Digital Transformation

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the digitization of traditional businesses. In the retail sector, e-commerce played a fundamental role and promoted major changes in the consumer pattern. This evolution and its impact can be studied through the digital transformation lens, which is a multidisciplinary and holistic concept that encompasses a new strategy and new ways of strategizing. The present study aims to describe the digital transformation strategy implementation path at a Brazilian pre-digital retail company and discusses the role the COVID-19 pandemic had played. Moreover, the case highlights important strategic issues and provides the opportunity to analyze whether it is a strategic process or a strategic practice. Thus, it can enlighten which theory best supports DTS studies. This study also increases the understanding of the strategic configuration of digital transformation embracing context, process, and outcomes. And it also sheds light on the dilemma between brick-and-mortar stores and digital ones.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS BY FOREIGN AND UKRAINIAN PHARMACIES WITHIN THE CONCEPT OF HOLISTIC MARKETING

digitalization of the pharmaceutical sector requires the use of modern marketing approaches to provide pharmacies with quality and safe pharmaceutical care within the holistic concept of marketing management. A promising direction of digital transformation of the retail market of medicines is the introduction of special mobile applications in the activities of pharmacies, which become a safe and accessible platform for the sale of medicines to the population. The main purpose of the study is to exercise the analysis of the features of pharmaceutical services provision using mobile applications to foreign and Ukrainian pharmacy chains. The study is based on the use of content analysis, analysis of electronic resources, system, and logical analysis, as well as of the modeling method. As the objects of the study, American pharmacy chains CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, British Boots, and Lloyds Pharmacy were selected, as well as 10 pharmacy chains in Ukraine in terms of turnover in January-October 2020. It is revealed that the leading world leaders in the retail market of medicines have been using this digital tool in their marketing activities for a long time. Unlike domestic pharmacies, applications of foreign pharmacies additionally provide such services as online registration for testing and vaccination against COVID-19, additional opportunities for the visually impaired, drug disposal, and others. Among the studied Ukrainian pharmacy chains by market share, only a half have mobile applications with various functions, among the most developed mobile applications are “Like” from LLC “Apteka-Magnolia” (“Pharmacy-Magnolia”), "Pharmacy 911" and “Apteka Dobroho Dnia” (“Good Afternoon Pharmacy”). An integrated model of a mobile application of a modern pharmacy has been developed, aimed at effective interaction of all necessary functions to provide the population with high-quality, convenient, and available pharmaceutical care. Promising areas of further research are the justification of the feasibility of using certain functions of mobile applications, as well as other digital tools, such as pharmacy websites, social media pages within the concept of holistic marketing. The results of the study conducted may be useful to specialists in the pharmaceutical industry for use in practical pharmacy.

A Model-Based Design Method for the Correlation between Customer Feedback and Technical Design Parameters in the Context of Systems Engineering

Nowadays considering trends such as digitalization, automated driving as well as electric mobility in products in automotive development processes is a major challenge, which has led to an enormous increase in the number of product functions of technical systems. However, the recognized processes in automotive development are strongly component-oriented and such processes partially support the development of product functions. In order to meet future trends and ensure long term customer satisfaction, a transfer from component-oriented to function-oriented development is necessary. Accordingly, a holistic concept can be useful that enables the integration of customer feedback into the early phase of product development in the context of function-orientation. However, the customer feedback evaluation and their mapping with technical subsystems have been considered mainly in the context of component-oriented development. In this contribution, a method is proposed, which is generated in the context of a product model of product generation engineering. Product Generation Engineering enables the structuring of the development process of a product generation and supports function-oriented development. The Product Model provides customer- oriented development of mechatronic products. The proposed method is achieved in the sense of model-based systems engineering and validated by the exemplarily application of a case study of a specific vehicle. Both the past and current product generations of the specific vehicle are taken into account in the development of the subsequent product generation.

Augustus’ presentation of “empire” in his Res Gestae

Having defeated all his political enemies and expanded the rule of Rome enormously, Octavian, from 27 BC known as Augustus, ended the civil wars which had plagued the Late Republic and founded the system known as the Roman Principate. The Res Gestae purports to be a retrospective survey by Augustus of his own public achievements in restoring the res publica and conquering the world. It was published in Rome but the only surviving copies were found in the new and distant province of Galatia. In this paper I will try to explain how Augustus, as the founder of the new era known today as ‘the Roman Empire’, envisages and presents Roman rule under his leadership by analysing the content of the Res Gestae. From it we can see that there indeed emerges a concept similar to our ‘empire’. The narrative structure of the Res Gestae shows that Roman imperial rule is conceived of by Augustus in a scheme of core-periphery, in which the core is composed of the provinces under direct Roman control, while the periphery is an area of more vaguely subject people or places maintained by threats and intervention, or more weakly by ‘friendship’ (amicitia), which vary according to the historical specifics of contact between these areas or peoples and Rome. In both cases, whether subjection is in the name of the ‘rule’ or the ‘friendship’ of Roman people, it is Augustus’ personal authority that appears to matter the most, which indicates that Augustus’ institution of a monarchic system was a decisive element in the development of this new holistic concept of Roman imperial rule.

Criminal and legal policy on the death penalty in Ukraine: a historical and legal review of the XX-XXI centuries

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to reveal the historical background, legal consolidation of the existence and abolition of the type of death penalty in Ukraine. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, systematicity and objectivity. Methods. The interdisciplinary nature of the study led to the use of a range of general scientific, philosophical and special historical methods, among which, it is appropriate to distinguish the following: historical, comparative, document analysis and others. Results. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the challenges facing Ukraine today, on the basis of which the need to restore the death penalty in Ukraine is being discussed. It is the historical and legal analysis of events and decisions of the XX-XXI centuries that allows us to look at this issue from a different angle, as a phenomenon not inherent in Ukraine as a European state. At the same time, it is expedient to determine the preconditions for the dominance in Ukrainian society of the belief in the effectiveness of the application of the maximum penalty. This is explained to us primarily by the low level of legal culture and stereotypes established in the Soviet period that the law is primarily a punishment. Scientific novelty. Conclusions. It is established that for the territory of the modern Ukrainian state, the death penalty was not an inherent phenomenon. All attempts to introduce this type of punishment are related to the fact that the territory of Ukraine is under the rule of other states. In the case of independence, this type of punishment was abolished as soon as possible, as Ukraine has always sought European standards of humanity and treatment of convicts, and the existence of the death penalty does not allow to achieve the goal of punishment and avoid miscarriage of justice. The main recommendations according to the results of the study are the formation of a holistic concept of humanization of criminal policy and spreading the understanding among the population that in itself, even the most severe type of punishment can not significantly affect the level and dynamics of crime.

Landscape aesthetics, tourism, and change: Case studies in Nepal

<p>This research explores how residents and tourists perceive landscape aesthetics in tourism-based landscapes that are continuously changing. Three case study sites in Nepal are examined. Landscapes are dynamic, multifunctional and an amalgamation of natural and human-made components that are constantly evolving, both naturally and due to human activities. Landscape aesthetics, related to experiences within and with multiple dimensions of landscape that engage all human senses, are perceived differently by different groups of people and have implications for their preservation and modification. Tourism, an integral part of contemporary society, reflects and influences changes in society and the landscape. The interrelationships amongst landscapes, change, perceptions and tourism are complex with paradoxical tensions that arise from their interconnections and interdependence. Researchers have studied and interpreted the interrelationship between landscape and tourism from different perspectives that are sometimes contradictory. The literature is fragmented with similar aspects of the landscape-tourism relationship described and conceptualized using different terminologies (landscapes, cultural landscapes, environment, place, space, nature) and with an absence of an integrated approach and a holistic concept of landscape. This research addresses this fragmentation and multiple interpretations to build an integrated approach of landscape taken as a holistic entity, where the natural, cultural, social and economic dimensions, including tourism, interact, integrate and overlap. This study adds a new perspective by looking closely at landscape aesthetics and its relation to change and tourism incorporating the perspectives of both residents and tourists. This research adopts a qualitative methodology using case studies in three geographically, culturally and contextually different locations in Nepal (Ghandruk, Bandipur and Sauraha). A multi-layered approach is used to explore the dynamic nature of landscape and nonlinear drivers of change that add layers and dimensions to landscape aesthetics and how it is perceived by different residents and tourists, both domestic and international. This research applies an interpretivist paradigm using in-depth interviews with photo-elicitation (incorporating past and repeat photographs with in-situ interviews), field observations and visual data analysis. Different themes emerged when the data were analysed but the overarching one was the often-antagonistic relationship between conservation and development. Participatory conservation and local development were key in Ghandruk, while the emphasis was on built heritage and expansion in Bandipur with the national park and indigenous Tharu traditions clashing with current landscape use in Sauraha. Key findings also indicate that the residents perceive landscape aesthetics holistically incorporating multiple dimensions that include traditions, culture, food, occupation and historical associations as well as contemporary societal changes and modern conveniences interwoven into their everyday landscapes. The tourists, with their fleeting presence, focus on the visual aesthetics, engaging with the non-material values of landscapes through different activities and are often accommodating of landscape changes perceived as improvements based on their background and worldview. The pace of change in the present context of globalisation influences the perceptions of both tourists and residents that are reflected in the landscapes and landscape aesthetics. In order to effectively manage landscape change and tourism development, it is pertinent to understand drivers of change and the society within a holistic concept of landscape.</p>

Landscape aesthetics, tourism, and change: Case studies in Nepal

<p>This research explores how residents and tourists perceive landscape aesthetics in tourism-based landscapes that are continuously changing. Three case study sites in Nepal are examined. Landscapes are dynamic, multifunctional and an amalgamation of natural and human-made components that are constantly evolving, both naturally and due to human activities. Landscape aesthetics, related to experiences within and with multiple dimensions of landscape that engage all human senses, are perceived differently by different groups of people and have implications for their preservation and modification. Tourism, an integral part of contemporary society, reflects and influences changes in society and the landscape. The interrelationships amongst landscapes, change, perceptions and tourism are complex with paradoxical tensions that arise from their interconnections and interdependence. Researchers have studied and interpreted the interrelationship between landscape and tourism from different perspectives that are sometimes contradictory. The literature is fragmented with similar aspects of the landscape-tourism relationship described and conceptualized using different terminologies (landscapes, cultural landscapes, environment, place, space, nature) and with an absence of an integrated approach and a holistic concept of landscape. This research addresses this fragmentation and multiple interpretations to build an integrated approach of landscape taken as a holistic entity, where the natural, cultural, social and economic dimensions, including tourism, interact, integrate and overlap. This study adds a new perspective by looking closely at landscape aesthetics and its relation to change and tourism incorporating the perspectives of both residents and tourists. This research adopts a qualitative methodology using case studies in three geographically, culturally and contextually different locations in Nepal (Ghandruk, Bandipur and Sauraha). A multi-layered approach is used to explore the dynamic nature of landscape and nonlinear drivers of change that add layers and dimensions to landscape aesthetics and how it is perceived by different residents and tourists, both domestic and international. This research applies an interpretivist paradigm using in-depth interviews with photo-elicitation (incorporating past and repeat photographs with in-situ interviews), field observations and visual data analysis. Different themes emerged when the data were analysed but the overarching one was the often-antagonistic relationship between conservation and development. Participatory conservation and local development were key in Ghandruk, while the emphasis was on built heritage and expansion in Bandipur with the national park and indigenous Tharu traditions clashing with current landscape use in Sauraha. Key findings also indicate that the residents perceive landscape aesthetics holistically incorporating multiple dimensions that include traditions, culture, food, occupation and historical associations as well as contemporary societal changes and modern conveniences interwoven into their everyday landscapes. The tourists, with their fleeting presence, focus on the visual aesthetics, engaging with the non-material values of landscapes through different activities and are often accommodating of landscape changes perceived as improvements based on their background and worldview. The pace of change in the present context of globalisation influences the perceptions of both tourists and residents that are reflected in the landscapes and landscape aesthetics. In order to effectively manage landscape change and tourism development, it is pertinent to understand drivers of change and the society within a holistic concept of landscape.</p>

Assistive Robots for Patients with ALS: An Exploratory Study with an Early Stage Demonstrator (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Although robotic manipulators have great potential in promoting motor independence of people with motor impairments, only few systems are currently commercially available. In addition to technical, economic and normative barriers, a key challenge for their diffusion is the current lack of evidence regarding usefulness, acceptance and user-specific requirements. OBJECTIVE Against this background, a semi-autonomous robot system was developed in the R&D project ROBINA to support people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in various everyday activities. METHODS The developed early stage demonstrator was evaluated in a task-based laboratory study with eleven ALS patients. Based on a mixed-methods design consisting of standardized questionnaires, observation protocols, and semi-structured interviews, participants were asked about usability, acceptance, and design requirements. RESULTS The majority of the participants considered the system provide relevant support within the test scenarios and perceived it as easy to use. Technical requirements consisted in precise object manipulation, reliable autonomous robot actions, and an intuitive GUI. In addition, the adaptability of the system to the abilities and disease-related limitations of the users, as well as a higher degree of intervention in the control and autonomous robot actions, was highlighted. Finally, the need for a holistic concept of robotic assistance in order to adequately address user-specific needs, was emphasized. CONCLUSIONS In summary, it can be stated that robotic manipulators can contribute to the compensation of motor impairments and increase both the autonomy and the psychological well-being of those affected. In this context, further opportunities to relieve the burden on the care network can be expected, especially regarding repetitive actions. CLINICALTRIAL The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00016554).

THEOLOGICAL BASIS OF PRINCIPLES OF HYGIENE ANDAPPEARANCE OF MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS

The religious and theological basis of the components of the teachings of a healthy lifestyle of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, namely the principles of hygiene and appearance of the faithful of this denomination, are analyzed. The purpose of the article is to determine the theological basis of the principles of hygiene and appearance of the faithful of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The peculiarities of the Adventists' interpretation of the Holy Scriptures regarding the application of the Old Testament hygienic instructions in the conditions of modern realities are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on a number of principles in Adventism regarding the contents of a Christian's wardrobe. It is highlighted that from the Adventist point of view, it is the clothing and appearance of a person that is an important indicator of a Christian character and a silent testimony to the values ​​that a person adheres to. It is emphasized that important in the appearance of a person are gender differences in clothing, which clearly indicates a male or female identity. Emphasis is placed on regular consumption of sufficient water to prevent and improve physical condition, and good health in turn is a reliable basis for the perception of high moral values, including spiritual ones. The analysis of the theological basis of the principles of hygiene and appearance of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church presents a holistic concept of Adventists, namely: human health is three interrelated components: physical, mental and spiritual. The key thesis of the theological basis in Adventism on hygiene and appearance is the following statement: there is no point in disturbing the Lord's prayers if one ignores the moral principles and laws of hygiene and appearance that are already set forth in the Scriptures and understandable because most diseases is the result of a wrong way of life and a departure from moral and ethical Christian values.

Transformations of the national security concepts of Belarus and Russia and historical policy: substantive aspects

The interrelated concepts of memory policy, historical policy and security policy are considered. It is shown that in Russia and in the Republic of Belarus there is a steady trend of securitization of historical policy and memory policy. The tendencies of indoctrination of the securitist model of historical policy into official documents of both states are considered. It is shown that both in Belarus and in Russia, the internal political confrontation is considered in the historicist construct of the Cold War. It is argued that in the context of the need to deepen integration within the framework of the Union State, it is necessary to search for a relatively unified holistic concept of history for all the forces of Russian and Belarusian societies.