Future Roadmap Research Articles

Emergency medicine: a global perspective on its past, evolution, and future.

Emergency Medicine (EM) has continuously evolved since its origins on the battlefields of eighteenth-century Europe. Adapting to emerging challenges in healthcare, it has, in the past 70years, developed to become a critical safety net for society. Despite its resilience and many accomplishments, EM still faces significant challenges, including workforce attrition, resource constraints, and the need for ongoing innovation. This paper explores the various adaptations EM has implemented to meet the demands of healthcare systems globally. By examining these factors and challenges, the paper outlines a future roadmap for EM, emphasizing global equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained investment to ensure that EM remains robust in addressing future healthcare challenges.

Emerging concepts and success stories in type 1 diabetes research: a roadmap for a bright future.

Type 1 diabetes treatment stands at a crucial and exciting crossroad since the 2022 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of teplizumab to delay disease development. In this Perspective article, we discuss four major conceptual and practical issues that emerged as key to further advance type 1 diabetes research and therapies. First, collaborative networks leveraging the synergy between the type 1 diabetes research and care community members are key to fostering innovation, know-how and translation into the clinical arena worldwide. Second, recent clinical trials in presymptomatic stage 2 and recent-onset stage 3 disease have shown the promise, and potential pitfalls, of using immunomodulatory and/or beta-cell protective agents to achieve sustained remission or prevention. Third, the increasingly appreciated heterogeneity of clinical, immunological, and metabolic phenotypes and disease trajectories is of critical importance to advance the decision-making process for tailored type 1 diabetes care and therapy. Fourth, the clinical benefits of early diagnosis of beta-cell autoimmunity warrant consideration of general population screening for islet autoantibodies, which requires further efforts to address the technical, organizational and ethical challenges inherent to a sustainable program. Efforts are underway to integrate these four concepts into the future directions of type 1 diabetes research and therapy.

Agriculture and Automation: Potential Benefits, Difficulties and Economic Impacts

In contemporary agriculture, automation and robotics are the main players. They present viable answers to issues with the world's expanding population, changing demographics, and economic standing. This analysis examines the potential and difficulties of utilizing new technologies as well as the frequently overlooked connection between automation technology and agricultural economics. This study examines the potential of automation and robots in farming techniques, as well as their socio-economic impacts, through a methodical analysis of the literature. It also offers practical advice for those involved. For this reason, a variety of robot types used in diverse agricultural fields have been examined, along with the difficulties and technical viability of adopting automation. Additional significant aspects have been examined, such as changes in the labour market, economic conditions, and demographic trends. This study also looks into the social effects of automation, specifically with regard to worker adaption and employment. It discovers that although automation increases sustainability and efficiency, it also results in labour displacement and necessitates significant technological investment. This in-depth analysis closes a significant gap by evaluating precision agriculture's future, labour market change, and economic viability. Along with outlining a future roadmap for research and policy, it also plots a course for future studies and policy-making at the nexus of agricultural technology and socioeconomic domains.

Data Collection and Recharging of Sensor Node by Mobile Sink in Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract: The wireless sensor network (WSN) has limited battery and storage capacity. The main challenge in static sink nodes is the lack of energy and data transfer to the base station (BS). A mobile sink (MS) is an excellent way to handle these difficulties in WSN. The use of an MS solution not only ensures long-term network functionality, but also improves network performance. In this paper, the MS-based data collection and recharging, mobile device is used for data collection from sensor nodes and recharging the sensor nodes throughout the network whenever required. There are two types of MS-based solutions described as (i) Mobile devices for data collection from sensor nodes in the network. (ii) Mobile device for collecting data and recharging sensor nodes from the network. Finally, in this paper, we presented the advantages, disadvantages, and other criteria of both types. Also, a potential framework is presented for data collection and recharging of sensor nodes by MS in WSN. The core contribution of this paper is present the state of art and future roadmap for data collection and recharging of sensor nodes by MS in WSN. The identification of the main open challenges and future direction in this research area are also highlighted and discussed.

Guidelines for Bibliometric‐Systematic Literature Reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis and theory development

AbstractThe steady increase in academic production has been paralleled by a surge in the number of bibliometric and systematic literature reviews (SLRs) published. Over the years, scholars began to combine bibliometric analyses with SLRs. However, such combined approaches relied on fragmented methodological suggestions without clear guiding frameworks. This article introduces integrated guidelines for undertaking multi‐method literature reviews, combining bibliometric analyses with SLRs and theory development, which we call ‘Bibliometric‐Systematic Literature Review’ (B‐SLR). In doing so, we develop a 10‐step process on how to apply the B‐SLR. In each of the proposed steps, we discuss critical decisions and best practices to support researchers while crafting meaningful and theoretically relevant literature reviews. The B‐SLR is intended as a flexible toolbox designed to accommodate diverse research objectives in the miner–prospector continuum, spanning from reviewing, theorising, tracing future roadmaps or creating bridges among different topics. The B‐SLR incorporates the pillars of critical analysis, timeliness, coverage, rigour, coherence and originality of contribution, also emphasising the need for a novel and relevant theoretical contribution. The B‐SLR is supported by a companion website, providing additional resources to assist researchers in this 10‐step process: https://www.b‐slr.org.

Internationalization via industry 4.0 technologies: application areas and future roadmap for international business

Internationalization via industry 4.0 technologies: application areas and future roadmap for international business

MAPPING THE NEED FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR FUTURE ECONOMIC BENEFITS: POTENTIALS AND PROJECTIONS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

The circular economy, a concept based on the principles of designing waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for a longer time, and regenerating natural systems is still in its infancy in the Western Balkans, especially in many analyses related to the development and future projections of small and medium enterprises. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in per capita waste generation in the region, with the municipal waste recycling rate among economies being very low, while resource intensity as a measure of resource efficiency has remained relatively high. In addition, enterprises in the region are rarely aware of the opportunities of a circular economy, such as reduced environmental impact, more sustainable use, and conservation of natural resources, lower production costs, increased innovation, increased competitiveness, greater resistance to external shocks through reduced dependence on resources or the creation of new markets and jobs. Of particular importance is the identification of key economic sectors that should be directly involved in the process of circular economic transformation. In addition, it is important in the European framework, to map of the good practices that could be transferred to the economy in the Republic of North Macedonia, when it comes to the circular economy. In the framework of this paper, through the application of a methodological framework of content analysis, comparison, synthesis, and generalization, a diagnosis of the current situation regarding a circular economy in North Macedonia will be presented, as well as the identification of priority sectors/areas as the main key for the future perspectives of the circular economy within these society frameworks. It requires the involvement of all key stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and academia, to apply a comprehensive approach in setting a future roadmap for a circular economy and encouraging a circular transition for the greater benefit of society of the Republic of North Macedonia, with special reference to improving the future of small and medium enterprises.

Personalized and adaptive e-learning systems for semantic Web: a systematic review and roadmap

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a systematic and comprehensive review of personalized, adaptive and semantic e-learning systems. Design/methodology/approach Preferred reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines have been used for a thorough insight into associated aspects of e-learning that complement the e-learning pedagogies and processes. The aspects of e-learning systems have been reviewed comprehensively such as personalization and adaptivity, e-learning and semantics, learner profiling and learner categorization, which are handy in intelligent content recommendations for learners. Findings The adoption of semantic Web based technologies would complement the learner’s performance in terms of learning outcomes. Research limitations/implications The evaluation of the proposed framework depends upon the yearly batch of learners and recording is a cumbersome/tedious process. Social implications E-Learning systems may have diverse and positive impact on society including democratized learning and inclusivity regardless of socio-economic or geographic status. Originality/value A preliminary framework of an ontology-based e-learning system has been proposed at a modular level of granularity for implementation, along with evaluation metrics followed by a future roadmap.

Identifying Problematic Phase Transformations in Pb Foil Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Group IVA elements have aroused attention in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their Na-storage capability. Among them, Pb is less explored perhaps due to its perceived risks, but its long-standing success in Pb-acid batteries should not be neglected. Together with the well-established recycling procedures, the merits of Pb warrant further investigations as a practical SIB anode. In this work, four intermetallic phases are detected during electrochemical sodiation of Pb, which yields a capacity of ∼460 mAh·g−1 (∼1167 mAh·cm−3) upon the formation of Na15Pb4. When pursuing full capacities, the electrode stops functioning after only 3–4 cycles largely due to electrode physical damage. The reversibility of each phase transformation pair is then assessed to explore the origins of capacity fading. The NaPb/Na9Pb4 transformation shows the worst stability, consistent with the observed structural damage (e.g., cracks and voids). Through bypassing the problematic phase transformations using a partial cycling protocol, the stability of Pb foil anodes is improved, giving 20 cycles with 85% capacity retention. Considering other factors are unoptimized, it is suggested that the Pb-based anodes should not be fully eliminated from the future roadmap of SIBs, as the prospective merits can create value to ensure the management of such materials of concern.

Secure UAV (Drone) and the Great Promise of AI

UAVs have found their applications in numerous applications from recreational activities to business in addition to military and strategic fields. However, research on UAVs is not going on as quickly as the technology. Especially, when it comes to the security of these devices, the academia is lagging behind the industry. This gap motivates our work in this article as a stepping stone for future research in this area. A comprehensive survey on the security of UAVs and UAV-based systems can help the research community keep pace with, or even lead the industry. Although there are several reviews on UAVs or related areas, there is no recent survey broadly covering various aspects of security. Moreover, none of the existing surveys highlights current and future trends with a focus on the role of an omnipresent technology such as AI. This article endeavors to overcome these shortcomings. We conduct a comprehensive review on security challenges of UAVs as well as the related security controls. Then we develop a future roadmap for research in this area with a focus on the role of AI. The future roadmap is established based on the identified current trends, under-researched topics, and a future look-ahead.

A review on 4D cone-beam CT (4D-CBCT) in radiation therapy: Technical advances and clinical applications.

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is the most commonly used onboard imaging technique for target localization in radiation therapy. Conventional 3D CBCT acquires x-ray cone-beam projections at multiple angles around the patient to reconstruct 3D images of the patient in the treatment room. However, despite its wide usage, 3D CBCT is limited in imaging disease sites affected by respiratory motions or other dynamic changes within the body, as it lacks time-resolved information. To overcome this limitation, 4D-CBCT was developed to incorporate a time dimension in the imaging to account for the patient's motion during the acquisitions. For example, respiration-correlated 4D-CBCT divides the breathing cycles into different phase bins and reconstructs 3D images for each phase bin, ultimately generating a complete set of 4D images. 4D-CBCT is valuable for localizing tumors in the thoracic and abdominal regions where the localization accuracy is affected by respiratory motions. This is especially important for hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which delivers much higher fractional doses in fewer fractions than conventional fractionated treatments. Nonetheless, 4D-CBCT does face certain limitations, including long scanning times, high imaging doses, and compromised image quality due to the necessity of acquiring sufficient x-ray projections for each respiratory phase. In order to address these challenges, numerous methods have been developed to achieve fast, low-dose, and high-quality 4D-CBCT. This paper aims to review the technical developments surrounding 4D-CBCT comprehensively. It will explore conventional algorithms and recent deep learning-based approaches, delving into their capabilities and limitations. Additionally, the paper will discuss the potential clinical applications of 4D-CBCT and outline a future roadmap, highlighting areas for further research and development. Through this exploration, the readers will better understand 4D-CBCT's capabilities and potential to enhance radiation therapy.

Nourish resilience in digital food supply chain in post COVID landscape: literature swill for past insights and future roadmap

PurposeThe paper aims to enhance the understanding of robust food supply chains (FSC) by exploring the capabilities of various digital technologies and examining their interactions.FindingsThis study finding shows that digital technology enhances the resilience of the FSC by improving visibility, traceability and adaptability. This resilience provides a competitive advantage, ultimately enhancing the overall business performance.Research limitations/implicationsIn developing countries, inadequate infrastructure, poor Internet connectivity and diverse stakeholder systems pose challenges to implementing advanced digital solutions in the FSC.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first to investigate the impact of digital technology on FSC resilience, exploring visibility, flexibility and collaboration.

Charting a path to low-carbon leadership: unlocking up to 90% emissions reductions in greenfield LNG

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry stands at the cusp of a transformation driven by the climate imperative. Focussing on the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, this paper shows how carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are being reduced in a proposed world-class LNG project by assessing, screening and selecting known technologies using a Marginal Abatement philosophy linked to key emissions drivers. (1) We propose a new breed of electrified LNG facilities that could deliver an up to 90% reduction in CO2 intensity. (2) We show that through developing strategic partnerships in upstream renewable power, hydrogen supply, and enabled downstream carbon capture and storage (CCS), the significant low carbon energy requirements of an LNG facility can be delivered. (3) We discuss a Marginal Abatement assessment strategy which ensures a pathway to viable lowest cost opportunities selected in an ‘Avoid & Mitigate’ first approach. This proposed strategy ensures that CO2 emission reduction opportunities are assessed and selected consistently to determine both a lifecycle cost ($) and volume (tons CO2e) of emission reduction. These innovative strategies collectively articulate a roadmap for a low carbon future for LNG and other heavy industrial industries, underlining Australia’s potential to become a leading provider of low-carbon natural resources.

Role of Social Media in Investment Decision-making: A Comprehensive Review and Future Roadmap

In recent years, the importance of social media has grown analytically, emphasizing the importance of an appropriate framework that can clarify its role in financial investment decision-making. This essay aims to establish a link between social media use and stock market participation. We used the SPAR-4-SLR technique with theory, context, characteristics and methodology framework analysis to conduct a systematic literature review of essential journal articles published between 2013 and 2023. This review summarizes theoretical and empirical research on social media use and stock market participation. By revealing a significant association between social media use and stock market participation and explaining the impact of other elements that remain unresearched, this study has added a new perspective to the literature. This study will help financial specialists, economic institutions and policymakers design better stock market strategies, make financial decisions and add to the body of knowledge concerning the relationship between social impact and SMP.

Development of building stock model for an emerging city in India: Learnings for enabling circular economy in the built environment

AbstractThis study explores the prospects of urban mining for a steadily developing city “Thane,” located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of India, through building material stock accounting (BMSA). A novel bottom‐up approach for stock accounting was developed for the cities with limited data availability, through the integration of geodata spatial analysis, archetype identification through statistical modeling, and regional building design assessment for material intensity calculation. This study is the first of its kind in the Indian context and focuses on the stock estimation of the most common building materials: concrete, reinforcement steel, and masonry bricks within the boundaries of a typical Indian urban area. The results showed that the total built‐up stock in Thane city in 2018 amounts to 84.7 million metric ton (MT) by weight; concrete 57.7%, bricks 40.4%, steel 1.9%. Such reservoirs of raw material can be harnessed to fulfill the future material requirements of the construction industry through proposed circular economy interventions such as material bank creation, local recycling facilities, and development of a secondary material market. The material stock estimated in this study was 46.1 MT/capita for permanent building dwellers and with potential infrastructural developments underway, urban mining application can be ensured by redefining design and demolition strategies and multi‐level collaboration for generating alternative material sources for the construction sector. This work of BMSA intends to provide meaningful insights into exploring the potentials of urban mining and help chart the future roadmaps of sustainable construction in India.

Fused Deposition Modelling of Thermoplastic Polymer Nanocomposites: A Critical Review

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) has attracted researchers’ interest in myriads of applications. The enhancement of its part using fillers to print nanocomposites is a cutting-edge domain of research. Industrial acceptance is still a challenge, and researchers are investigating different nanofillers and polymer matrix combinations to investigate FDM-printed nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, and cellulose are heavily studied nanofillers because of their astonishing properties, biocompatibility, and ability to tailor the final performance of the FDM-printed nanocomposite part. This work presents a comprehensive review of polymer nanocomposites based on these nanofillers. Important examples, case studies, and results are discussed and compared to elaborate the understanding of the processing of nanocomposites, filaments, printing, and the characterisation of these nanocomposites. A detailed and exhaustive discussion of the prospective computational models, with challenges and a future road map, is provided, enabling the scientific community to understand these nanocomposites and their FDM processing for wider industrial applications and acceptance.

ChatGPT and its significance in tourism sector: Current scenarios and future roadmaps

Beginning with the research question, this research paper investigates the impact of ChatGPT on the field of tourism research and education. Through a compilation review of the literature, the paper analyzes the benefits and limitations of using ChatGPT in tourism- related research and education and compares its use to traditional methods of data collection and analysis. Additionally, the study explores the potential applications of ChatGPT in the tourism industry, such as customer service and destination promotion, and how it can be used to support the development of more personalized and tailored tourism experiences. The findings suggest that ChatGPT has the potential to significantly impact the tourism industry, providing new opportunities for data collection, analysis, and personalized experiences, while also posing challenges related to bias, ethical considerations, and the need for human oversight. The study offers recommendations for future research and practice in this area, emphasizing the importance of balancing the benefits and limitations of ChatGPT with the need for ethical and responsible implementation.

Broken Textbooks, Booming Tech: A Systematic Look at Blended Learning's Impact on Indonesian English Language Teaching

Technology integration in education has brought immense changes in the teaching approach worldwide, including in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Indonesia. A literature review substantiates the argument that integrating the traditional pedagogical approach with web-enhanced learning methodologies presents a practical mode of delivering English Language Teaching (ELT) in Indonesia. It synthesizes findings from diverse studies on the effectiveness, challenges, and strategies of implementing blended learning in an Indonesian setting. The review highlights how blended learning can accommodate various styles of learning, be more flexible in offering access to resources, and be conducive to the delivery of interactive and engaging learning environments. However, it also identifies that while these infrastructures remain limited, digital literacy is not booming yet, and resistance to change still plays a big role. The proposed solutions span government infrastructure support, professional development of teachers on technology integration, and a strategy suggesting the gradual transition stage by stage into the era of blended learning. Conclusively, this research concludes that even with the challenges surrounding it, blended learning offers a viable alternative to enhance quality and access to ELT in Indonesia. It also provides insight for policymakers, educators, and researchers about the future roadmap of education in the digital era.

Charting a sustainable future: Transformative policies for India's energy, agriculture, and transport sectors

To fulfil its commitments towards sustainable development, India is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables in the energy sector, trying to shift consumption and cropping practices in the agriculture sector, and promoting alternative fuel vehicles in the transport sector. In this study, we analyse the current state of energy, agriculture, and transport policies using the triple bottom line approach and provide a strategic framework that offers a mechanism and a long-term roadmap for a sustainable future by integrating the synergies between these three key sectors. Decentralised production and consumption of resources holds the key to economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

Research on the path of building carbon peak in China based on LMDI decomposition and GA-BP model.

The building sector contributes significantly to carbon emissions, impeding China's progress toward its 2030 carbon emissions peak target due to the limited utilization of renewable energy sources. This study aims to forecast the peak and timing of carbon emissions in China's construction industry to chart a low-carbon roadmap for the sector's future. Initially, an extended logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) decomposition model, based on the Kaya identity, is proposed to gauge the contribution levels of driving factors affecting building carbon intensity. Subsequently, a hybrid prediction model (IGA-BP) is constructed, employing an optimized two-hidden-layer neural network via a genetic algorithm, to forecast building carbon emissions and intensity. Additionally, four scenarios are outlined, each defining pathways to simulate emissions peak, carbon peak timing, and intensity within the Chinese building sector from 2020 to 2050. The research findings reveal: (1) The final emission factor of buildings primarily drives the surge in building carbon intensity, while the industrial structure stands as the most significant limiting factor. (2) Compared to alternative models, the proposed hybrid prediction model more effectively captures the evolution pattern of carbon emissions. (3) The prediction results indicate that China's building carbon intensity has reached its peak. Pathway 12 closely aligns with the sector's carbon emissions peak, projecting a peak value of 5.609 billion tons in 2029. To attain this pathway, China needs to develop more precise and feasible emission reduction strategies for its buildings. Overall, the research outcomes furnish robust references for decision-making in future efforts aimed at reducing building emissions.