Identification Of Opportunities Research Articles

Cardiac Amyloidosis in Venezuela: A Pending Issue.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in cardiac interstitial tissue. Interest towards studying this pathology has been growing in the last decade, as new epidemiological insights have revealed that it is not as uncommon as previously believed. Likewise, advances in non-invasive diagnostic approaches and the identification of molecules that modify its long-term progression, even in terms of mortality, have also bolstered interest in CA. Despite this global panorama, in Venezuela, limitations remain regarding the diagnosis of CA, partly associated with a lack of knowledge of the disease. Therefore, additional efforts are necessary for clinical cardiologists to hone their diagnostic skills regarding this disease, as opportune identification is an essential step for its effective management.

Simulation Exercise: Learning Entrepreneurship Through Local Market Business Opportunity Identification

This simulation exercise offers transformative experiential learning in entrepreneurship. Integrated with the knowledge, skills and attitudes framework, this exercise immerses students in real-world scenarios of local livelihood businesses. Through hands-on engagement, students propose solutions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy. The exercise yields profound experiential learning outcomes, empowering students with insights, skills and attitudes vital for entrepreneurial success.

Explanation of the Opportunity Identification Model Based on Gender Restrictions Affecting Women's Entrepreneurial Identity

Background: Stereotypical beliefs and gender biases play a limiting and discouraging role in the development of women's entrepreneurship, which can have a significant impact on women's willingness to become entrepreneurs. Methods: This research aims to identify and analyze the gender-based limitations affecting the entrepreneurial opportunities of female entrepreneurs using a mixed-methods approach. This research is applied in terms of its objective. In the qualitative phase, 14 experts were selected using a purposeful sampling method. Data collection was conducted through library studies and semi-structured interviews. In this section, the data were analyzed in three stages: open, axial, and selective coding, which resulted in the identification of 51 indicators and 12 components. The research questionnaire was designed based on these indicators. In the quantitative section, the statistical population was all female entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical companies under study, which totaled 425 people. Using Cochran's formula and a simple random sampling method, 170 people were selected as the sample size. Data collection was carried out using a researcher-made questionnaire, whose reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89 and validity using expert opinion. Data analysis was performed using SPSS23 and PLS3 Smart software. Results: Based on the research findings, 12 components of social, cultural, economic, educational, legal, behavioral, personality, individual, commercialization, knowledge enhancement, entrepreneurial awareness, and market recognition limitations were identified under the title of dimensions and components of gender-based limitations affecting women's entrepreneurial opportunities. The results also showed that social limitations (β=-0/578), cultural limitations (β=-0/429), economic limitations (β=-0/408), educational limitations (β=-0/346), legal limitations (β=-0/297), behavioral limitations (β=-0/215), personality limitations (β=-0/189), and individual limitations (β=-0/138) have a negative and significant impact on entrepreneurial opportunities

What is the carbon footprint of academic clinical trials? A study of hotspots in 10 trials

BackgroundClinical trials are fundamental to healthcare, however, they also contribute to anthropogenic climate change. Following previous work to develop and test a method and guidance to calculate the carbon footprint...

B-138 A Harmonization Program Leading to Improved Accuracy and Precision of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Testing: A Six-Year Multi-Site, Multi-Instrument Review and Comparison

Abstract Background Across four global laboratory locations in North America, Europe, and Asia a quality control system was implemented in the measurement of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The intent was to improve accuracy and reduce imprecision, both being independent contributors to total analytical performance. Methods Quality control (QC) data, created during routine clinical operations, was used for this analysis. Analysis of QC data evaluated bias and precision separately and provided the ability to predict and monitor performance. The in-process harmonization program indicated a change in instrumentation was needed to meet and maintain a more stringent analytical error profile. The instrumentation change allowed for a before and after comparison across platforms. Results Use of a harmonized quality control system allowed for the visualization of the role bias and precision play in measurements. Improved performance was confirmed using native matrix samples tested routinely from participation in the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. Independently assessing bias and precision highlighted the cumulative and offsetting effects that challenge quality assessment and risk mitigation. Bias appeared to have both a transient and systematic nature. The transient bias contributed to the overall normal distributive property of the quality data. In contrast, the systematic accumulation of bias appeared to occur slowly, over multiple reagent and calibration cycles. The accumulation of bias occurred in the direction of the assay drift. While precision commonly consumes the largest amount of analytical error within an instrument, the dual (negative and positive) nature of bias similarly affects the harmonization of an instrument group. Conclusions Changing the way data is viewed to include assessments of bias improved performance and aided in the identification of opportunities to reduce analytical variances that results in inter- and intra-individual variation. Harmonization of instruments should include methods to assess and describe bias, independent of precision.

Energy audit based identification of energy efficiency improvement opportunities for existing houses

Energy efficiency in the building has two dimensions; efficient use of energy resources and energy conservation. Energy-efficient houses play a critical role in energy conservation and achieving sustainable built environment goals. The energy efficiency of a house depends on its building envelope (design, orientation, and energy properties of construction material) and operational characteristics appliance efficiency, energy consumption patterns). Rather than merely ensuring new houses are energy-efficient, it is vital to energy retrofit existing houses. Energy audits can assist in evaluating the energy efficiency of existing houses and identify improvement measures. The main objectives of this study were to identify efficiency improvement opportunities through an energy audit of houses and apartments in Karachi. A detailed energy audit checklist was prepared using literature, standards, expert review, and code requirements. Data was collected through physical and owner-assisted virtual audits of 58 houses in six districts of Karachi. Architectural plans, information about doors, windows, air ducts, thermal images, historical data, and material properties were collected. Audit tools included; an anemometer and thermal imagining camera during physical audits. Android applications were used during owner-assisted audits. Data were analyzed for developing descriptive graphs, U and R-values, Pareto charts, and district-wise mapping of energy properties of the material. As a result, energy improvement opportunities were proposed. These are focused on building envelope aspects, including; window orientation, minimizing air infiltration, and using heatresistant paint. Improvement measures were confirmed through thermal imaging of selected buildings.

Mergers and Acquisitions in the Digital Age: The Role of Technology in Streamlining Financial Integration

Abstract: This comprehensive article explores the transformative role of technology in streamlining financial integration during mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the digital age. It examines how advanced technological solutions, including cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, automated reconciliation tools, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, are revolutionizing traditional M&A processes. The paper delves into the impact of these technologies on consolidating financial data, enabling real-time analysis, reducing manual errors, and providing predictive insights for risk assessment and opportunity identification. It also discusses best practices for successful financial integration, emphasizing the importance of pre-merger due diligence, phased integration approaches, and robust cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, the article investigates emerging trends and future prospects in technology-driven M&A, including the potential of blockchain, advanced analytics, and quantum computing to further enhance integration processes. Drawing on recent research and industry surveys, this study highlights the critical role of technology in realizing M&A potential, improving deal outcomes, and creating strategic value in an increasingly complex business environment. The findings underscore the necessity for organizations to embrace technological advancements to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Environmental uncertainty and entrepreneurial orientation in collectivist and individualist cultures: evidence from Brazil and Belgium

ABSTRACT A fundamental premise of the information processing approach in entrepreneurship theory is that the distribution and processing of information is key to opportunity identification. We propose that collectivist-individualist cultural values influence the efficacy of information processing leading to different levels of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Specifically, we submit that collectivism enhances shared information processing and goal setting in a dynamic environment, while individualism facilitates creativity and divergent thinking that can help EO if sufficient informational input is available. To empirically verify our theory, we study the relationships using survey and archival data from a sample of 487 firms in six industries in Brazil and Belgium, two countries that contrast in collectivism-individualism. Consistent with our predictions, we find higher EO in the collectivist culture of Brazil under high environmental dynamism and low information availability, and this difference is increased by strategic planning.

Harnessing the Power of AI in Salesforce: An Empirical Study on Enhanced Data Insights and Organizational Efficiency

Abstract: This article examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Salesforce platforms to enhance business analytics and decision-making processes. We explore how AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing data analysis, providing organizations with actionable insights, and improving market responsiveness. The article investigates key AI techniques implemented in Salesforce, including machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition and natural language processing for unstructured data analysis. We analyze the impact of these technologies on identifying trends, forecasting, threat detection, and opportunity identification for sustainable growth. Through case studies and empirical analysis, we demonstrate the effectiveness of AI-driven Salesforce solutions in streamlining data processing, enabling real-time market adaptation, and enhancing organizational efficiency. The article also addresses the technological infrastructure supporting these AI solutions, discussing cloud-based computing resources, integration challenges, and data security considerations. Our findings suggest that AIpowered Salesforce solutions significantly improve business analytics capabilities, allowing companies to make more informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets. This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI applications in customer relationship management and business intelligence systems

Generative Artificial Intelligence Systems and the Challenges in Latin American Education

This article examines the transformative role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in education, exploring diverse disciplines such as engineering, medicine, programming, and information systems. GAI emerges as a revolutionary force, promising to fundamentally change educational practices. The PRISMA 2020 methodology (Page et al., 2021) was used to evaluate the relevant scientific literature. The systematic review identified research that applied specific criteria in the analysis of IAG in education. The selected papers covered a variety of disciplines, providing a comprehensive view of the impact of IAG in education. The results show a diversity of approaches and institutional responses to IAG in education. From significant changes in teaching practices to the identification of specific opportunities in disciplines such as computer science and engineering, GAI stands out as a catalyst for transformation. The adaptation of tertiary education, the need for specific skills to work with GAI, and ethical responses emerge as key themes. It focuses on the need for a deeper and more consensual understanding of the role of GAI in education. Concrete research-supported opportunities are highlighted, but ethical limitations and concerns are also underscored. Collaboration, reflection, and adaptation to open educational practices are proposed as approaches to address the challenges and fully exploit the benefits of IAG in education. This comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding the current and future landscape of GAI in education, providing valuable guidelines for educators, institutions, and educational technology developers.

Nested case control study of prevalence and aetiology of dementia in a rural Ugandan population, and a situational analysis of services available for affected families: a protocol. Part of the DEPEND Uganda study (Dementia EPidemiology, unmet Need and co-Developing Solutions).

The prevalence of dementia in low- and middle-income countries is increasing, yet epidemiological data from African populations remain scarce. Crucial risk factors differ in Africa from more intensively studied global areas, including a high burden of cerebrovascular disease and HIV, but lower rates of other risk factors like physical inactivity.Understanding dementia aetiology in African settings has been limited by the expensive and invasive nature of biomarker testing. This study leverages developments in blood-based and retinal imaging biomarker technology to examine the drivers of dementia in older Ugandans.People with dementia have complex needs benefiting from multi-dimensional support. Understanding current services will allow identification of barriers and opportunities to strengthen support available to people with dementia and their families. The study is nested within the existing General Population Cohort run by the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Research Unit. Currently, all adults aged 60+ (around 1400) are undergoing brief cognitive screening.In Part 1, cohort participants will be selected based on cognitive screening scores to undergo detailed cognitive assessment, using methods developed by the 10/66 Dementia Research Group. Part 2 is a case control study of people with and without dementia using antecedent data, questionnaires, physical assessment, retinal imaging, and Alzheimer's blood-based biomarkers. We will also compare disability, frailty, quality of life, and social engagement in people with and without dementia.Part 3 assesses current provision of formal support for people with dementia through review of publicly available literature and expert interviews. This is the first study in Africa using blood-based and retinal imaging biomarkers to examine the pathological processes underlying dementia, and it will systematically map services available for people with dementia. This paves the way for effective policy strategies for both dementia prevention and support for people with dementia and their families.

Identification of Opportunities for Capitalizing on Tourist Potential in Hunedoara County through Rural Tourism Activities and Supporting the Development of the Local Community

The need to diversify economic activities in rural areas is essential for stimulating sustainable development. In this regard, rural tourism can be an effective tool for supporting the development in rural areas. The purpose of this article was to identify the favorability of Hunedoara County for rural tourism activities, which would contribute to the sustainable development of tourism. Rural tourism activities would generate economic and social benefits both for local communities and for tourists, and at the same time preserve and protect the cultural and natural values of the area. The research methods used to carry out this study are both qualitative (documentary study) and quantitative (a questionnaire applied in order to identify the perceptions of tourists with respect to the tourist development potential of Hunedoara County through rural tourism). The main results of the research consist in the identification of some directions for future development of Hunedoara County. These directions would, in the future, lead to an increase in the visibility of local rural communities; to the preservation of local traditions and customs, while promoting sustainability and respect for the environment; and to the implementation of a plan for sustainable development through rural tourism in the studied area.

Legal education and artificial intelligence: vectors of interaction

Objective: to develop proposals for the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal education. Methods: dialectical methods (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, systematization, comparison, classification, forecasting), statistical, formal-legal and comparative-legal methods. Used in combination, these methods allow comprehensive analysis of the relationship between AI and legal education. Results: the article reveals the main directions to improve legal education in the conditions of AI development: integration of information and communication technologies and training of specialists able to work effectively at the intersection of law and technology. The advantages and disadvantages of using AI in legal education are identified. Ethical aspects of AI application are outlined, as well as the need to manage the development of technologies based on the principles of fairness, transparency and consideration of human interests. The author states the importance of developing not only specialized knowledge, but also universal competencies that will help students to adapt successfully to the dynamically changing conditions of professional activity. Scientific novelty: a comprehensive analysis of the interaction between legal education and AI was carried out, including the identification of specific opportunities for the AI application in legal education, as well as related risks and problems. The author proposes a systematic approach to improving legal education in the context of AI development, focusing on theneed to revise educational programs in legal areas in terms of integrating information and communication technologies; developing universal competencies in students to adapt to a dynamically changing professional environment; introducing mandatory advanced training for judges, legal practitioners to develop skills for using AI systems. Practical significance: the study results can be used to optimize and adapt the educational programs of law schools to the digital era requirements and to develop effective approaches to the AI application in legal practice and education, taking into account ethical aspects and potential risks.

Strategic maintenance planning in the digital era: a hybrid approach merging Reliability-Centered Maintenance with digitalization opportunities

AbstractIn the age of digital transformation, maintenance operations are crucial for leveraging the potential of Industry 4.0 and 5.0. Yet, this domain remains significantly under-optimized in terms of strategic maintenance planning and enhancing asset performance. The advent of smart technologies offers a myriad of innovative avenues; however, harnessing these effectively requires systematic planning that incorporates these new, various and quite diversified, smart practices. Thus, this paper proposes a new methodological approach to maintenance planning, based on the Reliability-Centered Maintenance method, aimed at providing an operative tool for organizations to foster the evolution of their maintenance plans towards the paradigm of digitalization. This novel method enables the identification of hidden opportunities of improvement not identifiable through the use of the traditional approach through the proposal of an Opportunity Index, to use together with the Criticality Index in asset selection, and a Digitalization Score to use during Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis. The proposed method is applied to transform the maintenance planning of a production line, thus identifying the opportunities of the approach and testing its feasibility.

Exploring the Formation of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions among Chinese University Students: A Dual Path Moderated Mediation Model

As Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gain traction in Chinese society, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among university students has emerged as a key priority for universities and governments. Methods for increasing students’ sustainable entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for the creation of sustainable startups have attracted substantial attention. This study constructs a moderated mediation model based on entrepreneurial cognition theory to investigate the mediating roles of opportunity identification and attitude in the relationship between sustainable entrepreneurship education and sustainable entrepreneurial intention among university students, in addition to the moderating effect of empathy. The study surveyed 307 students from universities in the Yangtze River Delta region and employed hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurship education enhances students’ sustainable entrepreneurial intention by fostering their opportunity identification and attitude, and this enhancement effect is stronger when their level of empathy is higher. These findings enrich entrepreneurial cognition and empathy theories within the context of sustainable entrepreneurship and offer valuable insights for universities and policymakers in developing strategies to support sustainable entrepreneurship among university students.

Sustainable Development Strategy Based on Value-Addedin the Fisheries Sector: Study on the Kangean Islands, Sumenep Regency, Indonesia

Objective: Kangean Islands is a group of small islands in Sumenep Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia, which is administratively divided into three sub-districts, namely Arjasa District, Kangayan District, and Sapeken District. This archipelago has very large fisheries potential as seen from its contribution to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Sumenep Regency, but the utilization of the fisheries sector in this archipelago is still carried out traditionally and tends to be exploitative. This study aims to see the level of sustainability of fisheries sector management and recommend fisheries resource management strategies, in order to increase the economic added value of the fisheries sector and maintain the sustainability of fish resources and the environment in the archipelago. Method: The analytical method used to analyze the degree of sustainability in fisheries resource management in the Kangean Islands is Rapid Appraissal for Fisheries (RAPFISH) with the Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) ordination technique. While the analytical tool used to compile a hierarchy of fisheries sector development strategies to increase economic added value is the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results and Discussion: The results of the sustainability analysis in the management of the fisheries sector found that, of the five aspects identified, the results showed that the financial aspect and infrastructure aspect had the category of "Sustainable Sustainability", with values of each aspect of 63.113 and 53.885. While the other three aspects, namely: Human Resources (HR) Aspect, Natural Resources Aspect, and Social Aspect are included in the category of "Less Sustainable". Meanwhile, based on the results of the analysis of the hierarchy of fisheries sector development policies, it shows that the most priority policy to be carried out in the development of a sustainable fisheries sector is the "identification of investment potential and opportunities" program with a priority value of 46%. Furthermore, the strategy that must be chosen is to map the potential of the fisheries sector with a limiting value of 21%. With a Rater Agreement value strength of 0.472727 or 47%, it means that the informants agree in providing an assessment on the paired comparison questionnaire, in determining problems and strategies in the development of the fisheries sector in the archipelago.

NAVIGATING SERVICE INNOVATION: INVESTIGATING THE STAGES OF INNOVATION PROCESS IN TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY

This research explored the stages of service innovation within the telecommunications industry, specifically examining PT Telkom Indonesia Datel Temanggung. Using a qualitative approach that included observation and interviews with five employees, the research identified a six-stage process for service innovation: opportunity identification, idea management, concept development, pilot test, launch, and learning. The results highlighted significant challenges faced during the innovation process and emphasized the importance of customer involvement. Additionally, service innovation at PT Telkom had crucial managerial implications, requiring careful evaluation to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. Managers must navigate the innovation timeline to balance stakeholder impact and avoid employee burnout. Phased rollouts and targeted marketing were recommended strategies to keep customers informed and engaged throughout the innovation process.

Scientific Production Dynamics in mHealth for Diabetes: Scientometric Analysis.

The widespread use of mobile technologies in health care (mobile health; mHealth) has facilitated disease management, especially for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. mHealth for diabetes is an attractive alternative to reduce costs and overcome geographical and temporal barriers to improve patients' conditions. This study aims to reveal the dynamics of scientific publications on mHealth for diabetes to gain insights into who are the most prominent authors, countries, institutions, and journals and what are the most cited documents and current hot spots. A scientometric analysis based on a competitive technology intelligence methodology was conducted. An innovative 8-step methodology supported by experts was executed considering scientific documents published between 1998 and 2021 in the Science Citation Index Expanded database. Publication language, publication output characteristics, journals, countries and institutions, authors, and most cited and most impactful articles were identified. The insights obtained show that a total of 1574 scientific articles were published by 7922 authors from 90 countries, with an average of 15 (SD 38) citations and 6.5 (SD 4.4) authors per article. These documents were published in 491 journals and 92 Web of Science categories. The most productive country was the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, China, Australia, and South Korea, and the top 3 most productive institutions came from the United States, whereas the top 3 most cited articles were published in 2016, 2009, and 2017 and the top 3 most impactful articles were published in 2016 and 2017. This approach provides a comprehensive knowledge panorama of research productivity in mHealth for diabetes, identifying new insights and opportunities for research and development and innovation, including collaboration with other entities, new areas of specialization, and human resource development. The findings obtained are useful for decision-making in policy planning, resource allocation, and identification of research opportunities, benefiting researchers, health professionals, and decision makers in their efforts to make significant contributions to the advancement of diabetes science.

Accuracy of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) rapid test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis: A multi-center study in six Brazilian states

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with significant global impact and a challenging diagnosis. The utilization of adequately validated rapid tests is relevant for the opportune identification of the disease and for reduction in fatality rates. The present study analyzes the accuracy and reliability of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) assay -produced in Brazil by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)- for diagnosing leptospirosis. Firstly, a serological panel was constructed in the Brazilian Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis using samples routinely handled by reference laboratories of six Brazilian states. It consisted of 150 positive (according to MAT and IgM-ELISA) and 250 negative samples for leptospirosis. Subsequently, the panel samples were distributed to the reference laboratories for the performance of DPP assays in triplicate. Different measures were used in the assessment of diagnostic quality. Predictive values were estimated for different pre-test probability settings. Sensitivities varied between 67.33 % and 74.00 % and specificities between 93.20 % and 98.40 % in the states, and there were adequate agreements between them. Accuracies were lower for the samples of patients with less than 7 days of symptoms. In contexts of prevalence values up to around 25 %, positive and negative predictive values were around 90 %. However, in situations of high pre-test probabilities, NPVs were low. This study improves understanding of the use of DPP in diagnosing leptospirosis, particularly its application in healthcare settings. As long as the time of symptoms onset and clinical and epidemiological contexts are adequately considered for the interpretation of results, DPP is a valid option to be used in the leptospirosis diagnostic routine.

Navigating the digital landscape: communication visibility and entrepreneurial opportunity identification

Purpose With the advent of digital platforms, entrepreneurs have been able to communicate and share information in visible environments. By focusing on the visibility aspect of digital platform in a resource-constrained economy, this study aims to propose a conceptual model for exploring entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Furthermore, this study delves into the moderating influence of entrepreneurial alertness on opportunity recognition. Design/methodology/approach A research model is constructed using the theory of communication visibility to investigate how message transparency and network translucence affect the identification and development of entrepreneurial opportunities, with additional exploration of the moderating influence of entrepreneurial alertness. A questionnaire survey is conducted with 152 Iranian founder-entrepreneurs to test the proposed conceptual model. The research model’s constructs are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method. Findings The results confirm that communication visibility impacts both aspects of entrepreneurial opportunity identification. In addition, this study reveals the distinctive moderating effects of entrepreneurial alertness on the relationship between message transparency and the creation and discovery of entrepreneurial opportunities, while finding no significant effect on network transparency and opportunity identification. Originality/value This paper stands out for its originality in collecting data from an emerging market. Besides, it explores the association between entrepreneurs’ communication dimensions and the recognition of new opportunities at the intersection of digital platforms and entrepreneurship literature. Furthermore, it empirically illustrates the moderating role of entrepreneurial alertness in the relationships between communication visibility and opportunity identification, contributing significantly to existing research.