New Technologies Research Articles

Reflections on Using a Diary App to Conduct a Diary Study to Assess Emergent Technologies in Private Households

Voice assistants, such as Alexa, are sold in the three-digit million range every year. They are seen as plug-and-playsolutions to make everyday life easier and more convenient. However, most emerging technologies are used, analyzed,and optimized in a business environment. Even though the sales market for household appliances is growing every year.In this research project, the use of voice assistants in private households were investigated regarding the possible adjustmentof daily routines. The study was conducted by using a diary app. This paper describes the selection of the diary appused and reflects on its use from the perspective of the researchers and project participants. The selection criteria includethe human-app interface, the type of data collection, the researcher dashboard, the possible interaction between researchersand project participants, the language and automated transcription, the data security, the provided technical support,the corporate culture, the professional impression, and the costs, which are particularly important for a research project.Finally, the weaknesses in the selection of the diary app are outlined.

Smartphone and Tablet as Digital Babysitter

Several scientific studies have highlighted the negative impact of new technologies (NTs) on children’s psychological development, both in terms of emotional and cognitive development. NTs, such as smartphones, tablets, and video games, have a significant impact on children’s development, both in terms of social relationships and cognitive functions. This study aims to identify and explore the cultural models that shape children’s exposure to new technologies in early childhood. This study involved 48 subjects between parents and infant educators. Unstructured interviews were conducted. Emotional Text Analysis was applied. The findings reveal the existence of three cultural repertoires (clusters): Connected but isolated (45.2), Technology education (30%), and Mistrust (24.8%). Their placement in the factorial space explains how the negative effects on children’s psychological development are determined. Technology education seems to be a protective factor for the cognitive and affective development of children. These findings are discussed, comparing them with Musk’s recent experiment and the rapid loss of social ties due to the lack of an educational plan.

Automated debt recovery systems: Harnessing AI for enhanced performance

Amidst an upsurge in the quantity of delinquent loans, the financial industry is experiencing a fundamental transformation in the approaches utilised for debt recovery. The debt collection process is presently undergoing automation and improvement through the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), an emergent technology that holds the potential to revolutionise this sector. By leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, automated debt recovery systems analyse vast quantities of data, generate forecasts regarding the likelihood of recovery, and streamline operational processes. Debt collection systems powered by AI are anticipated to be compliant, precise, and effective. On the other hand, conventional approaches are linked to increasing expenditures and inefficiencies in operations. These solutions facilitate efficient resource allocation, customised communication, and rapid data analysis, all while minimising the need for human intervention. Significant progress has been made in data analytics, predictive modelling, and decision-making through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in debt recovery; this has the potential to revolutionize the financial sector’s approach to debt management. The findings of the research underscore the criticality of artificial intelligence (AI) in attaining efficacy and precision, in addition to the imperative of a data-centric framework to fundamentally reshape approaches to debt collection. In conclusion, artificial intelligence possesses the capacity to profoundly transform the existing approaches utilized in debt management, thereby guaranteeing financial institutions’ sustained profitability and efficacy. The application of machine learning methodologies, including predictive modelling and logistic regression, signifies the potential of the system.

Ultrathin Boron Growth onto Nanodiamond Surfaces via Electrophilic Boron Precursors.

Diamond as a templating substrate is largely unexplored, and the unique properties of diamond, including its large bandgap, thermal conductance, and lack of cytotoxicity, makes it versatile in emergent technologies in medicine and quantum sensing. Surface termination of an inert diamond substrate and its chemical reactivity are key in generating new bonds for nucleation and growth of an overlayer material. Oxidized high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds (NDs) are largely terminated by alcohols that act as nucleophiles to initiate covalent bond formation when an electrophilic reactant is available. In this work, we demonstrate a templated synthesis of ultrathin boron on ND surfaces using trigonal boron compounds. Boron trichloride (BCl3), boron tribromide (BBr3), and borane (BH3) were found to react with ND substrates at room temperature in inert conditions. BBr3 and BCl3 were highly reactive with the diamond surface, and sheet-like structures were produced and verified with electron microscopy. Surface-sensitive spectroscopies were used to probe the molecular and atomic structure of the ND constructs' surface, and quantification showed the boron shell was less than 1 nm thick after 1-24 h reactions. Observation of the reaction supports a self-terminating mechanism, similar to atomic layer deposition growth, and is likely due to the quenching of alcohols on the diamond surface. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that boron-termination generated midgap electronic states that were originally predicted by density functional theory (DFT) several years ago. DFT also predicted a negative electron surface, which has yet to be confirmed experimentally here. The boron-diamond nanostructures were found to aggregate in dichloromethane and were dispersed in various solvents and characterized with dynamic light scattering for future cell imaging or cancer therapy applications using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The unique templating mechanism based on nucleophilic alcohols and electrophilic trigonal precursors allows for covalent bond formation and will be of interest to researchers using diamond for quantum sensing, additive manufacturing, BNCT, and potentially as an electron emitter.

A Perspective of Solid-State Fermentation As Emergent Technology for Organic Waste Management in the Framework of Circular Bioeconomy

A Perspective of Solid-State Fermentation As Emergent Technology for Organic Waste Management in the Framework of Circular Bioeconomy

Confronting digital ageism: Towards a better aging future

Confronting digital ageism: Towards a better aging future Kim Sawchuk, Professor of Communication Studies at Concordia University, explores tackling digital ageism to build a better future for aging. Our contemporary society is increasingly defined in the media by whatever emergent technology becomes aligned with the promise of a better future. Twenty years ago, it was the Internet. Ten years ago, the introduction of mobile phones was considered the hallmark of new ways of communicating and interacting in “networked societies” (Castells). In the past five years, the advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has entered our collective imagination.

Physics informed quantum computing: A decade scientometric analysis

Quantum computing is an emergent computational technology having potential to solve complex computational problems. This revolutionary domain spurs intense exploration within the research community, necessitating a thorough examination to delineate scientific trajectories and glean research advancements. In this study, a scientometric investigation of quantum computing research limited to recent decade (2014-2023) is conducted sourced from the Scopus database. Analyses of publication patterns, top-cited articles, article co-citation, and author co-citation are performed to elucidate research trajectories. The results highlight that qubit quality control is a major focus of study, along with research in quantum cryptography, quantum neural networks, quantum annealing, and quantum-classical/classical-quantum algorithms.

Noteworthy synthesis strategies and applications of metal-organic frameworks for the removal of emerging water pollutants from aqueous environment

17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established through the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by all United Nations members. Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) are the SDGs focus of this work. Of late, various new companies delivering metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have blossomed and moved the field of adsorption utilizing MOFs to another stage. Inside this unique circumstance, this article aims to catch recent advancements in the field of MOFs and the utilizations of MOFs relate to the expulsion of arising contaminations that present huge difficulties to water quality because of their steadiness and possible damage to environments and human wellbeing. Customary water treatment techniques regularly neglect to eliminate these poisons, requiring the advancement of novel methodologies. This study overviews engineering techniques for controlling MOF characteristics for better flexibility, stability, and surface area. A current report on MOFs gathered new perspectives that are amicably discussed in emergent technologies and extreme applications towards environmental sectors. Various applications in many fields that exploit MOFs are being fostered, including gas storage, fluid separation, adsorbents, catalysis, medication delivery, and sensor utilizations. The surface area of a wide range of MOFs ranges from 103 to 104 m2/g, which exceeds the standard permeability of several material designs. MOFs with extremely durable porosity are more significant in their assortment and variety than other classes of porous materials. The work outlines the difficulties encountered in the synthesis steps and suggests ways to make use of MOFs' value in a variety of contexts. This caters to creating multivariate systems enclosed with numerous functionalities, leading to the synthesis of MOFs that offer a synergistic blend of in-built properties and exclusive applications. Additionally, the MOF-related future development opportunities and challenges are discussed.

Numerical simulation of continuous microwave drying of rice grains

AbstractTo comprehensively understand temperature and moisture changes in a continuous microwave rice grain drying system, this study proposes a simulation strategy that facilitates the continuous movement of rice grains. The study establishes a three‐dimensional model concerning multiple physical fields, including electromagnetism, heat, and mass transfer. It examines the effects of rice grain layer thickness and microwave intensity on the moisture and temperature of rice grains. The results indicate that the drying rate is negatively correlated with material thickness but positively correlated with temperature. The optimal thickness for the rice grain layer is 8 mm. Furthermore, both the microwave drying rate and temperature increase with microwave intensity. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the hydrothermal change mechanisms in rice grains during microwave drying.Practical applicationsMicrowave drying, as an emergent drying technology, has garnered widespread attention for its selective heating, efficient drying, energy savings, and environmental protection. Nevertheless, enhancing uniformity during the microwave heating process constitutes an important research topic in scientific research and technological applications. Numerical simulation methods can visually analyze electric field distribution, thereby optimizing microwave heating uniformity and improving drying effects. This article aims to accurately predict the continuous microwave drying time of paddy and maximize energy usage by optimizing drying thickness and microwave power parameters establishing a mathematical model for the process. The study not only provides a solid theoretical basis for microwave dryer design but also scientifically guides the continuous microwave drying of rice and other food crops.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES BY INDIGENOUS CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

The aim of this paper is to assess the adoption of emerging technologies (ET) by indigenous construction and real estate development companies (CRED) in Abuja, Nigeria with a view to identifying the key driving factors. The study adopted a combination of descriptive and exploratory research designs. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to thirty - eight indigenous CRED companies in the study area via purposive sampling technique. Data obtained for the study were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study found that drone technology is the most commonly used form of ET by indigenous CRED companies in Abuja with 26% of the total occurrence observed. This is followed by BIM (23%) and virtual reality (19%) respectively. It also found that location of the project, labour factor, government policy and technical nature of the project are the crucial factors that influence the adoption of ET by indigenous CRED companies in the study area. The study concludes that there are prospects of greater usage of ET by indigenous CRED companies for their operations in the city in the nearest future. In the light of the findings, it recommends the establishment of a robust regulatory framework by policy makers in the construction industry to clearly provide the technical and ethical standards required for the use of ET in the industry and the penalties for non-compliance especially concerning geographical coverage, data privacy and data security.

NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT: A SCIENTOMETRIC ANALYSIS

This comprehensive literature review delves into the extensive body of research exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management. Its primary objective is to amalgamate current knowledge while discerning prevalent trends, challenges, and advantages associated with incorporating AI into project management methodologies. The study employed bibliometric analysis using VOSViewer® software to scrutinize 246 pertinent publications sourced from the Scopus database, spanning the years 2013 to 2023. The findings from the Association Strength and Density Analysis revealed distinct clusters: Cluster 1 elucidated strong associations with terms like «construction project» «technology» «algorithm» «performance» and «time»; Cluster 2 emphasized «case stud,» «decision» and «cost»; while Cluster 3 concentrated on «literature» «industry» and «framework» Moving forward, promising areas for further exploration encompass the refinement of AI algorithms, exploration of AI’s impact on project outcomes, and the fusion of AI with emergent technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). This research serves as a foundational roadmap for future investigations aiming to leverage AI to enhance project management effectiveness and efficiency. Keywords: scientometric analysis, bibliometric review, project management, artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, cluster analysis, research trends.

Malevolent creativity and civil security: The ambivalence of emergent technologies

The characteristics of new technologies can cause significant harm to society. This does not only apply to unintended consequences, but even more so when the technologies are used for malicious purposes. The latter can be observed in the domain of civil security. Here, negative developments such as social polarization, increasing radicalization, and democratic regression alongside a deteriorating security situation are increasingly associated with technological innovation and malevolent creativity. As society becomes more and more aware of such correlations, technology assessment is called upon to provide orientation knowledge. This requires appropriate approaches and knowledge tools to assess the potential role of technology in relation to radicalization and political extremism.

Growth fitness, virulence, and heat tolerance of Salmonella Typhimurium variants resistant to food preservation methods

To study potential ramifications of antimicrobial resistance, we carried out adaptive laboratory evolution assays (ALE) to isolate three resistant variants (RVs) of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, employing three different types of food preservation methods: 1) an emergent technology, plasma-activated water (PAW), leading to variant RV-PAW; a traditional method, heat, leading to variant RV-HT, and a natural antimicrobial compound, carvacrol, leading to variant RV-CAR. The variant resistant to plasma-activated water, RV-PAW, had mutations in rpoA and rpoD; it showed increased tolerance to heat in orange juice but ultimately did not pose a significant threat, as it exhibited a fitness cost at refrigeration temperature (8 °C), whereas its virulence against Caenorhabditis elegans decreased. The variant resistant to heat, RV-HT, had mutations in flhC, dnaJ: it exhibited a fitness cost at high growth temperatures (43 °C) and induced morphofunctional alterations in C. elegans. The variant resistant to carvacrol, RV-CAR, had mutations in sseG, flhA, wbaV, lon; this variant not only exhibited significantly higher thermotolerance in both laboratory media and food models but also effectively increased its growth fitness at refrigeration temperatures while retaining its virulence, evidenced by the highest percentage of Smurf phenotype in C. elegans.To address these challenges, we applied a process combining thermal treatment with citral, with the aim of leveraging the sublethal damage caused in RVs by heat treatments in orange juice. This approach achieves enhanced microbial inactivation without having to escalate the intensity of the thermal treatment. The result was particularly encouraging in the case of RV-CAR, the most challenging strain, for which we improved lethality by up to 3 log10 inactivation cycles.

Digital Circular Economy and the Global Ecotourism Sector: A Critical Perspective

This perspective seeks to build meaningful linkages between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The ‘new normal’ in a post-pandemic world calls for innovative solutions to the challenge of low revenue growth in the traditional tourism sector. Ecotourism or sustainable tourism can be the way forward, provided it is coupled with emergent digital technologies of the likes of artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things, among many others. This article relies on an existing review of literature from all over the world on the theme in order to arrive at meaningful inter-relationships between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The main conclusion of this opinion piece is as follows. For ensuring a prosperous global ecotourism sector (or sustainable tourism), moving towards a digital circular economic framework ensures not just a reduction in the depletion of finite natural resources but also an enhancement in biodiversity and a significant reduction in business costs. Thus, ecotourism and digital circular economy aim at creating sustainable value both for businesses and the environment in more ways than one. Additionally, some of the major policy and managerial implications of this study pertain to the need for, first, greater local community involvement in the ecotourism sector; second, constant upskilling of the workforce in the sector with regard to latest digital technologies for their long-term benefit; and last, building a robust digital framework and ensuring last mile connectivity for all ecotourist destinations.

A quantum sensing metrology for magnetic memories

Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a leading emergent memory technology that is poised to replace current non-volatile memory technologies such as eFlash. However, controlling and improving distributions of device properties becomes a key enabler of new applications at this stage of technology development. Here, we introduce a non-contact metrology technique deploying scanning NV magnetometry (SNVM) to investigate MRAM performance at the individual bit level. We demonstrate magnetic reversal characterization in individual, <60 nm-sized bits, to extract key magnetic properties, thermal stability, and switching statistics, and thereby gauge bit-to-bit uniformity. We showcase the performance of our method by benchmarking two distinct bit etching processes immediately after pattern formation. In contrast to ensemble averaging methods such as perpendicular magneto-optical Kerr effect, we show that it is possible to identify out of distribution (tail-bits) bits that seem associated to the edges of the array, enabling failure analysis of tail bits. Our findings highlight the potential of nanoscale quantum sensing of MRAM devices for early-stage screening in the processing line, paving the way for future incorporation of this nanoscale characterization tool in the semiconductor industry.

Quantifying the effects of peripheral substituents on the spin-lattice relaxation of a vanadyl molecular quantum bit

Electron spin superpositions represent a critical component of emergent quantum technologies in computation, sensing, encryption, and communication. However, spin relaxation (T1) and decoherence (Tm) represent major obstacles to the implementation of molecular quantum bits (qubits). Synthetic strategies have made substantial progress in enhancing spin coherence times by minimizing contributions from surrounding electron and nuclear spins. For room-temperature operation, however, the lifetime of spin coherence becomes limited by coupling with vibrational modes of the lattice. Using pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we measure the spin-lattice relaxation of a vanadyl tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine complex appended with eight peripheral 2,6-diisopropylphenol groups (VOPyzPz-DIPP) and compare it to the relaxation of the archetypical vanadyl phthalocyanine molecular qubit (VOPc). The added peripheral groups lead to distinctly different spin relaxation behavior. While similar relaxation times are observed at low temperatures and ambient conditions, significant changes are observed for the orientation dependence of T1 at 100 K, as well as the temperature dependence of T1 over the intermediate temperature range spanning [Formula: see text]10–150 K. These results can be tentatively interpreted as arising from loosened spin-phonon coupling selection rules and a greater number of accessible acoustic and optical modes contributing to the spin relaxation behavior of VOPyzPz-DIPP relative to VOPc.

Overcoming the Challenges of Digitalization. A Study Case Based on DESI and EIBIS

Abstract In the present days, the business environment faces one important wave in its development, therefore due to the wave of rapid technological advancements, the digital era that is currently reshaping behaviour, habits, and trends, stands as a testament to the necessity of innovation and adaptation of the latest digital technologies. At first glance, the benefits of digitalization are well recognized, such as: increasing connectivity as a catalyst for communication and collaboration while increasing access to information. Hence, both businesses and individuals find themselves empowered by the great benefits of the digital era, presented as a world in which the barriers determined by time and space are no longer an issue, being transcended by the implantation of the latest digital technologies. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the corelations between the two important indexes provided by the European database, such as DESI and EIBIS, in order to identify how the score of DESI can influence directly, or not, the business environment’s investment in digital technologies, both on single technologies and multiple technologies, taking into account the usage of the emergent digital technologies, such as: BigData, AI and Clouds. The correlations will provide a better understanding of the role of digitalization in developing the economic environment of a state, or at a bigger image, of the European Union’s business environment.

Saved by the Moon: Imaginaries of Earthly Afterlife in Space

Today, emergent space technology engages in visions of future off-world colonizing, while conservation technology is employed in ensuring the continuation of life on earth. In this article, we combine social science of outer space literature with biodiversity conservation work to analyze how utopian visions of off-world futures and dystopian visions of earth entangle in technoscientific future-making practices. Our case is the Lunar Ark, which is a proposed technoscientific project for a conservation base to be assembled inside the moon’s lava tubes comprising samples of the earth’s ecosystems. We investigate two interwoven imaginaries involving an imaginary of the Lunar Ark as a “reseeding of earth” and secondly, an imaginary in which the Lunar Ark becomes a platform for “escaping earth.” Based on scientific papers, web material, news articles, an interview with the head of the research group, and ethnographic observations, we conclude that the Lunar Ark engages with a speculative bioeconomy, wherein earth is imagined as an unstable and unfit protector of life. In contrast, the Lunar Ark emerges as a pan-humanitarian and maternal-like technoscientific environment.

Klinefelter syndrome: etiology and clinical considerations in male infertility†.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder occurring in males. It is defined by an additional X chromosome, 47,XXY, resulting from errors in chromosomal segregation during parental gametogenesis. A major phenotype is impaired reproductive function, in the form of low testosterone and infertility. This review comprehensively examines the genetic and physiological factors contributing to infertility in KS, in addition to emergent assisted reproductive technologies, and the unique ethical challenges KS patients face when seeking infertility treatment. The pathology underlying KS is increased susceptibility for meiotic errors during spermatogenesis, resulting in aneuploid or even polyploid gametes. Specific genetic elements potentiating this susceptibility include polymorphisms in checkpoint genes regulating chromosomal synapsis and segregation. Physiologically, the additional sex chromosome also alters testicular endocrinology and metabolism by dysregulating interstitial and Sertoli cell function, collectively impairing normal sperm development. Additionally, epigenetic modifications like aberrant DNA methylation are being increasingly implicated in these disruptions. We also discuss assisted reproductive approaches leveraged in infertility management for KS patients. Application of assisted reproductive approaches, along with deep comprehension of the meiotic and endocrine disturbances precipitated by supernumerary X chromosomes, shows promise in enabling biological parenthood for KS individuals. This will require continued multidisciplinary collaboration between experts with background of genetics, physiology, ethics, and clinical reproductive medicine.

Water Purification Using Choline-Amino Acid Ionic Liquids: Removal of Amoxicillin.

Antibiotics are the main active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of bacterial infections, for which they are essential for health preservation. However, depending on the target bacterial strain, an efficient treatment may imply weeks of continuous intake of antibiotics, whose unmetabolized fraction ends up in the wastewater system by human and animal excreta. The presence of these chemical compounds in wastewater is known to damage aquatic ecosystems and cause antibiotic resistance of pathogenic agents, which threatens the future application of these medicines. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs), an emergent extraction technology for biomolecules such as proteins and vitamins, could provide more eco-friendly and cost-effective extractive alternatives given their nontoxicity and low energetic requirements. Moreover, choline-amino acid ([Ch][AA]) ionic liquids (also known as CAAILs or ChAAILs) are considered one of the greenest classes of ionic liquids due to their favorable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of chemical synthesis. In this work, partition studies of amoxicillin were performed in three ATPSs containing dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) and the CAAILs (cholinium l-alaninate, [Ch][Ala]; cholinium glycinate, [Ch][Gly]; and cholinium serinate, [Ch][Ser]) at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa. To better characterize the extract and reduce errors in quantification, the effect of pH on the intensity and stability of the UV-vis spectra of amoxicillin was studied prior to the partition studies, and computational chemistry was used to validate the molecular structure of the synthesized ionic liquids. During experimental determinations, it was observed that the extraction of amoxicillin was favored by less polar ionic liquids, achieving maximum partition coefficients (K) and extraction efficiencies (E) of K = (16 ± 6)·101 and E / % = 97 ± 2, respectively, for {[Ch][Gly] (1) + K2HPO4 (2) + Water (3)} in the longest tie-line.