Integrative Technology Research Articles

Toward Efficient Edge Detection: A Novel Optimization Method Based on Integral Image Technology and Canny Edge Detection

The traditional SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) registration algorithm is highly regarded in the field of image processing due to its scale invariance, rotation invariance, and robustness to noise. However, it faces challenges such as a large number of feature points, high computational demand, and poor real-time performance when dealing with large-scale images. A novel optimization method based on integral image technology and canny edge detection is presented in this paper, aiming to maintain the core advantages of the SIFT algorithm while reducing the complexity involved in image registration computations, enhancing the efficiency of the algorithm for real-time image processing, and better adaption to the needs of large-scale image handling. Firstly, Gaussian separation techniques were used to simplify Gaussian filtering, followed by the application of integral image techniques to accelerate the construction of the entire pyramid. Additionally, during the feature point detection phase, an innovative feature point filtering strategy was introduced by combining Canny edge detection with dilation operations alongside the traditional SIFT approach, aiming to reduce the number of feature points and thereby lessen the computational load. The method proposed in this paper takes 0.0134 s for Image type a, 0.0504 s for Image type b, and 0.0212 s for Image type c. In contrast, the traditional method takes 0.1452 s for Image type a, 0.5276 s for Image type b, and 0.2717 s for Image type c, resulting in reductions of 0.1318 s, 0.4772 s, and 0.2505 s, respectively. A series of comparative experiments showed that the time taken to construct the Gaussian pyramid using our proposed method was consistently lower than that required by the traditional method, indicating greater efficiency and stability regardless of image size or type.

Use of Virtual Reality Glasses During Healthcare: An Integrative Review.

Integrating technology into healthcare services has direct implications for the efficacy and performance of client care. In view of this, the aim was to identify the possibilities of using virtual reality glasses in healthcare. An integrative literature review was conducted in October 2024, searching in MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Science Direct. Original articles were included without restriction on publication period or language, whereas duplicates and those not addressing the guiding question were excluded. The level of evidence was evaluated following Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt's method. Data were synthesized in tables, figures, and in narrative form. The 47 studies in the final sample were published between 2007 and 2024, with most conducted in Turkey and predominantly clinical trials. Various models of glasses were used, with VRBox being the most cited, and video interventions were prominent. Main focuses of use included areas such as rehabilitation, invasive procedures, preoperative care, obstetrics, examinations, dentistry, and wound care. The use of virtual reality glasses has proven effective for distraction, pain reduction, and anxiety management across various health domains. Experimental studies indicate a high level of scientific evidence, which is essential for evidence-based practices; however, more objective investigations are still needed.

New Integral Neutron-Neutron Logging for Cement Integrity Analysis of any Backfilling

Background: The article presents a new technology of integral neutron-neutron logging technology for cement integrity analysis (hereinafter – NNL-C) of wells in hydrocarbon fields, developed by GeoSpectr Oil and Gas Technology Institute (Russia). NNL-C is designed to ensure the quality of well cementing focusing on the condition, integrity and leak tightness of any type and density of cement casing (including light cement). It can be used in any kind of well filling whether liquid, gas, or a mixture. NNL-C is applicable at all stages of the oil and gas well lifecycle – from construction to operation – without well-kill operation and tubing removal. This technology is free from the major limitations of standard (conventional) gamma-gamma and acoustic logging techniques for cement integrity evaluation. Aim: The purpose of the NNL-C is to offer a prompt and cost-effective evaluation of the integrity or failure of cementing in any active wells. In contrast to NNL-C, the standard methods for analyzing cement integrity are inadequate for this purpose, as they cannot be applied to lightweight cement, tubing wells, or gas-filled wells. Materials and methods: The science behind, methodology, and interpretation software for NNL-C were developed employing mathematical modeling. This technology hs been tested against measurement data from real wells. Results: The NNL-C method was tested in 12 and tried in more than 20 wells, demonstrating a good correlation with standard methods and achieving high accuracy of cement-bond logging. The possibility of quantifying cement under field conditions was confirmed in scenarios where standard cement-bond logging techniques are typically not applicable, such as in tubing wells, gas-filled wells, and during the use of lightweight cement. The NNL-C technology has been successfully implemented in Kazakhstan at the Kozhasai and Alibekmola oil and gas condensate fields, as well as the Bozoi underground gas storage facility. Conclusion: The technology provides reliable, accurate, and cost-effective information on the quality of cementing of wells under construction such as condition, integrity and tightness of cementing (cement sheath) of production wells.

Leveraging Canva to create a biographical recount text for vocational secondary students in ESP instruction

Integrating technology into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction is essential for adapting to rapid technological advancements, and Canva offers significant potential in this area. However, research on Canva has mainly focused on general English instruction, with limited examination of its application in ESP. This study explores how vocational secondary school teachers used Canva to teach biographical recount texts in an ESP context, along with the rationale behind this choice. A qualitative study was conducted at SMKN 13 Malang, West Java, within the Merchant Nautical Ship Department. Data were collected through classroom observation and interviews with an experienced English teacher. Observations revealed the structured steps of using Canva to teach biographical recount texts, enabling more active students’ participation in class. Canva was chosen for its practical benefits, including students’ familiarity with the platform, ready-to-use templates, and the potential to boost students’ creativity, all of which support its effective use in vocational education.

Konsep Elemen Ruang Imajinatif melalui Pola Inhabitation dengan Materialitas Virtual pada Perpustakaan

<p><em>This paper explores the initial stages of design from issues, context, to problems related to the development of real and virtual technology, especially the phenomenon of inhabitation in the library building. The aim of this design-based research is to increase motivation and learning effectiveness, as well as maintain the function of the physical library building in the future with integrative virtual technology. The data collection method uses literature reviews as secondary data, and naturalistic research methods as primary data to validate theory and produce aspects and principles of inhabitation in real and virtual contexts that can be applied in library.. The results of this research are the concept of imaginative space elements that represent inhabitation patterns in various interactions and atmospheres in library design. The benefit of the research is knowing how the integrative application of technology in libraries can improve and develop the function of reading and learning spaces interactively and effectively. </em></p>

Wireless sensor network-based health monitoring and smart home assistance for the older adults in sports and wellness towns.

Integrating technology with rural development is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by aging populations in rural areas. China's national rural revitalization strategy emphasizes the importance of developing characteristic towns that focus on health and wellness demands, particularly for the older adults. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the systematic use of technology to support the health and daily living needs of this demographic. This study aims to bridge this gap by proposing a wireless sensor network (WSN)-based system that integrates health monitoring and smart home assistance, specifically tailored for older adults residents in sports and wellness towns. The system's design involves collecting and analyzing historical activity data and basic physiological parameters from older adults residents' homes. The data are cleaned, combined and stored to prepare it for behavior analysis, which is vital for controlling smart home equipment. Preliminary health assessments are conducted using the collected physiological data. A hybrid network leveraging Sub-G and Wi-Fi technologies is optimized for the purposes of collecting and uploading data, based on a comparative analysis of wireless communication options. This study significantly contributes to the advancement of sports and wellness towns by promoting healthy aging through cutting-edge technological solutions.

Digital Actors and Digital Platforms in the System of International Relations: Between Complex Interdependence and Online Sovereignty

The article analyzes deep changes in international relations that are taking place in the context of the increasing role of digital actors and platforms in shaping the global agenda. The emergence of the Internet was a turning point in the development of the entire system of global communications. The Internet changed the way information is spread and public opinion is shaped, while digital platforms became a new factor of globalization. At the same time, as the authors demonstrate, the original nature of the Internet, which was viewed by the United States and the West as an integral part and technology of the liberal order, in the end started to reflect the increasing confrontation between states, and became a space for the spread of political conflicts, stereotypes and information wars. In addition, new digital oligopolies began to shape the digital space based on their corporate interests, prioritizing their market share rather than the quality of online discussions and the strengthening of the civic democratic culture. The weaponization and securitization of the Internet is a logical continuation of the crisis of the global liberal order. The complex interdependence, which was strengthened by digital actors and digital platforms, is increasingly being replaced by the idea of digital sovereignty. States aim to decouple from a single communicative space and to create norms protecting them and their citizens from the excessive influence of the Big Tech. The authors conclude that we are experiencing the sunset of the era of information openness. Depoliticization of the Internet is impossible without reducing international tension and reviving the spirit of rationalism in world politics. Only through getting back to reason can we return to the Internet the role of a creative, rather than destructive technology.

Investigation of an L-Shaped Cross-Sectioned AA6061 Aluminum Alloy Ring via Extrusion and Self-Bending Integral Processing Technology

Investigation of an L-Shaped Cross-Sectioned AA6061 Aluminum Alloy Ring via Extrusion and Self-Bending Integral Processing Technology

A Review of Studies on Virtual and Blended Environments in English Language Education

Integrating technology into the classroom has become more and more popular recently, while at the same time blended learning has also engaged researchers’ attention. This paper investigates the differences among virtual environments in an EFL classroom by making reference to various studies conducted for this reason and the author’s opinion based on the conclusions. Specifically, the focus is on the diverse ways in which the language skills are acquired in the particular educational settings. There is also a reference to the combination of these two learning environments and a comparison of them altogether. The results indicate the positive and negative characteristics of virtual, traditional and blended EFL learning environments. The data demonstrate that virtual environments are stress-free, so they can improve students’ skills as long as they are familiar with technology and they do not face poor internet connectivity as well as the fact that blended learning leads to better acquisition since students have the chance to practice more broadly on what they have learnt. Some of the characteristics that contribute to these results are the flexible and convenient environment they offer, the chance to experience long-term learning, as well as the huge source of information that students have the chance to encounter.

The Impact of Fintech on Urban Industrial Pollution: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on Pilot Policies Integrating Technology and Finance

Against the backdrop of accelerating global industrialization and the increasingly severe issue of industrial pollution, reducing industrial pollution has become a key topic in sustainable development. Fintech, with its advantages of high efficiency, low cost, inclusiveness, and ability to reduce information asymmetry, has gained widespread attention and rapid development globally. Given the swift advancement of fintech, it is important to study its impact on urban industrial pollution. This paper, based on data from 281 Chinese cities between 2007 and 2021, selects cities included in the 2011 and 2016 "Technology and Finance Integration" pilot policies as the treatment group. Using a difference-in-differences model, it systematically analyzes the relationship between the development of fintech and urban industrial pollution. The study further explores the variations in fintech's impact on industrial pollution across different regions and types of cities, revealing the potential of fintech in promoting green transformation and reducing industrial pollution.

Integrating technology into school-wide adoption of flipped learning: Perceptions of a school principal

Integrating technology into teaching and learning is important for effective education in the 21st Century. School instructional leadership plays a crucial role in determining the success of school technological transformation. This paper focuses on the instructional leadership practice in a school-wide flipped learning adoption process. It examines a school principal’s instructional leadership practice in a middle-high boarding school in China. In-depth interviews and document analysis were used as tools for data collection. The findings reveal that involving teachers as researchers is a powerful technique for managing successful instructional reform when integrating technology into classroom practice. The school principal’s lived experiences and philosophy of education contribute to the commitment of the transformation process, which in turn motivated the principal to initiate and conduct instructional reform. Moreover, the school principal is expected to be a critical actor for the overall management when mobilising teacher engagement and other available resources in the school context. The implications for practitioners are discussed.

Integrated Assessment of Disturbed Ecosystems Using Remote Sensing Technique

Introduction. Today, there is a need for a shared vision of restoration of disturbed ecosystems, which is defined as “the process of stopping and reversing degradation, leading to improved ecosystem services and restoration of biodiversity.”Problem Statement. The assessment and restoration of disturbed ecosystems has become especially relevant for the Ukrainian society now, as warfare has caused large-scale changes in environment and both short-term and long-term consequences for ecosystems in Ukraine.Purpose. Assessment of ecosystems disturbed as a result of warfare impact by remote sensing.Materials and Methods. Multispectral satellite imagery, ground truth data and ecosystems characteristics of study area have been used. Remotely sensed data processing, geospatial modelling, and mathematical statistics have been applied.Results. A warfare impact on the ecosystems of Ukraine has been overviewed. Possibility of using remote sensing methods have been considered; their advantages and disadvantages have been generalized. A demo example of the described technique for assessing the ecosystem conditions along the E40 highway on the west of Kyiv has been shown with the use of multi-time satellite imagery of very high resolution (0.5 m on the ground) between May 2020 and March 2022. The analysis of the obtained maps allows us to assess short-term changes in land cover: a decrease in the area of water bodies, coniferous and leafy plants, an increase in the open soil area. The ecosystem conditions map of the studied area enables identifying plots of high risk.Conclusions. Integrated remote assessment of the condition of disturbed ecosystems and geospatial analysis of corresponding risks are useful tools for the territory management. Remote sensing techniques are particularly important in the context of largescale warfare. In many cases, only remote sensing techniques can provide information on the condition of ecosystems that areinaccessible or dangerous for ground-based research. Currently, the proposed approach has been elaborated and tested over other territories, different ecosystems and other data sources. Completed and tested integral geo-information technology will be relevant for the post-war recovery of the territory of Ukraine. Further research should be focused on building a pool of quantitative models for probabilistic assessment of the risk of disruption of various ecosystems under diff erent conditions, as well as on obtaining an array of statistical data to increase the reliability of the resulting maps.

Assessment of Web Security Vulnerabilities for Common Open Source Virtualization Software

Open-source hypervisors have emerged as an integral technology for virtualizing server resources in cloud and data center computing. Hypervisor security efficiency is determined by virtual machine isolation, which is a de facto adoption factor in the selection process, as well as its ability to respond to web attacks. This paper assesses the security performance of Proxmox VE and XenServer for type 1 hypervisors, and Kernel Virtual Machine and Oracle Virtual Box for type 2 hypervisors. Security analysis was conducted using common exposures extracted from vulnerability databases and mapped against the OWASP 2013 and 2017 projects. For clarity, experiments were carried out on a testbed with prebuilt virtual machines, each hosting one hypervisor installed as an attack target. Kali Linux was configured in one virtual machine to run recursive penetration testing for information gathering, vulnerability detection, penetration attempts, and exploitation of weak spots. The infrastructure was set in both homogeneous and heterogeneous execution environments, with a series of tests nested with each other. All four hypervisors are vulnerable to physical kernel isolation, as unprivileged users can gain root access and launch guest-to-guest and host-to-guest attacks. Among the two, guest-to-guest attacks were found to be more common than host-to-guest attacks, indicating that virtual machine isolation is weaker than the underlying host. Type 1 hypervisors have a lower rate of host-to-guest attacks than guest to-guest attacks, implying that XenServer and Proxmox VE provide better isolation than KVM and OVB due to the near-native speed, security, and efficiency of their virtual machines. All four hypervisors were found to be vulnerable to buffer overflow exploits and error-triggering sensitive information leaks, which were primarily caused by adopter default misconfigurations in the deployment process rather than software design flaws. This implies that greater efforts are required by open-source adopters when shifting from physical to virtual computing.

Sociocultural activity as an integrative technology of active socialization of students with special needs in the conditions of higher educational institution

Sociocultural activity as an integrative technology of active socialization of students with special needs in the conditions of higher educational institution

T-stress extraction in arbitrarily cracked orthotropic composites with the numerical manifold method and Stroh formalism

The escalating utilization of composites over the past decades has necessitated the fracture investigation of orthotropic materials. The T-stress, namely, the first non-singular term of the normal stress parallel to the crack in William’s expansion, is of great significance for fracture analysis. In this work, the numerical manifold method (NMM) is advanced to assess the T-stress of arbitrary-shaped cracks (including non-intersecting cracks and multi-branched cracks) in two-dimensional orthotropic composites. Attributing to the bi-cover systems, the NMM can conveniently discretize the physical domain and naturally accommodate the discontinuity across crack surface. Meanwhile, the singularity at crack tip can be well captured by the wise choice of local approximation function. Through the application of interaction integral technology in the NMM postprocessing, the T-stress is extracted with the Stroh-form auxiliary fields. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing with reference solutions and then applied to arbitrarily branched and intersecting cracks. The results indicate that the present approach has convincing accuracy and also considerable convenience in T-stress evaluation. Additionally, the impacts of material orientations, crack geometries and loading conditions on the T-stress are also investigated.

Transforming policing in Ghana through technology: a focus on police operations in the Greater Accra region

Integrating technology into policing has the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness, transparency, and community participation of law enforcement agencies. This study examines the profound influence of technology on the Ghana Police Service, with a specific emphasis on the Greater Accra Region. The main aim of this research is to examine how technological advancements might enhance police results and tackle existing difficulties in the context of law enforcement in Ghana. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and collects data from police officers and community members through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The investigation involved the participation of a combined total of twenty-six police officials from the Tema and Accra Regional Headquarters, as well as twenty-two community members. The data gathering procedure sought to gather a wide range of viewpoints on the present condition of technology in law enforcement, its advantages, difficulties, and prospects for future advancement. The results demonstrate that the utilisation of technology, such as mobile data terminals and social media platforms, can greatly improve the effectiveness of police operations, promote community involvement, and increase transparency. Nevertheless, the presence of obstacles such as insufficient infrastructure, cultural opposition, and the necessity for extensive training were also acknowledged. The research enhances the current knowledge by presenting empirical evidence on the benefits and constraints of technology in law enforcement, particularly in the setting of Ghana. This study emphasises the significance of making strategic investments in technology infrastructure and training, as well as the necessity of establishing legal frameworks to tackle ethical and privacy concerns. Additionally, it proposes that future studies should prioritise examining the enduring viability of technological advancements in law enforcement and investigating their effects in various geographical areas. The study suggests that politicians and law enforcement organisations should promote the deployment of technology in a way that is successful and build public trust in the Ghana Police Service.

Intelligence and safety: research progress and trends in multiphase flow separation technology and equipment

At present, with the rapid development of industrial automation and information technology, intelligence has become a key trend to improve the efficiency and safety of industrial equipment. Multiphase flow separation technology is an important link in the energy, chemical, and other industries, and the intelligent upgrade of its equipment and the study of safety technology are of great significance for improving the energy savings, environmental protection level, and production safety of the whole industry. This paper carries out a comprehensive study of domestic and foreign multiphase flow separation technology and equipment, combines the current scientific research background, future research trends, and the structural integrity and safety technology of pressurized equipment, analyzes the current challenges, and puts forward reasonable development suggestions for comprehensively upgrading the intelligence, stability, and reliability of separation equipment.

Procedural integrity and electronic technologies in civil law

Procedural integrity and electronic technologies in civil law

E-commerce Adoption and Sustainability with SMEs – An Advanced Bibliometric Analysis

Integrating technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship has been pivotal in reducing business costs and fostering global connections between producers and consumers. E-commerce has become a fundamental part of the modern business landscape, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With its unique and innovative approach of conducting a bibliometric analysis of the existing research on e-commerce adoption and sustainability within small and medium-scale industries, this study aims to fill a gap in the current literature. The analysis focuses on identifying critical success factors, assessing the relationship between SME characteristics and e-commerce adoption, and examining the organisational implications of e-commerce in SMEs. The findings of this study, presented with all the scientific data, offer insights that can shape the future of SMEs in e-commerce adoption. Bibliographic data was collected through the Web of Science and Scopus databases between 1999 and May 2024. Both databases were combined using the R-studio application, and Biblioshiny was used for the bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric study of data from 1187 related scientific publications was performed using a structured search algorithm in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Research on adoption factors in specific industries has not been extensively explored, making it a promising area for further research. The implications of this study present a bibliometric analysis of the dimensions of SMEs' e-commerce adoption strategy and propose future research directions. Findings highlight the main authors, publications, and productive countries that can be used for research collaborations. This analysis of e-commerce adoption concludes with some limitations, suggestions, and a research agenda for future research.

Education of environmental responsibility of students based on integral-dialogue technology

The article represents the authors’ approach to the formation of environmental responsibility of students based on integral dialogue technology meeting the general trend to humanization of educational process and the raising importance of environmental awareness. The article reveals the integral potential of cultural heritage, materializing the ideas of cocreation between man and nature, and national values and traditions of the peoples of the country. The authors define the theoretical and methodological basis for the development of an integraldialogue technology for educating environmental responsibility, and reveal the substantive aspect of technology that is associated with the use of historical and cultural heritage. The essence and procedural features of integral-dialogue technology, which provides for the consistent implementation of cultural-ecological situations-immersions in the historical and cultural heritage, are considered. The sequence of such situations is built taking into account the stages of formation of environmental responsibility and includes three stages: (1) focusing on the whole: meeting; (2) focusing on the part: dialogue; (3) focusing on the whole: acting responsibly1. These stages provide a systematic consideration of the historical and cultural heritage through the categorical matrix of the whole and the part, as well as a holistic impact on all spheres of the individual’s consciousness in the process of educating environmental responsibility.