Technological Level Research Articles

Multilevel perspective for the diffusion of e-democracy implementation: A systematic literature review

Information and communication technology has been identified as a viable means of addressing the societal issue of disconnection among e-democracy participants. Apart from the ongoing normative debate concerning the potential of information and communication technology to facilitate e-democratic processes, much research has been dedicated to examining the broad spectrum of specific e-democracy tools that have been multi-disciplinary and fragmented in recent years. Remarkably, however, the potential of technology diffusion and its impact on implementing e-democracy in cyberspace has not yet received adequate attention. The key issue for the sustainability of e-democracy is technology accessibility, which is also a central factor in technology diffusion. This systematic literature review seeks to structure and systematise the literature on the different phases of e-democracy implementation technology diffusion (adoption, implementation, and institutionalisation) and levels of analysis (macro, meso, and micro) with the aims of, firstly, mapping the current field of e-democracy technology diffusion research and, secondly, providing a unique study for use in future research. The analysis indicated that researchers have primarily focused on the adoption and implementation stages, as well as the external information and communication technology environment at the macro level and the organisational level at the meso level within public administrations. In general, this review highlights major gaps in the current literature and proposes viable avenues for further research.

The Impact of Pilot Policies for Smart Cities on Carbon Emissions in Cities along the Eastern Coast of China

Based on panel data from 111 prefecture level cities in the eastern coastal region of China from 2006 to 2021, this article regards the three batches of smart city pilot policies implemented since 2012 as a "quasi natural experiment", uses the asymptotic difference in differencesAA (DID) method to explore their impact on carbon emissions in the eastern coastal region of China, and verifies the scientific and credibility of the research results through multiple robustness tests. Then, heterogeneity analysis and mechanism analysis are conducted to explore the impact mechanism of smart cities on carbon reduction according to policies. The research results indicate that, firstly, the pilot policy of smart cities is beneficial for reducing carbon emissions in the eastern coastal areas of China, and this result remains robust after robustness tests such as PSM-DID (propensity score matching), placebo test, and exclusion of other policy interferences. Secondly, the pilot policies of smart cities have different carbon emission reduction effects in cities with different characteristics, and have more significant carbon emission reduction effects on small cities, non resource-based cities, and high GDP cities. Thirdly, the pilot policy of smart cities promotes the green and low-carbon development of cities in the eastern coastal areas of China by enhancing technological level and optimizing industrial structure.

Study to determine medical imaging devices costs of maintenance and repair: case of a university hospital in turkey

Abstract Objectives: Unperformed maintenance and repairs cause medical devices to become idle or unusable before their useful life. In this study, it was aimed to determine a standard for maintenance and spare parts expenditures of medical imaging devices. Methods: In the study conducted on nearly 30 medical imaging devices of a university hospital, firstly, the economic life of the devices was determined depending on the intensity of use. It was determined that the expenditures changed in the first five years, the second five years and after the economic life. Expenditures were categorized according to the period and technological level. Results: According to the results obtained, the annual expenditure of medium technology devices varies between 2% and 7% of the current price. For high-tech devices, expenditures vary between 4% and 13%. In the study, the required expenditure rates for the devices according to the technology level were also predicted. Conclusions: It has been determined that the maintenance and repair practices of imaging devices in health institutions in Turkey are inadequate. Managers should closely monitor the inventory of medical imaging devices for effective use, quality service delivery and employee health.

Enhancing Agricultural Soil Carbon Sequestration: A Review with Some Research Needs

The US rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 with a targeted 50–52% reduction in net GHG emissions in 2030 relative to 2005. Within the US’s nationally determined contributions, several land-based mitigation options were submitted, targeting the removal of 0.4–1.3 GtCO2 yr−1 in 2030 compared to the net flux in 2010. Acknowledging disagreement has existed on both technological and economic feasibility levels of soil C sequestration adoption and practices, this review explores and evaluates the research findings and needs for six concepts: (1) permanence; (2) additionality; (3) leakage; (4) uncertainty; (5) transaction costs; and (6) heat-trapping ability of different gases. These concepts are crucial for the effective implementation of soil C sequestration projects since they help establish robust and integrated methodologies for measurement, verification, and issuance of carbon credits. In turn, they help ensure that environmental, social, and economic benefits are accurately assessed and credibly reported, enhancing the integrity of carbon markets and contributing to global climate mitigation efforts. This review also evaluates the existing and potential market opportunities for agricultural production with C sequestration and “climate- smart” farming practices. Current barriers to, research needs for, and policy considerations regarding soil C sequestration strategies are also stated.

Research on Urban Renewal Design in the Context of the Future Community Concept

As urbanization accelerates, traditional cities face numerous challenges such as aging infrastructure, limited community functions, and inadequate environmental sustainability. The concept of the "future community," as an innovative approach to urban development, emphasizes the application of smart technologies, enhanced community participation, eco-friendly designs, and diversified economic growth, providing a new direction for urban renewal. This study aims to explore the application of the future community concept in urban renewal design through a combination of literature review, case studies, and data analysis, systematically analyzing the core characteristics of future communities and their impact on urban renewal. The research selects typical urban renewal cases from both domestic and international contexts, constructs a relationship model between future communities and urban renewal, and proposes a series of design strategies such as participatory design, smart technology integration, sustainable green design, and mixed-use development. Comparative analysis reveals that the future community concept significantly improves social inclusiveness, technological application levels, and environmental sustainability, while also boosting economic vitality. The use of data tables further validates the effectiveness of these design strategies, providing empirical support for urban planning and design. The study concludes that while the future community concept offers important guidance for urban renewal, challenges such as technological, financial, and policy issues must still be overcome during implementation. Finally, the paper offers relevant policy recommendations and future research directions to provide theoretical and practical references for building more livable, intelligent, and sustainable urban communities.

Academic and Research Libraries in Italy from Past to Future

Abstract In Italy academic and research libraries were invigorated in the 1990s and again in the 2000s. These years include the automation of catalogues, the development of the National Library Service (SBN), the birth of consortia to deal with organizational and management needs introduced by the digital library with the birth of the World Wide Web and the paradigm shift from ownership to access. The article outlines the main stages of this path at a technological, organizational, legislative, and professional development level up to more recent times in which the vitality of those years seems increasingly more difficult to achieve, despite being crucial to face the challenges raised by the growing complexity of the digital information context.

Analysis and Prospects of Lubrication and Friction Characteristics in Cold Strip Rolling: A Review

Lubrication and friction are the core processes in cold strip rolling, which are the key links to realizing the stable production of high‐quality strips, reflecting country advanced level in rolling technology. This review investigates the crucial properties of lubrication and friction in cold strip rolling by analyzing the mechanism, characterization methods, and influencing factors. The lubricant forms an oil film on the surface of rolls and strips based on the lubrication dynamics and tribology theory, changing the asperity contact state in the loaded roll gap, leading to changes in friction characteristics. Oil film thickness and coefficient of friction (COF) are crucial parameters for characterizing and judging the characteristics of lubrication and friction, theoretical calculations have become the core analytical method, and the study of the measurement method is still a great challenge. Parameters like rolling speed and oil viscosity affect the lubricant distribution and asperity contact in the loaded roll gap, changing the lubrication and friction state. The influence of parameters is strongly linked to the experimental or rolling environment. Prospective research trends on lubrication and friction in cold strip rolling are presented based on the status of research on lubrication and friction characterization.

Model-based evaluation of ammonia energy storage concepts at high technological readiness level

Ammonia is a promising carbon-free energy carrier since it can be stored as a liquid at mild conditions and its production process from hydrogen and nitrogen is established and efficient. Several Ammonia-to-Power concepts have been proposed in the literature, many of which employ not-yet-mature electrochemical technologies. We model the charging and discharging phases of three ammonia energy storage concepts in Aspen Plus seeking a compromise between efficient concepts and mature technologies. In the charging phase, ammonia is produced via the Haber–Bosch process using hydrogen from low-temperature water electrolysis for all the considered concepts. For the discharging phase, three ammonia conversion processes are modeled: (i) ammonia is thermally decomposed into nitrogen and hydrogen by using thermal energy from storage, and hydrogen is converted into electricity in a fuel cell; (ii) ammonia is thermally decomposed by using heat generated through the combustion of a fraction of the ammonia stream, and the produced hydrogen is supplied to a fuel cell; (iii) ammonia is used as a fuel in a combined power cycle. We compare these concepts with respect to roundtrip efficiency and levelized cost of electricity. The roundtrip efficiency and the levelized cost of electricity of the modeled concepts are ca. 30–34 % and 0.28–0.31 €kWh−1 (for an electricity purchase price of 0.03 €kWh−1). Concept (i) has both the highest roundtrip efficiency and the lowest levelized cost of electricity. We identify the process bottlenecks via an exergy analysis.

Influence of design parameters on heat production of a multilateral butted closed loop geothermal system

To efficiently develop hot dry rock and other geothermal energy, a multilateral butted closed loop geothermal system (MBCLGS) is presented in this paper to replace the U-shaped closed-loop geothermal system (UCLGS). Besides, a casing-cement-formation transient heat transfer model is established to investigate the influences of key factors on the heat production of MBCLGS. After thermal-fluid-structural coupling analysis, we can find that higher injected rate and lower fluid temperature can improve heat power but reduce output temperature. In addition, the output temperature and heat power do not increase continuously with the increasing of branch well number. There is an optimal value of branch well number. Longer well pair distance can improve both output temperature and heat power. Considering the drilling technology level and design purpose, the recommended injected flow rate of MBCLGS is 90 m3/h, the injected fluid temperature is 42.5 °C, the number of branch wells is 10 and the well pair distance is 200m. Finally, by comparing MBCLGS and UCLGS, it is found that MBCLGS has a lower temperature decline rate and higher output temperature than UCLGS under the same conditions. It works more stable and has better economy. Overall, the proposal of MBCLGS is expected to promote the efficient development of deep geothermal resources.

Perspectives of adopting integrated weed management in Brazil

Extensive agricultural production areas have made Brazil a key global producer of food and fibres, and a major consumer of herbicides. The country also excels in the field of genetically modified crops. However, challenges like limited technical support for small stakeholders and economic factors have made weed resistance problematic across various cropping systems in Brazil. Despite its growing importance, integrated weed management still faces hurdles in its full adoption. This paper discusses integrated weed management techniques within Brazil's production chains and explores management possibilities within the current technological and economic frameworks. A literature review focused on integrated weed management and its adoption in Brazilian cropping systems was conducted. It is crucial to note that the choice of integrated management techniques should be based on local conditions and challenges, technological levels, and a balance of cost, productivity, sustainability, and diversity. The paper also covers the dynamics of integrated management in response to climate change and emphasizes the significance of community involvement and education. It highlights recent and emerging technologies for managing herbicide-resistant weeds, and how this knowledge can advance integrated weed management in Brazil.

Engineering decentralized electrodisinfection to sustain consistent chlorine generation under varying drinking water chloride content

In situ electrochlorination can offer an efficient and feasible solution to enable decentralized water disinfection. Unfortunately, there has been only a limited number of studies exploring single-pass flow cell systems with representative flowrates used at household level, particularly under varying chloride concentrations. This work aims to assess anode materials in a single pass and examine the impact of cross velocity, current density, and chloride concentration on various responses such as chlorine production and energy consumption. The primary objective is to determine whether the flow cell can achieve desirable chlorine levels under consistent operation while chloride content of water varies. Chlorine (Cl2/HOCl/OCl−), chlorine dioxide (ClO2) production, and toxic oxyanions (ClO3−, ClO4−) were assessed in a single pass setup utilizing different representative anodes including Ti/RuO2, Ti/IrO2, and Boron-doped diamond. Among these materials, the Ti/RuO2 anode emerged as the most suitable for effective chlorine generation while minimizing the formation of ClO3− and ClO4−. The performance of in situ electrochlorination using the Ti/RuO2 anode in the flow cell revealed that cross velocity exerted the most significant influence on chlorine generation, while chloride content and current density primarily impacted energy consumption. Optimization of the operating parameters illustrated that stable chlorine concentrations ranging from 2 to 4 mg L−1 could be maintained even with significant fluctuations in chloride concentration from 50 to 250 mg L−1, resulting in a daily energy consumption of less than 0.07 kWh per treated volume of 634 L (i.e., < 0.11 Wh L−1). These experimental findings hold promise for advancing electrodisinfection systems to higher technological readiness level.

Potential assessment and development obstacle analysis of CCUS layout in China: A combined interpretive model based on GIS-DEMATEL-ISM

Although carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has enormous emission reduction potential and application prospects, it still faces many obstacles and challenges in the actual deployment and promotion process. This study aims to evaluate the spatial suitability of the CCUS layout comprehensively and deeply analyze key development obstacles to provide a scientific basis for the promotion and layout of CCUS. Therefore, this article constructs a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, and Interpretive structure model (ISM). Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted on the suitability of the CCUS layout in China based on GIS technology, identifying high-potential areas. The results indicate that when the threshold is 80 % of the highest score for suitability, a total area of 1.46 million square kilometers is suitable for the CCUS project layout. When it dropped to 60 %, this data increased to 2.04 million square kilometers. These areas are mainly distributed in large basin areas with abundant resources. Secondly, the DEMATEL-ISM analysis framework is improved to systematically identify and analyze the key obstacles that constrain the promotion of CCUS in China. The results indicate that there is a very complex relationship between the obstacles that constrain the development of CCUS, with the fundamental reasons being the lagging technological level and imperfect policies and regulations. Finally, goal-oriented suggestions and response measures were proposed, and targeted analysis was conducted on high-suitability areas. This study constructed an interdisciplinary methodology interpretive model to provide decision support for the CCUS layout and targeted strategies to break through current development barriers and promote the rapid development of CCUS.

Online Learning Platforms on Efl Students’ Learning Intensity and Frequency

This The present study analyzed the role of online learning schemes in influencing EFL students’ learning time and frequency, supporting the assertion that more work on the existing engagement of the learners as well as their outcomes is necessary. Given the level of technology in the current world and the trend of going online, this study adds value by exploring the use of technology as opposed to more conventional techniques. The study utilized a mixed-method research approach combining both quantitative and qualitative research with a quasi-experimental design involving 190 university participants which made up a control group receiving instructional delivery through conventional methods while the experimental group made use of online platforms. Research Instruments include the validated questionnaire and semi-structured interviews in which quantitative data was analyzed using independent sample t-test while qualitative data was analyzed in an iterative manner. The findings show that the experimental group experienced, relative to the control group, a higher level mean score in terms of the learning intensity and the learning frequency (mean = 81.51 vs mean= 64.58) with a Sig. (2-tailed) p equal to 0.000. Preferences showed Moodle as the most popular platform used (34.21 %), next YouTube (25.26%), and the main reason for the choice of the platform was ease of use (50.53%) and Completeness of learning materials (23.68%). YouTube was perceived as the best platform for learning (38.95%) followed by Quipper (21.05%) and Podcasts (18.42%) for effective learning. It has been asserted in this study that the introduction of these platforms into the EFL teaching process will result in an improvement of both learning achievements as well as the involvement of the students.

Research on provincial implied carbon emissions in China under the shared responsibility driven by new quality productivity: A new approach

The allocation of responsibility for carbon emissions among involved parties has garnered significant attention. This study proposes a comprehensive sharing coefficient methodology known as CVAT (direct carbon emissions, value added, and technology level) to enhance the accuracy and equity of responsibility sharing driven by the new productivity standard. This study utilizes the environmental expansion multi-region input-output (EEMRIO) model to assess China's implicit provincial carbon emissions over the previous two decades. The study investigates the characteristics of the implied carbon transfer network using social network analysis (SNA) techniques. Key findings include: (1) The CVAT method's determination of responsibility sharing coefficients aligns with fairness and efficiency principles, resulting in a more equitable distribution of implied carbon emission responsibilities conducive to achieving fair carbon emission reduction. (2) Over the research period, national implied carbon emissions exhibited an upward trajectory, increasing from 3.305 billion tons in 2002 to 9.726 billion tons in 2017, with Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu provinces ranking among the top emitters in China. (3) Eastern coastal and western regions function as net carbon transfer out regions, while the central, northeast, and southwest regions act as net carbon transfer in regions. (4) The implied carbon transfer network demonstrated relative stability throughout the study period, with Shandong, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia emerging as major carbon transfer provinces. The study's outcomes hold significant implications for the impartial and accurate assessment of carbon emission responsibilities and the advancement of global carbon emission reduction efforts.

Digital transformation and corporate tax avoidance: An analysis based on multiple perspectives and mechanisms.

Promoting the seamless integration of the digital economy with the real economy, mitigating the adverse impacts of widespread corporate tax avoidance, and optimizing tax governance are critical imperatives in the era of digital economy. This study examines all A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022 as research samples. It utilizes multiple perspectives including signal theory, information asymmetry theory, and the T-O-E (Technology-Organisation-Environment) framework to investigate the primary impacts of digital transformation on corporate tax avoidance, along with the intermediate mechanisms and foundational conditions that influence its effectiveness. After conducting both theoretical and empirical analyses, this paper presents the following conclusions. (1) The implementation of digital transformation significantly reduces corporate tax avoidance, a conclusion supported by rigorous robustness tests. Moreover, digital transformation enhances corporate productivity through the suppression of tax avoidance. (2) Digital transformation diminishes corporate tax avoidance through enhanced innovation and efficiency in resource allocation (technology level), improved quality of internal controls (organization level), and decreased industry competition (environment level). (3) The impact of digital transformation in reducing tax avoidance is significantly greater for enterprises in their growth phase, experiencing lower financing constraints, particularly those situated in the central and western regions. (4) Lower business risk is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of digital transformation and reducing corporate tax avoidance. This is crucial for governments seeking to improve tax administration, guide market and regional development, and enhance the impact of corporate digital transformation on mitigating tax avoidance.

Artificial intelligence in the Russian regions

Objective: to provide a comparative assessment of the use of artificial intelligence technologies by organizations in the context of Russian regions and to identify determinants of their dynamics. Methods: descriptive statistics, histogram, grouping, principal component method, panel data models. Results: an absolute trend of recent years is to study and implement artificial intelligence technologies in many economic, industrial processes and social life. The article analyzes the trends in the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the Russian regions. The comparative analysis of regions by the level and growth rate of artificial intelligence technologiesuse by organizations showed that the regions were heterogenous by the dynamics of this indicator in 2020-2022. The regions were divided into four groups: above average and below average level in Russia. Econometric modeling based on the method of principal components gave grounds to unite the determinants of the use of artificial intelligence technologies into four components. Panel data fixed-effects models showed a significant impact of the component, characterizing the state of human capital, the level of economic development, and innovation activity of organizations in the region. Scientific novelty: for the first time an attempt was made to provide a comparative analysis of Russian regions by the level of artificial intelligence technologies use by organizations and to find the determinants of its change. Practical significance: the heterogeneity of regions in terms of the artificial intelligence technologies use by organizations was substantiated, as well as a great impact of the specific characteristics of regions, which should be taken into account when building a national policy of artificial intelligence development.

Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: Paper 1 - A State of Play of Commercial Solutions in Europe

In response to environmental concerns and the global warming issue in particular there is a growing drive to decarbonise the building sector and transition it to more circular practices. Biobased construction materials, products and systems are an important low carbon and circular strategy as they can enable low to negative carbon construction and have strong circularity advantages notably being able to enter the bio cycle, using renewable, low to zero toxic resources and provide a range of other performance benefits, including moisture and vapour regulation. This novel research presents a unique state of play on the commercial application of biobased construction from selected agricultural crops, straw, miscanthus and hemp, focused on the European context. A desk-based review of known biobased material producers and manufacturers is undertaken, supplemented with semi structured interviews and site visits, to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector and detailed account of the types of biobased materials, products and systems that are being applied in buildings across Europe and beyond. The findings show that a diversity of agricultural crops are being utilised at different process, manufacture and construction technology levels, providing a range of tested and certified materials and products for application in mainly timber frame construction, but also some masonry solutions, and a growing number of modular systems. These operate in a diversity of supply chains and are being applied in a wide range of building types, both domestic and non-domestic, including multi story and complex buildings.

Creation of a System Taxonomy for Advanced Air Mobility Operations

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an emerging field that envisions highly automated, high-tempo, passenger-carrying aircraft operating in urban environments. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in this space, each proposing unique concepts of operation (CONOPS). While this technology will enable a revolutionary leap in modern transportation, many challenges remain unaddressed. Discrepancies exist between envisioned AAM operations, current technology, and outdated federal regulations. This has led to an unclear vision within the industry of the current maturity level of technology and the path of development needed to achieve proposed CONOPS. We seek to fill this gap by integrating multiple proposed conceptual systems into a single, unified path forward for the field. The literature on AAM covers a diverse array of interconnected themes, each containing a multitude of considerations that require extensive exploration and understanding. In the present work, a literature integration was conducted to collate the numerous proposed concepts and envisioned works that exist within the AAM literature. With this information, a comprehensive AAM taxonomy was created to represent this integration of concepts and rectify the inconsistencies within industry CONOPS. This taxonomy will assist future stakeholders in navigating this intricate field while contributing to the safe and efficient development and deployment of AAM.

QUALITY ATTRIBUTES AND FOOD WASTE IN APPLE VALUE CHAIN: A CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE

Fruticulture is one of the main sub-sectors of Albanian agriculture, the production of which is mainly dominated by apples. Despite the development trend of the last years, actors in the Apple supply chain are facing various issues, leading to product loss and waste within the chain. This derives due to problems related to the quality of seedlings, the varietal structure, low level of technology, the lack of storage capacities, lack of labor force, etc., but also as a consequence of consumer's perception and knowledge related to the attributes of fruit quality. Although losses are higher at the bottom part of the value chain, the waste generated at the consumption level (consumers) cannot be neglected either. The study aims to identify the factors that influence the behavior of consumers in the market, analyzing the characteristics that contribute to food quality. According to the nature of the study and the data type, the quantitative research method was determined as the most appropriate for addressing the research findings. Through primary research instruments (structured questionnaires), 286 consumers were interviewed in the retail market in the city of Korça. In addition, the collected data were processed and analyzed through the SPSS program. Accordingly, consumers evaluated the qualities related to sensory, safety, and aesthetic features, (appearance and color) as the most important. To reduce the level of waste, concrete actions are needed from all the stakeholders, encouraging not only the cooperation between actors of the food chain but also increasing the awareness of consumers as important contributors to the reduction of waste.

AGRONOMIC ASSISTANCE OF VLADIMIR ZEMSTVO TO THE POPULATION DURING THE YEARS OF STOLYPIN’S AGRARIAN REFORM

This article, devoted to clarifying the role of zemstvo institutions in the implementation of agrarian reform by Pyotr Stolypin, lies in the mainstream of regional history and is based on materials from one of the central Russian provinces – Vladimir. Based on the analysis of a wide range of sources, including archival ones, the author shows that numerous councilors of zemstvo as well of those serving there for hire did not immediately support government initiatives; however, in the beginning of the second stage of the reform, they were involved in its implementation and made an invaluable contribution to organising land management work and providing agronomic assistance to both individual peasant households and community members. The agricultural courses, readings and conversations conducted by the agronomic services were of utmost importance. Zemstvo agronomic services played an extremely important role in achieving the agrarian reform success, though incomplete; and they contributed to transferring the Russian agriculture to a new technological level.