Impact Of Technology Research Articles

National Organ Procurement and Transplant Network Heart Allocation Policy: 6 Years Later.

In 2014, the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network began reappraisal of the United States heart transplant allocation policy. Driven by ongoing discordance between organ supply and demand, high waitlist mortality, and increasing exception requests, the Thoracic Committee radically redesigned the priority scheme and drafted a 6-tiered algorithm, included durable device complications into policy, expanded broader sharing, and increased the number of mandatory listing variables to develop a future heart allocation score. This became the 2018 New Heart Allocation Policy. Changes in allocation priority have resulted in a significant increase in the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support in waitlisted candidates with a concomitant decrease in the number of patients bridged to transplanted with durable left ventricular assist device support. The number of exception requests continues to increase, particularly for patients listed status 2 and for multiorgan transplants. Importantly, fewer patients are being delisted for clinical improvement, suggesting missed opportunities for recovery. The current review will critically evaluate the 2018 heart allocation policy 6 years later, briefly focusing on the history of heart allocation in the United States, the current and evolving algorithms for candidate prioritization including continuous distribution, the impact of technology and innovation on transplant rates and future policy development, and the ongoing regulatory oversight and governance changes in the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network.

The impact of microwave technology on fruit drying processes in food industry: a bibliometric and comprehensive review (2018–2024)

The impact of microwave technology on fruit drying processes in food industry: a bibliometric and comprehensive review (2018–2024)

Anti-doping rules violations in modern Olympic games.

Doping persists as a significant challenge in Olympic sports despite stringent anti-doping measures. This study investigates doping prevalence, including total cases, commonly affected sports, frequently used substances, and most implicated countries, in the Summer and Winter Olympics from 1968 to 2022. This study aims to analyze doping trends across the Olympic Games from 1968 to 2022, identify patterns in doping violations, and assess the impact of anti-doping policies and detection advancements on reducing doping prevalence. A retrospective analysis of anti-doping rules violations (ADRVs) was conducted using publicly available data from the International Olympic Committee and the International Testing Agency. Data from the Summer and Winter Olympics, including the number of doping tests conducted, ADRVs recorded, and re-analysis outcomes, were examined. A focus was placed on key doping incidents from 2004 to 2012, the sports most affected, and the countries involved. The study also reviewed literature on the impact of anti-doping technologies, such as the athlete biological passport. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify doping trends, highlighting the number of tests, ADRVs, and revoked medals over time. Comparative analyses assessed the differences in doping prevalence across sports, countries, and time periods. From 1968 to 2020, the number of tests conducted at the Summer Olympics increased from 667 to 5,033, with 250 confirmed doping cases and 143 medals revoked due to ADRVs. In the Winter Olympics, testing increased from 86 tests in 1968 to 3,166 in 2022, with 52 confirmed doping cases and 14 medals revoked. Weightlifting and athletics were the most affected in the Summer Games, while cross-country skiing led in the Winter Games. Russia was the most implicated country, particularly during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The introduction of retrospective testing identified a significant portion of violations, with 73 out of 82 cases in 2012 London discovered post-games. Doping trends reveal the ongoing challenge of maintaining clean competition despite increased testing and policy enforcement. Retrospective testing has been critical in uncovering violations, underscoring the limitations of real-time detection. Continued investment in advanced detection methods, international collaboration, and enhanced education are essential to mitigating doping and preserving the integrity of the Olympic Games.

Enhancing monitoring and evaluation of digital health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: big data, mHealth, and dashboards.

Digital health interventions based on digital and mobile technologies are essential for advancing healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. However, challenges with their effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) continue to impact their scalability and sustainability. Here we propose a set of innovative strategies to strengthen M&E frameworks, including integrating big data analytics and artificial intelligence for real-time impact assessment, leveraging mHealth platforms for enhanced data collection and stakeholder engagement, and developing interactive digital dashboards for transparent decision-making. These strategies aim to optimise digital health interventions implementation and evaluation, addressing critical healthcare access and outcome challenges exacerbated by a shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. By enhancing M&E capabilities, these approaches maximise the impact of digital health technologies in improving public health across sub-Saharan Africa.

Advanced manufacturing technologies, strategic agility, business network and sustained competitive performance: an empirical evidence from an emerging economy

With the current business climate and changing market demands, competition is intense in the manufacturing industries, and firms face several challenges, particularly those in emerging economies. Based on this, it is necessary to integrate digital technologies and strategies to boost organizational efficiency and achieve a sustained competitive advantage. This study investigates the impact of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) on sustained competitive performance. In addition, the study examines the role of strategic agility (SA) in complementing AMT to improve sustained competitive performance. Four hundred and three valid survey data collected from senior managers of manufacturing firms across different industries that have integrated digital technologies in Turkey were utilized to examine the relationships. The result unveiled that AMT positively impacts sustained competitive advantage and SA. Strategic agility has a positive effect on sustained competitive advantage. Strategic agility mediates the influence of advanced digital manufacturing technologies on sustained competitive advantage. Business network moderates both AMT’s direct and indirect impacts on sustained competitive advantage and the indirect effect through strategic agility, such that the relationships are stronger for firms who extensively utilize their business network. Therefore, the AMT and SA improve production efficiency from an emerging economy perspective and, in turn, improve sustained competitive advantage. The buffering role of the business network was also demonstrated. The findings are helpful as they open the black box on how and under what conditions the relationships are more or less effective, as mentioned above. Crucial new and valuable insights are given to practitioners, particularly those in emerging economies, on using digital technologies to build sustained competitive advantage.

Public participation GIS scenarios for decision-making on land-use requirements for renewable energy systems

BackgroundThe transition to renewable energy is crucial for decarbonising the energy system but creates land-use competition. Whilst there is consensus on the need for local responsibility in achieving climate neutrality, debates continue over where to implement renewable energy plants. The Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) scenario approach can facilitate these debates and improve equity and procedural and distributive justice.ResultsThe findings highlight the effectiveness of the PPGIS method in assessing the spatial impact of technologies on agriculture and landscapes. The approach was tested in a rural German municipality to help stakeholders and citizens recognise the potential for land-based solar energy even under strict constraints. These insights were shared to support decision-makers on land-use changes to increase renewable energy production.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that the PPGIS scenario approach is valuable for improving equity and mutual understanding in local decision-making processes. Incorporating stakeholders’ and citizens’ perspectives into renewable energy planning enhances the transparency, legitimacy, and acceptability of land-use decisions. The ability to visualise and quantitatively assess different scenarios makes PPGIS particularly useful for addressing the complexities of public debates on land-use requirements for renewable energy systems.

Analysis of Distance Learning Technology Impact on Accessibility and Educational Effectiveness

Analysis of Distance Learning Technology Impact on Accessibility and Educational Effectiveness

Assessing the Impact of New Agricultural Technologies on Food Safety in Sub‐Saharan Africa

ABSTRACTThe agricultural sector has been focused on meeting the nutritional needs of the growing world population, but it faces numerous challenges including increased climate change, urbanisation, and environmental degradation. Innovative technologies used in the agricultural sector to meet these needs include genetically modified organisms, nanotechnology, and vertical farming. However, there are concerns surrounding these new technologies, such as their effects on the environment and health of the populace. African countries cultivating genetically modified crops have implemented regulatory frameworks and risk assessments to address these concerns. Nanotechnology raises concerns about the migration of nanoparticles into food, necessitating the development of specific regulations. Aquaculture carries risks of pathogenic microorganisms and antimicrobial residues. This article discusses the effect of these emerging technologies on food safety in Sub‐Saharan Africa and emphasises the need to address the challenges faced with managing these technologies and opportunities to address the risks associated with them.

Integration of Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era: Pathways and Challenges

Abstract In response to the impact of digital technology, an in-depth discussion on how vocational education and lifelong learning can achieve integrated development in the digital age was held at the parallel session on “Integrating Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning” on November 22, 2024, during the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference. The session brought together nearly 200 experts and scholars from the global education and business sectors for keynote speeches and open discussions, sharing insights and practical experience from various countries on this topic. The participating experts exchanged views on the experience, challenges, and future development pathways of vocational education and lifelong learning in the digital age, providing valuable references for fostering organic integration.

Ecological-linked technology, institutional quality and environmental sustainability: Evidence from E7 economies

The COP-27 meeting held in Egypt in November 2022 aimed to build on past successes and set the foundation for future objectives in the fight against global warming. Achieving ecological responsibility remains a significant challenge, particularly in light of the Post-Glasgow Agreement goals, necessitating increased pressure on participating nations to act. Despite its importance, previous literature has inadequately explored the factors that effectively reduce carbon emissions in E7 economies. This study addresses this research gap by forecasting the impact of green environmental technology, technological innovation, renewable energy adoption, structural changes (measured by the contribution of services to GDP), and institutional quality (IQ) on carbon emissions in E7 economies. Using the advanced Method-of-Moments Quantile procedure on data from 2000 to 2020, the study finds that environmental technology significantly reduces carbon emissions, while technological innovation increases emissions within the bloc. Additionally, IQ, structural changes, and renewable energy adoption exhibit a significant inverse relationship with pollution levels. These findings underscore the importance of policies that restore and promote environmental technology while simultaneously fostering technical advancements. Such strategies are essential for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

The Impact of a New Workplace Technology on Employees

ABSTRACTHow does the implementation of a new technology affect workers? Using detailed worker‐level data for Germany, we analyse the impact of new technologies on non‐monetary working conditions such as overtime, training and perceived labour intensity. We show that the strongest effects arise in the first year of their implementation. These effects diminish after the introduction period. We further provide evidence that the impact of technology adoption varies across diverse occupational and industrial contexts. Workers in occupations with a higher task substitution potential show stronger increases in overtime, training measures and labour intensity. Analysing industry characteristics, we find that employees exposed to a new technology react more strongly in industries with higher business dynamics in terms of organisational capital and R&D investment. Extending these considerations to information and communication technology (ICT) usage, we show that new technologies exert stronger effects in industries with high investment in ICT equipment or low investment in software.

Investigating the impact of quality, technology and trust on customers’ purchase intention and word-of-mouth in S-commerce

Investigating the impact of quality, technology and trust on customers’ purchase intention and word-of-mouth in S-commerce

Noncoding RNAs as Tools for Advancing Translational Biology in Plants.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), once considered the "dark matter" of the genome, have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in plants. Research initially focused on model organisms has laid the groundwork for harnessing the potential of ncRNAs in agriculture, particularly for crop protection, improvement and modulation. This review explores the role of long and small ncRNAs in plant biology, highlighting their application as powerful tools in agricultural biotechnology. We examine the latest strategies for ncRNA expression and delivery in crops, including transgenic and non-transgenic approaches, as well as emerging technologies that enable precise and efficient modulation of gene activity in plants and pathogens. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the regulation of RNA-based products, addressing the challenges and opportunities for integrating these innovations into sustainable agricultural practices. As the regulatory landscape evolves, understanding the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of ncRNA-based technologies will be crucial for their successful deployment. By leveraging the advances in plant science research, long and small ncRNAs hold promise for designing highly specific tools to boost crop productivity while preserving genetic diversity, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Digestate from small‐scale biogas plants in central Vietnam produced under mesophilic conditions: friend or foe for local farmers?

AbstractThis study evaluates the suitability of digestate from small mesophilic biogas plants in central Vietnam for agricultural application. Digestate samples were collected from 85 farms and analyzed for microbial contamination and elemental composition. The presence of pathogens was examined after anaerobic digestion under mesophilic conditions and the impact of antibiotic resistance in microbes was investigated. Potential integration of solar energy into anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading to biomethane was also explored. Based on experimental data and prior research, a visualization model was developed to illustrate organic waste decontamination through mesophilic digestion. A block diagram was constructed, integrating various perspectives on digestate utilization to assess the broader environmental impact of biogas technology.

Using Blockchain to Share Demand Forecasts in a Supply Chain

In this study, I explore the dynamics of a Cournot competition model involving two retailers and one manufacturer, focusing on the impact of blockchain technology on demand fore casting and profit sharing. By integrating blockchain for sharing demand forecasts among the participants, I investigate how this technology influences their profitability. My findings reveal that retailers opt to join the blockchain if the costs of participation are outweighed by the benefits of improved information access, leading to unconditional profit increases. Conversely, the manufacturer’s benefits from blockchain participation depend on two main factors: the level of uncertainty in aggregate demand and the intensity of competition in the retail market. Specifically, the manufacturer gains more when demand uncertainty is high and retail competition is low. This is because a less competitive retail market leads to higher aggregate orders from the retailers, compensating for the reduced volatility in demand. My study highlights the conditional benefits of blockchain technology in a Cournot competition setting, offering insights into strategic decision-making for manufacturers and retailers considering such technological investments.

Disruptive Technologies in HR Practices in The Current Business Landscape -A Review

The advent of disruptive technologies is significantly transforming the human resources (HR) function in today’s business environment. As organizations increasingly adopt innovative tools and practices, HR is evolving to become more agile, data-driven, and employee-centric. This review examines the impact of disruptive technologies on HR, highlighting how they are reshaping traditional practices and enabling organizations to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workplace. From artificial intelligence and automation to advanced analytics and cloud-based platforms, these technologies are driving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and fostering a more proactive approach to talent management. The paper underscores the need for HR to embrace these disruptions, reinvent its strategies, and align itself with the future of work. This study delves into the disruptions reshaping HR practices, emphasizing the need to reengineer existing HR management frameworks to adapt to these changes. The paper explores various HR disruptions, highlighting how businesses must evolve to address future challenges posed by disruptive innovations. It underscores the necessity for HR to disrupt its traditional approaches, reinvent its services, and align itself with the demands of a rapidly changing landscape.

Revolutionizing Drug Delivery: The Impact of Advanced Materials Science and Technology on Precision Medicine

Revolutionizing Drug Delivery: The Impact of Advanced Materials Science and Technology on Precision Medicine

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technology in Crisis Management, Startup Growth, and Sustainable Future

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology on crisis management, startup growth, and sustainability in the Indian business landscape. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data was collected from 123 research and development (R&D) employees across various enterprises. The study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze relationships between key constructs. The results indicate that AI plays a crucial role in enhancing crisis management and business resilience (β = 0.553, p = 0.000), while effective crisis management positively influences long-term sustainability (β = 0.272, p = 0.000). Additionally, blockchain technology is a key driver of startup growth (β = 0.684, p = 0.000), and growing startups significantly contribute to a sustainable future (β = 0.689, p = 0.000). The findings highlight the transformative potential of AI and blockchain in navigating business uncertainties, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development. The study offers practical implications for business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs in leveraging emerging technologies for long-term resilience and success.

Exploring the Virtual Reality in Tourism Marketing for Improving Efficiency and Better Consumer Experience

Purpose: This study examines the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism marketing, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications of VR in tourism. Methods: A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from 2021 onwards. The study explores various VR applications in tourism marketing, such as dynamic pricing, customer segmentation, and real-time personalization, while addressing challenges like data privacy and algorithmic bias. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that VR enhances consumer engagement, improves travel decision-making, and fosters immersive destination branding. VR-driven marketing strategies, including virtual tours, interactive campaigns, and personalized experiences, have significantly influenced consumer behavior and increased booking conversion rates. However, challenges remain, such as accessibility barriers, high implementation costs, and potential discrepancies between virtual and real-world experiences. Implications: VR presents a strategic advantage for tourism marketers by offering immersive previews, enhancing customer trust, and supporting sustainability initiatives. Policymakers and industry leaders must address infrastructure and ethical concerns to maximize VR’s potential. Originality: This study provides a comprehensive overview of VR’s role in tourism marketing, integrating insights into its technological applications and market impact, which remain underexplored in current literature.

Technological Impact of Digital Payment Systems on Consumer Behavior and Optimization of the Cash Flow Conversion Cycle in Pakistan

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital payment system technology on consumer behavior and cash flow optimization in the context of the developing markets specifically in Pakistan. This study opts for a quantitative research approach and examines how the acceptance of digital payments changes spending behaviors and increases financial efficiency for businesses. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study pinpoints determinants like ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social influence as major drivers in consumer adoption. The study reveals that digital payment adoption results in reducing cash conversion cycles that allow businesses to operate more efficiently and influence consumer spending behavior by increasing the value and frequency of transactions. Digital payment systems maintain a growing path that enables both financial inclusion advancements and economic growth-enabling factors within developing economies despite challenges with infrastructure and digital competence. The study provides the essential groundwork for policy recommendations that target both financial practitioners and policymakers who seek the development of digital financial systems.