Transformation Journey Research Articles

The digital divide: David vs. Goliath.

There is a global danger that hides in the shadows and is changing the way continuing care operators care for residents. Today, to provide that same historical level of resident care, a group of techno-soldiers are not just a nice-to-have, but are a must, to protect our critical Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. There is little doubt that technology has enabled us to provide better care. Electronic medical records, human resources information systems, and voice over internet communications systems have created great efficiencies in operations. However, global cybercriminals lurk in the same technologies that support us. Continuously attempting to rob our private information and hold us ransom, or play havoc with our IT systems impeding our provision of care. How can a continuing care operator, an already funding-challenged industry balance the costs of protecting their IT infrastructure against this growing massive threat? Compounding the issue, rising insurance expectations for continuing care operators to continuously enhance their IT safety controls against evolving cyberterrorism. This is the story of the Good Samaritan Society/Canada (Good Samaritan) digital transformation journey. Our digital roadmap sets Good Samaritan up to rise above the ongoing barrage of cyberattacks and loss of insurance. This is a digital divide story of David vs. Goliath.

Unraveling CagA’s potential: A promising frontier for gastric cancer

In the relentless pursuit of conquering gastric cancer, researchers have uncovered a promising avenue: CagA, the captivating oncoprotein encoded by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This review delves deep into the multifaceted role of CagA in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, shedding light on its remarkable ability to manipulate signaling pathways and trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon, which underlies cancer invasion. By unraveling the mysteries of H. pylori’s influence on signaling pathways within gastric cells, this review presents cutting-edge insights into the pathogenesis of this devastating malignancy. Moreover, it unveils the fascinating relationship between H. pylori infection and extra-gastric diseases, offering a panoramic view of the broader impact of this microbe on human health Beyond the realm of basic science, this exploration of H. pylori’s dark secrets holds the promise of revolutionizing the realm of gastric cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With CagA as the spotlight, the stage is set for a transformative journey towards conquering this devastating malignancy and embracing a brighter future in cancer therapeutics.

THEYYAM: A PERFORMER’S JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION FROM MAN TO GOD

Theyyam or Theyyattam is a performer’s artistic journey of transformation from mortal man to immortal Gods and Goddesses. It is a resplendent melange of religious and artistic facets which elevates the aesthesia of both performers and spectators to greater depths. Though Theyyam is fashioned on the essence of a tribal culture, it embraced many elements of ancient Hindu mythology. The entire Theyyam ritual is a metaphysical means, which is thought to have the power to summon the Theyyam deities, causing them to emerge with all exuberance. ’Thottam’ songs, the ritual songs of the Theyyam, render the story of the deity propitiated in this ceremonial performance. The performer himself sing the Thottam songs, so that he can get in the exact frame of mind and the necessary spirit of the persona he is presumed to embody. The aficionados observe the rites very closely as the performer performs before and along the shrine. The musical instruments are played in time to the performer’s movements making the performance pious. Gradually, the performer becomes completely absorbed, evolved and transcended into the realm of intangible powers of nature, impersonating the Gods and Goddesses through artistic acts and manifesting his supreme power by strange demeanor. The article examines the practices, traditions, impersonation, myths, and legends of Theyyam and some of its most popular forms and how this ritualistic art form has established a legacy across tribal and non-tribal cultures creating an identity for itself.

Assessing the demand for carbon credits from the most polluting and hard-to-abate sectors in India

Carbon pricing has emerged as a highly effective tool in the pursuit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Empirical evidence underscores its capacity to incentivize gradual reductions in emissions. Given the imperative for Indian industries to embrace decarbonization, this research delves into the potential of carbon markets to drive this transition. The study's focal point is to unravel emission intensity trajectories within the Indian industrial landscape and project the demand for carbon credits emanating from the most challenging and highly polluting sectors.Employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this study introduces methodological innovations in the existing literature. Statistical modelling is at the core, encompassing factors such as technological feasibility, policy frameworks, and voluntary industry benchmarks aimed at realizing net-zero emissions. This study's distinctive contribution lies in its holistic approach to investigating Indian industry decarbonization through market mechanisms. The extensive case corpus analysis holds substantial significance by furnishing practical reference cases for Indian industries and policymakers navigating this transformative journey.

Scaling Up Banking Performance for the Realisation of Specific Sustainable Development Goals: The Interplay of Digitalisation and Training in the Transformation Journey

The main purpose of this study was to examine how digitalisation with a mediating role of training influences banking performance and further how banking performance helps in realisation of specific sustainable development goals (SDGs). Data were gathered from 402 employees from public, private, and foreign sector banks. Digital culture, digital technologies, and digital skillsets are the sub-scales of digitalisation. For training, three types of training (on the job training, off the job training, and special training) were considered. Banking performance was measured through balanced score card covering customer, financial, internal business process, and innovation and learning perspective. This study considered SDG1: eradication of poverty; SDG5: gender equality; and SDG8: economic growth and decent work. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was used to examine relationship among digitalisation, training, banking performance, and the realisation of specific sustainable development goals (SDG1, SDG5, and SDG8). The results highlighted that digitalisation has a positive association with training and with banking performance (with β values of 0.692 and 0.531). The direct effect of digitalisation on banking performance (with β value is 0.316) was significant; however, the effect was enhanced when training was used as a mediating variable between digitalisation and banking performance (β: 0.367). Furthermore, the results suggest that banking performance has a positive association with realisation of specific SDGs (β: 0.867). In the designed model, it can be seen that the predictors (digitalisation and training) explained 61.1 percent of banking performance. This paper, by combining digitalisation and training with banking performance, provided an integrated approach to contribute towards the realisation of sustainable development goals (SDG1, SDG5, and SDG8). The final integrated model with digitalisation, training, and banking performance as predictors explained 75.6% of variation in exogenous variable, i.e., the realisation of specific SDGs. The results indicate an important role of digitalisation and training in scaling up banking performance for the realisation of specific SDGs.

Natural sunlight-driven enhanced abatement of real resin industry wastewater using sludge-derived photocatalyst: Potential to generate carbon credits

The resin manufacturing industry is one of the industrial sectors that consumes huge quantities of water and generates enormous quantities of toxic wastewater with a high level of chemical oxygen demand (COD). In the present study, the performance of an optimized copped-doped raw galvanic waste-derived (CRGW) photocatalyst was evaluated in a novel stirred tank photoreactor in batch and continuous configurations as a possible solution for the treatment of real resin industry wastewater (RIW) under natural sunlight. Under optimal operating conditions, a COD removal rate of 70.3% and 43.5% was observed in batch and continuous configurations within 4 h, respectively. The photoreactor in continuous mode was aided by a magnetic bed that anchored the photocatalyst to the reaction segment without subsequent retrieval from the treated effluent. The mixture of pollutants in the RIW underwent photodegradation due to a pronounced bathochromic shift in UV absorption. Moreover, the XRD and XPS results confirmed the crystallinity and successful charge migration in the synthesized CRGW. The applicability of the photocatalyst for degradation of RIW was demonstrated through an economic analysis, and its specific cost was determined to be 9.5 USD/m3 of treated wastewater. Furthermore, this study aims to be a step toward generating carbon credits by avoiding the release of 18 tons of CO2/yr into the atmosphere by utilizing natural sunlight for photodegradation. The reduction, avoidance, or removal of greenhouse gases is pivotal in today’s world, and carbon credits can accelerate this transformational journey towards a sustainable future.

Beyond Bitcoin: Evaluating Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact across Cryptocurrency Projects

Since their inception with Bitcoin in the late 2000s, cryptocurrencies have grown exponentially, reshaping traditional financial paradigms. This transformative journey, while innovative, brings forth pressing concerns about their energy consumption and carbon footprint. While many studies tend to zoom in on Bitcoin, this paper broadens the perspective by evaluating energy consumption across various cryptocurrencies. We analyze nine cryptocurrency projects, chosen for their market value, technology, and data availability. These span a spectrum from pioneering to emerging digital coins, offering a holistic view of the crypto realm. To contextualize, we juxtapose the energy usage of these digital currencies with traditional payment means like Visa and Mastercard. Our analysis shows vast differences in energy use among cryptocurrencies, largely tied to their consensus algorithms. Notably, while Bitcoin stands out as highly energy-intensive, several newer digital currencies have energy footprints mirroring those of conventional payment methods. Additionally, CO2 emissions estimation presents challenges due to variances in miner locations and regional energy sources, with potential higher emissions if concentrated in carbon-intensive regions like China. Nonetheless, the silver lining emerges as many cryptocurrencies, especially those beyond Bitcoin, register considerably lower CO2 emissions. By moving the lens beyond Bitcoin, this paper paints a more nuanced picture of the environmental ramifications of the crypto world.

Enabling Safe and Sustainable Hydrogen Mobility: Circular Economy-Driven Management of Hydrogen Vehicle Safety

Hydrogen vehicles, encompassing fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are pivotal within the UK’s energy landscape as it pursues the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By markedly diminishing dependence on fossil fuels, FCEVs, including hydrogen vehicles, wield substantial influence in shaping the circular economy (CE). Their impact extends to optimizing resource utilization, enabling zero-emission mobility, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, supplying adaptable energy storage solutions, and interconnecting diverse sectors. The widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles accelerates the UK’s transformative journey towards a sustainable CE. However, to fully harness the benefits of this transition, a robust investigation and implementation of safety measures concerning hydrogen vehicle (HV) use are indispensable. Therefore, this study takes a holistic approach, integrating quantitative risk assessment (QRA) and an adaptive decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) framework as pragmatic instruments. These methodologies ensure both the secure deployment and operational excellence of HVs. The findings underscore that the root causes of HV failures encompass extreme environments, material defects, fuel cell damage, delivery system impairment, and storage system deterioration. Furthermore, critical driving factors for effective safety intervention revolve around cultivating a safety culture, robust education/training, and sound maintenance scheduling. Addressing these factors is pivotal for creating an environment conducive to mitigating safety and risk concerns. Given the intricacies of conducting comprehensive hydrogen QRAs due to the absence of specific reliability data, this study dedicates attention to rectifying this gap. A sensitivity analysis encompassing a range of values is meticulously conducted to affirm the strength and reliability of our approach. This robust analysis yields precise, dependable outcomes. Consequently, decision-makers are equipped to discern pivotal underlying factors precipitating potential HV failures. With this discernment, they can tailor safety interventions that lay the groundwork for sustainable, resilient, and secure HV operations. Our study navigates the intersection of HVs, safety, and sustainability, amplifying their importance within the CE paradigm. Using the careful amalgamation of QRA and DEMATEL methodologies, we chart a course towards empowering decision-makers with the insights to steer the hydrogen vehicle domain to safer horizons while ushering in an era of transformative, eco-conscious mobility.

We are the dreamers, we let it happen: Morocco’s soccer team leadership story

Research methodology This case was based on secondary data that included various websites, news and academic articles, social media posts and press conferences before, during and after the World Cup. Multiple sources were examined to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information presented in this case. The goal was to gather relevant information on the Moroccan soccer team, its performance in the FIFA World Cup and the leadership strategies used by Walid Regragui. Case overview/synopsis “We are the dreamers, we let it happen: Morocco’s soccer team leadership story” explores the transformative journey of Morocco’s soccer team in the 2022 World Cup, highlighting the exceptional leadership of coach Walid Regragui and the power of shared values deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. The instructional manual provides faculty with a compelling case study to inspire discussions on leadership, followership, team dynamics and cultural identity. The case emphasizes the importance of harnessing cultural roots, building trust and unity within a diverse team, strategic vision and tactical brilliance. It demonstrates that with authentic leadership, belief in shared dreams and the strength of cultural values, extraordinary achievements can be realized. The case aims to inspire and educate students, encouraging them to embrace their own cultural heritage, foster teamwork and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Complexity/academic level The academic level of this case can vary depending on the specific course or program in which it is being used. It is suitable for graduate levels in various fields such as leadership studies, sports management, organizational behavior, cultural studies, or international business. The case provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership, team dynamics and cultural identity, including faith and spirituality, making it adaptable for different academic levels and disciplines. Instructors can adjust the depth of analysis and additional readings or activities to align with the specific educational level and learning objectives of their course.

From the Shadows to the Spotlight: Unveiling Nepal's hidden kingdom of mushrooms and lichens through digitization

The digitization of herbarium collections has brought forth a transformative journey, transitioning Nepal's hidden kingdom of mushrooms and lichens from the shadows into the spotlight. Through a collaborative work within the framework of Global Biodiversity Information Facility's Biodiversity Information Fund for Asia (GBIF-BIFA), involving the herbaria (KATH: Nepal's National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories and TUCH: Natural History Museum, Tribhuvan University, Nepal), and the research institute, Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS), a successful unveiling of Nepal's mycological treasures has been achieved through digital means. A comprehensive digitization effort has resulted in the complete digitization of 3,971 mushroom specimens and 2,462 lichen specimens, illuminating a wealth of information for researchers, citizen scientists, and the general public. GBIF and the online database maintained by Nepal's National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories, Department of Plant Resources, serve as the gateway to this work (KATH 2021). Prior to this work, the specimens resided in the shadows, lacking the recognition they deserved. Through meticulous collection management, sorting, curation, and labeling, their secrets were unveiled, and their stories brought to our fingertips. These previously obscured specimens now possess registered individual catalogue numbers, allowing the quantification of Nepal's fungal wealth within the participating institutions. This project serves as a testament to the vital role of capturing available field-level data, preserving specimens, and harnessing the power of digitization to showcase Nepal's mycological and lichenological wonders to a global audience. Meanwhile, it has also emphasized the significance of sharing this knowledge and fostering appreciation for the overlooked world of mushrooms and lichens.

Enhancing Rural Wellbeing: Unravelling the Impact of Economic Diversification in Sarawak

This study delves into the multifaceted dynamics of economic diversification in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, as well as the deep implications for rural wellbeing. Specifically, the aim of the study is to look into various economic diversification measures and their impact on the Iban rural community in Sri Aman, Sarawak. Sarawak, endowed with abundant natural resources and a diverse cultural legacy, has embarked on a transformative journey towards economic diversification in order to support sustainable development and enhance rural populations' livelihoods. This study used a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and in-depth interviews. It was found that the majority of households have increased their income by diversifying their sources of income by engaging in both farm and non-farm activities, such as formal and informal trading, wage labour, and remittances. The benefits of livelihood diversification can be seen in the community's decreased reliance on a single activity, the development of infrastructure, the survival of the Iban culture, and the resilience of the community.

Importance of digital and soft skills in the digital age

In our digital age, the effects of digital transformation, the scope and speed of current changes, and the emergence of digital technologies have led to a radical transformation of workplaces, resulting in a reduction of demand for employees carrying out routine, manual tasks, while evokes a need for digitally-skilled employees emphasising the importance of digital and soft skills for business growth. Organisations need to equip their employees with different types of skills to achieve organisational goals in order to benefit from investments in digital technologies. While practitioners and academics are increasingly focusing on the importance of the human factor of digital transformation processes, there is limited knowledge about the impacts of digital transformation on the digital skills of the employee and how organisations can guide employees through the digital transformation journey, yet. This study provides an important insight into a specific country's context, which has not been sufficiently examined. This paper aims 1) to investigate how the digital transformation has changed the demand for human workforce (Q1a) and the challenge in the lack of digital skills (Q1b) and 2) to examine the importance of soft skills as an impact of digital transformation (Q2). The target group of the research is the managers and white collar workers of Hungarian manufacturing companies. The data collection was in spring 2021. Descriptive statistics and relationship analyses (Cramer's V and Kendall's Tau) were used to analyse the collected data (n=489). The research investigates an important social-digital phenomena determining how digital transformation arises significant demands on digital and soft skills. Results indicate that digital and soft skills such as critical thinking, complex problem solving, adaptability, resilience and creativity are essential to successfully exploit the digital transformation. The result can add value and stimulate new research on digital and soft skills and provide a useful benchmark for other countries.

Fouling Management at TotalEnergies through Use of HTRI SMARTPM™: Case Study of a Project Proposal for Cleaning Schedule Optimization

Heat exchanger fouling is problematic in crude oil refining, impacting energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, plant capacity, and maintenance budget. As part of the digital transformation journey at TotalEnergies and with advances in research on hydrocarbon fouling, advanced fouling monitoring and prediction tool (HTRI SmartPMTM) was implemented throughout TotalEnergies to better manage fouling in heat exchangers. The SmartPM software performs advanced data reconciliation, including simulation of detailed exchanger operational data using proprietary HTRI shell-and-tube heat exchanger calculation methods. After deployment and adoption of the software for fouling monitoring and reporting, the predictive functionalities have been applied to several feasibility studies concerning energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction projects. The present work describes the predictive study of the cleaning schedule of a refinery. The result of this study is an industrial project proposal on the installation of new bypasses across selected exchangers, leading to an economically optimized cleaning strategy, savings in the fuel consumption of the crude preheat furnace, and the reduction in CO2 emissions associated to its combustion.

Effects of carbonation on the compressive strength of autoclaved aerated concrete with different Ca/Si ratios

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is widely used for its lightweight, high thermal insulation, and superior machinability. However, its loose and porous microstructure can cause a significant decrease in compressive strength after carbonation and the mechanism of the deterioration remains uncertain. This study delved into the alteration trends of AAC's compressive strength and dry density within carbonation environments. Additionally, a variety of testing techniques were employed to elucidate the microscopic mechanisms. The results showed that when the calcium/silicon ratio (Ca/Si ratio) stood at 0.75, AAC exhibited its highest degree of resistance against carbonation. Microscopic analysis revealed a progression in hydration product characteristics as the Ca/Si ratio increased. The transformation journey encompassed a shift from the initial structure to a needle-like tobermorite configuration and, subsequently, to a flaky structure. The study offers invaluable insights that furnish guidance for enhancing the durability of AAC and broaden the horizons of its potential applications.

Journeys of Transformation: Searching for No-Self in Western Buddhist Travel Narratives, by John D. Barbour

<i>Journeys of Transformation: Searching for No-Self in Western Buddhist Travel Narratives</i>, by John D. Barbour

AI for Environmental Intelligence in the Digital Economy

In today's digital economy, companies face climate-related damage to their assets, disruptions to supply chains and operations, and increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to their sustainability goals. Researchers need better tools to support climate research; businesses need better technologies to accelerate their sustainable digital transformation journeys. These include reimagining operations, supply chains, emissions management, or ESG and climate risk reporting with the help of emerging technologies for organizations to meet their sustainability goals. In this paper, we focus on some of the proposed approaches for helping enterprises to decarbonize their emission as they embrace their digital economy transformation.

The Changes in The Aesthetic Thoughts of Chinese Artists in Beijing Biennale during the COVID-19 Period

This study explores the transformative journey of Chinese aesthetics amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Beijing Biennale as a lens into the shifting paradigms of artistic expression. Before the pandemic, the Biennale emphasized global themes like enriching the world, cultural integration, the Silk Road, memory, and ideal life. However, the outbreak prompted a profound metamorphosis. During the COVID-19 period, the exhibition pivoted toward themes of life reflection, anti-epidemic efforts, and hope, mirroring a broader transformation in Chinese aesthetics. it delves into the evolution from global narratives to localized, human-centered expressions. The pandemic compelled artists to reflect deeply, resulting in works that pondered existential questions and showcased human resilience. Aesthetic expressions shifted from grand global ideals to the immediacy of local life experiences. The study highlights the vital role of hope and solidarity in contemporary Chinese art, portraying them as beacons of light amid the darkness of uncertainty. This research illuminates the profound transformations that have taken place in the artistic landscape.

ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BANKING INNOVATIONS AND ROADMAP FOR BANKS IN INDIA

This research paper explores adaptive strategies employed in digital transformation within the banking sector, presenting a comparative analysis of innovative practices and proposing a roadmap for banks in India. The digital era has prompted banks to reinvent their operational paradigms, necessitating agile approaches to remain competitive. Through an in-depth examination of banking innovations across global contexts, this study elucidates diverse adaptive strategies that institutions have undertaken to navigate digital transformation challenges. Focusing on the Indian banking landscape, the paper examines the unique dynamics and challenges faced by banks in this rapidly evolving market. By scrutinizing successful case studies from both domestic and international banks, it identifies key drivers and barriers for digital transformation adoption. Synthesizing these insights, the study develops a comprehensive roadmap tailored specifically for banks in India, offering a strategic framework to guide their digital transformation journey. The findings of this research focus on effective strategies, organizational restructuring, technological integration, and customer-centric initiatives that can be harnessed by Indian banks to achieve sustainable and impactful digital transformation. By synthesizing global best practices with local nuances, the proposed roadmap provides a robust guide for banks in India to not only adapt to the digital age but also thrive within it.

Bell: A Symbol of Wholeness

This study explores the bell’s attributes as a representation of wholeness, analyzed through the lens of analytical psychology. Encompassing its production, religious significance, and literary references, our aim is to uncover the profound meaning behind the bell. The bell’s transformative journey parallels the internal struggles of individuals grappling with emerging energies while bringing unconscious thoughts into awareness. As a potent symbol, the bell possesses the unique power to bridge and harmonize opposing elements. It plays a dual role as both a religious emblem and a literary motif, embodying spirituality as a conduit for divine communication, while also safeguarding against malevolent spirits and natural perils. Additionally, it symbolizes the intricate balance between feminine and masculine forces. The resonating sound of the bell serves to awaken consciousness, initiating a cyclical process alternating between awareness and the unconscious, facilitating the experience of death and rebirth. Operating as an alarm, it illuminates existence, stirring the psyche toward an altered state of awareness and eventual conscious realization. Therefore, the bell acts as a catalyst, facilitating creative transformation that integrates disparate aspects into unity, embodying the essence of wholeness within an individual’s psyche. Through this exploration, we shed light on the bell’s pivotal role in profound psychological transformation.

Transforming Talent Management: The Journey to E-Human Resources Excellence

This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic evolution within human resources (HR) and the transformative journey of talent management in the digital era. Beginning with an examination of foundational talent management principles, the narrative traces the shift from traditional HR frameworks to the contemporary landscape of E-Human Resources (E-HR) excellence. The study emphasizes the role of digital technologies as catalysts for this evolution, showcasing their impact on optimizing recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement. Throughout, HR innovation emerges as a driving force, highlighting how novel approaches and technologies are reshaping the HR landscape. This initiative underscores the pursuit of excellence in talent management within the E-HR paradigm, outlining strategies and best practices for organizations to navigate and thrive in the complexities of the modern workforce. In essence, this exploration encapsulates the ongoing narrative of innovation and excellence in the transformative journey of talent management within the digital era, providing valuable insights for HR professionals, organizational leaders, and policymakers navigating the evolving HR landscape.