Impact Of Technology Research Articles

Including carer health-related quality of life in NICE health technology assessments in the United Kingdom.

The impact of health technologies may extend beyond the patient and affect the health of people in their network, like their informal carers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) methods guide explicitly allows the inclusion of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects on carers in economic evaluations when these effects are substantial, but the proportion of NICE appraisals that includes carer HRQoL remains small. This paper discusses when inclusion of carer HRQoL is justified, how inclusion can be substantiated, and how carer HRQoL can be measured and included in health economic models. Inclusion of HRQoL in economic evaluations can best be substantiated by data collected in (carers for) patients eligible for receiving the intervention. To facilitate combining patient and carer utilities on the benefit side of economic evaluations, using EQ-5D to measure impacts on carers seems the most successful strategy in the UK context. Alternatives to primary data collection of EQ-5D include vignette studies, using existing values, and mapping algorithms. Carer HRQoL was most often incorporated in economic models in NICE appraisals by employing (dis)utilities as a function of the patient's health state or disease severity. For consistency and comparability, economic evaluations including carer HRQoL should present analyses with and without carer HRQoL.

Roadmap on basic research needs for laser technology

Abstract Motivated by the profound impact of laser technology on science, arising from an increase in focused light intensity by seven orders of magnitude and flashes so short electron motion is visible, this roadmap outlines the paths forward in laser technology to enable the next generation of science and applications. Despite remarkable progress, the field confronts challenges in developing compact, high-power sources, enhancing scalability and efficiency, and ensuring safety standards. Future research endeavors aim to revolutionize laser power, energy, repetition rate and precision control; to transform mid-infrared sources; to revolutionize approaches to field control and frequency conversion. These require reinvention of materials and optics to enable intense laser science and interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap underscores the dynamic nature of laser technology and its potential to address global challenges, propelling progress and fostering sustainable development. Ultimately, advancements in laser technology hold promise to revolutionize myriad applications, heralding a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Using generative Artificial Intelligence tools in Public Relations: Ethical concerns and the impact on the profession in the Romanian context

The controversy surrounding ChatGPT has reopened the debate about the impact of new technologies in many fields of activities, including communication and PR. This study mapped Romanian PR practitioners’ use of generative AI and their perception of it, placing a special focus on the ethical concerns involved and the implications for the profession itself. We took a quantitative-qualitative approach by using both a survey and semi-structured interviews. Our goal was to determine the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the Romanian PR industry and to understand the reasons and challenges behind integrating generative AI in PR practice. The survey findings revealed a substantial adoption (73.5%) of AI within the Romanian PR community, with an overwhelming 91.6% of them using ChatGPT. The satisfaction level was remarkably high, with 92% expressing satisfaction with generative AI application efficacy. Benefits included timesaving, work simplification, and the reduction of repetitive tasks. Surprisingly, not only did 67.3% of respondents not perceive AI as an immediate threat to PR jobs, but 80.5% believed AI represents an opportunity for the industry. Indeed, almost all our interviewees admitted relief and satisfaction when using generative AI tools to complete their tasks. However, some concerns were expressed regarding the quality of the generative AI content and, in particular, the need to always check this kind of content by a human editor before using it. Moreover, PR professionals’ main ethical concerns are related to the issue of transparency towards their clients when using AI tools to produce different types of content.

Budaya Leles Orang Manggarai Sebagai Suatu Fenomena Sosial Dalam Terang Filsafat Metafisika Heidegger

This research focuses on the (social) cultural phenomenon of Leles Orang Manggarai in the context of social change driven by the influence of modern technology. Current conditions indicate a decline in unity and cooperation within this culture. The study employs a qualitative approach with literature review, interviews, and Heideggerian philosophical analysis to elucidate the changes in this cooperative culture. Literature review and interviews reveal the dynamics of Leles culture that has undergone transformation due to interactions with modern technology, resulting in a decline in the previously strong values of unity and cooperation in Manggarai society. In the philosophical context of Heidegger, the research examines the metaphysical implications for the changed Leles culture. The qualitative findings provide insights into how modern technology has influenced culture and social values, and how Heideggerian thought can be applied to contemplate societal changes. This research contributes significantly to understanding the impact of technology on culture and cooperation in Manggarai society. It is essential to underline that this study does not aim to examine the entire Manggarai society or address social phenomena universally, like sociological theories. Instead, it emphasizes the social benefits of Leles culture, presenting social phenomena as a reflective framework in this context.

Is Click Fading the Brick Experience of Buyers During Festivities?

This study explores the impact of technology and e-commerce on the festive shopping experience of Indian consumers. It highlights the shift from traditional in-store shopping to digital interactions and analyzes how brands enhance physical store experiences to increase foot traffic during the festive season. Findings suggest that while online shopping offers unparalleled convenience and a broad product selection, retailers must innovate and adapt to retain the charm and emotional connection associated with in-store shopping. This research aims to provide insights for both retailers and consumers regarding the evolving shopping landscape.

Harnessing the Impact of Climate Change, Technology, and Institutions for Decarbonization

Harnessing the Impact of Climate Change, Technology, and Institutions for Decarbonization

Unpacking Technological Risks: Different Sources of Concern and Policy Preferences

How concerned are workers about the impact of technological changes on employment, and what policies do they prefer to mitigate potential negative effects of these changes? We address these questions by presenting new analytical distinctions among different types of labour market concerns. We differentiate among the risk of job substitution, ‘technostress’ and general apprehension about the impact of technology in the workplace. In terms of policy responses, we distinguish between worker preferences for job loss compensation, retraining and distinct measures of ‘technological protectionism’. Using survey data from Spain and innovative measures of these concepts, our findings reveal that concern about job substitution is modestly correlated with support for some redistribution policies. By contrast, both technostress and general concerns about the impact of technology significantly increase support for protectionist policies but not redistribution. These results contribute to understanding how workers might respond to the labour market effects of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The impact of Information and communication Technology (ICT) on the education of Students with Learning Disability

The impact of Information and communication Technology (ICT) on the education of Students with Learning Disability

A step toward the modern and sustainable agriculture: Evaluating the impact of information and communication technology on cereal production in China

AbstractAchieving food security has become a critical concern for many nations. China has also made significant efforts to ensure domestic food security. In order to provide an adequate food supply in the future, this research explores the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on grain production. Pool Mean Group (PMG) method is used to estimate a panel dataset for 31 Chinese province administrative regions from 2005 to 2021. To ensure that the panel dataset is suitable for use with the PMG model, cross‐sectional independence tests, unit root tests, and co‐integration tests are performed. The empirical analysis shows that ICT boosts cereal crops yields over time. In particular, a 1% increase in fixed broadband users and cell phones boosts cereal production by 0.03% and 0.06%, respectively, in the long run. As a result, in order to increase yields, China must expand its use of ICT in agricultural production.

The Impact of Digitalization and Financial Technologies on the Transformation of Human Capital in the Banking Ecosystem

This article examines the changes in the banking ecosystem under the influence of digitalization and financial technologies (FinTech), with a particular focus on the transformation of human capital. Key technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, which are reshaping workflows and require new competencies from employees, are discussed. The article analyzes strategic partnerships with FinTech companies, changes in the organizational culture of banks, and the need to develop IT skills and innovation management to enhance competitiveness. Special attention is given to Uzbekistan’s experience in integrating digital technologies and formulating a strategy for human capital development in the context of digital transformation.

From FOSS to profit: Digital spatial technologies and the mode of production

Existing literature has scrutinized the impact of geospatial technologies from various angles. This article adopts a heterodox vantage point—the mode of production—to illuminate the intricate power dynamics woven into the fabric of these technologies. By focusing on the mode of production, we meticulously demonstrate how ostensibly novel digital technologies and geospatial data formats wield power within social relations of production. Responding to calls to scrutinize the political economy of spatial technologies and map-making tools, we aim to unravel the underpinning social relations, software development techniques, and technologies that shape file formats like GeoJSON and Esri Shapefile. By tracing the historical evolution of these formats, the article reveals how digital labor, both voluntary and expropriated, shapes the landscapes of profit-driven technology firms. The rise of open standards is not a departure from for-profit motives but rather a manifestation of the confluence of free, open, and for-profit. Ultimately, we argue that the intricate connections between digital technologies, geography, and capitalist structures enroll seemingly independent FOSS products into broader systems of capital accumulation. These findings highlight the far-reaching impact of geospatial technologies and their role in perpetuating and reshaping capitalist dynamics.

The Impact of Technologies On Quality in the Provision of Public Health Services

The Impact of Technologies On Quality in the Provision of Public Health Services

Exercising of integrated approach for the specialized meat products development

The principles of the specialized food products development differ from the traditional technologies, which require the integrated approach to their creation, taking into consideration the specified properties, purpose and type of the food product. This article describes the general algorithm for developing the specialized dietary therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition meat products, and demonstrates the implementation of the individual stages of the algorithm on the example of developing the food products for people who suffer from the most socially significant diseases like diabetes and CVD. The algorithm of methodology is a sequence of stages executed during the product development and a description of their content and practical implementation. The modern approaches to creation of healthy food products for people with socially significant diseases, the recommendations of the World Health Organization based on the analysis of scientific literature posted in open sources and publicly available databases were used as the material of the research, as well as the results of our own studies in the field of technologies for dietary therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition meat products. The specialized meat products for therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition, information about their ingredient composition, nutritional value, results of preclinical and clinical trials were used as the objects of the study. The stages of product creation include medical and biological substantiation of the composition, designing of a virtual model of the food product, technology development, evaluation of the safety and efficiency of the resulting product taking into consideration the technological impact, preclinical and clinical evaluation. The study showed the difference in the approaches to the dietary meat products development depending on the purpose — whether its therapeutic nutrition or prophylactic nutrition. The developed methodology can be used as a tool that provides for scientifically justified development of the specialized meat products and substantiation of their efficiency.

Enhancing Security and Traceability in Aerospace Supply Chains through Block Chain Technology

This study explores the impact of blockchain technology on aerospace supply chains, focusing on mitigating risks such as supply chain disruptions, counterfeit parts, and regulatory compliance challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis using data sourced from publicly available databases, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and reports from blockchain technology providers. Descriptive analysis identified supply chain disruptions (M = 3.74, SD = 1.17) as the most significant risk, followed by counterfeit parts (M = 3.34, SD = 1.20). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that part authentication and provenance tracking had the strongest impact on improving traceability (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) and transparency (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) revealed a positive return on investment, with cost-benefit ratios up to 2.31. Blockchain adoption was also found to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, while improving operational efficiency through shorter procurement lead times and lower administrative costs. However, regulatory misalignment and interoperability challenges remain barriers to full adoption. The study concludes that blockchain is a transformative tool for enhancing traceability, security, and sustainability in aerospace supply chains.

Noise analysis of variable-speed rotor technology on the coaxial lift-offset helicopter

The impact of variable-speed rotor technology on the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of a coaxial lift-offset helicopter was investigated using a numerical analysis approach. The free wake vortex lattice method was utilized to predict aerodynamic performance, while the Ffowcs-Williams Hawkings acoustic analogy was employed to evaluate the noise impact. The Harrington coaxial rotor was used as the baseline configuration. Results show that reducing the rotational speed, in combination with lift-offset, leads to a decrease in overall power required during forward flight by lowering both collective and cyclic pitch. This is primarily due to a reduction in profile power across the speed range. However, excessive rotor deceleration can lead to an expanded reverse flow region, increasing induced power at high forward speeds. From an acoustics perspective, the reduced rotor speed mitigated loading noise radiated toward the ground, especially in the region 40-60 degrees below the rotor plane, achieving a maximum 2.6 dB reduction at the evaluated observer location. This study indicates that the technology can offer advantages for both performance and noise in forward flight conditions.

Spatio-temporal effects and influence mechanism of digital technology on tourism efficiency in Chinese provinces

Digital technology serves as a new industrial driving force, playing a crucial role in promoting the efficiency of regional tourism. To explore the inherent logic between digital technology and tourism development, the study employed the DEA-BCC model and the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method to measure the tourism efficiency and digital technology development level of 31 provinces (municipalities and districts) in China from 2011 to 2022. The evolutionary characteristics of the relationship between digital technology and tourism efficiency were analyzed from the spatio-temporal dimension, and empirical tests were carried out using the spatial error model (SEM) and the spatial lag model (SLM) to explore the mechanism of the impact of digital technology on tourism efficiency. The results show that: during the study period, the overall trend of digital technology development and tourism efficiency is upward, but there is a certain degree of spatial mismatch between the two; digital technology is not only conducive to the improvement of tourism efficiency in the province, but also acts on neighboring provinces through spatial spillover effects, mechanism of action tests show that digital technology can positively moderate the effects of tourism economic growth and tourism industry structure on tourism efficiency; in western and northeast China, the positive effect of digital technology on tourism efficiency is more obvious. The conclusions provide a new perspective for understanding and analyzing the development of provincial tourism in China, as well as a reference for the rational use of digital technology to promote tourism development.

Fit for 2030? Possible scenarios of road transport demand, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for Italy

Decarbonizing the transportation sector is one of the key challenges to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet EU Green deal 2030 targets. Road transport decarbonization requires a holistic approach encompassing various strategies and interventions aimed at fostering the sustainable transition of this sector. This challenge is crucial given that road is responsible for over 90% of the overall transport GHG emissions.Within this framework, this study aims, for the Italian case, to: a) estimate the national passenger and freight road travel demand with respect to three different time periods: 2005 (reference year for EU “fit for 55” target); 2019 (last consolidated pre-covid year); 2022 (base-line year); b) define possible road transport scenarios to 2030 following the Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI) approach; c) estimate the GHG and energy consumption inventory related to national road transport for the 2005, 2019; 2022 and 2030 scenarios. Due to the current “deep uncertainty” regarding key economic and social variables in this period, two forecasting scenarios – named “moderate decarbo” and “high decarbo” – were designed and based on different and somewhat opposite hypotheses on exogenous variables (e.g., GDP) and penetration rates of measures and policies promoting sustainable transportation (e.g., subsidies for electric vehicles) already in place. Although the current European legislation refers only to Tank-to-Wheel (TtW) objectives, this study included also the Well-to-Wheel (WtW) evaluation, which is more accurate in assessing the GHG impact of different policies, energy carriers, and technologies. As for the past, results suggest that GHG reductions over the period 2005–2022 are mostly due to crises and stagnation of the Italian economy. “Moderate decarbo” forecasts for 2030 lead to a 12% reduction of TtW (and 15% for WtW) GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels, with ASI policies compensating for the assumed economic growth. In any case these values are far from the EU “Fit for 55” goal setting a 43.7% reduction of TtW emissions. Even under very favourable hypotheses (“high decarbo” scenario), GHG emissions might be reduced by only 28% for TtW and 33% for WtW, still well below EU objectives. Furthermore, passengers and freight show very different behaviour, with the latter contributing to emissions more than proportionally, and “shift-to-rail” policies, although very useful in some market segments, contribute moderately at the overall national level. The main conclusion of this study is that the pathway towards road transport decarbonization in Italy (and possibly in other EU Countries) is very uncertain, and the ambitious 2030 target is unlikely to be met with currently planned policies alone. The transportation system needs to be constantly monitored, and new policies have to be implemented to reach higher emissions reduction goals.

Fostering adaptation to climate change among farmers in Pakistan: the influential role of farmers’ climate change knowledge and adaptive capacity

IntroductionAdaptation to climate change (ACC) is imperative to avoid deleterious consequences of climate change in agriculture. However, the uptake of adaptation measures has been slow among farmers because of low adaptive capacity (AC) in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. Farmers and their supporting institutions have been successful in introducing technological innovations to respond and adapt to environmental challenges. The present study intended to determine the impact of farming technologies, along with human, financial, social, physical, natural, and climate information resources that support AC and hence ACC.MethodsThe study collected data from 360 farmers in Punjab through a multi-stage random sampling technique. A binary logit model and odds ratio were used to identify the factors affecting ACC. The study also utilized correlation tests to show the correlation between each pair of variables included in the analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that physical capital such as ownership of tube wells, transportation, and sowing and harvesting tools by the farmers builds farmers’ AC and consequently determines the ACC such as change crop variety (CCV), change crop type (CCT), change planting date (CPD), soil conservation (SC), water conservation (WC), and diversification strategies (DSs). The findings also revealed that human capital (age, education, family size, and labor), financial capital (off-farm employment, access to the marketing of produce, and agricultural credit), social capital (farmers-to-farmers extensions, access to extension services, and the farm association membership), and natural capital (land ownership, tenancy status, and the location of the farm) were importantly related to farm households’ ACC strategies. The odds (likelihood) of adaptation were higher for the users of farm technology as compared to non-users.DiscussionThe analysis conducted in this study showed that climate information resources amplify the adaptation to climate change: technology allows farming to be much more efficient, while climate change knowledge (CCK) self-motivates farmers to adopt more ACC measures. Our findings provide evidence that suggests the need to provide credits and financial support for farming technologies that speed up the ACC in the long run, while in the short run, climate information should be spread among farming communities.

Digital technology and psychological happiness: the mediating roles of interpersonal relationships and employment situations.

Psychological happiness represents the ultimate pursuit of human beings, and the impact of digital technology on psychological happiness is becoming increasingly significant in the era of the digital economy. Based on data from 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study constructs an empirical model that examines the effect and mechanism of digital technology on happiness. Additionally, this study investigates the heterogeneity and robustness of the impact of digital technology on happiness. The research conclusions are as follows: Firstly, digital technology can promote psychological happiness. When controlling for other factors, the marginal effect coefficient of digital technology is 0.031. Secondly, the effect of digital technology on personal happiness varies among different groups, particularly among women, young individuals, primary and college graduates, and rural residents. Furthermore, as absolute income increases, the happiness effect of digital technology diminishes. Thirdly, in terms of the influencing mechanism, digital technology indirectly affects individual happiness by influencing health status, interpersonal relationships, employment situations and income levels. Specifically, digital technology negatively impacts personal health, interpersonal relationships, and agricultural work, while positively impacting family relationships, non-agricultural employment, absolute income and relative income. Digital technology affects happiness through these channels indirectly. Based on the study results, it is proposed that efforts should be made to enhance the development of digital technology infrastructure in remote rural areas, reduce the financial burden associated with digital technology, and promote the digital technology ecosystem. Moreover, providing online services, such as e-commerce, travel reservations, and digital financial management, can improve access to digital technology in rural areas and contribute to increased happiness levels. Simultaneously, there is a need to strengthen digital skills training, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and rural residents, to improve their proficiency in digital technologies. This can be achieved through the integration of additional educational resources, thereby facilitating cost-free digital technology training and guidance. Meanwhile, it is essential to vigorously develop the new economy and innovative employment models, create job opportunities, foster entrepreneurial prospects, and improve income levels to enhance individual well-being.

A-192 Effectiveness in Communicating Critical Results: impact of technology and consultive actions on improving performance indicators in a laboratory in Northeast Brazil

Abstract Background Critical results consist of laboratory test results that require immediate intervention or decision-making by the responsible medical team, as they pose a risk to the patient's life. To manage the process of communicating critical results, it is also necessary to define the indicators, goals and systematic comparability through benchmarking. Methods The performance of the indicators measuring the critical results process for the year 2023 was analyzed. Performance indicators such as resolution time, success and failure rate in communication, delay rate in communication and the rate of open incidents related to the communication of critical results were monitored using a Business Intelligence tool. Results In the first two months of 2023 the results reflected the absence of parameters in the LIS for effective communication of critical results. September and October there was a high turnover rate in the laboratory in addition to the change in the hospital care profile in which the laboratory medicine service was inserted. These causes culminated in a number of 122 (1.48%) communication failures, representing an increase of 1,120% compared to the first two months of the year. On the other hand, there was a significant improvement in the average communication time for critical results, decreasing from approximately 736 hours to 184 hours(reduction of around 75%). There was also a reduction in communication delay of approximately 67%. These numbers corroborate the parameterization actions in the system aimed at speeding up the process. As a continuation of the improvement actions, the laboratory implemented goal setting for the resolution time indicator and also the periodic meeting for critical analysis of the results.In addition to these actions, the laboratory approached the hospital's clinical staff, making it possible to provide clarity on the difference between compulsory notification and critical results. This clarification allowed for the establishment of a list of exams considered critical, in order to meet the hospital profile, as well as to define the communication flow. For the success indicator in communicating critical results, there was a 22% improvement when comparing the last two months of 2023 with the first two months of the same year. In the last two months of the year, this indicator performed at 99.4%, corroborating the study published by Noronha et al., (2016), where the effectiveness rate in critical results communication was 96.1%. Comparing with the study by Noronha et al., (2016), where the biochemistry sector had the highest rate of critical results communication failures (73.8%), followed by the Emergency Room (78.6% ) and ICU (16.7%), the findings of this study highlighted the top 3 detracting sectors: Biochemistry (68%), “UPA” - Emergency Care Unit (42.1%) and ICU (21.4%), making data superimposable. Conclusions The communication of critical results has challenges related to its effectiveness, especially in hospital contexts. As a critical and high-impact activity, constant actions are necessary to continuously improve the process. Actions should take into account: interactions with attending physicians, the development and training of the internal team, and constant checks of the LIS, as technology can support the process management.