Post-pandemic World Research Articles

Information security in remote work: Strategies and challenges in a post-pandemic world

The increasing prevalence of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought significant information security challenges to organizations. While remote work offers numerous benefits such as flexibility and increased productivity, it also introduces unique risks, particularly in safeguarding sensitive data. The absence of traditional office security measures and reliance on potentially insecure home and public networks heighten these risks. Organizations must implement robust strategies, including the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure secure communications and access to corporate systems. Additionally, the protection of devices used in remote work is critical, necessitating clear security policies, regular updates, and employee training on recognizing threats like phishing and malware. Studies by Kolomoets (2022) and Alsayfi and Alsirhani (2023) highlight the importance of addressing the increased risks associated with remote work, particularly the potential for data breaches due to the lack of direct access to comprehensive security controls. These studies recommend best practices such as secure password management and regular employee training to mitigate these threats. Tanriverdi and Metin (2021) emphasize the need for renewed focus on security awareness and behavior as remote work becomes the norm. Furthermore, Rakha (2023) explores the legal implications and best practices for maintaining cybersecurity in remote settings, while Livshitz (2022) focuses on data privacy challenges, providing insights into regulatory compliance and security audits. In conclusion, safeguarding information security in remote work environments requires a holistic approach that integrates technology, continuous education, and stringent security policies. Organizations must prioritize these efforts to protect sensitive data and maintain privacy in an increasingly remote workforce.

Social Currency, Strategies and Consumer Behavior in Post-pandemic World

Social Currency, Strategies and Consumer Behavior in Post-pandemic World

TRANSFORMATION OF MEDICAL RESEARCH DUE TO AND BEYOND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered various sectors, and the scientific community is no exception. It has reshaped the research landscape across numerous disciplines, profoundly impacting how medical research is conducted, prioritized, and funded. As we move into the post-pandemic world, understanding these transformations is crucial for evaluating shifts in medical research and contemplating their implications for future scientific inquiry. This editorial focuses on the pandemic-driven transformations in medical research, including methodological innovations, changes in research focus, and their implications for future research directions. The need to respond rapidly to a rapidly changing environment has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and remote research methodologies. During lockdowns and periods of social distancing, the continuation of research increasingly relied on virtual collaboration and online data collection. This shift has highlighted how digital technologies can enhance research efficiency and brought attention to the necessity of robust frameworks to address the challenges associated with virtual interactions and remote data collection.

Conclusion: Reshaping horizons: the future of events in a post-pandemic world?

PurposeThe purpose of this theme issue is to explore the enduring changes and innovations shaping the future of the event industry in the post-pandemic world. While much of the existing literature focuses on the immediate impacts of COVID-19, this issue aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader transformations, including the integration of sustainability, emerging technologies, and evolving event formats.Design/methodology/approachThe theme issue encompasses a range of methodologies, including systematic reviews, bibliometric analyses, and in-depth case studies. The papers examine various aspects of the event industry, such as the adoption of hybrid event formats, the role of new technologies, and the importance of sustainability in event planning. Each paper contributes unique insights into the future direction of the industry by analyzing trends, technologies, and practices that are defining the next era of event management.FindingsThe findings highlight a significant shift in the event industry towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. Emerging technologies are also transforming the landscape, enabling more personalized and immersive event experiences. The rise of hybrid and micro-events is identified as a key trend, providing flexibility and inclusivity while maintaining the benefits of in-person interactions. These developments suggest a permanent change in consumer expectations and engagement strategies within the event industry.Originality/valueThis theme issue offers a holistic analysis of the innovative practices, technologies, and trends that are defining the future of the event industry. By bridging the gap between immediate pandemic responses and long-term industry transformations, it provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers looking to navigate the next era of event management.

Exploring Veterinary Students' Perceptions of Teamwork and Learning from an Interprofessional Community-based Experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided insight into the gaps provided by health care systems that could benefit from collaborative practice across the nexus of the animal and human health professions. The platform of Interprofessional Education (IPE), recognized as a pedagogical platform for delivering the principles of One Health, embodies the benefits of collaboration to address critical emerging public health issues, including the emergence of vector-borne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food security and defense and the impacts of climatic change. A phenomenological methodology, which is used to understand individuals lived experience, elicited veterinary students' perceptions of the benefits of interprofessional learning. Veterinary students indicated that the interprofessional learning experience facilitated their development of critical skills, including adaptability, communication, mutual support and an awareness of the social determinants of health, which are critical for readying them for practice in a postpandemic world.

Surveying Psychological Wellbeing in a Post-Pandemic World: The Role of Family and Social Support for LGBTQ+ and Cisgender Heterosexual Adults in the UK.

Studies have emphasized the importance of social support in mitigating the relationship between psychological distress and mental health effects, with family of origin and family of formation providing key sources of social support over the life course. However, LGBTQ+ people may experience family of origin relationships as a source of distress, while partners and friends may buffer the relationship between minority stress and psychological wellbeing. Through our online survey (March-June 2022), which was conducted when the social restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted in the UK, we considered the association between psychological wellbeing and sources of social support by sampling n = 1330 LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual adults. LGBTQ+ adults generally experienced poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes than did cisgender heterosexual people. For LGBTQ+ adults, social support from family of origin, a special person, or friends was not associated with depression, anxiety, or stress levels, but social support from family or a special person was positively associated with higher levels of life satisfaction. Our findings indicate the importance of considering negative as well as positive wellbeing.

Carting the Significance of Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching

The use of educational technologies in English language teaching (ELT) has become widely accepted in the post-pandemic era, and, for better or worse, some of these technologies rely on artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is on the rise as witnessed in the growing popularity of dialogue systems like Alexa. However, some key criteria still need to be met before it can serve as a substitute for a real-life language teacher: spontaneity, creativity and shared knowledge. As an area of technological growth and increasing financial investment, we are likely to see more AI-driven technologies in teaching and learning in the post-pandemic ELT world. ELT will not be immune to this development, and it behooves us as language teachers to be familiar with AI's current benefits and challenges, so that we can better prepare for that future. This article describes how AI is currently used in ELT and explores some of the opportunities and challenges that AI can provide for learners, teachers and institutions.

Flexible Working in a Post-Pandemic World: Clarifying Concepts and Insights for the Future

Flexible Working in a Post-Pandemic World: Clarifying Concepts and Insights for the Future

콘텐츠 액티비즘의 이론적 탐색

With the advent of the smartphone and Internet era, individuals who have become one-person media have become able to film their lives, tell stories, and produce content. In addition, personal media, channels, and platforms function as a place to produce social value through communicating with others through one's own content, solidarity, and sometimes cooperative practice. Meanwhile, the speed and distance-reducing technology of hyper-connectivity also creates another form of alienation by subordinating individuals to new ideologies of information surveillance, control, and algorithms. In order to escape from a life dependent on technology and actively and independently engage in cultural practice, meaningful communication with others must be realized through the production and distribution of cultural contents as a means of communication. According to Lee Ki-sang, cultural contents contain the ideology and values that allow humans, as cultural beings, to embody their own identity and express it to pursue their own style. In modern society, where media communication has become a daily routine, ‘I’ without self-expression through cultural content can be said to be an absent entity among people. Jandrić (P.) describes the collective intelligence required by the digital age as “I think. we learn We propose a new principle of thinking, “we-think, we learn, and we act.” Regarding the identity of modern people living in a post-pandemic world, Park Chi-wan argues for a ‘transition to global citizens.’ A global citizen refers to a person who breaks away from human-centered thinking and learns and practices how to coexist and live with other living things. In order to realize global public good, a ‘new form of knowledge’ must be created to solve global problems, and a new solidarity must be established in recognition of the right to data and life through connection and access, openness and disclosure, etc. through transnational cooperation. It can be said that the realization of true global citizenship is that no living being on Earth is excluded or discriminated against, and that people work together and make sacrifices for the common good. In this study, we seek to establish a theoretical foundation for the expressions and actions of cultural subjects who practice activism based on existing content activism research results. By exploring the representation of ethical issues and the value of nonviolent practice through Judith Butler's nonviolent discourse, we examine the value of humanistic imagination and solidarity that Contents Activists should pursue.

Internet-based treatment for Autistic Spectrum DisorderAn overview

Internet-based therapies have emerged as effective alternatives to traditional face-to-face therapies, demonstrating efficacy in treating mental health problems and providing accessible care, especially in this post-pandemic world. Moreover, the unique characteristics of the Internet offer promising opportunities to cater to the unique requirements of patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , emphasizing profound impact that can be achieved through internet-based therapy in revolutionizing existing therapeutic paradigms. However, investigation of online therapy for adults and older individuals with ASD is currently limited. This systematic review provides a summary of the status of existing research investigating the application of Internet-based therapies on individuals with ASD, including Virtual Reality-based interventions, Artificial Intelligence-based interventions and other online therapies. The primary objectives are to assess the efficacy of Internet-based therapies as treatments for individuals with ASD. Additionally, potential differences between Internet-delivered therapies and traditional face-to-face therapies are also being explored. By providing a comprehensive analysis of both Internet-based and traditional therapy modalities, this review aims to contribute to our understanding and delivery of more effective therapeutic options available for individuals with ASD. Future directions on better therapeutic choices are discussed, as well as the need for addressing the existing research gap towards elder population.

Reclaiming the technology of higher education for teaching digital writing in a post—pandemic world

Like all disciplines in higher education, the teaching of digital writing was profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as faculty and students moved to emergency remote teaching (ERT). Rapid shifts to synchronous and asynchronous online delivery modes reshaped classrooms built upon frequent peer review and student collaboration in writing, forcing students and faculty into educational technologies that raised issues of privacy, equity, and surveillance. Yet, digital writing faculty responded to these challenges in ways that prioritised individual autonomy of student writers with creative assessments, improved access to texts, thoughtful connections to employers and audiences beyond the academy, and enhanced classroom collaborations via digital technologies. As this Editorial explores, the story of digital writing pedagogy during the pandemic became the story of a constant push and pull with the technologies that created digital writing itself. And just as teachers of digital writing began to emerge from the disruptions of the pandemic, a new wave of digital writing technologies enter the mix: AI-powered writing generators have arrived via applications such as ChatGPT with the seeming potential to shape the role of digital literacy once again. As this Editorial argues, the technologies of digital writing can be harnessed to reflect the values of education – openness, individual autonomy, and the power of knowledge – but only when the practitioners of digital writing pedagogy understand and access digital writing tools. At this time, those tools are again in rapid flux and the digital writing landscape remains profoundly unsettled.

Self-directed learning among general practitioners in the German-speaking part of Switzerland: a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

This research aimed to investigate the self-directed learning (SDL) habits of Swiss general practitioners from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, understanding how they acquire new knowledge, exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these habits and identifying optimisation strategies for their future self-directed learning. We employed a qualitative study design, conducting semi-structured interviews with 16 general practitioners from 30 May 2022 to 06 July 2022. Thematic analysis based on a mixed deductive/inductive approach was used to gain insight into the learning activities and self-directed learning practices of the practitioners. The interviewed general practitioners demonstrated a versatile approach to self-directed learning, where peer communication emerged as the most predominant learning method. It is noteworthy that the younger generation in particular showed a strong inclination for peer learning and is well prepared for the integration of advanced digital solutions for peer communication. Furthermore, a significant shift was observed in media-based self-directed learning, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital platforms and repositories for practical learning were mentioned as educational mainstays by many interviewees, reflecting a profound technological shift observed over the past 25 years and especially since the pandemic. The primary motivation for pursuing new knowledge remains patient care, although personal development and staying up-to-date with medical and technological advancements are also key motivators. Although the pandemic has undeniably accelerated the transition towards digital learning, it has also brought with it challenges such as information overload and technical difficulties. There was an evident decline in formal learning venues and physical presence during the pandemic, yet the reported value of in-person interactions remains high. Suggestions for optimising self-directed learning included enhancing digital offerings, fostering stronger peer networks and integrating more practical content. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed a transformation in the self-directed learning practices of general practitioners in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, underlining the importance of a balanced approach between digital and traditional learning methods. As the digital realm of self-directed learning grows, it is essential to address existing challenges and capitalise on potential advantages. Both individual networking efforts like general practitioner quality circles and initiatives from official authorities like informal self-test opportunities can play pivotal roles in refining self-directed learning practices. The findings from this study offer valuable insights for enhancing learning resources and environments that align with general practitioners' needs and preferences. Future research should investigate the ongoing impact of advanced digital technologies on self-directed learning to understand the evolving landscape in a post-pandemic world.

How host-country firms’ information transparency affects MNEs’ joint venture entry mode of OFDI: evidence from Chinese listed manufacturing firms

Purpose Information transparency is an important factor in enhancing trust and promoting interfirm cooperation. By combining transaction cost theory and institutional theory, this study aims to examines whether host-country firms’ information transparency prompt multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) to choose the joint venture entry mode for outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Design/methodology/approach Using Heckman two-stage estimation method, this study examines Chinese listed manufacturing firms for the period 2014–2019. Findings The findings indicate that the higher the information transparency of host-country firms, the higher the possibility of MNEs choosing the joint venture entry mode for OFDI. This study further finds that the positive relationship between host country firms’ information transparency and the possibility of choosing the joint venture entry mode is enhanced by institutional distance, but weakened by MNEs’ host-country experience. Originality/value How to choose the appropriate entry mode of OFDI in the internationalization strategy is an important issue for MNEs to consider. As the postpandemic world is characterized by increased global risks, decoupling of economies, disruption of global value chains and the retreat of globalization (Contractor and Cantwell, 2022), how to further strengthen cooperation, reduce the cost and risk of MNEs and truly realize common construction and sharing is one of the hot issues in both practice and research.

A Systematic Literature Review on The Strategic Shift to Cloud ERP: Leveraging Microservice Architecture and MSPs for Resilience and Agility

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated profound changes in the business and technology landscapes, compelling organizations to reassess their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Traditional ERP systems have demonstrated significant limitations in agility, scalability, and resilience, prompting a strategic shift towards cloud-based ERP solutions. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to critically evaluate the transformation of ERP systems through the adoption of Microservice Architecture (MSA) and the integration of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), highlighting their role in enhancing system flexibility and operational continuity in a post-pandemic world. We conducted a systematic analysis of 124 scholarly articles published since 2010 to compare traditional ERP systems with MSA-based Cloud ERP solutions. Key insights reveal that MSA significantly improves system modularity and adaptability, addressing the shortcomings of monolithic architectures. Additionally, MSPs offer crucial support in managing the complexities of cloud transitions, ensuring security and efficiency. Our findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to ERP modernization, integrating technological advancements with strategic business objectives. This study not only fills a critical gap in the literature but also provides actionable recommendations for practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance ERP systems’ resilience and agility. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the synergistic potential of cloud ERP, MSA, and MSPs in fostering innovative and sustainable business practices.

Digital pedagogy: experiential learning theory improves mathematics learners’ engagement and learning outcomes in optical physics course

In response to the evolving educational landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores the application of experiential learning theory (ELT) in an Optical Physics course for mathematics undergraduates. With a focus on improving engagement and academic performance, we address the critical need for effective pedagogical approaches in a virtual environment. The study involves 176 students, encompassing a wide demographic spectrum, during 2021, and utilises an extensive theoretical framework to support the ELT approach. The core of the study is an innovative learning model based on hands-on experiments, designed to enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and promote active learning. Students perform a series of experiments, reflect on their observations, connect theory to practice, and answer challenging questions that link theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Our results reveal a significant improvement in students’ academic outcomes, with higher average grades and reduced course abandonment compared to the previous year. The study also explores students’ perceptions, revealing their appreciation for this active learning approach, as it enhances motivation, concentration, enjoyment, and perceived learning. Collecting data through questionnaires, in-class feedback, andpost-class email reflections further validates the effectiveness of the Kolb-based ELT approach. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the power of implementing hands-on experiential learning in virtual education settings, fostering deeper engagement and improved academic outcomes, especially in a post-pandemic world where such pedagogical innovation is vital.

Effective analysis of remote ship inspection in Asia-Pacific region and its impact on shipping trade under COVID-19

ABSTRACT In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global shipping industry has faced unprecedented challenges, necessitating rapid adaptations in regulatory practices and inspection methodologies to ensure the continuity of trade and maritime safety. Remote port state control (PSC) involves the use of technology to monitor, regulate, and manage the activities and compliance of vessels in a port’s jurisdiction without the need for physical boarding or inspection. This study examines the effectiveness of remote PSC inspections within the Asia-Pacific region and assesses their impact on shipping trade during the pandemic. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of data from remote inspections conducted under the auspices of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this research identifies key factors influencing the efficacy of such inspections and their implications for regulatory compliance and maritime safety. Through a methodological blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative evaluation, the study explores how remote inspections have been critical in maintaining operational integrity and safety standards amidst global disruptions. The findings highlight the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in facilitating these adaptations, alongside the challenges and opportunities of remote inspection practices. This research contributes to the ongoing maritime safety and regulation discourse, offering insights into the potential for remote inspections to complement traditional methods in a post-pandemic world.

Telehealth development in the WHO European region: Results from a quantitative survey and insights from Norway

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic sent shock waves through societies, economies, and health systems of Member States in the WHO European Region and beyond. During the pandemic, most countries transitioned from a slow to a rapid adoption of telehealth solutions, to accommodate the public health and social measures introduced to mitigate the spread of the disease. As countries shift to a post-pandemic world, the question remains whether telehealth’s importance as a mode of care provision in Europe continues to be significant. ObjectiveThis paper aims to present, synthesize, and interpret results from the Telehealth Programmes section of the 2022 WHO Survey on Digital Health (2022 WHO/Europe DH Survey). We specifically analyze the implementation and use of teleradiology, telemedicine, and telepsychiatry. Norwegian telehealth experiences will be used to illustrate survey findings, and we discuss some of the relevant barriers and facilitators that impact the use of telehealth services. MethodsThe survey tool was revised from the 2015 WHO Global Survey on eHealth, updated to reflect recent progress and policy priorities.The 2022 WHO/Europe DH Survey was conducted by WHO and circulated to Member States in its European Region from April to October 2022. ResultsThe data analysis revealed that teleradiology, telemedicine, and telepsychiatry are the telehealth services most commonly used in the WHO European Region in 2022. Funding remains the most significant barrier to the implementation of telehealth in the Region, followed by infrastructure and capacity/human resources. The survey results highlighted in this study are presented in the following sections: (1) telehealth strategies and financing, (2) telehealth programmes and services offered by Member States of the WHO European Region, (3) barriers to implementing telehealth services, and (4) monitoring and evaluation of telehealth. ConclusionBased on WHO’s 2022 survey, the use of telehealth in the WHO European Region is on the rise. However, merely having telehealth in place is not sufficient for its successful and sustained use for care provision. Responses also uncovered regional differences and barriers that need to be overcome. Successful implementation and scaling of telehealth requires rethinking the design of health and social care systems to create robust, trustworthy, and person-centred digital health and care services.

The invisible evidence: Digital forensics as key to solving crimes in the digital age

Digital transformation rapidly changes how we live our lives in the post pandemic world. Unfortunately, digital technology is not limited to law abiding organisations and citizens. Criminal organisations and individuals are quick to identify new opportunities with new technologies, and digital transformation is dramatically changing the character of crimes, terror, and other threats. The fast emergence of new crimes is facilitated by possibilities brought by disruptive technologies such as AI, Internet of Things, drones, and cryptocurrencies that can be disastrous tools in the hands of criminals. Consequently, our society needs far better capacity to prevent and investigate criminal acts to protect organisations and citizens. This brings an urgent need to proactively reform digital forensics to significantly increase our capability to meet the strain on society brought by crimes evolving in the digital transformation era. The future of forensic science is already here, characterized by a mix of opportunities and challenges. It is essential to make it harder to effectively use digital technologies for criminal activities, while leveraging the possibilities of digital technologies by those affected, law enforcement agencies, business and organisations. As digital technologies continue to evolve, we need to stay up to date with the latest developments to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes in the digital age. There is an increased reliance on digital evidence, and the amount of heterogeneous digital evidence in criminal cases keep increasing. The forensic science techniques thus become more sophisticated and play an increasingly important role. However, the scientific area is extremely broad, and beyond the capability of most forensic science labs to keep up with the technology forefront development speed. Besides an urgent need to bring up the subject to the political arena, examples of how we can meet the challenges are discussed such as by extending our cooperation, encourage and facilitate cooperation for training and education to handle the extremely broad and rapid development, working out methods for explaining and visualising evidence for the treatment and legal values of digital evidence in prosecution, and cooperation between product developers and crime investigators for swift innovation of digital forensics tools and methodologies for quickly emerging threats. This paper will highlight specific examples where modern digital techniques are used to solve crimes in the physical world as well as crimes committed in the digital domain and discuss how “good AI” can be used to fight “evil AI” and finally touch on the sensitive balance between the increased power of the new digital forensic tools and private integrity.

A Model Proposal for Sustainable Career Management in Hospitality: Grounded Theory Perspective

As throughout the post-pandemic world, hospitality facilities in Antalya, the destination of mass tourism in Türkiye, are struggling with the problem of labor shortage. Sustainable Career Management (SCM) efforts to recruit and retain competent and qualified young people are increasing in order to reduce the labor shortage. In this context, based on the grounded theory methodology, the study provides a holistic model of how SCM should be managed with the views of experienced managers in the hospitality sector.

Why do citizens not prefer to use e-scooters? Views of the public in the Netherlands

E-scooters, a burgeoning form of micromobility, are revolutionizing urban transportation systems globally, particularly in the post-pandemic world. The surge in e-scooter adoption introduces novel regulatory challenges for local authorities. Numerous recent studies cater to these policy needs by exploring e-scooter use. However, scant attention has been paid to non-users’ perspectives, which is crucial to understand comprehensively the effect of e-scooters on urban environments. Issues such as accidents, parking problems, and others, which concern city-dwellers, require close attention. To address this research gap, we used a Q-methodology study to examine the diverse views among residents of the Netherlands. Twenty-one respondents ranked 34 statements pertaining to their disincentives to e-scooter use and elucidated their rankings in a follow-up survey. The study unearthed three distinct viewpoints: (1) “environmentalists” deem e-scooters as environmentally unfriendly, (2) “materialist” exhibit a preference for personal vehicle ownership over shared transport, and (3) “socializers” perceive e-scooters as unsuitable for larger groups. These findings set the stage for potential research directions and underline the importance of incorporating diverse public perceptions in micromobility policymaking.