustainability of communities in Ghana. Practical implications: Community leaders and political leaders need to invest in systems and structures that will promote the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge for the development of the communities and the state as a whole. Originality/value: The study demonstrates its originality in terms of scope, setting, population and empirical evidence by focusing on the role of indigenous knowledge in the sustainability and development of Ewe communities in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital competence entails the healthy, safe, and responsible use of digital technologies to take engage in society, to learn, work and to interact with. However, the use of digital devices is not exempt of risks. The objectives of this study were to analyze the mediating effect of fear of missing out (FoMO) on phubbing and nomophobia, and to explore the perception of the use of Internetconnected devices among 522 Spanish university students, with an average age of 27.11 years. The 80.8% are women and 68.2% study degrees related with Educational Sciences. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining bivariate correlation with structural equation modelling (SEM), and qualitative content analysis. SEM analysis revealed that FoMO had a significant effect on nomophobia and phubbing. Qualitative content analysis underlined that the time spent, problematic use, and sense of dependence were the main concerns for participants. It is emphasized that the plethora of ICT opportunities exposes individuals to risk contexts, necessitating media education to mitigate psychological and social consequences stemming from Internet risks. [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.)

Virtual production is increasingly seen as a way to make film and television more efficiently by harnessing the power of game engines to create unique locations and sets, offer directors more flexibility, and to cut carbon emissions. But while the technologies at the centre of virtual production are not new, their combination into filmmaking pipelines is in its infancy and the field is evolving fast. Indeed, so rapid is its evolution that pinning down what virtual production is, or might become, is a challenge in itself. What is clear, however, is that the approach is seen as an important element of filmmaking that is here to stay. In this article, we outline the emergence of virtual production and constituent technologies to pin down its current form. We also examine the emergent orthodoxies about what virtual production can do, what it can't do and what it might allow filmmakers to do in the future. We finish the article by outlining a research agenda for further work on virtual production for scholars interested in its technologies, impact on working practices, how it might impact equality, diversity and equality agendas, and its implications for existing and emerging skills gaps across the film and TV industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture plays a significant role in global water consumption, accounting for approximately 70% of the world's freshwater usage. This makes this sector a critical factor in the depletion of water resources. Accordingly, this paper explores potential mitigatory impacts of climate-smart water management (CSWM) technologies in sub-Saharan Africa. About 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa is dependent on agriculture for sustaining their livelihoods. This is despite the low agricultural output in smallholder farming systems (SFS) due to water scarcity. This has spurred several attempts to promote the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to raise agricultural outputs and improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods. However, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of data categorised by various aspects of climate-smart water management technologies. In this systematic literature review, climate-smart water management technologies in sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural sector were identified and analysed to determine strategies that could enhance their adoption and impact. To this end, academic articles reporting on the adoption of climate-smart water management technologies in databases were reviewed. Four significant literature databases were used. These were limited to Springer Link, ScienceDirect, MDPI, Wiley Online, and Google Scholar. The findings demonstrate that rainwater harvesting and micro-irrigation are the primary climate-smart water management technologies used by smallholder farmers. The literature review shows that adoption of CSWM practices is constrained by inadequate technological infrastructure, financial implications, unsuitable policies, and low user skills, particularly. It is therefore recommended that government agricultural departments and relevant advocates of CSA should incentivise and subsidise smallholder farmers to encourage CSWM technology adoption. This can be achieved through the implementation of suitable policies directed at technological infrastructure development, financial support for adoption, and technical skills training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This multilevel meta-analytic review is designed to analyze and quantify the effect size of the association between technostress and work-life fit among employees. Method: By adhering to the PRISMA 2020 Statement, seven databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, MEDLINE, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science) were searched for studies reporting the association between technostress and work–life fit. Results: Out of the 476 articles that were screened, 7 met the established criteria and were subsequently included in this multilevel meta-analytic review. A majority of these studies highlighted the existence and intensity of the association between technostress and work-life fit, as evidenced by multiple Pearson's r. Our findings supported a medium association (Cohen's d = −0.41). Noteworthy differences were found when considering the interdependence of effect sizes within and between studies. Conclusion: The results of this multilevel meta-analytic review underscore the significance of understanding this association to inform optimal choices in terms of welfare policies and organizational decisions that promote employee well-being. This knowledge may serve as a scientific foundation for viewing new technologies not merely as hurdles but also as potential resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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 need to address environmental challenges through innovation-based transformative change has become more urgent than ever and the spatial dimension of pathways towards sustainability has attracted increasing scholarly interest. Over the last decade, research on environmentally oriented innovation has entered the geographical discourse from different directions. This paper starts with the premise that, among other contributions, two main directions of research can be identified within the current geographical discourse that do not yet interface much – a broad, yet conceptually more traditional debate on eco-innovation and a newer discourse around socio-technical transitions that adds a further perspective. Having justified this assumption by a short literature review, we perform a keyword-based literature search, which confirms that there are indeed two distinct bodies of literature and few studies to date that integrate features from both fields. Following this, an in-depth review of the sources clarifies the differences in perspective and the common object of analysis of the basic systemic elements of actors, institutions and technologies. While this juxtaposition illustrates why the two fields of research have hardly cross-fertilised each other so far, it also shows that they are in substance far from irreconcilable. On the contrary, the nuanced synthesis of research findings reveals numerous complementarities that constitute promising avenues for future geographical research. These are considered necessary to improve the understanding of the geography of innovation-based transitions towards sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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 transformation of milk into acidic products has led to a significant increase in its nutritional and biological value. Containing all the components of milk, but in a more easily digestible form, readily metabolizable calcium, significant amounts of vitamins (from the B complex, synthesized by microorganisms in starter cultures), acid-dietetic products hold a significant and well-deserved share in human nutrition. Consequently, through this work, we aimed to identify qualitative parameters of raw milk, and of some assortments of acidic products obtained in a traditional system. In the case of raw milk, the parameters were within the limits imposed by company standards (acidity 17.1±0.60°T; density 1.027±0.002, fat 3.5±0.4%; average delivery temperature of 6±0.50°C) with fluctuations generated by the season. The Buttermilk assortment presented organoleptic and physico-chemical characteristics close to those provided in standards (characteristic taste and color, acidity 145±100°T, fat 2.1±0.1%, proteins 2.9±0.2%). In the case of the Sana assortment, the physico-chemical parameters showed slight modifications compared to the standard, with lower acidity (115±100°T), hence the weak expression of some sensory characteristics. The most important conclusion of this case study was that regardless of the classification of the unit, the physico-chemical and sensory properties of the products obtained are decisively influenced by strictly adhering to the technologies, otherwise risking severe deviations from the imposed standards.

Supply chain visibility (SCV) has been gaining recognition in recent years as a key factor for achieving analytical capabilities and improving supply chain performance. However, levels of SCV implementation lag behind current technological advances. This research was motivated by the lack of visibility in inbound logistics, which limits the possibility of managing deviation, in particular concerning changes in arrival time of incoming goods, in large industrial firms. We addressed this problem by adopting a design science approach. In particular, we followed context–intervention–mechanism–outcome (CIMO) logic to map and analyse material and information flows. The problems areas were successively translated via business and functional requirements into technological solutions. We evaluated alternative technologies using controlled experiments that mimicked real-life situations. This study provides guidance for manufacturing companies aiming to enhance deviation management and predictive capabilities by improving visibility in their inbound logistics and potentially extending visibility to other areas, such as internal and outbound flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Campus Virtuales is the property of Campus Virtuales 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.)

With the development of ecommerce and digital technologies, we have witnessed a boom of platform operations. Amid their strong growth prospects, it is observed that platforms have created controversial issues and challenges, which could be potentially solved by the combination of blockchain features. More and more studies exploring the implementation of blockchain in platform operations have appeared in recent years. In this paper, motivated by the industrial practices of different types of product selling and service platforms, we first conduct a holistic literature review of the most representative papers relevant to platform operations. Examining the value of different blockchain features in operations management field, we further review the related works on platform operations with blockchain technologies. Afterwards, we analyse the innovative applications and challenges in platforms such as physical and virtual product selling platforms, rental/sharing and on-demand service platforms. A future research agenda is established which lays the solid foundation for further studies on platform operations in the blockchain era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report on the results of the II All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Student Sports: Innovations, Technologies and Digital Transformation”, held at ITMO University from May 16 to 17, 2024 in St. Petersburg, is presented.

The emergence of digital technologies and the expansion of their use has significantly transformed organisa-tions and their Business Models (BM), modifying their traditional structures, redefining the client’s meaning and positioning, as well as retally adjusting the way individuals live and interact with each other in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0). This research aims to reflect on the confluence of factors influencing BM through digitalisation and I4.0 disruptive technologies. Firstly, a Systematic Literature Review was conducted to map the top articles and most persuasive authors in the area, journals, institutions, and countries with the most publications within this theme. Secondly, five thematic clusters were pointed out and analysed through the co-occurrence of keywords. Finally, an in-depth analysis was run to identify influ-encing aspects of BM in the digitalisation era, relating them to specific I4.0 technologies. The research revealed that digital technologies enable improvements in distribution strategy and traceability, facilitate the relationship between buyers and suppliers, improve customer segmentation and product demand forecasting, enable cost reduction, and assist in implementing circular economy practices. In the context of the pandemic/COVID-19, BM has changed significantly, making it necessary to deepen knowledge about digitalisation and adopt I4.0 technologies.

In this article, we elaborated on the features and effectiveness of financial support for innovations, which are connected with the improvement of information systems management in the digital economy. We considered the key aspects of the influence of funding for innovation on this process on the example of the leading companies in the sphere of innovative technologies (German SAP and Canadian Celestica). We established approaches of each studied company to the management of these processes and revealed characteristics and opportunities for achieving economic effectiveness within the directions for funding for innovation. The purpose of this research was to determine the character of the influence of financial support for innovations on the level of the management of information systems of the subjects. For this, we analysed the financial reporting of the companies and utilised the methods of comparative analysis, factor analysis, and correlation analysis. The novelty of this research lies in establishing the directions for the improvement of financing of innovations to raise the level of the management of digital information systems.

Ghana Tamale’s current waste management system is overwhelmed by the growing waste crisis, necessitating the exploration of Waste-to-Energy technologies (WtE) as an innovative solution. This study explores challenges and opportunities for integrating WtE technologies into Tamale’s existing waste management system. Qualitative research identified policy hurdles, financial constraints, social concerns, and institutional weaknesses as key barriers. Conversely, stakeholder collaboration, public education, and capacity building emerged as some success factors. A proposed implementation plan emphasizes feasibility studies, public engagement, public–private partnerships (PPPs), and technology selection based on waste composition. Additionally, a novel framework for WtE integration within a broader Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is presented. This framework incorporates waste sorting, recycling, WtE alternatives, and responsible management of residuals. Validation by key stakeholders confirmed the framework’s potential to improve waste management in Tamale. By overcoming identified challenges and implementing the proposed framework, Tamale can achieve environmental sustainability, energy generation, and progress towards UN SDGs 7, 11, and 12. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Tamale, potentially serving as a model for other developing cities.

The relevance of the topic of the article is that political parties in the information society inevitably use technologies to form their image through the use of social networks. In particular, Russian political parties have been actively using these technologies for 14 years, but the specifics of the content of information and methods of forming parliamentary political party image, including the ruling one, have not been studied enough on the Russian Federation materials.The purpose of the study is to establish technologies for the political image of the ruling parliamentary party formation in social networks using the example of All-Russian political party “United Russia”. Mainly attention is paid to the period 2016–2024 due to the chronology of the presidential and parliamentary elections.The research methods are communicative and network approaches in political science, a comparative method of analysis that allows to identify the technological components of the formation of the political image of the “United Russia” party, to determine their development trends. The method of content analysis of pre-election statements of a political party, campaign videos in official communities on the social networks Telegram, VKontakte and on the YouTube platform, communication with the public on the personal pages of candidates was used to reveal the contradictions of constructing the image of the party.The results of the study are that initially the Internet in Russia began to be used mainly by opposition parties, since it better corresponded to the profile of their target groups. Now the Internet is a comprehensive platform for creating and broadcasting information about the activities of Russian political parties, forming an interactive, competitive environment for political communication.Conclusions — the degree of effectiveness of the use of various technological components in the formation of the political image of the “United Russia” party has been established. More than half of the party’s information flows come from large Internet portals of well-known news and analytical publications. The activity of the official party community in the social networks VKontakte and Telegram, their stylistic design are at the proper level: posts about the activities of the party or about events with the direct participation of the party are published at least 2–3 times a day, are positive in subject matter. The emphasis is on positive coverage of party projects. The YouTube platform is used less efficiently. Recommendations have been formulated for the “United Russia” party to improve the effectiveness of the use of social networks and blogs in election campaigns.

Most publications justify that digitalization is a source of economic growth, to a greater extent in the countries with higher levels of economic development. However, some papers fail to find empirical evidence supporting this claim, attributing it to digitalization being in its initial stages or to the presence of the digitalization paradox. Economic literature exhibits a degree of ambiguity in its conclusions regarding the role of the digital economy in growth. Researchers employ different measures of digitalization, country and year samples, control variables in regression equation, as well as different regression methods, which can provoke ambiguous effects on the parameters of digital variables. The purpose of the article is to identify the role of digitalization in economic growth by justifying an economic growth model with the digitalization index and providing detailed discussions on our sample of countries over recent years, along with options for regression estimators. The article utilizes statistical data from the World Bank, European Commission, and Heritage Foundation. Methods such as system analysis, statistical analysis, and the regression estimator of panel data with fixed effects are implemented to identify the role of digitalization in economic growth. We have designed an economic growth model incorporating the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) of EU member states for the years 2017-2022, utilizing available data. The results reveal a positive and significant causal effect of digitization on gross output growth. Specifically, a 1% increase in the digitalization index results in GDP growth of almost 0.2%. Moreover, we observe the important roles of capital, labor, trade, human capital, and intellectual property rights in driving growth, consistent with the theory of endogenous growth. Proving the importance of digitalization for economic growth can be an argument for policies aimed at promoting digitalization. We suggest further research on the role of digitalization at a more disaggregated level of industries. However, our study does not demonstrate a statistically significant effect of research activity and institutional quality on gross output. We have discussed possible reasons for this and propose further research in these areas.

Research carried out in the western region of the Santa Cruz province (Patagonia, Argentina), indicates a widespread and simultaneous use of diverse weapons with different launching modes during the Late Holocene. Bow and arrow, spear and/or darts and boleadoras were used as part of adaptive strategies appropriate for a changing environmental context. We recently suggested a prevalence of bow and arrow towards the end of the Late Holocene. The aim of this work is to define a chronology that will allow us to discuss the causes behind the introduction of the bow and arrow and the time it was abandoned. A further goal is to discuss the existence of an immediate replacement of the previous weapons (spears and/or darts) for the bow and arrow. Several factors (social, environmental, ecological and technological) that could explain its beginning, permanence and discard will be analyzed. We are especially interested in emphasizing the short period of its presence in the region, established circa 800/900 BP till 1520 AD as documented by Pigafetta in his chronicle. This work includes the analysis of more than 400 lithic points recovered in different sites within the region. Some of these are related to absolute dates that have been compared with other chronologies of specific technologies from the Late Holocene. Results are discussed taking into consideration the profound changes that occurred in the organizational systems of hunter-gatherer societies during this period. These gave a functional significance to the bow and arrow and other technologies. We consider this work is a contribution to understand the role of new technologies in a changing social context. Thus, we present original data and essential discussion relevant for south American and global archaeological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana Tamale's current waste management system is overwhelmed by the growing waste crisis, necessitating the exploration of Waste-to-Energy technologies (WtE) as an innovative solution. This study explores challenges and opportunities for integrating WtE technologies into Tamale's existing waste management system. Qualitative research identified policy hurdles, financial constraints, social concerns, and institutional weaknesses as key barriers. Conversely, stakeholder collaboration, public education, and capacity building emerged as some success factors. A proposed implementation plan emphasizes feasibility studies, public engagement, public–private partnerships (PPPs), and technology selection based on waste composition. Additionally, a novel framework for WtE integration within a broader Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is presented. This framework incorporates waste sorting, recycling, WtE alternatives, and responsible management of residuals. Validation by key stakeholders confirmed the framework's potential to improve waste management in Tamale. By overcoming identified challenges and implementing the proposed framework, Tamale can achieve environmental sustainability, energy generation, and progress towards UN SDGs 7, 11, and 12. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Tamale, potentially serving as a model for other developing cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceleration of the energy transition away from traditional energy systems depends on the inclusion of H2 in energy plans. Using biomass to produce hydrogen energy holds significant promise in the field of renewable energy. This article explores the history of biomass as a sustainable energy source and highlights the important role of hydrogen energy. Various biomass hydrogen conversion technologies, including thermochemical, biological, electrochemical, and hybrid processes, are discussed and compared to other renewable energy sources. Given hydrogen energy inclusion into the energy mix, comparisons are made between methods of biomass-to-hydrogen conversion in terms of cost per kg of H2, power consumption in kWh as well as feedstocks utilized for hydrogen production, and their strengths and weaknesses. Case study applications of these conversion methodologies are highlighted and their strengths as well as limitations are addressed in the course of discussion. This article provides an in-depth look at the prospects and challenges of biomass hydrogen production, providing a review of the research literature, insights into efficiency improvements, level of advancement technology, and catalyst development. The role of catalysts, machine learning, and artificial intelligence along with other factors for improving hydrogen production were discussed. Challenges such as food supply, techno-economic constraints, environmental impact, and energy consumption have all been examined. The article concludes by highlighting current applications, prospects, and the overall importance of biomass hydrogen in transportation, business processes, and policy changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nations have been alerted to the need to improve their capacity to provide widespread online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a developing country, South Africa faced difficulties to resort in online education since most of its public higher education institutions have been for a long time conducted face to face lessons. During the hard lockdown which was experienced since March 2020, higher education institutions (HEIs) closed their campuses, ending decades of in-person instruction. To save the academic year, South African higher education institutions had to adopt the online learning system and digitally transform. Reputable universities such as the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) led this digital transformation as they were already accustomed to offering lessons online and strongly support distance learning. This paper applies a qualitative document analysis (QDA) whereby existing literature was used to collate existing data. The study finds that the transition from face-to-face learning to digital learning platforms brought some positive prospects in the world of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). However, there have been challenges associated with this transition which in most were faced by African students coming from economically challenged backgrounds. Problems such as acquiring laptops, data for connectivity, and siblings and parents disturbing the time for online learning at home. It is concluded that the move to a blended learning form is vital for the educational landscape in South Africa. This would ensure that the HEIs in the country move with the digital transformation and embraces the notion of artificial intelligence in the 4IR era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to assess the familiarity of employees of manufacturing companies with Industry 5.0 technologies and to evaluate their level of knowledge about their employer's current activities aimed at implementing the Industry 5.0 concept. Design/methodology/approach: The achievements and results presented in the article were obtained in a survey conducted. The survey covered manufacturing companies with their factories located in Poland. The duration of the survey work was from November 2022 to March 2023. The research instrument was a survey questionnaire. The survey was conducted using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method. The empirical study involved 828 respondents. Findings: Most of the surveyed employees are aware that the enterprise where they work is investing in modern Industry 4.0 technologies. A large proportion of respondents know what financial condition the enterprise is in, and are familiar with the enterprise's goals and strategic plans. On the other hand, the least number of employees declare that they know in what strategic direction the enterprise where they work is heading, or are not aware of the enterprise's activities aimed at implementing Industry 5.0. It turns out that for the most part, Industry 5.0 technologies are of very low or low familiarity to the surveyed employees. Research limitations/implications: As a limitation of the study can be pointed out the fact that it was conducted in Polish conditions and only in relation to them can the conclusions drawn from it be read. Thus, it would be reasonable to conduct similar research in other cultural contexts in more and less developed countries. At this point it is also necessary to mention an important limitation of the study which is the subjectivity of the respondents. Originality/value: Original achievements obtained during the research include obtaining results from assessing the knowledge of Industry 5.0 technologies among employees of manufacturing companies and evaluating their level of knowledge about their employer's current activities aimed at implementing the Industry 5.0 concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced prisons into extended lockdowns, people-in-prison have been increasingly reliant on remote access technologies such as videoconferencing to interact with the outside world from their carceral context. During the pandemic, both corrective services and criminal courts found that these communication technologies could adequately facilitate court appearances, legal conferencing, health services and visitations. Now, despite the lessening panic regarding COVID-19, there are suggestions that authorities are keen to continue, if not increase, the usage of video links meaning that people-in-prison will experience decreasing human contact. The argument is that COVID-19 "successes" are being used as an excuse to cement remote hearings and visits. This points to a future of absolute confinement uninterrupted by "inconvenient" physical court attendance or human visitors. This article will focus on the "digital vulnerability" of people-in-prison, that is, the intersection between the vulnerabilities of incarcerated people with the use of remote communication technologies such as videoconferencing or video links, and the digital inequalities that may be provoked or solved. The article will draw on qualitative research – fieldwork interviews with judicial officers, lawyers and associated criminal justice professionals – that reveal critical perspectives on the impacts of digital transformation on vulnerable people-in-prison. For instance, when asked about the vulnerabilities of people-in-prison, one defence lawyer (DL1) expressed the view that "no one cares about defendants" or their vulnerabilities, nor their abilities to engage with video links, comprehend or play any role in their own remote legal matters. We analyse our source materials through a framework of vulnerability theory and the developing concept of digital vulnerability. In this way, we seek to offer new knowledge regarding prison digital transformation, specifically the relationship between digital technologies in correctional environments and the vulnerable incarcerated population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this paper we compare the main AB-BNCT facilities worldwide in terms of neutron-producing nuclear reactions, existing technologies and machines, and induced radioactivity both at the target and at the beam shaping assembly (BSA) level, by the resulting neutron beam. We also provide information on several aspects of the Buenos Aires project. Methods: A comparison is made of the different active AB-BNCT projects and facilities worldwide using the information available in the literature. The radioactivity induced by both the direct beams (protons or deuterons) at the targets (7Li, 9Be and 13C) and the neutron beams at the BSAs is discussed. The main technical features of the Argentina project are presented. Results: There are a number of different facilities for Accelerator-Based BNCT (AB-BNCT) worldwide, some already working and even treating patients and some under development and construction. They range from high-energy 30 MeV cyclotrons (using the 9Be(p,n) reaction), medium-energy RFQ-DTL accelerators (at 8 and 10 MeV using likewise the 9Be(p,n) reaction), low-energy electrostatic, both Tandem and single-ended, and RFQ machines (working on 7Li(p,n) at about 2.5 MeV), to a very low-energy single-ended electrostatic quadrupole accelerator, ESQ (working on 9Be(d,n) or 13C(d,n) at 1.45 MeV). This last accelerator, its ancillary systems and the associated facility is being developed and constructed at the National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina. An important aspect about these facilities, relevant for their long term sustainability, is the production of radioactivity, which should be kept at a minimum according to the ALARA criterium, both at the neutron production target, by the primary beam, and at the Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA), by the induced neutrons. In a 30 day period with an operation schedule of 8 h a day the 7Li(p,n) at 2.3 MeV option produces 2.1 TBq of 7Be (30 mA), the Be(p,n) option at 8 MeV only produces prompt radiation while at 30 MeV (1 mA) other reaction channels are open which produce 0.39 TBq of 7Be and 4.2 GBq of 3H. The 13C(d,t) reaction produces 0.78 GBq of 3H. Conclusions: The use of exothermal deuteron-induced Be(d,n) and 13C(d,n) reactions allows us to use the smallest energy machine, at 1.45 MeV, for AB-BNCT. It is shown that among the systems proposed the 13C(d,n) solution is the one with the lowest overall activation (target + BSA). Coupled to an AlF3 BSA (which undergoes no long term activation), a 30 mA deuteron beam on a 13C target can deliver a good quality BNCT treatment for a deep seated brain tumor in one hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the growing popularity of social media over the past ten years, an urgent problem of fake news spreading has arisen, which underscores the research’s relevance. The aim of this article is to assess the efficacy of multimodal approaches in detecting fake news, a pressing issue given the substantial impact misinformation can have on health, politics and economics. To achieve this goal, a multimodal approach was chosen that combines deep-learning frameworks and pre-trained models. This approach provides a comprehensive analysis of textual, visual and audio information, allowing for more accurate identification of disinformation sources. The use of various knowledge-transfer methods made it possible to process information efficiently, improving the quality of classification. The study conducted a thorough analysis of various data-collection strategies, as well as a comparative analysis of available multimodal approaches to fake-news detection and the datasets used. The results of this study included a detailed analysis of current research work in the field of fake-news detection and the development of a multimodal approach to this problem. Textual, visual and audio information was processed using pre-trained models and deep learning, achieving high accuracy in fake news detection. The results of the study indicated that the multimodal approach allows for more accurate identification of sources of disinformation and increases the efficiency of fake-news classification compared to other methods. A comparative analysis of various data collection strategies and datasets was also conducted, confirming the high efficiency of the approach under various conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]