Creating new business models is crucial for the implementation of clean technologies for industrial decarbonization. With incomplete knowledge of market processes and uncertain conditions, assessing the prospects of a technology-based business model is challenging. This study combines business model innovation, system dynamics and exploratory model analysis to identify new business opportunities in a context of socio-technical transition and assess their prospects through simulation experiments. Furthermore, insights are visualized in a roadmap to coordinate action among the actors involved. This combination of methods is applied to the case of a business model aiming at ensuring stability of the electrical grid by centralizing the management of flexible loads in industrial companies. A system dynamics model was set up to simulate the diffusion of flexible electrification technologies. Through scenario definition and sensitivity analysis, the influence of internal and external factors on diffusion was assessed. Results highlight the central role of energy costs and customer perception. The chosen combination of methods allowed the formulation of concrete recommendation for coordinated action, explicitly accounting for the various sources of uncertainty. We suggest testing this approach in further business model innovation contexts.

The objective of this study was to compare the pathogens and susceptibilities of the current automated rule-based technology (RBT) antibiogram with one manually collected through chart review with additional rules applied. This study was a 2-year, retrospective cohort study and included all bacterial cultures within the first 30 days from patients admitted to a single Burn Center. The current RBT antibiogram served as the control and new antibiogram versions were created using additional rules and compared to the control. Six-hundred fifty-seven patients were admitted (61% excluded for lack of cultures). Fifty-nine percent had at least one hospital acquired risk factor with over one-third having recent illicit drug use and one-third having a recent hospitalization. Of the 410 cultures included, 57% were Gram-negative and half were from wound infections. Sensitivities were significantly different when comparing manual and the RBT version after including factors, such as days since admission, presence of hospital acquired risk factors, or previous antibiotic courses. Recommended empiric Gram-negative antibiotics changed from double coverage to a single β-lactam with > 90% susceptibility. The susceptibilities between first and subsequent courses were dramatically different. Before developing an antibiogram or interpreting the output, it is important to consider which automated criteria are utilized, especially for units with extended lengths of stay.

This article is an effort to scrutinize the role of Information Technology development in the chronological transformation of Urban Planning domain using the exploratory research approach. In this research, it is argued that the theoretical and practical understanding of Urban Planning should absorb and integrate the bright outcome of the rise of Information and Technology to foster congruent future urban development. The article addresses the trends of transformation in the urban planning domain through the myopic lens of the expansion of information and communications technology era followed by investigating the key drivers shaping the interaction between modern-day urban planning and information technology considering both the dark and bright sides into account.

The intricate interplay between driver cognitive dysfunction, mental workload (MWL), and heart rate variability (HRV) provides a captivating avenue for investigation within the domain of transportation safety studies. This article presents a comprehensive review and examines cognitive hindrance stemming from mental workload and heart rate variability. It scrutinizes the mental workload experienced by drivers by leveraging data gleaned from prior studies that employed heart rate monitoring systems and eye tracking technology, thereby illuminating the correlation between cognitive impairment, mental workload, and physiological indicators such as heart rate and ocular movements. The investigation is grounded in the premise that the mental workload of drivers can be assessed through physiological cues, such as heart rate and eye movements. The study discovered that heart rate variability (HRV) and infrared (IR) measurements played a crucial role in evaluating fatigue and workload for skilled drivers. However, the study overlooked potential factors contributing to cognitive impairment in drivers and could benefit from incorporating alternative indicators of cognitive workload for deeper insights. Furthermore, investigated driving simulators demonstrated that an eco-safe driving Human-Machine Interface (HMI) significantly promoted safe driving behaviors without imposing excessive mental and visual workload on drivers. Recommendations were made for future studies to consider additional indicators of cognitive workload, such as subjective assessments or task performance metrics, for a more comprehensive understanding.

In the livestock industry, maintaining the health of animals is very important, and the use of technology has greatly helped this. One of the existing challenges has been that most of the available sensors and electronic processing devices are designed to fit the human body, and the use of these devices for livestock faces limitations due to the difference in the structure of the body and skin of animals and humans. Reliable solutions tailored for animal husbandry can be achieved by modifying the physical and software structure of existing devices. In this article, we have presented the current situation, by reviewing the research done and the existing technology in the field of animal husbandry. The aim is to obtain comprehensive parameters for monitoring livestock health by leveraging available information and exploring new methods based on the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). We take a proactive approach by utilizing available technologies based on sound-based diagnostic techniques. Initially, we propose utilizing piezoelectricity and amplifying received sound using a diaphragm attached to a collar. Subsequently, we discuss the results of relevant tests that can be conducted using the phonocardiography system. For the next phase of research and designing a more advanced livestock health monitoring system, we suggest employing an ultrasonic system to measure heart rate and blood pressure for the next phase of research and designing a more advanced livestock health monitoring system. This system, coupled with a piezoelectric system to make electric energy from the pulse of the veins, could be subcutaneously implanted for continuous monitoring

This study analyzes the academic performance of students from an official school in Bogotá (Colombia) who had asymmetric access to Information and Communication Technologies during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Classical Linear Regression Model is employed using data from a survey of a representative group of students in the year 2020. Results show technological gaps between students that are associated with asymmetric academic performance against students with limited or null access to the Internet and electronic devices. Results also show that, among students with permanent access to the Internet, women have better scores compared to men’s scores, which implies that women can achieve better academic results than men in virtual education. It is also noted that the sole access to an electronic device does not guarantee good academic achievements if there is no full access to the Internet, and if ICT-use skills have not been developed.

In an era where digital technologies are integral to daily life, developing higher-order thinking skills with appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) support is crucial. The purpose of this study was to examine synergies of systems thinking and technology-enhanced learning from the perspective of flow theory. For that purpose, we surveyed more than 65 pre-service preschool teachers engaged in a design, technology, and engineering (DTE) course at the University of Ljubljana. Mapping of systems thinking revealed that pre-service preschool teachers needed support with regard to feedback and understanding the interrelationship dimen-sion of systems thinking. Predictive and mediation analyses yielded some interesting results. Those who participated in the ICT-enhanced DTE course showed higher cognitive and social engage-ment, which is correlated with better systems thinking, while their aesthetic engagement was lower. Experiencing a flow state during ICT activities positively influenced systems thinking, par-ticularly in terms of clear goals and autotelic experiences. Flow theory seems to be a solid and ap-propriate framework to use for studying synergies in technology-enhanced systems thinking for sustainable education. These findings underscore the importance of integrating systems thinking into curricula to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future challenges toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Pandemic scenario has significantly changed several factors of life, including teaching, and learning at university. The development of suitable teaching materials to support university studies is mandatory to overcome distance learning difficulties and improve traditional teaching methodologies. This work explains a novel method for the preparation of teaching materials for medical sciences, but also plausible for other learning fields. An encephalon was extracted and prepared by using this methodology for teaching purposes. More than 200 students evaluated several factors of the material prepared this way, indicating a better understanding (up to 80%) of theoretical contents related to this human section, together with a high usability and good physical appearance

This paper explores Augmented Reality (AR) as an innovative active methodology for student assessment in the Higher Education Authority of Arcoverde, proposing an alternative to the traditional assessment model. It investigates how AR can transform the educational process, making assessments more interactive, engaging and effective. The study focuses on three main issues: the impact of AR on student motivation and engagement, its effectiveness in improving content comprehension and retention, and the challenges and limitations of its implementation as an assessment method. Employing dialectical methods, action research and literature reviews, this research documents a 34% increase in students’ content comprehension and a 47% increase in their participation in practical activities. These findings suggest that, despite the technical and curricular integration challenges, AR not only improves assessment methodologies, but also enhances learning, promoting a more dynamic and interactive environment. The overall objective is to demonstrate the ability of AR to replace conventional approaches with a more innovative and efficient practice, highlighting the importance of this technology in advancing pedagogical practices and improving student performance. This study sheds light on the relevance of AR in the educational field, encouraging its adoption to enrich the learning and assessment experience.

This study examines the factors influencing consumer adoption of on-demand social media platforms characterized by ephemeral content. As these platforms rapidly gain popularity, understanding adoption drivers is crucial for researchers and practitioners. The study develops and tests a comprehensive model integrating traditional technology acceptance factors with platform-specific constructs. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling on data from 180 social media users in Kerala, India, the research reveals that convenience is the strongest predictor of adoption intention, followed by perceived usefulness, interpersonal influence, and enjoyment. Surprisingly, factors like perceived ease of use, social influence, and platform-specific features such as ephemerality and visual focus did not significantly impact adoption directly. Age showed a marginal negative effect, while gender had no significant impact. The findings challenge some prevailing assumptions about on-demand social media adoption and highlight the need for refined models specific to this context. The study contributes to technology adoption literature by demonstrating the primacy of convenience in driving the adoption of these platforms. It also offers practical insights for developers and marketers, suggesting that prioritizing convenience and perceived usefulness in design and marketing may be more effective than emphasizing specific features. Future research directions are proposed to address limitations and further explore this evolving digital landscape.

This study investigates the impact of information sharing on supply chain resilience by exploring the experiences and insights of supply chain professionals through qualitative research. Information sharing has become increasingly recognized as a vital component in enhancing the ability of supply chains to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disruptions. Through semi-structured interviews with 22 supply chain professionals across various industries, the study delves into the mechanisms through which information sharing influences supply chain resilience, the challenges faced, and the role of enabling factors such as technology and organizational culture. The findings reveal that effective information sharing enhances supply chain visibility, coordination, and adaptability. Enhanced visibility allows supply chain partners to monitor real-time operational data, facilitating early detection of potential disruptions. Improved coordination enables better alignment of activities, reducing inefficiencies and mitigating the bullwhip effect. Adaptability is bolstered through the timely exchange of information, allowing for rapid adjustments to changing conditions. However, the study also identifies significant barriers to effective information sharing, including concerns about data security, competitive advantage, and trust among partners. Trust and strong relationships emerge as critical factors for successful information sharing, highlighting the need to build and maintain trust to facilitate open communication. The role of technology is emphasized, with digital platforms, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) identified as key enablers of efficient and secure information exchange. The study concludes that fostering a supportive organizational culture and leadership commitment to transparency and collaboration, along with tailoring information-sharing strategies to specific supply chain contexts, is essential for enhancing supply chain resilience. This research contributes to the understanding of the impact of information sharing on supply chain resilience and provides practical insights for organizations aiming to strengthen their resilience in an increasingly complex global business environment.

The current trend in supply chain development requires the application of new knowledge to meet the challenges posed by new technologies. One such technology is blockchain, which facilitates supply chain solutions through the use of innovative data transfer, storage and verification systems. However, the use of blockchain can be challenging for certain stakeholders, such as small carriers, who may lack the necessary technical expertise or access to the technology. In this paper, we explore the potential for engaging small carriers that provide services within the blockchain supply chain but face technological barriers. We identify the barriers and opportunities for these carriers to participate, focusing on a case study of a small carrier that transports temperature-sensitive cargo. In addition, we introduce in-vehicle temperature measurement for use in cold chains and propose an ecosystem that can benefit different stakeholder groups.

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) can offer significant benefits to the construction sector, improving productivity, efficiency, collaborative efforts, and product quality while promoting safety and sustainability. However, research on the application of 4IR technologies in construction is scarce in developing countries. It is crucial to understand the ability of construction companies to adopt new technologies and identify factors influencing the success of technology implementation. In this study, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted with construction professionals to evaluate the level of technological development of the construction market in an emerging economy, assess the potential for innovation implementation, and identify factors that might influence technological development. Although respondents recognized the importance of digital transformation, the results showed that most innovations are in the early stages of implementation in the construction sector, particularly technologies that are essential for the consolidation of the 4IR. Understanding the factors underlying this reality can support the development of strategies to foster innovation and harness the advantages of the 4IR in the construction industry in developing countries.

“Dark Web” usually describes a new world of e-living space perceived as a place, free from con-straints, in which its main actors generally are criminal, unstable, and mentally disturbed individ-uals. Nowadays, advancements in information and internet technologies have made the Dark Web more accessible in recent decades. The Dark Web is a virtual world component; therefore, as-sessing users’ behavior may be crucial in understanding motivation to use it. This study aims to discuss the behavior patterns of Dark Web users within the theoretical framework of the technol-ogy acceptance model via a structural equation model. The resulting structural equation model showed that considered causal relationships were statistically significant.

Abstract: We present a technological analysis of the architectonic complex associated with a firing structure (locally named fogón) on top of the Pirámide Mayor, the largest pyramid in Caral. This Archaic Period society flourished between ca 2,700 and 2,000 cal B.C. and was located near the Pacific Ocean on the north-central coast of present-day Peru. All approaches employed in this study demonstrated that the corridor with antechamber and duct on top of Pirámide Mayor of Caral was a sophisticated ventilation system capable of providing between 3,000 and 18,000 liters of air per minute for combustion in the attached fogón. The analysis indicates that ventilating the fogón must have been a major consideration in deciding a) the construction of the pyramid, b) locating the structure at the edge of a natural alluvial terrace, and c) orientating the pyramid towards the then contemporary prevailing winds. Results from the analysis of this fogón support practical decisions made by the builders and challenge the assumption that religion or politics were the only considerations in American pyramid building. It also indicates that a complex device, capable to delivering the considerable airflows reported in this study was within the reach of an archaic society in ancient Peru. The application of this structure to the production of a remarkably high thermal output and its implications on the knowledge of ancient Americans will be discussed in a following companion article.

The quasi-experimental study examines the role of contemporary technologies, such as artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, in enhancing sustainability education for future teachers, emphasizing their impact on shaping sustainable beliefs in future generations. Involving 112 pre-service teachers, the research compares various contemporary and traditional learning methods. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted to assess changes in participants’ understanding of sustainability concepts and the variability of their responses. Results reveal significant improvements in sustainability awareness, with methods involving humanoid robots showing higher response variability. The study also identifies the development of new literacies crucial for effectively utilizing advanced technologies in promoting environmental sustainability. While artificial intelligence and humanoid robots match the efficacy of traditional methods, they notably engage young educators more effectively in sustainability topics. These findings highlight the need to integrate such technologies into educational framework to deepen the understanding of environmental issues and prepare youth for future challenges. However, further research is required to explore long-term effects and broader demographics. The research contributes significantly to educational technology and sustainability in education, showcasing the transformative potential of incorporating contemporary technologies in educational settings.

Wind turbines are a solution for sustainable energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions and fostering a circular economy for more cost-effective and cleaner power generation, in line with worldwide environmental aspirations. In this context, this research aims to explore a novel Two-Stage Twisted Blade micro-Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ($\mu$-VAWT) alternative inspired by the Savonius Rotor (SR). This investigation utilizes the $\kappa-\omega$ SST turbulence model to explore the power coefficient ($C_P$) and torque coefficient ($C_T$), finding $C_P$ values ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 across the turbine by altering the free stream velocity ($V$). $C_T$ analysis further delves into four specific sections, highlighting areas of particular interest. These results are validated by examining velocity contours, pressure contours, and streamlines in four horizontal sections, demonstrating that the proposed turbine model exhibits minimal torque fluctuation. Moreover, the analysis of vertical wind streamlines illustrates very low interference with various wind turbine proposals, underscoring the turbine's efficiency and potential for integration into diverse wind energy projects.

Patient access to new oncology drugs in Canada is only possible after navigating multiple sequential systemic checkpoints for national regulatory approval, health technology assessment (HTA) and collective government price negotiation. These steps delay access and prevent health care providers from being able to prescribe optimal therapy. Eighteen Canadian oncology clinicians from the medicine, nursing and pharmacy professions met to develop consensus recommendations for defining reasonable government performance standards around process and timeliness to improve Canadian cancer patients’ access to best care. A modified Delphi methodology was used to confirm strong consensus on 30 questions involving five themes: accountability, disparities, endpoints, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness. It was agreed that greater transparency is required across regulatory and HTA processes. Health professionals in oncology are frustrated for their patients because they are unable to deliver the modern guideline-supported therapies they want to provide due to delays in approval or funding. Canadian patients and their health care providers request improvements in timely access to life-saving therapeutics in line with other countries. Clinicians expect urgent improvements in our health systems to give our patients their best chance of survival.

China is rich in coal resources, but the complex hydrogeological conditions lead to difficulties in coal mining, such as coal mine collapse, roof and water damage, and other accidents that occur frequently, resulting in many casualties and property losses. The use of coal mine hole detection technology to detect and analyze the internal environment of the coal mine in advance helps to reduce safety hazards and prevent coal mine accidents, for the existing coal mine hole detection technology operation is cumbersome, not easy to control, and insufficient depth of jacking prob-lems, this paper designs a new type of mine hole detection small robot. Firstly, this paper ana-lyzes the function and structural design of the mine hole detection robot, designs the variable diameter function according to the characteristics of narrow and uneven mine holes in coal mines, and analyzes the mechanics of the critical parts through theoretical calculations; secondly, based on the three-dimensional modeling software, established the structural model of the small robot for mine hole detection; after that, designed the robot's hardware circuits and control pro-grams for the presence of water and gas inside the mine hole, highlighting the need to carry out a new type of mine hole detection small robot. After that, we designed the robot's hardware circuit and control program, giving particular emphasis to the safety design of the circuit for the pres-ence of water and gas inside the mine hole of the coal mine. Finally, to verify the feasibility of the design program, the basic parameters and function tests of the mine hole detection small robot are carried out. The experimental results show that the mine hole inspection small robot realized by this design can adapt to the working hole diameter from 65 mm to 100 mm, the maximum working power is only 12 W, and the maximum crawling speed is 3.96 m/min. The maximum crawling slope reaches 90°, which can meet the actual mine hole inspection needs. The research can provide theoretical and design guidance for developing the mine hole detection robot with substantial engineering practical reference value.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical changes of the cornea after wearing soft contact lenses (CLs) in healthy myopic patients measured with the Corvis ST® analyzer. This prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was performed in twenty-two Caucasian patients aged between 19 and 24 years (20.64 ± 1.21 years) range). Five device-specific biomechanical parameters, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were measured prior to fitting and one month after CLs wear. Differences between the means of the DA Ratio and the standard deviation of the DA Ratio pre- and post-CLs wear were found to be significant (p value=0.002 in both cases). Significant differences were found between pre- and post-CLs wear values in CCT (p value=0.013). For all other biomechanical measures, no significant differences were observed before and after treatment. A significant association was found between changes in bIOP and classification according to changes in Int. Radius (p value = 0.047) and SSI (p value = 0.026) standard deviations. The corneal biomechanical indices provided by CST demonstrate that fitting of soft CLs is a safe optical compensation method for the stability of corneal stiffness. No significant differences were found pre- and post-CLs wear in the assessment of bIOP.

The results of applying drilling engineering tools in planned deviated and horizontal wells of oil and gas condensate fields have been examined. The basis for the implementation of a comprehensive approach was the information obtained from drilling horizontal wells in the West and East Siberia, Volga-Ural region, and Iraqi Kurdistan. A synthetic model is considered as an example of the data, incorporating geomechanical and geological properties. As a result of the conducted audit of the geomechanical model and drilling process, the methodologies used were further developed to obtain optimal drilling fluid densities, aiming to prevent cavity formation on well walls, hydraulic fractures, and other related issues. The implementation of the Python programming language was introduced in the stages of geomechanical model preparation, resulting in a time acceleration of up to 20%. During the pre-drilling stage, technological operations were synchronized with the geomechanical model, increasing the involvement of process participants through the synchronization of knowledge areas. The interrelation between drilling technology, drilling parameters, properties of flushing fluids, and rock stability analysis was established, ensuring a 5% increase in construction speed (through NPT reduction and modification of existing tools and technological operations) and accident-free drilling of complex deviated and horizontal wells, provided that the recommended drilling parameters are followed.

Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), remains a significant public health issue in the Philippines despite efforts to control it. To eliminate rabies by 2030, effective surveillance strategies are crucial. In this study, we examined RABV evolution and phylodynamics in the Davao Region using genome sequences from Davao City and nearby provinces. We adapted the RABV ARTIC Protocol for Oxford Nanopore High-Throughput Sequencing to optimize workflow efficiency under limited resources. Comparing new virus samples collected from June 2019 to June 2021 (n=38) with baseline samples from June 2018 to May 2019 (n=49), new sub-clades were observed in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting divergence from older variants that were previously undetected. Most of the new viruses belonged to the Asian SEA4_A1.1.1 lineage, but new (SEA4_B1 and SEA4_B1.1) and emerging (SEA4_B1.1_E1) lineages that have never been reported in the Philippines were also identified. The baseline study reported phylogeographic clustering of RABV isolates from the same areas. However, this pattern was disrupted in the current biosurveillance, with variants detected in areas outside the original cluster. Furthermore, our findings revealed significant transmission routes between Davao City and neighboring provinces, contrasting with the predominantly intra-city transmission observed in the baseline study. These results underscore the need for ongoing and timely genomic surveillance to monitor genetic diversity changes and the emergence of novel strains, as well as to track alterations in transmission pathways. Implementing cost-effective next generation sequencing workflows will facilitate the integration of genomic surveillance into rabies control programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Collaborations between different sectors can empower local laboratories and experts in genomic technologies and analysis.

This study proposes a structure for companies to use when implementing human resource practices in open innovation. Despite the fact that open innovation has received a lot of attention in the innovation management field as companies open their doors to information exchange in an effort to spur creative thinking, there are very few empirical articles that connect this trend to the human resource management literature. Our findings are the result of an extensive qualitative investigation into Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its open innovation program. Internal, external, and combined are the three primary pillars of human resource management. We also demonstrate how the evolution of the open innovation initiative is linked to the state of the art in HRM and open innovation literature. The framework identifies HRM practices for both internal and external participants in the open innovation effort. Much of this HRM is done off the books, in a setting separate from the host company. By providing actual evidence of how firms use HRM to manage open innovation projects, our research adds to the scant and mostly theoretical literature linking open innovation and HRM.

Global crop yield and food security are being threatened by phytophagous insects. Innovative methods are required to increase agricultural output while reducing reliance on hazardous synthetic insecticides. It appears to be quite effective at reducing production costs and boosting farm profitability to use the ground-breaking CRISPR-Cas technology to create plants that are insect resistant. In contrast, this new technique can modify an insect's genome to either produce gene drive or get beyond an insect's tolerance to various insecticides. This paper reviews and critically discusses the use of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology in long-term insect pest management. The emphasis of this review is on the prospective uses of the CRISPR-Cas system for insect stress management in crop production by creating genome-edited crops and insects. The potential and difficulties of using CRISPR-Cas technology to reduce pest stress in crop plants are critically examined and discussed.

Within the field of movement sensing and sound interaction research, multi-user systems have gradually gained interest as a means to facilitate an expressive non-verbal dialogue. When tied with studies grounded in psychology and choreographic theory, we consider the qualities of interaction that foster an elevated sense of social connectedness, non-contingent to occupying one’s personal space. In reflection of the newly adopted social distancing concept, we orchestrate a technological intervention, starting with interpersonal distance and sound at the core of interaction. Materialised as a set of sensory face-masks, a novel wearable system was developed and tested in the context of a live public performance from which we obtain the user’s individual perspectives and correlate this with patterns identified in the recorded data. We identify and discuss traits of the user’s behaviour that were accredited to the system’s influence and construct 4 fundamental design considerations for physically distanced sound interaction. The study concludes with essential technical reflections, accompanied by an adaptation for a pervasive sensory intervention that’s finally deployed in an open public space.

The aim of this review is to present the Quality by Design (QbD) model as a suitable methodology to perform research in the academic Costa Rican institutions that teach Pharmacy. Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were screened for original and review papers, as well as short communications published not more than 10 years ago. Publications were screened by title and abstract. Relevant references were used to develop three important themes: The University’s Research Model in Costa Rica, QbD Model, and QbD as a Research Methodology for Industrial Pharmacy in the Academy. In this sense, the QbD model is a great methodology for carrying out research projects regarding Pharmaceutical Sciences but especially for Drug Development. Academic research based on this model enables training and developing practical, scientific, and leadership skills in pharmacy students. The generated knowledge can be shared in the classrooms, which represents an ideal environment to communicate their research results and to foster collaborative work between researchers, professors, and students. The participation of all these actors allows a high level of commitment to research work, which benefits the scientific advancement of the university and society. It is important to visualize the student body as potential key actors in the research process, encouraging in them the desire to become trained scientific researchers who want to pursue a career in the academy, giving continuity to it.

Numerous cases and a shortage of resources usually limit wild animal rescue. New technology implemented might save these severely injured wild animals from the situation of euthanasia by easing the requirement of intensive medication. Three-dimensional (3D) technologies provide precise and accurate results that improve the quality of the medical application. These 3D tools have become relatively low-cost and accessible in the past years. In the medical field of exotic animal, turtle shell defect is highly challenging because of inevitable water immersion. This report is the first attempt to apply the combination of 3D scanning, computer-aid design (CAD), and 3D printing to make a protective device that frees the wound from exposure to water or infection sources. The presenting techniques successfully extricate a wild freshwater turtle from an extensive shell defect within a short period. Integration of multiple sciences to 3D technology can provide a facile model for veterinary medical applications.

The impact that new technologies have on all aspects of our lives, work, and businesses is significant and growing over time. Blockchain and artificial intelligence, among other innovative technologies, are having a profound effect on practically all business functions, including most human resources (HR) tasks. The HR sector is currently facing a variety of challenges as HR departments invest many hours in vetting candidates' applications and authenticating records to decrease the chances of imperfect recruiting. Nowadays, more technologically based processes are utilised for talent search, selection and management, as well as for accumulating, retaining, and integrating new talents into a company. These HR practices are far more effective compared to traditional methods but can also be more expensive if the transactional costs are considered. This paper consists of two parts. Following an introduction, the first part discusses the trust and confidentiality that can be attained, while the second part examines security, fraud prevention and the productivity gained from using blockchain technology in HR activities. Finally, there is a concluding section, discussing the implications of blockchain technology for firms who choose to employ it.

Being a combination of the conference call, talkback radio, audio podcast, and an online video chat, Clubhouse is a new social networking app that gained over 10 million users and over $100 in valuation in just 8 months. Unlike other social networks, it offers a real-time streaming audio chat that does not ask users to share any unnecessary information like exchanging text messages, conducting video calls, or sharing photos. Instead, Clubhouse users can listen to real-time conversations, contribute to these conversations and create their own conversations for the others to listen and to interact with. Often nicknamed a “Silicon Valley’s hottest start-up”, Clubhouse positions itself as an “exclusive” and “alternative” social network that attracts various celebrities and people who just want to talk to each other. Launched in March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its social distancing and lockdowns, Clubhouse offered its users a space for the digital group psychotherapy where people could solve their problems by talking them through with strangers. However, it is unclear what is going to happen to this new social network in the post-pandemic world after all of its hype eventually evaporates. This paper discusses the possible underlying motives for the Clubhouse creation and its real purposes. Moreover, it looks at the three possible scenarios of its further development.

The objective of this research is to measure the perception that teachers had about their own performance when they were forced to carry out an Emergency Remote Teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was provided to teachers of every educational stage in the Basque Country (Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education, Professional Training and Higher Education) obtaining a total of 4,586 responses. The statistical analysis of the data shows that the greatest difficulties reported by educators are shortcomings in their training in digital skills, which has made them perceive more workload during the lockdown and negative emotions. Another finding is the existing digital divide between teachers based on their gender, age and type of school. A further worrying result is the lower technological competence in lower educational levels, which are the most vulnerable in remote teaching. These results invite us to reflect on the measures to be taken to improve equity, social justice and resilience of the educational system, which align with some of the Sustainable Development Goals.

A growing number of households benefit from the government subsidies to install renewable generation facilities such as PV panels, used to gain independence from the grid and provide cheap energy. In the Romanian electricity market, these prosumers can sell their generation surplus only at regulated prices, back to the grid. A way to increase the number of prosumers is to allow them to make higher profit by selling this surplus back into the local network. This would also be an advantage for the consumers, who could pay less for electricity exempt from network tariffs and benefitting from lower prices resulting from the competition between prosumers. One way of enabling this type of trade is to use peer-to-peer contracts traded in local markets, run at microgrid (μG) level. This paper presents a new trading platform based on smart peer-to-peer (P2P) contracts for prosumers energy surplus trading in a real local microgrid. Several trading scenarios are proposed, which give the possibility to perform trading based on participants’ locations, instantaneous active power demand, maximum daily energy demand and the principle of first come first served implemented in an anonymous blockchain trading ledger. The developed scheme is tested on a low-voltage (LV) microgrid model to check its feasibility of deployment in a real network. A comparative analysis between the proposed scenarios, regarding traded quatities and financial benefits is performed.

The prevalence of autism in children in the world is estimated as one per 62 children, higher levels reported in some countries. These children experience significant problems with the development of social, behavioural and verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The skills impairment levels varies from an individual to another and that made teaching autistics a challenge for caregivers such as teachers and relatives. Hence, there are quite a number of frameworks of a software learning systems which focus on gaining the children’s attention using representational visual illustration as a learning method instead of the textual form. However, majority of these tools are lacking the personalisation ability to suite everyone in the spectrum. Assistive technology offers an alternative way to attract children with autism. Therefore, this research is proposing an Adaptive Content Management Learning System (ACMLS) model to assist caregivers to produce, design and fine-tune or customise the learning materials appropriately so that the system interface and the materials are suitable for every individual in the spectrum according to each child personal profile aiming to make learning attractive and to contribute in improving their social, communication and behavioural skills and nonetheless, their attention level to the delivered educational topics. The ACMLS model design adopts four main components which are: (1) Design component: which covers the visual design, design principles and the mental model of the children with autism. (2) Technology component: which covers the assistive technology tools and the architecture of the ACMLS system. (3) Education component: Which covers the learning objectives, styles, strategies, methods and the cognitive model. (4) Participants component: which covers the main participants who’re playing a role in the ACMLS model such as: caregivers and children with autism.

Polydimethylsiloxane with hydroxy groups was functionalized to form functionalized polydimethylsiloxane, which subsequently underwent an addition reaction with isophorone diisocyanate to form the prepolymer. Next, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) reacted with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS) to produce bridged polysilsesquioxanes, and the sol–gel technology was employed to form hyperbranched polysiloxane nanoparticles with hydroxy groups, which was used as the additive. The hyperbranched polysiloxane and the prepolymer containing NCO functional groups then underwent an addition reaction to produce the hybrid materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterize the structure of the polyurethane hybrid. Regarding thermal stability, after the hyperbranched polysiloxane nanoparticles was introduced, the integral procedural decomposition temperature increased from 348 ºC for polyurethane matrix to 859 ºC for the hybrid material. The results revealed that the thermal stability of the hybrid material substantially increased by approximately 247%.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs when insulin is not produced in the Pancreas due to the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells. The patients may be diagnosed after 80-90% of the beta cells are destroyed. Insulin remains the essential medicine in T1DM management, under continuous monitoring of glucose levels. T1DM management consists of a complex and precise set of self-care measures for the entire life; during this continuous process, the patients could become overwhelmed, angry, anxious, frustrated, and/or discouraged. Therefore, to be widely used and provide general benefits, new technologies for DM management must provide clinical advantages without compromising safety. The compliance of T1DM patients is also essential, thus improving their quality of life (QoL). Moreover, the accessibility of the new system for patients through healthcare coverage is critical; they must be able to buy the new devices and accessories and pay for their maintenance. In this context, our work aims to describe the most recent technologies regarding continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems, correlated with psychosocial impact and capacity to improve T1DM patients' life quality.

This research explores the impact of 5G technology on supply chain efficiency and marketing innovations, highlighting its transformative potential and associated challenges. The study delves into how 5G enhances real-time tracking and monitoring within supply chains, significantly improving inventory management, reducing stockouts and overstocking, and ensuring optimal conditions during product transit. The advanced communication capabilities of 5G enable seamless collaboration among supply chain partners, facilitating quicker decision-making and improved risk management. Additionally, the integration of 5G technology with data analytics has optimized processes, improved forecasting accuracy, and led to cost reductions, showcasing the value of data-driven decision-making. In the marketing domain, 5G technology has driven the development of immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, enhancing customer engagement through interactive and experiential content. Personalized and targeted marketing strategies, supported by real-time data and deeper customer insights, have led to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales. The proliferation of connected devices, such as smart speakers and wearables, has further enabled personalized interactions and convenience, fostering brand loyalty and driving growth. Despite these advancements, the implementation of 5G presents challenges, including significant infrastructure investment, cybersecurity risks, and privacy concerns. Companies must navigate these issues by investing in robust security measures and developing comprehensive policies. The research concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future impact of 5G technology, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and transform customer experiences, ultimately shaping the future of business operations.

Late pear cultivars, such as ‘Conference’, can be stored for a long period, with their storability depending on storage conditions. A three-year study (2011-2013) compared the impact of half-year storage using four technologies – normal atmosphere, normal atmosphere + 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), controlled atmosphere, controlled atmosphere + 1-MCP – on the quality parameters of ‘Conference’ pears, such as mass loss, firmness, total soluble solids, acidity, antioxidant capacity, and the incidence of diseases and disorders. Additionally, the study analysed different storage conditions in terms of profitability, based on the market prices for pears in the seasons during which the pears were stored. The storage conditions had a very strong influence on the fruit quality parameters, and was found to affect most visibly the mass loss and the incidence of postharvest diseases and disorders. The storage of ‘Conference’ pears for 180 days in normal atmosphere is not economically viable, even if the fruit is subjected to 1-MCP treatment.

Predatory research field in science is when an emerging scientific topic destroys current topics and characterizes a main scientific change. Predatory research field can be a basic driver of scientific and technological change that generates a 'creative destruction' in science and society in contexts of knowledge-based competition and rapid changes. The prediction of proposed theory of predatory research fields is that it destroys with a fast growth other research fields. The theoretical approach is tested here in research fields of large language models (LLM) by analyzing the transformers (a deep learning architecture based on the multi-head attention mechanism) proposed in 2017 and from November 2022 started main applications in generative artificial intelligence with innovations of BERT, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot (launched on February 7, 2023) and other natural language processing tools driven by AI technology for engaging conversations, gain insights, automate tasks, etc., etc. Statistical evidence suggests that growth rate of transformer technologies is 80.58%, a high level compared to all other research fields in machine learning (having a growth rate of 13.83%). Moreover, predatory research field of transformers has a destructive power such that all other domains in LLM from 2021 to 2023 have a general reduction of scientific growth. The impact of transformers is much more drastic of previous radical technologies such as CNN having a temporal growth rate of 0.16%, lower than 0.38% by transformers, ceteris paribus. These analysis reveals that transformers have characteristics to generate a radical scientific and technological change in a not-too-distant future. Overall, then, the study suggests that predatory research field on emerging topics and technologies can generate path-breaking innovations and the examination here can clarify the essential elements of the science dynamics for a better theory of scientific and technological change, providing also main implications for knowledge policy to support promising research fields and technologies to guide economic and social change.

During the last decade, smart materials have increasingly impacted on several niches, among which that of one-off/limited edition experimental fashion. Thanks to their performativity, due to the implementation of Smart Materials Systems, they have reached indeed catwalks as well as museums and galleries. As boundaries between what-is-art and what traditionally was not supposed to be art are now turning into osmotic membranes, zooming on how smart materials are highly contributing to outline the new creative landscape can provide with interesting and compelling issues. Introducing three different areas of experimental fashion, named Multi-sensory dresses, Empathic dresses, and Bio-smart dresses and accessories, respectively covering the world of in-Lab experiments and design collaborations in relation to the application of advanced smart materials systems, the article discuss some of the implications in term of Design Thinking and Design Aesthetics.

Increasingly, information technology facilitates the storage and management of data useful for risk analysis and event prediction. Studies on data extraction related to occupational health and safety are increasingly available; however, due to its variability, the construction sector warrants special attention. This review is conducted under the research programmes of the National Institute for Occupational Accident Insurance (Inail). Objectives: The research question focuses on identifying which data mining (DM) methods, among supervised, unsupervised, and others, are most appropriate to be applied to certain investigation objectives, types, and sources of data, as defined by the authors. Methods: Scopus and ProQuest were the main sources from which we extracted studies in the field of construction, published between 2014 and 2023. The eligibility criteria applied in the selection of studies, were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). For exploratory purposes, we applied hierarchical clustering, while for in-depth analysis, we use principal component analysis (PCA) and meta-analysis. Results: The search strategy based on the PRISMA eligibility criteria, provided us with 61 out of 2,234 potential articles, 202 observation, 91 methodologies, 4 survey purposes, 3 data sources, 7 data types, and 3 resource type. Cluster analysis and PCA organized the information included in the paper dataset into two dimensions and labels: "supervised methods, institutional dataset, and predictive and classificatory purposes" (correlation 0.97÷8.18E-01; p-value 7.67E-55÷1.28E-22) and the second, Dim2 "not-supervised methods; project, simulation, literature, text data; monitoring, decision-making processes; machinery and environment" (corr. 0.84÷0.47; p-value 5.79E-25÷3.59E-06). We answered the research question regarding which method, among supervised, unsupervised, or other, is most suitable for application to data in the construction industry. Conclusions: The meta-analysis provided an overall estimate of the better effectiveness of supervised methods (Odds Ratio = 0.71, Confidence Interval 0.53÷0.96) compared to not-supervised methods.

Cloud platforms are widely employed in today's educational context to enhance collaborative learning and the overall quality of the teaching-learning process. In 2016, Nextcloud was im-plemented in the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría" (CUJAE), Cuba. Subsequently, an evaluative phase was conducted to ensure the continuous development of the platform. The objective was to assess the use and ac-ceptance of the Nextcloud platform from the perspective of students and professors in the Fac-ulty. An exploratory, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was col-lected through observation and a survey. Matomo Analytics tool was employed for observation, revealing low visitation numbers. The survey was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model. Better results were obtained in positive acceptances compared to negative ones, both for professors and students. It is concluded that the evaluation of the Next-cloud platform is infrequently used by users; however, there were higher positive acceptances than negatives from the perspectives of both students and professors.

Student attendance serves many other important purposes aside from monitoring. In certain universities, the attendance of students in a course is also used as one of the requirements for students to be allowed to sit for the final examination. Traditionally, among most Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), attendance recording is usually done using pen and paper, or uses simple web-based system that is time consuming and difficult for faculty periodic monitoring. To address the identified drawbacks, this research aims to develop a Smart Attendance for Faculty Monitoring System using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to assist faculty in recording, managing and monitoring students’ attendance and class schedules effectively. The system is developed for Android-based devices using an agile methodology consists of iteration and incremental approaches. Thus, to evaluate the effectiveness of the system, a survey was conducted on 140 respondents involving lecturers and students of Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech MARA (KUPTM). Respondents were selected using purposive sampling. The descriptive analysis showed that 87.9% of the respondents strongly agreed that the system is effective in assisting lecturers to record attendance, manage class schedules and student attendance as well as to assist faculty in monitoring students’ absenteeism.

The purpose of this study is to examine how sales restrictions on gasoline-powered vehicles influence patent application behavior in automobile engine technology. This is achieved through a factorial analysis targeting structural changes in patent applications. We examine patterns in patent data from 1985 to 2019 using index decomposition based on the logarithmic mean Divisia index. The analysis utilizes patent data and focuses on one non-green (internal combustion engine vehicles) and three green automobile engine technologies (battery electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle, and full cell vehicle). Furthermore, the study focuses on four significant patent offices (China, Japan, the United States, and Germany) to examine global disparities. The analytical results reveal that a country’s green investment pattern changes depending on its growth stage. Intellectual property protection policies and encouragement of R&D will extend the scope of R&D activities in emerging nations where intellectual property markets are not well developed. Furthermore, different countries have distinct product development strategies when it comes to various forms of green automotive engine technologies. Green patents are likely to rise in industrialized nations for incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies for R&D spending on specific technological advancements and the extension of intellectual property protection.

The recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has become increasingly important due to the rising demand for energy storage solutions and the need to mitigate environmental impacts. Among the valuable materials within spent LIBs, lithium metal oxide is particularly sought after for its role in battery production. This review explores the application of microwave technology in combination with froth flotation and magnetic processes for the recovery of lithium metal oxide from spent LIBs. Microwave technology has emerged as a promising method for LIB recycling due to its ability to selectively heat materials and accelerate chemical reactions. In the context of lithium metal oxide recovery, microwave irradiation offers advantages such as rapid and uniform heating, selective heating of target compounds, and enhanced reaction kinetics. These attributes contribute to reduced processing times, lower energy consumption, and improved recovery efficiency. Froth flotation is a widely used separation technique that exploits differences in surface hydrophobicity to separate minerals. In LIB recycling, froth flotation has been adapted to recover lithium metal oxide from electrode materials. The incorporation of microwave technology into froth flotation processes provides several benefits. Microwaves selectively heat lithium metal oxide particles, facilitating their detachment from the electrode surface and enhancing their recovery. Additionally, microwave-assisted pretreatment promotes the liberation of active materials, leading to increased exposure to flotation reagents and improved recovery rates. Moreover, microwave-assisted froth flotation requires lower temperatures and shorter flotation times, resulting in energy savings and reduced operating costs. Magnetic separation is another method commonly used in LIB recycling to recover magnetic materials such as cobalt and nickel. By exploiting the magnetic properties of these materials, magnetic separation enables their separation from non-magnetic components. Integrating microwave technology into magnetic separation processes offers opportunities for enhanced efficiency and selectivity. Microwave irradiation can assist in the liberation of magnetic materials from electrode materials, promoting their separation. Furthermore, microwave-assisted magnetic separation can operate at lower temperatures and shorter processing times, contributing to energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The application of microwave technology in conjunction with froth flotation and magnetic processes shows promise for the efficient recovery of lithium metal oxide from spent LIBs. The synergistic effects of microwave irradiation with these separation techniques lead to improved recovery rates, reduced energy consumption, and lower environmental impact. However, further research is needed to optimize process parameters, scale up operations, and address challenges such as material heterogeneity and equipment design. With continued innovation and collaboration, microwave-assisted recycling processes have the potential to play a significant role in advancing sustainable battery recycling practices.

An introductory course of Arka Dhyana, also known as Intuitive Meditation (IM), consisting of five sessions, was offered to an international audience via Zoom technology. Participants were shown how to connect to their deeper self, essence or soul by bringing their I-ego-awareness from the thinking mind, often associated with the frontal part of the brain, to 19 energetic stations in the body including the heart centre. In this limited study, evaluation was both process and outcome orientated and included HeartMath (HM) Inner Balance or emWave2 electronic technology to measure mean coherence and achievement before and after each session. A highly significant increase in both coherence and achievement in six participants was found, which was also reflected in a reported increase in wellbeing related to feelings in qualitative statements indicating changes in levels of consciousness and individual transformative experiences as predicted by the Theory of the Six Main Levels of Consciousness.

Alvar Aalto created innovative architecture in his breakthrough work, Paimio Sanatorium, located in Southwestern Finland and designed between 1928 and 1933. The technological systems in construction, such as the concrete frame, electricity, air conditioning, and lifts, developed rapidly in the interwar period and Aalto drew influences from the culturally radical modernistic discourse around the CIAM organisation and felt that architecture should respond to the demands of the age. Architecture is an applied form of art, and symbolic expression in architecture is a system with its logic. As a contrast, a building is a technological system and forms a framework within which to solve practical problems. Thus, as a technological system, the building is both material and social, during its construction and after. The theoretical underpinning for the study was the actor-network theory developed since the 1980s by the French sociologist Bruno Latour. This study clearly showed the importance of a collaborative effort in a building project. The most famous architectural solutions for Paimio Sanatorium, a demanding institutional building project, came into being in circumstances where the architect-innovator, Aalto, managed to create a viable and robust hybrid that merged collective competence with material factors.

To provide the population with food, it is very important to re-cultivate "abandoned lands" that have been retired from agricultural use. Conversion of arable land into agricultural abandoned lands in the south of Kazakhstan is, first of all, was primarily associated with salinity. For the purposes of sustainable development, there is a need to develop proposals for re-mastering by studying their current state, reviewing world studies on the reclamation of salt-affected soils. Therefore, this study was devoted to the study of the current environmental and reclamation conditions of the abandoned lands of Otyrar district in the south Kazakhstan, as well as discussion and recommendations on their development. In the course of the research, the historical method is used in the study of the emergence and formation of abandoned lands, the method of geographical analysis during the territorial analysis of the research object, the statistical and comparison methods in showing the complexity and intensity of the problems, the cartographic, geo-informational and field research (reconnaissance) methods in the study of the condition of the abandoned lands in the research object and methods of grouping and analysis were used in the work with scientific data on the topic of research. By deciphering space images with the help of geoinformation technologies, it was revealed that the area of abandoned lands in the research object is 13688.9 ha, including the area of non-saline soils – 83.9 ha, weakly saline soils – 984.4 ha, medium saline soils – 2398.3 ha, highly saline soils – 10222,1 ha. A review of the methods and technologies proposed by scientists for the development and melioration of salt-affected lands was made. Taking into account the ecological and reclamation state of the object of research along with the material and technical capabilities of farms, 2 methods of developing abandoned lands (organic and agro-innovative) in the research object are proposed and the need for their use in case of soil salinization has been scientifically justified.

Background: Tele-emergency physicians (TEPs) take an increasingly important role in the need-oriented provision of emergency patient care. To improve emergency medicine in rural areas, we set up the project Land|Rettung (English: Rural|Rescue), which uses TEPs to restructure professional rescue services using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in order to reduce the therapy-free interval. Successful implementation of ICTs relies on user acceptance and knowledge sharing behavior. Methods and findings: We conducted a factorial design with active knowledge transfer and technology acceptance as a function of work satisfaction (high vs. low), workload (high vs. low) and point in time (prior to vs. after digitalization). Data were collected via machine readable questionnaires issued to 755 persons (411 pre, 344 post), of which 304 or 40.3% of these persons responded (194 pre, 115 post).Technology acceptance was higher after the implementation of TEP for nurses but not for other professional groups, and it was higher when the workload was high. Regarding active communication and knowledge sharing, employees with low work satisfaction are more likely to share their digital knowledge as compared to employees with high work satisfaction. Additional and more detailed analyses reveal that this is an effect of previous knowledge concerning digitalization. After implementing the new technology, work satisfaction increased for the more experienced employees, but not for the less experienced ones. Results are discussed considering the Dunning-Kruger effect. The Dunning-Kruger effect describes a cognitive bias. People with high expertise often underestimate their actual skill level. They have a more critical attitude towards their performance and feel the urgent need to fill possible knowledge gaps they notice. Conclusions: Our research illustrates that employees’ workload has an impact on the intention of using digital applications. The higher the workload, the more people are willing to use TEPs. Regarding active knowledge sharing, we see that employees with low work satisfaction are more likely to share their digital knowledge compared to employees with high work satisfaction. This might be attributed to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Highly knowledgeable employees initially feel uncertain about the change, which translates into temporarily lower work satisfaction. They feel the urge to fill even small knowledge gaps, which in return leads to higher work satisfaction. Those responsible need to acknowledge that digital change affects their employees’ workflow and work satisfaction. During such times, employees need time and support to gather information and knowledge in order to cope with digitally changed tasks.

Polluted rivers are a primary problem in Changhua County, Taiwan, due to rapid and massive developments in agriculture and industry. In this study, samples consisted of water influent from the Yangzi-Cuo River, Ci-Tong Jiao, Changhua County. Ecology technology, a combination of gravel contact oxidation and surface flow constructed wetlands, was employed to enhance the water quality. Ecology technology is a useful and ordinary process that focuses on original treatment of pollution through chemical, physical, and biological procedures based on the mediums of soil, plant, water, and microorganisms from pure environments. Moreover, this study aimed to minimize the river pollution index (RPI) of the Yangzi-Cuo River by using combinations of gravel contact oxidation and surface flow constructed wetlands. The inflow volume of the water samples in situ was found to be 1534–2261 cubic meters per day (CMD). The pollution in the water sample mostly involved suspended solid (SS), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃–N), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and the values of the above indexes were found to be 10.0–26.7 mg/L, 0.9–14.0 mg/L, 1.2–14.1 mg/L, 11.1–18.2 mg/L, and 0.5–3.6 mg/L, respectively. Efficiencies of pollution elimination in SS, NH₃–N, TP, TN, and BOD were found to be 24.2–93.1%, 58.3–86.2%, 5.2–85.0%, 59.4–77.2%, and 46.3–76.4%, correspondingly, after purification treatment via ecology technology. Thus, ecology technology is a valid means of purification treatment for polluted rivers.

This study explores the intricacies of supplier relationships and inventory optimization within high-technology industries, offering a comprehensive analysis of the strategic imperatives and operational challenges faced by firms in these sectors. By adopting a qualitative research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with supply chain professionals and documentary analysis, the study provides in-depth insights into the evolving dynamics of supply chain management. Findings reveal a marked shift towards collaborative and strategic supplier relationships, characterized by trust, transparency, and joint innovation initiatives. These partnerships are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, driving product development, and navigating market uncertainties. Additionally, the research underscores the critical role of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, in optimizing inventory levels and improving supply chain visibility. The integration of these technologies facilitates precise demand forecasting and proactive inventory management, thereby reducing costs and enhancing service levels. However, the study also highlights significant challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and cultural barriers, which necessitate robust risk management strategies and adaptive supply chain practices. Strategic implications for organizational leaders and policymakers include the need to invest in supplier development, embrace digital transformation, and enhance risk management frameworks to build resilient and agile supply chains. This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between supplier relationships, inventory optimization, and technological integration in high-technology industries, offering actionable recommendations for practitioners and researchers seeking to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in a dynamic global marketplace.

In the era of Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the security and privacy of patient data within distributed health systems is paramount. This research delves into the challenges posed by these advancements and explores viable solutions, focusing notably on blockchain technology, data encryption methods, and access control mechanisms. Employing a comprehensive literature review approach, the study synthesizes current research findings, complemented by analyses of existing frameworks and case studies from healthcare organizations, offering practical insights. Interviews with cybersecurity experts and healthcare IT professionals provide nuanced perspectives on current security issues and emerging trends. Through qualitative and quantitative data analyses, the study generates recommendations aimed at enhancing patient data security. These include the adoption of new frameworks and innovative technologies to fortify healthcare data systems. By addressing these critical aspects, this research aims to significantly contribute to the advancement of a more secure and efficient healthcare ecosystem in today's digital landscape.

Background: Amidst escalating climate change concerns, sustainable practices in healthcare logistics are critical. This study evaluates the ecological impact and efficiency of medical sample transportation using drones, combustion cars, and electric cars across diverse terrains and weather in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of CO2 emissions, transport distances, and delivery times for each transportation modality. Data collection involved multiple runs under various conditions, with CO2 emissions measured using onboard systems, and transport efficiency assessed via GPS tracking and time monitoring. Results: Combustion cars exhibited the highest average CO2 emissions at 159.5 grams per kilometer (g/km). Electric cars emitted significantly less, averaging 3.43 g/km, which is 2.15% of combustion car emissions. Drones were the most environmentally friendly, with an average emission of 0.09 g/km, representing 0.07% of combustion car emissions and 2.6% of electric car emissions. Drones also showed substantial transport efficiency, covering 17% shorter distances on flat terrain and 24% shorter in mountainous areas, with time savings ranging from 13% to 80%. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of drone technology to revolutionize healthcare logistics by reducing environmental impact and optimizing operational efficiency. Integrating drones can significantly lower the carbon footprint, improve sample integrity, and enhance patient care, promoting a greener, more resilient healthcare system.

As we know, the economy of science is to achieve optimal gains using scarce resources. Similarly, a problem where economies of the world are trying to resolve it is the issue of how to achieve an optimal economic contribution from limited tourism resources. According to the fact that global studies and statistics indicate that good governance is considered as the most important factor in developing countries and is considered as a strong governance of the development and as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is effective in the interactions and economic and social exchanges of any society, it is the link between the tourism industry and the technology under the form of a robust tool and utilitarian in the tourism process called E-tourism can play a significant role. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of network Readiness Index and good governance on income from tourism industry. In this study, data and information about 14 selected countries were collected from Southwest Asia in the annual period of 2016-2011 in the form of panel data and the proposed model was used and estimated by the generalized torques system method. The estimated results of the model indicate that both hypotheses have a positive and significant impact on the amount of Network Readiness Index in the income of tourism industry, as well as the positive and significant effect of the index the amount of income from the tourism industry is confirmed, and their impact has been positive and significant, as well as exchange rate variables, revenue and commercial openness, also have a positive and significant effect on revenues of the tourism industry.

A planar microwave sensor devoted to the detection of humidity in underwear and clothes in general is proposed. The ultimate goal of the sensor is to detect the presence of liquids in fabrics, of interest to aid patients that suffer from certain pathologies, such as hyperhidrosis and enuresis. The main target in the design of the sensor, considering the envisaged application, is simplicity. Thus, the sensor operates at a single frequency, and the working principle is the variation in the mag-nitude of the transmission coefficient of a matched line loaded with an open-ended quar-ter-wavelength sensing stub resonator. The stub, which must be in contact with the so-called fabric under test (FUT), generates a notch in the transmission coefficient with a resonance frequency that depends on the humidity level of the fabric. By designing the stub with a moderately high quality factor, the variation in the resonance frequency causes a significant change in the magnitude level at the operating frequency, the resonance frequency when the sensing stub is loaded with the dry fabric, and the presence of liquid can be detected by means of an amplitude detector. A prototype device is proposed and experimentally validated.

Real-world evidence (RWE) is increasingly involved in the early benefit assessment of medicinal drugs. It is expected that RWE will help to speed up approval processes comparable to RWE developments in vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Definitions of RWE are diverse marking the highly fluid status in this field. So far, RWE comprises information produced from data routinely collected on patient’s health status and/or delivery of health care from various sources other than traditional clinical trials. These sources can include electronic health records, claims, patient-generated data including in home-use settings, data from mobile devices as well as patient, product and disease registries. The aim of the present update was to review the current RWE developments and guidelines mainly in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Germany field during the last decade. RWE has already been included in various approval procedures of regulatory authorities reflecting its actual acceptance and growing importance in evaluating and accelerating new therapies. However, since the RWE research is still in a transition process and since a number of gaps in this field have been explored, more guidance and a consented definition are necessary to increase the implementation of real-world data.

This article reviews recent innovations in piezoelectric actuators, then indicates the future research targets. In the materials, the piezoelectric performances of relaxor-lead titanate (PZN-PT, PMN-PT) single crystals have been improved significantly by an AC electric poling technique. Also new loss characterization techniques facilitate developing high-power density piezoelectrics. The RMS vibration velocity reaches 0.6 m/s in the k₃₁ mode in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nowadays, which corresponds to power density 30 W/cm³. Pb-free materials are urged due to the recent political regulation on toxic materials. In device designs, the original multilayer actuators (MLA) with Ag/Pd electrode have been switched to the ones with Cu or pure Ag, in order to suppress the heat generation, then to enhance the device power density. Piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS’s) started to utilize the <1 0 0> oriented epitaxial films of rhombohedral PZT compositions, which exhibits enhanced piezoelectric properties. Also for higher-power applications, aero-sol deposition (AD) methods have been introduced to 10 -thick films. Regarding drive/control techniques in piezo-actuators, three developments are on-going, that is, “negative capacitance” power supplies for driving off-resonance (pseudo-DC) piezo-actuators, capacitive AC power supplies for efficiently driving resonance piezo-actuators, and DC/DC converters for harvesting electric energy from high-impedance piezoelectric devices under noise vibration. The applications of piezoelectric actuators in the 21^st century seem to be oriented toward “politico-engineering” with four keywords, “cooperation, protection, reduction, and continuation”. The sustainability technologies include the following piezoelectric items: (a) Pb-free piezoelectrics, (b) ultrasonic technology for decomposing hazardous materials, (c) reduction of contamination gas, (d) piezoelectric energy harvesting, and (e) device improvement with high energy-efficiency. On the other hand, the following crisis technologies have been developed with piezoelectrics: (a) detection and neutralization technologies of infectious/epidemic diseases such as anthrax, (b) autonomous unmanned underwater, aerial, and land vehicles with piezoelectric actuators, (c) pin-point target weapons, (d) high voltage supplies with piezoelectric transformers, and (e) compact energy sources for remote actuating/sensing systems.

Good health and well-being is one of the essential SDGs that ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages and further entails providing substantial medical services to the public at low cost and with minimal adverse effects on the environment. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have taken on an increasingly important function as significant facilitators of healthcare reform, with the goals of enhancing access to health services, the quality of treatment provided, and the overall productivity of the healthcare system. However, the integration of ever-increasing ICT technologies into the healthcare systems, also referred to as digital transformation, is not a straightforward process, but it comes with different types of challenges from integration level to application design level and security level. Although several studies have been proposed to address the integration of ICT technologies into healthcare systems, there is still a need for a comprehensive research study on the integration and design challenges, security and privacy challenges, application areas, and possible positive and negative impacts. Therefore, this paper contributes as the research literature study covering an important SDG, "Good health and well-being," and its digital transformation, along with summarising our research findings in a detailed and taxonomical way. To start with, firstly, we present a detailed comparison of existing studies on healthcare and well-being, mainly focusing on integrating ICT technologies in healthcare in terms of sustainable aspects, security and privacy challenges, design and integration challenges, E-health-related applications, and future directions. We also present an overview and the need for digital transformation in healthcare, discuss its significant components, highlight E-health's importance and benefits, explore its integration and design challenges, and categorise the security and privacy challenges. Next, we present an in-depth discussion on the role of Blockchain technology as today's leading technology in E-health, discussing Blockchain technology and its characteristics, highlighting its benefits, and describing the possible types of Blockchain-based E-health use cases. Furthermore, we discuss the positive and negative impact of ICT integration along with identifying open issues and challenges of integrating ICT technologies into the healthcare systems and discuss future research directions, which provide the strength for researchers to address the issues in future solutions.

The advent of 5G technology represents a transformative leap in the realms of retail marketing and supply chain operations, offering unprecedented enhancements and posing unique challenges. This study explores the multifaceted impacts of 5G, focusing on its influence on customer experiences, operational efficiency, and supply chain management. The integration of 5G enables advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), significantly enhancing the interactivity and personalization of the shopping experience. Real-time data collection and analysis, facilitated by 5G, allow for more precise inventory management and optimized store operations, leading to improved customer satisfaction and reduced operational costs. In the supply chain domain, 5G technology offers enhanced visibility and control through real-time tracking and environmental monitoring, which improves logistics efficiency and product quality management. Despite these advancements, the adoption of 5G technology involves considerable challenges, including high infrastructure costs, data security concerns, and global disparities in technology deployment. Businesses must navigate these obstacles while leveraging the benefits of 5G to achieve competitive advantage. The study also highlights the role of 5G in integrating with other advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, to drive further innovation. Additionally, 5G supports sustainability efforts by optimizing energy use and reducing waste. Overall, the successful implementation of 5G requires strategic investment and adaptability, but it holds the potential to revolutionize retail and supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency, customer engagement, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

With the widespread Application of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, optimizing foreign language learning in VR has become a focal point of research. This paper introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework (VR-CCL) based on constructivism and cognitive load theory to enhance foreign language learning in VR. Through a literature review, we explore the applications of VR in education, foreign language learning theories, and prior works on technology-assisted language learning. We further detail the three main components of the VR-CCL framework and validate its effectiveness through two case studies: Duolingo VR and Rosetta Stone VR. Finally, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the framework and its implications for educators and developers.

In this paper, a distinction is first made between environmental, sustainable and green chemistry; the last two are then examined in relation to the more general problem of the environmental education. A brief historical digression on the STS (Science, Technology and Society) movement tries to dissect the reasons why chemistry is seen by the general public as a problem, not as a decisive resource for the realization of the ecological transition. Although sustainable and green chemistry can be decisive in overcoming the insularity of chemical disciplines in the high school, it fails to effectively embed itself in educational practices. Specific operational goals, supporting a real scientifical and technological literacy in sustainable and green chemistry, can help chemical educators. They are provided at the end of an examination of the founding axes of sustainable and green chemistry, according to the criteria of scientific and technological literacy.

The topic of technology development and its disruptive effects has been the subject of much debate over the last 20 years with numerous theories at both macro and micro scale offering potential models of technology progression and disruption. This paper focuses on how the potential theories of technology progression can be integrated and considers whether suitable indicators of this progression and any subsequent disruptive effects (particularly considering these geographically) might be derived, based on the use of big data analytic techniques. Given the magnitude of the economic, social and political implications of many disruptive technologies, the ability to quantify disruptive change at the earliest possible stage could deliver major returns by reducing uncertainty, assisting public policy intervention and managing the technology transition through disruption into deployment. However, determining when this stage has been reached is problematic because small random effects in the timing, direction of development, the availability of essential supportive technologies or “platform” technologies, market response or government policy can all result in failure of a technology, its form of adoption or optimality of implementation. This paper reviews some of the key models of technology evolution and their disruptive effect including, in particular, the geographical spread of disruption. It suggests a methodology for utilising the recent explosion of open and web-discoverable data to determine a methodology to achieve this earlier determination and considers the potential exploitation of big data modelling and predictive analytical techniques to achieve this goal.

The objective of this study was to apply simulation and computational intelligence techniques using artificial intelligence and genetic algorithm for economic and environmental optimization of the reverse network (manufacturers, waste managers and recyclers in São Paulo, Brazil) of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) to promote circular economy. For the economic evaluation, the reduction of: fuel, drivers, insurance, depreciation, maintenance and charges was considered and for the environmental evaluation, the environmental impact was measured in the abiotic, biotic, water, land, air and greenhouse gases compartments. It is concluded that the optimized structure of the WEEE reverse chain for São Paulo, Brazil reduced the number of collections, making the most of the cubage. It also generated economic and environmental gains, contributing to the strategic actions of the circular economy. Thus, the proposed simulation allows replication in organizational practice, mainly to meet the 2030 agenda on reducing the carbon footprint generated in transport in large cities. Thus, this study can guide companies on structuring the reverse WEEE chain in São Paulo, Brazil for economic and environmental optimization, a relevant aspect considering the exponential generation of WEEE, requiring the implementation of the national solid waste policy, and subsequently the signature of the electronics sector agreement in São Paulo.

In all areas of medicine, especially in radiology, computers are increasing year by year. Filmless radiology, speech recognition software, electronic application forms, and teleradiology are recent developments that have greatly improved radiologists' performance. This research explores radiology software trends, predictions, and the challenges posed by informatics and historical trend analysis. The rationale behind this research is that information technology (IT) is overgrowing almost every day. We must continuously seek new ways to apply IT to make more use of resources. Consequently, IT becomes increasingly crucial to radiology organizations' innovative thinking, workflow, and business models. This study aimed to analyze all radiology software publications in the Science Citation Index (SCI). From 1991 to July 2021, SCI was used to search for publications systematically. We have also widely used this historical method in radiology software research. The findings and discussions are base on an assessment of trends, predictions, contributions, and challenges in radiology software, and we are exploring radiology software with six evolutionary stages. The gift of this research is that radiology managers realize that the use of new information technologies is closely related to survival in a competitive environment. Radiology companies can review these new technologies to develop more innovative business models and services to improve operational deficiencies.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) may not only reduce parking demand, but also free up on-street parking spaces. From the perspective of bus priority, converting on-street parking lots into dedicated bus lanes can both ensure bus priority and accommodate non-bus traffic, helping to reduce congestion and pollution. In order to study the impact of conversion of on-street parking lots to bus lanes on traffic flow, a microscopic simulation framework based on VISSIM is proposed in this paper. Data was collected using the floating car method and video recording method to quantify the factors affecting traffic flow due to the conversion of on-street parking. The VISSIM simulation model was then calibrated. According to the proportion of the on-street parking lots into a bus lane, the on-street parking lots conversion simulation model of different scenarios was established, and the influence of different on-street parking lots conversion ratio on traffic efficiency and pollution emission was quantitatively analyzed. Finally, the optimization method based on bus lane network connectivity is discussed. The results indicate that: When the on-street parking lots conversion ratio is approximately 100%, bus speed increases by 21.03%, bus delays decrease by 14.27%, and bus parking instances decrease by 11.31%. Total emissions are negatively correlated with vehicle speed. As the conversion rate of on-street parking increases, the emissions of road segments and the entire road network gradually decrease. At a conversion ratio of 100%, the average total emissions for road segments have the highest reduction rate, decreasing by 4.12%. At a conversion ratio of 50%, the average emission total for the road network shows the largest reduction, falling by 2.88%.

The transformation of Bangladesh from a Digital Bangladesh to a Digital Bangladesh is an ambitious initiative aimed at leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and improve the quality of life for all citizens. This paper explores the strategic roadmap for achieving this vision, focusing on key priorities such as expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, enhancing cybersecurity, and strengthening governance and regulatory frameworks. The transformation journey involves significant challenges and opportunities, requiring robust stakeholder engagement, comprehensive policies, and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics present substantial prospects for innovation and efficiency across various sectors. Promoting digital inclusion, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are crucial for ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are widespread. Moreover, enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy is vital for protecting digital systems and maintaining public trust. The paper also highlights the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, enhancing public service delivery, and strengthening governance frameworks to support the Digital Bangladesh vision. By addressing these strategic priorities and leveraging the collective efforts of government, private sector, academia, and civil society, Bangladesh aims to create a dynamic and resilient digital economy that drives sustainable growth and development. The successful implementation of the Digital Bangladesh vision will position the nation to thrive in the global digital landscape, ensuring a digitally empowered society that benefits all citizens.

Magneto Hydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion presents an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional marine propulsion systems. By utilizing electromagnetic fields to generate thrust, MHD propulsion reduces both noise and air pollution, making it an appealing option for the future of commercial shipping. However, the widespread adoption of MHD technology has been limited by several significant challenges. High energy demands, particularly for generating the necessary magnetic fields, require advanced power sources such as nuclear reactors or large-scale batteries, which are impractical for most commercial vessels. Additionally, the cost of installing and maintaining the high-powered electromagnets and energy infrastructure remains prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, material durability is another concern, as system components such as electrodes are exposed to corrosion and wear due to their interaction with seawater and high electrical currents. By addressing these constraints, MHD propulsion has the potential to transform the commercial maritime industry, contributing to more sustainable and less polluting marine transportation. This paper explores the feasibility of overcoming these challenges through advancements in cost-effective energy efficient methods. We identify the primary limiting factor for the practical implementation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion systems as the magnetic field strength. Drawing comparisons with similar applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, we explore advancements in generating strong, homogenous magnetic fields over large volumes. Insights from these research areas provide a foundation for improving the scalability and efficiency of magnetic field generation in MHD systems.

Citizens face online privacy threats from social media, organisations and governments. Privacy-enhancing tools (PETs) can help people to preserve their privacy, but the uptake of these is limited. We developed a conceptual framework for privacy self-protection, using a classification framework of four distinct privacy threats and our own novel staged model of PET adoption requisites. Through an expert survey (N = 12) and a lay user survey (N = 500), we identified suitable PETs for non-expert users and identified potential barriers to PET adoption. Based on the studies and our theoretical framework, we then developed and implemented a PET decision support tool called PEDRO, and conducted expert evaluations (N = 10).

A new type of laminated flooring decorated by resin impregnated paper was designed, with the advantages of high stability, low deformation, natural and beautiful surface texture, comfortable foot feeling, low formaldehyde emission, improved flame retardant, high surface hardness and high wear resistance. The structure of this engineered wood flooring is based on the ordinary laminated flooring, followed by a decorative layer of thin wood pieces, and then the transparent improved flame retardant, wear-resistant paper is added to the top. After main influencing factors analysis, the surface unevenness was seriously affect the flame-retardant performance. The wear-resistant paper pressing technology commonly affects the decorative effect of laminated flooring. The hot-pressing temperature is the most important factor affecting the adhesion of resin impregnated. The optimal hot-pressing parameters are selected as the hot-pressing pressure of 3.5 MPa, hot-pressing temperature of 180 ℃, and hot-pressing time of 40 s. The new laminated flooring was improved with high flame retardant, high wear-resistant, combined with the conventional advantages of both solid wood composite flooring and reinforced wood flooring. The new laminated flooring decorated by resin impregnated paper has broad application prospects.

This study explores consumer perceptions of virtual reality (VR) in marketing, aiming to understand how immersive technology impacts engagement and brand perception. As VR continues to evolve and integrate into various marketing strategies, it becomes crucial to examine its effectiveness and the factors influencing consumer attitudes. Through a detailed thematic analysis, this research identifies key themes such as familiarity with VR technology, immersion and engagement, technical quality, accessibility, personalization, storytelling, social interaction, purchase intentions, and brand perception. The findings reveal that familiarity with VR enhances enthusiasm and comfort, leading to more positive attitudes towards VR marketing. The immersive and multi-sensory nature of VR provides a significant advantage over traditional advertising methods, fostering stronger emotional connections and increasing memorability. However, the quality of the VR experience is critical; high-quality graphics and seamless interactions are essential for maintaining positive consumer perceptions. Technical issues, such as lag and motion sickness, can negatively impact the experience, especially for those less acquainted with VR technology. Accessibility remains a challenge, with limited access to VR headsets restricting the reach of VR marketing campaigns. Personalization of VR content is highly valued, though it must be balanced with ethical considerations related to data privacy. The power of storytelling in VR enhances engagement by allowing consumers to actively participate in narratives. Social interaction within VR experiences adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The study also highlights the practical applications of VR marketing in high-involvement sectors and underscores the need for continuous innovation and consumer feedback to maximize the technology's impact. Overall, VR holds significant potential to transform marketing practices by offering immersive, engaging, and memorable experiences that deepen consumer connections and drive positive outcomes.

The dynamic and unpredictable nature of modern supply chains necessitates the development of resilient systems capable of withstanding various disruptions. This qualitative study examines the impact of collaborative practices on supply chain resilience, providing an in-depth analysis of their contributions to the robustness and adaptability of supply chains. Through extensive interviews with industry professionals, including supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, and strategic planners, the study identifies key collaborative practices—such as information sharing, joint decision-making, and coordinated response strategies—that significantly enhance resilience. These practices facilitate proactive risk management, improve response times during disruptions, and foster innovation through shared knowledge and resources. Thematic analysis of the collected data reveals that strong relationships among supply chain partners and integrated approaches that leverage each participant's strengths are crucial for effective risk mitigation and recovery. Additionally, the study underscores the role of technology in enabling real-time information sharing and decision-making, which are essential for effective collaboration. The findings highlight the importance of investing in robust collaborative networks and adopting supportive technologies to enhance communication and coordination. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a nuanced understanding of how strategic implementation of collaborative practices can build more resilient supply chains. It provides practical recommendations for businesses seeking to improve their resilience, emphasizing the qualitative aspects of collaboration and its impact on supply chain management. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive exploration of how collaboration can bolster supply chain resilience, offering valuable insights for practitioners and scholars focused on creating stable and sustainable supply chain operations in the face of growing uncertainties.

The increasing complexity of vehicular traffic and the prevalence of accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, necessitate enhancements in automotive safety technologies. Adilights, an innovative automotive lighting system, addresses this need by introducing a dynamic visual communication method between vehicles. This system features a novel design that employs variable-intensity brake lights configured in an upside-down "U" shape to indicate braking severity. The intensity and pattern of the lights change in response to the pressure applied to the brake pedal, providing clear and immediate feedback to following drivers. This design not only improves the perceptibility of braking signals, particularly in dense traffic and poor visibility conditions but also aims to reduce the frequency of rear-end collisions significantly. The paper details the development and testing of Adilights, discusses its integration with current vehicular systems, and evaluates its effectiveness through simulated scenarios. The introduction of Adilights marks a step forward in the use of adaptive lighting systems for enhanced vehicular communication and road safety.\cite{Lee2007RearEnd}

This research investigates the perceptions of parents belonging to the Sidama ethnic group re-garding the significance of technology in early childhood education. The study aims to elucidate how parents perceive the role of technology, such as digital devices and educational applications, in the education and development of their young children. Through qualitative interviews con-ducted with 30 parents and thematic analysis, the study uncovers diverse perspectives, shedding light on cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors influencing parental attitudes towards technology in early childhood education among the Sidama people. Findings indicate a spectrum of views ranging from enthusiastic embracement to cautious reservation, revealing nuanced considerations that inform parental decisions regarding technology integration in their children's learning experiences.

In the era of rapid digitalisation, the widespread integration of digital technology into various aspects of daily life has sparked significant interest in understanding its impact on cognitive mental processes. While the emerging data suggests that its influence may be positive or negative, the depth of evidence regarding neurobiological mechanisms remains limited. This review aims to synthesise previously published studies and explore the implications of digital technology components, specifically those resembling mobile technology, internet search engines, and conversational artificial intelligence models, on cognitive functions embedded in the brain’s ability to reorganise itself, known as neuroplasticity. Despite acknowledged limitations, through an exhaustive approach, this paper intends to offer a dynamic perspective on the effects of digital media on the human brain, before the onset of addiction.

Nowadays, it can be observed that all kinds of technology are gradually being incorporated to assist the human being in the performance of their frequent and daily tasks. Technological tools provide means to facilitate, improve, help and support any activity which, in itself, may be complicated, either because of the difficulty involved in carrying it out, or because the person carrying it out has limited capabilities due to the environment not being prepared for their abilities and skills. In this sense, Special Education is currently receiving special attention from researchers, especially those aimed at children. Although the proposals that have appeared recently provide perfect solutions to improve educational processes with ingenious didactic applications, there is still an interesting line of study on how to interact with these younger people in these educational processes. In this sense, haptic technologies can play a very important role, complementing all these solutions by incorporating tools that facilitate direct contact with people, especially in their initial stages, which are the most complicated. This paper aims to provide an overview of haptic technologies and how they present solutions that can be integrated into the aforementioned educational processes.

Accelerating the green transformation of the economic development mode and promoting high-quality economic development is an international trend and the general direction. This article utilizes data from manufacturing companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2011 to 2021, based on dynamic capability theory, to explore the impact of enterprise digital transformation on green technological innovation. Furthermore, dynamic capabilities are further subdivided into absorptive capacity, innovative capacity, and adaptive capacity to investigate their mediating role. The research findings demonstrate that enterprise digital transformation has a significant positive impact on green technological innovation. Moreover, enterprise digital transformation positively influences the absorptive capacity, innovative capacity, and adaptive capacity, with these three factors playing a mediating role in the impact of enterprise digital transformation on green technological innovation. The results of the bootstrap test confirm this mediating effect. The conclusions of this study are validated through a series of robustness tests. This research not only provides theoretical support for the impact mechanism of digital transformation on green technological innovation but also offers practical insights for enterprises to achieve sustainable development.

Autologous micrografting technology (AMT®) involves the use of autologous micrografts to stimulate/enhance the repair of damaged tissue. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the AMT® procedure in patients with early stages of knee osteoarthritis. Briefly, the AMT® procedure involved extraction of auricular cartilage, disaggregation using the Rigeneracons® SRT in 4.0 mL of saline solution and injection of the disaggregated micrografts into the external femorotibial compartment area of the affected knee. Ten patients (4 men, 6 women; age range: 37─84 years) were included in the study. In all patients, there was a steady improvement in knee instability, pain, swelling, mechanical locking, stair climbing and squatting at 1- and 6-months post-procedure. Improvement in mobility was observed as early as 3 weeks post-procedure in 2 patients. Significant improvements were seen in mean scores of all five subscales of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS [KOOS symptoms, KOOS pain, KOOS ADL, KOOS sport and recreation, and KOOS quality-of-life]) between pre-procedure and 1- and 6-months post-procedure (all p≤0.05). Autologous auricular cartilage micrografts obtained by AMT® procedure (using Rigenera® technology) is an effective and safe protocol in the treatment of early-stage knee osteoarthritis. These encouraging findings need to be validated in a larger patient population.

Germanium (Ge) nanostrip is embedded in polymer and studied as a waveguide. Measurement reveals that this new type of semiconductor/polymer heterogeneous waveguide exhibits strong absorption for the TE mode from 1500 nm to 2004 nm, while the propagation loss for the TM mode declines from 20.56 dB/cm at 1500 nm to 4.89 dB/cm at 2004 nm. The transmission characteristics serves as an essential tool to verify the optical parameters (n-κ) of the thin strips, addressing to the ambiguity raised by spectroscopic ellipsometry regarding highly absorbing materials. Furthermore, the observed strong absorption for the TE mode at 2004 nm is well beyond the cut-off wavelength of the crystalline bulk Ge (~1850 nm at room temperature). This redshift is modeled to manifest the narrowing of the Tauc-fitted bandgap due to the grain order effect in the amorphous Ge layer. The accurate measurement of the nanometer-scale light-absorbing strips in a waveguide form is a crucial step toward the accurate design of integrated photonic devices that utilize such components.

Spatiotemporal climate variability is a leading environmental constraint to the rain-fed agricultural productivity and food security of communities in the Abbay basin and elsewhere in Ethiopia. The previous one-size-fits-all approach to soil and water management technology targeting did not effectively address climate-induced risks to rain-fed agriculture. This study, therefore, delineates homogenous climatic regions and identifies climate-induced risks to rain-fed agriculture that are important to guide decisions and selection of site-specific technologies for green water management in the Abbay basin. The k-means spatial clustering method was employed to identify homogenous climatic regions in the study area, while the Elbow method was used to determine an optimum number of the climate clusters. The k-mean clustering used the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) daily rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, and other derived climate variables that include daily rainfall amount, length of growing period (LGP), rainfall onset and cessation dates, and rainfall intensity, temperature, potential evapotranspiration (PET), soil moisture and AsterDEM to define climate regions. Accordingly, 12 climate clusters or regions were identified and mapped for the basin. Clustering a given geographic region into homogenous climate classes is useful to accurately identify and target locally relevant green water management technologies to effectively address local-scale climate-induced risks. The study has also provides a methodological framework that can be used in the other river basins of Ethiopia and indeed elsewhere.

Genome-based testing in oncology is a rapidly expanding area of health care which is the basis of the emerging area of precision medicine. Efficient and considered adoption of novel genomic medicine testing is hampered in Canada by the fragmented nature of health care oversight as well as by lack of clear and transparent processes to support rapid evaluation, assessment and implementation of genomic tests. This article provides an overview of some key barriers and proposes approaches to addressing these challenges as a potential pathway to developing a national approach to genomic medicine in oncology.

A large amount of raw data collected by satellites is processed by the production chain to obtain a large amount of product data, of which the secure exchange and storage is of interest to researchers in the field of remote sensing information science. Authentic, secure data is a critical foundation for data analysis and decision-making. And traditional centralized cloud computing systems are vulnerable to attacks, and once the central server is successfully attacked, all data will be lost. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is an innovative computer technology that can ensure information security, traceability and tamper-proof, and can be applied to the field of remote sensing. Although there are many advantages to using DLT in remote sensing applications, there are some obstacles and limitations to its application. Remote sensing data has the characteristics of large data volume, spatiotemporal nature, global and so on, and it is difficult to store and interconnect remote sensing data in the blockchain. To address these issues, this paper proposes a trustworthy and decentralized system using blockchain. The novelty of this paper is to propose a multi-level blockchain architecture in which the system collects remote sensing data and stores it in the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) network, after generating the IPFS hash, the network rehashes the value again and uploads it on the Ethereum chain for public query. Distributed data storage improves data security, supports the secure exchange of information, and improves the efficiency of data management.

Crop yield enhancement is crucial for ensuring food security and meeting the growing global demand for agricultural products. The development of innovative technologies, such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), has provided new avenues for precise genetic modifications in crops. In this research article, we explore the application of CRISPR technology for crop yield improvement. We discuss the methodology, present recent results, and engage in a comprehensive discussion of the potential benefits, challenges, and future prospects of CRISPR-mediated crop yield enhancement.

Sensor networks, as a special subtype of wireless networks, consist of sets of wirelessly connected sensor nodes often placed in hard-to-reach environments. Therefore, it is expected that sensor nodes will not be powered from the power grid. Instead, sensor nodes have their own power sources, the replacement of which is often impractical and requires additional costs, so it is necessary to ensure minimum energy consumption. For that reason, the energy efficiency of wireless sensor networks used for monitoring environmental parameters is essential, especially in remote networking scenarios. In this paper, an overview of the latest research progress on wireless sensor networks based on LoRa was provided. Furthermore, the analyses of the energy consumption of sensor nodes used in agriculture to observe environmental parameters were carried out. Optimization methods of energy consumption, in terms of choosing the appropriate data collection processes, as well as the settings of wireless network radio parameters were suggested. In the conducted analyses, special emphasis was placed on choosing the optimal package size. In this paper, it was proven that the adjustment of the transmission speed to the actual size of the packet is important for better energy efficiency of communication.

This paper presents a systematic literature review that identifies critical factors impacting the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) worldwide. The study utilizes two databases, ProQuest and Compendex, as well as Google Scholar. The study identified eight dimensions that illustrate the critical factors of AMT adoption and implementation: education, planning, top management know-how, technical know-how, business, economic impact, regulations, and social impact. The results highlight a research gap in understanding the need for effective integration among these eight dimensions in developed and developing economies. Consequently, the study recommends the adoption of a broader perspective that considers the role of integration and interaction between critical factors in each category and their impact on AMT implementation. The systematic literature review conducted in this study reviews several critical factors related to the adoption and implementation of AMT.

Clinical trials are research studies performed on people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioural intervention. It is a primary way that researchers find out if a new treatment, like a new drug or diet, or medical device is safe and effective in people. In this paper blockchain technology is embedded in a digital twin aiming to improve the quality of clinical trials through the boost of data integrity among the quality-related activities, and to promote participants' safety. First, a blockchain-embedded quality-enabled digital twin is proposed and the interactions among the enablers and peers are highlighted. Then, a prototype of the proposed system is developed, and the data of a pilot trial is used to justify the applicability of the system. The results showed that the proposed system is efficient, and hence it is feasible to adopt into a clinical trial. With the successful development of the proposed system, it is promising to provide effective data integration and knowledge management for improving participant safety.

We developed and experimented at sea an innovative fiber optic hydrophone (FOH) capable of operating at very low frequency of the seismic spectrum and for detecting small magnitude earthquakes. The FOH exploits an optical fiber coil wrapped around a sensitive mandrel in a Michelson interferometric configuration. The FOH operated for about seven days at a water depth of 40 m, in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area (Southern Italy), a few meters from a well calibrated PZT hydrophone used as a reference. Thirty-three local earthquakes occurred during the simultaneous operation of the two hydrophones, allowing a straightforward comparison of the recordings. The local earthquakes occurred at an epicentral distance shorter than 2.5 km from the site of recording, and were estimated to be in the range of magnitude from -0.8 to 2.7. The analysis of the recorded earthquake waveforms in the frequency and time domain allowed retrieving the response function of the FOH in the frequency range from 5 to 70 Hz. The FOH responsivity in terms of acoustic pressure reaches about 230 nm/Pa and is flat in the studied frequency range. The high quality of the FOH recordings make this equipment suitable for applications addressing submarine volcanic activity and the background seismicity of active faults in the ocean.

The ignorance of or lack of knowledge about cybersecurity aspects causes a critical problem regarding confidentiality and privacy. This security problem will continue to exist even if the user possesses less expertise in information security. The modern IT technologies are well developed, and almost everyone uses the features of IT technologies and services within the Internet. However, people are being affected due to cybersecurity threats. People can adhere to the recommended cybersecurity guidelines, rules, adopted standards, and cybercrime preventive measures. However, it is not possible to entirely avoid cybercrimes. Cybercrimes often lead to sufficient business losses and spread forbidden themes (hatred, terrorism, child porn, etc.). Therefore, to reduce the risk of cybercrimes, a web-based Blockchain-enabled cybersecurity awareness program (WBCA) process is introduced in this paper. The proposed web-based cybersecurity awareness program trains users to improve their security skills. The proposed program helps with understanding the common behaviors of cybercriminals and improves user knowledge of cybersecurity hygiene, best cybersecurity practices, modern cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and trends. Furthermore, the proposed WBCA uses the Blockchain technology to protect the model from the potential threats. The proposed model is validated and tested using real-world cybersecurity topics with real users and cybersecurity experts. We anticipate that the proposed program can be extended to other domains, such as national or corporate courses, to increase the cybersecurity awareness level of users.

The education system has become even more complex following the global pandemic, which saw face-to-face teaching transition to virtual teaching. To cope with this abrupt transition, it is essential that teachers had a sufficient level of digital teaching competence. This article aims to increase awareness of teachers' self-perception of their digital teaching competences in the educational field. Specifically, this study explores Spanish secondary school teachers’ knowledge and use of different ICT tools by evaluating their competence based on different areas proposed by The National Institute of Technology and Professional Development (Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Educativas y de Formación del Profesorado, INTEF), Madrid, Spain. From the results of the questionnaires, we have determined that teachers consider themselves to have an upper intermediate level of digital teaching competence, although there are still shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to improve this level of competence, and its true integration in the teaching–learning process.

: TiAl6V4 alloy is widely used in selective laser melting and direct laser melting. In turn, works devoted to the issue of how the track stacking scheme affects the value of mechanical properties is not enough. The influence of the Ti6Al4V alloy track trajectories on the microstructure and mechanical properties during direct laser deposition is studied in this article for the first time. The results were obtained on the influence of «parallel» and «perpendicular» technique of laying tracks in direct laser synthesis. All studied samples have a microstructure typical of the hardened two-phase condition titanium. It is shown that the method of laying tracks and the direction of load application during compression testing relative to the location of the tracks leads to a change in the ultimate strength of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy from 1794 to 1910 MPa. The plasticity of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy obtained by direct laser alloying can vary from 21.3 to 33.0% depending on the direction of laying the tracks and the direction of the compression test. The hardness of alloys varies in the range from 409 to 511 HV and depends on the method of laying the tracks and the direction of hardness measurements.

The landscape of centralized cloud computing is now changing to distributed and decentralized clouds with promising impacts on energy consumption, resource availability, resilience, and customer experience. This research highlights the impacts of emerging IT trends, namely, 5G wireless technology, blockchain, and industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development and realization of the next generation of cloud computing. Integration of these technologies in cyber-physical system and cloud manufacturing paradigms is explained and a unified edge-fog-cloud architecture is proposed for successful implementation in manufacturing systems.

Regular exercise can reduce depression. However, the uptake of exercise is limited in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. To address the gap, we designed a gamified non-weight-bearing exercise program (Exergame), which can be executed during hemodialysis treatment. The Exergame is virtually supervised based on its interactive feedback via wearable sensors attached on lower extremities. We examined the effectiveness of this program to reduce depression symptom compared to supervised exercise in 73 hemodialysis patients (age=64.5±8.7years, BMI=31.6±7.6kg/m2). Participants were randomized into an Exergame group (EG) or a Supervised-exercise group (SG). Both groups received similar exercise tasks for 4-week, 3-session per week, 30-min per session, during hemodialysis treatment. Depression symptom was assessed at baseline and 4-week using Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D). Both groups showed significant reduction in depression score (37%, p<0.001, Cohen’s effect size d=0.69 in EG vs. 41%, p<0.001, d=0.65 in SG) with no between-group difference for the observed effect (p>0.050). The EG expressed a positive exercise experience including fun, safety, and helpfulness of sensor-feedback. Together, results suggested that the virtually-supervised low-intensity Exergame is feasible during routine hemodialysis treatment. It is as effective as supervised-exercise to reduce depression symptom, while reducing burden of administrating exercise in dialysis clinics.

This study contributes to the literature by exploring challenges to implementing ISO 20000-1 in an emerging economy context, and suggests ways to overcome these challenges. A survey-based methodology was adopted. The data were analyzed using principal component analysis. The results indicated that senior management support was the most significant challenge for the successful implementation of IT Service Management (ITSM) systems. Other significant challenges were the justification of significant investment, premium customer support, co-operation and co-ordination among IT support teams, proper documentation, and effective process design The findings help managers introduce IT service management system (ISO 20000-1:2011) as well as improving IT service delivery system in IT support organizations for managing big data in an emerging economy. In the future, cross-firm and cross-country studies on challenges to ISO 20000 can be conducted. Also, interpretive structural model (ISM) can be formulated to examine the interrelationships among the identified challenges to ISO 20000.

In the industrial sector, the financial gain is generally considered at the cost of environmental degradation. The environmental protection and economic benefit are common conflicting objectives in many optimization problems. In any multi-criteria problem, the most challenging part is to optimize the conflicting goals. But if these objectives become non-conflicting, then the problem can be solved with ease. This paper is all about minimizing the environmental impact of industrial processes while maximizing the net economic benefit. There is a general misconception of linking the environmental protection with a financial loss. This is not always true; the Eco-Efficiency or Cleaner Production Technology (CPT) is a perfect example to disprove this notion. Economics of CPT regarding water savings for the textile-processing sector in Pakistan has been analyzed in this paper. Changes in water use before and after the implementation of water conserving technologies in the textile sector of Pakistan from a study conducted by the Cleaner Production Institute (CPI) are utilized to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Direct financial benefits that could be achieved through the application of these technologies are presented only. Other environmental benefits, though not described here, are of no less importance. The study results reveal that very high potential of water savings exists for most of the investments on CPT.

In this study, the prevalent methodology for design of the industrial policy in developing countries was critically assessed, and it was shown that the mechanism and content of classical method is fundamentally contradictory to the goals and components of the endogenous growth theories. This study, by proposing a new approach, along settling Schumpeter's economic growth theory as a policy framework, designed the process of entering, analyzing and processing data as the mechanism of the industrial policy in order to provide "theoretical consistency" and "technical and Statistical requirements" for targeting the growth stimulant factor effectively.

myfood24 is a comprehensive self-completed online 24-hour dietary recall tool currently used for nutritional assessments in epidemiological research. However, its clinical application has been unexplored. This mixed methods prospective observational study explores the acceptability and usability of myfood24 in a clinical population, women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Women were recruited at their first diabetes antenatal clinic appointment. To assess acceptability and usability, they were asked to complete five 24-hour dietary recalls using myfood24 over two weeks and a user experience questionnaire; with a subset invited to participate in a one-to-one semi-structured interview. Of the 199 participants, mean maternal age was 33 years, mean booking BMI 29.7kg/m2, 36% primiparous, 57% White, 33% Asian. Of these 121 (61%) completed myfood24 at least once and 73 (37%) completed the user questionnaire; 15 were interviewed. Usability of myfood24 was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and found to be good (mean 70.9, 95%CI 67.1, 74.6). Interviews identified several areas for improvement, including optimising its use for mobile devices. myfood24 appears to be acceptable and have potential to support self-management and behaviour change for women with GDM but requires adaptation to record blood glucose results alongside real-time tracking of diet.

The 2030 global agenda of the United Nations emphasizes peace, human rights, gender equality, partnership, and women's empowerment. It balances the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The SDG framework was designed to be integrated and indivisible, making the interconnections of 17 Goals and 169 Sustainable Development Goals Targets (SDTs) more complex that need extensive and intensive investigative research. Recent studies have increased on the interrelationships of SDGs, but none of these have focused on integrating Climate Change (CC), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), also known as CSI Nexus. This study aims to investigate and identify the 169 SDTs linked to CC, SFM, and ICT and assesses the significance of the relationships between these variables. The alignment of SDTs to CSI Nexus was identified through clustering and mapping techniques. The result argued that 56 SDTs are directly connected within CC+SFM+ICT, 16 within CC+SFM, one within SFM+ICT, and 51 within ICT+CC. Our result suggests that CC is significantly associated with SFM; however, ICT has no significant association with CC and SFM. It further asserts that the ICT and SFM have minimal influence on the SDG 2030 framework. The proposed CSI Nexus and SDTs Integration Framework was a science-informed guide for priority-setting, policy coherence, and decision-making supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This study does not include interactions, network analysis and visualization, simulations, and modeling between SDG targets.

As a combination of both concepts of innovation and environmental development, green innovation is of great significance to the sustainable development of the country and industry. Previous literatures have found the separate roles of green entrepreneurial orientation and inter-organizational learning in understanding green innovation issues. However, few studies have done a comprehensive analysis of integrating three streams of research: green entrepreneurial orientation, green innovation and supply chain learning capability. Based on the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, we examine the direct of green entrepreneurial orientation on green innovation as well as indirect effect through the mediation of supply chain learning capability. Meanwhile, an empirical data set of 228 manufacturing companies in China (Shaanxi, Guangdong, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Shandong) was used to test our hypotheses. Findings from our empirical study suggest that supply chain learning capability partially mediates the positive relationships between green entrepreneurial orientation and its two consequences—green incremental innovation and green radical innovation. In addition, this research implies that when enterprise has a strong green entrepreneurial orientation, the enterprise should make an effort to enhance the level of supply chain learning capability so as to fully develop their green innovation.

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a rare congenital myopathy resulting from dysfunction of the protein myotubularin encoded by the MTM1 gene. XLMTM has a high neonatal and infantile mortality rate due to a severe myopathic phenotype and respiratory failure. However, in a minority of XLMTM cases, patients present with milder phenotypes and achieve ambulation and adulthood. Regarding wide phenotypic variability, we investigated the genotype-phenotype correlations in newly diagnosed XLMTM patients in a patients' cohort (previously published data plus three novel variants, n=414). We found a significant association between severe phenotype and truncating variants (p < 0.001), frameshift variants (p < 0.001), nonsense variants (p = 0.006), and in/del variants (p = 0.036). On the contrary, missense variants were significantly associated with the mild and moderate phenotype (p < 0.001). We found no significant association between phenotype and the MTM1-specific functional domain, contrasting with previously published data. Based on the significant facial gestalt difference between XLMTM patients and unaffected controls (p = 0.001), we consider the Face2Gene application as an effective diagnostic tool in XLMTM when using the correct algorithm. The Face2Gene application seems to be a practical, non-invasive diagnostic approach in XLMTM.

With many Americans eager to resume travel after prolonged restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic, car rentals are on the rise. According to Auto Rental News, “2021 U.S. Car Rental Revenue Climbs 21% Year-Over-Year” (Brown, 2021). In conjunction with increased car rental, and associated travel, we can expect to see an increase in cyber security and data privacy attacks. In the digital age, enterprises have a responsibility to protect consumers’ personally identifiable information (PII). As it pertains to rental vehicles, when consumers connect their mobile devices to a rental vehicle’s Entertainment and Infotainment System or utilize the built-in navigation feature, they do so, unbeknownst to themselves that the information from their devices is transferring to the vehicle, where it will remain, unless properly expunged from the system. A large majority of consumers are blissfully unaware that their PII is being stored, and how easy it would be for an adversary to potentially breach their data security and privacy. To expand upon this hypothesis, I conducted a further investigation on the subject, by partaking in the rental of three different vehicles, each belonging to a different manufacturer (Nissan, Chrysler, and Maserati), from three different vehicle rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz and Turo). I then, as a consumer, tested my hypothesis to determine if, I was able to easily breach the prior consumers’ data security and privacy by viewing devices that had previously connected to the vehicle, as well as any of the previous consumers’ personal information. The results were undeniable; the PII of the previous consumers is not protected.

This study examines the moderating effect of trained human capital on the associations of accounting information systems, generalized auditing software, and technology adoption with the performance of external auditors among Saudi listed companies. This study used a survey-based methodology. The final sample consisted of 136 responses with an 8% response rate. Using Smart-PL4 analysis, the results showed that there is a positive correlation between accounting information systems and external auditors. Conversely, a negative relationship between generalized auditing software and external auditors has been documented. In addition, this study reported a negative association between technology adoption and external auditors. However, the results highlight the positive relationship between trained human capital and external auditors. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for accounting and auditing policymakers on how external auditors’ performance is influenced by several factors in the Saudi audit market.

The authors determined mass concentrations of 12 elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, V, Zn) in blood and urine taken from 100 rural children living in unremarkable condition in the West Ural region of the Russian Federation. We applied inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in conformity with Methodical Guidelines 4.1. 3230-14 (FR.1.31.2014.17064) designed by us and detailed in the paper. The article contains setting parameters for Agilent 7500cx quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer . The authors present grounds for an optimal scheme of samples preparation which helps to eliminate "matrix" effect and explain why it is advisable to use reaction/collision functioning mode as it enables interference overlaps suppression.To prepare whole blood samples for analysis, we used acid dissolution in concentrated nitric acid followed by centrifugation. The arithmetic mean (AM) of element content in blood amounted to 0.34 µg/l (As); 0.39 µg/l (Cd); 6.41 µg/l (Cr); 866.11 µg/l (Сu); 13.73 µg/l (Mn); 5.86 µg/l (Ni); 23.65 µg/l (Pb); 87.43 µg/l (Se); 33.54 µg/l (Sr); 0.04 µg/l (Tl); 0.16 µg/l (V); 4713.48 µg/l (Zn). The validity of the results was confirmed by means of SERONORM ^TM Whole Blood L2 standard samples (Norway). Urine samples were directly analyzed after 1/10 (V/V) dilution with 1% nitric acid solution. The arithmetic mean of element content of urine corresponded to 18.99 µg/l (As); 0.12 µg/l (Cd); 1.91 µg/l (Cr); 13.28 µg/l (Сu); 0.96 µg/l (Mn); 1.84 µg/l (Ni); 0.83 µg/l (Pb); 22.55 µg/l (Se); 239.09 µg/l (Sr); 0.16 µg/l (Tl); 0.68 µg/l (V); 270.56 µg/l (Zn). The validity of the results was confirmed by analyzing the SERONORM ^TM standard urine samples (Norway). Regional differences from levels found in other countries included higher concentrations of Cr, Mn and Ni in blood and lower levels of Se and Zn levels in West Ural children. Urine concentrations of West Ural children showed higher levels of As and Sr.

Telemedicine is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for clinical health care from a distance. The exchange of radiographic images and electronic patient health information/records (ePHI/R) for diagnostic purposes has the risk of confidentiality, ownership identity, and authenticity. In this paper, a data hiding technique for ePHI/R is proposed. The color information in the cover image is used for key generation, and stego-images are produced with ideal case. As a result, the whole stego-system is perfectly secure. This method includes the features of watermarking and steganography techniques. The method is applied to radiographic images. For the radiographic images, this method resembles watermarking, which is an ePHI/R data system. Experiments show promising results for the application of this method to radiographic images in ePHI/R for both transmission and storage purpose.