Trends In Sector Research Articles

Adoption of cryptocurrencies in small and medium-sized enterprises: A strategic approach to enhancing financial inclusion and innovation

This review paper explores cryptocurrency adoption's strategic benefits and challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), emphasizing its potential to enhance financial inclusion and drive innovation. The paper overviews cryptocurrencies' history, key characteristics, and current adoption trends in various sectors. The paper examines the importance of financial inclusion and innovation for SMEs through a comprehensive literature review, highlighting how cryptocurrencies can reduce transaction costs, increase access to global markets, and improve financial transparency and security. The analysis also addresses the significant challenges SMEs face, such as regulatory and legal issues, technological and operational barriers, and market volatility. Practical recommendations for SMEs considering cryptocurrency adoption are provided, including steps for compliance, technological integration, risk management, and leveraging new business models. This paper aims to offer a balanced perspective, guiding SMEs in navigating the complexities of cryptocurrency adoption while maximizing its benefits.

Proton-pump inhibitor use in older adults: Public vs. Private Prescribing in Portugal

Abstract Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are frequently overprescribed, posing challenges to patients and healthcare systems. In Portugal, the publicly funded National Health Service (NHS) provides universal coverage and reimburses the cost of medications regardless of the prescription origin. If private practices may benefit from longer consultation times allowing better prescription, they do not face any incentive to avoid over-prescription. We aimed to compare outpatient prescription trends, patterns, and costs of PPI among older adults in private and public sectors. Methods Nationwide retrospective ecological study on PPI prescribed for older adults in Portugal 2020-2022. Data on defined daily doses (DDD) and costs were obtained from a national public database by healthcare sector, sex (female/male), and age group (65-74, ≥75). We analysed trends, market share of DDD per 1000 older adults per day (DID), and mean cost per DDD (€/DDD) for all PPI substances. Results We observed a decrease in prescribed PPI from 349.0 DID in 2020 to 341.9 DID in 2022. Omeprazole (reference and cheaper substance) was the most prescribed drug for females and pantoprazole for males in the public sector. Similar pattern was observed among those aged ≥75 in the private sector while for those aged 65-74, esomeprazole was the most prescribed drug. Overall, the private sector prescribed PPI with a 20% higher price (0.126 €/DDD) than the public (0.106 €/DDD), with greater differences among the most expensive substances (rabeprazole +0.032 €/DDD; lansoprazole +0.029 €/DDD; esomeprazole +0.021 €/DDD). Conclusions PPI prescription followed similar trends in both sectors, but private practitioners tend to prescribe more expensive drugs, because their patients can afford them and because there is no incentive for more rational prescription. Since the NHS financially supports drugs prescribed in private practices, financial incentives towards rationale prescription should also fall in this sector. Key messages • Overall, the private sector prescribed PPI with a 20% higher price (0.126 €/DDD) than the public (0.106 €/DDD), with greater differences among the most expensive substances. • Since the National Health Service financially supports drugs prescribed in private practices, financial incentives towards rationale prescription should also fall in this sector.

Refining the Scrum Paradigm: A Comprehensive Study of Software Development Practices (2020-2023)

This article presents a complex vision on software production practices aimed at enhancing the Scrum methodology within software project management. The recommended best practices are closely aligned with contemporary trends in the IT sector, including the total digitalization and virtualization of production processes, the transition to fully remote software development models, the incorporation of artificial intelligence technologies, and the implementation of cost-effective models in team organization. The modifications to software production processes discussed herein are grounded in research conducted between 2020 and 2023, encompassing insights from leading Russian, European, and global IT companies. This research underscores a significant transformation in IT business practices, reflecting a shift towards new benchmarks for Scrum team efficiency. These benchmarks emphasize the data-driven formalization of production models, automation facilitated by AI tools, and noticeable cost optimization within engineering teams, which collectively align with the evolving demands of the modern IT landscape. The article details a series of management strategies designed to adapt to these shifts, including the formalization of sprint goals and processes within Scrum, management of technical debt, and the cost-efficient organization of development teams.

Производительность труда в российской Арктике: структурная динамика и регионально-отраслевые тенденции

Labor productivity is a key indicator of economic development and public well-being. This study assesses the structural shifts, regional dynamics, and sectoral trends in the domain of labor productivity in the Russian Arctic from 2011 to 2021, identifying aggregated economic sectors. The findings reveal that labor productivity levels in the Russian Arctic exceed the national average, primarily due to the resource-based nature of regional economies. However, a major issue is the persistently high level of interregional differentiation in labor productivity within the Arctic. The study demonstrates that an initially high level of labor productivity does not necessarily ensure long-term growth. An analysis of structural shifts in labor productivity over the past decade indicates a shift towards the market sector of the Arctic economy, evidenced by an increased share in gross regional product (GRP) and a decrease in time worked. Within the market sector, several trends are observed: the leading role of the extractive industry is maintained due to its expanding share in GRP; the role of agriculture is growing, reflected in a decreased share of hours worked; and the importance of other market sector branches, particularly transport, communication, and electric power, is diminishing as their share of total hours worked increases. The observed decline in labor productivity within the non-market sector suggests the potential for negative social consequences for the Arctic population. An analysis of labor productivity growth rates indicates that the leading sectors in terms of growth are mining, finance and business services, construction, and trade. These sectors can be considered sources of economic growth in the Arctic. Interregional differences in labor productivity growth rates within the same sector of the Arctic economy suggest the influence of regional factors, highlighting the potential for discovering unique reserves of productivity growth in each region.

Экономическая динамика и эколого-экономическая устойчивость арктических регионов России

This paper explores the environmental and economic resilience of the regions within the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). We define a region's environmental and economic resilience as its capacity to withstand external shocks, independently restore the balance between its economy and environment, and transform while maintaining or improving the balance between its environmental and economic systems. The study's relevance stems from the rapid industrialization of the Russian Arctic in recent years and the constraints on investment in environmental technologies, green production, and management. The study discusses an analysis of macroeconomic, environmental, and economic indicators of the Russian Arctic regions, examining their interrelations during the pandemic crisis and under the pressure of Western sanctions. From 2018 to 2022, the anthropogenic impact on the environment in the Russian Arctic gradually declined, although the situation varied for individual indicators depending on trends in the regional sectors. Regions were identified that lead in environmental and economic resilience as well as those showing increased anthropogenic impact despite declining industrial production. A multidimensional classification of regions in the Russian Arctic was developed based on indicators characterizing the state of the environmental and economic spheres. Clusters of regions with high, low, and limited levels of environmental and economic resilience were identified. The study revealed that the macroeconomic situation in these regions is more dynamic than their environmental and economic conditions. Macroeconomic indicators in the Arctic regions demonstrate different trends during periods of external shocks. Overall, the Russian Arctic economy was sensitive to the 2020 crisis; the 2022 sanctions had a negative impact on economies focused on Western markets, and in 2023, macroeconomic dynamics slowed down across all regions of the Russian Arctic. Further research is necessary to understand the factors influencing the environmental and economic resilience of the Russian Arctic regions under current conditions.

Promoting sustainability goals: innovation trajectories of Fintech through patent analysis

AbstractPatents are important sources of technical knowledge because they offer a wealth of information on innovations and technological developments. This paper focuses on Fintech-related patent certificates in order to examine the technical trends in this particular sector and discuss the factors influencing technological advancement. The data were retrieved through the World Intellectual Property Organization database, considering selected keywords. Through the network analysis, we identify five relevant technological clusters that allow us to detect the technological substrate underlying the corresponding cluster. The Bass diffusion model permits the observation of the technological trajectories of each cluster, outlining the diffusion patterns. Furthermore, particular attention is given to the developing technologies defined as "green", and we describe how these trends have changed over time and predict their future technological trajectory. Our findings provide an in-depth analysis of the Fintech patent landscape, highlighting the connections between the different technologies. It also allows us to assess the technological leadership of companies and the technological life cycle that describes the diffusion patterns.

Snacking insects? A global market investigation

The world population is expected to grow rapidly and exceed 10.4 billion by 2100. In this scenario, greater environmental pressure and natural resource scarcity are inevitable. A possible solution suggested by international authorities is the use of novel protein sources for conventional production, such as the use of edible insects as food, in Western countries. The present work investigates recent market trends in the edible insect sector, in terms of a growing focus on sustainability, product offerings, diversification of insect-based products, and increasing consumer awareness. The Mintel Global New Product Database was used to identify newly launched products in the global market that incorporate insects as ingredients. The market analysis focused on the food category with the highest number of newly launched products, the insect snack bar category. The results of a global market investigation on insect snack bars are further presented including the market analysis of several aspects, such as price, country distribution, nutritional values, and communication strategies. Finally, market considerations are provided that could interest stakeholders in the insect supply chain, including retailers, manufacturers, and policymakers.

Overcoming Obstacles of Tesla: Strategies for Problem-Solving

This study aims to explore the key issues currently faced by Tesla Inc. and its potential solutions, further proposing recommendations that have significant impacts on business operations and sustainable development. As a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, Tesla's innovative models and challenges reflect the major trends in today's automotive industry and new energy sector. It also plays a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions as the global demand for reducing carbon emissions and improving energy are continuously growing. However, the company faces a series of challenges in production process, market competition and the safety concerns. By thoroughly analyzing these problems and challenges this study aims to provide solutions to help it overcome existing obstacles. By using a comprehensive research methodology to examining Tesla's practices and challenges in various aspects, this paper could identify core issues and provide strategic recommendations to help it mitigate the problems.

The Tooling & Process Evolution is Here to Stay

Mirka specialises in surface finishing technology and Chris Brook, business sector manager transport & industry for Mirka UK shares the latest industry trends in the grinding sector

Open-Source Data Formalization through Model-Based Systems Engineering for Concurrent Preliminary Design of CubeSats

Market trends in the space sector suggest a notable increase in satellite operations and market value for the coming decade. In parallel, there has been a shift in the industrial and academic sectors from traditional Document-Based System Engineering to Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) combined with Concurrent engineering (CE) practices. Due to growing demands, the drivers behind this change have been the need for quicker and more cost-effective design processes. A key challenge in this transition remains to determine how to effectively formalize and exchange data during all design stages and across all discipline-specific tools; as representing systems through models can be a complex endeavor. For instance, during the Preliminary design (PD) phase, the integration of system models with external mathematical models for simulations, analyses, and system budgeting is crucial. The introduction of CubeSats and their standard has partly addressed the question of standardization and has aided in reducing overall development time and costs in the space sector. Nevertheless, questions about how to successfully exchange data endure. This paper focuses on formalizing a CubeSat model for use across various stages of the PD phase. The entire process is conducted with the exclusive use of open-source tools, to facilitate the transparency of data integration across the PD phases, and the overall life cycle of a CubeSat. The paper has two primary outcomes: (i) developing a generic CubeSat model using Systems modeling language (SysML) that includes data storage and visualization through the application of Unified modeling language (UML) stereotypes, streamlining in parallel information exchange for integration with various simulation and analysis tools; (ii) creating an end-to-end use case scenario within the Nanostar software suite (NSS), an open-source framework designed to streamline data exchange across different software during CE sessions. A case study from a theoretical academic space mission concept is presented as the illustration of how to utilize the proposed formalization, and it serves as well as a preliminary validation of the proposed formalization. The proposed formalization positions the CubeSat SysML model as the central data source throughout the design process. It also supports automated trade-off analyses by combining the benefits of SysML with effective data instantiating across all PD study phases.

Navigating the ESG landscape: Corporate strategies and sectoral trends in the S&P 500

Navigating the ESG landscape: Corporate strategies and sectoral trends in the S&P 500

Status and Trends of the Digital Healthcare Industry.

This review presents a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving digital healthcare industry, aiming to provide a broad understanding of the recent landscape and directions for the future of digital healthcare. This review examines the key trends in sectors of the digital healthcare industry, which can be divided into four main categories: digital hardware, software solutions, platforms, and enablers. We discuss electroceuticals, wearables, standalone medical software, non-medical health management services, telehealth, decentralized clinical trials, and infrastructural systems such as health data systems. The review covers both global and domestic perspectives, addressing definitions, significance, revenue trends, major companies, regulations, and socioenvironmental factors. Diverse growth patterns are evident across digital healthcare sectors. The applications of electroceuticals are expanding. Wearables are becoming more ubiquitous, facilitating continuous health monitoring and data collection. Artificial intelligence in standalone medical software is demonstrating clinical efficacy, with regulatory frameworks adapting to support commercialization. Non-medical health management services are expanding their scope to address chronic conditions under professional guidance. Telemedicine and decentralized clinical trials are gaining traction, driven by the need for flexible healthcare solutions post-pandemic. Efforts to build robust digital infrastructure with health data are underway, supported by data banks and data aggregation platforms. Advancements in digital healthcare create a dynamic, transformative landscape, integrating, complementing, and offering alternatives to traditional paradigms. This evolution is driven by continuous innovation, increased stakeholder participation, regulatory adaptations promoting commercialization, and supportive initiatives. Ongoing discussions about optimal digital technology integration and effective healthcare strategy implementation are essential for progress.

Current Situation and Trends in Thailand's Sugarcane Sector

Current Situation and Trends in Thailand's Sugarcane Sector

Exploiting Turmeric’s Coloring Capability to Develop a Functional Pigment for Wood Paints: Sustainable Coloring Process of Polyamide 11 Powders and Their Strengthening Performance

Currently, the wood coatings industry is focusing on creating unique, vibrant finishes using new functional pigments. Simultaneously, there is a growing adoption of eco-friendly bio-based materials, reflecting trends in other sectors and supporting the circular economy. Thus, the aim of this study is to unveil a straightforward, cost-effective, and notably sustainable process for exploiting the coloring potential of turmeric powder and coloring polyamide 11-based fillers, employed as multifunctional pigments for wood coatings. Through the incorporation of this additive into a wood paint, the study demonstrates its dual effect of enhancing the aesthetics of the final composite layer while leveraging the beneficial protective properties inherent to polyamide 11. The impact of these additives on sample aesthetics is assessed through optical observations, as well as measurements of color, gloss, and surface roughness. The strengthening contribution of the functional pigment is evaluated using the Taber abrasion resistance test, static friction coefficient measurements, and Buchholz surface hardness test. Finally, the aesthetic consistency of the bio-based filler and the coloring efficiency of the sustainable process are tested by subjecting the samples to aggressive conditions, including the UV-B chamber exposure test, cold liquids resistance tests, and water uptake test. Ultimately, the study illustrates how this functional bio-based pigment not only provides sufficient protection but also meets current eco-requirements, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the wood coatings industry.

Emerging Trends in Hospitality Sector

Presently, the travel and tourism sector has become an integral part of the global economy, exerting both direct and indirect influence on it. The tourism and hospitality sector are operating in an increasingly competitive environment. Despite the industry’s magnitude and intricacy, numerous branches are presently interconnected through technological means. Presently, individuals are capable of simultaneously reserving hotel accommodations, airline tickets, rental vehicles, and excursions via computer systems. When utilized in moderation, this expansion generates economic expansion, employment increases, social progress, and the preservation of natural resources. The hotel industry is increasingly inclined towards digital transformations due to the growing digital demand, ubiquitous connectivity, and the emerging paradigm of tourism. The objective of this research paper is to recognize, evaluate, and describe forthcoming trends that have been observed thus far in the domain of hospitality and tourism. By providing supplementary contributions to the domain of technological utilization in the hospitality and tourism sector, it establishes a solid foundation of knowledge. Additionally, the concept of environmental sustainability as it pertains to the hospitality sector is investigated in this study. Prior to the recent past, the hospitality and tourism sector exhibited a relatively low level of concern regarding the environmental impact caused by its facilities and operations. As environmental degradation worsens, societies are recognizing the critical need to enforce and implement more efficient environmental management practices. The observed phenomena of global warming, environmental degradation, and climate change, as well as the growth of the global population and industrial activity, are all contributing factors to the increasing significance of environmental sustainability. This study demonstrates that in the future, digital transformation and customer-centric approaches may have a profound impact on the marketing environment within the hospitality sector.

Nexus among indigenous languages, agricultural radio programmes and behavioural change towards agricultural practices in Nigeria

This study investigated the interrelationship between indigenous languages, agricultural radio programmes and behavioural change towards agricultural practices in Nigeria, focusing on three states (Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau). The following research objectives guided the study: to ascertain farmers' awareness of radio programmes in indigenous languages, identify farmers' sources of information, ascertain farmers' access to agricultural extension workers and the language of engagement, and examine the influence of radio programmes in indigenous languages on farmers’ behaviour towards agricultural practices. The study adopted a survey research design with a questionnaire administered to 663 randomly selected farmers in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue states using a multistage sampling technique. Findings showed that indigenous languages play an integral role in bringing about behavioural change towards agriculture in Nigeria, with a mean Score of 3.4706 and a Standard Deviation of 1.5668. Further findings also indicate that agricultural extension workers are ready sources of information, with the language of communication being that of the local community. The study concluded that behavioural changes are evident in agricultural practices because these programmes have exposed farmers to innovations that have positively affected their agricultural practices. Thus, it is recommended that agricultural radio programmes aired in local languages should continue to be encouraged and sustained. This will help keep farmers abreast of trends in the farming sector, improving their agricultural practices.

Cost Removed! Do Different Factors Influence Motivation for Vasectomy Reversal When Cost Is Not an Issue?

Vasectomy is a relatively common procedure performed for the purposes of sterilization; however, up to 6% of men that undergo vasectomy wish for its reversal at some point. Few studies have examined the motivation behind vasectomy reversal (VR), especially within special populations, such as the U.S. Military. The aim of this study was to examine the motivations of U.S. Military service members (SMs) who opted for VR surgery, considering their unique access to free health care. We conducted a retrospective record review of microsurgical VRs performed by a single surgeon (DJH) between January 2020 and May 2023. We evaluated patient's age at which vasectomy was performed, age at VR, reasons for seeking VR surgical care, number of children fathered before the vasectomy, and the age of the current partner. A total of 106 patients underwent VR during the study period, and 102 of them had their medical records available for review. The average age at the time of vasectomy was 31.3 years, while the average age at VR was 40.2 years. The average spousal age at the time of seeking VR was 34.8 years. Before undergoing vasectomy, the men had fathered an average of 2.7 children. Most men were enlisted members of the military (68) and of all service branches, Army represented the greatest number (50). The vast majority of men (76) cited having a new partner after divorce as the primary motivation for seeking VR. Within this group, 57 were remarried, 15 were in a new relationship, 3 were newly engaged, and 1 desired fertility for future relationships. Additionally, 21 sought VR to have more children with the same spouse. Among them, motivating factors included changes to financial status and improvement in partner's health condition. A minority of patients (2) desired VR due to post vasectomy pain syndrome or religious beliefs. Our study demonstrates that the primary driver for seeking VR surgical care among SMs was the desire for fertility with a new partner, which correlates with trends in the civilian sector. Approximately 20% of the men cited the wish to have more children with the same partner as their motivation. Non-fertility reasons, such as religious beliefs and post vasectomy pain syndrome, were also observed, albeit less frequently.

Artificial Intelligence Usage in Forming Computer Games Space

The computer games industry is growing rapidly today, and the number of users of these games (players) is increasing. All of this has an impact on modern society. The development of new computer games involves constant evolution in such areas as technological innovations, the development of game genres, and analysis of market trends in the entertainment sector. The development of artificial intelligence and its application in the development of computer games contribute to the dynamic change of the landscape and expansion of the space and genres of games. The purpose of the article is to study and analyse the state of the modern computer games industry, taking into account the main genres and trends in the use of artificial intelligence in their development and the formation of the corresponding game space, to assess technological innovations, to analyse the market and to forecast the future development of the game industry. The research methods are the main methodological approaches and technological means of artificial intelligence for the development of computer games and the formation of the corresponding game space. Such methods include, in particular, systematic and comparative analyses to identify the features of computer games of various genres and types, the method of expert assessments, which involves the analysis of literary sources and information resources, interviews and surveys of game industry experts. The novelty of the study is a comprehensive analysis of modern technologies, in particular generative artificial intelligence, their use in the development of computer games and trends in the formation of the space of such games. Conclusions. The main trends in the development of computer games have been identified. The factors that influence their market are identified and forecasts are made for the future development of this industry. The paper analyses the use of artificial intelligence, in particular generative artificial intelligence, in the development of computer games (to optimise game creation and reduce budgets) and the formation of the corresponding game space, generative artificial intelligence has opened a new era of development of the computer game space. The impact of artificial intelligence on the balance between integration and immersion in the real world is determined. The current state of virtual reality games with their achievements and problems is analysed, which is crucial for understanding their future development trajectory. The new trends and technologies considered point to the future of the computer games space.

Herding behaviour surrounding the Russo–Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from energy, metal, livestock and grain commodities

PurposeThis study examines herding behaviour in commodity markets amid two major global upheavals: the Russo–Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachBy analysing 18 commodity futures worldwide, the study examines herding trends in metals, livestock, energy and grains sectors. The applied methodology combines static and dynamic approaches by incorporating cross-sectional absolute deviations (CSAD) and a time-varying parameter (TVP) regression model extended by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to adequately reflect the complexity of herding behaviour in different market scenarios.FindingsOur results show clear differences in herd behaviour during these crises. The Russia–Ukraine war led to relatively subdued herding behaviour in commodities, suggesting a limited impact of geopolitical turmoil on collective market behaviour. In stark contrast, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly amplified herding behaviour, particularly in the energy and livestock sectors.Originality/valueThis discrepancy emphasises the different impact of a health crisis versus a geopolitical conflict on market dynamics. This study makes an important contribution to the existing literature as it is one of the first studies to contrast herding behaviour in commodity markets during these two crises. Our results show that not all crises produce comparable market reactions, which underlines the importance of the crisis context when analysing financial market behaviour.

Electric Motor Selection Criteria for Traction System in Construction Machines

Recent developments in electric motors in construction machinery and the automotive sector's trend towards electric traction in recent years are among the factors triggering and influencing the shift towards electric traction in construction machinery. There is no doubt that electric construction machinery will be the first choice for urban operations in the future, but many research and development efforts are still ongoing to dominate the market. Electric motors are the most important components of power transmission systems in electric machines. The trend towards increasing power density and efficiency in power transmission systems contributes to different designs and improvements in basic electric motor topologies. This article provides an insight into the selection of electric motors to be used in power transmission components of electric construction machinery and allows for the comparison of different electric motors.