Search Results (224)

Digital transformation has re-engineered tourism marketing and how destination branding competes for tourist attention, yet scholarship offers little systematic quantification of these changes. Drawing on 160 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2025, we combine grounded-theory thematic synthesis with a random-effect meta-analysis of 60 datasets to trace branding performance across five technological eras (pre-Internet and brochure era: to mid-1990s; Web 1.0: 1995–2004; Web 2.0: 2004–2013; mobile first: 2013–2020; AI-XR: 2020–2025). Results reveal three structural shifts: (i) dialogic engagement replaces one-way promotion, (ii) credibility migrates to user-generated content, and (iii) artificial intelligence–driven personalisation reconfigures relevance, while mobile and virtual reality marketing extend immersion. Meta-analytic estimates show the strongest gains for engagement intentions (g = 0.57), followed by brand awareness (g = 0.46) and image (g = 0.41). Other equity dimensions (attitudes, loyalty, perceived quality) also improved on average, but to a lesser degree. Visual, UGC-rich, and influencer posts on highly interactive platforms consistently outperform brochure-style content, while robustness checks (fail-safe N, funnel symmetry, leave-one-out) confirm stability. We conclude that digital tools amplify, rather than replace, co-creation, credibility, and context. By fusing historical narrative with statistical certainty, the study delivers a data-anchored roadmap for destination marketers, researchers, and policymakers preparing for the AI-mediated decade ahead. Full article

Against the backdrop of accelerating global trade and rising consumer expectations, cross-border e-commerce must urgently increase consumers’ willingness to reuse them. This study uses social exchange theory (SET) and resource dependency theory (RDT) to look at how business process reengineering (BPR) in cross-border e-commerce logistics services helps with digitalising the services, resulting in consumers being more likely to keep using the platform. The study also investigates information sharing and supply chain integration (SCI) as variables. This study used a sample of Chinese cross-border e-commerce enterprises and employed confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) as analytical methods. The findings indicate a positive relationship between logistics service BPR and logistics service digitisation. Our results also show that SCI positively moderates the relationship between BPR and logistics service digitalization by enhancing cross-organizational collaboration and information flow. We further find that greater information sharing cross-border e-commerce platforms and logistics service providers strengthens SCI’s moderating effect, indicating a secondary moderating role of information sharing. This study proposes an innovative interactive perspective and, drawing on SET, constructs three models to identify the boundary conditions influencing the relationship. It provides a theoretical foundation and practical reference for cross-border e-commerce platforms seeking to optimize digital logistics services and enhance consumers’ willingness to reuse the platform. Full article

The purpose of this perspective is to present a structured framework for delivering musculoskeletal (MSK) care via telerehabilitation, advocating for a fundamental shift in the mindset of physical therapists. Rather than viewing virtual care as a limited substitute, it is redefined as a clinically valid model that requires deliberate reengineering of traditional assessment and treatment practices. The article addresses three key questions: (1) How can MSK assessment and treatment be effectively delivered in the digital environment? (2) What clinical reasoning pathways can guide patient triage in virtual care? and (3) What value does telerehabilitation offer to both patients and therapists? The article outlines how MSK sessions can be conducted remotely through a systematic approach to preparation, subjective examination, and physical assessment, each adapted to both the constraints and opportunities of the digital environment. Core elements of in-person care are translated into telehealth-compatible formats, including visual observation, patient-guided special tests, and digitally administered patient-reported outcome measures. It further proposes clinical decision pathways that enable therapists to triage patients into three categories: those fully suitable for telehealth, those requiring hybrid care, and those needing referral. The value proposition of MSK telerehabilitation is discussed from both the patient and therapist perspectives, highlighting enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and patient empowerment. The article contrasts the in-person and telerehabilitation models, underscoring the elevated importance of communication, creativity, resourcefulness, and clinical reasoning in virtual contexts. Beyond current challenges such as regulatory ambiguity, reimbursement variability, and digital inequity, the article explores future directions for MSK care. These include integration of wearable technologies, AI-assisted assessments, and an evolving therapist role as a director of care within a digitally enabled system. Ultimately, this article offers not just a model for virtual MSK sessions, but a vision for sustainable, evidence-informed transformation in rehabilitation delivery. Full article

Chronic pain is a dynamic, brain-wide condition that eludes effective management by conventional, static treatment approaches. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), traditionally perceived as a simple and generic modality, is on the verge of a significant transformation. Guided by advances in brain-state decoding and adaptive algorithms, TENS can evolve into a precision neuromodulation system tailored to individual needs. By integrating multimodal neuroimaging—including the spatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the temporal sensitivity of an Electroencephalogram (EEG), and the ecological validity of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)—with real-time machine learning, we envision a paradigm shift from fixed stimulation protocols to personalized, closed-loop modulation. This comprehensive review outlines a translational framework to reengineer TENS from an open-loop device into a responsive, intelligent therapeutic platform. We examine the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven infrastructures, and ethical considerations essential for implementing this vision in clinical practice—not only for chronic pain management but also for broader neuroadaptive healthcare applications. Full article

Maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from mature and complex reservoirs is constrained by heterogeneity, sand production, and harsh operational conditions. While polyacrylamide (PAM)-based systems are pivotal in addressing these challenges, a comprehensive synthesis of their transformative evolution and multifunctional capabilities remains overdue. This review critically analyzes advancements in PAM-based materials for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), conformance control, and sand management. We show that nanomaterial integration (e.g., magnetic NPs, nanoclays) significantly augments PAM’s rheological control, thermal and salinity stability, interfacial properties, and wettability alteration. Furthermore, the emergence of supramolecular chemistry has endowed PAM systems with unprecedented resilience, enabling self-healing and adaptive performance under extreme subsurface conditions. The review highlights a crucial paradigm shift towards integrated reservoir management, synergizing these advanced chemical designs with mechanical strategies and leveraging sophisticated monitoring and predictive analytics. Critically, innovations in sustainable and bio-inspired PAM materials offer environmentally responsible solutions with enhanced biodegradability. This synthesis provides a holistic understanding of the state of the art. Despite persistent challenges in scalability and predictability, continually re-engineered PAM systems are positioned as an indispensable and increasingly sustainable cornerstone for future hydrocarbon recovery in the complex energy landscape. Full article

Sociotechnical systems (STSs) are generally assumed to be systems that incorporate humans and technology, strongly depending on a sustainable equilibrium between the following nondeterministic social context ingredients: social structures, roles, and rights, as well as the designers’ Holy Grail, the deterministic nature of the underlying technical system. The fact that the relevant social concepts are more mature than the supporting technologies qualifies the digital transformation of sociotechnical systems as a reengineering rather than an engineering endeavor. Preserving the social mission throughout the digital transformation process in varying social contexts is mandatory, making the digital twins (DT) methodology application a contemporary research hotspot. In this research, we combined continuous transformation STS theory principles, an observer-based system-of-sociotechnical-systems (SoSTS) architecture model, and digital twinning methods to address common STS context representation challenges. Additionally, based on model-driven systems engineering methodology and meta-object-facility principles, the research specifies the universal meta-concepts and meta-modeling templates, supporting the creation of arbitrary sociotechnical systems’ external context digital twins. Due to the inherent diversity, significantly influenced by geopolitical, economic, and cultural influencers, a higher education external context specialization illustrates the reusability potentials of the proposed universal meta-concepts. Substituting higher-education-related meta-concepts and meta-models with arbitrary domain-dependent specializations further fosters the proposed universal meta-concepts’ reusability. Full article

This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems within Romanian organizations. The objective is to develop a comprehensive framework for ERP adoption decisions, thereby advancing the field of knowledge and offering managerial insights. To accomplish this research goal, a questionnaire is envisioned, employing various research hypotheses, and distributed to a representative sample. Quantitative econometric regression analysis is employed, considering potential factors such as user training and education, competitive pressures, user involvement and participation, decentralized ERP features, top management support, data quality, the quality of the ERP system, cost and budget considerations, and business process reengineering. Of the 12 factors analyzed, 9 were found to be relevant in terms of influence on the decision to adopt ERP systems, in the context of the Romanian market. The other three factors were found to be irrelevant, thus obtaining results partially different from other areas of the world. By validating the hypotheses and answering the research questions, this work addresses a research gap regarding the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors that shape the adoption process of ERP systems in Romania. Full article

Originally introduced in the 1960s by DISA Elektronik as a calibration tunnel for hot-wire anemometers, the Type 55D41 has now been reengineered into a versatile and modern aerodynamic test platform. While retaining key legacy components, such as the converging nozzle and the 55D42 power unit, the upgraded system features a redesigned modular test section with optical-grade quartz windows. This enhancement enables compatibility with advanced flow diagnostics and visualization methods, including PTV, DIC, and schlieren imaging. The modernized facility maintains the precision and flow stability that made the original design widely respected, while expanding its functionality to meet the demands of contemporary experimental research. Its architecture supports the aerodynamic characterization of micro-scale static pressure probes used in aerospace, propulsion, and micro gas turbine applications. Special attention is given to assessing the influence of probe tip geometry (e.g., conical, ogive), port positioning, and stem interference on measurement accuracy. Full article

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatments but still faces challenges, particularly with response rates plateauing around 20–40%. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of required antigen availability. This emphasizes finding agents that can improve these response rates, and curcumin has emerged as a promising natural compound with the potential to reengineer the TME by establishing its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects. This review synthesizes the mechanisms by which curcumin affects major oncogenic pathways to synergize with immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and cancer vaccinations. Finally, we discuss future directions, current clinical trials, and bioavailability issues with utilizing curcumin clinically. Full article

Yeast genetic improvement is entering a transformative phase, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and synthetic microbial communities with conventional methods such as sexual breeding and random mutagenesis. These advancements have substantially expanded the potential for innovative re-engineering of yeast, ranging from single-strain cultures to complex polymicrobial consortia. This review compares traditional genetic manipulation techniques with cutting-edge approaches, highlighting recent breakthroughs in their application to beer and wine fermentation. Among the innovative strategies, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) stands out as a non-GMO method capable of rewiring complex fitness-related phenotypes through iterative selection. In contrast, GMO-based synthetic biology approaches, including the most recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, enable efficient and scalable genome editing, including multiplexed modifications. These innovations are expected to accelerate product development, reduce costs, and enhance the environmental sustainability of brewing and winemaking. However, despite their technological potential, GMO-based strategies continue to face significant regulatory and market challenges, which limit their widespread adoption in the fermentation industry. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts are permeating the approach to the design of buildings and landscapes for the architectural, engineering, and construction sectors. Recent regulations require that even medium–small-size public works are managed through BIM-driven design. These circumstances have led to an increase in research on the topic. The expansion of the demand of BIM-skilled professionals urges higher education institutions to re-engineer their design programs. The aim of this paper is to evaluate this academic education transition in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Sassari, Italy. The method consists of a BIM academic education assessment framework based on ten criteria clustered into three macro-issues. The application of this framework to the assessment of three diploma final theses signals that some actions have been undertaken (i.e., introducing BIM basic concepts in rural building and landscape design, stimulating interest in students, clarifying the dimensions of BIM, and promoting the concept of 3D object design and management), but still, much work must be carried out. The work confirms typical barriers to the implementation of BIM concepts in the core curriculum and the need to mobilize the whole educational ecosystem to achieve satisfactory progress toward effective innovation in contemporary BIM-led design teaching. This work represents the first attempt to evaluate the progress of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, toward the integration of BIM concepts in its courses and to position this transition in an international panorama. Full article

A core tertiary wastewater reactive filtration technology, where continuously renewed hydrous ferric oxide coated sand is created in an upflow continuous backwash filter, has been adopted in about 100 water resource recovery facilities in several countries. Primarily focused on ultralow phosphorus discharge requirements to address nutrient pollution impacts and harmful algae blooms, the technology has also demonstrated the capacity to address high-efficiency removals of Hg, As, Zn, N, and other pollutants of concern, in addition to water quality needs met by common sand filtration, including total suspended solids. Recent work has demonstrated the capability of an additive iron–ozone catalytic oxidation process to the core reactive filtration technology platform to address micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals. Most recently, direct injection of frangible biochar into the reactive sand filter bed as a consumable reagent demonstrates a novel biochar water treatment technology in a platform that yields dose-dependent carbon negativity. In this work, the reactive filtration technology performance is reviewed from field pilot-scale to full-scale installation scenarios for nutrient removal and recovery applications. We also review the potential of the technology for nutrient recovery with the addition of biochar and micropollutant destructive removal with catalytic oxidation. Research exploration of this reactive filtration technology includes life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of this advanced water treatment technology. A recent LCA study of a pilot-scale field research and full-scale municipal system with over 2200 inventory elements shows a dose-dependent carbon negativity when biochar is injected into the process stream of reactive filtration. In this study, LCA demonstrates that reactive filtration has the potential as a negative emissions technology with −1.21 kg CO₂e/m³, where the negative contribution from the dosed biochar is −1.53 kg CO₂e/m³. In this biochar water treatment configuration, the system not only effectively removes pollutants from wastewater but also contributes to carbon sequestration and nutrient recovery for agriculture, making it a potentially valuable approach for sustainable water treatment. Full article

6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a primary active metabolite of heroin that reaches the human brain, plays a crucial role in producing heroin-associated physiological and lethal effects. Therefore, 6-MAM has emerged as a key target for alleviating the adverse consequences of heroin abuse. In this study, the proposed 6-MAM hydrolase E. coli aminopeptidase N (eAPN) was recombinantly produced, and its biochemical and functional profiles were investigated. eAPN’s biochemical properties, with respect to pH, metal ions, and temperature, and catalytic functions toward peptidase substrates and 6-MAM were thoroughly examined. Extensive experiments reveal that incorporation of an N-terminal His-tag notably affects eAPN’s aminopeptidase activity. This cost-effective recombinant eAPN exhibits favorable thermostability and optimal activity at pH 7.5. Kinetic analysis toward peptidase substrates reveals that eAPN preferentially cleaves peptides following amino acid residues in the order of Ala > Arg >> Met, Gly > Leu > Pro, indicating a preference for small or basic amino acid residues as substrates. Computational and experimental studies have, for the first time, discovered that eAPN is capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of heroin and 6-MAM, which has shed light on its functional versatility and potential applications. This work elucidates the biochemical properties of eAPN and expands its catalytic functions, thereby laying the groundwork for a deep understanding and further reengineering of eAPN to enhance its activity toward 6-MAM for heroin detoxification. Full article

In the rapidly advancing digital era, the demand for miniaturized and high-performance electronic devices is increasing, particularly in applications such as wireless communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, and healthcare devices. Radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS), particularly RF MEMS switches, play a crucial role in enhancing RF performance by providing low-loss, high-isolation switching and precise signal path control in reconfigurable RF front-end systems. Among different configurations, electrothermally actuated bistable lateral RF MEMS switches are preferred for their energy efficiency, requiring power only during transitions. This paper presents a novel approach to improve the RF performance of such a switch through structural modifications and machine learning (ML)-driven optimization. To enable efficient high-frequency operation, the H-clamp structure was re-engineered into various lateral configurations, among which the I-clamp exhibited superior RF characteristics. The proposed I-clamp switch was optimized using an eXtreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) ML model to predict optimal design parameters while significantly reducing the computational overhead of conventional EM simulations. Activation functions were employed within the ML model to improve the accuracy of predicting optimal design parameters by capturing complex nonlinear relationships. The proposed methodology reduced design time by 87.7%, with the optimized I-clamp switch achieving −0.8 dB insertion loss and −70 dB isolation at 10 GHz. Full article

This study identifies key drivers for ERP implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Austro–Ecuador and examines their impact on operational efficiency, strategic adaptability, and digital transformation. Motivated by the limited empirical evidence on ERP adoption in Latin American SMEs, this research aims to provide Austro–Ecuadorian insights that contribute to innovation management practices in emerging economies. To identify the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing ERP implementation, a four-phase methodology was employed, encompassing a CSF literature review, data collection and case analysis from 55 SMEs, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), and descriptive ERP analysis. Statistical analysis of the surveyed SMEs, primarily from manufacturing sectors, revealed that while a significant portion (37%) lacked ERP experience, 22.9% were in the process of implementing or actively using systems such as Oracle’s J.D. Edwards Enterprise One and SAP. The MCA highlighted ERP system configuration, vendor relationships, and user training as significant factors for successful ERP implementation, reported by 54.5% of the companies. Quadrant analysis further emphasized the influence of IT structure and legacy systems on implementation characteristics, with cluster analysis identifying three distinct groups of companies based on their ERP strategies. The findings underscore the importance of top management support, business process re-engineering, and external consultants for successful ERP adoption in SMEs, providing practical insights for optimizing innovation management in the digital era. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of ERP systems on organizational performance and innovation sustainability. Full article