Early Adopters Research Articles

Harnessing blockchain technology in banking to enhance financial inclusion, security, and transaction efficiency

This paper examines the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the banking sector by enhancing financial inclusion, security, and transaction efficiency. With traditional banking systems often excluding underbanked populations and being prone to security vulnerabilities, blockchain offers a decentralized and secure alternative. The study explores how blockchain can lower barriers to financial services for underserved communities, reduce fraud, and streamline transaction processes. The research methodology includes a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies of early blockchain adopters in banking, and an analysis of the technology's scalability and integration challenges. Key findings indicate that blockchain can significantly improve financial inclusion by providing accessible banking solutions, especially in developing regions. Additionally, its cryptographic security features are shown to mitigate risks associated with cyberattacks and fraud, while smart contracts and peer-to-peer transactions reduce operational costs and processing times. However, the paper also highlights potential regulatory hurdles and the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure widespread adoption. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for banks and financial institutions on implementing blockchain technology, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with regulators and the continuous evolution of blockchain infrastructure. Future prospects include the integration of blockchain with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), which could further enhance the capabilities of financial institutions. This paper underscores the transformative impact of blockchain on banking, offering insights into strategies that organizations can adopt to stay competitive and inclusive in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Machine Learning in Online Car Retail: Enhancing User Experience and Conversion Rates

This article examines the transformative impact of machine learning (ML) applications on the online car buying experience. We explore three key areas where ML significantly enhances user engagement and drives conversion rates: image processing, personalized recommendations, and data-driven insights. Advanced ML models are shown to improve image quality, standardize vehicle presentations, and facilitate easier comparisons. Personalization algorithms, leveraging vector embeddings and reinforced feedback loops, tailor the browsing experience to individual preferences. Additionally, ML-driven insights provide users with valuable information on pricing trends and deal rankings. Our analysis reveals that these applications not only streamline the car buying process but also address critical challenges in the digital automotive retail space. The article highlights the potential for increased customer satisfaction, improved inventory management, and competitive advantages for early adopters. While acknowledging implementation challenges, including data privacy concerns and integration complexities, we conclude that ML technologies are poised to revolutionize the online car buying landscape, setting new standards for user experience and operational efficiency in automotive e-commerce

Advancements in Wireless Communication Technology: A Comprehensive Analysis of 4G to 7G Systems

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in wireless communication technology from 4G to 7G systems, focusing on critical aspects such as network architecture, spectrum allocation, data rates, security, and coverage. The evolution of wireless communication technology has been remarkable, with each generation introducing significant improvements to meet the growing demands of users and applications in an increasingly connected world. From the early adoption of 4G technology to the anticipated rise of 7G systems, sweeping changes have reshaped the landscape of wireless communications and changed the way we communicate, work and interact with our surroundings we are surrounded by communication. These changes signal a shift towards more efficient, high-speed and high-capacity systems designed to meet the needs of a variety of industries. Furthermore, the need to strengthen security measures and expand network services highlights the importance of ensuring reliability and security in networks in the face of competition and threats Continued research and innovation are essential and for further developments in this area and to realize and enable new work capabilities and services to benefit people, businesses and businesses This article examines the proposed mobile communication features from 4G to 7G in. Each generation brings unique spectrum allocation, usage and operational challenges. Each generation presents unique spectrum allocation, utilization, and efficiency challenges. Furthermore, this paper investigates network architecture aspects, data rates, and throughput, emphasizing latency and reliability improvements. Advancements in spectral efficiency, MIMO scheme usage, cell size, used frequency bands, and coverage enhancement strategies are considered. Additionally, the integration of energy efficiency with economic and social sustainability is analyzed. Security challenges, including privacy protection, new services, access control models, and security monitoring, are classified for each generation. One of the main objectives of this study is to identify the primary applications, impact areas, and overall impact of 4G to 7G technologies.

Fit for Forensics: Taxonomy and Common Model for Forensic Analysis of Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers, smart watches, wearables and everything in between have evolved from being highly specialized sports technology and cyber gadgets of early adopters into being similarly ubiquitous devices like smartphones. Unsurprisingly, the data collected by these devices has entered the scope of forensic investigations, providing user-centered and extensive measurements that may prove very valuable as complementary or perhaps even essential evidence in criminal cases. While there exists a body of work focused on the analysis of data from individual devices, the area still appears fragmented. To counter this, we provide a definition and taxonomy of fitness trackers and integrate existing work into a universal model for forensic analysis of such devices that also takes legal requirements into account.

The net zero wave: identifying patterns in the uptake and robustness of national and corporate net zero targets 2015–2023

ABSTRACT Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, a growing number of states and firms have adopted targets to reach net zero emissions. These pledges vary significantly both in the timing of adoption and in robustness – measured by whether they adopt procedural best practices. We introduce a novel time-series dataset measuring the uptake and robustness of net zero targets of states and the world’s largest listed firms between 2015 and 2023. The new data allow us to identify patterns that speak to a key debate in the literature: what explains the rapid uptake of net zero targets by firms and countries? Descriptive inference yields several insights. First, the timing of net zero adoption by both states and firms strongly tracks international mobilization efforts, highlighting the importance of the United Nations (UN) process for target setting. Second, on average, firms set targets before countries. Third, there is an increase in some best practices for companies, such as setting interim targets and including Scope three emissions in targets, alongside a lack of progress in others, such as safeguards on the use of offsetting. Importantly, we do not find significant variation in timing or robustness of net zero pledges across firms in different sectors. For countries, early adopters tend to have more robust targets from the beginning than late adopters, suggesting the latter may be adopting more symbolic targets. In sum, our results show the rapid growth of the net zero wave, but also its limits in driving robust targets.

Architecture sets the path: Breast cancer subtypes differently shape the early brain metastatic niche

The ability of disseminated cancer cells to colonize the brain is highly dependent on initial survival cues, often evoking early microenvironmental adaptations. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Gan etal. unveil disparate tumor architectures in early stage HER2+ breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer brainmetastases that shape stromal interactions, providing a rationale for subtype-dependent patient stratification.

The Impact of Quantum Computing on Financial Risk Management: A Business Perspective

The rapid advancement of quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries, particularly in areas requiring complex computational power. This paper explores the potential impact of quantum computing on financial risk management from a business perspective. Traditional risk management models struggle to cope with the increasing complexity of global financial systems, making quantum computing a promising solution. By leveraging quantum algorithms, financial institutions can optimize risk assessment, enhance portfolio management, and significantly improve predictive models. This paper examines key algorithms and their applications in finance, discusses the challenges and opportunities in adopting quantum solutions, and presents case studies of early adopters. The findings suggest that quantum computing can offer a competitive advantage to businesses by providing superior risk analysis capabilities. However, limitations in technology, infrastructure, and expertise remain significant hurdles. This study contributes to the growing discourse on quantum computing by providing actionable insights for businesses looking to integrate quantum solutions into their risk management strategies.

Evaluation of Blockchain Technology in the Context of Tourism Sector within the Framework of Diffusion of Innovation Theory: Challenges and Opportunities

Blockchain technology is one of the technologies emphasized both academically and practically due to the possibility of application integration in different fields. The tourism sector has an interest in blockchain technology due to its early and rapid adoption of technology. Today, blockchain technology is mainly used in finance. However, it is also preferred in tourism due to the opportunities it provides in data management, payment systems, identity management and loyalty programs. In this study, a literature review was first conducted to examine the use of blockchain technology in the tourism sector. Then, the first pioneer companies that emerged in the field of tourism were classified. The relationship between blockchain and tourism is evaluated within the scope of institutional analysis. Then, an analysis was carried out within the framework of the diffusion of innovation theory. As a result, it has been determined that blockchain technology is still developing. However, the promising and growing number of the first sectoral solutions increases the likelihood of acceptance. There is a lack of knowledge about blockchain among industry players and consumers. Integration of blockchain technology with tourism applications is ongoing, but no generally accepted standard has emerged. It has been determined that there are deficiencies regarding local and global legal regulations.

Loss of cardiomyocyte-specific adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor G1 (ADGRG1/GPR56) promotes pressure overload-induced heart failure.

Adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors (AGPCRs), containing large N-terminal ligand-binding domains for environmental mechano-sensing, have been increasingly recognized to play important roles in numerous physiologic and pathologic processes. However, their impact on the heart, which undergoes dynamic mechanical alterations in healthy and failing states, remains understudied. ADGRG1 (formerly known as GPR56) is widely expressed, including in skeletal muscle where it was previously shown to mediate mechanical overload-induced muscle hypertrophy; thus, we hypothesized that it could impact the development of cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in response to pressure overload. In this study, we generated a cardiomyocyte (CM)-specific ADGRG1 knockout mouse model, which, although not initially displaying features of cardiac dysfunction, does develop increased systolic and diastolic LV volumes and internal diameters over time. Notably, when challenged with chronic pressure overload, CM-specific ADGRG1 deletion accelerates cardiac dysfunction, concurrent with blunted CM hypertrophy, enhanced cardiac inflammation and increased mortality, suggesting that ADGRG1 plays an important role in the early adaptation to chronic cardiac stress. Altogether, the present study provides an important proof-of-concept that targeting CM-expressed AGPCRs may offer a new avenue for regulating the development of heart failure.

First experiences of using the Dexcom ONE CGM system: results from a national survey on the perception of early adopters

Introduction: The availability of increasingly accurate and high-performing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems today allows for the adoption of selection criteria based not only on clinical profiles but also on the preferences of people with diabetes. Methods: The “Dexcom ONE Experience” study aimed to investigate the initial user experiences with the Dexcom ONE CGM system in the real lives of people with diabetes undergoing insulin therapy, specifically early adopters (i.e., patients who first in Italy adopted Dexcom ONE CGM who have used the device for at least 30 days). Empirical evidence was collected, focusing primarily on usability, satisfaction, and impact on quality of life (QoL) of the system, through an online survey. All survey participants were insulin-treated patients, as indicated by CGM device recommendations. Results: Analysis was conducted on 300 completed surveys. 93% of respondents consider the device useful for diabetes management; 91% find it helps in more effectively managing therapy, while 88% report an improvement in health. 86% find it easy to learn how to use, and 93% plan to continue using it in the coming months. 74% believe the system to be highly reliable. The most recognized and utilized functions are data visibility on smartphones/receivers and glycaemic trend visibility. 70% of respondents express being “very or extremely satisfied” with the Dexcom ONE device experience (scoring 4/5), and 90% note a “positive or extremely positive” impact on their QoL from using the device. Conclusions: In conclusion, usability and satisfaction levels have proven to be high among early adopters of the Dexcom ONE CGM system.

Design, Development, and Validation of a Military Orientated Re-configurable Cognitive Task Battery

The United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has developed an innovative military cognitive task battery tool titled: Interactive Measures of Performance and Assessment of Cognitive Tasks (IMPACT). The purpose of the tool is to support the objective assessment of cognitive task performance and task demand across a range of military system types, use cases and experimental settings. IMPACT consists of six, reconfigurable, generic military tasks, and an intuitive user interface for the experimenter to configure the tool and collect data. Initial validation of the IMPACT tool has been undertaken and a number of early adopters have used the tool to support trials, system development and experimentation. The validation results show that the six individual IMPACT tasks broadly stimulate the associated cognitive attributes; as mapped and originally conceived during the design and development of the tool; as measured by subjective assessment techniques, psychophysiological monitoring, and performance measures. IMPACT continues to be refined in response to feedback from the validation exercise and early adopters of the tool.

Increased neuronal expression of the early endosomal adaptor APPL1 leads to endosomal and synaptic dysfunction with cholinergic neurodegeneration.

Dysfunction in the endolysosomal system within neurons is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple AD risk factors lead to hyperactivity of the early-endosome GTPase rab5, disrupting neuronal pathways including the cholinergic circuits involved early in memory decline. APPL1, a crucial rab5 effector, connects endosomal and neuronal functions through its interaction with a specific amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragment generated within endosomes. To understand APPL1's role, a transgenic mouse model over-expressing human APPL1 in neurons (Thy1-APPL1 mice) was developed. These mice show enlarged early endosomes and increased synaptic endocytosis due to rab5 activation, resulting in impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and depression, the degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, and memory deficits, highlighting a pathological cascade mediated through APPL1 at the early endosome.

Non-invasive identification of historical textiles and leather by means of external reflection FTIR spectroscopy

Identifying the fibres in historical textiles presents a complex challenge due to the wide variety of plant, animal and early synthetic materials that have been used. Traditionally, this identification process involves sampling followed by either microscopic examination or ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. However, there are instances when sampling is restricted due to the good condition or significant value of the object under analysis. Additionally, the presence of leather components alongside textiles can further complicate the identification. This paper proposes a novel non-invasive method for fibre identification based on External Reflection (ER) FTIR spectroscopy, which has been rarely applied to textiles or leather. The current research demonstrates that ER-FTIR spectrum is a viable tool for fibre identification on both recent and historical textiles. The non-invasiveness of the analytical approach enables a comprehensive investigation without compromising the number or position of samples. Respect to ATR-FTIR spectra, the ER-FTIR spectra frequently exhibit an amplification of certain diagnostic bands, facilitating the identification of the various fibres examined in this study (cotton, hemp, viscose, silk, wool, leather, polyamide, acrylic, polyester). The extended spectral range (7500–375 cm−1) which is provided by ER-FTIR spectrometry also contains extra bands in the near infrared region, which can provide key information for the discrimination due to the lack of distortion phenomena. The technique was applied to the characterisation of textile materials coming from a collection of 10 traditional Japanese samurai armours spanning from the 16th to the 20th century (Museo delle Culture, Lugano, Switzerland). For the first time, the results provided a comprehensive overview of the textiles utilized in Japanese armours across various historical periods. Overall, the appearance of materials in samurai armours reflects the evolution of armour-making techniques and the influence of socio-cultural factors throughout Japanese history. Synthetic and semi-synthetic materials were easily detected, revealing the occurrence of a past conservation treatment or the early adoption of modern man-made materials in the manufacturing of traditional armours. The approach outlined in this case study can be applied to textile collections of various kinds, offering a reliable mean to discern the yarn composition and detect non-original components. The method also appears as a valuable prescreening tool for designing a less intrusive yet more informative sampling strategy, should additional details about fibre type and dyeing be necessary.

Digital Work Instructions in Sheltered Workshops

This research-in-progress explores the impact of digital work instructions (DWI) in sheltered workshops, environments designed to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The research commenced with a literature review on studies that compared digital to paper-based instructions. The review highlighted several potential benefits of DWI. Next, semi-structured interviews were conducted with C-level managers of sheltered workshops who are early adopters of DWI technologies. The interview findings provided real-world insights into the application of DWI in sheltered workshops, confirming several benefits identified in the literature. Notably, enhancements were observed in rapid interpretation of instructions, reduced training duration, increased employee autonomy, fewer execution errors, and a diminished need for prior knowledge. Future research steps include a second round of semi-structured interviews and a focus group to validate and synthesize the findings.

Navigating the Digital Transformation of Education: Insights from Collaborative Learning in an Erasmus+ Project

Collaborative Opportunities for Professional Inquiry Leading to Organisational Transformation (COPILOT) represents an Erasmus+ initiative involving four transnational partners from three EU countries including IES Cristobal de Monroy secondary school [Spain], Laois Offaly Education Training Board (LOETB) [Ireland], University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education [Ireland], and Akadimos, a teacher continuing professional development provider [Greece]. The project encompassed three primary objectives, aligned with the Erasmus+ programmes’s emphasis on supporting teachers and school leaders to address digital transformation. These included the following: the identification of participatory approaches and digital methodologies employed by schools to facilitate digital transformation among educators; exploring and establishing dynamic professional environments in schools by identifying synergies with organisations operating in diverse fields or socio-economic contexts and enhancing the capacity and professionalism of partners to engage in EU/international collaboration. To investigate the outcomes of the project objectives, a small-scale qualitative study was conducted, which involved analysing participants’ reports on the project’s collaborative activities. Additionally, a focus group was held at the conclusion of the project to gain insights into the digital readiness, capacity, and resilience of teachers and school leaders within their respective organisations. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The findings of the study offer encouraging indications regarding the crucial symbiotic role played by school leaders and “early adopter” teachers in promoting digital transformation. Moreover, participating teachers displayed a general willingness to adapt their teaching methods to incorporate more technology, provided they receive both formal and informal support. Furthermore, there exists a willingness among transnational partners to digitise and share resources both at present and in the future.

Industry perceptions of mass engineered timber (MET) construction: a comparison of South-East Asia with other regions

ABSTRACT Mass Engineered Timber (MET) has emerged as an innovative construction material used in the creation of low-carbon buildings. However, more built examples are found in Europe and North America, with far fewer in Asia, despite its generally higher levels of construction. This research explores these trends by measuring building industry practitioners’ perceptions – their awareness, attitudes and perceived obstacles – across three regions experiencing different levels of MET adoption: Europe and North America (early adopters), Australia and New Zealand (early developing) and South-East Asia (under developed). The research develops a novel framework to understand industry perceptions of MET composed of ‘Enabling Parameters’ and ‘Decision-making Parameters’. This is used to develop a survey which was completed by 186 participants from the three regions. Results show that participants’ perceptions, knowledge and experience of MET are consistently lower in South-East Asia, than the other regions – a finding previously not identified in existing research. Protection against fire and water damage, ease of repair and maintenance, and perceived unsuitability of MET for high-rise building types are the primary concerns of practitioners in South-East Asia. This paper calls for technological advancements for taller MET and hybrid buildings, a review of building codes, provision of incentives, and education among practitioners to improve the perception and adoption of MET in South-East Asia.

Understanding the rationales and information environments for early, late, and nonadopters of the COVID-19 vaccine

Anti-vaccine sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic grew at an alarming rate, leaving much to understand about the relationship between people’s vaccination status and the information they were exposed to. This study investigated the relationship between vaccine behavior, decision rationales, and information exposure on social media over time. Using a cohort study that consisted of a nationally representative survey of American adults, three subpopulations (early adopters, late adopters, and nonadopters) were analyzed through a combination of statistical analysis, network analysis, and semi-supervised topic modeling. The main reasons Americans reported choosing to get vaccinated were safety and health. However, work requirements and travel were more important for late adopters than early adopters (95% CI on OR of [0.121, 0.453]). While late adopters’ and nonadopters’ primary reason for not getting vaccinated was it being too early, late adopters also mentioned safety issues more often and nonadopters mentioned government distrust (95% CI on OR of [0.125, 0.763]). Among those who shared Twitter/X accounts, early adopters and nonadopters followed a larger fraction of highly partisan political accounts compared to late adopters, and late adopters were exposed to more neutral and pro-vaccine messaging than nonadopters. Together, these findings suggest that the decision-making process and the information environments of these subpopulations have notable differences, and any online vaccination campaigns need to consider these differences when attempting to provide accurate vaccine information to all three subpopulations.

Implementation of delirium screening in the emergency department: A qualitative study with early adopters.

Delirium affects 15% of older adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs) but is detected in only one-third of cases. Evidence-based guidelines for ED delirium screening exist, but are underutilized. Frontline staff perceptions about delirium and time and resource constraints are known barriers to ED delirium screening uptake. Early adopters of ED delirium screening can offer valuable lessons about successful implementation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with clinician-administrators leading ED delirium screening initiatives from 20 EDs in the United States and Canada. Interviews focused on experiences of planning and implementing ED delirium screening. Interviews lasted 15 to 50 minutes and were digitally recorded and transcribed. To identify factors that commonly impacted implementation of ED delirium screening, we used constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), an Implementation Science framework widely used to evaluate healthcare improvement initiatives. Overall, notable facilitators of successful implementation were having institutional and ED leadership support and designated clinical champions to longitudinally engage and educate frontline staff. We found specific examples of factors affecting implementation drawn from the following seven CFIR constructs: (1) intervention complexity, (2) intervention adaptability, (3) external policies and incentives, (4) peer pressure from other institutions, (5) the implementation climate of the ED, (6) staff knowledge and beliefs, and (7) engaging deliverers of intervention, that is, frontline ED staff. Implementing ED delirium screening is complex and requires institutional resources as well as clinical champions to engage frontline staff in a sustained fashion.

On the function and origin of the avian renal portal shunt and its potential significance throughout evolution.

All birds possess a unique venous architecture surrounding the kidneys known as the renal portal system. In veterinary medicine, this system is well known for causing a first-pass effect when medication is administered parenterally via the leg veins, that is venous blood from the leg is filtered before entering general circulation, thus possibly compromising adequate dosage. Additionally, bilateral valves are present in these veins, and it has been hypothesized that they play a crucial role in regulating flow through the kidneys to protect them against increases in blood pressure. While this hypothesis has been acknowledged, it has not been thoroughly explored. We propose that the function of the renal portal valve extends beyond its significance for kidney function, potentially impacting general hemodynamics. Examining anatomical similarities with extant non-avian reptiles, which lack the renal portal shunt with valve, could reveal additional functionalities of this system in birds. Given the endothermic metabolism and the energetically expensive locomotor activity of birds, the resistance of the hepatic and renal portal system might constrain the blood flow from splanchnic to non-splanchnic blood vessels necessary for (sustained) peak performance. Therefore, diverting blood from the renal portal system using the renal portal valve as a regulatory structure might represent a key adaptation to facilitate sustained peak performance. In addition, we hypothesize that this shunt and valve represents a very early adaptation in amniotes, possibly lost in extant non-avian reptiles but enhanced in birds, with a pivotal role in maintaining hemodynamic homeostasis to support the high metabolic rates characteristic of birds.

Identifying Barriers and Implementation Strategies to Inform TBI Screening Adoption in Behavioral Healthcare Settings.

Identify barriers to the adoption of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) in behavioral healthcare organizations and match these barriers to implementation strategies to inform future implementation efforts. Twenty behavioral health providers. Qualitative study involving individual, semi-structured interviews regarding barriers to adopting the OSU TBI-ID. Data were thematically analyzed around constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results were matched to strategies using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (CFIR/ERIC) matching tool. Ten barriers were identified across 4 CFIR domains. Inner-Setting barriers were inadequate leadership engagement, priorities, resources, and organizational incentives. Individual-Characteristics barriers were insufficient knowledge about the connection between TBI and behavioral health and how to conduct the OSU TBI-ID with fidelity, low self-efficacy to conduct screening, and inadequate motivation and buy-in to conduct screening. Outer-Setting barriers were lack of state-level mandates and inadequate incentives to conduct screenings. The Process domain barrier was an insufficient engagement of key personnel. Strategy recommendations include: identify and prepare champions; alter incentive and allowance structures; inform local opinion leaders; build a coalition; access new funding; conduct local consensus discussions; involve executive boards; capture/share local knowledge; conduct educational meetings; assess for readiness and identify determinants; identify early adopters; fund and contract for the clinical innovation; create a learning collaborative; and conduct a local needs assessment. This is the first study to examine barriers to adopting the OSU TBI-ID in real-world practice settings. Our results suggest that multilevel implementation strategies addressing mechanisms of change are necessary at the provider, organizational, and systems levels to overcome the complex barriers affecting TBI screening adoption and implementation. Future research is needed to test these strategies and their mechanisms of action on the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of TBI screening, as well as their effect on client-level outcomes.