Search Results (939)

Blockchain technology (BCT) is regarded as one of the most important and disruptive technologies in Industry 4.0. However, no comprehensive study addresses the contributions of BCT adoption (BCA) on some special business functionalities projected as financial variables like BCA integrity, transparency, etc. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to close this theoretical gap and determine how BCA has contributed to the four business sectors that were selected since FinTech had the greatest potential in these domains. The PRISMA approach, a systematic literature review model, was used in this work to make sure that the greatest number of studies on the topic were accessed. The PRISMA model’s output helped identify relevant publications, and an analysis of these studies served as the foundation for this paper’s findings. The findings reveal that BCA for companies with a disrupting financial technology (FinTech) attitude can help in securing corporate transaction transparency; offer knowledge, same-data, and information sharing; enhance fidelity, integrity, and trust; improve organizational procedures; and prevent fraud with cyber-hacking protection and fraudulence suspension. Moreover, blockchain’s smart contract utilization feature offers ESG and sustainability functionality. This paper’s novelty is the projection to four business sectors of the three-layer research sequence: (i) financial variables operated as BCA functionalities, (ii) issues, risks, limitations, and opportunities associated with the financial variables, and (iii) implications, theoretical contributions, questions, potentiality, and outlook of BCA/FinTech issues. And the ability of managers or practitioners to reference this sequence and make decisions on BCA matters is considered a key contribution. The proposed methodology provides business practitioners with valuable insights to reevaluate their economic challenges and explore the potential of blockchain technology to address them. This study combined a systematic literature review (SLR) with qualitative analysis as part of a hybrid research approach. Quantitative analysis was carried out on all 835 selected papers in the first step, and qualitative analysis was carried out on the top-cited papers that were screened. The current work highlights the key challenges and opportunities in established blockchain implementations and discusses the outlook potentiality of blockchain technology adoption. This study will be useful to managers, practitioners, researchers, and scholars. Full article

Nowadays, there is a constant focus on implementing the net-zero emission (NZE) concept in the manufacturing supply chain (MSC). To reduce emissions and improve organisational efficiency, adopting the net-zero concept is a prevalent trend in today’s highly competitive global business environment. Governments and stakeholders are pressuring the manufacturing sector to use natural resources efficiently and reduce environmental impacts. As a result, the manufacturing industry is focusing on cleaner production using net-zero practices. This study aims to identify and analyse the interaction among the drivers of net-zero adoption in the MSC. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), a list of drivers was recognised. To validate these drivers, we conducted an empirical study with 173 respondents from the Indian manufacturing industry. Further, we employed an artificial neural network (ANN) to weigh the nonlinear effect of drivers. Fuzzy interpretive structural modelling (F-ISM) was used to identify the interaction relationships among the drivers and construct a hierarchical structure among these identified drivers. The fuzzy matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to the classification (F-MICMAC) method was used to categorise these drivers into driving and dependent categories. The outcomes of ANN show that Environmental predictors (100%) emerged as the most significant drivers, followed by Economic drivers (60.38%) and Technological drivers (59.05%). This study is a valuable resource for academia and industry professionals, providing essential insights into how adopting net zero facilitates the manufacturing industry’s ability to achieve net zero across the supply chain. Full article

The surimi industry faces challenges due to the overexploitation of demersal fishes, requiring precise fish stock assessments and the exploration of alternative raw materials. Research in these areas is crucial for fish sustainability. Thus, the current study aims to identify the existing knowledge covering the use of the length-based spawning potential ratio (LB-SPR) as a fish stock assessment method and to fill the gap in the research by consolidating relevant literature through a PRISMA SLR, using qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicate that the LB-SPR method, while effective, needs to be utilized more in the surimi industry. This review highlights the need for precise stock assessments, historical data collection, and advanced sampling technologies, which are crucial for accurate data collection to conduct LB-SPR studies to assess fish stocks. Our study finds that significant research gaps include the need for more empirical studies on reproductive biology and the crucial role of interdisciplinary research in enhancing the long-term viability of fish stocks and the health of marine ecosystems. Full article

The study aims to identify and categorise the deterrents to adopting modular construction (MC) in affordable housing (AH), revealing their interconnections, and proposing strategies to overcome them. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, followed by Pareto analysis and total interpretive structural modelling (TISM). A total of 75 deterrents were identified from 46 studies, spanning 7 categories: environmental, social and cultural, technical and construction, industry and market, administrative and bureaucratic, economic, and regulatory and policy. The top deterrent category was found to be economic, specifically high initial investment costs and financing challenges. Significant deterrents, particularly economic ones, that impede the adoption of MC in AH are revealed. The interconnectedness of these deterrents highlights the need for comprehensive strategies addressing multiple categories simultaneously. Mitigation strategies and countermeasures are proposed to facilitate the adoption of MC. The study is based on the existing literature, which may have limitations in terms of capturing all possible deterrents. Further empirical research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings. A critical gap is filled by this study, which systematically categorises and analyses deterrents to MC in AH and proposes actionable strategies to mitigate them, thereby contributing to more effective and widespread adoption of MC. The findings are valuable to both global audiences and Australian stakeholders and provide insights that allow the barriers to MC in AH to be overcome. Full article

Szechwan lovage rhizome (SLR, the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong in Chinese transliteration) is one Chinese materia medica (CMM) commonly used to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis. SLR is applicable to most blood stasis syndromes. It has significant clinical efficacy in relation to human diseases of the cardiocerebrovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, etc. Apart from China, SLR is also used in Singapore, Malaysia, the European Union, and the United States of America. However, the current chemical markers in pharmacopeia or monography for the quality assessment of SLR are not well characterized or specifically characterized, nor do they fully reflect the medicinal efficacy of SLR, resulting in the quality of SLR not being effectively controlled. CMM can only have medicinal efficacy when they are applied in vivo to an organism. The intensity of their pharmaceutical activities can more directly represent the quality of CMM. Therefore, the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of SLR are reviewed in this paper. In order to demonstrate the medicinal efficacy of SLR in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, bioassay methods are put forward to evaluate the pharmaceutical activities of SLR to improve hemorheology, hemodynamics, and vascular microcirculation, as well as its anti-platelet aggregation and anticoagulation properties. Through comprehensive analyses of these pharmaceutical properties, the quality and therapeutic value of SLR are ascertained. Full article

Microbes may play an important role in the sugarcane leaf degradation and nutrient conversion process. Soil bacterial communities are more or less involved in material transformation and nutrient turnover. In order to make better use of the vast sugarcane leaf straw resources and reduce the overuse of chemical fertilizers in the subtropical red soil region of Guangxi, a pot experiment, with three sugarcane leaf return (SLR) amounts [full SLR (FS), 120 g/pot; half SLR (HS), 60 g/pot; and no SLR (NS)] and three fertilizer reduction (FR) levels [full fertilizer (FF), 4.50 g N/pot, 3.00 g P₂O₅/pot, and 4.50 g K₂O/pot; half fertilizer (HF), 2.25 g N/pot, 1.50 g P₂O₅/pot, and 2.25 g K₂O/pot; and no fertilizer (NF)], was conducted to assess the interactions of different SLR amounts and chemical FR levels in the soil bacterial network and the relationship between the soil properties and bacterial network by using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology. According to the results of the soil bacterial community compositions and diversity, the soil bacterial network was changed during maize growth. SLR exerted a stronger effect on soil bacterial function than FR. Returning the sugarcane leaf to the field increased the diversity of the soil bacteria network. The bacterial communities were consistently dominated by Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes across all treatments, among which Actinobacteria was the most abundant bacteria type by almost 50% at the phylum level. The analysis results of the experimental factor on maize growth showed that the effect of SLR was lower than that of FR; however, this was opposite in the soil bacterial community structure and diversity. The soil bacterial network was significantly correlated with the soil total K, available N and organic matter contents, and EC. The soil bacteria community showed different responses to SLR and FR, and the FF in combination with FS partly increased the complexity of the soil bacteria network, which can further benefit crop production and soil health in the red soil region. Full article

This research identifies the relationship between industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components. A combination of a systematic literature review (SLR) and applied thematic analysis (ATA) is employed to uncover the pertinent literature associated with the purpose of this research. Whilst various forms of strategies, theories, methods, and practices were uncovered in each of the knowledge components, only a few were overlapping. These overlapping components include green supply chain operations, circular economy, and technology management. This study is the first in a series of studies contextualising industrial engineering knowledge in terms of its applicability to environmental sustainability. These results reveal concepts from industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components that can be used to systematically design methodologies or practically implement them in an industry or organisation. Methods and practices were a dedicated theme in the analysis, and these can be used by practitioners. A circle packing diagram is crafted using the IISE Body of Knowledge as a means of categorisation. This study considered industrial engineering as a catalyst in creating new forms of transdisciplinary knowledge areas. It also considers how industrial engineering knowledge can contribute to meeting environmental challenges. Full article

Introduction: Stretching exercises are important in both the prevention and treatment of nonspecific low back pain (NLBP). The aim of this trial was to determine whether an 8-week active hamstring stretching protocol combined with core stabilization and education regarding the maintenance of a neutral lumbar spine during activities could reduce NLBP and low back discomfort during prolonged sitting among young people. Methods: Participants (52 students aged 18–25) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Experimental group (the hamstring stretching group) and the Control group (only education). The intervention was conducted for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity (VAS), low back discomfort (LBD), and functional disability (ODI). The secondary outcome measures were satisfaction with the intervention (GPE) and flexibility of the hamstring (SLR). Results: After the 8-week intervention in the E-group, results of VAS, ODI, and LBD were significantly lower comparing to baseline. In the C-group, no significant differences were observed. After the exercises program, there were differences between the E-group and C-group in VAS, LBD, GPE, and SLR tests (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence that an eight-week program of active hamstring stretching and core stabilization exercises can significantly reduce NLBP and musculoskeletal discomfort during prolonged sitting in young adults. These findings highlight the importance of targeted exercise interventions in managing and preventing NLBP, particularly among sedentary populations. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore their applicability to broader populations and over extended periods. Full article

Background: Interest and concern regarding the social support and burnout of college lecturers have grown over the past decades. Maintaining good mental health is critical for university lecturers. Social support has been identified as an effective resource against burnout. However, few studies have comprehensively examined the connection between social support and burnout specifically among college lecturers. Therefore, this review aims to explore how social support influences the burnout of college lecturers. Methods: This study employed the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. Results: A thorough systematic review of 20 studies was conducted between 2015 and 2024, drawn from five major databases: Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycINFO, PubMed, and Eric. The review indicates that burnout is measured through the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory—Educators Survey (MBI-ES), Maslach Burnout Inventory—General Survey (MBI-GS), Burnout Syndrome Evaluation Questionnaire, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Shirom–Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM), and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). While social support is measured through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS) survey. Individual and occupational factors contribute to lecturers’ burnout. This study reveals the association between social support and burnout among lecturers and it emphasizes the multifaceted role of social support in alleviating burnout among lecturers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that educational institutions should strengthen support systems and increase the emotional support available among lecturers to relieve burnout. Full article

Coffee beans, a popular commodity in the world, are processed into coffee, which generates a considerable quantity of spent coffee grounds (SCGs). However, SCGs, a byproduct rich in hemicellulose, poses a challenge due to fermentable sugar loss during conventional pretreatment. This study investigates the efficient production of bioethanol from SCG using an optimized liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment combined with separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) process. LHW pretreatment at 180 °C for 20 min with a high solid-to-liquid ratio (SLR) of 1:6 (w/v) was optimized to disrupt the lignocellulosic structure and retain high levels of fermentable sugars, which included mannose and glucose. This approach achieved a bioethanol concentration of 15.02 ± 0.05 g/L and a productivity rate of 1.252 g/(L·h), demonstrating the efficiency of this integrated process. Interestingly, the high SLR LHW pretreatment significantly reduces water usage and enhances product concentration, offering a promising, environmentally friendly, and economically viable method for industrial bioethanol production from SCGs without the necessity of detoxification. Full article

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the integration of circular economy (CE) principles into the agri-food supply chain over the past 20 years. The review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and provide actionable insights for future research. A comprehensive search across major databases yielded 1200 articles, which were screened, filtered, and assessed, resulting in a final selection of 100 high-quality studies. This review highlights the significant potential of the CE to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. These studies were categorized based on thematic issues, geographical regions, and supply chain stages. The findings highlight the predominant focus on waste management, resource efficiency, sustainable practices, and economic impacts, reflecting regional priorities and regulatory frameworks. The review also underscores the multiplier effect of CE implementation, which enhances sustainability and efficiency within the agri-food sector and generates significant economic and environmental benefits on a regional and global scale. Key challenges and areas for further research are identified, providing a comprehensive foundation for advancing CE practices in the agri-food supply chain. Full article

With the dynamic nature of today’s market demands, industries increasingly require flexible and adaptable systems to navigate through variable operational needs. In-plane manipulation systems, characterized by their ability to handle objects over an active surface, have emerged as promising solutions to address these challenges. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the landscape of in-plane manipulation systems, focusing on their classification, technological aspects, and emerging trends. Drawing upon a comprehensive search strategy, this review identifies and synthesizes relevant literature on the topic. Through structured data extraction and analysis, the review categorizes these devices based on their fields of application, employed technologies, common characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and existing gaps in research and development. The main technologies identified for material handling include MEMS, vibrations, cilia, pneumatic surfaces, variable-morphology surfaces, the use of rotors, and mobile platforms. These technologies are described based on their primary features and fields of application and are compared to highlight their unique advantages and limitations. Accordingly, this SLR aims to provide insights into the current state of the art, identify areas for further investigation, and inform future developments in in-plane material handling. Additionally, the findings of this review contribute to a deeper understanding of the capabilities, limitations, and potential applications of this kind of manipulation across various industries. Furthermore, the identification of gaps in existing literature, particularly regarding the complexity and efficiency of rotor systems, serves as a foundation for future research aimed at advancing the field and addressing the evolving needs of industries in an increasingly dynamic market landscape. Full article

Over the last few decades, remarkable technical advancements, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, have emerged. These tools have the ability to change the accounting process. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on using the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) in a single accounting information system (AIS) to enhance the quality of digital financial reports. This paper employs a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, specifically, by adopting the widely accepted PRISMA technique. The final sample of this study included 309 related studies from 2013 to 2023. Our findings highlight the lack of literature related to the integration of these three types of technologies within a unified AIS. This study is extremely significant because it proposes a new research stream that explores the possibility of integrating IoT, blockchain, and XBRL in a single accounting system, yielding a plethora of benefits to the accounting field. However, the potential benefits of such an integration are evident, including enhanced transparency, real-time reporting capabilities, and improved data security. Our paper’s main contribution is that it is the first paper, to the best of our knowledge, to explore the integration of these three technologies. We also identified important gaps in the research and pointed out ways for future research to somehow take a lead in exploring further how this integrated system is affecting accounting practices. Full article

Traditional mean-variance (MV) models, considered effective in stable conditions, often prove inadequate in uncertain market scenarios. Therefore, there is a need for more robust and better portfolio optimization methods to handle the fluctuations and uncertainties in asset returns and covariances. This study aims to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on robust portfolio mean-variance (RPMV) in stock investment utilizing genetic algorithms (GAs). The SLR covered studies from 1995 to 2024, allowing a thorough analysis of the evolution and effectiveness of robust portfolio optimization methods over time. The method used to conduct the SLR followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The result of the SLR presented a novel strategy to combine robust optimization methods and a GA in order to enhance RPMV. The uncertainty parameters, cardinality constraints, optimization constraints, risk-aversion parameters, robust covariance estimators, relative and absolute robustness, and parameters adopted were unable to develop portfolios capable of maintaining performance despite market uncertainties. This led to the inclusion of GAs to solve the complex optimization problems associated with RPMV efficiently, as well as fine-tuning parameters to improve solution accuracy. In three papers, the empirical validation of the results was conducted using historical data from different global capital markets such as Hang Seng (Hong Kong), Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) 100 (Germany), the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 (U.K.), S&P 100 (USA), Nikkei 225 (Japan), and the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), and the results showed that the RPMV model optimized with a GA was more stable and provided higher returns compared with traditional MV models. Furthermore, the proposed method effectively mitigated market uncertainties, making it a valuable tool for investors aiming to optimize portfolios under uncertain conditions. The implications of this study relate to handling uncertainty in asset returns, dynamic portfolio parameters, and the effectiveness of GAs in solving portfolio optimization problems under uncertainty, providing near-optimal solutions with relatively lower computational time. Full article

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation and assistive technique used for stroke survivors. FES systems mainly consist of sensors, a control algorithm, and a stimulation unit. However, there is a critical need to reassess sensing and control techniques in FES systems to enhance their efficiency. This SLR was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 statement. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library) from 2010 to 2024 were searched using terms related to sensing and control strategies in FES systems. A total of 322 articles were chosen in the first stage, while only 60 of them remained after the final filtering stage. This systematic review mainly focused on sensor techniques and control strategies to deliver FES. The most commonly used sensors reported were inertial measurement units (IMUs), 45% (27); biopotential electrodes, 36.7% (22); vision-based systems, 18.3% (11); and switches, 18.3% (11). The control strategy most reported is closed-loop; however, most of the current commercial FES systems employ open-loop strategies due to their simplicity. Three main factors were identified that should be considered when choosing a sensor for gait-oriented FES systems: wearability, accuracy, and affordability. We believe that the combination of computer vision systems with artificial intelligence-based control algorithms can contribute to the development of minimally invasive and personalized FES systems for the gait rehabilitation of patients with FDS. Full article