Impact Of Technology Research Articles

Enhancing Students’ Knowledge-Based Economy Skills at Sultan Qaboos University

This study examines the readiness of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students for the knowledge-based economy, focusing on their awareness, perceptions, and skills. As Oman transitions towards a knowledge-based economic model, understanding and enhancing students’ preparedness has become crucial. This research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to SQU students across various colleges and academic levels, achieving a 66.04% response rate. The key findings reveal that while many students consider knowledge economy skills very important, some express neutral awareness about these skills. Students ranked creativity and innovation (85.82%) and critical thinking and problem solving (85.11%) as the most essential skills. The study identifies significant relationships between enhancing students’ knowledge-based economy skills (ESKBE) and both awareness of the knowledge-based economy (AWS) and the impact of technology on education and employment (ITEE). Students generally view the knowledge economy positively, with 55% agreeing it will have a positive societal impact. However, they recognize challenges, including resistance to change (53.5% agreement) and limited access to education and training (49.3% agreement). The need for government involvement in addressing these challenges was strongly emphasized (54.3% agreement). Based on these findings, the study recommends that SQU enhance its curriculum to explicitly develop key skills, improve awareness of knowledge economy demands, further integrate technology into educational practices, strengthen industry partnerships, promote lifelong learning initiatives, and engage more actively with policymakers. This paper also provides a unique look at higher education’s role in the changing economy, as seen through graduates. It offers empirical evidence for the necessity of universities to change to serve the knowledge economy and, at the same time, make a case on how complex this transformation is. The results matter not only for SQU but also—in a more general sense, at least as far as knowledge-based economies are concerned—globally with respect to higher education institutions.

The Role of Digital Startups in Addressing Shifts in Fashion Consumer Behavior

This research paper explores the role of digital startups in addressing the evolving consumer behavior within the fashion industry. The paper first uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a conceptual framework to analyze the various factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions in the aforementioned industry before evaluating how the increasing impact of digital transformation and advanced technologies, coupled with a rising emphasis on sustainability, has significantly altered fashion consumer behavior. The latter half of the paper entails case studies of innovative digital startups such as DressX and the Metaverse Fashion Week hosted on Decentraland to understand how these companies are responding to and shaping the future of fashion by addressing these emerging consumer needs. The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital startups in fostering innovation and offering consumers more accessible, convenient, and sustainable fashion experiences.

Research on the green development path of prefabricated building industry based on intelligent technology

PurposeIn order to make the construction industry develop in the direction of greening, this paper analyzes whether the application of intelligent technology in prefabricated buildings can achieve carbon emission reduction, starting from the problems of weak technology and insufficient encouragement policies in the prefabricated building industry. It also designs dynamic and adjustable incentives for the smart transformation of prefabricated buildings and makes recommendations to facilitate the transformation of assembly manufacturers into “smart factories”.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes the intelligent technology for carbon reduction, energy efficiency and policy design in the prefabricated buildings industry as the starting point. Based on in-depth expert interviews and questionnaire survey data, a linear multiple regression model is used to establish an association network of intelligent technology in the production and transportation, construction, operation and maintenance, demolition and scrapping stages. On this basis, an evolutionary game theory is used to construct a smart transformation and carbon reduction utility game model between the government and manufacturers, and relevant suggestions for smart empowerment of green construction development technology combinations and policy settings are proposed.FindingsAn assembly manufacturing plant with smart empowerment is an important way to achieve green and sustainable development in the construction industry. Among them, BIM and IoT have made a greater impact on carbon emission reduction of prefabricated buildings in all stages of the whole life cycle. The government’s proposed energy efficiency incentives and environmental tax amount will effectively increase companies' motivation for smart transformation of prefabricated buildings. However, when the environmental tax amount is low, the government should strengthen the regulation of the industry in order to increase the speed of smart transformation of assembly manufacturers. Therefore, a reasonable setting of the environmental tax rate and energy-saving incentives and flexible adjustment of the regulatory efforts can maximize the functional utility of the government in the process of smart transformation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on the impact of intelligent technologies on the overall carbon emissions of the industry and provides an evolutionary analysis of the strategic game between the government and assembly manufacturers, the main players in the smart transformation process of prefabricated buildings. However, smart technologies for different categories of assembly manufacturing plants and strategic options for a wider range of stakeholders have not been examined in depth.Originality/valueDifferent from existing research, this study focuses on exploring the strategic game between the government and assembly manufacturers in the smart transformation of prefabricated buildings. It provides an innovative explanation of the connection between intelligent technology and carbon emissions. The study develops an evolutionary game model for both parties, addressing the research gap on the combined effects of policy incentives and intelligent technology on carbon reduction and efficiency improvement in the prefabricated buildings industry. This research not only offers practical reference for the government in designing incentive mechanisms and establishing regulatory systems but also provides feasible practical guidance for the smart transformation and carbon reduction efforts of assembly manufacturing plants.

Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on tourists’ smart experiences: the moderating role of emotional arousal level

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies affect tourists’ smart experiences and the role of emotional arousal level in this relationship. Drawing from the appraisal theory of emotion, a conceptual framework is proposed to test hypotheses about the connections between AI technologies, emotional arousal level, and tourists’ smart experiences. This study utilized an online survey to collect 301 questionnaires from tourists who experienced AI technologies in four Chinese smart tourism destinations. The results obtained through the structural equation modeling method suggest that four factors – interaction, personalization, co-creation, and privacy – positively impact tourists’ smart experiences. Additionally, the study finds that tourists’ emotional arousal level is a moderator between AI technologies and tourists’ smart experiences. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for smart tourism destinations and researchers to use AI technologies to enhance tourists’ smart experiences at smart tourism destinations.

Integrating QuickBooks® in financial accounting classrooms: evidence from the UAE

ABSTRACT The surge in technology adoption has transformed students into ‘digital natives’ who require innovative teaching methods to enhance their engagement and learning. This paper investigates the impact of integrating QuickBooks®, an accounting mobile app, on students’ learning, engagement, and interest in the course. It utilizes a survey questionnaire and focus group design to collect data from a sample of 160 undergraduate financial accounting students at a leading public university in the UAE. The findings reveal that students positively viewed the use of QuickBooks® on their learning experience. Students reported enhanced class engagement and interest in the course, which was otherwise viewed as generally dull. Using QuickBooks® in solving assessments was perceived more effective relative to pen-and-paper assessments and during uncertain times. This paper contributes to the literature on the impact of mobile technology in accounting education and suggests innovative tools to enhance the graduate attributes and employability for educators’ consideration.

Electronic structure simulations in the cloud computing environment.

The transformative impact of modern computational paradigms and technologies, such as high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing, and cloud computing, has opened up profound new opportunities for scientific simulations. Scalable computational chemistry is one beneficiary of this technological progress. The main focus of this paper is on the performance of various quantum chemical formulations, ranging from low-order methods to high-accuracy approaches, implemented in different computational chemistry packages and libraries, such as NWChem, NWChemEx, Scalable Predictive Methods for Excitations and Correlated Phenomena, ExaChem, and Fermi-Löwdin orbital self-interaction correction on Azure Quantum Elements, Microsoft's cloud services platform for scientific discovery. We pay particular attention to the intricate workflows for performing complex chemistry simulations, associated data curation, and mechanisms for accuracy assessment, which is demonstrated with the Arrows automated workflow for high throughput simulations. Finally, we provide a perspective on the role of cloud computing in supporting the mission of leadership computational facilities.

Environmental impact assessment in microalgal lipid production: carbon footprint and net emissions

This study focuses on analyzing the role of microalgae in mitigating climate change through CO2 capture and lipid production, which can be used in the development of energy products and commercially relevant products. The objective was to evaluate the net CO2 emissions in three lipid production scenarios from microalgae, in addition to analyzing the impact of various biomass pretreatment technologies before lipid extraction. For this purpose, only the emissions directly generated by energy consumption in the process and the amount of CO2 that can be captured by microalgae cultivation were considered. In all three scenarios, CO2 capture during biomass cultivation and emissions associated with maintaining the process in operation were evaluated. The results show that the emissions generated by energy consumption were 3.56 kg-CO2/kg-oil, 2.19 kg-CO2/kg-oil, and 2.36 kg-CO2/kg-oil in scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively, while the CO2 emissions captured in microalgae cultivation were three to four times higher, ultimately resulting in negative emissions in all scenarios. The efficiency of CO2 capture per kilogram of oil produced varies between scenarios, suggesting that the choice of technology and process conditions significantly influence the overall environmental impact. This analysis identifies areas of opportunity to improve microalgal biomass utilization processes, highlighting the stages of the process with the greatest impact on the carbon footprint and enabling the comparison of different technologies on the same basis.

Literatur Review: Bisnis di Era Digital dan Dampak Disruptif TI pada Perusahaan

This article aims to explore the dynamics of business in the digital era and the disruptive impact of information technology on companies. Through literature analysis, this study identifies technologies such as AI and big data that are used to improve efficiency and innovation. The results show that the integration of information technology in business models improves productivity and customer experience. This article emphasizes the importance of developing skills and organizational culture that support innovation as the key to facing disruptive challenges. This article provides valuable insights for companies in formulating adaptation strategies amidst global business changes.

Impact of New Technology in Increasing Cyber Crime in Rwanda

The ICT sector in Rwanda has grown rapidly in recent years, with access to information and communication technologies available to the government, private sector, communities, and international organizations. The rate of the population mobile users was 76.6% in March 2018 according to the report published by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA). Also in March 2018, the number of mobile money transactions was 692.5 billion Rwandan francs. Due to this information provided, above we decided to carry out research of assessing the impact of technology in increasing cybercrime in Rwanda and set measures that can be used to avoid cybercrime.

Legitimacy and Limits of Administrative Power in the Big Data Era

The advent of the big data era has profoundly transformed the exercise of administrative power, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of administrative decisions while simultaneously posing challenges to legitimacy and the potential for abuse of power. This study examines the impact of big data technology on administrative power, systematically analyzing the foundations and limits of administrative power's legitimacy. It explores how to achieve a balance between legitimacy and limits of administrative power in the context of big data. By examining the intersection of traditional theories of power legitimacy and big data technology, the study proposes strategies for enhancing transparency in administrative decisions, strengthening public participation, and promoting inter-departmental cooperation. It also looks forward to innovative paths for exercising administrative power in the future. The results of this study are significant for both administrative management practices and theoretical development in the big data era.

Blockchain evolution, artificial intelligence and ferrous metal trade

This study examines the impact of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the trade volume of iron and steel in 20 major producing countries from 2005 to 2022. Using the FMOLS method, the results show that blockchain regulations reduce trade volumes by increasing transparency and compliance costs, deterring market participation. A 1% increase in AI robotics imports leads to a 0.296% decline in trade due to improved production efficiency. Economic growth and population growth, however, boost trade. A 1% rise in internet access reduces trade by 0.336% as digitalization enhances supply chain efficiency. Overall, blockchain and AI reduce extraction and trade volumes, supporting environmental sustainability. Policy recommendations include developing blockchain regulations, promoting green cryptocurrencies, and leveraging big data for sustainable practices in the ferrous metal industry.

Harmonious Heritage through the Qualitative Analysis of Northeast Folk Songs in the Evolution of Northeast Drum

This study explores the artistic and cultural significance of the Northeast Drum (Jianban), a traditional Chinese folk art characterized by its unique blend of narrative storytelling, rhythmic musical accompaniment, and audience interaction. The research focuses on the contributions of Liu Guiying, a renowned provincial representative inheritor of the Northeast Drum, and her innovative techniques that have revitalized this art form. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, the study examines the structure and themes of Northeast Drum performances, the role of improvisation, and the integration of Northeast folk songs. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of these performances and their cultural resonance within the community. The study also discusses the challenges and opportunities in preserving this intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of educational programs, digital archiving, and cultural policies. Recommendations for future research include comparative studies, the impact of modern technology, audience dynamics, and longitudinal studies on preservation efforts. This research contributes to the understanding and sustainable development of the Northeast Drum, ensuring its relevance for future generations.

The mechanism of the impact of electronic payments technology on the sustainable development goals in Iraq. Realized Arab opportunities for the period (2017-2021)

The research dealt with a conceptual presentation of electronic payment technology, its means, types and characteristics , with an indication of the concept of sustainable development and the United Nations plan to achieve it during the period (2015-2030) , and a review and analysis of the mechanism of the impact of the adoption of electronic payments technology on the sustainable development plan and its objectives , and reference to indicators to measure the infrastructure supporting this technology , and then the research presents these indicators in (Iraq) and some Arab countries (UAE, Qatar and Bahrain) and then presents the development and economic opportunities resulting from the adoption of these technologies as a society and institutions in some countries of the Arab region that have succeeded in moving towards digitizing the sector Payments and comparing them to Iraq until (2021) , and the research reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which was that there are some determinants that work to deploy and expand ATMs and points of sale represented by the ability to meet local demand on the one hand , and the ability to overcome legal and regulatory obstacles to the deployment of these devices on the other hand, and the research also reached a number of recommendations, the most important of which is to encourage and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors to provide the financial and technical resources necessary to deploy and operate ATMs and points of sale in various Iraqi regions, and to facilitate and simplify licensing procedures and organize the operation of ATMs and points of sale in various Iraqi regions. ATMs and Points of Sale.

Towards a greener future: The impact of financial technology (FinTech) and climate finance on ecological sustainability

Ecological sustainability has become a top priority for worldwide policymakers due to severe consequences. Innovative approaches, like climate finance and financial technology (FinTech), are crucial in combating climate change and its environmental hazards. This study aims to investigate the role of climate finance on ecological sustainability with FinTech and institutional quality as moderators from 2010 to 2022 in 58 advanced countries. Besides that, the COVID-19 spillover shock effect (pre-post), socio-economic conditions, and trade openness are also considered as other variables in this study. The study employed the two-step Sys GMM approach, and the robustness was checked by the D-K regression and bootstrap panel quantile regression for empirical analysis. The results reveal that climate finance improves the trajectory of long-term ecological sustainability by significantly lowering the ecological footprint (EF). FinTech has a strong positive effect on ecological performance by decreasing the EF. Furthermore, the combined influence of CF∗FinTech has significantly boosted ecological sustainability by diminishing the EF. Institutional quality substantially enhances ecological sustainability by reducing the EF. Similarly, the interaction term CF∗IQ improves ecological performance by lowering the EF. The outcomes have significant implications for sustainable development policy, influencing the transition to low-carbon economies and meeting net-zero emissions within this decade, contributing to improved ecological sustainability.

Blockchain in Education: Transforming Learning, Credentialing, and Academic Data Management

Background and Aims: Blockchain technology is critical in education for transforming learning, credentialing, and academic data management by ensuring secure, immutable, and transparent handling of academic records. This technology improves the integrity of credentials, streamlines administrative processes, and promotes personalized learning, resulting in a more dependable and efficient educational environment. This review is intended for educators, administrators, policymakers, and technologists who are interested in blockchain's potential to transform the education landscape. Methodology: The methodology for this review included a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing literature on blockchain in education. A rigorous protocol was used to screen, extract, and categorize relevant data from academic databases and supplementary sources. Thematic analysis, aided by tools such as NVivo, enabled a thorough understanding of blockchain's impact and prospects in educational settings. Results: Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the educational sector by addressing critical issues such as data security, credentialing, and administrative efficiency. Blockchain, which provides a decentralized, immutable system for managing educational records and credentials, can improve the integrity and accessibility of academic information, streamline processes, and support personalized learning experiences. Although challenges such as scalability, legal complexities, and institutional resistance persist, ongoing advancements and research are likely to pave the way for wider adoption. As educational institutions investigate and implement blockchain solutions, the technology's transformative impact on the global education system may result in a more transparent, equitable, and innovative learning environment for future generations. Conclusion: blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize education by improving data security, credentialing, and administrative efficiency through its decentralized and immutable system. Despite current challenges, its continued development and implementation could result in a more transparent, equitable, and innovative educational environment.

Reimagining Cultural Identity through Technology in English Language Education in Omani Students

This study explores the impact of technology on English language learning and cultural identity among students in Oman. With 70% of students using technology frequently for English acquisition with the help of online language learning apps, digital platforms play a central role in their educational experiences. However, 55% of students and 60% of teachers expressed concerns that these tools may introduce values that conflict with Omani traditions, prompting a debate about cultural preservation. The findings reveal that while technology enhances language learning, it also influences students' perceptions of their cultural identity. Many students and teachers advocated for more localized content in digital tools to ensure that Omani cultural values are maintained alongside global communication skills. This study highlights the duality faced by students in balancing their cultural roots with globalized learning environments and emphasizes the need for culturally responsive teaching practices.

Reallocate to the right place: The heterogeneous effect of internet use on factor allocation of rural households in China

How to improve factor (mis)allocation is an important topic for both economists and policy-makers. In the digital economy era, existing studies have investigated the impact of information and communication technologies on factor allocation of rural households, but little is known about the heterogenous effect on farmers with differentiated productivity. This study uses panel data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies from 2010 to 2020, to examine the impact of Internet use on factor allocation of rural households from the view of heterogeneity in their productivities. The results suggest that Internet use facilitates a flow of land from low- to high-productivity farmers, and farm labor migration to off-farm activities. Such effect is achieved though easing information constraints and all farmers gain higher income after the reallocation. Our findings suggest that promoting Internet penetration and its functions can help reduce misallocation and improve welfare in rural areas.

Incremental impact of organ allocation changes and machine perfusion technology on liver transplant waitlist and volumes

Incremental impact of organ allocation changes and machine perfusion technology on liver transplant waitlist and volumes

Generative AI Applications in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction: Trends, Implications for Practice, Education & Imperatives for Upskilling—A Review

This study investigates the current landscape of generative AI and LLM applications in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), focusing on trends, practical implications, educational strategies, and imperatives for upskilling. Employing a six-stage systematic review sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science, 120 papers were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of these technologies in shaping the future of the AEC industry. By addressing these objectives, the research contributes to enhancing knowledge about the potential impacts of generative AI and LLMs on the AEC industry and provides insights into strategies for leveraging these technologies effectively. This study underscores the transformative impact of AI and advanced technologies on the AEC sector and education. By enhancing learning experiences and optimizing construction processes, AI fosters personalized education and efficient project management. The study’s significance lies in its identification of necessary skills and competencies for professionals, ensuring effective AI integration. Implications include the need for continuous professional development, formal education, and practical training to leverage AI’s potential fully. This paves the way for sustainable, intelligent infrastructure and accessible, adaptive learning environments, driving innovation and efficiency in both fields.

The impact of fintech on the profitability of Chinese commercial banks

This study assesses the transformative impact of financial technology (fintech) on the profitability of Chinese commercial banks, with a focus on addressing the challenge of endogeneity in financial data analysis. The study uses the systematic generalized method of moments (GMM) to compare the results with those from fixed-effects models in order to make the findings more reliable. The results reveal that fintech significantly impacts bank profitability, predominantly in a negative manner. This underscores the pressing need for banks to adapt and innovate, responding proactively to the fintech disruption. The practical implications of this study suggest that banks should not only invest in research and development within fintech but also tailor strategic responses according to bank types and establish a comprehensive financial services ecosystem to bolster their competitive edge and profitability. The findings are critical for bank executives and policymakers aiming to navigate the challenges posed by fintech innovations.