Draw Parallels Research Articles

The Sacred in Thinging: Heidegger’s “Design” in the Light of Kantian Aesthetics and the Telos of Nature

This article offers a fresh exegesis of Heidegger’s philosophy of art, focusing on his conceptualization of artwork as the reproduction of the thing’s general essence. Grounding the analysis in Heidegger’s revisit of Kant’s Transcendental Aesthetic, this study explores Heidegger’s interpretation of a thing as a “composed homogeneity” that reveals inherent determinations of temporality and spatiality in the self-presence of beings as a phenomenon grasped within finite human cognition. This is inextricably linked to the ecstatic temporality of Dasein, elucidating a cyclical human–thing dynamic integral to Heidegger’s ontology. Going deeper, I draw parallels between Kant’s “supersensible” realm and Heidegger’s “earth”, revealing a teleological (ethical) design manifested in art that captures the dual essence of Nature—using Kantian terminology, its purposiveness and contrapurposiveness—intersecting with Heidegger’s notion of the counter-essence of ἀλήθεια in relation to freedom. Finally, I show how the manifold aesthetic metamorphoses of this existential scheme within the existentiell ordinariness through nonradiant φαίνεσθαι, such as equipmentality, emerge as the everyday incarnation of this design.

Psychomatics-A Multidisciplinary Framework for Understanding Artificial Minds.

Although large language models (LLMs) and other artificial intelligence systems demonstrate cognitive skills similar to humans, such as concept learning and language acquisition, the way they process information fundamentally differs from biological cognition. To better understand these differences, this article introduces Psychomatics, a multidisciplinary framework bridging cognitive science, linguistics, and computer science. It aims to delve deeper into the high-level functioning of LLMs, focusing specifically on how LLMs acquire, learn, remember, and use information to produce their outputs. To achieve this goal, Psychomatics will rely on a comparative methodology, starting from a theory-driven research question-is the process of language development and use different in humans and LLMs?-drawing parallels between LLMs and biological systems. Our analysis shows how LLMs can map and manipulate complex linguistic patterns in their training data. Moreover, LLMs can follow Grice's Cooperative principle to provide relevant and informative responses. However, human cognition draws from multiple sources of meaning, including experiential, emotional, and imaginative facets, which transcend mere language processing and are rooted in our social and developmental trajectories. Moreover, current LLMs lack physical embodiment, reducing their ability to make sense of the intricate interplay between perception, action, and cognition that shapes human understanding and expression. Ultimately, Psychomatics holds the potential to yield transformative insights into the nature of language, cognition, and intelligence, both artificial and biological. Moreover, by drawing parallels between LLMs and human cognitive processes, Psychomatics can inform the development of more robust and human-like artificial intelligence systems.

Transcription of Endogenous Retroviruses: Broad and Precise Mechanisms of Control.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the remnants of retroviral germline infections and are highly abundant in the genomes of vertebrates. At one time considered to be nothing more than inert 'junk' within genomes, ERVs have been tolerated within host genomes over vast timescales, and their study continues to reveal complex co-evolutionary histories within their respective host species. For example, multiple instances have been characterized of ERVs having been 'borrowed' for normal physiology, from single copies to ones involved in various regulatory networks such as innate immunity and during early development. Within the cell, the accessibility of ERVs is normally tightly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation or histone modifications. However, these silencing mechanisms of ERVs are reversible, and epigenetic alterations to the chromatin landscape can thus lead to their aberrant expression, as is observed in abnormal cellular environments such as in tumors. In this review, we focus on ERV transcriptional control and draw parallels and distinctions concerning the loss of regulation in disease, as well as their precise regulation in early development.

A review of railway transportation in Central Asia for corridors and the revival of the Great Silk Road

This review examines the state of railway transportation in Central Asia within the context of the Silk Road initiative, tracing its origins from the United States' New Silk Road strategy. Despite recent setbacks, the Silk Route has become a crucial geopolitical tool for military, political, and economic interests, with corridors like Kazakhstan's Terminal and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan route identified for potential revitalization. Uzbekistan, particularly in the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor, emerges as pivotal for advancing the Silk Road initiative. A comprehensive analysis of data collection methodologies employed in studying these corridors is also included to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. Employing a multifaceted methodology, including quantitative analysis of infrastructure metrics, case studies of specific projects, a literature review synthesizing existing knowledge, and comparative analysis drawing parallels and contrasts, this study explores opportunities and challenges in enhancing these corridors, aiming to contribute to the broader strategy's rejuvenation in Central Asia. By analyzing current conditions and proposing improvements, the research seeks to optimize railway transport, aligning with the Silk Road's historical significance in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

THE OTTOMAN SIEGE AND CONQUEST OF SHKODRA IN THE 15TH CENTURY ACCORDING TO THE JOURNAL GLAS CRNOGORCA (VOICE OF MONTENEGRO)

The paper examines the appendix on the Ottoman siege of Shkodra in 1474, which was published in two issues of the weekly newspaper Glas Crnogorca (Voice of Montenegro) in December 1896. The appendix is a translation of an article written by the Italian sub-lieutenant Eugenio Barbarich, which was published in the magazine Rivista Militare Italiana at the end of 1896. The historical theme was inspired by the marriage between the heir to the Italian throne and the daughter of the Montenegrin ruler, which resulted in a political alliance between the Kingdom of Italy and the Principality of Montenegro. Under these circumstances, it was important to remind the citizens of the united Venetian and Montenegrin armies that defended Shkodra against Ottoman attacks in the 15th century. The two countries’ insistence on forming an alliance can be explained by the need to prove continuity and draw parallels between historical and contemporary events. It is for this reason that this article has been written, which must be examined to determine the extent to which it provides accurate historical information about a significant event of the 15th century.

Different Religion, Same Meditation?

The practice of meditation has become popular in Western countries during the last decades as an Eastern, and predominantly Buddhist, exercise. However, when properly compared, Christian contemplation and Buddhist meditation show numerous similarities. This paper sets out to determine the extent of comparability between these practices of the two traditions and how they are embedded in their respective theoretical frameworks. Additionally, as a further step, it aims to demonstrate how contemplative practice can act as a basis for Buddhist–Christian dialogue. The research centres around the works of two eminent monks of the 20thcentury, the American Trappist Thomas Merton and the Vietnamese Thiền master Thích Nhất Hạnh. Their work provides an ideal target of analysis, since both were not only widely appreciated members of their respective traditions but also deeply engaged in interreligious dialogue, and thus they had a proper understanding of each other’s tradition. In this paper, the author will first analyse and compare the works of Nhất Hạnh and Merton written on contemplation during approximately the same time to determine what exactly they understand by the terms ‘meditation’ and ‘contemplative prayer’, respectively. Then, their works regarding the other monk’s respective religious tradition will be discussed and compared to see what the two authors select as main avenues of comparison. The main conclusions of the article are that the concepts of meditation and contemplation in Buddhism and Christianity denote strikingly similar exercises, which aim to achieve similar goals despite differences in theoretical formulation. For Merton, Christian contemplation aims to reconnect the believer to God with whom the initial unity was lost through the Fall of Man and the establishment of the ego-self as an entity separate from God. Such contemplation needs to happen in interior solitude and involve a complete self-emptying of the believer to become one with God. Since separation from God through the ego is the fundamental problem of humans, reconnecting to God through contemplation is seen as the highest form of prayer and, indeed, life. In a similar vein, for Nhất Hạnh, the fundamental problem of humanity is the misconception of a permanent self, which results in dividing the world into different, separate entities. Thus, for him, similarly to Merton, the goal is to reach a supreme unity beyond distinctions and duality. Moreover, the way to such unity is precisely meditation, which can best unify body and mind and thus bring forth Buddhahood. Then, as the second step, the article presents how Merton and Nhất Hạnh draw parallels between Christianity and Buddhism on the basis of similar contemplation. Merton points to, among others, the connection between God and the absolute Void of Zen, kenosis and śūnyatā, whereas Nhất Hạnh points to similarities between nirvāṇa and the Kingdom of God as well as mindfulness and the Holy Spirit. Thus, the paper provides a thorough analysis of the similarities of meditation practice in Christianity and Buddhism, as practiced by Thomas Merton and Thích Nhất Hạnh, and how these similarities can provide a basis for dialogue between the two religions in modern times.

EDUCATIONAL AUTONOMY AS AN IMPORTANT PREREQUISITE FOR THE FORMATION OF FUTURE PHDS’ RESEARCH COMPETENCE IN THE CONDITIONS OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

The trend of student-centred education in higher education institutions imposes new requirements on standards within the achievement of professional competencies. This leads to the popularisation of such a technology as learning autonomy, which requires analysis from the perspective of its application in the ed- ucational space of higher education institutions. The relevance of this research is determined by the necessity to develop skills in future Doctors of Phi- losophy (PhD candidates) to independently plan their learning and research activities within the conditions of postgraduate studies. The resolution of this task is based on the skills of implementing goal-setting, pro- ject planning, and reflection strategies. On the basis of current educational trends, it becomes possible to analyse learning autonomy as an effective way of teaching future PhD candidates to ensure the successful implementation of their future professional and research activities. The purpose of this research is to examine the concept of “learning autonomy” as an effective meth- od of increasing the awareness of future PhD candidates in the process of developing research competence in terms of postgraduate studies. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated: to consider learning autonomy as an effec- tive method of teaching and personal development of future PhD candidates; to analyse the scientific lit- erature on the stated issue and draw parallels between the definitions of “autonomous learning” and “in- dependent work”; to identify the main advantages of learning autonomy in the context of developing re- search competence. To achieve the aforementioned tasks, the following theoretical research methods were applied: the method of deduction, content analysis, formalisation, method of generalisation, and systematisation of the results of the existing studies on the stated issue. Study results. The results of the study revealed that the concept of “learning autonomy” is relevant in the context of modern education. Noting the absence of a unanimously accepted definition of this term in pedagogy, the article examines various interpretations proposed by both foreign and domestic researchers. On the basis of the conducted analysis of definitions, the article incorporates our own understanding of the concept of “learning autonomy”, emphasising its special importance for future PhD candidates with- in the conditions of postgraduate studies for the successful and effective development of research compe- tence.The article characterises the main descriptors that comprise learning autonomy, namely: the ability to set goals, target-oriented execution skills, the ability to self-reflect, intellectual independence, interac- tion and cooperation, self-governance skills, conscious, and effective independent management of learn- ing activities. Relying on practical experience, methods for enhancing learning autonomy have been identified in- cluding problem-based teaching, and partially search, research and project methods. The leading strategies of autonomous learning activities for future PhD candidates were identified as follows: primary and auxil- iary ones. The primary strategies include learning material acquisition strategies, educational-information- al, cognitive, compensatory, creative, and specialised strategies. Auxiliary strategies encompass metacog- nitive and socio-emotional strategies. It has been concluded that the development of such personal qualities as independence and autono- my is a necessary condition for carrying out independent activities, ensuring the success and continuity of the process of professional development of future specialists within the conditions of postgraduate studies, and the development of their research competence.

Relativistic light clocks: Arbitrary orientation in uniform motion and hyperbolic motion analysis

In this paper, we address the general case of a light clock in uniform translational motion parallel to itself and perpendicular to its uniform velocity v, as well as the case of the light clock in relativistic hyperbolic motion. Neither case has been previously addressed in the specialized literature, which typically restricts itself to canonical orientations where the light clock moves parallel to either the vertical or horizontal axis with uniform velocity, without acceleration. Therefore, it becomes interesting to study the more general case where the clock has an arbitrary orientation and/or is accelerated. Our paper is divided into two main sections. The first section deals with the light clock moving with constant velocity, oriented at an arbitrary angle with respect to the x-axis. We prove that the moving clock exhibits a standard time dilation, identical to that of a light clock moving in a canonical orientation. The second section deals with the light clock moving with constant acceleration, i.e., in hyperbolic motion. For the light clock in hyperbolic motion, we derive the period as measured from the perspective of an inertial frame and draw parallels with the case of uniform motion, outlining a term that is similar (but not identical) to the γ factor of uniform motion. We also point out that this factor depends not only on acceleration but also on the height of the light clock. This dependency on the dimension of the light clock distinguishes the accelerated case from the case of uniform motion. The first three sections deal with the theoretical aspects of light (optical) clocks, while the fourth section addresses the experimental implementations of optical clocks.

Probability Distributions for Modeling Stock Market Returns—An Empirical Inquiry

Investing in stocks and shares is a common strategy to pursue potential gains while considering future financial needs, such as retirement and children’s education. Effectively managing investment risk requires thoroughly analyzing stock market returns and making informed predictions. Traditional models often utilize normal variance distributions to describe these returns. However, stock market returns often deviate from normality, exhibiting skewness, higher kurtosis, heavier tails, and a more pronounced center. This paper investigates the Laplace distribution and its generalized forms, including asymmetric Laplace, skewed Laplace, and the Kumaraswamy Laplace distribution, for modeling stock market returns. Our analysis involves a comparative study with the widely-used Variance-Gamma distribution, assessing their fit with the weekly returns of the S&P 500 Index and its eleven business sectors, drawing parallel inferences from international stock market indices like IBOVESPA and KOSPI for emerging and developed economies, as well as the 20+ Years Treasury Bond ETFs and individual stocks across varied time horizons. The empirical findings indicate the superior performance of the Kumaraswamy Laplace distribution, which establishes it as a robust alternative for precise return predictions and efficient risk mitigation in investments.

Wizards of Climate Science: Ancient Magicians in the Court of Big Science

Myths inform real-world decision making. Scientific simulation models can do the same. Neither reflects their real-world targets perfectly. They are most useful in an apophatic sense: employing them as the best tools available without confusing their indications with Truth. The actions and choices of wizards often reflect those of scientists; drawing parallels is informative and several questions will be explored within this framework. How is a climate scientist to respond when offered a Faustian agreement promising limited insights? As scientists, how might we better communicate scientific limits regarding which aspects of the future we can see clearly and which we cannot? Should we risk casting doubt on the as-good-as-it-gets science underlying anthropogenic climate change? If an electorate requires certainty of a threat before it will vote for action, are lies of omission or misrepresentation justified? Is it ethical for scientists whose research is relevant to the policy process to pause their typical vigorous scientific criticism of overinterpretation by others (particularly in sciences downstream from physical science) when their science is thought not adequate for purpose? Should scientists merely advise, presenting the relevant science as neutrally as they can, or advocate by emphasizing evidence that supports their preferred course of action, or become activists overselling their science to achieve well-motivated policy ends by whatever means required?

The Influence of Social Media Marketing and Brand Image on Intention to Purchase Residential Apartments

The rising attraction towards the real estate sector in the Jabodetabek region, particularly apartments due to land limitations, has prompted developers to adopt social media platforms for marketing their offerings. A notable player, PT PP Properti Tbk, employs Instagram as a tool for showcasing its products. This study’s objective is to assess how social media marketing and brand image impact the inclination to buy residential apartment products by PT PP Properti Tbk. This research is a descriptive quantitative investigation that establishes and elucidates links between variables. It focuses on individual variables without drawing parallels or associations with others. The sampling technique comprises a questionnaire, distributed to 122 respondents. These respondents are consumers who have follow and engaged with call-to-action (CTA) on the Instagram account @ppproperti. Data analysis was facilitated through SPSS 26 software, encompassing validity, reliability, and hypothesis testing. The research findings highlight that both social media marketing and brand image, collectively and individually, wield a favourable influence on the purchase intention for residential apartment products under PT PP Properti Tbk. These findings offer valuable insights for refining strategies in Instagram-based social media marketing and brand image, aimed at nurturing purchase intention. Furthermore, PT PP Properti Tbk can implement these research outcomes to heighten consumer interest in their residential apartment products in the times ahead.

Reimagining Educational Philosophy: Unveiling the Potential of Patha Bhavana in Light of Nep 2020

This paper explores into a comparative analysis of Rabindranath Tagore's pioneering educational institution, Patha Bhavana, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark reform in Indian education. Employing a descriptive research approach, the study investigates the practices and philosophical underpinnings of Patha Bhavana, established by Tagore in 1918. The core principles of NEP 2020 are then examined, drawing parallels and highlighting areas of convergence between the two. Additionally, the paper explores the potential of Patha Bhavana's guiding principles in effectively realizing the envisioned goals of NEP 2020, particularly regarding holistic student development and fostering critical thinking skill. By drawing upon insights from scholarly journals and government documents, the paper suggests that Patha Bhavana's emphasis on experiential learning, nurturing creativity, and cultivating a connection with nature aligns remarkably well with the spirit of NEP 2020. The paper concludes by suggesting that integrating the essence of Patha Bhavana's philosophy into the implementation of NEP 2020 holds immense potential for creating a truly transformative and holistic educational experience for future generations.

Between Sea and Sky: Understanding Liability for Private and Commercial Space Operations

The legal framework for commercial space activities has been an emerging issue in recent decades. Understanding and addressing liability in space activities is crucial for the sustainable and responsible development of the commercial space industry, analogous to laying the foundation for a sturdy structure that can withstand the challenges of the ever-evolving space frontier. This article explores the concept of liability for private and commercial space launches and its importance in ensuring the safe and responsible operation of activities in space. Examining liability in lex maritima and commercial space law involves drawing parallels between the regulations governing both domains and uncovering potential opportunities for learning from existing legal frameworks. The analysis considers liability in various maritime zones, such as the territorial sea, high sea, and deep-sea bed, and draws comparisons to liability in the territory, space, and celestial body. It discusses the challenges and implications of addressing liability in space activities, including the allocation of liability, the protection of public safety, and the preservation of space as a shared resource.

Redefining Qurʾānic Hermeneutics: Muḥammad ʿĀbid al-Jābrī and Nasr Ḥāmid Abū Zayd’s Humanistic Interpretations

This article presents the innovative endeavor by Muḥammad ʿĀbid al-Jābrī and Nasr Ḥāmid Abū Zayd in interpreting the Qurʾān through a humanistic lens. Their approach marks a pivotal shift, viewing the Qurʾān as a dynamic text that actively engages with the human interpreter. This human-centric perspective underpins their hermeneutical method, which employs lexicography, philology, and semantics to unearth the layered meanings within the Qurʾānic narrative. The article delves into the nuances of their methodologies, drawing parallels and distinctions, and underscores their profound impact on modern Qurʾānic hermeneutics.

End co-formulant secrecy

Pesticides, widely used in modern agriculture, are applied in formulations that contain the main ingredient (active ingredient) and additional chemicals like solvents and surfactants (co-formulants). Both active ingredients and co-formulants can cause human and environmental toxicity. However, under European Union and United States law, the full details of the co-formulant composition are kept secret from the public and researchers. Only the producer and regulators know the full details. Here I argue that legislators should end ‘co-formulant secrecy’ and require all the ingredients in a pesticide be listed openly, including their concentrations. To this end I draw parallels between the legislation for pesticides with that of medicines, review the counterarguments, and discuss the impacts on research and regulation. Co-formulants can be toxicologically relevant, and some are even more toxic than the active ingredient in the formulation. Pesticide users, consumers and scientists deserve to have transparency in understanding what co-formulants are included in pesticide formulations. The stated rationale for secrecy is to protect innovation and reward companies for undertaking expensive research and development. However, secrecy is ineffective at protecting innovation, as it is possible to reverse engineer a formulation’s composition. Further, patents are already utilised, so secrecy adds no additional benefit to industry. I argue that co-formulant secrecy only serves to stifle and limit the ability of independent scientists to conduct research.

ADVANCED ANALYTICS IN SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF AFRICAN AND USA PRACTICES

This paper explores the application of advanced analytics in enhancing supply chain resilience, offering a comparative review between African and USA practices. Supply chain resilience has become a critical factor in the global business landscape, particularly in the face of unprecedented disruptions and uncertainties. As organizations strive to mitigate risks and improve responsiveness, advanced analytics emerges as a powerful tool in achieving these objectives. The study begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the key components of supply chain resilience and the role advanced analytics plays in fortifying these components. It delves into various analytical techniques, such as predictive modeling, machine learning, and data visualization, and their application in predicting and mitigating disruptions. By harnessing the power of big data, organizations can gain insights into demand patterns, supply chain vulnerabilities, and potential risks, enabling proactive decision-making. A comparative analysis is conducted between African and USA supply chain practices, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities each region presents. Africa, with its diverse economies and infrastructural constraints, faces distinct challenges in achieving supply chain resilience. The study investigates how African organizations leverage advanced analytics to overcome these challenges and identifies best practices. Similarly, the analysis explores how USA practices utilize advanced analytics to bolster supply chain resilience, drawing parallels and distinctions with the African context. The paper also discusses the implications of these findings for policymakers, businesses, and academia. Understanding the effectiveness of advanced analytics in different supply chain contexts can inform the development of tailored strategies for enhancing resilience. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the state of advanced analytics adoption in the supply chain domain in these regions and by providing insights that can guide future research and practical implementations. This paper provides a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of supply chain resilience, showcasing the pivotal role advanced analytics plays in fortifying global supply chains. The comparative review of African and USA practices offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities these regions face, contributing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike.
 Keywords: Analytics, Supply Chain, USA, Africa, Review.

The Unstable Subject: Public Constructs and Borderline Personality Disorder

Kelly’s intense focus on personal construing processes is understandable given the aims he put forth when creating personal construct psychology and the socio-cultural context in which his theory arose. Plenty of space remains, however, to elucidate the interaction between public construing processes and personal constructs to the extent that these can be separated in a relational theory such as this one. Previously, this exploration was largely theoretical, and it involved drawing parallels between Kelly and theorists such as Foucault or Bauman. In this paper, the relationship between public and personal systems of constructs is theorized with clinical applications in mind, emphasizing its practical importance as a means of understanding clients and situating their change in a wider social context, while understanding the possibilities and limitations determined by constructs structuring and governing social relations. This paper will attempt to create a new framework for further expansion of Kelly’s theory. A brief clinical vignette will be used to illustrate how this approach reframes borderline personality disorder as a primarily relational issue.

Quantum Resonance with the Mind: a Comparative Analysis of Buddhism's Eighth Consciousness, Quantum Holography and Jung's Collective Unconscious

This interdisciplinary exploration discusses the intricate conceptual linkages among Buddhism’s Eighth State of Consciousness, Quantum Holography, and the Jungian Collective Unconscious. Central to this study is examining the Eighth Consciousness in Buddhist thought—a realm that transcends the conventional sensory and mental states to connect with a more universal and profound awareness. Drawing parallels, Quantum Holography posits that every part of the universe retains information about the whole, much like a hologram. This notion seemingly mirrors the Jungian concept of the Collective Unconscious, which postulates a shared reservoir of memories and ideas across humanity. The paper contends that the intricate dance of photons, oscillating between particle and wave states, mediates perception through resonance and hints at a multi-layered consciousness stratum that mirrors the vast, enigmatic quantum reality expanse. The study illuminates the intersections and divergences among these frameworks through meticulous comparative analysis, positing that an integrative understanding of quantum theories and Buddhist wisdom can unravel the human psyche’s profound depths. By weaving Eastern philosophies with the Western psychological and quantum theoretical tapestry, the discourse unveils a multifaceted consciousness comprehension, championing integrative approaches as invaluable tools for decoding the mind and universe's enigmatic interplay from a quantum viewpoint.

COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN SMES: A TALE OF TWO ECONOMIES - THE UNITED STATES AND NIGERIA

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly relying on technology integration to drive growth and competitiveness. This paper proposes a comparative review of how SMEs in two contrasting economies, the United States and Nigeria, are navigating the digital transformation journey. The core objective is to explore the dynamics, challenges, and prospects of technology adoption in these distinct economic contexts, offering valuable insights into the global patterns of SME digitalization. The United States, representing a developed and technologically advanced economy, presents a scenario where SMEs are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, market reach, and customer engagement. This review will explore the range of technologies being adopted, from cloud computing and AI-driven analytics to sophisticated e-commerce solutions. It will also delve into the challenges faced by US SMEs, such as cybersecurity threats and a competitive landscape dominated by tech giants. Furthermore, the review will assess the impact of supportive government policies and the digital skills landscape on SME technology integration. Contrastingly, in Nigeria, an emerging economy with distinct challenges and opportunities, SMEs are also embracing technology, albeit in different forms and scales. The review will examine the uptake of mobile technology, fintech, and digital platforms, particularly focusing on how these technologies enable Nigerian SMEs to overcome infrastructural limitations and access broader markets. Additionally, it will address the challenges unique to the Nigerian context, including erratic power supply, limited access to funding, and regulatory hurdles. The role of government initiatives in promoting technology adoption among Nigerian SMEs will also be a focal point. By drawing parallels and highlighting contrasts between these two economies, the paper aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of SME technology integration. It will underscore how contextual factors like economic development, infrastructure, and policy environments shape the technology adoption pathways for SMEs. The review will also prognosticate future trends, identifying potential technological innovations that could revolutionize SME operations in both developed and developing economies. This comparative review is pivotal in understanding the global digital SME landscape. It offers practical insights for policymakers, business leaders, and technology developers, guiding them in creating tailored strategies and solutions that foster SME growth and resilience in an increasingly digital world.
 Keywords: Technology, SMEs, USA, Nigeria, Technology Integration, Digital Landscape, Economy.

The role of artificial intelligence in electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular medicine: Current state and future directions.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) have ushered in a new era of technological breakthroughs in healthcare. These technologies are revolutionizing the way we utilize medical data, enabling improved disease classification, more precise diagnoses, better treatment selection, therapeutic monitoring, and highly accurate prognostication. Different ML and DL models have been used to distinguish between electromyography signals in normal individuals and those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myopathy, with accuracy ranging from 67% to 99.5%. DL models have also been successfully applied in neuromuscular ultrasound, with the use of segmentation techniques achieving diagnostic accuracy of at least 90% for nerve entrapment disorders, and 87% for inflammatory myopathies. Other successful AI applications include prediction of treatment response, and prognostication including prediction of intensive care unit admissions for patients with myasthenia gravis. Despite these remarkable strides, significant knowledge, attitude, and practice gaps persist, including within the field of electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular medicine. In this narrative review, we highlight the fundamental principles of AI and draw parallels with the intricacies of human brain networks. Specifically, we explore the immense potential that AI holds for applications in electrodiagnostic studies, neuromuscular ultrasound, and other aspects of neuromuscular medicine. While there are exciting possibilities for the future, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the limitations of AI and take proactive steps to mitigate these challenges. This collective endeavor holds immense potential for the advancement of healthcare through the strategic and responsible integration of AI technologies.