Technology Gap Research Articles

IoT appropriation for crop management and productivity enhancement in South Africa

Background: While the Internet of things (IoT) has been praised for its potential to improve food security and combat climate change, it is unclear how agricultural entrepreneurs (especially farmers) in emerging contexts are harnessing this technology to leverage agricultural productivity.Objectives: Given the lack of documentation of novel-technology-supported farming approaches in relevant extant literature in emerging economies, this study sought to explore how South African farmers are harnessing the strength of IoT to leverage productivity in crop farming.Method: To address this research gap, a systematic literature review was conducted to establish how IoT was implemented in crop farming in resource-constrained contexts of South Africa. These databases, namely Google Scholar, Scopus, MDPI, IEEE Xplore, and Science Direct, were utilised to gather the relevant information.Results: The findings highlighted that IoT technology presented multiple opportunities for improving operational efficiency and connectivity and facilitating remote management of agricultural activities. Conversely, the findings suggested that the utilisation of IoT in crop farming poses serious challenges arising from software complexity, data security, lack of supporting infrastructure and technical skills.Conclusion: This article demonstrates how institutional voids, human capital and technological gaps in the South African farming industry undermine crop farming, food security in the communities and government efforts at promoting the latest technologies for leveraging agricultural productivity and the farming industry in general.Contribution: The study has contributed to filling the gap in the IoT literature in South Africa and worldwide. This study also contributed by aligning the theory to the study.

Practical Application of Assessment Theories for English Teacher through Digital Technologies

Digital technology has revolutionized educational quality, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. This article examines the benefits and challenges of using web-based applications such as Kahoot, Quizizz, Google Apps, and Nearpod for assessments. These tools offer innovative alternatives to traditional methods by enabling dynamic evaluation of student progress, providing real-time feedback, and creating engaging learning experiences. However, challenges such as internet connectivity issues, technological proficiency gaps, and the need for adequate devices can hinder their effectiveness. This paper provides guidelines for optimizing digital assessments, including assessing students' proficiency levels, setting realistic deadlines, ensuring equitable access to technology, and selecting appropriate platforms. The methodology comprises a thorough review and analysis of existing literature on digital tools in EFL classrooms, emphasizing the benefits and challenges of web-based assessment applications. By following these guidelines, educators can design assessments that are valid, reliable, fair, and transparent, thus enhancing teaching strategies and student outcomes. The article also highlights the importance of understanding various assessment types—initial, formative, and summative—and tailoring digital tools to meet specific EFL education objectives. By leveraging digital technologies, educators can improve the assessment process, ultimately contributing to a more effective and successful teaching and learning experience.

Robotic technologies for in-orbit assembly of a large aperture space telescope: A review

Space telescopes have been instrumental in enlightening our understanding of the universe, from the iconic Hubble Space Telescope to specialized instruments like Chandra and Kepler. Pushing the frontiers of cosmic exploration, the future of space exploration hinges on modular Large Aperture Space Telescopes (LAST), much larger than the recently launched 6.5 m James Webb Space Telescope, necessitating robotic assembly in orbit. This paper introduces a paradigm shift in astronomical observation by featuring robotic in-orbit assembly of a large aperture space telescope. This review paper starts by tracing the evolution of telescopes and presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art space telescopes. This paper then reinforces the need for LAST to address the constant clamour for higher-resolution astronomy. While current semi-autonomous robotic manipulators operate from the International Space Station, their limited walking capabilities constrain their workspace, making them unsuitable for the LAST mission. This paper presents a detailed trade-off analysis of the challenges associated with the in-orbit assembly of LAST using candidate robots to understand the technological gaps. Further, the evolution of space robotic manipulators is presented, highlighting design features, advantages, and drawbacks for in-orbit spacecraft servicing and assembly missions. To tackle design and modelling challenges for robotic systems in space, amidst the various perturbations in the extreme space environment, linear and non-linear control systems necessary for achieving ultra-high precision performance are also discussed. This paper advances the walking space manipulator technology by introducing the next generation of walking space manipulators – the End-Over-End Walking Robot (E-Walker). The dexterous and modular design of the E-Walker makes it an ideal candidate for missions involving assembly, manufacturing, servicing, and maintenance.

Achieving the global net-zero maritime shipping goal: The urgencies, challenges, regulatory measures and strategic solutions

Maritime shipping emissions have been identified as a remaining issue and have been the key focus for a decade. This study systematically summarises the Imperatives, Challenges, Strategic Regulatory and R&D Measures based on our investigations and analysis. In addition to the strategies and measures we gathered and brought here for the goal of a clean maritime world, some tactical technology gaps were identified along with a breakthrough technology development idea to integrate marine vessel design and efficiency processes systematically.

Impact of cluster frontline demonstration on increasing productivity and profitability of pigeonpea in Bihar

The present investigation was conducted on cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD) on pigeonpea with improved pigeon pea varieties (Malviya Chamawtkar or MAL-13, LRG-41 and IPA-203) in Kharif season over three at 104 farmer’s field covering 40 ha rainfed/upland areas of 12 villages of Bhagalpur district to know the field gap, technology gap, extension gap, economic return, the extent of farmer’s satisfaction and constraints faced by the farmers, especially pigeon pea growers. Based on three years’ mean data the highest pigeon pea yield (16.98 q/ha) was received from the demonstration plot, which was 39.6% higher as compared to existing common farmers’ practice. Extension gap, technology gap, and technological index were found as 4.82 q/ha, 5.51 q/ha, and 23.8%, respectively. The highest net return (Rs. 80,292/ha) and B:C ratio (3.75) were also calculated in CFLD technology as compared to existing common farmers’ practices.

Impact of pulses on technological gap and socio-economic status of farmers in North Eastern India

The study was carried out to assess the performance of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) in terms of the Technological gap and Socioeconomic status of farmers in fieldpea crop in three states of North East i.e. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim conducted 1285 demonstrations in 465 ha area, 465 demonstrations in 270 ha area, and 126 demonstrations in 50 ha area, respectively in four years using improved production technology. The results revealed that the average yield of demonstration plots was highest in Arunachal Pradesh i.e 1,543 kg/ha during 2019-2020 as compared to farmers’ practices 1008 kg/ha with 53.07 percent increase in yield followed by Assam 1297 kg/ha during 2018-2019 compared to farmers’ practices (921 kg/ha). Results showed that net return in demonstration plots was Rs. 28,539/- per ha in Assam, Rs. 46,726/- per ha in Arunachal Pradesh, and Rs. 45,393/- per ha in Sikkim over farmer practices (Rs. 13,890, Rs. 24,108 and Rs. 24,056, respectively). The majority of farmers (62.66 percent) belong to medium level of knowledge in Assam and also it has adopted most of the improved technologies (53.02%), followed by Sikkim (48.99%) and Arunachal Pradesh (47.00%) which is highly encouraging and it is suggested to adopt these technologies for sustainable production of fieldpea in North East India.

Cluster Frontline Demonstration: An Effective Technology Dissemination Approach for Maximization of Productivity and Profitability of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a premier legume crop of Fabaceae family. It is also known as gram and Kabuli chana. It is one of the major rabi season pulse crop of the Ratlam district. The main objective of this study is the enhance production and productivity of chickpea through CFLDs with latest and specific technologies viz- large seeded high yielding varieties and resistance to fusarium wilt (RVG 202) chickpea variety under best package of practices. The major problem of ratlam district is productivity of chickpea is very low because of non-adoption of latest intervention by the farmer’s like use wilt resistant variety, imbalance use of plant nutrient, water stress at critical stage, infestation of weeds and incidence of pest. Methods: The present study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaora, Ratlam District (M.P) during rabi season. Total 110 demonstration in farmer’s field of ratlam district during two years i.e., from rabi, 2020-21, rabi 2021-22 on integrated crop management (ICM). Front line demonstration on chickpea were organized five cluster of ratlam district. The demonstration intervention technology is improved variety (RVG-202), Optimum seed rate 80 kg/ha, properly seed treatment, crop nutrient management RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages, weed management and application of IDM module for the management of disease. Result: The results of study show a positive impact onfarming community due to the significant enhancement in crop yield greater than farmer. Results of the study revealed that the interventions increase demonstration field seed yield of chickpea by 30.76 and 32.71% over the farmers' field respectively, both the years. The average intervention technology gap (3.04 q/ha) extension gap 4.08 q/ha) and Technology index 15.22% suggested further improvement in the extension activities. The annual average benefit: cost ratio was higher (2.43 and 2.52) of the demonstrated plot compare to farmers plot (1.95 and 1.97), respectively. The similar trend was observed in terms of gross and net income returns which was demonstration plot is Rs 94589 Rs 67385 and under farmer's plot it was Rs 72783 and Rs. 49283 respectively.

A footloose capital model of economic development

AbstractWe present a footloose capital model in a two‐country economy and the manufacturing and natural resource sectors with heterogeneous manufacturing firms to analyze the impacts of trade liberalization and technological progress on the net capital flows, net export, and social welfare. Our main analytical result is that a lagged country initially experiences capital outflow due to the high technological gap in the manufacturing sector with increasing returns to scale, then capital inflow due to the home market effect. This corresponds with the fact that China was a net importer of manufactured goods initially, and became a net exporter recently. These results are consistent with the data obtained after the reform and opening‐up policy in 1978.

Assessing energy efficiency, regional disparities in production technology, and factors influencing total factor energy productivity change in the agricultural sector of China

Efficiently utilizing the energy resources in the agriculture sector to produce more agricultural output with minimum environmental degradation is a shared global challenge. The Chinese government has introduced various policies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency (EE) and total factor energy productivity (TFEP) while addressing regional technological disparities in the agricultural sector. This study utilized DEA Super-SBM, Meta frontier Analysis, and the Malmquist–Luenberger index to assess energy efficiency, changes in total factor energy productivity, and the regional technology gap ratio (TGR) across 30 provinces in mainland China and three distinct regions during the period from 2000 to 2020. The findings reveal that the average EE in China's agricultural sector is 0.8492, indicating that, on average, there is a 15.08 % potential for improvement in EE growth within the sector. Qinghai (1.5828), Shanghai (1.3716), and Hainan (1.3582) are found to be the top 3 performers with the highest EE levels. The Eastern region demonstrates high excellence in EE, with a value of 1.0532. The TGR value of Zhejiang indicates the superior production technology utilized in the agriculture sector to utilize energy resources efficiently. Except for Zhejiang, the TGR of Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong, Ningxia, and Hainan is above 0.96 and near 1, indicating superior production technology in the agriculture sector of China. The Technology Gap Ratio (TGR) of China's eastern region is superior to that of the central and western regions, consistently approaching 1. This suggests that the eastern provinces possess more advanced agricultural technologies, allowing them to optimize resource utilization for maximum output. The Malmquist–Luenberger index (MLI) score of 1.103 indicates a 10.3 % growth in the total factor energy productivity of China's agricultural sector. Further analysis reveals that this growth is primarily driven by technological change (TC), with a TC value of 1.080 surpassing the efficiency change (EC) value of 1.028. Among the three agricultural regions, the eastern region exhibits the highest total factor energy productivity. Specifically, Zhejiang (1.23), Shanghai (1.197), Liaoning (1.184), and Hebei (1.147) are identified as the top performers in total factor energy productivity growth in China's agricultural sector. Additionally, the Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed statistically significant differences in EE and TGR among the three regions.

Achieving higher eco-efficiency for three staple food crops with ecosystem services based on regional heterogeneity in China

Farmland ecosystems can provide both economic products and ecosystem services that are important in maintaining food security and ecological safety. However, the ecological functions of farmland ecosystems have not been adequately evaluated in China, especially from the perspective of ecological efficiency for three staple food crops (wheat, maize and rice). Moreover, the contribution of ecosystem services value (ESV) to agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE), and the factors that influence AEE for the three staple food crops in different regions are still unclear. In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) was applied to calculate the AEE using group-frontier and meta-frontier methods based on regional heterogeneity. We measured AEE for wheat, maize and rice production with and without ESV and compared the gap between ecological inefficiency resulting from management inefficiency and technology gap inefficiency. The research results showed that, first, the involvement of ESV could effectively promote AEE. In particular, water conservation, soil conservation and the nutrient cycle contributed to the promotion of eco-efficiency. The mean ΔAEE (the difference in AEE with or without ESV) of wheat, maize and rice increased by 15 %, 10 % and 13 % with group-frontier and by 20 %, 10 % and 11 % with meta-frontier, respectively. Second, the improvement of AEE was higher in ecologically sensitive areas than that in other areas, especially for wheat and rice. Third, although the involvement of ESV reduced ecological inefficiency, specifically for management inefficiency, its contribution differed significantly across regions. We provide suggestions on improving AEE and reducing inter-regional differences in China. In brief, these findings suggest that, except for grain yields, ecosystem services need to be recognized in the production of three staple food crops, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. This is helpful for crop planning and planting division in terms of sustainable development.

Reviewing the Roles of AI-Integrated Technologies in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Research Propositions and a Framework for Future Directions

In the post-pandemic era, the uncertain global market and rising social-environmental issues drive organizations to adapt their supply chain strategies to more dynamic, flexible models, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, big data analytics, and decision support systems. This review paper aims to examine the current research on AI-integrated technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) to inform future research directions. We adopted bibliometric and text analysis, targeting 170 articles published between 2004 and 2023 from the Scopus database following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol. We confirm that AI-integrated technologies have demonstrated the capability to enable SSCM across various sectors. We generated ten future research topics using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method and proposed 20 propositions. The results show that AI-integrated technologies in supply chain processes primarily address sustainability, focusing on environmental and economic issues. However, there is still a technological gap in tackling social issues like working conditions and fair dealing. Thus, we proposed a dynamic framework of AI in SSCM to help researchers and practitioners synthesize AI-integrated technologies in SSCM and optimize their supply chain models in future directions.

Advancing Critical Thinking Abilities in Education: Crafting Technology-Infused Learning Models

The article explores the advancement of critical thinking abilities in education through the development of technology-infused learning models. In response to the evolving landscape of education, this study aims to enhance critical thinking skills by leveraging technology as an integral component of pedagogical approaches. The research employs a qualitative research design, utilizing interviews, document analysis, and case studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on critical thinking development. The participants include educators, students, and education technology experts, ensuring diverse perspectives in the analysis. The findings reveal that the integration of technology into learning models significantly contributes to the cultivation of critical thinking skills. Interactive simulations, collaborative online platforms, and personalized learning modules emerged as effective tools for fostering analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The study also underscores the importance of teacher training and support in effectively incorporating technology into the curriculum. Additionally, the research identifies potential challenges, such as access disparities and technological literacy gaps, which warrant attention for equitable implementation. The implications of this study extend to educational policymakers, institutions, and educators seeking to optimize technology's potential for enhancing critical thinking abilities. The crafted technology-infused learning models offer a pathway to align education with the demands of the digital era, empowering learners with the skills necessary for active and informed engagement in an ever-changing world.

Assessing the Performance of CFLD on Greengram in West Godavari District, India

The study aimed at assessing the performance of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on Greengram in terms of yield, extension gap, technological gap and economic gains during Kharif, 2022 with variety WGG-42 in 10 ha area and Rabi, 2022- 2023 with IPM 2-14 in 30 ha. The data revealed that demo plot varieties recorded higher yield i.e., 8.32 q/ha and 11.73 q/ha, which was 32.20 and 18.70% more compared to farmers practice 6.29 q/ha and 9.88 q/ha during kharif and rabi, respectively. Besides, higher net returns (Rs. 19,102, Rs. 41,906 per ha) and B:C ratio (1.62, 1.98) were also registered with demonstration plot compared to farmers practice (Rs.7,735, Rs. 29,680 per ha and 1.26,1.71) during Kharif and Rabi, respectively.

Assessment of cluster front line demonstration on yield and economics of summer sesame

Sesame is one of the most important oilseed crops which play a major role in increasing the income of small and marginal farmers of the Kutch region of Gujarat. To promote the improved cultivation technology of sesame with high yielding variety ‘GT4’ and ‘GJT5’, 123 cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted in 63.2 ha area during summer, at ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat during summer 2017 to 2020. The four years data revealed that the average yield increased to 16.34% over the existing practice due to adoption of improved practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 270.5 kg/ha, 121 kg/ha and 24.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the economics of the demonstrations and farmers practice showed an increased net return of ₹39,319/ha with benefit: cost ratio (BCR) of 2.47 in demonstrated plots over conventional plots where it was ₹30,700/ha and 2.19, respectively. By conducting front line demonstration of the proven technologies, yield potential of sesame crop could be enhanced to a greater extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.

Co-designing the integration of voice-based conversational AI and web augmentation to amplify web inclusivity

The Web has become an essential resource but is not yet accessible to everyone. Assistive technologies and innovative, intelligent frameworks, for example, those using conversational AI, help overcome some exclusions. However, some users still experience barriers. This paper shows how a human-centered approach can shed light on technology limitations and gaps. It reports on a three-step process (focus group, co-design, and preliminary validation) that we adopted to investigate how people with speech impairments, e.g., dysarthria, browse the Web and how barriers can be reduced. The methodology helped us identify challenges and create new solutions, i.e., patterns for Web browsing, by combining voice-based conversational AI, customized for impaired speech, with techniques for the visual augmentation of web pages. While current trends in AI research focus on more and more powerful large models, participants remarked how current conversational systems do not meet their needs, and how it is important to consider each one’s specificity for a technology to be called inclusive.

Multi-scale assessment of rainwater harvesting availability across the continental U.S.

Addressing resilience, sustainability, and water resource conservation has become increasingly important in the modern world. Challenges arise due to periodic droughts, climate change, and seasonal variability in areas with limited freshwater availability. Therefore, implementing and promoting water reuse is essential. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is one such alternative, offering benefits in conserving water resources and mitigating droughts while reducing urban flooding and costs by generating alternative lower-cost water sources. Providing users with knowledge of available volumes for harvesting, including homeowners and governmental entities, is key to encouraging this practice. Hydrological data and geographic information systems are fundamental for managing, designing, and projecting rainwater harvesting practices. However, no tools currently integrate this information at multiple scales with current and future climate scenarios. This research aimed to develop a multi-scale assessment tool named H2O HARVEST, for evaluating the availability and potential of rainwater harvesting. Additional benefits of the H2O HARVEST app include aiding decision-making by national governmental entities and analyzing potential future scenarios for homeowner users. The app also provides regulatory policy information at the state level. We offer an app with the necessary capabilities to bridge the technology gap and promote rainwater harvesting practices. Our research demonstrated that RWH has the potential to be a sustainable water reuse practice. For more than 50% of the states, the RWH could supply at least 50% of the water demand. The regions of the US with the greatest potential are the Central and East.

Factors Associated with Device, Internet and Videoconferencing Use Amongst Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Videoconferencing (VC) has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who require intensive and ongoing rehabilitation post-injury. Gaps in information and communication technology (ICT) use, access, and skills, however, may undermine equitable participation in remotely delivered healthcare and rehabilitation. This cross-sectional study sought to identify which demographic, injury-related, and psychological factors are associated with gaps in digital inclusion amongst individuals with a TBI. Between March 2020 and December 2023, 186 adults with a moderate-to-severe TBI who were aged 18-65 years and were within five years post-injury completed a range of self-report measures. The results demonstrated that most individuals with a moderate-to-severe TBI reported high levels of technology skills and access and used the internet from multiple devices daily. While injury severity was unrelated to technology use, this finding may reflect an overestimation of technology use amongst individuals with the most severe injuries, who were excluded from the study. Several demographic and psychological factors were found to predict VC readiness and are presented within a model to guide clinicians considering client suitability for VC rehabilitation. The current findings indicate that the use of VC in clinical settings following a moderate-to-severe TBI is feasible and suggest that individuals with a TBI may benefit from the greater provision of remotely delivered healthcare than is currently offered.

Business robot farm management in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The growing demand for innovative IT solutions allowed the existing industries to develop and enabled the emergence of new ones, which filled the existing technological gaps. Among them, we could observe a dynamic growth of the robotic process automation sector. Business robots are designed to automate the organization’s business processes by imitating real users performing their daily duties, which are based on structured, repetitive procedures, increasing the operational efficiency of the organization while reducing the impact of the human factor. With the advent of this solution, there were also issues regarding the management model of the RPA robot farm. The results presented in this article are based on the results obtained from a case study on an organization operating in the IT consulting sector. This article addresses critical challenges in managing a robotic process automation infrastructure, focusing on financial optimization, knowledge management, benefits evaluation, and security enhancement. Through the case study it investigates strategies for realizing cost efficiencies, ensuring robust knowledge resources, evaluating implementation benefits, and fortifying security measures within RPA environments, offering valuable insights for organizations navigating the complexities of RPA deployment and management.

The impact of environmental regulation on green TFP：A quasi-natural experiment based on China's carbon emissions trading pilot policy

The carbon emissions trading pilot policy in China serves as a crucial market-oriented regulation tool to achieve green development. This study explores the impact of this policy on Chinese green TFP (GTFP). We utilize the provincial panel data from 2000 to 2017 and employ the GNDDF-Luenberger model to characterize GTFP. The results show that the carbon emissions trading pilot policy significantly improves GTFP. The effects are more pronounced in regions with more foreign direct investment, smaller technological gaps and higher levels of marketization. The carbon emissions trading pilot policy improves GTFP by promoting practical innovation. Furthermore, the promotion of GTFP through the carbon emissions trading pilot policy primarily relies on the enhancement of technological efficiency, rather than technological improvement. Our study provides policy implications for establishing an effective carbon emissions trading market in China.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in High School Mathematics Teaching

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in education. This paper examines the use of AI in teaching mathematics to high school students, highlighting specific applications, benefits, challenges, and recent studies demonstrating its effectiveness. Personalization of learning, increased student engagement, and improved assessment are some of the benefits observed, while technology gaps and data privacy emerge as significant challenges.