Characteristics Of Technology Research Articles

Scaling of ultrashort-pulsed laser structuring processes for electromobility applications using a spatial light modulator

The structuring of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes and the diffusion media (DM) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with ultrashort laser pulses enables improved performance characteristics of both technologies. However, the transfer of the approaches from a laboratory scale to a commercial use has previously been hindered by the low average output power of ultrashort-pulsed (USP) laser beam sources and the limited productivity of single-beam structuring using scanning optics. Recent advancements in the development of USP laser systems have led to a steady increase in the available output power, thereby enabling new fields of applications. This study aims at accelerating the USP laser structuring of LIB electrodes and DM for PEMFCs to industrially relevant processing rates by comparing a single-beam with a multibeam structuring process regarding ablation characteristics and quality. For the multibeam strategy, the shape of the laser beam was modified by a spatial light modulator (SLM). In addition to microholes, the insertion of microchannels was investigated to demonstrate the high flexibility of state-of-the-art SLMs. The geometry of the created structures was measured with a laser scanning microscope, and the different layers were tested for their geometrical and electrochemical properties to compare both technologies. The results confirmed that applying an SLM enables high-quality microstructures with significantly higher structuring rates. Furthermore, this contribution includes a theoretical analysis of the specifications required for a laser setup to reach an industrially relevant productivity of the structuring processes.

INTASYL self-delivering RNAi decreases TIGIT expression, enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity: a potential application to increase the efficacy of NK adoptive cell therapy against cancer

Natural killer (NK) cells are frontline defenders against cancer and are capable of recognizing and eliminating tumor cells without prior sensitization or antigen presentation. Due to their unique HLA mismatch tolerance, they are ideal for adoptive cell therapy (ACT) because of their ability to minimize graft-versus-host-disease risk. The therapeutic efficacy of NK cells is limited in part by inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors, which are upregulated upon interaction with cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Overexpression of inhibitory receptors reduces NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity by impairing the ability of NK cells to secrete effector cytokines and cytotoxic granules. T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT), a well-known checkpoint receptor involved in T-cell exhaustion, has recently been implicated in the exhaustion of NK cells. Overcoming TIGIT-mediated inhibition of NK cells may allow for a more potent antitumor response following ACT. Here, we describe a novel approach to TIGIT inhibition using self-delivering RNAi compounds (INTASYL™) that incorporates the features of RNAi and antisense technology. INTASYL compounds demonstrate potent activity and stability, are rapidly and efficiently taken up by cells, and can be easily incorporated into cell product manufacturing. INTASYL PH-804, which targets TIGIT, suppresses TIGIT mRNA and protein expression in NK cells, resulting in increased cytotoxic capacity and enhanced tumor cell killing in vitro. Delivering PH-804 to NK cells before ACT has emerged as a promising strategy to counter TIGIT inhibition, thereby improving the antitumor response. This approach offers the potential for more potent off-the-shelf products for adoptive cell therapy, particularly for hematological malignancies.

A trajectory optimization method for CAVs at intersections considering energy-efficiency balance

With the development of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, connected automated vehicles (CAVs) will be an important part of urban road transportation. However, frequent acceleration, deceleration, and rapid stopping within intersections lead to increased energy consumption, reduced driving efficiency and balanced benefits. The study proposes an optimal control method for vehicle trajectories that considers energy-efficiency balance (OCM-EEB) based on the characteristics of V2X technology. The method first develops a vehicle trajectory control model based on the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) by accounting for the features of V2X technology, and further, introduces the idea of balanced optimization, considering energy-efficiency balance, a vehicle trajectory optimal control model (OCM) is proposed. The proposed model was solved by design algorithms based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The experimental results showed that the vehicle trajectory optimization control method could increase the balanced driving efficiency of the vehicle within intersection, which is conducive to improving the robustness of the vehicle’s trajectory state, and then prove the effectiveness of the method proposed in this study. The method also provides an important technical basis for the vehicle trajectory optimization experiments under a real V2X environment in the future.

Perceptions of using exoskeleton technology among physiotherapists and stroke survivors in Malaysia: a mixed methods study

Exoskeleton technology has the potential to enhance the functional abilities of individuals with upper or lower limb dysfunction, including stroke survivors. However, its adoption in Malaysia has been limited due to its restricted availability in rehabilitation centres and hospitals. In this study, we aim to explore the perceptions and opinions of physiotherapists and stroke survivors regarding exoskeleton technology, focusing on identifying desired design features and investigating their views on its use in rehabilitation. An online survey was conducted to assess the preferred features of exoskeleton technology among physiotherapists and stroke survivors. Subsequently, one-to-one online in-depth interviews were carried out with physiotherapists who had experience using exoskeleton technology. Data were analysed using descriptive, thematic, and triangulation analysis methods. The analysis included 81 survey questionnaires from physiotherapists and 122 from stroke survivors. Both groups highlighted cost-effectiveness, safety, comfort, and ease of use as key features of exoskeletons. Additional insights from in-depth interviews with five physiotherapists emphasized the importance of a user-friendly interface, adjustability, and a lightweight design. Physiotherapists also expressed that exoskeleton technology could reduce their workload, minimize musculoskeletal-related disorders, and enhance their confidence. The main desired features identified by both physiotherapists and stroke survivors for exoskeleton technology include cost-effectiveness, safety, comfort, and ease of use. Physiotherapists further viewed it as a valuable tool to alleviate their workload and reduce musculoskeletal-related disorders while boosting confidence. These findings offer valuable guidance to developers, engineers, and manufacturers in the country, aiding in the development of client-centred exoskeleton features.

Analysis of patent innovation evolution and layout characteristics of global new textile materials technologies

Abstract Vigorously developing new textile material technology is critical to improving the textile industry's high-tech level, upgrading its transformation, promoting high-quality development of the real economy, and enhancing the country's overall power. This paper analyzes patent technology to explore new textile material technology layout characteristics and evolution trends for the strategic basis of industrial transformation and development on a global scale. The research took new textile material technology patents as the research object, constructed 76,373 invention application patent data pools in China, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, and analysed new textile material technology structural characteristics and their evolution trend from three aspects of patent structure, layout characteristics and evolutions. As a result, it was found that the development plans and target focuses of textile new material technology vary from country to country. Global enterprises in garments, advanced material production, and chemical materials, represented by DuPont, 3M, and Dow Global Technologies, provide an important guarantee for the United States in maintaining its global leadership position in the development of the new textile material industry. Japan pays more attention to the practicality of new materials and considers the coordinated development of the environment and resources. Europe and South Korea focus on the construction of industrial clusters with their own characteristics, establish and improve the industrial standardization system based on core technology and core manufacturing, and maintain global competitiveness in textile new material technology. After 2009, the number of patent applications for new textile material technology in China exceeded that of Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea, becoming a global patent power. However, there is still a huge gap between the quality of patents and the layout of new cutting-edge materials in China and those in developed countries such as the United States and Japan, which is the main problem that needs to be solved urgently in the future innovation and development of China's textile industry, technology planning and layout.

Microscopic impacts of ultrasonic vibration on interfacial strength of SiCp/Al composites

SiCp/Al composites are used in aerospace and deep-space exploration equipment because of their extremely high strength and thrust-to-weight ratios; however, the differences in the properties of the reinforcement and matrix materials in this type of composites have restricted their applications. The ultrahigh-frequency vibration characteristics of ultrasonic vibration processing technology can effectively solve the above bottlenecks, but the effect of high-frequency vibration on the interfacial properties of SiCp/Al composites is still unclear. The effects of ultrasonic vibration on the interface strength of composites were analyzed from a microscale perspective by means of single particle push-out Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and tests under different conditions. The results show that the interface strength is negatively correlated with particle size but positively correlated with ultrasonic amplitude, with a maximum increase of about 51% relative to no ultrasound. Brittle-plastic transition was observed on the surface of particles with high interface strength, and lateral microcracks due to stress concentration were present on the surface of particles with low interface strength. Higher strains and grain refinement were obtained for larger amplitudes, and stacking faults and tangle dislocations appeared on the side of the interface layer close to the Al matrix. The results provide potential insights to improve the micromechanical and mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites, enhance the longevity of the materials, and realize the sustainable use of resources by expanding the efficient, precise, and clean machining of such materials.

Current Status and Trends in Shale Oil and Gas Drilling Engineering Technology Development at Home and Abroad

Abstract Shale oil and gas is an important component of unconventional oil and gas, and the United States has achieved energy independence through the shale revolution. China has abundant unconventional oil and gas resources, and the vigorous development of shale oil and gas is a necessary path for the development of China’s oil and gas industry. By systematically analyzing the developmental characteristics of shale oil and gas major countries, represented by North America, this study compares domestic and foreign shale oil and gas drilling engineering technologies from the perspectives of development process, well construction cycle, drilling parameters, and other aspects. It clarifies the advantages and challenges of Chinese shale oil and gas drilling engineering technology and provides targeted recommendations. The drilling mode for shale oil and gas in China has progressed from single horizontal wells to large-scale platform factory operations, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency. However, due to the complex geological conditions of shale formations and poor surface environment, China’s shale oil and gas wells have a horizontal section length about 1000 meters shorter than those in North America, and the well construction cycle is 2-3 times longer. There are still certain gaps in drilling efficiency and operating costs compared to foreign countries. By systematically analyzing the development process and parameter characteristics of shale oil and gas drilling engineering technology at home and abroad, this study clarifies the current status of drilling engineering technology, providing references for the integration and promotion of mature technologies, demonstration of key core technology breakthroughs, and exploration of cutting-edge technology research and development.

Measuring technological development and sovereignty

The article discusses the issue of measuring technological sovereignty, which is essential for developing a scientific and technical strategy to enhance Russia’s technological independence. Index methods do not provide an accurate representation of the level of technological sovereignty. Solving this problem requires assessing the efficiency of economic technologies. The aim of the study is to explain the direct (non-indexed) method of measuring technology sovereignty, taking into account qualitative features of technologies. The study employs the theory of technological change and empirical regression analysis and uses statistical data from the Russian economy as its information base. A general algorithm for measuring technological independence is proposed. It is applied to each technological area separately, considering the qualitative characteristics of the technologies used. An indicator for assessing the level of producibility is calculated based on the ratio of innovative to non-innovative products and services. The impact of investments in new and old technologies on this indicator is assessed, allowing to obtain a structural picture of Russia’s technological development and renewal. The general conclusion is that investments in new technologies have not been a determining factor in increasing the level of producibility for the Russian economy. The measurement of technological sovereignty requires changes to the federal statistical system for tracking technological development. This would not only allow for a more accurate quantification of the superiority of domestically produced technologies over imported ones but would also reflect the qualitative aspects of potential dependence on foreign technologies in a more comprehensive way. It is important to identify the balance between new and obsolete technologies, as well as between domestic and foreign-produced technologie

Modeling speech development in Gagauz language (dialogical speech level) in gymnasium cycle students

The article examines the concept of speech development in the Gagauz language (level of dialogic speech). The author presents the basic principles and concepts of speech development in the Gagauz language. The characteristics of technology for teaching dialogue in the Gagauz language are presented. The article sets out the requirements for the content of training and stages of training. The article emphasizes that dialogical communication is social from all points of view, since it includes establishing contact, perceiving the personality of interlocutor, orientation in the situation, maintaining the level of relationships, and socially established forms of reactions in dialogue. The author draws attention to the presence of different teaching technologies, but emphasizes, taking into account the specifics of proficiency and use of the Gagauz language as a language of communication, that: teaching speaking the Gagauz language should be built taking into account two fundamental approaches: ,,bottom-up” and ,,top-down”.

Технологии цифровой экономики в обучении переводу

Introduction. Due to the active introduction of digital technologies into human activity, there is a change in the way of work organisation, changes in the content of processes, including the profession of translator. Inclusion of the study of the peculiarities of the use of digital economy technologies in the educational process allows preparing future specialists for their professional activities. The aim of the work is to identify the main features of digital economy technologies, to determine the possibilities and directions of their use in the activity of a translator, as well as to identify the content of digital competences and ways of forming them in linguistics students in the educational process. Materials and methods. The methodology is determined by analytical approaches to identifying the features of digital economy technologies, the comparative method allowed us to form approaches to the content of digital competence in translation activity. The method of point-rating assessment allowed us to identify the level of formed designated knowledge, skills, abilities and competences. The survey method allowed to get feedback from the 4th year students of the direction “Linguistics” participating in the sample. As a theoretical basis we used scientific works devoted to the issues of digital competences of translators, as well as digital technologies in their professional activities. The results of the study and their discussion. The introduction of the issue of the use of technologies of the digital economy into the educational process of training future translators allows us to define the content of the discipline “Information Technologies in Translation”, the components of the translator's digital competence determine the directions of competence formation and the content of the current control. The policy of import substitution and sanctions has imposed requirements on the relevance of the applications and services used, which poses difficulties for the technical organization of the learning process and allows us to formulate new criteria for the selection of software. The results of the interim control showed an increase in the efficiency and quality indicators of the learning process in the discipline. Conclusion. A properly organized digital environment, modern information technologies selected on the basis of scientific criteria, an educational process aimed at motivating professional work and assessing the formation of both digital and translation competence allow to increase the efficiency of learning and its quality in the training of translation specialists.

Технологии медиакоммуникаций в политической сфере в контексте современной геополитической ситуации

The article considers key characteristics of media communication technology in the political sphere in the context of the current geopolitical situation. The author explores the influence of modern media communication for political information. The article analyses the features of application of media communication technologies by various political actors, as well as their influence on public opinion formation and political preference. The article is of interest to specialists in the field of political science, sociology, journalism and other humanities, as well as to a wide range of readers interested in modern trends in the development of media communication technologies and their impact on the political sphere. The author of the article considers political communication as a process of transfer of politically relevant information between different elements of the political system with the aim of its subsequent assimilation. The digital factors of influence of media communications on political environment are analyzed. Modern media communication technologies provide new opportunities for political actors to influence public opinion and shape the political preferences of citizens. However, they can also be used to spread misinformation and manipulate the public consciousness, so the author points out the importance of professionalizing knowledge in this area to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate information. It seems that political actors in the digital environment need to intensify interaction with online platforms, digital services and social networks for effective interaction with the population.

Mediating effect of ambiguity tolerance in automated writing evaluation research model

In light of the advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology-empowered automated writing evaluation (AWE) system represents a revolutionary paradigm at the forefront of mobile assisted English learning (MAEL). Numerous empirical studies have been carried out to test the efficacy of automated writing corrective feedback in writing assistance. However, it has seldom been investigated from the cognitive stance of AWE technology enhanced embodied learning. Embodied cognitive linguistics intensifies that learning experience is enhanced in the process of conceptualizing the empirical world. Therefore, the current study explores technology characteristics and individual characteristics incorporating the psychological construct of ambiguity tolerance. Emanating from psychology, ambiguity tolerance describes people’s preponderance to manage uncertainties and unpredictable challenges in the learning process. This study utilized the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method to analyze 679 valid questionnaire responses via SPSS 29 and SmartPLS 4. The results elucidated that the AWE research model incorporating the technology acceptance model (TAM model), task technology fit model (TTF model), and individual characteristics could predict the user’s adoption of AWE software in the completion of writing tasks. Moreover, ambiguity tolerance functions as an effective mediator in the GenAI technology-empowered automated writing evaluation research model. This study provides technical implications for AWE developers to design AWE software suitable for individual characteristics. Future research could combine qualitative research methods with multivariant statistical approaches to meticulously investigate the interaction of literacy cultivation and emotional intelligence in the utilization of AWE technology for academic purposes in the GenAI era.

Performance analysis of the adaptive cycle engine with cooling air: From propulsion performance, thermodynamic efficiency, exergy and infrared characteristics

The adaptive cycle engine gains significant attention due to its variable thermodynamic cycles and multi-duct characteristics, which are utilized for thermal management to enhance engine performance. This paper explores the features of multi-duct technology in adaptive cycle engines and aims to improve engine flight performance. An analysis is conducted on the impact of duct air bleed on engine propulsion characteristics, thermodynamic cycle properties, and exhaust system infrared radiation characteristics. Initially, a component-level model of the adaptive cycle engine was established, considering CDFS duct, bypass duct, and third duct air cooling devices. This model uses the ducted cold air to cool the temperature of low-pressure turbine exit, center cone wall, and main nozzle expansion section wall. Subsequently, a method for analyzing the infrared radiation of the engine exhaust system was proposed based on the above model, and the performance of engine components and the overall engine was analyzed in terms of energy, exergy, mechanical efficiency, and thermal efficiency. Finally, the numerical simulations of the propulsion performance, thermodynamic efficiency and infrared characteristics of the adaptive cycle engine with cooling air were carried out under conditions of ground takeoff, subsonic cruise, and supersonic cruise. The simulation results show that the cooling air can effectively enhance engine performance and infrared stealth capabilities under various flight conditions. The ducted air extraction measures proposed in the paper could effectively improve the propulsion efficiency and stealth characteristics of the engine, providing important references for the development of more efficient aeroengine.

Dynamic game research of food agricultural products supply chain based on blockchain traceability technology

PurposeFood quality and safety issues have always been imperative topics discussed by people. The anti-tampering of blockchain technology and the transparency of information make it possible to improve food traceability and safety quality. How to effectively apply blockchain traceability technology to food safety has great research significance for improving food safety and consumer quality trust.Design/methodology/approachThe paper aims to analyze the differences in product quality levels and market participants’ profits before and after the use of blockchain-driven traceability technology in the food agricultural product supply chain (SC) in the dynamic game frameworks of supplier-led and retailer-led modes, respectively, and explores the willingness, social welfare and consumer surplus of each member of the agricultural product SC to participate in the blockchain. Besides, We investigate the SC performance improvement with the mechanism of central centralized decision-making and revenue-sharing contract, compared to the SC performance in dynamic games.FindingsThe results are obtained as follow: The adoption of blockchain traceability technology can help improve the quality of food agricultural products, consumer surplus and social welfare, but the application and popularization of technology is hindered by traceability technology installment costs. Compared with the supplier leadership model, retailer-led food quality level, customer surplus and social welfare are higher.Research limitations/implicationsHow to effectively apply blockchain traceability technology to food safety has great research significance for improving food safety and consumer quality trust.Practical implicationsFood quality and safety issues have always been hot topics discussed by people. The anti-tampering of blockchain technology and the transparency of information make it possible to improve food traceability and safety quality.Social implicationsThe research results enrich the theories related to food safety and quality, and provide a valuable reference for food enterprises involved in the decision-making exploration of blockchain technology.Originality/valueBased on the characteristics of blockchain technology, the demand function is adjusted and the product loss risk of channel members is transferred through a Stackelberg game SC composed of agricultural products suppliers and retailers.Highlights:•We introduce two features of blockchain: quality trust and product information tracking.•The willingness of each member of the supply chain to use blockchain for product traceability was explored.•The overall traceability effect of the retailer-led blockchain is better than that of the manufacturer-led blockchain.•The cost of blockchain technology is a barrier to its adoption.•Blockchain brings higher consumer surplus and social welfare.

Sausage meat product enriched by jida

The development strategy aimed at creating the independence of the use of our raw materials by domestic meat producers is currently achieving the following goals: building modern production facilities and introducing new primary and processing technologies; expanding the assortment of meat products. The scientific research works carried out during the development of technology for the production of meat products by replacing a certain amount of beef or chicken with vegetable raw materials are important. Production of meat products based on these raw materials allows effective use of local raw materials, production of functional products and expansion of the range of meat products. The purpose of the study is to consider the features of the production technology of sausage meat product enriched with jida. The article presents the processing of the meat product production technology by enriching its composition with raw materials of vegetable origin - jida powder and the analysis of the mineral content of the finished product. The research work was carried out at the "Food Engineering" department of the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University and at the "Construction and Biochemical Materials" regional test laboratory of engineering profile. Raster electron microscope (REM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods were used to determine the amount of mineral substances in meat products - sausage. The specialty of this work is the technology of product production using vegetable raw materials to enrich the content of meat products - sausages with minerals. Vegetable raw material - jida powder, by using it in the production of functional meat products, enriches the mineral content of meat products, and also by replacing a small part of meat raw materials, contributes to increasing the yield of the product. Jida powder is a vegetable raw material that is soluble in cold water and rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and organic acids and does not cause losses in the production of food product. Jida powder production technology consists of: cleaning berries from dust and impuri[1]ties (passing them through a sorting fan); crushing (optimal duration of berry crushing in the IV-1 crusher τ= 52-65 sec, rotation speed of the working body 12000 rpm); drying (dry in the sun for fruits with a high sugar content).

Implementing a mental health app intervention in a university setting: multi-methods evaluation study

Purpose The number of university students seeking mental health support is rapidly increasing. To provide additional psychological support to students accessing well-being services, this study aimed to pilot a mental health Web application (app) called Orpheus®. Design/methodology/approach Guided by student consultations, a multi-methods approach was adopted, including an examination of in-app data, chart reviews of routinely collected student information and interviews with mental health practitioners. Usage data were analysed descriptively. Changes in mental health outcomes were examined using means, standard deviations and reliable change indices for anxiety and depression scores. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from staff interviews and student feedback. Findings A total of 26 students registered an account with 39 completed app visits. On 37 of the 39 (94.9%) occasions, students reported reductions in the intensity of unwanted negative emotions. Statistically significant reductions in the average pooled anxiety and depression scores were observed. Of the 15 students who completed pre- and post-routine outcome measures, between 20% and 60% showed reliable and meaningful symptom improvements. Students reported that the app was helpful and easy to set up and use, with no adverse events. Practitioners highlighted barriers and facilitators related to the technology features, situational contexts and individual differences. Originality/value Integrating Orpheus in real-world settings resulted in promising implementation processes, potential for future uptake and positive outcomes. However, ongoing research, staff training and app testing are needed to further improve the implementation processes for digital mental health interventions.

Термомеханическая прокатка при производстве обсадных труб (обзор исследований)

Introduction. The modern oil and gas industry requires the development of high strength materials for well casing. Changes in rolled steel production technologies are one of the urgent tasks. Reducing the cost of high quality steel well casing is becoming a major challenge for the oil and gas industry. Multiphase microstructures containing acicular ferrite or an acicular ferrite-dominated phase exhibit good complex properties in HSLA steels. This paper focuses on the results obtained using modern methods of thermomechanical rolling. Results and discussion. This work analyzes the characteristics of thermomechanical rolling technologies and its impact on the microstructure of rolled steel for well casing. It is shown that predicting mechanical properties based on the microstructural characteristics of steel is complicated due to the large number of parameters involved. This requires an optimal microstructure of the steel. A satisfactory microstructure depends on several factors, such as chemical composition, hot work processing, and accelerated cooling. Alloying elements have a complex effect on the properties of steel, and alloying additives are usually introduced into the steel composition. From a metallurgical point of view, the choice of alloying elements and the metallurgical process can greatly influence the resulting microstructure. Conclusion. This review reports the most representative study regarding thermomechanical rolling technologies and microstructural factors in well casing steels. It includes a summary of the most important process variables, material properties, regulatory guidelines, and microstructural and mechanical properties of the metal for well casing production. This review is intended to benefit readers from a variety of backgrounds, from non-metal forming or materials scientists to various industrial application specialists and researchers.

Exploring off-chain voting and blockchain in decentralized autonomous organizations

Purpose The current scenario shows increased adoption of off-chain voting applications in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to avoid complexity and costs for user engagement in their governance. This paper aims to comprehend the trends and patterns within the DAO community with off-chain voting systems and blockchain usage. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study uses a two-pronged quantitative approach, combining descriptive statistical analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Input data from different DAO proposals and votes were analyzed. Findings Results indicate that the 179 DAOs analyzed account for 26,538 proposals and 1,268,474 followers of the entire Snapshot base in January 2023, showing high concentration in engagement. The preferred social media communication channels are Twitter and GitHub, showing a decrease of Ethereum as a main chain, with Polygon and Binance Smart Chain already accounting for 22%. Basic voting can lead to greater user involvement in the voting process. Research limitations/implications This study complements the traditional governance theory perspective and advances in the emerging literature on DAOs and blockchain with an empirical analysis. Practical implications As blockchain technology gains increasing adoption, comprehending trends and patterns within the DAO community becomes pivotal in identifying opportunities and challenges for innovation and improvement. Social implications Findings can facilitate the development of improved governance models and decision-making processes for DAOs, leading to a more robust and sustainable ecosystem. Originality/value This study presents a broader IT-based governance foresight via blockchain while providing an understanding of the voting process, technology features and governance mechanisms for social community engagement and decision-making in DAOs.

Assessing Customer Satisfaction towards Electric Vehicle in Mysore Using the KANO Model

The study is entrenched in the recognition that the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with EVs emerging as a vital solution to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable transportation. Understanding customer satisfaction in this context is crucial for manufacturers and policymakers to support the broader adoption of EVs. The research problem is centered on the limited understanding of how specific EV features impact customer satisfaction, particularly in emerging markets like Mysore. This gap in knowledge poses a challenge for manufacturers aiming to align their products with customer expectations and for policymakers promoting sustainable transportation. The study addresses this by applying the Kano Model, a framework that categorizes product attributes into different needs—basic, performance, excitement, indifferent, and reverse—based on their impact on customer satisfaction. The research methodology involves a descriptive study based on a survey of 150 respondents from Mysore. The data were collected through primary and secondary sources adopting a convenient sampling method. The analysis for the study is done by simple percentage method. The results shows that the majority of respondents are young, educated, and earn less than Rs. 50,000 per month, indicating that EV adoption is not limited to higher-income individuals. There is a strong preference for two-wheeled EVs, with most respondents having used their EVs for less than a year, reflecting a growing interest in the market. The Kano Model analysis shows varying levels of satisfaction across different EV attributes. For instance, respondents expressed high satisfaction with the reliability, safety features, and battery life of their EVs, but there were concerns about the availability of charging stations and the maintenance costs. The study also identifies performance attributes, such as EV range and cost savings on fuel, as significant factors driving customer satisfaction. Excitement needs, including advanced technology features and the design of EVs, also play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction. However, certain indifferent needs, such as the color options and brand of the EV, were found to have minimal impact on customer satisfaction.

From tradition to technological advancement: embracing blockchain technology in family businesses

PurposeDespite the rapid advancement of blockchain technology across various sectors, scholarly research on its application within family businesses remains significantly underdeveloped. This study aims to address this gap by examining the application of blockchain technology within family businesses to identify key application domains, benefits and implementation challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a conceptual approach, drawing on existing literature on family businesses and blockchain technology. This review aimed to identify the unique characteristics of family businesses, their challenges and the distinctive features of blockchain technology that can potentially be mapped to each other. Based on the literature review, we develop a conceptual framework exploring blockchain technology applications in family businesses. Real-world case studies of family businesses that have implemented blockchain technology were identified to provide practical insights and implementation challenges.FindingsBlockchain technology possesses transformative potential for family businesses across several critical domains. It includes enhancing trust and transparency in operations, improving governance and decision-making and facilitating succession planning and intergenerational wealth management. Case study evidence illustrates the tangible benefits of blockchain, including enhanced supply chain transparency, optimized business processes, increased customer trust and resultant business sustainability. Blockchain technology implementation challenges include data privacy concerns, integration with legacy systems, regulatory uncertainty and change management issues.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by its reliance on existing literature and case studies. It may not capture the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain applications in family businesses. Future research should focus on longitudinal and empirical research to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of blockchain technology application in family businesses.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by exploring the intersection of family businesses and blockchain technology, an area that has received limited academic attention. It identifies potential application domains of blockchain technology in family businesses and develops a conceptual framework based on existing literature. Through case studies, the research provides practical insights and valuable lessons for family businesses considering blockchain implementation. It also addresses key considerations and challenges, providing a clear roadmap for blockchain technology integration in family businesses. The study lays the groundwork for further research and exploration in blockchain technology and family businesses.