Level Of Technological Advancement Research Articles

The sudden disruptive rise of generative artificial intelligence? An evaluation of their impact on higher education and the global workplace

This paper evaluates the rise of “Generative Artificial Intelligence” (GAI) in its myriad forms, with the highest profile being the “Large Language Models” (LLMs). More importantly, it analyses the potentially disruptive impact of this ascendant technology on higher education and the global workplace. The findings of this paper indicate that students pursuing higher education tend to perceive GAI favourably, as it frees them from the toil of rote-learning. However, the view is rather mixed in the case of educators, who are still coming to grips with this seemingly disruptive technology. In the case of the global labour market, GAI has the potential to decimate legions of white-collar jobs once it eliminates inherent issues of biases, security and misinformation. Despite the media’s constant labelling of GAI as a disruptive technology that has suddenly burst onto the technological scene, it is evidenced in this paper that the technology has taken nearly eight decades to reach today’s level of technological advancement. Further, it is far from reaching its full potential, as it is still incorporating advances in pattern recognition, planning and problem solving, and quantum computing technologies. This study also warns of concentrating the power of this game-changing technology in the hands of a few major corporate titans.

The micro black hole cellular battery: The ultimate limits of battery energy density

With the clean energy revolution, many methods of energy production, such as solar and wind power, are quite unstable because of weather variability. However, energy consumption remains relatively stable. Therefore, efficient energy storage could be crucial for the future. In this context, we will explore the theoretical limits of battery efficiency in terms of energy density. Surprisingly, although quite speculative, a potential solution might involve a cellular battery composed of micro black holes. In fact, let us suppose hypothetically that advanced future technology can handle the formation of black holes. Then, according to the extremal solution of the Reissner–Nordström metric from general relativity, such a battery could be stable and would not collapse into a larger black hole because the electromagnetic repulsion would precisely offset the force of gravity. Additionally, although it is generally assumed that nothing can escape from a black hole, a micro black hole could possibly annihilate another micro black hole, resulting in the release of an enormous amount of clean energy. For example, a battery weighing just one kilogram could provide approximately 470 million times the energy of the most efficient 200-kilogram lithium battery at the time of writing. While achieving such a level of technological advancement is certainly not imminent, it is not inconceivable that battery technology development could follow a trajectory similar to that of computer technology. Just as breakthroughs in physics and computer engineering have led to exponential growth in computer efficiency in the last 50 years, it is possible that battery efficiency could double or even quadruple every few years following different types of breakthroughs. Nonetheless, the theoretical concept of a micro black hole battery appears to align with current predictions of fundamental physics regarding the ultimate physical limits on energy density storage. This strongly indicates we are at the very early stage of battery technology, not even close to the end.

Unlocking the Code to Continuous Innovation: A Study of Key Determinants for Serial Innovators

This study investigates the fundamental role of collaboration in promoting a culture of continuous innovation in companies, driving them to become serial innovators, as evidenced by their industrial property registrations. Furthermore, it explores, in an innovative way, how various factors, such as the level of technological advancement in the sector, government support for innovation, investments in research and development, the degree of international involvement, and the level of education of employees, influence the probability of a company achieving the status of serial innovator. Based on data extracted from CIS reports spanning from 2012 to 2018, this research employs Logit models to explore the relationship between these variables. The findings clarify the positive impact of collaboration on a company’s ability to sustain innovation over time, thereby establishing itself as a serial innovator. The promotion of collaborative networks and partnerships with external entities, such as partner companies, research institutions, and government organizations, emerges as a powerful strategy for promoting innovation in organizational contexts. Furthermore, the study reveals the critical roles played by public support for innovation, the educational level of the workforce, and investments in R&D in increasing companies’ innovation capabilities. These factors contribute to increasing a company’s propensity for innovation and increasing its likelihood to become a serial innovator. A qualified and educated workforce is known to have the skills and knowledge required to actively engage in innovative activities, thus positioning companies as serial innovators.

Artificial coloration of ancient agate beads: a mineralogical study

The process of staining was frequently employed to enhance or alter the color of agate beads in ancient times. One of the key challenges in studying ancient beads is comprehending the intricate techniques employed to color agate stones. An understanding of the staining mechanism from a mineralogical standpoint offers insights into the level of technological advancement in different civilizations. In this study, the mineral structure of eight ancient agate beads from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, NW China, was analyzed using Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques. The color, transparency, mineral phase, and surface roughness of the beads were examined, revealing variations ranging from colorless to light violet to dark violet. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to determine the SiO2 phase and the changes in optical characteristics of agate beads after artificial staining. The black color of the beads was formed by carbon penetration, while the red color was produced by heating. The coexistence of α-quartz and moganite phases in the red, the dark red, the black, the idiochromatic white and the part translucent zones of the ancient beads was confirmed by the 464 cm−1 peak of α-quartz and the 502 cm−1 peak of moganite phase. The analyzed red, the dark red, the black, the idiochromatic white and the part translucent zones exhibited remarkably similar FTIR spectral features, with two prominent bands at ~ 1097 and ~ 1187 cm−1, as well as two weak bands at 798 and 778 cm−1, indicating the presence of moganite and α-quartz in the unetched ancient beads. In contrast to the idiochromatic white appearance of natural agate, the scattered white coloration in etched beads was generated by an etching reaction. Both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy indicated the absence of moganite in etched beads, indicating that the scattered white color was produced by the loss of moganite and a portion of α-quartz, resulting in a rough surface.

The Decision-Making Process of China's Human Spaceflight Program

This article thoroughly examines the decision-making processes involved in the revival of China's human spaceflight program and debates over whether China's space program should begin with the development of a human space capsule or space shuttle. The authors discuss high-level decision-makers’ attitudes toward human spaceflight, the Chinese government's emphasis on preliminary research on human space programs and achieving technological catch-up with other countries, debates over whether space shuttles or human spacecrafts should be prioritized, and the final decision-making process of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) regarding the implementation of the human space program. In the light of the development of space shuttles in the United States and the Soviet Union and the progress of multiple reusable space shuttles and spaceplanes projects in Europe, a considerable number of experts and involved institutions in China have suggested prioritizing the development of space shuttles. Considering China's current situation, time and cost factors, level of technological advancement, and the difficulty of the task, a final proposal for developing a disposable human space capsule was submitted by China's Commission of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND) and the Ministry of Space Industry. In 1992, the Central Committee officially approved a three-step strategy for China's human spaceflight program. In the subsequent long-term operation, the US space shuttle failed to meet the expected goals, such as cost-effectiveness, safety, and flexibility of use, which could justify China's decision to prioritize the development of human spaceflight.

Current Technologies and Target Crops: A Review on Australian Protected Cropping

Protected cropping offers a way to bolster food production in the face of climate change and deliver healthy food sustainably with fewer resources. However, to make this way of farming economically viable, we need to consider the status of protected cropping in the context of available technologies and corresponding target horticultural crops. This review outlines existing opportunities and challenges that must be addressed by ongoing research and innovation in this exciting but complex field in Australia. Indoor farm facilities are broadly categorised into the following three levels of technological advancement: low-, medium- and high-tech with corresponding challenges that require innovative solutions. Furthermore, limitations on indoor plant growth and protected cropping systems (e.g., high energy costs) have restricted the use of indoor agriculture to relatively few, high value crops. Hence, we need to develop new crop cultivars suitable for indoor agriculture that may differ from those required for open field production. In addition, protected cropping requires high start-up costs, expensive skilled labour, high energy consumption, and significant pest and disease management and quality control. Overall, protected cropping offers promising solutions for food security, while reducing the carbon footprint of food production. However, for indoor cropping production to have a substantial positive impact on global food security and nutritional security, the economical production of diverse crops will be essential.

Digital resilience in higher education in response to COVID-19 pandemic: Student Perceptions from Asia and Australia

COVID-19 has transformed higher education learning and teaching practices globally. Tertiary students, internationally face both opportunities and challenges in learning and adapting to this paradigm shift in the delivery of education. It remains unclear how students in international contexts are responding to these changes in digital learning during and post-COVID-19. This paper aims to compare student perceptions of digital competence, confidence, and resilience in present times using data from surveys of tertiary students from Australia, Cambodia, China, India, and Malaysia. There are disparities not only in the teaching and learning pedagogies amongst these countries but also in the levels of technological advancement, infrastructure support, and pace of digital innovation in the delivery of courses. These differences have put in focus students’ both digital competencies and resilience as they pursue higher education on various digital learning platforms. Resilience includes the ability to bounce back or adapt from stress (Smith et al., 2008) Digital resilience is students’ tech-savviness and preparedness to adapt to different digital environments as they pursue higher education. This paper examines the perceptions of tertiary undergraduate students from these countries in this emerging new digital learning norm-. A total of 687 tertiary students from the aforementioned countries participated in a survey to questions related to digital competence, confidence in using and/or adapting to digital innovation, and resilience. Statistically significant attributes are identified to help better understand the challenges these culturally diverse students perceive in digital learning environments. This study will reveal barriers that impact the digital transformation of undergraduate students which can be used to recommend necessary teaching and learning support frameworks to enhance their digital competence and resilience. This will help tertiary institutions better equip all stakeholders in adapting to the new normal of higher education in the future.

Digital resilience in higher education in response to COVID-19 pandemic: Student Perceptions from Asia and Australia

COVID-19 has transformed higher education learning and teaching practices globally. Tertiary students, internationally face both opportunities and challenges in learning and adapting to this paradigm shift in the delivery of education. It remains unclear how students in international contexts are responding to these changes in digital learning during and post-COVID-19. This paper aims to compare student perceptions of digital competence, confidence, and resilience in present times using data from surveys of tertiary students from Australia, Cambodia, China, India, and Malaysia. There are disparities not only in the teaching and learning pedagogies amongst these countries but also in the levels of technological advancement, infrastructure support, and pace of digital innovation in the delivery of courses. These differences have put in focus students’ both digital competencies and resilience as they pursue higher education on various digital learning platforms. Resilience includes the ability to bounce back or adapt from stress (Smith et al., 2008) Digital resilience is students’ tech-savviness and preparedness to adapt to different digital environments as they pursue higher education. This paper examines the perceptions of tertiary undergraduate students from these countries in this emerging new digital learning norm-. A total of 687 tertiary students from the aforementioned countries participated in a survey to questions related to digital competence, confidence in using and/or adapting to digital innovation, and resilience. Statistically significant attributes are identified to help better understand the challenges these culturally diverse students perceive in digital learning environments. This study will reveal barriers that impact the digital transformation of undergraduate students which can be used to recommend necessary teaching and learning support frameworks to enhance their digital competence and resilience. This will help tertiary institutions better equip all stakeholders in adapting to the new normal of higher education in the future.

The state of cage culture in Lake Victoria: A focus on sustainability, rural economic empowerment, and food security

Abstract Capture fisheries and aquaculture have remained important sources of food, nutrition, income and livelihoods to millions globally, with annual per capita consumption of fish in developing countries having increased from 5.2 kg in 1961 to 18.8 kg in 2013. On the contrary, low income food-deficit countries annual fish per capita consumption rose from 3.5 to 7.6 kg against 26.8 kg among industrialized countries. Increased demand for animal protein and declining capture fisheries has seen aquaculture grow rapidly than any other food production sector over the past three decades. Rapid global aquaculture growth is directly related to levels of technological advancement, adoption and adaption prompting aquaculture transition from semi-intensive to intensive and super intensive production systems among developing and developed countries. In light of the aquatic environment economic potential, cage culture in Lake Victoria is fast gaining prominence in aquaculture production contribution. This began with trials by Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Uganda’s National Fisheries Resource Research Institute and later by private investors at Dunga and Obenge beaches of Kenya, Source of the Nile in Uganda and Bulamba Beach Management Units in Bunda District of Tanzania. However, only Kenya has so far documented cage culture development recording 3,696 cages across the five riparian counties with an estimated production capacity of 3,180 MT valued at Kshs 955.4 Million (9.6 million USD), created over 500 jobs directly and indirectly created income opportunities for over 4,000 people. The sub-sector’s value chain, its supportive value chains and associated enterprises are rapidly expanding thus creating jobs, enhancing incomes and ensuring food security in rural and urban areas. As cage culture commercialization takes root, there is urgent need to address issues such as introduction of alien species, diseases, marine parks and maximum carrying capacity among other aspects. This will require trans-boundary policy to ensure sustainable utilization of the lake as a common resource.

Can Capital Adjustment Costs Explain the Decline in Investment-Cash Flow Sensitivity?

It is well documented that since at least the 1970s investment-cash flow (I-CF) sensitivity has been decreasing over time to disappear almost completely by the late 2000s. Based on a neoclassical investment model with costly external financing, we show that this pattern can be explained by the gradual increase of capital adjustment costs. The result is corroborated in the supplementary analysis that exploits the cross-country and cross-industry variation of capital adjustment costs, as proxied by the level of technological advancement. More generally, our findings demonstrate that I-CF sensitivity should only be interpreted as a joint measure of financial and real frictions.

Human Capital Development and Higher Education

The paper focuses on the role of higher education as an instrument for improving on human capital development in the country. Emphasis is laid on how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country can be repositioned for the development of human capital. This paper presents an empirical study that seeks to identify the role of higher education in development of human capital. Content analysis was done from various academic articles world over in relation to the current topic under study. Factors such as government policies, level of technological advancement and enrollment level were discussed. The challenges confronting human capital development in HEIs were highlighted and the strategies for overcoming such challenges deliberated. In the present global environment, characterized by rapid change, intense information flows and increasing competition, emergence of HEIs holds an important place. In today’s knowledge based economy, HEIs are playing as centres for human resource development and therefore, aid in the development of the human capital. The paper concludes that higher education should contribute to meeting the social economic needs of the population in terms of relevance of the qualifications offered to the current labour needs. It therefore, recommends that all stakeholders should contribute towards the development and review of the curricula offered in HEIs to conform to the current needs of the Labour Market.

The Concept of Industry 4.0 Related Manufacturing Technology Maturity Model (Manutech Maturity Model, MTMM)

The main objective of this article is to describe Industry 4.0 and key manufacturing-technology-related technological and business challenges for manufacturing companies. The groups especially interested in the industry 4.0 implementation are operations, technical and production directors responsible for operational excellence of manufacturing plants, strategic development and business continuity. Based on latest Industry 4.0 and manufacturing technology market research, factories located in Poland are less technologically advanced than its counterparts in West European plants. Accordingly, development of the model for assessing the current level of maturity for manufacturing technology related to Industry 4.0 initiative becomes a relevant research task. In the article, key Industry 4.0 related technological areas will be described. Based on the extensive research into international references and industrial consulting experiences in industrial business consulting conducted in Polish manufacturing companies, the manufacturing technology ManuTech Maturity Model (MTMM) concept related to Industry 4.0 will be developed and presented. A substantial and innovative part of the article will be devoted to the adjustment of proposed maturity model to specific features of the Polish industrial and manufacturing sector. This will be relevant due to noticeable differences in the level of technological advancement between Western and Eastern Europe sectors.

Sectoral patterns of innovation cooperation in Polish industry

Research background: Contemporary research on industry concentrates on the relations between enterprises and their environment. Research on industrial structures conducted throughout the world, including Poland, are not extensive and limited due to the confidentiality of statistics. K. Pavitt (1984) was the first researcher who evaluated the relationship between industry structure and innovation activity. According to Pavitt, innovation dynamics and trajectory depend on the structure of domestic industry and is unique. In Poland T. Rachwal (2010) determined that over the studied years, changes in the indicator defining diversification in industrial divisions were minimal, but at the same time there was an observable fall in the importance of traditional divisions, such as the production of clothing, textiles, and the leather. In contrast, divisions as the production of metal, rubber, and plastic goods increased their share in terms of employees, as did furniture and vehicle manufacturing.
 Purpose of the article: The purpose of the paper is to identify sectoral patterns of innovation cooperation as revealed by data on about 5209 Polish enterprises. The authors attempt to find the answer to the following three questions: (1) Is the domestic aggregation sufficient for stimulating innovation cooperation in the Polish industry? (2) Is there any sectoral heterogeneity in innovation cooperation? (3) Are enterprises representing high technology industries the most involved in innovation cooperation? The main goal of the study was an attempt to seek out the directions and influence of various industries on the innovation cooperation of enterprises in Poland.
 Methods: Empirical data that served as the basis for conducting calculations were collected with the help of a questionnaire survey sent to industrial companies throughout Poland. A total of 5,209 properly completed forms were collected. The average rate of return was 11,6%. The collection was held over the years 2008?2013. The methodological part of the study was developed using the logistic regression method based on probability theory of the study.
 Findings & Value added: The study has shown that the higher the technology, the more often enterprises cooperate in the area of innovation. The research has not only shown the specifics of the domestic industrial system as well its level of technological advancement, but it has also taken into account the significance and input into the analyzed system.

ZNACZENIE WIEDZY DLA GOSPODARKI W UJĘCIU MAKRO- I MIKROEKONOMICZNYM

The article deals with importance of knowledge for single enterprise and for the whole economy. In the 50s of the last century Solow and Swan created the first macroeconomic model which indicated that the economic growth depends on the pace at which the amount of knowledge increases. It turned out to be a real challenge for economists to measure the amount of knowledge (or the technological advancement) because there are many ratios and quantities which indirectly indicate the level of technological advancement (such as the number of research articles, number of PhD degrees or number of University graduates). Currently the economies of well-developed countries are commonly referred to as knowledge-based economies, nevertheless, one accepted indicator which would evaluate the level of development of such economy has not been found. When it comes to single enterprises, there is a tendency to treat knowledge as a resource in the same sense as capital and a lot has been said about the need of effective knowledge management. Intellectual capital, which can contribute to the market value of the enterprise, appears to be a new element of the company's assets. The currents article presents a review on the issue of knowledge-based economy (a macroeconomic context) as well as it discusses a number of methods which aim to measure intellectual capital (a microeconomic context).

A global perspective on tech investment, financing, and ICT on manufacturing and service industry performance

We investigate the influence of manufacturing and service technology investments (i.e., tech investments), Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and financial factors on global manufacturing and service industry performance, from 2006 to 2014. This is accomplished by employing clustering, and decision tree induction, in conjunction with the Technology, Organization, and Environment framework (TOE) as the theoretical framework of the investigation. ICT and financial factors vary in importance across industries at different levels of technological advancement. Low-tech industries rely on loans and tech investments. As they move to transition industries, tech investments are more important. Once they become highly technologically advanced, bank lending policies become more important.

The Importance of Locally Embedded Personal Relationships for SME Internationalisation Processes – from Opportunity Recognition to Company Growth

The purpose of the paper is to present the importance of locally embedded personal relationships and individuals’ networks for the rise of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)’ opportunities in the internationalisation process (especially the market entry phase) as well as their international operations and growth. Above all, the aim of the article is to answer the question what is influencing the actual impact of these resulting opportunities on internationalisation and growth. This paper adopts both a conceptual and empirical approach to the problem based upon a critical review of pertinent literature. Two case studies of companies from industries representing different levels of technological advancement, that is the furniture industry and IT industry, are presented. The theoretical and empirical analysis presented in the article points to the fact that relationships simultaneously facilitate opportunity recognition and themselves constitute such an opportunity. The analysis carried out as part of the case study proves that main factors determining the rise of the opportunity based on locally embedded personal relationships are trust and mutual understanding, in this way emphasising the importance of relational embeddedness. At the same time the realisation of these opportunities and therefore their impact on the internationalisation process and a company’s growth requires additional social factors (an entrepreneurial attitude) as well as economic factors (such as quality and competitive prices).

The Importance of Locally Embedded Personal Relationships for SME Internationalisation Processes From Opportunity Recognition to Company Growth

The purpose of the paper is to present the importance of locally embedded personal relationships and individuals’ networks for the rise of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)’ opportunities in the internationalisation process (especially the market entry phase) as well as their international operations and growth. Above all, the aim of the article is to answer the question what is influencing the actual impact of these resulting opportunities on internationalisation and growth. This paper adopts both a conceptual and empirical approach to the problem based upon a critical review of pertinent literature. Two case studies of companies from industries representing different levels of technological advancement, that is the furniture industry and IT industry, are presented. The theoretical and empirical analysis presented in the article points to the fact that relationships simultaneously facilitate opportunity recognition and themselves constitute such an opportunity. The analysis carried out as part of the case study proves that main factors determining the rise of the opportunity based on locally embedded personal relationships are trust and mutual understanding, in this way emphasising the importance of relational embeddedness. At the same time the realisation of these opportunities and therefore their impact on the internationalisation process and a company’s growth requires additional social factors (an entrepreneurial attitude) as well as economic factors (such as quality and competitive prices).

DYNAMICS AND STAGNATION IN THE MALTHUSIAN EPOCH.

This paper examines the central hypothesis of the influential Malthusian theory, according to which improvements in the technological environment during the pre-industrial era had generated only temporary gains in income per capita, eventually leading to a larger, but not significantly richer, population. Exploiting exogenous sources of cross-country variations in land productivity and the level of technological advancement the analysis demonstrates that, in accordance with the theory, technological superiority and higher land productivity had significant positive effects on population density but insignificant effects on the standard of living, during the time period 1-1500 CE.

Dynamics and Stagnation in the Malthusian Epoch

This paper examines the central hypothesis of the influential Malthusian theory, according to which improvements in the technological environment during the pre-industrial era had generated only temporary gains in income per capita, eventually leading to a larger, but not significantly richer, population. Exploiting exogenous sources of cross-country variations in land productivity and the level of technological advancement the analysis demonstrates that, in accordance with the theory, technological superiority and higher land productivity had significant positive effects on population density but insignificant effects on the standard of living, during the time period 1-1500 CE.

Problems of engineering education and training in developing countries: Nigeria as a case study

Technological advancement serves as a major key to a nation's development. On the other hand, proper engineering knowledge (acquired through appropriate structures) plays a major role in the attainment of a high level of technological advancement. Most developing countries find it difficult to impact adequate knowledge and training to engineers at different levels of training. An overview of the problems militating against proper engineering education in Nigeria is taken in this paper. The paper identifies poor funding, inadequate equipment, students' population explosion (without commensurate facilities), lack of high-quality manpower (in terms of trainers or teachers), inadequate industrial training and poor attitude of employers as the dominant problems faced by engineering education in Nigeria. The paper, in addition to finding solutions to the above problems, recommends better remuneration for practising engineers, appropriate government policy and disposition and intervention of professional and international bodies (through provision of financial and material assistance) for assisting in the training and practice of engineers in Nigeria and in order that the country may achieve meaningful development comparable with foreign countries.