High-level Technology Research Articles

Estimating Technical Efficiency and its Determinants in the Coconut Plantations: The Case of Kurunegala Plantations Limited, Sri Lanka

This study estimated the Technical Efficiency (TE) of coconut production in Sri Lanka using the stochastic frontier production function procedure. Data on inputs and coconut production recorded by Kurunegala Plantations Limited from 2000 – 2018 were used for the analysis. The stochastic production frontier in Cobb-Douglas form and the inefficiency model were estimated by single-step Maximum Likelihood method using STATA 14 computer software package treating coconut yield as the dependent variable and fertilizer, rainfall, labor, chemicals, tractor hours, mulching harrowing/plowing, agro-ecological zones, education level of the managers and bearing coconut extent as independent variables. Results revealed that TE of coconut production ranged from 81-98%, with an average of 88%, indicating that there is scope for increasing the production by as much as 12% without increasing inputs and simply using a higher technology level. The outcome of the analysis shows that inorganic fertilizer, rainfall, labor, tractor hours, and mulching are kind positive and significant. In contrast, agro-chemicals such as weedicides, fungicides and pesticides and plowing/harrowing did not show a significant contribution to coconut production. In respect of the farm and farmer-specific characteristics, the size of the estate has a positive relationship with technical inefficiency, meaning that smaller estates are more efficient than larger estates. It also shows that the agro-ecological zones and educational level have no significant effect on the efficiency of coconut production. The results highlight the need for government and private sector assistance in improving the efficiency of smallholders and promoting access to productive inputs.

Examining the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between information and communication technologies and sustainable performance

PurposeInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) enable firms to improve their processes to remain competitive and profitable in today’s market. These demands not only value economic results but also social impact and environmental care. In other words, firms must achieve sustainable performance. However, to take on these new sustainability challenges, firms must have dynamic capabilities to take advantage of highly changing technology. Thus, this study aims to examine the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between ICT and sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study was empirical, associative and explanatory, following a latent variable design. The sample of the study consisted of partners, founders, executives and promoters from 102 Colombian new technology-based firms selected through purposive non-probabilistic sampling. Variance-based structural equation modeling or partial least squares was used for the statistical data analysis.FindingsA higher-order model was tested, corroborating that ICT was composed of two dimensions (use and acquisition), dynamic capabilities were composed of three dimensions (absorption, innovation and adaptation), while sustainable performance showed a unidimensional structure. As for the research hypotheses, all the direct effects were supported, as well as the mediating effect of dynamic capability in the relationship between ICT and sustainable performance, this being a complementary mediation.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of dynamic capabilities for firms today, especially those working with high levels of technology. Also, considering the results obtained, firms must implement better strategies in the acquisition and use of technology to improve their sustainable performance in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Pollution halo or pollution haven? A CGE appraisal for Iran

The present study aimed to assess the environmental effects of FDI considering the pollution haven and halo hypotheses. The originality of this article lies in the fact that FDI modeling was done using environmental CGE models, including the modeling of scale, composition, and technique effects of FDI. We execute four scenarios that allow us to consider the impacts of FDI inflow. The results of the first and second scenarios (50% and 100% shock to FDI, respectively) revealed that CO2 emissions increased; however, the increase was more intense in the second scenario. A comparison of these two scenarios indicated that higher FDI leads to higher pollution. In addition, the scale and composition effects were positive, and the technique effect was negative in both scenarios. Nonetheless, the pollution haven hypothesis was confirmed. The third and fourth scenarios (100% shock to FDI with 2.5% and 5% energy efficiency improvement) showed that CO2 emissions increased at a slower rate compared with the first and second scenarios. Moreover, the scale and composition effects were positive, while the technique effect was negative. The comparison of the third and fourth scenarios revealed that higher energy efficiency growth led to decreased CO2 emissions; also, the technique effect became more negative, the scale effect became more positive, and the composition effect decreased. Overall, provided that FDI was accompanied by improvement of energy efficiency, carbon intensity decreased in a way that might lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions. We found that if energy efficiency improvement reached more than 10%, pollution resulting from FDI became negative, and the technique and composition effects nullified the scale effect. Therefore, the pollution halo hypothesis was confirmed. Based on these results, it is recommended that policymakers seek energy-efficient investment with high technology levels to improve the environmental quality and lower the use of polluting energy inputs such as gas.

Determining the perceptions of pre-service teachers on technology-based learning during the Covid-19 process: a latent class analysis approach.

In the study, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine the unobserved structures and the subpopulations of pre-service teachers’ technology-based learning behaviours. According to LCA results, three latent classes were obtained. These classes are labelled as Class-1: “High-Level Technology Perception”, Class-2: “Low-Level Technology Perception”, Class-3: “Intermediate-Level Technology Perception”. When Class-1(Reference Group) and Class-2 were compared, it was observed that the covariates of “gender” and “the Covid-19 pandemic affecting learning motivation” did not have a significant effect on Class-2. It has been determined that pre-service teachers who are older, studying in the 4th grade, using the Internet for more than 8 h a day, have advanced computer skills and have advanced technology-based learning experience are less likely to be in Class-2. In addition, in the study, while self-directed learning with technology was associated with pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards online teaching in the Covid-19 period and class membership, the fear of Covid-19 was not associated with latent class membership.

Shaping of metal–organic frameworks through a calcium alginate method towards ethylene/ethane separation

The separation of ethylene and ethane is a crucial, challenging and cost-intensive process in chemical engineering. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of novel porous adsorbents used for the separation of ethylene/ethane mixtures. However, MOFs are normally crystalline powders that cause multiple problems, such as dust, abrasion and heat/mass loss, as well as significant pressure drops on the adsorption bed resulting in a sudden stop in production. To solve these issues, we have prepared four different sphere-shaped adsorbents, including Mg-gallate, Co-gallate, MUV-10(Mn) and MIL-53(Al) using a calcium alginate method to achieve excellent ethylene/ethane separation performance. The performance of the sphere-shaped adsorbents has been validated using mechanical strength measurements, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, gas adsorption isotherms and dynamic breakthrough experiments. The excellent mechanical strength of these sphere-shaped adsorbents meets the criteria for industrial application in gas separation. Thus, the energy consumption and operating cost will be further reduced in the ethylene production process. We believe that this shaping method will open a prosperous route to the development of MOFs toward higher technology levels and their commercial application.

Multi bin energy-sensitive micro-CT using large area photon-counting detectors Timepix

X-ray micro-CT has become a popular and widely used tool for the purposes of scientific research. Although the current state-of-the-art micro-CT is on a high technology level, it still has some known limitations. One of the relevant issues is an inability to clearly identify and quantify specific materials. The mentioned drawback can be solved by the energy-sensitive CT approach. Dual-energy CT, which is already frequently used in human medicine, offers the identification of two different materials; for example, it differentiates an intravenous contrast agent from bone or it can indicate the composition of urinary stones. Resolving a larger number of material components within a single object is beyond the capabilities of dual-energy CT. Such an approach requires a higher number of measurements using different photon energies. A possible solution for multi bin, or so-called spectral CT, is the application of photon-counting detectors. Photon counting technology offers an integrated circuitry capable of resolving the energy of incoming photons in each pixel. Therefore, it is possible to collect data in user-defined energy windows. This contribution evaluates the applicability of the large-area photon-counting detector Timepix for multi bin energy-sensitive micro-CT. It presents an experimental phantom study focused on the simultaneous K-edge-based identification and quantification of multiple contrast agents within a single object. The paper describes the collection of multiple energy bins using the Timepix detector operated in the photon counting mode, explains the data processing, and demonstrates the results obtained from an in-house implemented basis material decomposition algorithm.

Proizvodnja i sortiment jabuke u Srbiji

Apple is a temperate fruit from the Rosacea family. It is of great importance in fruit growing in the world, considering that it is the second fruit tree in terms of volume of production. In developed countries, apple production is at a high technological level, so the volume of production does not change or even increases, regardless of the reduction of the area under this fruit species. Intensifi cation of production is achieved primarily by increasing the number of trees per unit area and, accordingly, by reducing the dimensions of the crown. With the introduction of low-growing rootstocks and small-sized cultivation forms, apple production experienced a major transformation in the world, but also in Serbia. The volume of production and the area under apples in Serbia are constantly increasing. One of the reasons is the good agro-ecological conditions that prevail in Serbia, as well as the apple's adaptability, especially its relative resistance to low temperatures and spring frosts. Planting material for high-intensity apple plantations includes seedlings with premature twigs, so-called "Knip" seedlings, which produce the fi rst crop already in the year of planting, and can produce a full crop in the fourth year. In order to make the most of the potential of these seedlings, and to secure investments, the standard technology of raising seedlings implies the use of anti-hail nets and irrigation systems from the moment of planting. Also, care is taken of proper soil maintenance, fertilization, and quality and regular fertility are ensured by the use of bioregulators. Today, the leading apple varieties in Serbia are the same as in the leading apple-producing countries, while the M 9 substrate is almost the only one used in modern dense plantings. The apple is currently the leading fruit species in Serbia for the production of fresh fruit, and this position will not change for a long time.

ЕЛЕКТРОННЕ АДМІНІСТРУВАННЯ ПОДАТКІВ ЯК ЗАСІБ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ЇХ СПЛАТИ

The purpose of the article is to present the results of the study of organizational principles of e-administration as an element of the tax administration system. The budget deficit against the background of the crisis in the economy determines the need for active search for tools to increase budget revenues. One of them is tax administration. The article shows how a high level of information technology allows the tax service to solve the problem of justification of VAT refunds from the budget by switching to electronic administration of tax invoices and VAT returns. The main goals of the electronic reform of VAT collection in Ukraine are to restore justice in the tax process: elimination of fictitious suppliers, destruction of "tax pits", "scrolls", conversion centres, "optimizers", combating tax evasion by improving administration, eliminating corruption, elimination of administrative pres-sure from tax authorities, simplification of administration and payment of VAT, etc. It is proved that digital transformations in taxation first stimulate transparency of taxation procedures. It is determined that the efforts of digital transformation lead to tangible results – there is an increase in tax revenues. The natural result of increasing the level of digital maturity is the trans-formation of tax authorities and businesses into an adaptive digital platform. This will minimize the administrative burden: for conscientious taxpayers, tax obligations will be met as part of their business processes, and control and supervision activities will focus only on potential violators or those outside the platform. The system of VAT administration has been studied directly: automatic accounting of VAT paid by taxpayers, automatic free opening of accounts for taxpayers in the bank, compilation of all tax invoices is done electronically, as well as their registration in a single electronic register of tax invoices. The main problems of the organization of the tax administration system in Ukraine are pointed out and the ways to increase its efficiency are outlined.

Identifying the factors that affect the willingness of pig farmers to participate in the electronic prescription system.

Electronic data collection systems are being developed in countries around the world to monitor antimicrobial use at farm level. We conducted a questionnaire survey that is destined for pig farmers who are then able to communicate what factors influence their willingness to participate in an electronic prescription system. A principal component analysis was performed on the variables that were associated with the willingness to participate in the system. Using the principal components obtained from the principal component analysis and the attributes of the farmers as explanatory variables, we performed a logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that farmers with a high level of information technology (IT) literacy and a certain degree of active business management and farmers who are not currently familiar with business management practices but who are willing to use data were more willing to participate in the electronic prescription system than those who do not have a high level of IT literacy and/or who are not willing to use data for business management. Contrarily, farmers’ intention to manage drug usage does not contribute to the willingness to participate in the system. These results show that the farmers’ understanding of the benefits and ease of participation in the electronic prescription system is important for establishing the system, thus promoting the convenience of the system is the most effective way to gain cooperation of farmers when establishing the system.

Yükseköğretimde Teknoloji Entegrasyonu: Öğretim Elemanlarının Durumları

Since the use of technology in education is considered critical in terms of both teaching and learning, technology integration into instructional methods and teaching environments is a must. This requirement is indispensable for the education organizations at all levels of education, including higher education organizations. The use of instructional technology not only increases the success of the students but also offers many advantages to the academic staff. To benefit from technology for educational purposes, the staff must first adopt the technology and use it to support their teaching and then restructure their teaching experience with technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the issues in technology integration of academic staff at a Turkish university located in Central Anatolia. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used in this study designed as a correlational survey research. The results showed that the techno-pedagogical competence of academic staff was almost at the advanced level. Moreover, the staff had high level of information and communication technologies (ICT) acceptance so they used technology in their teaching quite often. The participants reported that they used technology during the presentation of slides, and listed their major problems as insufficient infrastructure, limited ICT skills, inadequate technical support, and student- and software- related problems. The findings indicated that it was the daily life experiences of the academic staff rather than the in-service trainings that enhanced their technological and pedagogical skills.

Micro-structural and micro-chemical investigation of Samnite high-tin bronze cuirass discs: ancient metallurgy in central Italy

In the present study, micro-structural and micro-chemical investigation of archaeological bronze artefacts provided new insight about the metallurgical manufacture of defensive weapons by the Samnite’s metalsmiths in central Italy from the archaic necropolis of Barrea (AQ) and Torrebruna (CH). In particular, the metallurgical features, the chemical composition and the manufacturing process of Cu-based high-tin alloys used to produce cuirass discs were investigated. These artifacts were used to protect the warrior’s heart (i.e. the kardiophylaches) but were also and more importantly a distinctive sign of rank and role of warriors of the archaic age (VI BC). The Samnite cuirass discs are multi-material artifacts made of a decorated bronze central part with a complex metallurgical structure, due to the presence of different Cu-Sn phases, and a surrounding iron cladding to support the disk. These discs were studied by different surface and bulk techniques, namely Optical Microscopy (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (FE-SEM-EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The combined use of these techniques proved the high technological level of the Samnite metallurgists. In fact, their particular composition, having an uncommon high content of tin, made their manufacturing process difficult because of the intrinsic brittleness of the alloy. This work disclose the ability of Samnites people to successfully manipulate fragile high tin bronze alloys by inducing temporary phase changes and, thus, facilitating the mechanical shaping of the artifact.

Path analysis for carbon transfers embodied in China's international trade and policy implications for mitigation targets

International trade has shifted part of the responsibility for carbon mitigation from consumers to producers, therefore quantifying mitigation targets and allocating responsibilities have become the focus of research. This study quantified carbon transfers between mainland China and its trade partners from a consumption perspective, and identified the transfer paths from initial production to final production and then consumption. We projected China's allowed carbon increment before peak carbon, and recommend policy measures based on different national technological levels. Given China's 1.25 Gt net exports of carbon, the country's share of the allowed carbon increment before peak carbon would increase from 30% to 51% in 2015 before 2030. The net carbon transfer paths from China driven by consumption by its trading partners accounted for 87% of the total number of paths, with paths to the United States and Hong Kong for exports of both primary and final products being the most prominent. On the other hand, the net carbon import transfer paths driven by China's consumption were dominated by imports of primary products from South Korea and Russia. In comparison with the production country, a country that drives net carbon transfers and has a higher technological level should strengthen its industrial and consumption structures and reduce emission through technical assistance to countries with a lower technological level; the latter should improve production efficiency to reduce imported demand and mitigate the emission. Our study provides a methodological framework and theoretical guidance for a more scientific and equitable allocation of carbon mitigation responsibilities.

Characteristics of the Finnish education system: impact on social life

In this article, the authors highlight the achievements of the Finnish education system, the most successful at the moment, in all countries of the world. The practical significance of the research for the institutions responsible for education in the Republic of Moldova and Israel, about the activity the authors are informed, is significant. In both states we have fundamental problems with reforming the education system, developing and implementing new curricula. The authors emerge from the thesis about applying the principle of learning continuity, complete assimilation of information about the researched fields. Initially, this principle was realized in Finland. In conclusion, the authors mention: the country with a high level of economic development, with an economy open to inclusion, is distinguished by a level of education, a higher technological level. In such a country, the population benefits from advanced infrastructures, a diversity of quality services, long life, and a low birth rate.

Energy and Water Related Parameters in Tomato and Cucumber Greenhouse Crops in Semiarid Mediterranean Regions. A Review, Part I: Increasing Energy Efficiency

Countries located in the Mediterranean region share many common features in terms of agricultural sustainability and economic realities of modern farming, as they are affected by water scarcity, energy use and climate suitability. Greenhouses are considered as a mitigation measure to combat climate change and as a sustainable production system. The majority of greenhouses in the Mediterranean region are rudimentary, while those in Central and North Europe are characterized by equipment of a high technological level for greenhouse climate and fertigation management. However, the technological innovations and research originating from Central and North Europe glasshouses may not be appropriate for use in Mediterranean plastic greenhouses when considering the trade-off between agronomic needs and potential energy savings. Identifying energy measures suitable for the local climate will improve energy efficiency and crop performance toward the goal of greenhouse sustainability. This review mainly focuses on renewable and energy-efficient control systems in Mediterranean greenhouses, where crops such as tomato and cucumber are widely grown.

The influence of edaphic factors on the vital state of large-flowered magnolia (<i>Magnolia grandiflora</i> L.). in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens

The most widespread magnolia on the Southern coast of the Crimea and, in particular, in the Arboretum of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens is the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora L., introduced in 1817. Currently, 28 generative specimens of Magnolia grandiflora of different ages grow in the Arboretum, including garden forms with different vital state. There are very few data on the relation of this species to soil conditions. For this reason, we have studied the influence of edaphic factors on the vital state of Magnolia grandiflora growing in the Arboretum of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens. A number of limiting edaphic factors have been identified, the main of which is the high skeletal structure of the soil. The humus reserves in the soil have a positive effect on the vital state of trees. A high level of agricultural technology is the main method of improving the vital state of Magnolia grandiflora .

The impact of cybercrime on the digital economy

Keywords: human capital, remote work, cybersecurity, hybrid workforce, digitaleconomics
 The article considersfactors of cyber hazards for the world economic system that appeared during the pandemicCOVID-19, as well as transition of the economy to the «new normal», in the contextof digitalization in the following aspects: digitalization and new working conditions,use of hybrid work, biological pandemic and cyber-pandemic and their influence onchanges in the economy, factors of cyber threats to business. It is highlighted that thepandemic and the abrupt transition to the use of remote forms of work have become extraordinaryevents in the world over the past two years. The objective precondition forsuch a change in the socio-economic and military features was the reorientation of theworld's leading economies (primarily the United States and China) to the powerful digitalizationof all spheres of human life and, above all, the creation of new technologies. Itis noted that China invests more than other countries (including the United States) inadvanced technology and training of highly qualified specialists, especially with a doctordegree that requires a high level of digital technology and appropriate literacy, and provideseffective adaptation to any working conditions including hybrid.The emergence of a hybrid working ecosystem and hybrid workforce is analysed, aswell as their advantages and disadvantages are substantiated. It is noted that the digitaleconomy has several new aspects compared to the traditional one. The emergence of hybridwork, the corresponding changes in the emergence of hybrid workforce and in the organizationof production management are the most dynamic components of change.However, even faster changes are taking place in the security of business, more precisely— in the growth of its vulnerability due to the rapid development of cyber threats inthe digital environment, which the economy has only begun to actively master, but hasnot yet created the necessary system of self-defence. Remote form of work has given riseto new forms of business — the creation and use of cyber threats. The emergence of acyber-pandemic as a result of rapid digitization due to the COVID-19 pandemic and thetransition of labour to remote form is analysed. The most important factors of cybersecurityfor the successful operation of companies are highlighted.

Adaptation And Resilience From A Maintenance Perspective For Swing Bridge. Lessons Learned In Recent Retrofitting Project Experiences

This paper collects all the existing swing bridges around the world to emphasize the high-level technology performed in the earliest 20th century and analyzes the recent experience in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of a singular swing steel bridge.The bridge over the Asón estuary at Treto, in the North of Spain, showed significant problems and the structural condition level was critical previously to its intervention in 2015. The rehabilitation project including the restoration of the structural and functional safety level of the structure was deled after material studies and tests were performed. The new updated of the structure from the old nineteenth centuries to the new standard codes was also performed. A part from the historical value of the bridges and the "green" and safe-security aspects, the intervention took into account all the social requirements of the population in the area who recovered the pride in this emblematic and centenarian infrastructure and it is, itself, a successful intervention from the resilient point of view.

Energy Efficiency in the Industry 4.0 Era: Attributes of Teal Organisations

The rapid development of innovations in the industry 4.0 era led to new or evolved companies. At the same time, the accepted concept of carbon-free development requires building a new philosophy for the company’s management. The paper aims to analyse the key attributes of teal organisations (as a new type of a company) from the energy sector (as a core sector for carbon-free transformation). The paper summarises the core features of teal organisations and their attributes. In the paper, three hypotheses are tested: innovations and technologies are the most used attributes among teal organisations from the energy sector; organisational and corporate culture are the least used attributes among teal organisations from the energy sector; in the energy sector, the companies that have the attributes of teal organisations primarily work in countries with a high level of innovation and information technologies (as a core indicator of Industry 4.0) and economic development. For testing the hypotheses, the following methods are applied: a Friedman test, a paired-samples t-test, the principal components analysis, a correlation analysis, an ANOVA test (analysis of variance), and a regression analysis. The online survey generates the data for analysis. The object of the research is the workers from the energy sector companies from five countries (Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, Slovakia, and Romania). The findings of the statistical analysis confirm the first and second hypotheses. Companies in the energy sector mostly use innovations and technologies as the attributes of teal organisations. The regression analysis results show that an increase of 1% of patent applications leads to an increased energy efficiency of 1.29%. Additionally, the implemented features of teal organisations in the energy sector allow for improving the country’s energy efficiency, which, as a consequence, then boosts carbon-free development.

Clinical and radiological variants of lung damage in the infection caused by staphylococcus aureus

Despite the high level of modern technologies in the field of laboratory methods and imaging of the respiratory system, the problem of early and accurate differential diagnosis of inflammatory lung diseases remains important in practical medicine. It leads to improved treatment results and a reduction in the number of complications (pleural empyema, fistulas, mediastinitis, sepsis, etc.), and in some cases allows suspecting the presence of a primary purulent source in the body, such as that in the case of septic pulmonary embolism. The review covers the Staphylococcus aureus specifics as a pathogen of lung diseases, relevant epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and imaging diagnostics of various types of inflammatory changes in the lungs with a focus on destruction.

What is the role of telecommunications infrastructure construction in green technology innovation? A firm-level analysis for China

Telecommunications infrastructure can lead to network spillovers and has the advantages of breaking spatial barriers, reducing transaction costs, and fostering business model innovation. In this way, it can promote the proliferation and progress of green technology and may impact green technology innovation. This paper studies the impact of telecommunications infrastructure on green technology innovation, identifies its mechanism, and analyzes the scale, structure, and heterogeneity of its effects. This research treats the Broadband China pilot policy as a quasinatural experiment in telecommunications infrastructure and uses firm- and city-level data from 2008 to 2018 to conduct a difference-in-difference (DID) model analysis. The study finds that telecommunications infrastructure promotes green technology innovation. However, telecommunications infrastructure has a more significant impact in promoting low- rather than high-quality green technology innovation. Additionally, the results of the mediating effect analysis show that telecommunications infrastructure stimulates corporate green technology innovation by improving the level of informatization, increasing media attention and improving corporate governance. It is noteworthy that, when heterogeneity in enterprise ownership, financing constraints, and technology level is considered, non-state-owned enterprises and enterprises with low financing constraints and a high technology level are found to be more clearly affected by telecommunications infrastructure.