Unexpected Disruptions Research Articles

Urban Traffic Congestion Prediction Using GTFS Data and Advanced Machine Learning Models

Urban traffic congestion represents a complex challenge influenced by many dynamic factors. Peak periods typically exacerbate congestion, while bad weather can slow vehicle movements and increase travel times. Accidents and road closures cause sudden and unexpected disruptions, making traffic management a constant challenge. Using a dataset of over 66,000 GTFS records with machine learning classifiers like Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, and Decision Tree models, the study seeks to forecast traffic conditions. SMOTE is used to ensure greater representation of minority classes in order to solve the dataset's intrinsic imbalance, and feature scaling enhances model convergence. With an accuracy of 98.8%, Random Forest was the most accurate model for this challenge. The outcomes demonstrate that the system is able to precisely forecast traffic in real-time, which aids in route planning, traffic control, and enhancing urban mobility.

A Path Towards Assessing and Increasing Health System Resilience in Non-traditional Flood Areas

Abstract Rapid deforestation, urbanization, and biodiversity loss over the last century has changed landscapes and disorientated the climate. This has magnified temperature, wind speed, air quality, and other meteorological variables. For example, the urban heat island effect has resulted in city areas being hotter than nearby rural areas and expanding physical landscapes combined with shifting precipitation patterns has increased flood risks in new locations. The result has been unexpected disruption to healthcare, supply chains, and changes in vector, water, and foodborne disease patterns. To find solutions to this challenge, a transdisciplinary approach is needed to assess and anticipate the impact of floods and other emerging risks on public health systems. The United Nations Public Health System Resilience Scorecard (Scorecard) could provide the process needed for this to occur. This is a reliable, scalable, and versatile tool that has been applied and tested in multiple communities and countries. Attendees to this session will learn about the Scorecard methodology and how it can be applied in different settings, used to build consensus, and employed to inform future resilience actions. Ultimately, providing a framework for maximizing the resilience of public health systems during a time of rapidly shifting environmental, social, and fiscal climates. Learning Objectives Identify the impact floods and other disasters can have on public health systems in non-traditional at-risk areas. Explore the United Nations Public Health System Resilience Scorecard (Scorecard) and its alignment with the 2030 United Nations agenda. Understand why a transdisciplinary approach is needed to assess the impact of floods and other emerging risks on public health systems. Demonstrate how the Scorecard can be applied in multiple communities and countries to identify, rank, and prioritize resilience actions for public health systems.

Barriers to Using Digital Technologies in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains in Emerging Economies: A Comparative Study on Manufacturers and Distributors in Turkey

With increasing population and demand, supply chains are becoming more global and operationally complex. In particular, pharmaceutical supply chains have a dynamic structure that is constantly changing and thus more vulnerable to unexpected disruptions. The use of digital technologies (DTs) in pharmaceutical supply processes is critical to ensuring its supply chain's sustainability and resilience. Considering that even in developed countries, there are some practices that encourage technology use and innovation, it is seen that this process can be more challenging for developing countries. Therefore, in the context of Turkey's pharmaceutical supply chains as a case study, the study aims to identify these barriers to using DTs and present a structure that will enable a comparative analysis with emerging economies to be conducted. The findings are expected to serve as a guide for manufacturers and distributors on which barriers to overcome in implementing DTs in pharmaceutical supply processes.

Rising Together in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic created a socioeconomic shock that heavily impacted coastal and Great Lakes communities. In response, the NOAA National Sea Grant Program tailored efforts to meet local and regional needs, with an emphasis on research, extension, and education. This paper presents an overview of four projects that illustrate Sea Grant’s priorities in action and how Sea Grant was able to respond collaboratively to the pressing needs of coastal communities and economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case studies also demonstrate how Sea Grant provides expertise to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, supports resilient communities and economies, promotes sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, enables an environmentally literate public, and bolsters a skilled workforce that serves the needs of coastal communities and ecosystems. They also demonstrate how these experiences made coastal communities and Sea Grant more resilient to unexpected disruptions in the long term, and how these efforts shaped Sea Grant and who it serves in times of crisis and beyond.

Openness to Technological Innovation, Supply Chain Resilience, and Operational Performance: Exploring the Role of Information Processing Capabilities

Increasing volatility in the global economy since the 2009 financial crisis, including the USA–China trade war and recent COVID-19 outbreak, has compelled businesses to build resilience to respond quickly to unexpected disruptions. Consistent with organizational information processing theory (OIPT), we posit that openness to technological innovation helps to build information processing capabilities (i.e., interfunctional coordination and interpartner informational justice), which are required to build supply chain resilience (SCR) and improve performance. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze survey data gathered from 241 Chinese manufacturers. The results reveal interfunctional coordination and interpartner informational justice fully mediate the relationship between openness to technological innovation and SCR, and information processing capabilities and SCR are significantly and positively associated with operational performance. This article extends OIPT by elucidating the role of openness to technological innovation and enhances the SCR literature by providing empirical evidence of the important roles for information processing capabilities. The findings provide a unique information processing perspective to help managers broaden their solutions against disruptive events, and thus avoid or minimize potential negative impacts on firms.

Sustainable supply chain resilience for logistics problems: Empirical validation using robust and computational intelligence methods

A supply chain's ability to avoid an unexpected disruption or quickly return to a normal situation defines supply chain resilience. Prior works have emphasized the integration of supply chain resilience and sustainable development goals (sustainable supply chain resilience), which is the focus of this paper. This paper proposes a four-level supply chain consisting of suppliers, intermodal hubs, manufacturers, and distributors along with a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles. Two types of manufacturers are included: large and small. The small manufacturers are moveable. To contribute to sustainable logistics problems, the objectives are cost, carbon emissions, and job opportunities when the appropriate supply chain members and flow of materials are optimized. To contribute to supply chain resilience, this paper presents a new robust approach and a new multiobjective algorithm to capture uncertain parameters (e.g., supply cost and employee availability). A numerical example based on empirical data shows the applicability of the proposed model.

Community approaches to socio-economic aspects of urban energy transition

The increasing proliferation of energy-intensive devices in urban smart homes presents a pressing challenge to the stability of electrical systems, manifesting as the potential for peak load issues, unexpected disruptions, and a consequential decline in economic returns. This research is dedicated to the meticulous optimization of energy consumption, achieved through the implementation of intelligent scheduling protocols for household devices, all while factoring in their distinct characteristics and user preferences. The primary objective of this paper is to introduce a holistic engineering framework tailored to analyze the intricate dynamics of household energy consumption behaviors, with a particular emphasis on the community-level context prevalent in smart urban environments. In addressing the inherent intricacy and nonlinearity inherent in multi-objective challenges within this domain, our proposal revolves around the deployment of a specialized whale optimization algorithm. This algorithm offers a powerful tool to efficiently navigate the complexities of optimization problems, yielding solutions that approach near-optimality. Empirical findings stemming from our experimentation robustly affirm the efficacy of our proposed algorithm. They indicate substantial reductions in energy expenditure, heightened levels of customer satisfaction, and a more equitably balanced load distribution throughout the primary grid. These outcomes, in turn, contribute significantly to the overarching enhancement of global power system performance, all the while aligning harmoniously with the socio-economic considerations central to urban energy transition endeavors.

THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL FLOWS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

In the dynamic landscape of education, characterised by an information-driven society and the ever-increasing threat of crises, this paper delves into the vital role of financial flows in crisis management in the education sector. The purpose of this study is to clarify the importance of financial resource allocation by demonstrating its transformative impact on the resilience of educational institutions in times of crisis. The research highlights the important purpose of this study: to assess the strategic use of financial flows, explore their adaptability, and evaluate the joint efforts of educational institutions and governments to mitigate the effects of the crisis. Methodology. To achieve its objectives, the study adopts a multifaceted approach. It draws on a variety of sources, including case studies, policy analysis and financial data, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of financial flows in crisis management. A qualitative methodology is used to analyse the strategic allocation of financial resources, assess their dynamic nature and examine the effectiveness of joint efforts. The analysis is based on both primary and secondary data sources, providing a solid basis for the research. Results. The conclusions of this study are multifaceted and reflect the complex interrelationship of financial flows in crisis management in the education sector. First, the study reveals the key role of financial flows as a mechanism for ensuring the sustainability of educational institutions. The case studies show that institutions that proactively allocate funds to infrastructure, technology and student support are better prepared to effectively deal with unexpected disruptions. Second, the study identifies the importance of strategic resource allocation in times of crisis. By assessing risks and implementing crisis response plans, educational institutions can prioritise financial support and resource allocation, ensuring that critical needs are met quickly. Third, the study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and governments. Public-private partnerships, government grants and support policies are becoming important components of crisis management that contribute to a coordinated response to crisis situations. Thus, this study highlights the integral role of financial flows in crisis management in the education sector. It emphasises their transformative potential by highlighting strategic allocation, adaptability and collaboration as key elements of resilience. By adopting these principles, education institutions and governments can effectively mitigate the impact of crises while upholding the fundamental right to education for all in the face of adversity.

The Word Shrinks, the World Expands.

Crises and urgencies are not new phenomena, as well as phases of expansion and contraction (or shrinkage). These dynamics are the essential base on which ground the Author of this paper reflected. His focus is specifically on the scientific and technological backgrounds of two quite different fields: petro-chemical geophysics and information technology, and their respective and opposite roles in “shrinking” or “expanding” the perceived and actual size, scale, and grain of the developed landscape. By putting together these two fields, planners can have the sufficient background to anticipate future land patterns that respond to the relocating effects of scarce, expensive, and renewable transportation and shipping fuels on the one hand, and the continued globalization of culture and corporate ownership on the other. This reflection, as highlighted in this special issue of CONTESTI, is pivotal in a context of a changing “new normal” of the 21st-century society. We must accept that the everyday life of people all over the world can be affected by unexpected disruptions, waves of crisis and recovery that may continuously create new equilibriums. Also, the world is, in some aspects, shrinking, but in other cases is expanding. How can we face such a situation? What can we expect as a result in terms of (re)configuration of cities and territories? In which world we would live in the (near) future?

Enhancing energy system resilience using tidal stream energy

During autumn 2021, high global gas demand led to a 400% increase in imported wholesale gas prices in the UK. This coincided with (i) an extended period of low wind resource, where wind turbines provided 60% less energy than typical levels for the time of year, (ii) low nuclear power availability and (iii) depleting domestic natural gas reserves. These simultaneous events led to UK wholesale electricity prices more than doubling. The 2022 military and political impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to additional increases in imported fuel prices. These types of disruption have the potential to cause damage worth years of sector revenues [1]. In the future, energy resilience challenges must be overcome whilst also achieving net-zero to limit global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, whilst electricity demand at least doubles.
 This research investigates the role of tidal stream energy in enhancing energy system resilience during periods when the energy system is highly stressed, such as during autumn 2021 in the UK. The concept of resilience refers to the ability of the system to survive strong and unexpected disruptions and to recover quickly afterward [1]. This research is motivated by the acknowledgement that the commercial viability of marine power relies on the sector being able to explain how it can provide contributions beyond decarbonisation [2].
 We build on an energy system modelling case study of the Isle of Wight [3], using the EnerSyM-RC energy system model. Wind data between 2012 – 2020 is analysed to identify and characterise periods of low wind resource. These data form the inputs to the EnerySyM-RC modelling. The model then applies a simple brute force optimisation method to investigate the most suitable mix of solar PV, offshore wind, tidal stream and energy storage that enhances system resilience on the Isle of Wight.
 Initial results show that the adoption of tidal stream energy compliments solar and wind generation by reducing reliance on reserve energy (e.g. imported gas) during high-stress periods. Reduced reliance on imported energy is also achieved because of the distinct generation pattern of tidal power (i.e. 4 periods of power generation, each separated by slack tide, every day), which enhances the utilisation of local energy storage.
 References
 [1] Jasiunas J, et al., 2021, Energy system resilience – A review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 150:111476
 [2] Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 2021, Grid Value Proposition of Marine Energy: A Preliminary Analysis, PNNL -31123, Technical report
 [3] Coles DS et al., 2023, Impacts of tidal stream power on energy system security: An Isle of Wight case study, Applied Energy, 334:120686

Zika virus co-opts microRNA networks to persist in placental niches detected by spatial transcriptomics

Zika virus congenital infection evades double-stranded RNA detection and may persist in the placenta for the duration of pregnancy without accompanying overt histopathologic inflammation. Understanding how viruses can persist and replicate in the placenta without causing overt cellular or tissue damage is fundamental to deciphering mechanisms of maternal-fetal vertical transmission. Placenta-specific microRNAs are believed to be a tenet of viral resistance at the maternal-fetal interface. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the Zika virus functionally disrupts placental microRNAs, enabling viral persistence and fetal pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we used orthogonal approaches in human and murine experimental models. In primary human trophoblast cultures (n=5 donor placentae), we performed Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation to identify any significant alterations in the functional loading ofmicroRNAs and their targets onto the RNA-induced silencing complex.Trophoblasts from same-donors were split and infected with a contemporary first-passage Zika virus strain HN16 (multiplicity of infection=1 plaque forming unit per cell) or mock infected. To functionally cross-validate microRNA-messenger RNA interactions, we compared our Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation results with an independent analysis of published bulk RNA-sequencing data from human placental disk specimens (n=3 subjects; Zika virus positive in first, second, or third trimester, CD45- cells sorted by flow cytometry) and compared it with uninfected controls (n=2 subjects). To investigate the importance of these microRNA and RNA interference networks in Zika virus pathogenesis, we used a gnotobiotic mouse model uniquely susceptible to the Zika virus. We evaluated if small-molecule enhancement of microRNA and RNA interference pathways with enoxacin influenced Zika viruspathogenesis (n=20 dams total yielding 187 fetal specimens). Lastly, placentae (n=14 total) from this mouse model were analyzed with Visium spatial transcriptomics (9743 spatial transcriptomes) to identify potential Zika virus-associated alterations in immune microenvironments. We found that Zika virus infection of primary human trophoblast cells led to an unexpected disruption of placental microRNA regulation networks. When compared with uninfected controls, Zika virus-infected placentae had significantly altered SLC12A8, SDK1, andVLDLR RNA-induced silencing complex loading and transcript levels (-2<log2(fold-change)>2; adjusted P value <.05; Wald-test with false discovery rate correction q<0.05). In silico microRNA target analyses revealed that 26 of 119 transcripts (22%) in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway were targeted by microRNAs that were found to be dysregulated following Zika virus infection in trophoblasts. In gnotobiotic mice, relative to mock controls, Zika virus-associated fetal pathogenesis included fetal growth restriction (P=.036) and viral persistence in placental tissue (P=.011). Moreover, spatial transcriptomics of murine placentae revealed that Zika virus-specific placental niches were defined by significant up-regulation of complement cascade components and coordinated changes in transforming growth factor-β gene expression. Finally, treatment of Zika virus-infected mice with enoxacin abolished placental Zika virus persistence, rescued the associated fetal growth restriction, and the Zika virus-associated transcriptional changes in placental immune microenvironments were no longer observed. These results collectively suggest that (1) Zika virus infection and persistence is associated with functionally perturbed microRNA and RNA interference pathways specifically related to immune regulation in placental microenvironments and (2) enhancement of placental microRNA and RNA interference pathways in mice rescued Zika virus-associated pathogenesis, specifically persistence of viral transcripts in placental microenvironments and fetal growth restriction.

Adaptive governance as bricolage

Abstract. Adaptive governance is proposed as an analytical framework for understanding water distributions in the Anthropocene and for fostering transformative interventions. In this contribution, we demonstrate the usefulness of bricolage thinking for a more grounded and power-sensitive analysis of adaptive water governance. More specifically, we employ the notions of institutional bricolage and extend them to socio-technical tinkering to argue for an understanding of adaptive governance as an experimental practice. To develop our arguments, we draw from research on municipal water supply governance in Accra, Ghana, and in Mansfeld-Südharz, Germany – two regions where the modern ideal of a centrally managed large-scale infrastructure is in growing tension with more modest imaginaries. We demonstrate how residents and water providers adapt to local historical–geographical contexts and unexpected disruptions by using novel and existing multi-purpose institutional and infrastructural arrangements across multiple scales. Through the notion of water bricolage, we show how modest imaginaries and realities of municipal water supply infrastructure and governance emerge. In concluding, we suggest everyday engagements with rules, people and materials as a lens to further understand adaptive governance and identify spaces for transformative interventions.

BoxStacker: Deep Reinforcement Learning for 3D Bin Packing Problem in Virtual Environment of Logistics Systems.

Manufacturing systems need to be resilient and self-organizing to adapt to unexpected disruptions, such as product changes or rapid order, in supply chain changes while increasing the automation level of robotized logistics processes to cope with the lack of human experts. Deep Reinforcement Learning is a potential solution to solve more complex problems by introducing artificial neural networks in Reinforcement Learning. In this paper, a game engine was used for Deep Reinforcement Learning training, which allows visualization of view learning and result processes more intuitively than other tools, as well as a physical engine for a more realistic problem-solving environment. The present research demonstrates that a Deep Reinforcement Learning model can effectively address the real-time sequential 3D bin packing problem by utilizing a game engine to visualize the environment. The results indicate that this approach holds promise for tackling complex logistical challenges in dynamic settings.

Expected EMIC Wave Generation and Unexpected MS Wave Disruption in a Magnetic Dip

AbstractMagnetic dip plays a potentially important role in the ring‐current‐radiation‐belt‐coupling. Here, we report a proton‐driven magnetic dip event accompanied by the expected generation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave and the unexpected disruption of fast magnetosonic (MS) wave observed by the Van Allen Probe B on 03 November 2015. The effect of magnetic dip on the EMIC wave generation and MS wave propagation is analyzed. The analysis of EMIC wave instability demonstrates that EMIC waves are more easily excited in the magnetic dip. Moreover, the cold plasma density shows a highly positive correlation with the magnetic field fluctuation, and they are closely related to the disappearance of MS wave during the magnetic dip structure, which is confirmed by theoretical estimation. Our results indicate that magnetic dip may play different roles in the activities of EMIC and MS waves, which has rarely been discussed before.

Future Agendas in Finance in a Post-pandemic World: A Brief Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment of unprecedented shock among global economies. Prolonged lockdown across countries, national economic downturns and unexpected disruptions of demand and supply cycles created a likeliness towards a phase of slowdown that could last for an uncertain period. The current study is an attempt to investigate the possible post-pandemic implications on selected financial dimensions of an economy. Secondary data have been relied on to highlight the social and economic impact of this pandemic by drawing insights from literature that have been able to foretell or assess the impacts of likely situations of crisis. Major findings of the study are indicative towards the need of fulfilling unmet investments in preparedness against pandemics, the obvious advantages of having pandemics like COVID-19 being covered by insurance, possible long-term shifts in global spending patterns and the importance of financial markets enduring through such uncertainty. Understanding the impacts of past events that might closely parallel the COVID-19 pandemic brings out avenues of future research in this direction and a possibility of supplementing the scant literature available in this area of study.

Inter-agency Cooperation Within the SRM: Legal and Operational Challenges for the Cooperation Between Banking Supervision and Resolution Authorities in the EU and With Third-country Authorities

Abstract 900 In bank resolution, swift and effective cooperation of different actors is of essence, particularly in cross-border cases. While the same can be said about cross-border insolvency management generally, the European framework for the recovery and resolution of failing banks and, in particular, the centralisation of resolution powers within the Single Resolution Mechanism stand out as particularly complex – and, at the same time, remains to some extent untested to the present date. Against this backdrop, the present article explores the statutory framework for cooperation between the Single Resolution Board, the European Central Bank in its capacity as supervisory authority within the Single Supervisory Mechanism, National Resolution Authorities and Third Country authorities. It concludes that, while the legal and institutional arrangements governing inter-agency cooperation are generally sound, operationalisation in actual cases might still be exposed to unexpected disruptions, especially in cases where political interests are at stake.

Impact of COVID-19 on diagnosis and management of newborn hearing loss.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unexpected disruptions in patient care, including adherence to the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 1-3-6 guidelines. These guidelines mandate newborn hearing screening (NHS) by 1 month of age, diagnosis of hearing loss (HL) by 3 months, and referral to Early Intervention by 6 months. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on EHDI benchmarks in a major US city to help clinicians address current needs and prepare for future disruptive events. Retrospective review was performed for all patients who did not pass NHS at two tertiary care centers between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were divided into three cohorts based on the periods of time before, during, and after the COVID-19 Massachusetts State of Emergency (SOE). Demographics, medical history, NHS results, Auditory Brainstem Response results, and hearing aid (HA) intervention data were collected. Two-sampled independent t-tests and analysis of variance were used to compute rate and time outcomes. 30,773 newborns underwent NHS and 678 failed NHS. There was no difference in 1-month benchmark NHS rates, increased 3-month benchmark HL diagnosis rate post-SOE COVID (91.7%; p=0.002), and increased 6-month benchmark HA intervention rate post-SOE COVID compared to pre-COVID (88.9% vs. 44.4%; p=0.027). Mean time to NHS was lower during SOE COVID compared to pre-COVID (1.9 days vs. 2.0 days; p=0.038) and mean time to HL diagnosis was higher during SOE COVID (47.5 days; p<0.001). Lost to follow-up (LTF) rate at HL diagnosis decreased post-SOE (4.8%; p=0.008). No differences in EHDI 1-3-6 benchmark rates between pre-COVID and SOE COVID patients were observed. However, increased 3-month benchmark HL diagnosis and 6-month benchmark HA intervention rates and a decreased LTF rate at 3-month benchmark HL diagnosis were observed post-SOE COVID.

Dynamics of Human Resource Management: Integrating Technology, Sustainability, and Adaptability in the Modern Organizational Landscape

This research explores the dynamics of Human Resource Management (HRM) in facing the challenges of the contemporary era characterized by technological integration, environmental sustainability, and organizational adaptability. Through a review of scholarly articles, this research explores the relationship between innovative HRM practices and their impact on organizational performance, employees, and response to change. Technology integration in HRM is a focus of attention. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Analytics is changing the paradigm of HRM processes by improving efficiency, decision-making, and employee experience. The review showed that technology enables personalization of HRM and has a positive impact on organizational performance. The importance of environmental sustainability is also reflected in the practice of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM). The integration of environmentally sound transformational leadership components, environmentally sound social capital, and environmentally sound values in GHRM has a positive correlation with pro-environmental behavior in the workplace. These findings encourage a sustainable organizational culture and support employee performance. The era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) presents new challenges for HRM. The integration of advanced technologies shapes organizational dynamics and employee behavior. This research highlights the importance of adaptability in HRM to deal with rapid contextual changes. Supply chain resilience is becoming an important aspect of HRM, especially in the face of unexpected disruptions. HRM practices that encourage employee participation in supply chain resilience development have a positive impact on organizational resilience and operational performance. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis demands adaptive and innovative HRM practices. This research shows that adaptable HRM practices contribute to organizational readiness in the face of challenges and sudden changes. The results of this review provide a foundation for further research in understanding the relationship between HRM practices and organizational and employee performance. In-depth quantitative research is expected to test the hypotheses formulated and provide guidance for effective HRM strategies in the face of modern organizational dynamics.

Global Pandemic and Higher Education Institutions: Building Back Better in BRICS and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic manifested in health and socioeconomic crises globally on many levels. At its outset, the pandemic interrupted higher education institutions (HEIs) in 185 countries, dramatically affecting the lives of millions of students and staff. The unexpected disruption also exacerbated inequalities and placed the most vulnerable members of society at even greater risk, especially in lower-income countries. Simultaneously, the pandemic underscored the importance of HEIs as intellectual leaders and experts in overcoming societal challenges. This study reviewed international scholarly literature and global surveys corresponding to the pandemic’s impact on higher education, particularly its influence on academic research activities, teaching practice, and HEIs’ response to such challenges. Findings indicate a need for HEIs to adapt to new realities, harness lessons learned, and convert challenges into opportunities. Moreover, institutional responses provide lessons of commitment and creativity that can be informative for building a better future for research and teaching among HEIs in BRICS states and beyond.

POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITS OF DIGITALIZATION TO INCREASE SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE

In case any unexpected circumstances occur, a supply chain may be heavily influenced with a wide range of negative consequences such as inability to deliver or large delays in delivery. Therefore, it is important for every supply chain and the companies that are involved in them to reduce these negative outcomes. In this context, the term Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) stands for the level of adaptability of a supply chain to respond to and recover from disruptions. A high SCR is given if re-maintaining operational continuity is quickly possible. As an example of unexpected disruptions, the COVID19-crisis showed major impacts on the functionality of global supply chains. The upcoming technologies of industrial Digitalization, mainly known as Industry 4.0, provide opportunities to increase SCR. In this paper, first a brief overview of different surveys is given to show the COVID19-impact on global supply chains and therefore prove the need to generally increase SCR. Second, an insight of how especially Digitalization may help to increase SCR is provided. Especially improving the data base for all supply chain partners, faster and more precise decision-making processes, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, are described. Finally, positive chances and major challenges of using Digitalization to increase SCR are addressed.