Technological Shifts Research Articles

HRM AREAS INFLUENCED BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES OF INDUSTRY 4.0 – BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Industry 4.0 marks a major transformation driven by digitization, automation, and smart technology integration in production, significantly impacting human resources and reshaping work environments and employee management practices. Both, employees and managers must adapt to these technological shifts, which alter traditional approaches to core areas of human resource management, presenting new challenges and opportunities. This article provides a bibliometric analysis that evaluates scientific literature on Industry 4.0 and key HR areas, such as employee education, motivation, and adaptation. The analysis, based on Scopus-indexed publications, summarizes insights in this field. The primary finding emphasizes a shift in necessary employee skills, highlighting a pressing need for updated competencies in response to Industry 4.0 advancements.

Enhanced Agricultural Financial Services through Cloud Computing: A New Paradigm of Security and Efficiency

The agricultural sector has long faced significant challenges in accessing efficient and secure financial services, hindering its growth and sustainability. This study investigates the transformative potential of cloud computing in enhancing agricultural financial services, with a particular focus on improving security and operational efficiency. Through a comprehensive literature review and the development of a multi-dimensional security framework, the research explores the integration of cloud technologies in agricultural finance. The framework addresses physical, network, application, and data security aspects, tailored to the unique challenges of rural environments. A detailed case study of AgriBank’s implementation of a cloud-based agricultural financial services platform provides empirical evidence of the benefits and challenges associated with this technological shift. The results demonstrate substantial improvements in key performance indicators, including a significant reduction in loan processing time, enhanced credit risk assessment accuracy, and a notable increase in the agricultural loan portfolio. The study also highlights the importance of addressing rural-specific issues such as intermittent connectivity and varying levels of digital literacy. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on financial technology applications in agriculture and offer valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions seeking to leverage cloud technology to enhance their agricultural finance capabilities. This research underscores the potential of cloud computing to foster greater financial inclusion, promote sustainable agricultural development, and ultimately contribute to global food security.

The Current Situation and Trend of Sino-US Trade Development in the Context of Economic Globalization

The evolution of trade and commercial relations between China and the US is particularly noteworthy, given the significant impact of economic globalization and its role as a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and progress. The trade volume between China and the US is steadily increasing, and this is happening at the same time as the trade structure is changing significantly. The process of commerce between China and the US is not without its difficulties, though, as seen by the US's gradual growth in trade protectionism, the frequency of trade disputes, and the imbalance in trade relations. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic evolution trend of China-US trade in the context of economic globalization and discusses the current status and challenges of China-US trade relations, as well as the future trend based on global economic, political, and technological development trends. In addition, the paper forecasts how China-US trade relations will develop in the future in light of new technological advancements, policy adjustments, and shifts in the global economic landscape. It also offers policy recommendations and strategic adjustment guidelines to encourage collaboration between the two sides and produce win-win outcomes.

The technological shift towards embedded payments: an examination of young consumers’ intention

The surge in digital payment technologies and the swift transition to a cashless society have propelled the adoption of embedded payment systems, marking a significant shift in the payments landscape. Despite its increasing prevalence, the factors influencing the intention to use embedded payment systems remain underexplored in the academic literature. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the factors affecting young people’s intention to use embedded payment systems in Türkiye. Through a questionnaire survey of 807 respondents, the data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The findings reveal that lifestyle compatibility, social influence, personal innovativeness, hedonic motivation, and perceived trust collectively account for 72.6% of the variation in the intention to use embedded payment systems. However, the statistical insignificance of perceived ease of use and facilitating conditions suggests that other factors may significantly influence the intention to use these systems. This empirical study is the first of its kind on embedded payment systems, providing valuable insights into digital payments literature and guiding private sector professionals in devising effective strategies to promote widespread adoption of this payment method in Türkiye.

Addressing the role of technology in internationalization at a distance: Voices of students' in international distance learning from Ghana—sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractThe past two decades have witnessed a surge of distance learning in higher education across the world. Scholars have argued that this is due to the increasing use and recognition of technologies to act as a means, channel and source for internationalization of knowledge. Further, internationalization at a distance (IaD) has seen a rapid increase in universities in Ghana, sub‐Saharan Africa, due to increased use of digital technologies and high demand for foreign education. Yet, there remains limited research about the role of technologies in facilitating and mediating IaD in countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Moreover, few studies have explored students' experiences in IaD regarding prospects and challenges in Ghana, sub‐Saharan Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore students' experiences and voices regarding the role of technologies in facilitating and mediating distance learning including students' critical reflections on the technological shift of IaD in higher education (including the COVID‐19 pandemic period) in Ghana. Data were collected following a qualitative research design via an in‐depth semistructured interview of 28 students (16 females and 12 males) enrolled in IaD learning program in three foreign universities (two in the United Kingdom and one in the United States). Data analyses were done via a constant comparative approach. Findings showed that students experienced enhanced quality of learning through the varied use of technologies such as Zoom, Team and Google Hangouts. However, students faced challenges such as unequal access to technologies, intermittent Internet connections/outages, high cost of tuition and lack of social and teaching engagement. These findings in many ways contribute to a new understanding and knowledge building of students' experiences and challenges of IaD in sub‐Saharan Africa. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic? The number of students in internationalization at a distance (IaD) education programs is increasing alongside the development of digital technologies and the expansion of digital infrastructure. Increasing demands for higher education in sub‐Saharan Africa have led to an increase in the number of students from Ghana in IaD. What this paper adds? Ghanaian students in IaD benefited from the use of various digital technologies, improving their engagement and facilitating the acquisition of digital skills. They faced barriers in accessing digital technologies and Internet connectivity. Implications for practice and/or policy Pretraining programs and workshops to enhance students' digital skills before starting distance education could be beneficial for Global South students in IaD. Education provider should support the access to digital technologies and Internet connectivity of Global South students in IaD.

The Evolution of Activism: From Civil Rights to Digital Advocacy

This paper investigates the transformation of activism from the Civil Rights Movement to the modern era of digital advocacy. Activism has historically served as a powerful catalyst for societal change, shaping public policy, social norms, and cultural values. From civil rights demonstrations in the mid-20th century to today’s online campaigns, the methodologies and mediums of activism have evolved significantly, mirroring shifts in technology, political ideologies, and social dynamics. The paper traces these changes, highlighting key historical movements, the integration of environmental and social justice issues, and the rapid rise of digital platforms as vehicles for mass mobilization. Despite the efficiency and global reach of digital activism, challenges such as misinformation, digital privacy, and the sustainability of online engagement persist. Examining the interplay between technology and activism, the study ultimately considers the opportunities and limitations that digital platforms present for the future of social advocacy. Keywords: Activism, Civil Rights Movement, Social Justice, Digital Advocacy, Environmental Activism.

Green innovation in Norwegian firms: Navigating the complexity of productivity and performance

In an era where sustainability demands are increasing, green innovation (GI) is garnering widespread acclaim for its profound social and environmental benefits. This study explores how GI affects productivity and efficiency in Norwegian service and manufacturing firms, using a state-of-the-art stochastic frontier model (semi-parametric smooth coefficient) tailored to analyze firm-specific impacts essential for competitiveness in a green economy. We identify two main pathways through which GI affects productivity: technological heterogeneity and shifts in inefficiency. The impact on technology is split into neutral (direct) and non-neutral (indirect) effects, with the neutral effect being independent of factor inputs, and the non-neutral effect being influenced by both technology heterogeneity and input levels. We evaluate the marginal effects of GI on productivity through technology and inefficiency. Our GI construct includes innovations such as reduced material/energy use, lower CO2 emissions, noise reduction, hazardous material substitution, and adoption of renewable energy. Analyzing data from 3,130 Norwegian firms, our findings highlight the crucial role of GI in sustainability, underscoring its strategic importance across sectors. We find a positive neutral pathway effect but negatively impacts productivity through non-neutral pathways. GI also positively influences inefficiency, particularly in manufacturing.

AI Technology Empowerment in Vocational English Teaching: Challenges and Strategies

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into vocational English teaching has revolutionized educational practices, offering personalized learning experiences and enhanced language acquisition. However, this technological shift also presents challenges that need to be addressed to maximize its potential. This paper explores the issues associated with AI technology in vocational English teaching and proposes strategies to overcome these challenges

A cross-sectional study of policies from American medical organizations about public communications from physicians in the digital age

As a professional duty, physicians are often required to publicly comment on health-related topics. However, ethical complexities can arise during discussions about high-profile individuals or events, especially in an era of rapid news cycles and digital media. The American Medical Association (AMA) has policies concerning physician commentary and media interactions, as does the American Psychiatric Association (i.e., the Goldwater Rule). Nevertheless, the extent to which other United States medical associations have adopted similar protocols remains underexplored. Focusing on non-psychiatric members of the AMA’s policymaking body, the Federation of Medicine (FMMs), this study sought to analyze cross-speciality perspectives. Between January-March 2024, online resources for N = 122 FMMs were reviewed (e.g., professional codes and position statements), followed by email outreach to verify positions and garner further insights. n = 47 FMMs provided sufficient information for inclusion, cumulatively representing approximately 950,000 members. n = 16 FMMs (34%) had guidelines or policies regarding public commentary, generally emphasizing accuracy, consent, and confidentiality. Yet, for the majority of FMMs (n = 31/66%), no specific regulations were identified; these organizations did not cite any proprietary statutes or deferred to AMA materials. Moreover, existing FMM policies largely overlooked the impact of Artificial Intelligence and digital misinformation, warranting cross-specialty exchanges to uphold credible discourse amid societal and technological shifts.

From Manufacturing Decline to the Rise of Consultancy

Since the creation of Quadros de Pessoal (QP) in 1981, a longitudinal employer-employee dataset encompassing all Portuguese firms, four different industrial classification methodologies have been in place. These changes have hindered the ability to conduct long-term inter-industry studies on firm dynamics and structural change. This paper presents a framework for transforming the QP into a dataset with time-consistent two-digit industry codes and examines shifts in the firm-level growth rate distribution, net job creation and employment composition across sectors. Our industry-consistent trends confirm the contraction of the manufacturing sector, which coincided with the expansion of the services sector. While the increased business dynamism and net job creation in activities arising from the ICT revolution played a critical role, the technological paradigm shift in Portugal appears to be predominantly reflected in the vertical disintegration of firms and the subsequent substantial growth of administrative support services.

Host-Pathogen Interaction Databases: Tools for Rapid Understanding of Microbial Pathogenesis.

Understanding of microbial pathogenesis has greatly revolutionized after conventional culture-based techniques are replaced by molecular methods. This technological shift is generating huge host-pathogen interactions (HPIs) data. Moreover, computational predictions of biological interactions are also adding to HPI understanding. Recently, several dedicated databases are developed for exclusively cataloging HPIs. Present article covers about some available HPI databases, types, and evolution of this area, along with recent trends in the application of these databases for biological research. As per the recent understanding in microbial pathogenesis, HPIs are considered highly dynamic in nature with multiple outcomes, which goes beyond simple microbes-disease association. Therefore, careful cataloging of complete information about HPIs can open several avenues to understand microbial pathogenesis considering their multifaceted effects on host system. HPI databases are indispensable tools for understanding microbial pathogenesis, and this article provides comprehensive information about their uses in the field of microbial pathogenesis research.

Catalytic Reactor-Utilized Ammonia Adsorption, Absorption, and Storage Materials: Mechanism, Nanostructure, and Ab Initio Design.

As the world's technological development shifts toward a sustainable energy future by harnessing renewable energy sources, ammonia is gaining recognition as a complementary green vector to hydrogen. This energy-dense carbon-neutral fuel is capable of overcoming hydrogen's limitations in terms of storage, distribution, and infrastructure deployment. The biggest challenge to the global use of ammonia as an energy storage medium remains more efficient, readily deployable production of ammonia from abundant, yet intermittent, sources. Green decentralized ammonia production, which refers to the small-scale, localized ammonia production utilizing environmentally sustainable methods, offers a promising approach to overcoming the challenges of traditional ammonia synthesis. The process aims to minimize carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, and improve accessibility to ammonia in remote regions. Ammonia separation using sorbent materials holds significant potential in green ammonia production, providing a viable alternative to conventional condensation-based separation methods, with particular benefits in improving energy efficiency. This perspective summarizes recent developments in the field of ammonia separation, focusing on newly developed sorbents for the integrated ammonia synthesis-separation process, particularly metal halides that could potentially replace a conventional ammonia condenser. The challenges and potential solutions are also discussed. Moreover, this perspective outlines the mechanism of ammonia absorption into metal halides with its kinetics and thermodynamics. The use of computational methods for the development of new materials is also described, thereby laying the foundations of green ammonia technology.

Value Chain Analysis in the Film Industry: A Literature Review

The film industry has undergone significant transformation due to technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior. The original value chain concept was introduced by Porter (1985), and has been widely adapted to represent activities within the film industry, including production, distribution, and exhibition. This study employs a literature review to uncover the evolution of the value chain and use it as a theoretical framework for the film industry, which includes understanding the value chain dynamics, assessing competitiveness, adapting to digitization, and employing the concept of value networks. The methodology involves a structured search strategy across diverse sources, supplemented by snowballing, aiming to extract insights into integrating the value chain model with the industry. The findings demonstrate that the value chain concept signifies interconnections among different stages of the film industry, enhancing value creation and competitive advantage, with effects on digitization and digital distribution. By recognizing the activities within the value chain, the film industry can strategically optimize its processes, adapt to evolving trends, and make informed decisions that increase competitiveness. By connecting theoretical foundations with practical implications, the findings of the study contribute to an enriched understanding of film industry dynamics, value creation, and competitive strategies, offering valuable insights to practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders. Keywords: value chain, film industry, competitiveness, vertical integration, digital distribution

Deciphering the influence of multi-component blends and their electronic band structure on the performance of All-Solid-State Batteries

The emergence of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) introduces a paradigm shift in energy storage technology, offering enhanced safety compared to conventional liquid-based metal-ion batteries. Significant effort is directed toward optimizing the solid-electrolyte blend composition to enhance the battery’s electrochemical performance. Despite some promising results, a lack of guidelines persists, particularly for optimizing multicomponent solid electrolytes given their large parameter window. This study aims to address this challenge by implementing a unified diffuse-interface approach to model and simulate the solid electrolyte morphologies and their corresponding electrochemical performance when incorporated in a battery. The electrolyte microstructures are simulated using the Cahn–Hilliard formulation while a diffuse-interface framework formulated in terms of electrochemical potential is utilized for exploring Li-ion transport across the battery. It is found that, while the variegated microstructures arising from various solid electrolyte blend compositions influence the power density of the battery, the electronic band structure of the blend phases is an important consideration. The proposed model is versatile and can be adapted for various battery technologies beyond ASSBs. This expands its potential impact and could lead to innovations in energy storage technology.

Danish Lexicography between Tradition and Innovation: Digital Dictionaries and Needs-adapted Glosses

Abstract This article deals with Danish lexicography in the light of the current technological and commercial paradigm shift. It shows that the publication of printed dictionaries has almost ceased, and that most new dictionaries are either digital or digitised versions of older dictionaries. The article focuses first on three very different general dictionaries of Danish, Den Danske Ordbog, Den Danske Netordbog og Retskrivningsordbogen, each of which is described in general terms, with some critical observations and comments. It then lists a number of important dictionaries dealing with Danish dialects, culture and linguistic heritage since the 12th century. It also briefly discusses the challenges posed by an outdated business model from the print era, which has resulted in all traditional publishers closing down, leaving most dictionaries that do not benefit from public funding in the hands of a single major provider. The worrying result is that many of these dictionaries, including some essential bilingual and specialised dictionaries, are no longer being properly updated. Finally, examples are given of how traditional lexicographical glosses have found new life in digital software, such as reading and writing assistants.

Adoption and User Behaviour Towards Digital Payments by Millennial

The rapid adoption of digital payment systems has transformed the financial landscape, particularly among millennials, who are at the forefront of this technological shift. This study explores the adoption and user behaviour of digital payment methods among millennials in India. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing the decision to use digital payments, including convenience, security, trust, and government initiatives. Additionally, it examines how socio-cultural influences, mobile payment applications, and peer networks impact the payment choices of this demographic. Through a survey of 250 millennials, the study reveals that ease of use, trust in security features, and promotional incentives are the primary drivers of digital payment adoption. It also identifies challenges such as concerns over data privacy and digital literacy. The findings suggest that while millennials are increasingly adopting digital payment systems, their behaviour is shaped by a complex interplay of technological, economic, and social factors. The study provides insights into strategies for improving the digital payment ecosystem and encourages further research into the evolving behaviour of young consumers.

The Histrionics of Warrior Masculinity in <i>1 & 2 Tamburlaine</i> (1587)

This essay analyses the histrionics of warrior masculinity in 1 & 2 Tamburlaine in light of the social, political and technological shifts that transformed warfare in early modern England. It first looks at the contexts of these shifts and how they necessitated new models of masculinity in keeping with early modern civil society. The prospective elimination of the nobility’s warrior masculinity caused great anxieties about the foothold of masculinity in society more generally, which became a major subject of discussion in public discourse at the time. The early modern theatre, with its particular function in formulating topical issues and discussing questions about identities, staged the anxiety about effeminacy brought about by the demise of pre-modern warriorship. This essay, however, proposes that English Renaissance drama of war mediates the transition of the model manhood from that of martialism to that of civility. It argues that Christopher Marlowe’s 1 & 2 Tamburlaine, as a famous play centering on war and conquest, engages in such mediation through the hyperbolic characterisation of the pre-modern warrior. By doing so, it renders such a figure unhuman and thereby unviable in early modern society. The essay further analyses how the dramaturgy of the plays estranges the audience from the figure of pre-modern warrior and discredits its legitimacy.

Navigating the precarious path: Understanding the dualisation of the Italian labour market through the lens of involuntary part-time employment

This article investigates the surge in Involuntary Part-Time (IPT) employment in Italy from 2004 to 2019, exploring its impact on various socio-economic groups and adopting a spatial perspective. The study tests the hypothesis that technological shifts, specifically routine biased technological change (RBTC), and the expansion of household substitution services contribute to IPT growth. There is a widening negative gap in IPT prevalence among marginalized groups - women, young, and less skilled workers. After controlling for sector and occupation, the higher IPT propensity diminishes but remains significant, hinting at persistent discrimination. Additionally, segregation into more exposed occupations and sectors intensifies over time. Leveraging province-level indicators, and using a Partial Adjustment model, there is statistical support for RBTC’s correlation with IPT, especially among women. The impact of household substitution services is notably pronounced for women, highlighting sector segregation.

Exploring Virtual Reality in Arts Education

This paper examines the integration of virtual reality (VR) into arts education, focusing on how immersive technologies can transform learning environments across various artistic disciplines. With advancements in VR technology making it more accessible, the study investigates its potential to enhance creativity, accessibility, and engagement in both visual and performing arts. The theoretical frameworks of arts education, including constructivism and experiential learning, are analyzed in the context of VR applications. Through case studies of current VR implementations in K-12 and higher education, the paper highlights both the benefits and challenges of this technological shift, advocating for its strategic inclusion in art curricula. Future trends are also discussed, predicting collaborative innovations that may reshape arts pedagogy. Keywords: Virtual Reality (VR), Arts Education, Immersive Technologies, Constructivism, Experiential Learning.

Exploring and narrating futures in undergraduate climate change education: an innovative teaching approach

PurposeThis study aims to focus on an innovative undergraduate teaching intervention designed to guide students in exploring and narrating the potential futures of climate change. The intervention aimed to reduce the psychological distance associated with climate change by systematically investigating futures in real-world contexts. The study had two objectives: to examine students’ learning outcomes by analysing their visions of a carbon-neutral future towards the end of the intervention and to measure the intervention’s impact on students’ understanding of climate change and their perceived ability to contribute effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe intervention was implemented over two consecutive semesters. Data for analysis included student narratives from the final assignment (N = 140), where they envisioned life in a carbon-neutral city, and pre-/post-instruction surveys (N = 37) assessing content knowledge and action competence.FindingsContent analysis of student narratives revealed 12 distinct themes, encompassing infrastructural and technological advancements, lifestyle adaptations and shifts in societal attitudes towards sustainability. Statistical analysis of the survey data demonstrated significant improvements in both variables. These findings suggest that the teaching intervention effectively enhanced students’ scientific understanding of climate change, increased their self-perceived ability to take action and fostered a realistic sense of life in a sustainable future.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel teaching intervention exploring and narrating climate change futures. Analysing personal narratives provides fresh insights into how young individuals envision sustainable living within the context of climate change, thereby contributing a unique perspective to climate change education and future studies.