Effectiveness Of Such Technologies Research Articles

Mundane Urban Governance and AI Oversight: The Case of Vienna's Intelligent Pedestrian Traffic Lights

ABSTRACT This article examines the implications of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into urban infrastructures, using Vienna's Intelligent Pedestrian Traffic Light (IPTL) as a focal point. As cities globally embrace AI, Urban AI (UAI) emerges, reshaping urban life. The central inquiry is: How does AI in urban governance alter urban spaces, and what new political dynamics arise? The IPTL, a UAI exemplar, uses advanced surveillance and algorithms to enhance pedestrian signaling, aiming to reduce jaywalking and optimize traffic. Through mixed-methods, combining theoretical and empirical approaches, the study delves into expert narratives, public perceptions, and the technology's design. It uncovers the transformative effects of such technologies on urban spaces and human–vehicle interactions. Findings highlight that while the IPTL promises urban governance advancements, it may overlook diverse urban needs, as seen in the neglect of the visually impaired. The research accentuates the imperative for a more encompassing, inclusive lens in AI-centric urban endeavors, underscoring the significance of recognizing and addressing the myriad rhythms and requirements of all urban residents. The article culminates in a call for a reconstructivist perspective on UAI, championing the democratization of urban realms and foregrounding pedestrian-centric visions in upcoming mobility ventures.

Long-term ecological restoration increased plant diversity and soil total phosphorus content of the alpine flowing sand land in northwest Sichuan, China

The ecological restoration techniques that combine grazing, sand barriers with willows, fertilization, artificial planting, and continuous management are increasingly adopted in the management of flowing sandy land in high-altitude and cold regions. However, few studies have focused on the long-term ecological restoration effects of such technologies. This study systematically compared the vegetation and soil characteristics under different ecological restoration durations (0 (CK), 3 (F1), 14 (F2), 26 (F3), and 46 (F4) years) in the alpine sandy land of northwest Sichuan. The results showed that, with the increase of ecological restoration durations, (1) the aboveground and underground biomass of plants, and species number significantly increased, while the shannon-wiener index, margalef index, and simpson index dramatically decreased; (2) in the early stage of ecological restoration (0–3 yr), Cyperaceae accounted for the main groups, while in the late stage of ecological restoration (14–46 yr), Leguminosae and Forb groups predominated; (3) ecological restoration durations significantly influenced the total phosphorus (TP) content at a soil depth of 0–60 cm, but soil organic carbon and C/P ratio were only significantly impacted at 40–60 cm; (4) the plant and soil characteristics of F1, F2, and F3 treatments were more similar, and CK and F4 treatments were clearly distinguished on PC1 of principal component analysis; (5) there was no significant correlation between Leguminosae groups and environmental factors. Instead, a correlation between total nitrogen (TN) and Forb groups, Gramineae groups, and Cyperaceae groups was revealed. TN was very significantly positively correlated with species diversity and TP. Long-term ecological restoration improved plants biomass, plant species diversity, functional plant groups, and increased soil TP content in the alpine sandy land of northwest Sichuan.

Analysis of the enhancement of computer simulation on physical education teaching in colleges and universities

Abstract The integration of computer simulation and modeling into physical education represents a significant shift in teaching methodologies within higher education, prompted by the advancements of the digital era. This study scrutinizes the effectiveness of such technologies in augmenting student learning outcomes and pedagogical efficiency in PE courses. Through the application of virtual reality and precise movement modeling, the research contrasts the impacts of traditional teaching with those of computer-assisted simulations. Findings demonstrate that computer simulation significantly improves students’ physical fitness (by 15%) and skill proficiency (by 20%) and markedly increases their engagement with the subject matter. Additionally, the ability to practice in a simulated, hazard-free environment reduces the time required to master skills. These results support the broad implementation of simulation technologies in physical education, promising enhanced student motivation, skill development, and academic interest.

Research on the application of microwave synthesis to obtain aluminum-containing coagulant

The extensive way of industrial development and the rate of population growth determine the increase in the amount of drinking water consumed and the requirements for water treatment. Known and applied technologies for the industrial production of aluminum oxychloride coagulant used in reagent water purifi cation are based on high-temperature processes that require complex hardware design. The paper presents the results of studies on the production of basic aluminum chlorides by the microwave method. The experiments were carried out on a designed laboratory setup based on a microwave oven; data were obtained on the yield of aluminum polyoxychloride depending on the change in process parameters, duration, coeffi cient of effi ciency, and 36% concentration of hydrochloric acid solution. Studies of the use of microwave technologies in inorganic synthesis have shown the eff ectiveness of such technologies, a decrease in the reaction time, an increase in the effi ciency of the installation, and the absence of contact between the heating elements and the reaction mixture. The infl uence of sulfuric acid as a process activator substance, which positively aff ects the productivity of aluminum polyoxychlorides, has been established. The results of physicochemical studies of the synthesized samples and their coagulation properties are presented, which indicates the possibility of using microwave technologies in the inorganic synthesis of aluminum polyoxychloride coagulants.

Life-cycle cost analysis of an innovative marine dual-fuel engine under uncertainties

As innovative technologies are being deployed to accelerate shipping decarbonization in response to air emission regulations, there is considerable concern about the cost effectiveness of such technologies from a life-cycle perspective. This study conducts a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) on an innovative marine dual-fuel engine under uncertainties, comparing the total life-cycle cost performance of such an engine with that of a conventional diesel engine. By proposing several economic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as the Net Present Cost (NPC), the Net Saving (NS) and the Saving-to-Investment Ratio (SIR), the findings indicate that the dual-fuel engine is more cost-effective than the diesel engine under a given fuel price scenario. The uncertainties are meticulously treated by using scenario sensitivity analyses and a Monte Carlo simulation. The scenario sensitivity analyses reveal that the cost effectiveness of the dual-fuel engine is sensitive to the high gas price scenarios. It is uncovered from the Monte Carlo simulation that there is an adequate degree of confidence when opting for the dual-fuel engine. Furthermore, fuel prices are found to be the most influential cost driver. Different foreseeable carbon pricing scenarios are also simulated to show that the dual-fuel engine is still the most favorable option. Regardless of fuel prices and carbon pricing scenarios, the dual-fuel engine provides a considerable environmental benefit with a CO2 emission reduction potential of 33%. The findings of this study are of interest within the field of shipping investment appraisals and relevant to decision-makers (i.e. ship-owners and investors).

NECESSITY AND PROSPECTS OF “SMART CITY” TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

Digitalization is more and more utilized in the construction sector, although its adoption has been slower than in other areas of life. The use of 2D drawings in the construction industry is being replaced by BIM technology for the design and operation of building projects, which carries a wealth of information and should form the basis for the creation of a “Smart City”. Technological advances in design will increase the comfort level of inhabitants of megacities while consuming resources rationally. “Smart City” technology should be the basis for the rapid reconstruction of settlements after the war and provide the basic requirements of today for safety, energy efficiency and comfort. The main purpose of the article is to analyse the “Smart City” concept and to identify the main requirements for the construction of modern Ukrainian cities. The relevance of the article lies in reflecting the need to implement the “Smart City” concept into the management of Ukrainian cities and highlighting its benefits for the city and residents. Worldwide practice confirms the effectiveness of such technologies. Ukrainian cities cannot be the same as before and will be rebuilt with all the challenges of modernity in mind.

Balancing smart irrigation and hydropower investments for sustainable water conservation in the Indus basin

Indus River Basin (IRB) region of South Asia is severely water-stressed with irrigation receiving 90–95% of total surface water allocations and depletion of fossil groundwater reserves of more than 30 km3/year. Simultaneously, many supply-driven hydropower reservoirs, are planned in the basin. The reservoirs constructed upstream inflict severe environmental damages and reduce water availability for irrigation downstream. Policymakers promote smart technologies as a demand-based solution to reduce water consumption in irrigation. However, the effects of such technologies are not yet well understood, and unintended consequences (such as irrigation efficiency paradox and other nexus externalities) have recently begun to appear. Therefore, we use an integrated assessment model to analyze the proliferation of smart technologies in the IRB. The analysis suggests that if the Indus countries adopt a demand-based approach and irrigate their land completely using smart technologies, surface and groundwater withdrawals are indeed reduced. However, this reduction comes with a 33% increase in total expenditures, an increase in consumption across water and energy sectors, and higher withdrawals from fossil groundwater reserves. On the other hand, we find that if the countries were to balance their investments between smart and hydropower technologies it would not only reduce the increment in expenditure to 28%, but would also conserve irrigation water while avoiding the increased multi-sectoral consumption and environmental degradation. Thus, balancing investments between smart irrigation and hydropower projects can significantly reduce the economic and environmental (including conservation of water resources, meeting environmental flow targets, among others) costs of multi-sector water conservation in the IRB.

Association Between Mobile App Use and Caregivers' Support System, Time Spent on Caregiving, and Perceived Well-being: Survey Study From a Large Employer.

BackgroundMobile technology to address caregiver needs has been on the rise. There is limited evidence of effectiveness of such technologies on caregiver experiences.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effectiveness of ianacare, a mobile app, among employees of a large employer. ianacare mobilizes personal social circles to help with everyday tasks. Through the use of ianacare, we evaluate the associations between coordinating caregiving tasks among a caregiver’s personal support network and outcomes related to the caregiver’s support system, time use, perceived productivity, and perceived health and well-being. Caregiver tasks include tasks such as meal preparation, respite care, pet care, and transportation. Time use is the measure of a caregiver’s time spent on caregiving tasks and how much time they had to take off from work to attend planned or unplanned caregiving tasks.MethodsWe conducted 2 surveys to assess within-participant changes in outcomes for the unpaid, employed, caregivers after 6 weeks of using the mobile app (n=176) between March 30, 2020, and May 11, 2020. The surveys contained questions in three domains: the caregiver’s support system, time use and perceived productivity, and perceived health and well-being. The results of the linear probability models are presented below.ResultsApp use was significantly associated with decreasing the probability of doing most caregiving tasks alone by 9.1% points (SE 0.04; P=.01) and increasing the probability of at least one person helping the primary caregiver by 8.0% points (SE 0.035; P=.02). App use was also associated with improving the time use of the primary caregiver who took significantly less time off work to attend to caregiving duties by 12.5% points (SE 0.04; P=.003) and decreased the probability of spending more than 30 hours weekly on caregiving by 9.1% points (SE 0.04; P=.02). Additional findings on the positive impact of the app included a decrease in the probability of reporting feeling overwhelmed by caregiving tasks by 12.5% points (SE 0.04; P=.003) and a decrease in the probability of reporting negative health effects by 6.8% points (SE 0.04; P=.07) because of caregiving. Although subjects reported that COVID-19 increased their stress attributed to caregiving and prevented them from requesting help for some caregiving tasks, using the app was still associated with improvements in receiving help and lessening of the negative effects of caregiving on the caregivers.ConclusionsApp use was associated with improvements in 7 of 11 caregiver outcomes across three main categories: their support system, time spent on caregiving, and perceived health and well-being. These findings provide encouraging evidence that the mobile app can significantly reduce caregiver burden by leveraging a caregiver’s support network despite the additional challenges brought by COVID-19 on caregivers.

Music Production Technology in New Nollywood Soundtracks: Context, Application, and the Effect of Globalization

Abstract New Nollywood refers to a segment of Nigerian cinema that began in 2012. The industry is based in Lagos and focuses on Hollywood-style approaches to film and film music. Generally, very little has been written about technologies in the film music of Nigerian cinema. This article is the first to focus explicitly on the impact of modern music production technology in New Nollywood soundtracks. Adopting descriptive as well as survey and historical methods of research, this article reveals what the specific and available technologies for film music in New Nollywood were and currently are; how the practitioners have employed them; as well as how the effects of such technologies have shaped the industry's cultural and economics choices. In addition to a review of the broad literature on cinema and film music, the methodology also relies on studio observation sessions with current industry practitioners as well as an analysis of the New Nollywood film The Bling Lagosians (2019). Taken together, findings reveal that the quality of New Nollywood film music is fluid and reflective of changes to the economic, cultural, and technological preferences of practitioners.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ И МЕТОДОВ В УЧЕБНОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ ВУЗА

Education, science and the economy are experiencing significant difficulties in connection with the announced sanctions of Russia. Young specialists will lead the country out of these difficulties. The Russian government has decided to withdraw from the Bologna Agreement. New educational standards are being urgently developed, taking into account the best experience of previous years and todays problems. Features of teaching disciplines in the framework of the digitalization of the educational process are moving to a new education level. There are many difficulties due to the fact that there are very few classroom hours in the undergraduate curricula. It is important to demonstrate the ability of teachers to rationally use classroom time. At the same time, one should not forget about the difficulties associated with the assimilation of the studied material. The accumulated experience allows us to approach the educational process as a creative one, using a complex of various educational technologies. Made sociological surveys of students showed that the assimilation of educational material increases because of the teacher`s skills. Presenting educational material each teacher has his own approaches and method, which are constantly developed. Our task is to teach the audience not only to listen, but also to hear the educational material and actively involve students in a dialogue. Such forms of classes as discussions, debates, round tables, used in training, allow you to learn new things, consolidate the material covered and effectively apply it in the future. As a result of such forms of classes, an increase in the independent activity of students is noted. They independently develop situational tasks that are solved and discussed in groups. At the same time, digital technologies are necessarily used. The effectiveness of such technologies is reflected in the quality of the acquired knowledge.

Hungarian Videoblogger Networks Online

The web 2.0 phenomenon and social media – without question – not only reshaped our everyday experiences, but they have established an environment for new types of social practices and social actors. The demotization (Turner 2010) effect of such technologies has created entirely new fields where celebrities might emerge from: one of them is videoblogging. Many video bloggers gained great reputation through peculiar micro-celebrity practices (Marwick 2015, Senft 2012), and, as a result, became key figures in distributing ideas, values and knowledge in today’s society. These cognitive patterns are disseminated with a discursive apparatus that is largely based on social media activity, including posts, tweets, self-imagery and the videos themselves, which are tied to a certain logic according to environmental affordances, creating the possibility for fans to interact (share, comment, like, retweet etc.) with artifacts of the celebrity. This mechanism puts the celebrity in a so-called expert system (Giddens 1990) position as they provide adequate schemas of attitude, mentality or behavior. Most importantly, all of these public interactions are accessible for scholars to conduct scientific research. With the help of the SentiOne application this research attempts to reconstruct online networks of video bloggers based on mentions, which either occurred in an artifact (post, video description etc.) or in a fan comment. Apart from the network itself, SentiOne enables us to get insights regarding each individual connection established in it with different types of aggregated data.

Efficiency of GIS in the process of land registration

The authors considered the sequence of actions for the implementation of state cadastral registration of land plots using geographic information systems, mentioned the improved mechanism for the use of GIS technologies for state cadastral registration, and assessed the effectiveness of such technologies. The authors noted that it is advisable to develop and adopt normative legal acts that regulate relations in the field of application of GIS systems in cadastral activities nowadays, and to bring all GIS to a solid maintenance and systematization, as well as to strengthen the involvement of users in the legal culture of open databases on the Internet using cartographic materials. By the authors, the developed proposals can be recommended for use by cadastral engineers to perform the procedures for state cadastral registration of land plots.

Is technology always helpful?: A critical review of the impact on learning outcomes of education technology in supporting formative assessment in schools

ABSTRACT While education technology has been widely used in classrooms, and considerable investments have been made to support its use in the UK, the evidence base for many such rapidly changing technologies is weak, and their efficacy is unclear. The aim of this paper is to systematically review and synthesise empirical research on the use of technology in formative assessment, to identify approaches that are effective in improving pupils’ learning outcomes. The review involved a search of 11 major databases, and included 55 eligible studies. The results suggest promising evidence that digitally delivered formative assessment could facilitate the learning of maths and reading for young children, but there is no good evidence that it is effective for other subjects, or for older children, or that it is any more effective than formative assessment without technology. The review found no good evidence that learner response systems work in enhancing children’s academic attainment, and there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of such technologies that embed gaming features. Much research in this area is of poor quality. More rigorous studies using causal designs are thus urgently needed. Meantime, there should be no rush to use technology on the basis of improving attainment.

Sustainability assessment of difficult-to-cut materials using rotary tools: a step towards sustainable machining environment

Difficult-to-cut materials offer superior properties such as high chemical stability, strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance. However, machining these materials is facing huge challenges due to localized high levels of temperature, especially when using traditional tools. Machining using rotary tools is a suitable technique that is used to machine difficult-to-cut materials which provides acceptable tool life, even under dry conditions. Rotary tools offer significant improvements compared to conventional tools especially in dry conditions, which makes this technology a good candidate to achieve a sustainable machining environment. Despite all attempts in modeling, analysis, and optimization of machining using rotary tools, it was found that no previous study has focused on the sustainability aspects related to the application of rotary tools in machining operations. Thus, in the current work, an attempt has been made to assess and prove the effectiveness of machining with rotary tools. Two different case studies are presented and discussed to evaluate and assess the sustainability effectiveness of rotary tools compared to stationary ones under different cooling and lubrication environments (i.e., flood, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), and dry). The results showed that machining using SPRT under dry conditions provided higher total weighted sustainability index compared to the traditional approach for both case studies. Finally, a detailed mechanism for machining with a rotary tool is fully presented and discussed to physically prove the sustainability effectiveness of such technology. It was concluded from the sustainability assessment results that using self-propelled rotary tools under a dry environment showed significant results which proved the applicability of using rotary tools as a sustainable technology.

Strategies to Improve Health Technologies for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Technology may improve health self-management of older people with cognitive deficits, yet these individuals may have unique needs influencing its utility. This study’s purpose was to gather current strategies described in the literature and by expert stakeholders for utilizing digital health technologies in older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) or dementia. We conducted a rapid literature review to identify articles that featured digital health technology use in persons with CI/dementia. Additionally, we conducted interviews (n=12) with expert stakeholders who were identified through online academic, professional, and community organization biographies and snowball referral. Qualitative-based thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from selected literature and transcribed interviews. Recommended strategies addressed instructional methods (e.g., reducing distractions), technology adaptations (e.g., simplified interface), care partner involvement, and dosage/exposure. Findings are applicable to development of technology-driven interventions and products, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of such technology for older people with CI/dementia.

Choosing the benchmark technology for cleaning poultry house emissions from malodorous substances

The article considers the problem of unpleasant odor from poultry factories. It is proposed to use a system for standardizing the permissible impact of malodorous substances on the environment based on the best available technologies. The article assesses technologies in regards to their possible use at poultry houses. The appropriateness of using the selected benchmark technology to reduce the smell of poultry houses is confirmed; the environmental and economic effectiveness of such technology is taken into account.

PSIII-9 Differences in Conception Rate across Breeding Protocols in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Fertility performance success on dairy farms starts with estrus detection, especially for artificial insemination programs. Detection of estrus has become more difficult over the years due to a decrease in estrus expression in high-producing dairy cows, with up to 60% of ovulations accompanied by no standing mount. In order to alleviate the pressure of estrus detection, management technologies have been developed, including automated detectors of standing heat, activity monitors, automated in-line systems measuring milk progesterone, and hormonal synchronization protocols (FTAI). To gauge the effectiveness of such technologies, records from 647,940 cows across 1,166 herds over the past ten years (total of 3,466,593 breeding records) from herd management software were analyzed. Across all herds, there were 5,804 breeding protocols, of which 2,046 were unique. Due to the wide range of breeding protocols, records were classified as HORMONES, FTAI, HEAT DETECTION and OTHERS. Breeding protocols were classified as HORMONES if they included any hormone treatment. FTAI was a stricter subset of HORMONES, which included only clear FTAI protocols. Protocols were classified as HEAT DETECTION if they were a clear heat detection protocol, with all remaining protocols classified as OTHERS. These classifications resulted in 3,258 protocols classified as HORMONES, of which 2,002 were FTAI, while a further 1,840 were classified as HEAT DETECTION. The remaining 706 codes were classified as OTHER and removed from this study. These classifications provided an initial overview of breeding methods conception rates, with results indicating significant differences (P < 0.05) between all protocol groups, as outlined in Table 1. Further analysis will be completed to indicate conception rates from the most commonly used breeding protocols across each of the protocol groups within the 1,192 herds. This work will help provide a better understanding of the expected conception rate of various management technologies on commercial farms.

Opportunities and Challenges Surrounding the Use of Data From Wearable Sensor Devices in Health Care: Qualitative Interview Study.

BackgroundWearable sensors connected via networked devices have the potential to generate data that may help to automate processes of care, engage patients, and increase health care efficiency. The evidence of effectiveness of such technologies is, however, nascent and little is known about unintended consequences.ObjectiveOur objective was to explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative, theoretically informed, interview-based study to purposefully sample international experts in health care, technology, business, innovation, and social sciences, drawing on sociotechnical systems theory. We used in-depth interviews to capture perspectives on development, design, and use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care, and employed thematic analysis of interview transcripts with NVivo to facilitate coding.ResultsWe interviewed 16 experts. Although the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health and care has significant potential in improving patient engagement, there are a number of issues that stakeholders need to negotiate to realize these benefits. These issues include the current gap between data created and meaningful interpretation in health and care contexts, integration of data into health care professional decision making, negotiation of blurring lines between consumer and medical care, and pervasive monitoring of health across previously disconnected contexts.ConclusionsStakeholders need to actively negotiate existing challenges to realize the integration of data from wearable sensor devices into electronic health records. Viewing wearables as active parts of a connected digital health and care infrastructure, in which various business, personal, professional, and health system interests align, may help to achieve this.

Challenges on detection, identification and monitoring of indoor airborne chemical-biological agents

Potential chemical and biological (CB) attacks in indoor spaces pose specific challenges for prevention and preparedness. This paper summarises the conclusions obtained from the work conducted in the framework of the ERNCIP11The European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection (ERNCIP) is the Commission co-financed project coordinated by Joint Research Centre aiming at providing a framework within which experimental facilities and laboratories will share knowledge and expertise in order to harmonize test protocols throughout Europe, leading to better protection of critical infrastructures against all type of threats and hazards and to the creation of a single market for security solutions. Three of the working groups deal with CBRN threats: chemical and biological risks to drinking water; detection of indoor airborne chemical-biological agents and radiological and nuclear threats to critical infrastructure.. A thorough review of the existing and emerging technologies for CB detection, coupled with simulations of CB airborne dispersion in (critical) infrastructures to investigate the implementation of such sensors is presented. The conclusions include: (a) limitations of current sensor technology, (b) the effect of spatial variability of contamination within a building envelop on the effectiveness of such technology (c) the importance of early identification of both CB compounds for post-event mitigation.

Electronic pillbox-enabled self-administered therapy versus standard directly observed therapy for tuberculosis medication adherence and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia (SELFTB): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo address the multifaceted challenges associated with tuberculosis (TB) in-person directly observed therapy (DOT), the World Health Organization recently recommended that countries maximize the use of digital adherence technologies. Sub-Saharan Africa needs to investigate the effectiveness of such technologies in local contexts and proactively contribute to global decisions around patient-centered TB care. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pillbox-enabled self-administered therapy (SAT) compared to standard DOT on adherence to TB medication and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. It also aims to assess the usability, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention from the patient and provider perspectives.MethodsThis is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, superiority, effectiveness-implementation hybrid, mixed-methods, two-arm trial. The study is designed to enroll 144 outpatients with new or previously treated, bacteriologically confirmed, drug-sensitive pulmonary TB who are eligible to start the standard 6-month first-line anti-TB regimen. Participants in the intervention arm (n = 72) will receive 15 days of HRZE—isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol—fixed-dose combination therapy in the evriMED500 medication event reminder monitor device for self-administration. When returned, providers will count any remaining tablets in the device, download the pill-taking data, and refill based on preset criteria. Participants can consult the provider in cases of illness or adverse events outside of scheduled visits. Providers will handle participants in the control arm (n = 72) according to the standard in-person DOT. Both arms will be followed up throughout the 2-month intensive phase. The primary outcomes will be medication adherence and sputum conversion. Adherence to medication will be calculated as the proportion of patients who missed doses in the intervention (pill count) versus DOT (direct observation) arms, confirmed further by IsoScreen urine isoniazid test and a self-report of adherence on eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Sputum conversion is defined as the proportion of patients with smear conversion following the intensive phase in intervention versus DOT arms, confirmed further by pre-post intensive phase BACTEC MGIT TB liquid culture. Pre-post treatment MGIT drug susceptibility testing will determine whether resistance to anti-TB drugs could have impacted culture conversion. Secondary outcomes will include other clinical outcomes (treatment not completed, death, or loss to follow-up), cost-effectiveness—individual and societal costs with quality-adjusted life years—and acceptability and usability of the intervention by patients and providers.DiscussionThis study will be the first in Ethiopia, and of the first three in sub-Saharan Africa, to determine whether electronic pillbox-enabled SAT improves adherence to TB medication and treatment outcomes, all without affecting the inherent dignity and economic wellbeing of patients with TB.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04216420. Registered on 2 January 2020.