Technology Transfer Research Articles

2.C. Round table: A Pandemic Treaty to deliver global health equity: negotiating under a ticking clock

Abstract Access to medical countermeasures (vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics), fair resource allocation and a global health framework to counter future pandemics are to be provided for by the Pandemic Treaty, intensely debated in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) over the past two years. The final negotiations round began under tremendous pressure (Apr 29, 2024), with dissonance on structural treaty elements and a ticking clock to finalise the text at the World Health Assembly (end of May 2024). At a time of shifting geopolitical powers, in a year of elections across the world, war in Europe and rising defence expenditure, countries are reluctant to commit; the draft postpones key decisions, proposing to establish two intergovernmental working groups for instruments on One Health and prevention, and on a Pathogen Access and Benefits (PABS), with technology transfer and capacity-building remain largely unaddressed, despite COVID-19 lessons. With EU and G7 countries holding to their positions on surveillance, financing, and intellectual property (IP), negotiations will continue. A more critical question remains: will the Treaty’s be adequate and timely enough to meet the challenges of inevitable future pandemics? Will it deliver the global framework of its foundational purpose of equity and justice? This RT aims to inform and involve the European public health community, continuing the series of activities embarked upon at the beginning of the pandemic, empowering its members for evidence-informed advocacy and concerted action. Following a brief presentation on the Treaty’s key provisions, each panel member will deliver a brief (2-3 min) intervention based on core expertise, with two rounds of panel questions/statements to follow, and with an interactive element to prioritise and submit questions. The first elaborating on the current provisions, linking them to the key expertise of panel members, i.e., international and EU law, public health law, One Health and infectious disease control, global health policies, technology transfer, fair pricing and access to countermeasures. The second examining what can be achieved via evidence-informed advocacy, and with a special focus on the role of the European public health community. Has it been well represented so far in negotiations? Should it be more involved? Is it well equipped to provide expert advice to Europe’s policymakers? Is there complementarity in relation to Europe’s Global Health Strategy (GHS) and national global health plans? Finally, the role of WHO will be briefly debated. How can sovereignty be safeguarded without compromising implementation? What is the role of transparency and sound governance to remain in line with national and EU laws and priorities? The last five minutes of this RT will be used to consolidate messages and share plans to inform future formal EUPHA positioning in negotiations. Key messages • Pandemic accord deliberation has have taken place under extreme urgency and geopolitical pressure. The European public health community must be informed and engaged for EU and country-level advocacy. • At a time of permacrisis, the adoption of a global framework for fair resouce allocation, access to medical countermeasures,and to strengthen health systems for future pandemics is urgently needed. Speakers/Panelists Sujitha Subramanian University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK Dimitra Lingri European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network, Brussels, Belgium Debjani Muller HTAi, Edmonton, Canada Ricardo Mexia National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal Bettina Borisch WFPHA, Geneva, Switzerland

Evaluation of Selected Plant Phenolics via Beta-Secretase-1 Inhibition, Molecular Docking, and Gene Expression Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: The goal of the current study was to investigate the inhibitory activity of six phenolic compounds, i.e., rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, oleuropein, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), 3-hydroxytyrosol, and quercetin, against β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1), also known as β-secretase or memapsin 2, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods and Results: The inhibitory potential against BACE1, molecular docking simulations, as well as neurotoxicity and the effect on the AD-related gene expression of the selected phenolics were tested. BACE1 inhibitory activity was carried out using the ELISA microplate assay via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology. Molecular docking experiments were performed in the human BACE1 active site (PDB code: 2WJO). Neurotoxicity of the compounds was carried out in SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, by the Alamar Blue method. A gene expression analysis of the compounds on fourteen genes linked to AD was conducted using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Rosmarinic acid, EGCG, oleuropein, and quercetin (also used as the reference) were able to inhibit BACE1 with their respective IC50 values 4.06 ± 0.68, 1.62 ± 0.12, 9.87 ± 1.01, and 3.16 ± 0.30 mM. The inhibitory compounds were observed to occupy the non-catalytic site of the BACE1. However, hydrogen bonds were found to be present between rosmarinic acid and EGCG and aspartic amino acid D228 in the catalytic site. Oleuropein and quercetin effectively suppressed the expression of PSEN, APOE, and CLU, which are recognized to be linked to the pathogenesis of AD. Conclusions: The outcomes of the work bring quercetin, EGCG, and rosmarinic acid to the forefront as promising BACE1 inhibitors.

Effect of Foreign Direct Investment, Energy Consumption and Unemployment on Income Distribution in Malaysia

The paper analyses the relationships between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Energy Consumption, Unemployment, and their effects on Income Distribution in Malaysia from 1990-2022. Despite economic growth, Malaysia faces income inequality, especially among ethnic groups. The study uses ARDL regression to find that FDI promotes income distribution by creating jobs and facilitating technology transfer. Increased energy availability boosts industrial production, which is crucial for equitable income distribution. High unemployment, particularly among graduates, exacerbates income inequality. Government initiatives aim to address unemployment through skills enhancement and entrepreneurship. The study concludes that FDI and energy consumption positively influence income distribution, while unemployment has a negative impact. The findings are valuable for policymakers in fostering inclusive growth and equitable income distribution in Malaysia. As Malaysia is an export-oriented country, these insights can lead to impactful improvements in the export sector, further boosting employment opportunities and economic resilience.

The impact of collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and services on carbon emission efficiency: spatial effect and mechanism analysis

ABSTRACT Urban economic development benefits from industrial agglomeration by enhancing efficiency, but it may also bring negative effects, such as environmental pollution. This research uses data from 283 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2019, and applies the Spatial Durbin Model to investigate the spatial effects of industrial agglomeration on carbon emission efficiency, along with its impact mechanisms at various stages of collaborative agglomeration between the manufacturing and service sectors. The results indicate that: (1) The upgrading of the service industry from consumption-oriented to production-oriented has proved to be conducive to enhancing carbon emission efficiency and alleviating the environmental problems associated with manufacturing agglomeration. (2) The industrial collaborative agglomeration exerts a spatial spillover effect on carbon emission efficiency. Over time, as the degree of industrial collaborative agglomeration reaches a specific threshold, it positively impacts the carbon emission efficiency within the local area but exerts an inhibitory effect in neighboring regions. (3) The urban agglomerations of Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Pearl River Delta regions, along with low-carbon pilot cities, demonstrate a greater capacity to enhance the positive impact of industrial collaborative agglomeration on carbon emission efficiency. (4) Collaborative industrial clustering fosters technological progress through domestic technology transfer and green technology innovation. It also mitigates mismatches between labor and capital, enhances land-intensive utilization efficiency, and optimizes resource allocation, ultimately leading to improve carbon emission efficiency. This research contributes to China’s economic and social transition towards a low-carbon future and provides valuable insights for the green development and industrial upgrading of developing countries.

PEMBERDAYAAN PETERNAK MELALUI PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN PUPUK KOMPOS DESA SOROPIA KECAMATAN SOROPIA KABUPATEN KONAWE

Community service activities integrated with KKN-THEMATIC carried out by the UHO Faculty of Animal Husbandry Lecturer Team took place in Soropia Village, Soropia District, Konawe Regency. Compost is an organic fertilizer produced through the process of decomposition of organic materials, especially animal waste, by active microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The purpose of this service is to provide training and technology transfer in making compost. The methods used include delivering materials and demonstrations. In this activity, training in making compost was carried out by utilizing cow dung which is widely available around the Soropia Village settlement, which is then mixed with super decomposer EM4, rice husks, granulated sugar, and water. Through this training, the community is given knowledge about the use of waste from agriculture and livestock to be processed into useful products, especially in the fields of livestock and organic farming which are currently developing in Soropia Village. The farmers showed high enthusiasm during this activity and appreciated the service carried out, with the hope that similar activities can be continued in the future.

Wireless Powered Surface Acoustic Wave Platform for Achieving Integrated Functions of Fogging/Icing Protection and Monitoring.

In this study, we introduced an integrated approach using piezoelectric thin film-based surface acoustic wave (SAW) and wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies, designed for both passive monitoring and active defogging/icing functions. We systematically investigated the resonant frequency shifts of ZnO/glass SAW devices, establishing their correlations with variations in humidity and temperature under cold conditions. Acoustic waves generated through the ZnO/glass SAW device were used for defogging and deicing functions with effects of RF powers and acousto-heating thoroughly evaluated. More significantly, the WPT system was successfully applied for achieving defogging and deicing functions, with its performance comparable to that of conventional wired SAW systems. Our findings demonstrated that the WPT SAW system significantly minimizes localized acousto-heating effects, although the time taken for both defogging and deicing was slightly longer than the wired system. This work represents a significant advancement in developing multifunctional, optically compatible, and wireless-integrated solutions for SAW based ice protection.

Embracing Levin’s Legacy: Advancing Socio-Technical Learning and Development in Human-Robot Team Design Through STS Approaches

AbstractThis paper investigates the synergy between Levin’s theories on technology transfer as a socio-technical learning and developmental process (TLD process), and what we learnt about socio-technical systems (STS) theories in a case study developing human robot solutions for the construction sector. Levin’s extensive work highlights the significance of technology transfer as a means for organizational development. His TLD process emphasizes the intricate interplay between technology, organizational change, and learning and highlights the importance of incorporating cultural knowledge and skills into the technological transfer process. Contemporary STS views developed through our own work are introduced to complement and extend Levin’s theories by providing a systemic lens to understand the broader socio-technical context in which technology transfer occurs. To illustrate the synergies and potential challenges from Levin’s theories of technology transfer with contemporary STS concepts, we use a qualitative study of a unique case about the design and development of human-robot teams (HRTs) for construction tasks. Our findings reveal that while Levin’s theories provide a valuable foundation for understanding technology transfer and organizational change, contemporary socio-technical systems face unique challenges in the context of AI-driven human-robot teams, where intelligent robots also contribute to the socio-technical learning process. Moreover, the rapidly evolving nature of technology and innovations could exponentially impact on multidisciplinary design teams, stakeholder participation and inter-organizational dynamics. The discussions suggest an extension of co-generative learning to incorporate ‘collaborative intelligence’ between human-robot teams enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, we suggest that Levin’s theories of technology transfer, developed before the rapid application of AI, may not have fully considered further social challenges caused by the introduction of autonomous systems such as AI-driven HRT systems. We extend Levin’s important work by suggesting that addressing such challenges requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with different disciplinary backgrounds to develop robust and reliable socio-technical systems frameworks to navigate the complexities of robotics and AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

High-Efficiency Microwave Wireless Power Transmission via Reflective Phase Gradient Metasurfaces and Surface Wave Aggregation.

Microwave Wireless Power Transfer (MWPT) technology is crucial for emergency power supply during natural disasters and powering off-grid equipment. Traditional antenna arrays, however, suffer from low energy capture efficiency, difficult impedance matching, complex synthetic networks, and intricate manufacturing processes. This paper introduces a microwave energy receiver design utilizing Reflective Phase Gradient Metasurfaces (R-PGMs) and surface wave energy convergence technology. The design leverages the effective plane wave-to-surface wave conversion capability of R-PGMs to transform incident microwave energy into a surface wave mode, which is then efficiently harvested using a circular energy convergence array before being output to a coupling port. By optimizing R-PGM parameters, an ideal 60° phase gradient distribution is achieved, facilitating the focus of surface wave energy via dispersion characteristics. These components are integrated into a hybrid antenna array, complemented by a matched energy output port structure. Numerical simulations show that this array can efficiently convert microwave energy from plane waves to surface waves, achieving a conversion efficiency of 85.32% and a collection efficiency of 68.26%. Experimental results corroborate these findings, with peak energy collection efficiency reaching 64.68% at 5.8 GHz and an RF-DC conversion efficiency of 42%, confirming the design's efficacy. Compared to conventional methods, this design simplifies the system by avoiding complex combining networks and significantly enhances the efficiency of microwave MWPT.

Thermo-hydraulic performance characteristics of novel G-Prime and FRD Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) geometries

Efficient thermal management is crucial for numerous applications, from electronics cooling and automobile systems to aerospace systems, necessitating the exploration of advanced heat transfer technologies like TPMS structures. Compared to conventional heat exchangers and heat sinks, lattice structures have improved by around 20–30 % performance. However, the variation in performance of the various lattice structures, such as FRD, G-Prime, etc., is yet unknown. Thus, this study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of various Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures, including novel G-Prime and FRD geometries, through numerical simulations and experimental validation. The TPMS geometries were modeled using LattGen software and voxelized with 20 % relative density. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using Ansys Fluent with the k-epsilon turbulence model, and experiments were conducted on 3D-printed samples for validation. The numerical results reveal that G-Prime-2 and FRD Prime exhibit the highest heat transfer performance while demonstrating higher pressure drops than other TPMS geometries. Experimental validation agrees with numerical predictions, confirming the superior thermo-hydraulic performance of G-Prime-2 and FRD Prime for heat transfer enhancement applications. The results contribute to understanding TPMS thermo-hydraulic performance and enable informed geometry selection for thermal management applications.

Wear mechanisms and failure analysis of a tool used in refill friction stir spot welding of AA6061-T6

Investigating tool wear in refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) is essential for understanding its limitations and improving its efficiency. Increasing the tool's service life is important to push the technology's readiness level and transfer the technology from the laboratory to industrial applications. In this study, the quasi-static lap shear performance of AA6061-T6 similar welded spots was investigated and tool wear was continuously monitored until tool failure at 3450 welding cycles. Furthermore, the fundamentals of the wear mechanisms in RFSSW were further elucidated. The investigation shows that it is possible to achieve steady quasi-static lap shear performance of the spot welds over advancing tool wear by adjusting the heat input to compensate for losses in frictional heat generation efficiency (related to tool profile changes by abrasion). A subsequent tool failure case analysis showed the main causes for the continuous wear degradation of the shoulder. Tool wear was driven by plastic deformation of the hot-work tool steel and subsequent break-out of tool steel ridges, introducing big hard particles into the contact region between the moving and rotating tools. In addition, the formation and detachment of Fe-Al intermetallic compounds counteract with the rotating tools and increase tool wear.

Drivers and attitudes of public support for technological solutions to climate change in 30 countries

Abstract Some experts contend that addressing global climate challenges requires consideration of technologies such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and, possibly, Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). Previous studies, primarily centered on the OECD region, have indicated that most of these technologies are contentious, eliciting low levels of public support. By conducting a set of nationally representative surveys examining seven CDR and three SRM technologies in 30 countries, we show that public skepticism is most prominent in wealthier countries. Respondents from these countries express lower confidence in the potential of science and technology to address climate change, diminished trust in industry, and expect to experience less personal harm from climate change. At the same time, there are many countries, not previously studied, where the levels of support for CDR and SRM are relatively high. As middle-income countries, their capability to effectively implement these technologies may be deficient; additionally, there is a risk of the unilateral implementation of certain technologies with uncertain implications in terms of their impacts on climate. This underscores the necessity for long term climate strategies that are context-specific and tailored to individual countries, while moreover emphasizing the imperative for extensive international collaboration, including through technological and financial transfers. Finally, strong international governance structures, especially in the context of SRM, are crucial to ensure a responsible approach towards these technologies.

The drivers and barriers influencing the commercialization of innovations at research and innovation institutions in Uganda: a systemic, infrastructural, and financial approach

Research and innovation (R&I) institutions must commercialize their innovations to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy. While R&I institutions in Uganda have the potential to drive socioeconomic development, a clear understanding of the commercialization pathway is lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the systemic, infrastructural, and financial factors that drive and hinder the commercialization of innovations at R&I institutions in Uganda. This study offers the first comprehensive examination of the systemic, infrastructural, and financial dimensions influencing innovation commercialization within Uganda's R&I ecosystem, presenting new empirical evidence on the prioritized barriers and drivers as perceived by key stakeholders. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study uniquely combines quantitative surveys with qualitative case studies and key informant interviews, enabling a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted drivers of and barriers to innovation commercialization in Uganda. The study employed the Delphi technique to identify consensus among key informants. The findings highlight the urgent barriers to address, including fragmented R&I ecosystems, inadequate support infrastructure, such as technology transfer offices, and significant gaps in innovation financing. These issues underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions. Based on our findings, we recommend the establishment of a national innovation fund, enhancement of public private partnerships for R&D infrastructure development, and formulation of a cohesive national policy framework to streamline commercialization processes at R&I institutions. This study provides policymakers with a data-driven foundation to craft targeted interventions aimed at removing the identified barriers, thereby catalyzing the commercialization of innovations in Uganda's R&I institutions.

Frugal innovation and entrepreneurial university: a case study of African first development university in Africa

The concept of frugal innovation has gained significant traction in low middle-income countries due to its potential to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study examines the role of universities in promoting frugal innovation and their capacity to drive socio-economic development through entrepreneurial initiatives. The objective is to explore how universities can serve as both entrepreneurial and development-focused institutions and to develop a conceptual framework to guide their efforts. The study utilizes an exploratory single case study methodology, focusing on the American University of Nigeria (AUN), a leading institution in Nigeria known for its development and entrepreneurship programs. Drawing on data from the AUN THE global impact ranking 2024, the results of the study indicate that the ability of a university to effectively manage technology and skills transfer in frugal innovations is influenced by six university capabilities, and the generation of frugal innovations is moderated by policy and innovation ecosystems involving government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by initiating a discussion on how development and entrepreneurship can support frugal innovation, and offers practical insights to inspire other universities to develop their own models for societal and economic impact. The study underscores the necessity of integrating “development” into the vision of universities, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, and emphasizes the significance of universities embracing both entrepreneurial and development-focused roles. The findings highlight the potential of universities in advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, as they work towards meeting the global SDGs by 2030.

Understanding technology transfer effectiveness in emerging economies: policy lessons for India

Purpose Despite technology transfer being emphasised in most public policy documents globally, it is not always clear how its effectiveness plays out in developing and emerging economies. This paper aims to bridge this gap by providing a systematic understanding of the processes of technology transfer, the antecedents and determinants, and finally how to measure its effectiveness, particularly in technologically dependent and emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach The paper puts forward a modified contingent effectiveness model of technology transfer based on Bozeman (2000) and Bozeman et al. (2015) and adapts it to incorporate the characteristics of emerging economies. Four major elements of technology transfer are discussed, namely, transfer object, actor characteristics, transfer environment, local environment and how they interact to determine effectiveness. Thereafter, the study shifts its focus to India’s evolving science technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem and discuss the current status, structure and major stakeholders associated with technology transfer. The study also reflects upon the challenges that inhibit effective technology transfer in India. In the last part, the study offers policy recommendations for improving the effectiveness of technology transfer, keeping in view India’s sustainable developmental goals. Findings A significant distinction of the conceptual model from its predecessors lies in its examination of the four dimensions of technology transfer effectiveness through the lens of developing and emerging economies, keeping in mind the inherent strengths, weaknesses and STI practices of the attendant local economy. As a novel contribution, the paper also discusses India’s evolving STI ecosystem backed by recent policy initiatives on technology transfer and the major stakeholders involved. Originality/value The paper constructs a modified contingent effectiveness model of technology transfer with particular emphasis on emerging economies. It also provides a comprehensive overview of India’s complex STI and technology transfer ecosystem, the challenges involved and offers recommendations for policy intervention.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications on the Global Power Dynamics

This work explores the multifaceted impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China on global power dynamics, economic landscapes, and diplomatic alliances. Beginning with an overview of the BRI's historical context and objectives, the essay delves into its theoretical framework, employing Organski's power transition theory to analyze economic, geopolitical, strategic, and cultural dimensions. The literature review integrates insights from scholars such as Layne, Modelski, Thompson, Huntington, and Nye, providing a nuanced understanding of the BRI's placement within broader historical patterns. The essay then examines the economic impact of the BRI on participating countries, emphasizing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technology transfer. A shift in the global economic center of gravity towards Asia is explored, challenging traditional economic power structures. Geopolitical implications and evolving power dynamics are analyzed, highlighting the strategic positioning of China and the formation of new alliances. Global responses to the BRI, particularly from major powers like the United States, Russia, and the European Union, are discussed, reflecting varying perspectives on China's growing influence. The work also addresses challenges and criticisms related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, transparency, and governance. In conclusion, the paper reflects on the transformative effects of the BRI, emphasizing its role in shaping a multipolar world and challenging existing norms of hegemony.

Climate-Smart Horticultural Practices: Building Resilience in a Changing Environment: A Scoping Review

Climate change disrupts weather patterns, intensifies water scarcity and exacerbates pest and disease pressures, posing a significant threat to horticultural production systems. This scoping review explores a range of climate-smart practices to enhance adaptation and resilience within the sector. Core practices like water-efficient irrigation, heat stress mitigation strategies, and adjustments to cropping patterns for altered rainfall are investigated. Integrated pest management is presented as a cornerstone for sustainable pest control. The review further explores the potential of precision agriculture, controlled-environment agriculture, and vertical farming to optimize resource use and mitigate climate risks. Beyond technical solutions, the review emphasizes continuous research and development for breeding climate-resistant varieties, refining existing practices, and exploring novel technologies. It advocates for an integrated approach, tailoring climate smart practices to specific contexts and socioeconomic considerations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, economically viable technologies, and supportive government policies are identified as crucial for widespread adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers. The paper concludes with a call for collaboration among researchers, extension services, policymakers, and producers. By fostering knowledge dissemination, technology transfer, and financial incentives, stakeholders can empower farmers to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Through collective action and unwavering commitment to innovation, the horticultural sector can ensure a secure and sustainable future for food production.

Unraveling the environmental Kuznets curve: The influence of economic diversity, energy efficiency, and industrial dynamics on carbon emissions in developing economies

A new path of economic development among emerging and developing nations has a distinct impact on the environment than seen in the past. The current study attempts to examine how these growth patterns in the developing world have impacted the degradation of the environment. This study contends that merely considering GDP per capita and the proportion of manufacturing in GDP fails to encapsulate the complete growth dynamics of developing and emerging countries. Consequently, such an approach does not adequately reflect the impacts of environmental degradation. As a result, the economic complexity index (ECI) is introduced to the model to reflect the full effects of new growth trajectories on CO2 emissions by using the Panel Fully Modified OLS (PFMOLS) model of 67 emerging and developing countries during 1996–2020. The results indicate that the complexity of developing and emerging economies, on the one hand, raises CO2 emissions, likely through expanding economic activities (the scale effect). Moreover, ECI reduces CO2 emissions by moving the economy toward more high-tech and environmentally friendly technologies and industries and favorable changes in the energy mix (the efficiency effect). Overall, the empirical outcomes emphasize that the final impact of ECI on the environment was negative in most samples, indicating an improving impact of economic complexity on environmental degradation, reflecting that the “efficiency effect” outweighed the “scale effect.” The findings imply that technology and knowledge transfer are essential for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Navigating global HR challenges and safeguarding long-term sustainability

This research delves into the dynamic shifts in human resource management strategies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates the mediating influence of information technology (IT) challenges on the connection between pandemic-induced international human resource management (IHRM) practices and the competitiveness of multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia with focusing on sustainable development. Through the analysis of data collected from 172 respondents via self-administered questionnaires in Malaysian MNCs across various sectors including education, general services, ICT, property, construction, and healthcare, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the proposed hypotheses. The findings highlight the substantial impact of compensation and staffing practices on technology transfer challenges within MNCs. Furthermore, the study reveals that the implementation of remote work, particularly during and post-lockdowns, is associated with elevated compensation and enhances overall company competitiveness. These outcomes offer theoretical and practical insights, furnishing human resource managers, especially in multinational corporations, with valuable guidance for maintaining competitiveness amidst the disruptions of a pandemic and promoting sustainability in HR practices. By highlighting the potential benefits of working from home in terms of both IHRM outcomes and competitiveness, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of work and the role of technology-enabled practices in driving organizational success and sustainable development.

ДЕРЖАВНА КОНЦЕПЦІЯ «РОЗУМНОГО МІСТА» ТА «РОЗУМНОГО СЕЛА» ЯК ПРІОРИТЕТ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНУ

Along with the “smart city”, it is planned to implement the “smart village” project in post-conflict areas. In international practice, Smart Village means solving the main problems facing the rural population and, more importantly, creating new economic opportunities in rural areas. “Smart village” technologies are digitization, thinking beyond the boundaries of the village, a new format of cooperation between the village and adjacent regions. We can also block the possibility of a cycle of decline by applying smart village technologies in liberated areas. Also, the use of “smart village” technologies will create conditions for the widespread dissemination of social innovations, micro and small start-up businesses among the rural population of these territories. In conclusion, smart city and smart village, the application of technology can transform the Karabakh region into a tourism pearl created by the unity of artificial intelligence and the natural beauty of the world, and at the same time an innovative start. The aim of the article is analysis and characteristics of the state concept of "Smart city" and "Smart village" as a priority of the national economy of Azerbaijan. Methods used in the study: comparative analysis, gradient, detailing and generalization, rating and grouping, etc. The hypothesis of the study. One of the current areas of scientific research is the sphere of living environment, which from the field of Smart Homes is currently developing into the field of Smart City, Smart Transport System, etc. Presentation of the main material. Currently, there is a rapid change in information and communication technologies (ICT). The emerging changes affect network technologies, computing and communication devices themselves, as well as data processing. As a result, information technologies are used in more and more areas of human life and economic life. Today, cities have become a major force in economic development and are central to production, consumption networks, defining social and economic relationships, and now provide a significant share of the gross domestic product of many countries. Cities have come to play a major role in national, regional and global development. The quality of people's lives depends on them. Therefore, today, more than ever, they are subject to special requirements, such as the availability of accessible urban infrastructure, high mobility, safety of urban areas, environmental friendliness, and developed urban self-government. For example, there is a whole direction that studies the growth of urban settlements, population concentration, and socio-economic changes. This direction is called urbanization. In 2008, the urban population was equal to the rural population. According to UN forecasts, by 2050, 85% of the population will live in cities. Thus, governments and city authorities are faced with new tasks that must not only solve a whole range of emerging problems, but also carry out a radical transformation of cities. The important point is a detailed analysis, understanding of these problems, as well as the ability to consider various solution options. All of the listed problems as a result of active urbanization are the main triggers and forced processes of urban development and their transformation into “Smart Cities”. The originality and practical significance of the study. The main goal of Smart Village projects around the world is to prevent rural-to-urban migration. In other words, conditions must be created for residents of rural areas so that all the services that people can get in the city are easily accessible in villages. At the same time, it is necessary to create more income and employment opportunities for rural residents. The third point is the creation of full-fledged conditions to ensure access of rural residents to public services. In other words, in the Smart Village concept, the difference between rural and urban areas has practically disappeared in terms of service, profit generation, and use of public services. Conclusions. According to the Smart Village concept, process electronization expands production capabilities. “Smart Village” is an automated, centrally managed and jointly managed system of the entire platform, from irrigation to tillage, harvesting, and also involves the use of the most advanced technologies and technology transfer. Integration of this system into other areas of rural infrastructure – alternative energy sources and a modern transport system - will complete the Smart Village concept.

A Power Boosting Method for Wireless Power Transfer Systems Based on a Multilevel Inverter and Dual-Resonant Network

With the deepening of research on wireless power transfer (WPT) technology, there is an urgent need to improve the output power of WPT systems. Therefore, this paper proposes a power boosting method based on a multilevel inverter and dual-resonant network. The system adopts a five-level inverter whose output voltage contains rich fundamental and harmonic components. The transmitting side adopts a dual-resonant compensation network, and, through its parameter configuration, the system can be in a resonant state at both the fundamental and third harmonic frequencies. The receiving side adopts two receiving channels which can simultaneously receive power at both frequencies, thus boosting the output power. Firstly, the overall structure and operating principle of the system are introduced. Then, the relationship between the system output power and efficiency with the inverter modulation parameters is obtained and the strategy for selecting the optimal operating points of the inverter is designed by comprehensively considering the THD of the inverter output voltage and the efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the proposed system is simulated in a Matlab/Simulink platform. Finally, an experimental setup is created to verify the proposed method. The results show that, compared with the single-channel WPT system, the proposed method can enhance the output power from 160 W to 310 W with a boosting coefficient of nearly double and with the highest efficiency exceeding 92%.