Shift In Industry Research Articles

Sensing and Perception in Robotic Weeding: Innovations and Limitations for Digital Agriculture

The challenges and drawbacks of manual weeding and herbicide usage, such as inefficiency, high costs, time-consuming tasks, and environmental pollution, have led to a shift in the agricultural industry toward digital agriculture. The utilization of advanced robotic technologies in the process of weeding serves as prominent and symbolic proof of innovations under the umbrella of digital agriculture. Typically, robotic weeding consists of three primary phases: sensing, thinking, and acting. Among these stages, sensing has considerable significance, which has resulted in the development of sophisticated sensing technology. The present study specifically examines a variety of image-based sensing systems, such as RGB, NIR, spectral, and thermal cameras. Furthermore, it discusses non-imaging systems, including lasers, seed mapping, LIDAR, ToF, and ultrasonic systems. Regarding the benefits, we can highlight the reduced expenses and zero water and soil pollution. As for the obstacles, we can point out the significant initial investment, limited precision, unfavorable environmental circumstances, as well as the scarcity of professionals and subject knowledge. This study intends to address the advantages and challenges associated with each of these sensing technologies. Moreover, the technical remarks and solutions explored in this investigation provide a straightforward framework for future studies by both scholars and administrators in the context of robotic weeding.

Optimizing cooling strategies in the Czochralski process for large-diameter silicon ingots

As the semiconductor industry shifts towards larger wafer sizes, such as 300 mm and 450 mm, controlling defects is crucial to ensure device performance and yield. Conversely, a high cooling rate is essential for achieving higher production rates. Therefore, finding the optimal cooling strategy is critical to maintaining high production rates while ensuring high-quality wafer production. This paper employs a simulation model to investigate the impact of various cooling strategies on point defect formation during the CZ process for 450 mm diameter silicon ingots. Using the 3D energy equation coupled with the Navier-Stokes equation and moving mesh theory, the transient CZ process is simulated, incorporating defect evaluation equations. Beside original CZ puller configuration, two cooling strategies are examined: one with a small gap and long cooling jacket (Case II) and another with a large gap and short cooling jacket (Case III), compared against a baseline setup (Case I). The simulations reveal that Case II, while enhancing the crystallization rate, increases non-uniformity. Conversely, Case III produces a flatter solid-liquid interface and lower defect concentrations, achieving a maximum Cv-Ci of 0.4 × 1014 cm−3, compared to 1.1 × 1014 cm−3 and -2.5 × 1014 cm−3 in Case I and II. These findings suggest that adjusting cooling strategies can significantly impact the quality and uniformity of large- diameter silicon ingots.

Energy transition in the oil and gas sector: Business models for a sustainable future

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as industries shift towards more sustainable practices, driven by environmental regulations, societal pressure, and technological advancements. The oil and gas sector, traditionally dependent on fossil fuels, is at the forefront of this energy transition. This review explores the evolving business models that facilitate the industry's transition to a low-carbon economy, focusing on strategies for achieving sustainability while maintaining profitability. Key approaches include diversifying energy portfolios by investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen, as well as enhancing operational efficiency through digital technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). The transition is also marked by an increased focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, which mitigate the environmental impact of traditional oil and gas operations. Business models are being reshaped to incorporate circular economy principles, where waste and emissions are minimized through innovation and resource optimization. Furthermore, partnerships between oil and gas companies and renewable energy firms are emerging as a critical pathway for mutual growth and sustainability. This energy transition also involves rethinking the workforce and reskilling employees for emerging sectors, emphasizing the need for adaptability in business models. Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in shaping these models, as policies increasingly favor green investments and low-carbon initiatives. As oil and gas companies diversify their portfolios, they are creating new revenue streams that align with global decarbonization goals while ensuring financial resilience. This study highlights how these innovative business models are setting the foundation for a sustainable future in the oil and gas sector, ensuring that the industry remains relevant in a rapidly changing energy ecosystem. Keywords: Energy Transition, Oil and Gas, Business Models, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture, Circular Economy, Digital Transformation, Decarbonization, Low-Carbon Economy.

Predicting noise and vibration in electric brake systems at mass production stage using q-axis current

This study explores the challenges of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in electric brake systems within the context of the automotive industry's shift towards environmentally friendly technologies. The electrification of vehicles and their braking systems leads to weight reduction and enhanced braking efficiency. However, these advancements also yield new NVH challenges. The intricate motor-driven mechanisms of electric brake systems are prone to cogging torque, magnetic imbalance, and radial electromagnetic forces, which degrade the user experience and necessitate service interventions. Therefore, this study presents an approach to predicting noise and vibration levels using q-axis current measurements obtained during the initial actuation of electric brake systems in the mass production stage. This study aims to establish a predictive model that can identify potential NVH problems early, enhance the quality and reliability of electric brake systems, and improve user satisfaction. This method enhances sustainable vehicle technologies, improving the overall user experience. The study delves into the intricate relationship between electrical currents and NVH phenomena by integrating electromagnetic analysis with mechanical dynamics. Therefore, this paves the way for the development of advanced diagnostic tools in electric vehicle technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Banking Industry: A Review of Service Areas and Customer Service Journeys in Emerging Economies

The banking industry's shift towards digitalization, particularly Web 2.0 banking, signifies a profound change in the bank-client relationship. This transformation integrates digital elements into consumers' lives, digitising everyday activities and highlighting the importance of online social platforms and digital business operations. AI's growing interest in academia and commerce underscores its significant role in customer service. The study examines AI strategies in the banking industry, focusing on service areas and adaptation to the evolving technological landscape, particularly in customer service in developing economies. By adopting an interpretivist philosophy emphasising practicality, a qualitative approach was employed through a systematic literature review of 90 articles using thematic analysis. The research highlights AI's growing use in process automation, customer experience, stock market trend prediction, credit risk management, online banking, marketing management, and auditing. It concludes AI's positive impact on banking operational efficiency and customer service by recommending ethical AI usage, stakeholder collaboration, trust in data handling, and robust internal control systems. Additionally, it suggests exploring the association between organisational culture, leadership, and AI integration in developing economies. The research contributes to the theoretical and empirical frameworks that explain how AI is optimally integrated into banking operations, guiding policymakers and practitioners in leveraging AI to foster financial inclusion and economic growth. Future researchers should include non-profit institutions and non-financial performance metrics to gain insights into AI’s sustainability implications in banks beyond financial metrics.

Emerging Diagnostic Methods Using Paper-based Electrochemical Biosensors

The development of paper-based electrochemical biosensors has brought about a paradigm shift in the diagnostics industry. These tools provide a portable, affordable, and easy-to-use platform for point-of-care (POC) testing. This has been transformed by the use of electrochemical detection techniques in paper-based analytical devices, which allow for the accurate and insightful assessment of a wide range of chemical analytes. These modified paper-based analytical gadgets have received significant recognition for their inherent benefits in the field of POC. Consequently, the sensitivity and practicality of electrochemical biosensors made of paper-based materials show great promise. They also have several other beneficial features, such as the ability to transport liquids independently, decreased resistance, low manufacturing costs, and environmental friendliness. This study examines the latest developments in paper-based electrochemical biosensing technologies and considers how they might be used in food safety, environmental monitoring, and in developing diagnostic techniques.

디자이너 메이커 제품으로의 창업활용 방향성에 관한 연구 - 용역 디자인을 넘어서는 창의적 가치 창출 전략

This study explores the potential and strategies of the 'designer-maker' model as a new career path for product designers. In the current design industry, where the service-oriented structure shows limitations in designers' creativity and economic independence, this research proposes an alternative model in which designers lead the entire process from product planning to sales and export. The research methods utilized include literature review, analysis of successful cases (Dyson, GARIZ, Lexon), and field observations. In particular, the study focused on the early startup stages of each case to derive practical insights. The research results confirmed that the designer-maker model provides advantages such as self-realization, expanded autonomy, and increased social influence, in addition to economic benefits. For successful transition, factors such as mindset change, choosing an appropriate time for entrepreneurship, and differentiated value propositions were identified as important elements. This study is significant in that it presents a new career option for product designers and explores the possibility of a paradigm shift in the design industry.

Future of Gasoline Stations

The gasoline fueling stations’ future during the automobile industry shift towards electric is questionable. With more than 196,000 gasoline fueling stations in the United States, many of them require an upgrade to electric charging stations. The regular fueling time from gasoline stations is significantly less than the charging time from an electric charging station. Preparedness for shifting from gasoline stations to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations requires detailed research on how consumer behavior changes given they will have a readily available charging port in their households. It would be essential to categorize the customers based on their preferences and thus plan the approach for meeting their needs. For large gasoline stations, the shift to EV charging stations becomes a viable choice as they tend to attract trucks and other travelers throughout the year. A model of electrical infrastructure was prepared for a large gasoline station by using the estimated number of customers visited. Improvement of amenities or devising a way to attract customers will be required to allow them to spend the waiting duration comfortably.

Penetration of M-Health Apps and Devices among Undergraduate Medical Students in Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: With advance in technologies, there is a notable shift in healthcare industry towards integrating mobile health solutions. Medical students are at the forefront to be proficient in the use of cutting-edge medical technologies. This study gives insight about the penetration of m-health among the budding young doctors of Puducherry. Materials and Methods: A facility based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 undergraduate medical students over a period of two months (Aug-September 2023). Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to estimate the m-health app/device user, usage pattern and attitude towards m-health apps/devices. Data collected in google form and descriptive statistics was done using MS Excel 2019. Chi square test was applied to find the association between study participant characteristic and m-health app/device user. Results: Proportion of the participants using m-health app was 31.8%. The M-health devices used by the participants were smartphone (100.0%), smartwatch (54%), wrist band (32.2%), blood pressure monitoring device (13.7%). They were using for physical fitness (85.5%), clinical training (32.3%) and disease monitoring (26.6%). Around half 46% of the participants were using it for at least once in a day. Majority (91.1%) were highly confident and confident on the results provided by m-health apps/devices. Proportion of male participants using were higher compared to the female participants. Conclusion: Around one-third of the participants are using mhealth. Almost majority for physical fitness. Male gender was associated with m-health app use. Though there are few downsides with the advancing technology it will be addressed with its evolution.

Development sustainable concrete with high-volume wastes tile ceramic: Role of silica nanoparticles amalgamation

As the global concrete industry shifts towards sustainable practices, there is an increasing focus on mitigating the environmental impacts of ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete, which is notorious for its significant greenhouse gas emissions, high energy consumption, and substantial demand for natural resources. This urgency is compounded by the growing production of waste tile ceramic materials due to rapid urban development, leading to enhanced research into their recyclability within concrete for improved durability and sustainability. This study explores the development of high-strength concrete utilizing waste tile ceramic aggregates (WTCAs) and waste tile ceramic powder (WTCP) as replacements for natural aggregate and OPC, respectively. To further enhance the concrete's mechanical properties and microstructure, silica nanoparticles derived from waste bottle glass (WBGNPs) were integrated in varying proportions ranging from 2 % to 10 % of the binder content. Optimal results were achieved with a full replacement of natural aggregate by WTCAs, 60 % substitution of OPC by WTCP, and the inclusion of 4 % WBGNPs, which collectively exhibited superior compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths. Microstructural analyses revealed that the addition of WBGNPs improved the hydration process, increased gel density, and reduced porosity. From the obtained numerical results, the coefficient of determination value of 0.92 further confirms the model's predictive strength, demonstrating that the Random Forest algorithm can reliably estimate the compressive strength. The findings indicate that the concrete formulated with WTCP and WBGNPs not only meets diverse construction demands but also significantly contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing impacts on global warming and minimizing landfill usage. This study advocates for the strategic incorporation of WTCP and WBGNPs in concrete applications to promote environmentally sustainable construction practices. It is highly recommended that WTCP be utilized in sustainable binders as a replacement for OPC and natural aggregates to enhance it strength and durable properties, reduce the environmental issues, costs, and the depletion of natural resources.

Shifts in the American floriculture industry: comparing international and domestic growers

Shifts in the American floriculture industry: comparing international and domestic growers

Understanding the impact of ChatGPT on tourism and hospitality: Trends, prospects and research agenda

The prevalence of ChatGPT (and generative artificial intelligence in general) has precipitated a paradigm shift in diverse industries, including tourism and hospitality. ChatGPT revolutionalises all business functions (from marketing to operations), empowering tourism and hospitality organisations to transform and innovate their business models. This study seeks to comprehensively examine the use and implications of ChatGPT in tourism and hospitality by discussing the current and future state of the technology, while also suggesting an agenda for future research. To that end, six areas, namely, business intelligence and tourism analytics, tourism marketing and experience, hospitality services, cultural and heritage tourism, travel services, and destination management, are elaborated on in depth. By compiling views solicited from international experts, this groundbreaking opinion piece unveils profound insights into the evolutionary journey of an emerging technology that is shaping tourism and hospitality. The paper provides useful implications for tourism scholars and professionals alike.

Current state and production characteristics of the Polish tanning industry: A case study

This article presents the results of a study on the current state and evaluation of the Polish tanning industry, focusing on its production characteristics. The research sample included 220 companies that were contacted to gather information about their operations. Some of these companies have been suspended, liquidated, or have changed their business profiles. Approximately 30 % confirmed that they are still active in leather manufacturing, indicating that the Polish tanning industry is experiencing a process of deindustrialization. Surveys conducted in 20 companies revealed that Polish tanneries operate on national, European, and global scales. Most of them are micro or small enterprises with annual revenues of up to PLN 5 million. The primary factor defining their competitiveness is the high quality of the products and services they offer. They mainly process calfskin and cowhides sourced from Poland and abroad, primarily for the footwear sector. Polish tanneries are aware of global trends, including the industry's shift towards ecological practices, the adoption of modern technologies, and the introduction of innovations. Given the current challenges facing the Polish tanning industry, it is essential to take action to improve the health of this sector of the economy.

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.

Who gets redeployed? Inventor characteristics and resource redeployment decisions

AbstractResearch SummaryWhile the literature highlights the benefits of internally redeploying resources, there is less empirical guidance on which resources are most likely to be redeployed. We examine the relationship between inventor characteristics and redeployment decisions, motivated by the tension between costs and benefits of keeping a resource at the source unit versus moving it to a new target unit. We argue that inventors with inventive breadth are more likely to be redeployed, whereas broker inventors are less likely to be redeployed. Moreover, we consider two source‐unit characteristics that influence internal opportunity costs: resource slack and knowledge interdependence. We test our arguments on the redeployment of inventors following an exogenous profitability shift in the US petrochemical industry in 2012 and find support for our predictions.Managerial SummaryManagers move resources between business units to respond to profitability shocks, but which specific resources do they move? Examining the inter‐unit transfers (redeployments) of inventors between business units following the unexpected profitability disparity between ethylene‐based business units and others in the US petrochemical industry, we find that generalist inventors are more likely to be redeployed, while brokers in the collaboration network (inventors who connect others) are less likely to be redeployed. In addition, conditions that alter opportunity costs at the source unit matter. Larger proportions of generalists (and brokers) facilitate redeployment of either type, and knowledge interdependencies in the source unit mitigate redeployment.

Gender diversity in construction: demystifying the pipeline leaks in Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Brazil

Globally, the construction industry is a key contributor to the gross domestic product. However, compared to the gender diversity performance of the workforce in the world economy, historically, construction has been performing significantly poorly. Literature argued that these consistently poor performances in diversity, equity and inclusion were causing leaks in the education and career pipeline. However, a systematic investigation with evidence base was lacking. In this vacuum, the proposed study aims to explore the evolution of gender dynamics within the construction sector in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil through quantitative evidence. This study collected industry gender representation data, gender pay gaps and tertiary degrees conferred from government agencies in four countries: Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Quantitative data analysis was conducted with an exploration of factual figures, significant trajectories and fluctuations. Results were explored to understand local jurisdictions’ possible causal relationships and interventions. Delving into findings from the education pipeline revealed declining trends and alarming opportunities for the education institutions to take a lead role in moving from a “challenge leaky pipeline” towards a “shared solution space” through international cross-sectorial collaborations with the paradigm shift in the construction industry with the emerging fifth industrial revolution.

‘Most Favored Nation’ Clauses in the Online Food Delivery Platform Market: Beyond Booking.com Cases

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a transformative shift in the European food service industry, with local restaurants increasingly turning to online food delivery platforms (OFDPs) to sustain their operations during lockdowns. However, this symbiotic relationship has raised concerns regarding the prevalence of Most Favoured Nation clauses (MFNs) within contractual agreements between local restaurants and OFDPs These clauses, designed to ensure price parity across different sales channels, have sparked debates over their impact on competition and consumer welfare. This is due to their potential effect of hindering local restaurants’ ability to compete effectively, thus, consumers may face reduced price options and higher food costs. The Bundeskartellamt’s landmark decisions regarding MFNs in the online accommodation sector concerning Booking.com have provided initial guidance, but the application of this approach to OFDP markets remains complex. Against this backdrop, and following the reasoning laid down in a more recent approach from the Bundeskartellamt, we propose a systematic methodology for evaluating the effects of MFNs, taking as a starting point of analysis OFDP market conditions and business models. Ultimately, we aim to address the balance between positive and negative effects of usingMFNs byOFDPs to incentivize platform investment and protect the efficiencies passed on to consumers and local restaurants.

Less But Better—Pork Meat Will Become One of the Luxury Foods of the Future

The global demand for meat is projected to rise, necessitating a transformative shift in the meat industry towards sustainable and emission-neutral production models. For decades, price competition has driven intense rivalry among meat packers, with a focus on cost control and product differentiation. However, anticipated increases in input costs and challenges to meat supply present a unique opportunity for innovation. Meat production faces mounting pressures, particularly in Northern Europe, to transition from traditional industrialized systems to sustainable practices that address climate impacts. Despite substantial investments in alternative proteins, livestock remains an efficient converter of low-value inputs into high-value human nutrition. As meat becomes scarcer, its historical status as a luxury food is poised to resurface, offering a business opportunity for meat packers while prompting Western consumers to adopt more plant-rich diets. Technological advancements such as automation and AI have revolutionized meat production, enabling efficient processes, enhanced meat quality, and reduced environmental impacts. The future of meat production hinges on adopting circular and emission-neutral practices. The industry’s sustainability will depend on balancing efficiency with ecological harmony, transforming meat from a ubiquitous commodity to a luxury symbol of quality. Through technological innovation and a paradigm shift in production philosophy, the meat industry can meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

Sectoral impacts of climate change in Iran: A dynamic analysis with emphasis on agriculture

Iranian agriculture, the largest consumer of water, is highly vulnerable to sever climate change-induced droughts. This study aimed to analyze the impact of climate change on various sectors, with a focus on agricultural output and gross domestic product (GDP). To achieve this, a dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model incorporating a climate damage function was utilized to project the consequences of climate change on various sectors of Iran's economy. The damage function is based on the temperature anomaly. This study simulated the impact of shocks caused by climate scenarios by 2060. The modified Social Accounting Matrix served as the primary dataset for CGE modeling. By simulating climate scenarios up to 2060, the findings indicated that certain agricultural products, such as cereals and livestock, have the potential for an annual output expansion of 2–3.5 % under the most severe climatic scenarios. This expansion is attributed to their lower reliance on capital inputs and their increased final demand for agricultural commodities. Conversely, the growth rates of output expansion and final demand for services products are lower than those for agricultural products. With climate change options, there may be a shift in output composition, favoring crops, agricultural industries, and energy products, while the growth of services output remains comparatively lower. The GDP growth path also deviates from the current path of 1.8 %, reaching rates of 1.5–1.7 %. In the most restrictive scenario, the GDP is projected to decline in the mid-2050s. Similarly, the range for consumption growth is estimated to be 1.8–2.1 %. Climate change does not significantly alter the income distribution within rural and urban income groups. However, it exacerbates rural-urban inequality by favoring urban households with higher consumption levels. The current state of the Iranian economy, especially the agricultural sector, faces increased vulnerability due to climate change. Nevertheless, certain agricultural activities may experience a relatively greater increase in output because of the growing demand for these products.

Advancing sustainable manufacturing: a systematic exploration of Industry 5.0 supply chains for sustainability, human-centricity, and resilience

The emergence of Industry 5.0 provides new perspectives for the manufacturing sector, aiming to create sustainable, human-centric, and resilient approaches. Supply chains perform a vital role in realising these objectives by connecting suppliers to customers and providing value-added products and services. However, despite growing interest, the consideration for this paradigm shift in the manufacturing industry remains amorphous. In order to address this gap, this paper presents a systematic literature review of 103 research articles from an initial corpus of 8,079 and proposes a conceptual framework for Supply Chain 5.0 within the manufacturing sector. The framework is scaffolded on a thematic analysis of the literature, including drivers to transition, impacts on manufacturing supply chains, challenges, and outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to examine the implications of Industry 5.0 supply chains, highlighting its potential to enhance sustainability, social well-being, and economic growth. Furthermore, the proposed conceptual framework and research opportunities serve to guide future research and practical applications around this emerging topic.