Key Opportunities Research Articles

The Development of Halal Well-Being Experience Quality: A Conceptual Framework

In recent years, the hospitality and tourism industry has increasingly focused on enhancing the well-being of guests by providing tailored experiences that address their physical, mental, and spiritual health. This shift has spurred the development of Halal well-being experiences, specifically designed to cater to Muslim travelers by aligning services and facilities with Islamic principles. Halal well-being experiences include a range of services such as Halal-certified food, prayer facilities, gender-segregated wellness amenities, and activities promoting spiritual health. These offerings are vital for Muslim travelers who seek destinations and accommodations that respect and cater to their faith-based needs. To address these challenges, a comprehensive framework for Halal well-being experience quality is essential. This framework should include clear guidelines for service provision, training programs for staff, and effective marketing strategies. This research aims to explore the current state of Halal well-being experiences in the hospitality industry, identify the key challenges and opportunities, and propose a framework for enhancing service quality. The study provides insights and recommendations for developing and promoting Halal well-being experiences that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. The research underscores the importance of seven dimensions of tourism experience quality (TEQ) in influencing tourist well-being: Halal hedonism, Muslim-friendly involvement, local culture friendliness, refreshment experience, meaningfulness experience, knowledge experience, and novelty experience. These dimensions collectively enhance the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of Muslim travelers, promoting a holistic approach to well-being in the tourism sector.

E-Pharmacy in Rural Pakistan: Evaluating Platforms' Reach, Opportunities, and Challenges

Background: E-pharmacy platforms in Pakistan have largely focused on urban centers, leaving rural areas underserved due to limited digital literacy, infrastructure, and awareness. Despite potential benefits, little research has examined their reach and challenges in rural Pakistan.Objective: To evaluate the reach, opportunities, and barriers to e-pharmacy platforms in rural Pakistan, and to identify strategies for improving their adoption.Methods: A mixed-method approach was used, involving secondary data analysis to identify existing e-pharmacy platforms, and primary data collection through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with 35 pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes and barriers.Results: Seven major e-pharmacy platforms were identified. These platforms primarily serve urban areas with limited reach in rural regions. Key opportunities include convenience, cost-effectiveness, and telemedicine integration. Major barriers include poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, mistrust, and logistical challenges.Conclusion: E-pharmacies can bridge healthcare gaps in rural Pakistan but require improved internet infrastructure, regulatory oversight, digital literacy programs, and targeted outreach to build trust and expand reach.

Factors influencing the formation of a regional media discourse

This article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the factors influencing the formation of the regional media discourse in Kazakhstan. The research is based on the analysis of theoretical foundations, external and internal factors, as well as the current state of the media discourse in the region. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of local media content, interviews with experts theauthors identify key trends, problems and opportunities faced by regional media.Technological innovations, globalization, the political and economic environment, as well as socio-cultural features have a noticeable impact on the structure, content and orientation of media communications. In conclusion, the article offers a numberof recommendations for strengthening the regional media environment, includingimproving the quality of content, strengthening media independence, increasingmedia literacy and preserving cultural diversity. The results of the study can serve as a basis for developing strategies for optimizing and developing regional media discourse in the context of globalization and technological progress. This study focuses on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysisof media discourse, integrating knowledge from the fields of sociology, politicalscience, cultural studies and technology.

Using cost–benefit analyses to identify key opportunities in demand-side mitigation

Using cost–benefit analyses to identify key opportunities in demand-side mitigation

Towards a Closed-Loop Supply Chain: Assessing Current Practices in Empty Pesticide Container Management in Indonesia

Pesticides are essential to modern agriculture, significantly enhancing crop yields and quality to ensure global food security. Their critical role in preventing hunger is highlighted by the notable increase in global pesticide trade over the past decade. In Indonesia, pesticide usage has surged, with a 24% rise in registered pesticide formulations between 2017 and 2021. However, this increase presents challenges, particularly in the disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC), which pose substantial environmental and health risks if improperly managed. To address this, a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) is proposed as an effective, eco-friendly solution for the management of EPC waste. This study evaluates the implementation of a CLSC for EPC in Indonesia, employing rich picture analysis and stakeholder interviews to identify key challenges, opportunities, and strengths. Notable challenges include regulatory gaps, financial and operational feasibility, and limited farmer engagement. However, opportunities exist in enhancing environmental sustainability, generating economic benefits, and gaining support from industry groups. One key strength is the widespread practice of triple rinsing among farmers, with 62.63% of respondents already adopting this method. This study underscores the important of establishing clear and enforceable regulations, introducing financial incentives and supportive policies, promoting public–private partnerships, creating targeted behavior change interventions, and ensuring organizational commitments and training programs. These insights are crucial in developing a sustainable CLSC, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits.

Artificial Intelligence in the Education of Teachers: A Qualitative Synthesis of the Cutting-Edge Research Literature

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teacher education has been transformative, offering personalized learning experiences, enhanced professional development, and improved teaching methodologies. AI technologies such as Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), AI-driven analytics, and automated assessment tools have become central to modern educational practices, significantly improving engagement, adaptability, and effectiveness. This study employs a qualitative thematic analysis of current literature on AI in teacher education, examining peer-reviewed articles and reports using thematic coding to identify key patterns, opportunities, and challenges. The findings reveal that AI enhances teacher education by providing personalized learning pathways, fostering critical thinking, and supporting ongoing professional growth. Technologies like ITS, Virtual Reality (VR), and AI-driven analytics have proven effective in promoting motivation and engagement among teachers. However, ethical challenges such as biases in AI systems and concerns regarding data privacy require continuous attention. Furthermore, a gap in teacher preparedness, particularly in developing AI literacy and integrating AI tools into classroom practices, is evident. Despite these challenges, AI offers substantial benefits, transforming teaching practices and enabling personalized, adaptive instruction that supports both teachers and students. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive teacher training programs focusing on digital literacy and ethical AI use, ensuring educators can navigate an AI-enhanced educational environment effectively. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse by highlighting the need for ethical guidelines and robust teacher training programs, offering actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and institutions aiming to integrate AI into teacher education

Equity-based energy retrofits to address energy poverty in Canada

Many energy efficiency and decarbonization retrofit programs aim to alleviate energy poverty by targeting low-income households, but these programs do not always address the multiple determinants of energy poverty. This study develops a vulnerability-based framework to explore the extent to which energy retrofit programs designed for low-income households comprehensively account for socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural structures that shape energy poverty experiences, employing Canada as an empirical case study using key informant interviews with program administrators. The framework conceptualizes energy poverty as the vulnerability to future housing-related harms, amplified by energy-related risk factors, and conditioned by a household's inability to adequately respond. The study finds several key issues limiting the capacity of low-income retrofit programs to address the overlapping and compounding determinants of energy poverty, including inadequate funding, exclusion of the poorest quality housing, limited retrofit options, and a narrow focus on energy efficiency gains. This study shows key opportunities to expand and deepen the current ecosystem of low-income retrofit programs by expanding existing policy innovations. The paper also offers suggestions for widening the policy arena to address energy poverty, both within retrofit programs and beyond.

Introduction to the Transformative Potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in East Africa

The internet of things (IoT) has emerged as a global transformational force, connecting physical devices and transmitting data remotely over the internet. In East Africa, this shift has the potential to bring socio-economic development by solving local challenges. The region-specific topics are mentioned here. Various diverse economies and cultures within the region have already started to use IoT in agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. This abstract primarily focuses on presenting the key concepts, challenges, and opportunities associated with IoT networking in East Africa. The author highlights the potential of IoT in addressing social issues and promoting sustainable growth. The study examines the networking aspects of IoT, the social and economic factors that influence its adoption, state policies, financial incentives, and the role of public-private partnerships. This study likely takes into account network infrastructure, which includes broadband connectivity and emerging buzzwords such as LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, and also discusses the obstacles associated with these technologies. This study investigates emerging buzzwords such as LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, as well as the challenges associated with these technologies. This study unveils the role of IoT in East Africa, highlighting its usefulness in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, and utilities. It highlights its role in combating various issues, enhancing productivity, and promoting inclusivity. It addresses various issues and contributes to boosting access, productivity, and inclusive growth. We utilised relevant published data (2004–2014) from diverse, reliable databases. Therefore, policymakers must emphasise the need for broad IoT policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and inter-sectoral coordination to fully leverage the IoT opportunities for the sustainable development of East Africa. Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT), East Africa, socio-economic development, networking infrastructure, transformative potential.

Optimizing Microgrid Operation: Integration of Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Energy Efficiency

Microgrids have emerged as a key element in the transition towards sustainable and resilient energy systems by integrating renewable sources and enabling decentralized energy management. This systematic review, conducted using the PRISMA methodology, analyzed 74 peer-reviewed articles from a total of 4205 studies published between 2014 and 2024. This review examines critical areas such as reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, predictive modeling, energy storage, and optimization algorithms—essential for improving microgrid efficiency and reliability. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, and flexible power electronics are highlighted for enhancing energy management and operational performance. However, challenges persist in integrating AI into complex, real-time control systems and managing distributed energy resources. This review also identifies key research opportunities to enhance microgrid scalability, resilience, and efficiency, reaffirming their vital role in sustainable energy solutions.

The Semantic Reader Project

Scholarly publications are key to the transfer of knowledge from scholars to others. However, research papers are information-dense, and as the volume of the scientific literature grows, the greater the need for new technology to support scholars. In contrast to the process of finding papers, which has been transformed by Internet technology, the experience of reading research papers has changed little in decades. For instance, the PDF format for sharing papers remains widely used due to its portability but has significant downsides, inter alia, static content and poor accessibility for low-vision readers. This paper explores the question “Can recent advances in AI and HCI power intelligent, interactive, and accessible reading interfaces—even for legacy PDFs?” We describe the Semantic Reader Project, a collaborative effort across multiple institutions to explore automatic creation of dynamic reading interfaces for research papers. Through this project, we’ve developed a collection of novel reading interfaces and evaluated them with study participants and real-world users to show improved reading experiences for scholars. We’ve also released a production research paper reading interface that will continuously incorporate novel features from our research as they mature. We structure this paper around five key opportunities for AI assistance in scholarly reading —discovery, efficiency, comprehension, synthesis, and accessibility—and present an overview of our progress and discuss remaining open challenges.

Opportunities and barriers for the integration of Industry 4.0 into small and medium-sized enterprises in Tunisia: analysis with MICMAC and DEMATEL

This study presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the key opportunities and barriers in implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in Tunisian medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés, Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement) and DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) methodologies, supported by a literature review and expert consultations. Both methods identify crucial opportunities such as digital collaboration and real-time information, along with barriers like under-utilization of academic knowledge and insufficient leadership commitment. While MICMAC emphasizes risk management, not fully recognized by DEMATEL, both converge on similar barriers with nuanced prioritization. Comparing these findings with existing literature highlights commonalities and differences in opportunities and barriers. The study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and cost reduction into I4.0 frameworks and suggests incorporating technological readiness, leadership support, and innovative business models. For practical implementation, decision-makers should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, foster collaboration with technology providers, and initiate pilot projects. Enhancing operational agility and efficiency through integrated digital platforms and adaptable systems is essential. Addressing barriers involves securing management support, improving technical expertise, managing resistance to change, and boosting research and development efforts.

Evolving nature-based solutions for Australia’s Indigenous estate in 2024 – opportunities and challenges

Globally, there is growing interest and potential for investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to protect, manage or restore ecosystems through incentive schemes including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), Nature Repair, Carbon Markets, Common Asset Trusts. Collectively, these NbS markets establish interchangeable mechanisms to help address biodiversity and climate crises, as well as socio-economic issues concerning many Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). IPLCs manage and/or own almost 32% of the world’s land area through customary and community-based tenure arrangements. Since 2000 several PES schemes have been implemented in Australia. These schemes have been overwhelmingly implemented as public-good expenditure, with governments providing ~90% of total funding. Indigenous people have either the legal right to run or veto a carbon market or nature repair project over 57% of the Australian land mass, increasing to 63% in savanna and 85% in desert regions. Here we critically assess opportunities and challenges for Australia’s Indigenous estate associated with existing and emerging NbS market approaches, especially the Commonwealth’s current Savanna Fire Management (SFM) and Human Induced Regeneration methods, evolving Integrated Farm & Land Management (IFLM) and Blue Carbon methods, and proposed Nature Repair (NR) market. To date, Indigenous NbS interests have focused especially on SFM across northern Australia, with prospective opportunities especially for IFLM and NR markets. Most available schemes focus on remediation of degraded lands and seas, ignoring cost-effective investment opportunities to maintain habitats and ecosystems in less-degraded condition. Government-supported Common Asset Trusts can provide effective models for governance of stewardship schemes relevant to on-going care for relatively intact ecosystems. In Discussion we summarise key methodological, institutional, and policy opportunities and challenges for constructive Indigenous engagement with developing NbS markets. Our purpose is to provide an Indigenous land and sea management context to inform development of rapidly evolving NbS markets in Australia.

Bridging the Gap: Sociological Theory and Empirical Practice

It examines how sociological theory and empirical practice interact, emphasizing the need to combine both to understand social processes. The study examines how theoretical frameworks affect empirical research methods and how empirical findings shape social ideas. The paper examines historical tensions between theory and practice to identify key challenges and opportunities for narrowing this gap. Modern methodologies like mixed methods, multidisciplinary collaborations, and reflexivity are examined to make sociological research more relevant and applicable. This study underlines the need for theoretical-empirical dialogue to advance sociological knowledge and tackle complex social issues.

Evolving Procurement Methods in Housing Projects: Insights from a Narrative Review

Effective procurement strategies in housing projects are critical for enhancing project outcomes, particularly in cost efficiency, sustainability, and timely delivery. This narrative review examines various procurement approaches used in housing projects, drawing from 72 published journal articles from 2010 to 2023, marked by rapid technological advancement and an increasing focus on sustainability. The review systematically analyses the evolution of procurement strategies, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the housing sector. The findings underscore the pressing need to adapt procurement methods to contemporary demands, such as integrating sustainable practices and technological advancements. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive overview of procurement strategies in housing projects and offers insights that could inspire future research and practice. The outcomes suggest that a strategic approach to procurement can significantly improve project performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and overall sustainability, offering a promising future for the field.

Harnessing Digital Transformation with AI to Improve the Teaching and Learning of English as Second Language in Nigeria

The integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various sectors, including education, particularly in English as a Second Language (ESL) learning. In Nigeria, where English is the official language for education and commerce, proficiency in English is crucial for academic and professional success. However, traditional ESL teaching methods often fail to meet the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of Nigerian learners, resulting in varying proficiency levels. This paper explores the potential of digital transformation and AI to enhance ESL teaching and learning in Nigeria. AI-driven tools offer personalized learning experiences, adaptive assessments, and interactive content, while digital transformation facilitates access to quality educational resources and inclusive learning environments. The study highlights key opportunities, such as personalized learning, increased engagement, and improved assessment, while also addressing challenges like technological barriers, teacher training, and cultural diversity. Recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, developing teacher training programs, and ensuring ethical data practices. Future research should evaluate AI's long-term impact on ESL education in Nigeria and refine technologies to better meet diverse student needs. This study contributes to the discourse on innovative language teaching approaches in the digital age, offering insights that extend beyond Nigeria's borders.

Microbes and metabolites in immunity

The immune system has a vital, albeit complex, relationship with the microbes residing within us, one that we are only beginning to understand. We asked investigators what they felt were the fundamental challenges we currently face in unraveling the impacts of microbes and their metabolites on host immunity and to discuss key opportunities toward achieving future insights and innovation.

Blockchain Forensics: A Systematic Literature Review of Techniques, Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to revolutionize various sectors, including finance, supply chain management, and digital forensics. While blockchain’s decentralization enhances security, it complicates the identification and tracking of illegal activities, making it challenging to link blockchain addresses to real-world identities. Also, although immutability protects against tampering, it introduces challenges for forensic investigations as it prevents the modification or deletion of evidence, even if it is fraudulent. Hence, this paper provides a systematic literature review and examination of state-of-the-art studies in blockchain forensics to offer a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This paper provides a comprehensive investigation of the fundamental principles of blockchain forensics, exploring various techniques and applications for conducting digital forensic investigations in blockchain. Based on the selected search strategy, 46 articles (out of 672) were chosen for closer examination. The contributions of these articles were discussed and summarized, highlighting their strengths and limitations. This paper examines the selected papers to identify diverse digital forensic frameworks and methodologies used in blockchain forensics, as well as how blockchain-based forensic solutions have enhanced forensic investigations. In addition, this paper discusses the common applications of blockchain-based forensic frameworks and examines the associated legal and regulatory challenges encountered in conducting a forensic investigation within blockchain systems. Open issues and future research directions of blockchain forensics were also discussed. This paper provides significant value for researchers, digital forensic practitioners, and investigators by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date review of existing research and identifying key challenges and opportunities related to blockchain forensics.

INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES OF LEADING INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES OF VOLOGDA REGION

The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the development of information and digital technologies in the industrial industry using the example of leading enterprises in the Vologda region - Public Joint Stock Company Severstal and Joint Stock Company Apatit. An analysis was carried out on the composition and effectiveness of the information and digital technologies used. Examples of information and digital technologies used at these enterprises of the Vologda region (PJSC Severstal, JSC Apatit) are given, the technologies used and the economic effect of their use are indicated. The influence of the use of digital technologies on the efficiency of the production process of these enterprises is investigated. According to forecasts, global spending on digital technologies in the chemical industry will reach more than $7 billion by 2031. An analysis was made of the effectiveness of the use of digital technologies in the activities of PJSC Severstal and JSC Apatit, their positive impact on operating and business processes, channels of interaction with consumers. It is emphasized that the digital economy in the Russian Federation is developing at an increasing pace; among the main prerequisites for the formation of the digital economy in the Russian Federation, the following are highlighted: the growth in the number of Internet users, the development of e-commerce, and the expansion of the IT industry. In the metallurgy and chemical industries, the key opportunities for transformation based on digital technologies are: the Internet of things, big data analysis, electronic document flow of companies, augmented reality, robotization, more efficient utilization of production capacity. It is noted that mainly large enterprises in the industry that have the financial capacity for innovative changes are subject to active digital transformation. An important step towards solving the problem will be training relevant specialists in a digital environment and increasing the innovative activity of personnel.

Designing AR Interfaces for Enhanced User Experience

Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces are transforming biological education and research by providing immersive and interactive learning environments that increase user engagement and learning results. This study analyzes the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in biological sciences, highlighting the importance of User Experience (UX) design concepts in improving AR interfaces for educational effectiveness. The research provides a comprehensive overview of designing AR interfaces tailored to biological education, highlighting intuitive navigation, interactive feedback mechanisms, and personalized learning experiences. By examining current advancements and future trends in AR technology, the paper identifies key opportunities for innovation in educational settings. A poll of sixty students was conducted to collect data on demographics, AR usage experience, educational efficacy, user satisfaction, and perceived advantageous features. The data indicate that AR is well-received, with high scores for simulation realism, ease of use, and engagement. This lecture finishes by bringing together information about augmented reality's transformative potential in biology education and research. It proposes avenues for further research and development to harness the full capabilities of AR technology, shaping the future of learning in the biological sciences.

Land-Based Carbon Effects and Human Well-Being Nexus

In light of international climate agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a growing need to enhance the understanding of the linkages among land use/cover change (LUCC) and its carbon effects (CEs), as well as human well-being (HW). While existing studies have primarily focused on the impacts of LUCC on CEs or ecosystem services, there remains a gap in systematically elucidating the complex relationships among LUCC, CEs, and HW. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the nexus between land-based CEs and HW, examining: (1) the correlation between LUCC and CEs, encompassing methodologies for investigating LUCC CEs; (2) the association between CEs and HW, introducing the concept of “low-carbon human well-being” and evaluation framework; and (3) the proposed framework of “LUCC-CEs-HW,” which delves into the intricate connections among three elements. The study identifies research gaps and outlines potential future directions, including assessments of LUCC CEs and low-carbon HW, exploration of the “LUCC-CEs-HW” nexus, and the development of standardized measurement approaches. Key opportunities for further investigation include establishing a unified evaluation index system and developing scalable methods. This paper elucidates the relationships among LUCC, CEs, and HW, offering insights for future works.