Current Level Of Adoption Research Articles

Inquiring the robot operating system community on the state of adoption of the ROS 2 robotics middleware

AbstractThe robot operating system (ROS) is a well-established and popular open-source robotics middleware used for rapid prototyping of robotic applications. However, ROS has several known weaknesses, such as lack of support for real-time systems and limitations in fully distributed deployments with multiple robots. To address these weaknesses, ROS underwent a major update and the first version of ROS 2 was released back in 2015, being lingeringly adopted by the community in recent years. Yet, long-term support for ROS 1 will come to an end on May 2025. As such, it is more important than ever to analyze and explore the features of ROS 2, and understand its technological readiness. This work focuses on the state of adoption of ROS 2. Specifically, the article presents a user experience questionnaire targeting the ROS community to understand the more eminent needs with respect to ROS 2, determine the current levels of adoption, and identify what is holding the community back from migrating their ROS 1 applications to ROS 2. Results with more than 100 participants from around the world show that the community is aware of ROS 2 and the middleware is addressing most user expectations. We unveil the main reasons given for not migrating to ROS 2, further understand the community’s views on ROS 2, and identify what is missing to anticipate ROS 1 users migrating to ROS 2 and make ROS 2 widely adopted. Moreover, we gather important impressions on the appropriateness of ROS 2 for multi-robot system use cases.

Digital Transformation in Georgian Banking: Trends and Current Level of Adoption

The significance of digital technologies is crucial in contemporary times. This is especially pertinent for the banking industry, enabling it to deliver high-quality customer service and address market challenges promptly. This article examines the current state of the Georgian banking system, focusing on digital services and products, and the advances banks have made in integrating innovative digital technologies. Using specific criteria, the study evaluates the level of digitization within the banking sector, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The research also explores the digital transformation experiences of developed countries' banking sectors and considers how these could be implemented in Georgia, taking into account the unique context and challenges faced by the country. The study aims to assess the digital readiness and challenges faced by Georgia's banking sector, leading to the formulation of recommendations to speed up the digital transformation process and enhance competitiveness. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used in the research. The digital banking products and services offered by commercial banks are analyzed, with statistical conclusions derived from quantitative data, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's digital maturity. In the end, the study evaluates the challenges and future prospects for the digital transformation of Georgia's banking system, offering strategic insights and practical solutions for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Keywords: Georgian banking, innovation, digital transformation, mobile banking, online banking, digital payments

Impacts of Innovation and Business Analytics on the Performance of the Service Sector in Nigeria

The study investigated the impacts of innovation, including service innovation and business analytics adoption on the performance of the service sector in Nigeria between 2013 and 2022. The proportion of Nigeria's economy attributable to the service sector, the Innovation Efficiency Index, and the Business Analytics usage index were all calculated using secondary data drawn from metrics such as the number of service firms engaging in R&D, the total amount of R&D expenditures, and the share of total service sector revenue received via online channels. As a result of multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity, the study used quantitative analysis, including regression and correlation analyses. The results show that innovation and its impact on service quality, has a large impact on Nigeria's service sector, but that the sector's current adoption level of business analytics is too low to produce far-reaching changes in performance. It was further revealed from the study that the e-participation rate is very vital for driving both the adoption of business analytics and the performance of the service sector. According to the study, the adoption of business analytics should be given more attention in the Nigerian service sector so that its contribution to the performance of the sector is more significant. Finally, the scope of e-participation in the service sector is expanding by the day, and it is recommended that various organizations become more e-service driven to compete in today's market and maintain good performance.

Storage and other considerations for enterprise digital asset management solutions

Five years after the launch of an enterprise digital asset management (DAM) solution in a US university setting, how has it been adopted on campus? Is the solution still meeting the customer requirements? This paper addresses these questions by examining the DAM solution implemented at the University of Notre Dame. It delves into the storage component, especially in the context of recent shifts that have marked the end of the era of unrestricted and complimentary storage for higher education. The examination extends to the broader campus DAM solution space, analysing its current level of adoption. It emphasises the necessity for an effective governance structure and communications, and contends that DAM software vendors should take into consideration the distributed nature of higher education institutions. At the core of addressing these challenges is a proposed architectural redesign that separates core DAM functions from specialist features, with shared storage and access layers to improve efficiency and facilitate the breakdown of silos.

Towards enhanced adoption of soil‐improving management practices in Europe

AbstractSustainable agricultural soil management practices are key to restore, maintain and improve soil health. The European Joint Programme for SOIL (EJP SOIL) has identified twelve main soil challenges in Europe. To assess the potential and eventually increase the adoption of soil‐improving management practices, it is necessary to know (i) the current levels of adoption of the practices, (ii) socio‐technical barriers influencing their adoption, and (iii) their bio‐physical limits. This study compiled an inventory of soil‐improving management practices relevant to European conditions, and used a survey among soil scientists to assess the levels of adoption of these practices in Europe. In total, 53 soil management practices were identified that address one or several of the soil challenges. The adoption of most practices was low or spatially heterogeneous across Europe, highlighting region‐specific limitations to sustainable soil management. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore the importance of socio‐technical aspects of adoption. Using conservation agriculture as an example, factors that can hinder adoption included the availability of knowledge and adequate machinery, financial risks, and farming traditions. Through a modelling approach, 54% of arable land in Europe was found to be suitable for cover cropping, indicating that the adoption of soil management practices is frequently limited by climatic constraints. We propose a region‐specific approach that recognizes the importance of identifying and overcoming socio‐technical barriers, and by acknowledging bio‐physical limits that may be expanded by innovation.

Impacts of Innovation and Business Analytics on the Performance of the Service Sector in Nigeria

The study investigated the impacts of innovation, including service innovation and business analytics adoption on the performance of the service sector in Nigeria between 2013 and 2022. The proportion of Nigeria’s economy attributable to the service sector, the Innovation Efficiency Index, and the Business Analytics usage index were all calculated using secondary data drawn from metrics such as the number of service firms engaging in R&D, the total amount of R&D expenditures, and the share of total service sector revenue received via online channels. As a result of multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity, the study used quantitative analysis, including regression and correlation analyses. The results show that innovation and its impact on service quality, has a large impact on Nigeria’s service sector, but that the sector’s current adoption level of business analytics is too low to produce far-reaching changes in performance. It was further revealed from the study that the e-participation rate is very vital for driving both the adoption of business analytics and the performance of the service sector. According to the study, the adoption of business analytics should be given more attention in the Nigerian service sector so that its contribution to the performance of the sector is more significant. Finally, the scope of e-participation in the service sector is expanding by the day, and it is recommended that various organizations become more e-service driven to compete in today’s market and maintain good performance.

Strategic Analysis in the Application of Digital Technology in Dental Practice

Digital technology's adoption in dental practices is unclear, but understanding its current level can offer insights into potential benefits, risks, and challenges. The study investigates the adoption and utilization of digital technology in dental practices, examining its impact on efficiency, potential risks, and benefits. It also aims to develop strategies for successful integration. This study uses a qualitative approach, analyzing knowledge, expert opinions, and real-world experiences on digital technology adoption in dental practices using secondary data from scholarly articles and industry reports. The current level of adoption and utilization of digital technology in dental practices varies widely. While some dental practices have fully embraced digital technology, others lag behind. The impact of digital technology on the efficiency and effectiveness of dental practice operations, such as appointment scheduling, record-keeping, and treatment planning, has been largely positive. However, numerous challenges exist, including data security and integration issues. Benefits and opportunities offered by digital technology include improved diagnostics, patient communication, and the overall patient experience. Digital technology has the potential to revolutionize dental practice operations and enhance patient care. Digital technology adoption in dental practices is varying, but challenges like data security and integration need to be addressed for successful integration and maximum benefits.

The Role of Contract Farming in Green Smart Agricultural Technology

Promoting green agricultural production is becoming increasingly important in order to address resource and environmental issues and meet consumers’ demand for safe agricultural products. Green agriculture mainly refers to the adoption of green, smart agriculture technologies in agricultural production. Farmers are the main body of agricultural production, so guiding farmers to adopt green, smart agriculture technologies is of great significance for safeguarding the ecological environment. However, due to the combined influence of internal and external factors, the current level of adoption of green, smart agriculture technologies by farmers is not high. Contract farming can have an impact on farmers’ production behavior through various channels, such as guiding and standardizing production, and may become an internal driving force for improving the adoption of green, smart agriculture technologies. How do farmers make contract farming selection decisions? How does the choice of contract farming affect farmers’ adoption of green, smart agriculture technologies? Further research on the above issues can provide useful references for promoting the development of green agriculture and ensuring the quality of agricultural products in China. Against this backdrop, this paper, using research data about rice farmers in the Jiangsu Province of China, adopted a gradual regression method for checking the mediating and moderating effects to discover the mechanism of how contract farming influences rice farmers’ choice of green, smart agriculture technologies. The research results showed that: (1) contract farming has an evidently positive influence on farmers’ choice of green, smart agriculture technologies; (2) the high ecological value standard plays a complete mediating role in the process of contract farming influencing farmers’ choice of green, smart agriculture technologies; and (3) the moderating effect of planting rice income exists and is significant. When the income from cultivation is high, the positive relationship between the high ecological value standard and farmers’ choice of green, smart agriculture technologies is strengthened. Income from rice cultivation does have a moderating effect. Therefore, the government can actively guide farmers to participate in contract farming by increasing its publicity and support of contract farming. The implementation of the high ecological value standard in contract farming should be refined. The government should complete the mechanism for selling quality agricultural products at good prices. Contract farming can make farmers and corporations involved have deep cooperation, increase the non-agricultural income of farmers, and further enhance the overall income of their households. Through these measures, the development of green agriculture can be achieved.

Following a Surgical Paradigm Shift Through the Adoption of Nerve Transfers Among Board-Eligible and Practicing Plastic Surgeons.

Nerve transfers represent a new paradigm in the treatment of nerve injuries. Their current level of adoption among surgeons is unknown. This study evaluates the incidence of nerve transfers on case logs of board-eligible plastic surgeons over the past 14 years and surveys practicing nerve surgeons regarding their use of this technique. We queried the American Board of Plastic Surgery case log database for all nerve reconstruction Current Procedural Terminology codes from 2008 to 2021 and assessed trends and relationships between geographic region, examination year, and nerve transfer use. We surveyed nerve surgery professional societies to assess trends in practice, compared with a 2017 survey. A total of 1959 nerve reconstruction cases were logged by 738 candidates from 2008 to 2021. Twelve percent of cases included nerve transfers. The proportion of nerve transfer codes (Z = -11.57; P < .0001) and the proportion of candidates performing nerve transfers (Z = -9.21, P < .0001) increased over the study period. Nerve transfers were associated with geographic region (χ2 = 25.826, P = .0002), with most cases performed in the Midwest (26.4%). A higher proportion of practicing nerve surgeons reported performing nerve transfers in this survey than in our 2017 survey (χ2 = 16.7, P < .001). There has been an increase in nerve transfers logged in the past 14 years by board-eligible plastic surgeons, as well as increased use among currently practicing nerve surgeons. Although nerve transfer use is increasing among both plastic and orthopedic surgeons, a greater proportion of nerve reconstructions include nerve transfers in the plastic surgery cohort.

ICT-Based Market Information and Adoption of Agricultural Seed Technologies Insight from Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja

The purpose if this investigation was to determine the ICT-Based Market Information and Adoption of Agricultural Seed Technologies Insight from Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. The objectives of the study were to; Describe the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area, Assess the current level of adoption of ICT-based market information among farmers, Identify the factors that influence the adoption of ICT-based market information among farmers, Examine the challenges faced by farmers, in accessing and using ICT-based market information for their agricultural activities. Data was collected from 120 respondents in the study area using questionnaire, the data were subjected to descriptive data analysis. The results of the analysis showed that majority (60.00%) of the famers were male while 40.00% were female. 52.5% were between the age of 21-30, while 21.7% where between 31 – 40 years old and 15.0% were at least 20 years old, 6.7% were above 60 years old and 3.3% were between 51 – 60 years old with a mean age 51.18. Majority (53.30%) of the farmers have house hold size of 1-4 persons while 35.8% had house hold size of 5-8 persons. Majority (79.2%) of the farmers earn N 0- N100,000 while another 10.8% earns N100,001 – N 200,000. Majority (80.0%) of the farmers have a 0 – 10 years farming experience while 18.3% have 11 – 20 years of farming experience. The study therefore concludes that access to and use of ICT based information marketing is affected by some factors in the study area. The study also concludes that farmer use ICT based information for activities such as communicating with customers, learning of new ways of production and marketing, getting information about business, and to make production and marketing faster and it was recommended that Governments at the national level must collaborate with groups like farmers. Designed to allow the exchange of agriculturally related knowledge, information, and experiences regarding various ICT initiatives and projects in Africa. And Strategies for training and building up people’s, groups’, and communities’ capacity to be knowledgeable about using ICT to gain market information and links to new clients must be developed also doing so speeds up the adoption of new technology, the organization.

Development of a Procedure for Risk-Based Qualification of Additively Manufactured Components: Adopting to Oil and Gas Industrial Applications

Recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) technology provide the potential for on-demand and rapid production of spare parts during urgent repair times. Recently, big oil and gas companies have shown early progress in using additive technology in manufacturing specific heat exchangers, downhole cleanout tool nozzles, offshore risers, gas turbine nozzles, and subsea chemical stick injection tools. Despite the mentioned progress, the current adoption level of additive technology for the offshore oil and gas industry is very limited. Non-destructive and destructive evaluation methods of additively manufactured metallic components have been studied extensively. However, the technique selection procedure and scope of the required test methods have not been studied sufficiently. This paper discusses various elements related to the qualification of additively manufactured components for application in the oil and gas industry. A risk-based qualification method for identifying the scopes of required non-destructive and destructive tests and the resulting qualification procedure for additively manufactured spare components in offshore oil and gas applications is suggested.

Landscape-level heterogeneity of agri-environment measures improves habitat suitability for farmland birds.

Agri-environment schemes (AESs), ecological focus areas (EFAs), and organic farming are the main tools of the common agricultural policy (CAP) to counteract the dramatic decline of farmland biodiversity in Europe. However, their effectiveness is repeatedly doubted because it seems to vary when measured at the field-versus-landscape level and to depend on the regional environmental and land-use context. Understanding the heterogeneity of their effectiveness is thus crucial to developing management recommendations that maximize their efficacy. Using ensemble species distribution models and spatially explicit field-level information on crops grown, farming practice (organic/conventional), and applied AES/EFA from the Integrated Administration and Control System, we investigated the contributions of five groups of measures (buffer areas, cover crops, extensive grassland management, fallow land, and organic farming) to habitat suitability for 15 farmland bird species in the Mulde River Basin, Germany. We used a multiscale approach to identify the scale of effect of the selected measures. Using simulated land-use scenarios, we further examined how breeding habitat suitability would change if the measures were completely removed and if their adoption by farmers increased to meet conservation-informed targets. Buffer areas, fallow land, and extensive grassland were beneficial measures for most species, but cover crops and organic farming had contrasting effects across species. While different measures acted at different spatial scales, our results highlight the importance of land-use management at the landscape level-at which most measures had the strongest effect. We found that the current level of adoption of the measures delivers only modest gains in breeding habitat suitability. However, habitat suitability improved for the majority of species when the implementation of the measures was increased, suggesting that they could be effective conservation tools if higher adoption levels were reached. The heterogeneity of responses across species and spatial scales indicated that a mix of different measures, applied widely across the agricultural landscape, would likely maximize the benefits for biodiversity. This can only be achieved if the measures in the future CAP will be cooperatively designed in a regionally targeted way to improve their attractiveness for farmers and widen their uptake.

Survey on Open Science Practices in Functional Neuroimaging

Replicability and reproducibility of scientific findings is paramount for sustainable progress in neuroscience. Preregistration of the hypotheses and methods of an empirical study before analysis, the sharing of primary research data, and compliance with data standards such as the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS), are considered effective practices to secure progress and to substantiate quality of research. We investigated the current level of adoption of open science practices in neuroimaging and the difficulties that prevent researchers from using them.Email invitations to participate in the survey were sent to addresses received through a PubMed search of human functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that were published between 2010 and 2020. 283 persons completed the questionnaire.Although half of the participants were experienced with preregistration, the willingness to preregister studies in the future was modest. The majority of participants had experience with the sharing of primary neuroimaging data. Most of the participants were interested in implementing a standardized data structure such as BIDS in their labs. Based on demographic variables, we compared participants on seven subscales, which had been generated through factor analysis. Exploratory analyses found that experienced researchers at lower career level had higher fear of being transparent and researchers with residence in the EU had a higher need for data governance. Additionally, researchers at medical faculties as compared to other university faculties reported a more unsupportive supervisor with regards to open science practices and a higher need for data governance.The results suggest growing adoption of open science practices but also highlight a number of important impediments.

Application of green building concepts and technologies for sustainable building development in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana

PurposeGreen building (GB) is globally acclaimed as the most formidable solution to the adverse effects that buildings and construction activities have on the climate and environment. Nonetheless, current evidence suggests that the adoption of GB in developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is at a snail’s pace and characterized by the absence of GB codes and frameworks. This paper aims to determine the current level of adoption and implementation of GB concepts and technologies in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory method of investigation involving a quantitative approach was used to achieve the objectives of this study. A literature review was conducted, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 292 stakeholders in the GCI. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as other quantitative analysis techniques.FindingsThe analysis revealed that the five most applied green building technologies (GBTs) are technologies for optimizing site planning, building orientation and configuration, use of natural ventilation, integrative use of natural lighting with electric lighting systems, application of energy-efficient lighting systems and use of permeable paving: low-traffic areas. Notably, the majority of the GBTs belong to the energy-efficiency technologies category.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that GBTs are gaining momentum in Ghana and that there is a need for ongoing research to develop new and more environmentally friendly building technologies to aid in the preservation of our society and natural resources to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 12 and 13.Originality/valueIn effect, this study will enhance the awareness of GB development and contribute to the GB body of knowledge, particularly in the context of developing countries. It would also be useful to the GCI’s contribution to achieving the UN SDGs.

Selecting High-Impact Landscape Irrigation Conservation Behaviors: Formative Research to Inform Behavior-Change Efforts

Background This work addresses the increasing prevalence of water scarcity. Droughts are projected to worsen as a result of climate change and urbanization, increasing the need for all sectors to reduce the amount of water used. Home landscape irrigation represents an important opportunity to reduce water use in the United States. Focus of the Article This formative research study used social marketing techniques to estimate potential impact of irrigation water conservation behaviors, weight and prioritize the behaviors to guide behavior selection in the context of residential irrigation conservation. Research Objective The objectives were to estimate (1) the potential impact of, (2) current adoption levels and likelihood of adoption of, and to (3) prioritize various landscape irrigation water conservation behaviors. Program Design/Approach When addressing any issue, including water scarcity, identifying target behaviors is the first, foundational step for a successful social marketing campaign. This research focuses on formative social marketing research to inform local interventions designed to reduce the amount of water applied to residential yards across the United States. Importance to the Social Marketing Field This study outlines a process to compare and prioritize water conservation behaviors with the goal of reducing residential landscape irrigation usage. We demonstrate a technique for obtaining this type of formative research, the lack of which can serve as a barrier to change agents promoting behaviors in any context. Methods We employed a two-pronged quantitative survey research approach to collect technical experts’ impact ranking and U.S. residents’ current adoption levels and likelihood of adopting potential irrigation water conservation behaviors. The 14-member expert panel was selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, and the residential sample ( N = 2601) was recruited using purposive sampling. Results Mean weights ranged from −46.55 to 61.13. Singly considering impact, current adoption levels, or likelihood of adoption would result in a different behavior receiving priority for a campaign (eliminating irrigated areas in landscapes, installing smart irrigation controllers, and following local watering restrictions, respectively). However, when these values were considered together, installing drought-tolerant plants in the yard had the greatest overall weight. Limitations A possible conceptual limitation of this case study was the national scope of our research. The findings provide valuable baseline data for behavior change practitioners working across the country, and it is advisable to replicate this process at a local scale corresponding to the targeted intervention. Recommendations for Research or Practice The findings underscore the importance of including technical experts and target audience members early in social marketing program planning and reveal the importance of systematically approaching behavior change selection to thoroughly consider different components of potential behaviors. Behavior change practitioners working on water issues can use the weights reported here to prioritize behaviors for targeted interventions, and those working in all areas can follow the process to prioritize behaviors at the local level. There are exciting opportunities to decompose likelihood into behavioral antecedents for both research and application.

POSB111 Projected Health Outcomes with Real-World Versus Optimal Usage of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Portugal

This study aims to assess the gap between the projected health outcomes arising from current level of adoption of sac/val in Portugal and the potential projected health outcomes with different levels of adoption of sac/val in the eligible population. A Markov model was developed using data from PARADIGM-HF study for model calibration. The model was customized to the Portuguese population and outcomes were predicted for the total number of patients treated with sac/val and for the eligible population. Estimated outcomes (deaths, hospitalizations, LY and QALY) with the current use of sac/val were compared to the estimated outcomes arising from the different adoption levels of sac/val (50%, 80% and 100%). A 5-year time horizon and a 5% discount rate were considered. As of April 2021, 20,771 patients have started treatment with sac/val representing approximately 30% of the eligible population (n= 70,384). Considering this level of adoption, we estimate a reduction of 6,665 hospitalizations and 935 deaths and a gain of 2,390 LYs and 2,782 QALYs. Comparing with a 50% level of adoption, 4,628 additional hospitalizations and 649 additional deaths that could be avoided. If an 80% level of adoption is considered, 11,404 additional hospitalizations and 1,600 additional deaths could be avoided, becoming 15,921 additional hospitalizations and 2,234 additional deaths with an 100% level of adoption. The increase to a 50%, 80% or 100% adoption rate would translate into additional 1,660, 4,090 and 5,710 LYs, respectively, and additional 1,931, 4,759 and 6,644 QALYs gained, respectively. The findings from this analysis suggest that a substantial number of deaths and hospitalizations could potentially be avoided by an increase in the adoption of sac/val therapy in Portugal. This emphasizes the importance of timely implementation of evidence-based therapies into clinical practice to achieve the best possible health outcomes and reduce the high economic burden of HF.

Assessment of adoption level of farm implements by rural women in Haryana state

A study was conducted to access the adoption level of various farm implements by rural women in Haryana state. On the basis of mechanical power availability, districts of Haryana state were categorised. Fatehabad, Kurukshtra, Rewari, Rohtak and Sonipat districts were selected and 270 women farmers were interviewed for the study. The results showed that tillage and sowing/planting operations were both zero, inter culture operations were mostly done with simple tools (wheel hand hoe, 0.37%), plant protection operations were mostly done with a knapsack sprayer (0.37%), harvesting of crops by sickle was used, threshing was done with a thresher (5.92%), tube well for irrigation was used by (9.63%), and chaff cutter (87.77%). It was observed that small machines being overtaken by large machines was a major constraint in adoption of new implements by rural women in Haryana. The present study can prove to be of great help in improving the current adoption level of farm machinery by accessing current level and identifying constraints of women farmer.

Mobile Marketing Adoption among Small and Micro Bumiputera Enterprises: a Managerial Perspective from Malaysia

Amid the current highly competitive business world, this study examined the determinant factors influencing the managerial intention to implement mobile marketing among small and micro Bumiputera enterprises in Malaysia. The study is based on the research model suggested by Okazaki and Taylor (2008). The influential variables are i) Brand Building Effect (ability to build brand image), ii) Location Based Marketing (the ability to use location-based marketing), iii) Privacy/Security Concerns (related to consumer acceptance of mobile marketing) and iv) Technological Conditions (the perceptions of the current technological infrastructure). The study also investigated the current adoption level of mobile marketing orientations among them. By analyzing data from 129 small and micro Bumiputera enterprises, it is found that location based marketing is the main factor directly influencing their managerial intention to adopt mobile marketing in Malaysia. This finding contradicts previous studies indicating that all the four factors are significantly related to managers’ intention to adopt mobile marketing based on data from multinationals in Europe, Japan and the USA. The current research sheds light on the usage of mobile marketing among small and micro Bumiputera enterprises in Malaysia, which makes contributions to the relevant literature in the context of Malaysia.

A Virtuous Circle? Increasing Local Benefits from Ports by Adopting Circular Economy Principles

As ports seek to maintain support for their operations amidst growing environmental awareness and social pressure, it is important they provide benefits for the local population to offset negative impacts. Ports can add additional economic benefits for the cities they are located in by encouraging maritime clusters, industrial development, a circular economy, and waterfront development. The current level of adoption, interest in future adoption, barriers to implementation, and attitudes towards the views of the local population were assessed via an online questionnaire sent to port authorities in 26 countries. The potential and willingness of ports to be on the frontline of the transition to a circular economy globally has been clearly identified for the first time, seeing a 60% increase between current levels of adoption and future interest in adoption. Barriers to a circular economy are comparable to barriers to widely adopted methods, such as industrial development and a waterfront economy. It is likely that circular economy activities in port cities will add additional local benefits and reduce the negative impacts of a port. A new framework is proposed to help ports and cities collaborate and encourage greater adoption of the circular economy.

Assessment and prioritisation of Healthcare 4.0 implementation in hospitals using Quality Function Deployment

This study proposes a problem-oriented methodology, using the algebraic operations proposed in the Quality Function Deployment's house-of-quality, to prioritise the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in hospitals, allowing us to account for both the importance of healthcare value chain problems and the current level of adoption of I4.0 technologies. The proposed method combines different techniques that aimed at assessing the maturity of organisations regarding specific issues and indicating improvement opportunities. Our propositions are illustrated through two case studies carried out in a large Brazilian public hospital and in a private hospital in India, allowing a comparative analysis in which we identify similarities and divergences in improvement priorities in each institution. Findings indicate that the proposed method supports the systemic integration of I4.0 technologies into healthcare organisations regardless hospital ownership, as digital applications are ranked according to their potential to solve the problems prioritised by managers from both case studies. Digital integration in healthcare organisations has been restricted to specific sectors, departments, treatment or processes. Due to high complexity of hospitals, most of these initiatives have fallen short on results, frustrating managers’ efforts. Thus, our method provides hospitals’ managers, authorities, and governments guidelines to prioritise the digitisation of healthcare organisations.