Implications Of Technology Research Articles

From Tradition to Tech: An Ontological Journey in Igbo-African Culture

This philosophical exploration examines the emergence of technology in the Igbo-African context. Drawing on philosophical literature and Igbo cultural practices, the paper explores how technology has been understood and used in Igbo society. It considers the role of culture, ethics, and values in shaping the development of technology and highlights the importance of a holistic approach to technology that takes into account the social and cultural context in which it is used. The paper argues that a deeper understanding of the Igbo worldview and philosophy can provide insights into the ethical and social implications of technology and offer a more balanced approach to technology development and implementation. Ultimately, the paper suggests that an engagement with African philosophical traditions can enrich global discussions about technology and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive technological landscape.

(107) NAVIGATING ENDOMETRIOSIS IN THE TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE COMMUNITY: INSIGHTS FROM MULTIDISCIPLINARY FOCUS GROUPS

Abstract Objectives The study aims to gain insights in endometriosis experiences among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people living with endometriosis and the care they (do not) receive. The objective is to set an agenda to narrow gaps in literature, and to identify relevant recommendations regarding endometriosis care for this community for different disciplines. Methods Recruitment took place through a call on social media and professional network of the organizers. Patients and professionals were selected to guarantee a balance of senior/junior researchers, fair geographical distribution and a diversified personal and professional background. Data was collected during a two-days event hosted at the Brocher Foundation. On the first day 12 presentations were held to ensure all participants had a common understanding of the topic. On the second day, three semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Data was analyzed following the six-step thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2006). Results Twenty-one participants were selected. These included patient representative and scholars from medicine, public health, social sciences, anthropology, psychology and sexology. Five clusters (research, diagnosis, treatment, HCP-related factors and social challenges) and twenty-one themes were identifies. Conclusions This study underscores the insufficiency of current literature leading to an oversimplified portrayal that does not reflect the lived experiences of many individuals. The current guidelines lack the sensitivity needed to address the unique healthcare challenges and barriers faced by this community. This disconnect manifests in delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and lack of culturally competent care, ultimately perpetuating health disparities in this already marginalized group. This study emphasizes the pressing need for a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach to endometriosis research and care. The agenda for future research must prioritize a thorough understanding of the nuanced experiences of TGD individuals with endometriosis, considering factors such as hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries and minority stress. Healthcare guidelines must undergo an overhaul to incorporate specific needs of this community. Conflicts of Interest The event where the data was collected was kindly hosted by the Brocher Foundation. The Brocher foundation mission is to encourage a research on the ethical, legal and social implications of new medical technologies. Its main activities are to host visiting researchers and to organize workshops and summer academies. More information on the Brocher foundation program is available at www.brocher.ch.

Absensi Elektronik dan Keterasingan Akademik di Perguruan Tinggi

This study aims to analyze the implementation of electronic attendance through fingerprinting as a disciplinary instrument for lecturers at IAIN Palopo. This research employs Michael Foucault's theory of power to reveal the model of power relations manifested through the fingerprint mechanism and its impact on lecturers. The methods used in this study include observation, interviews with lecturers, and document analysis. The findings indicate that every lecturer at IAIN Palopo is required to use fingerprint attendance every working day, even if they do not have a teaching schedule every day. This system creates two main mechanisms of power relations. First, hierarchical surveillance is conducted through attendance machines, CCTV, leadership, and the Monthly Lecturer Performance Sheets. Second, the mechanism of performance allowances is paid based on the monthly attendance recap. Surveillance through fingerprinting and CCTV allows the management to strictly monitor lecturers' attendance, ensuring discipline in terms of presence. However, although this system effectively increases attendance, some negative impacts have been identified. Lecturers become more focused on their physical presence rather than on other important tasks such as research and community service. This indicates that the power relations enforced through electronic attendance successfully create discipline in attendance but do not address other aspects of lecturers' duties. Thus, the implementation of electronic attendance through fingerprinting at IAIN Palopo reflects a complex form of power, where discipline is achieved through strict surveillance and financial incentives, but other important elements of academic performance are neglected. This study provides important insights into how technology can be used to regulate behavior in educational settings and the implications of such technology on various aspects of lecturers' performance.

Legal Aspects of Using Blockchain Technologies in the Field of E-Commerce

Objective: This research aims to explore the implications of blockchain technology, focusing on its various forms of social implementation and its impact on security and trust in public blockchains. Theoretical Framework: The study examines the legal regulation of digital technologies in the context of the digital age, considering the balance between public and private interests, and the benefits and risks associated with blockchain technology. Method: The research employs qualitative analysis, reviewing literature on blockchain technology, digital regulations, and trends in the global blockchain market. Results and Discussion: The findings emphasize the security and trust provided by public blockchains due to their openness and consensus mechanisms, highlighting their significance in e-commerce and the broader digital landscape. Research Implications: This study underscores the importance of legal frameworks for managing the impact of blockchain technology on society, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Originality/Value: The research contributes to understanding the evolving role of blockchain technology in the digital age, forecasting its significant growth and impact on various sectors, including finance, security, and digitalization.

Quantifying advances from basic research to applied research in material science

Exploring the connection between basic science and its practical applications is critical to consider the social justification of the substantial governmental investments in science. However, there's a limited understanding of global research patterns and the dynamics of researcher collaboration from a basic-applied perspective because such studies have been mainly focused only on the biomedical field. Here, the main goal is to propose an indicator to quantify the degree of basic-applied research in academic papers. Using the indicator, we uncover how material science has advanced from basic to applied research, based on the international trends of the indicators and the affiliations of the scientists involved. We develop a methodology that indexes levels of advancement from basic research to applied research based on large-scale text data. The continuous scores assigned to each paper are derived from a vector space embedding technical terms from a broad network data. These scores align with experts' views in material science. This methodology enables us to monitor international trends that China has significantly advanced into applied research, as well as Chinese applied scientists increasingly associating with their domestic institutions. As science and technology implication, our methodology extends the boundary of assessing scientific research on its proximity to real-world applications and provides a tangible measure for funding agencies managing to fund or design research environments.

Precision sketching with de-aging networks in forensics

Addressing the intricacies of facial aging in forensic facial recognition, traditional sketch portraits often fall short in precision. This study introduces a pioneering system that seamlessly integrates a de-aging module and a sketch generator module to overcome the limitations inherent in existing methodologies. The de-aging module utilizes a deepfake-based neural network to rejuvenate facial features, while the sketch generator module leverages a pix2pix-based Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) for the generation of lifelike sketches. Comprehensive evaluations on the CUHK and AR datasets underscore the system’s superior efficiency. Significantly, comprehensive testing reveals marked enhancements in realism during the training process, demonstrated by notable reductions in Frechet Inception Distance (FID) scores (41.7 for CUHK, 60.2 for AR), augmented Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) values (0.789 for CUHK, 0.692 for AR), and improved Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) metrics (20.26 for CUHK, 19.42 for AR). These findings underscore substantial advancements in the accuracy and reliability of facial recognition applications. Importantly, the system, proficient in handling diverse facial characteristics across gender, race, and culture, produces both composite and hand-drawn sketches, surpassing the capabilities of current state-of-the-art methods. This research emphasizes the transformative potential arising from the integration of de-aging networks with sketch generation, particularly for age-invariant forensic applications, and highlights the ongoing necessity for innovative developments in de-aging technology with broader societal and technological implications.

Transformasi Konsep Kewarganegaraan di Era Digital: Implikasi Sosial, Etis, dan Masa Depan

This study explores the evolution of citizenship concepts in the digital era, influenced by globalization, information technology, and socio-political changes. Using an interdisciplinary approach, it identifies new patterns of citizenship, including transnational and digital citizenship, and the challenges in their application. Findings reveal that citizenship now encompasses complex identity networks that transcend national boundaries. The social and ethical implications of digital technology, such as the digital divide and privacy concerns, are analyzed to provide insights for inclusive and adaptive policies. This research enriches the citizenship literature and paves the way for further studies to build inclusive and sustainable societies in the digital age.

Metadata Management in Data Lake Environments: A Survey

Data lakes are storage repositories that contain large amounts of data in its native format; either structured ssemi-structured or unstructured, to be used when needed. Data lakes are open to a wide range of use cases such as carrying out advanced analytics, extracting knowledge patterns, etc. However, simply dumping all the data into a data lake would only lead to a so-called data swamp. To prevent such a situation, enterprises can adopt best practices among which to build and maintain metadata. In recent years there has been a growing body of research about managing metadata in data lake environments. Existing research efforts deal separately with different activities such as metadata modeling, metadata capture and extraction, metadata usage, etc. Nevertheless, despite its importance, a global view about the research landscape about metadata management for data lakes is still missing. This survey congregates different facets of metadata management in data lakes and presents a global view along with the technological implications and the required features for building successful metadata management systems. Besides, this survey summarizes and discusses research gaps, open problems and main challenges facing both industrialists and academics. This survey pertains to the broader field of Big Data and especially to the data platforms that manage enterprise big data assets. Furthermore, considering the parallels between data lakes and digital libraries regarding their dependence on metadata for content management, this study could offer valuable insights to the digital library community, offering them a technological outlook on metadata management.

Africa, ChatGPT, and Generative AI Systems: Ethical Benefits, Concerns, and the Need for Governance

This paper examines the impact and implications of ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies within the African context while looking at the ethical benefits and concerns that are particularly pertinent to the continent. Through a robust analysis of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems using established approaches for analysing the ethics of emerging technologies, this paper provides unique ethical benefits and concerns for these systems in the African context. This analysis combined approaches such as anticipatory technology ethics (ATE), ethical impact assessment (EIA), and ethical issues of emerging ICT applications with AI (ETICA) with specific issues from the literature. The findings show that ChatGPT and other generative AI systems raise unique ethical concerns such as bias, intergenerational justice, exploitation of labour and cultural diversity in Africa but also have significant ethical benefits. These ethical concerns and benefits are considered crucial in shaping the design and deployment of ChatGPT and similar technologies responsibly. It further explores the potential applications of ChatGPT in critical domain areas such as education, agriculture, and healthcare, thereby demonstrating the transformative possibilities that these technologies can have on Africa. This paper underscores the critical role of AI governance as Africa increasingly adopts ChatGPT and similar AI systems. It argues that a comprehensive understanding of AI governance is essential not only for maximising the benefits of generative AI systems but also for facilitating a global dialogue. This dialogue aims to foster shared knowledge and insights between the Global North and the Global South, which is important for the development and creation of inclusive and equitable AI policies and practices that can be beneficial for all regions.

Simulation of Electromagnetic Waves Propagation Using Matlab

This research explores the simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation using MATLAB, focusing on both 2D and 3D environments. By deriving the wave equation from Maxwell's equations, we utilize the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method for numerical solutions. The MATLAB code implementation demonstrates the propagation of electric and magnetic fields and is validated through visualizations. Practical applications, including telecommunications, medical imaging, and microwave engineering, are examined through case studies on antenna design and waveguide analysis. Challenges in simulation, recent advances, and future research directions are discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of electromagnetic wave propagation and its technological implications.

Exploring the paradox: Perceptions of AI in higher education – a study of hype and scandal

In the rapidly evolving field of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 signifies a noteworthy juncture economically, in workplaces, and in education. This article explores the dual public perception of GenAI as both promising and controversial, especially in higher education. The study is rooted in ‘information ecologies’ to understand the integration and implications of new technologies in educational settings. Employing a ‘multiplicity’ method, the article emphasizes a self-reflexive, context-sensitive approach, utilizing digital ethnography and auto-ethnographic narratives to analyse the nuanced public perception and its effects on the use of AI in academia. The research underlines the importance of a balanced integration of AI, aiming for students to become proficient in managing AI products, which is essential for aligning educational practices with modern workplace demands.

Examining Ethical and Social Implications of Digital Mental Health Technologies Through Expert Interviews and Sociotechnical Systems Theory

This paper aims to understand how science and technology experts working in the digital mental health field interpret the ethical and social implications of its technologies, combining an ‘expert interview’ methodology with insights from sociotechnical systems theory. Following recruitment of experts in science and technology fields who had experience of supporting the development of DMH interventions, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed in accordance with the Framework Method. A single theme of ‘complexity of implications’ is presented here and divided into the categories of ‘implications for users’, ‘implications for healthcare professionals and systems’, and ‘implications for society’. Participants identified a range of ethical and social implications of digital mental health technologies at the three different levels, which this discussion relates to three key aspects of complex sociotechnical systems identified in existing theoretical work. These are ‘heterogeneity’, ‘interdependence’ and ‘distribution’, each of which raises important questions for future research about how complex values, relationships and responsibilities should be negotiated in digital mental health. The paper concludes that this study’s approach provides a model for understanding the implications of digital health more broadly, with participants’ combined experience and knowledge shedding light on key interventions at the forefront of digitalization in healthcare.

Mutual Diffusivities of Mixtures of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen and Their Solubilities in Brine: Insight from Molecular Simulations.

H2-CO2 mixtures find wide-ranging applications, including their growing significance as synthetic fuels in the transportation industry, relevance in capture technologies for carbon capture and storage, occurrence in subsurface storage of hydrogen, and hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to form hydrocarbons and alcohols. Here, we focus on the thermodynamic properties of H2-CO2 mixtures pertinent to underground hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to compute mutual (Fick) diffusivities for a wide range of pressures (5 to 50 MPa), temperatures (323.15 to 423.15 K), and mixture compositions (hydrogen mole fraction from 0 to 1). At 5 MPa, the computed mutual diffusivities agree within 5% with the kinetic theory of Chapman and Enskog at 423.15 K, albeit exhibiting deviations of up to 25% between 323.15 and 373.15 K. Even at 50 MPa, kinetic theory predictions match computed diffusivities within 15% for mixtures comprising over 80% H2 due to the ideal-gas-like behavior. In mixtures with higher concentrations of CO2, the Moggridge correlation emerges as a dependable substitute for the kinetic theory. Specifically, when the CO2 content reaches 50%, the Moggridge correlation achieves predictions within 10% of the computed Fick diffusivities. Phase equilibria of ternary mixtures involving CO2-H2-NaCl were explored using Gibbs Ensemble (GE) simulations with the Continuous Fractional Component Monte Carlo (CFCMC) technique. The computed solubilities of CO2 and H2 in NaCl brine increased with the fugacity of the respective component but decreased with NaCl concentration (salting out effect). While the solubility of CO2 in NaCl brine decreased in the ternary system compared to the binary CO2-NaCl brine system, the solubility of H2 in NaCl brine increased less in the ternary system compared to the binary H2-NaCl brine system. The cooperative effect of H2-CO2 enhances the H2 solubility while suppressing the CO2 solubility. The water content in the gas phase was found to be intermediate between H2-NaCl brine and CO2-NaCl brine systems. Our findings have implications for hydrogen storage and chemical technologies dealing with CO2-H2 mixtures, particularly where experimental data are lacking, emphasizing the need for reliable thermodynamic data on H2-CO2 mixtures.

The Transformative Implications of Technology on Accounting Practices

The Transformative Implications of Technology on Accounting Practices

Genomic and functional evaluation of exopolysaccharide produced by Liquorilactobacillus mali t6-52: technological implications

BackgroundThis study explores the biosynthesis, characteristics, and functional properties of exopolysaccharide produced by the strain Liquorilactobacillus mali T6-52. The strain demonstrated significant EPS production with a non-ropy phenotype.ResultsThe genomic analysis unveiled genes associated with EPS biosynthesis, shedding light on the mechanism behind EPS production. These genes suggest a robust EPS production mechanism, providing insights into the strain’s adaptability and ecological niche. Chemical composition analysis identified the EPS as a homopolysaccharide primarily composed of glucose, confirming its dextran nature. Furthermore, it demonstrated notable functional properties, including antioxidant activity, fat absorption capacity, and emulsifying activity. Moreover, the EPS displayed promising cryoprotective activities, showing notable performance comparable to standard cryoprotective agents. The EPS concentration also demonstrated significant freeze-drying protective effects, presenting it as a potential alternative cryoprotectant for bacterial storage.ConclusionsThe functional properties of L. mali T6-52 EPS reveal promising opportunities across various industrial domains. The strain’s safety profile, antioxidant prowess, and exceptional cryoprotective and freeze-drying characteristics position it as an asset in food processing and pharmaceuticals.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Use of Technology in Employee Performance Evaluation: Trends and Implications

This bibliometric analysis explores the integration and implications of technology in employee performance evaluations, emphasizing trends over the last few decades. As organizations globally adapt to rapid digital transformations, traditional performance appraisal systems are increasingly replaced with technologically advanced methods including AI, blockchain, and machine learning. This study systematically reviews literature from major scholarly databases to map the evolution of these technologies and their impact on human resource management practices. It identifies significant trends, such as the rise in digital solutions post-COVID-19 and the challenges associated with data privacy and algorithmic bias. The findings offer a comprehensive understanding of how technology reshapes employee performance evaluation, highlighting a transition from conventional methods to dynamic, real-time assessment processes. This research not only documents existing patterns but also pinpoints gaps in current studies, suggesting avenues for future exploration to enhance organizational effectiveness through technology.

Recycling and Implications for Neanderthal Productive Strategies in the Stratigraphic Unit viii of the El Salt Rockshelter (Alcoi, Eastern Iberia)

ABSTRACT Recycling was an activity carried out by ancient hunter-gatherer populations. It has been demonstrated by many studies on this matter. However, there are main issues in relation to it that are still under debate: what we call recycling, how we identify it, and what implications it has for the technoeconomic dynamics of these groups. In order to contribute to this topic, we present here the Neandertal flint materials from the stratigraphic unit viii of the El Salt rockshelter (Alcoi, Alacant, eastern Iberia). We have selected a series of artifacts exhibiting time-dependent postgenetic alterations (i.e. white patinas and thermal alteration) that affect previous technical intervention and, additionally, display subsequent anthropogenic actions that reveal an intermediate stage between the initial and the second use. The data obtained point to a principal relationship of recycling with mobility dynamics, and entail implications for Neandertal lithic technology and provisioning.

Quantum frontiers: navigating the wave of the future

The advent of quantum mechanics has ushered humanity into an era of unparalleled scientific exploration and technological innovation. As we stand at the forefront of this quantum revolution, it becomes imperative to comprehend the foundational principles and expanding applications that define quantum frontiers. This abstract explains into the enigmatic realm of quantum mechanics, elucidating its fundamental concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and decoherence. Moreover, it explores the profound implications of quantum computing, cryptography, and communication technologies, which promise to revolutionize industries and reshape societal landscapes. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this abstract navigates the wave of the future, unveiling the transformative potential of quantum frontiers and the challenges that lie ahead in harnessing its power for the betterment of humanity.

Deepfake Detection using Deep Learning

The detection of deep fakes, which are synthetic media generated using deep learning techniques, has become increasingly important due to their potential to deceive and manipulate individuals, organizations, and society at large. This abstract explores recent advancements in deep fake detection methodologies, including machine learning algorithms, neural network architectures, and forensic techniques. Key challenges such as the rapid evolution of deep fake generation methods and the emergence of highly realistic forgeries are discussed. Additionally, the abstract examines the ethical implications of deep fake technology and the need for robust detection methods to mitigate its harmful effects. Finally, future directions in deep fake detection research are outlined, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of innovative approaches to combat this growing threat to information integrity and trust

Reimagining Ethical Leverage in Technology for Peaceful Synodality: A Bioethics of Synodality with Technology

This paper seeks to reimagine ethical leverage in technology for peaceful synodality (the term peaceful synodality is coined to mean a synodality that welcomes participation and inclusion of people from different backgrounds and views without compromising the truth and respecting their dignity and journeying together) through the lens of the bioethics of synodality with technology. The concept of this paper is that technology can be leveraged ethically to promote peaceful synodality in the Catholic Church and that such an approach to technology is rooted in reimagining a bioethics of synodality that emphasize the need for journeying hand in hand with the speed at which technological advancement moves in order to enhance ethical decision-making processes. Ethics has moved at a different pace than technology, especially in matters involving human life. Ethics has been viewed as problematic in technology, especially where science wants to be neutral, but rethinking ethics as a companion of emerging technologies will be helpful in directing the ethical uptake of technology. To argue this thesis, the paper will employ a review of relevant literature while presenting the theological and ethical perspectives of synodality. By and large, an interdisciplinary approach will be employed where various disciplines play a key role. Such methodology advances the theme of reimagining Catholic ethics by offering a fresh perspective on the ethical implications of technology in the context of synodality. By emphasizing the importance of journeying together through enhanced ethical guidelines for proper decision-making and by exploring how technology can respect human rights and dignity among other values, this paper contributes to a broader conversation about how Catholic ethics can be reimagined in light of technological developments. Ultimately, this paper argues that a bioethics of synodality with technology can offer a vision for technology that is grounded in Catholic social teaching that promotes universally accepted human dignity and the common good. A cross-cutting method will also be used, given that ethics has basically constant principles, yet technology keeps on changing. Reimagining ethics means studying the advancement brought about by biotechnology and seeing to what degree human beings are affected in their basic rights and the risks versus the benefits brought about by the same. The assumption is that decisions made regarding the ethics of various technologies will be at par with the rate at which new technologies emerge and are employed. What is of vital importance is that ethics can have the power to journey together with technology, not as an adversary but in synodality. Reimagining ethics means being ever alert in the developing technologies that serve humanity so that in consultation with various experts, the best practices can be embraced within the ethical guidelines for the common good. The outcome of this research is that reimagining Catholic ethics involves listening to the needs of humanity and how technology is bringing solutions to them. Participating in bioethical debates, training on bioethics and listening to experts in various fields will enable a critical, analytical and pneumatological discernment of how ethical decisions on frontier technologies can benefit non-humans and humans.