Selection Of Appropriate Technology Research Articles

Ecological impact of pharmaceutical pollutants and options of river health improvements - A risk analysis-based approach

Pharmaceuticals are one of the emerging pollutants (EPs) in river waters across the world. Due to their toxic effects on aquatic organisms, they have drawn the global attention of the scientific community concerned with river ecosystems. This paper reviews the existing occurrence data for various pharmaceutical pollutants (PPs) reported in river waters in some part of the world and their ecological impacts. Using algae, macroinvertebrates (MI), and fish as biotic indicator groups in water to reflect river health conditions, an attempt has been made to assess the ecological risk due to the presence of PPs in the water environment.After ascertaining the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of PPs for selected groups of aquatic organisms, the risk quotient (RQ) is estimated based on their measured environmental concentration (MEC). When MEC > PNEC and RQ > 1 for any of the biotic indicator, ecologically it is ‘high risk’ condition. The determination of PNEC uses a minimum assessment factor (AF) of 10 due to uncertainty in data over the no observed effect level (NOEL) or lowest observed effect level (LOEL). Accordingly, MEC 10 times higher than PNEC, (RQ = 10) represents a threshold risk concentration (RCT) beyond which adverse effects may start showing observable manifestations. In the present study, a new classification system of ‘high risk’ conditions for RQ = 1–10 has been proposed, starting from ‘moderately high’ to ‘severely high’. For RQ > 10, the ecological condition of the river is considered ‘impaired’.For river health assessment, in the present study, the whole range of physico-chemical characteristics of river water quality has been divided into three groups based on their ease of measurement and frequency of monitoring. Dissolved oxygen related parameters (DORPs), nutrients (NTs), and EPs. PPs represent EPs in this study. A framework for calculating separate indicator group score (IGS) and the overall river health index (RHI) has been developed to predict indicator group condition (IGC) and river health condition (RHC), respectively. Color-coded hexagonal pictorial forms representing IGC and RHC provide a direct visible perception of the existing aquatic environment and a scientific basis for prioritization of corrective measures in terms of treatment technology selection for river health improvements.The analyses indicate that many rivers across the world are under ‘high risk’ conditions due to PPs having MEC > PNEC and RQ > 1. Up to RCT, (where RQ = 10), the ‘high risk’ condition varies from ‘moderately high’ to ‘severely high’. In many instances, RQ is found much more higher than 10, indicating that the ecological condition of river may be considered as ‘impaired’. Algae is the most frequently affected group of biotic indicators, followed by MI and fish.A review of treatment methods for selection of appropriate technology to reduce the pollution load, especially PPs from the wastewater streams has been summarized. It appears that constructed wetlands (CWs) are at present the most suitable nature-based solutions, particularly for the developing economies of the world, to reduce the concentrations of PPs within limits to minimize the ecological impacts of pharmaceutical compounds on biotic indicators and restore the river health condition. Some suggestive design guidelines for the CWs have also been presented to initiate the process.

Life cycle environmental impacts of five technological routes for straw utilisation in China

Whilst five technological routes have been proposed in China and implemented for the comprehensive utilisation of crop straw, as fertilizer, fodder, fuel, basic material, and raw material, respectively, there is still uncertainty regarding their efficiency and environmental performance. This study compared the material flows, environmental impacts, and potential improvements of these five routes using full-scale data in the central region of China. All routes achieved efficient utilisation in terms of total solid with transfer coefficients of 67%∼100%, but the fertiliser, fuel and raw material routes required significant amounts of manure and wood chips, respectively, due to the process requirements. On the other hand, the routes producing briquette fuel and board had lower overall loads to the mid-point environmental categories than the others, with product substitutions leading to the highest savings in terms of climate change (−1330 kg CO2-eq/t and −311 kg CO2-eq/t, respectively). The fertiliser route performed differently in terms of toxic and non-toxic impact categories, with use-on-land of compost contributing −162 kg CO2-eq/t savings to climate change impacts by carbon sequestration and fertilizer substitution, and at the same time introducing N, P and trace metal pollution. According to the parameter sensitivity analysis, even slight reductions in material and energy consumption could lead to varying degrees of improvement in carbon reduction. Overall, the findings of this study provide quantitative evidence for the selection of appropriate technologies and the sustainable utilisation of crop straw, by maximizing the benefits of crop straw utilisation while minimizing its negative effects to the environment.

Cold supply chain of leafy green vegetables: a social network analysis approach

PurposeCold supply chain technology is critical for extending the shelf life of perishable leafy green vegetables. This study aims to investigate the concept of managing leafy green products using cold supply chain technology and visualise the findings.Design/methodology/approachUsing expert interviews and data visualisation approaches, this study examines how organisations deal with the complexity of cold supply chain processes and networks. Thematic data analysis was conducted. Two types of software were used to accomplish the research objectives. The first software used AntConc version 3.5.8 with word frequency (N-gram) analysis, whereas the second software, VOSViewer offered co-occurrence network visualisation and cluster analysis.FindingsThe findings show that the appropriate design of cold chain technology is critical in ensuring the freshness and quality of leafy green vegetables. The primary goal of managing the complexity of the cold supply chain is to achieve product freshness and energy efficiency. Regardless of the importance of energy efficiency, cold supply chains require warehouse management solutions for transportation and storage.Practical implicationsThis study found that proper design and selection of appropriate technology in the cold supply chain have driven the companies to improve the firms’ competitive advantage while delivering the best quality of perishable leafy green food products. In addition, the freshness, quality, safety, and health of leafy green vegetables will be determined by the company’s capacity to handle long-distance transportation and select the appropriate distribution channels and storage. Warehouse management system technology was found to be secondary compared to cold chain technology, although distribution and warehousing practices are critical for supply chain performance.Originality/valueThis study has established the conceptual indicators based on best practices and outcomes for the cold supply chain. This study argued that cold supply chain management and performance should be monitored independently. Furthermore, the theory of technological adoption can be expanded to include product nature as a driver. Finally, this study has established cold chain best practices based on a perishable supply chain perspective. The findings of this study can promote healthy foods to solve zero hunger and achieve sustainable development goals. Although this study demonstrates that technology improves supply chain practises, cold storage and logistics benefit the most from technological advancements. In contrast, non-cold supply chains benefit from technology-driven improvements in performance.

Intermodal Terminal Subsystem Technology Selection Using Integrated Fuzzy MCDM Model

Intermodal transportation is the use of multiple modes of transportation, which can lead to greater sustainability by reducing environmental impact and traffic congestion and increasing the efficiency of supply chains. One of the preconditions for efficient intermodal transport is the efficient intermodal terminal (IT). ITs allow for the smooth and efficient handling of cargo, thus reducing the time, cost, and environmental impact of transportation. Adequate selection of subsystem technologies can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of an IT, ultimately leading to cost savings for businesses and a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. Accordingly, this paper aims to establish a framework for the evaluation and selection of appropriate technologies for IT subsystems. To solve the defined problem, an innovative hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model, which combines the fuzzy factor relationship (FFARE) and the fuzzy combinative distance-based assessment (FCODAS) methods, is developed in this paper. The FFARE method is used for obtaining criteria weights, while the FCODAS method is used for evaluation and a final ranking of the alternatives. The established framework and the model are tested on a real-life case study, evaluating and selecting the handling technology for a planned IT. The study defines 12 potential variants of handling equipment based on their techno-operational characteristics and evaluates them using 16 criteria. The results indicate that the best handling technology variant is the one that uses a rail-mounted gantry crane for trans-shipment and a reach stacker for horizontal transport and storage. The results also point to the conclusion that instead of choosing equipment for each process separately, it is important to think about the combination of different handling technologies that can work together to complete a series of handling cycle processes. The main contributions of this paper are the development of a new hybrid model and the establishment of a framework for the selection of appropriate IT subsystem technologies along with a set of unique criteria for their evaluation and selection.

Analysis of Mechanical Excavation Characteristics by Pre-Cutting Machine Based on Linear Cutting Tests

Mechanical methods of tunnel excavation are widely used because of their high excavation output, and the selection of appropriate technology depends on ground composition and project-related features. Compared with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and roadheaders, mechanical pre-cutting machines are used in tunnel widening and have proven to be reliable in tunnel capacity expansion. Compared to other machines, the excavation characteristics of pre-cutting machines are not systematically analyzed because of their rare use. In this study, the excavation characteristics of a pre-cutting machine are analyzed in a laboratory based on linear cutting tests performed on four rock specimens with different uniaxial compressive strengths. During testing, changes in tool forces, cutting volume, and specific energy are determined while maintaining different penetration depths, spacings, and rock strengths. The variations in these variables are selected accordingly. The results showed high similarity with the case of TBMs and roadheaders. However, in the excavation by the pre-cutting machine, the ratios of the peak-to-mean cutting forces and cutting-to-normal forces reached a maximum value at a specific s/p (spacing and penetration ratio), which is related to the optimal cutting conditions. This study can provide useful information for the operation and design of pre-cutting machines.

Digital learning designs in occupational therapy education: a scoping review

BackgroundDigital learning is a rapidly advancing method for teaching and learning in professional health education. Although various digital learning designs have been tried in OT education, studies on digital learning designs are still limited.MethodsWe conducted a scoping study that aimed to identify the digital learning designs used in occupational therapy (OT) education and review the effectiveness, learner perceptions, clinical skills integrated, and technology-based learning strategies used to facilitate learning. Four databases were searched using subheadings and terms relating to digital learning, occupational therapy, and education. The included studies were mapped according to the types of digital learning design, subjects, key clinical skills, and outcomes.ResultsTwenty-two studies were included in this review, most of which were qualitative, observational, or mixed studies of the two designs. The digital learning designs identified in OT education were flipped, blended, hybrid, and distance learning, including e-learning and massive open online courses (MOOC). Among the components of clinical skills, professional reasoning and procedural knowledge were the most integrated into digital learning, and covered various OT subjects. Digital learning designs were reported to be equivalent to or more effective than the traditional face-to-face (F2F) class in learning outcomes of knowledge and skill acquisition, enhancing learning participation, reflection, and collaboration between learners. Various technologies have been used to promote synchronous or asynchronous active learning, providing learning strategies such as thinking, reflection, discussion, peer learning-group activity, and gamifying online learning.ConclusionsIn OT digital learning, appropriate learning subjects, the arrangement of clinical skill components that can be well integrated into digital learning, and the selection of appropriate technologies for effective learning are important. The results should be confirmed within an experimental study design.

Application and analysis of the suitability of green building technologies for school in hot summer and cold winter region: A case study from Zhejiang Province

With the rapid development of school buildings in China during recent years, the preferential selection of appropriate technologies has important guiding significance for the high-quality development of green school buildings. This study took Zhejiang Province as a case example, which was in hot summer and cold winter region. The quantity and type characteristics of green schools were analyzed. The application of green building technology for schools in Zhejiang Province was then analyzed and finally, based on the maturity of technology application and star application, the appropriate green school building technology for different situations was summarized and proposed. The results can provide technical guidance for the design of green schools in hot summer and cold winter region.

Framework for experimental evaluation of software solutions in a virtual environment

Objectives. Ready-made information technology solutions used when developing software have various characteristics depending on the objectives to be experimentally obtained. While the selection of appropriate technologies and software tools used in experimental software engineering can be time-consuming, experimental complexity can be reduced by providing the researcher with domain-specific tools. The aim of the study is to design and develop a domain-specific software framework for experimental evaluation of the characteristics of information technology solutions in a virtual environment.Methods. To determine the required characteristics of the software framework, an analysis of software tools for conducting experimental studies to evaluate the characteristics of information technology solutions in a virtual environment was conducted. Methods of decomposition, structural design, and software development were applied to design and develop the framework.Results. A software framework for conducting experimental research has been developed. The design results, key features of the framework and a description of the functionality are presented. The implementation of the framework comprises commands for managing virtual machines and commands for scaffolding. A technique for conducting experimental studies using the framework is proposed.Conclusions. The developed domain-specific software framework addresses shortcomings of existing tools to reduce labor costs when conducting experiments to evaluate information technology solutions. The developed framework and proposed methodology allows the number of programming and markup languages required for setting up a software experiment to be reduced from 3 to 1.

RSM Modeling and Optimization of CO2 Separation from High CO2 Feed Concentration over Functionalized Membrane.

The challenges in developing high CO2 gas fields are governed by several factors such as reservoir condition, feed gas composition, operational pressure and temperature, and selection of appropriate technologies for bulk CO2 separation. Thus, in this work, we report an optimization study on the separation of CO2 from CH4 at high CO2 feed concentration over a functionalized mixed matrix membrane using a statistical tool, response surface methodology (RSM) statistical coupled with central composite design (CCD). The functionalized mixed matrix membrane containing NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) and 6FDA-durene, fabricated in our previous study, was used to perform the separation performance under three operational parameters, namely, feed pressure, temperature, and CO2 feed concentration, ranging from 3.5–12.5 bar, 30.0–50.0 °C and 15–70 mol%, respectively. The CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 separation factor obtained from the experimental work were varied from 293.2–794.4 Barrer and 5.3–13.0, respectively. In addition, the optimum operational parameters were found at a feed pressure of 12.5 bar, a temperature of 34.7 °C, and a CO2 feed concentration of 70 mol%, which yielded the highest CO2 permeability of 609.3 Barrer and a CO2/CH4 separation factor of 11.6. The average errors between the experimental data and data predicted by the model for CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 separation factor were 5.1% and 3.3%, respectively, confirming the validity of the proposed model. Overall, the findings of this work provide insights into the future utilization of NH2-MIL-125 (Ti)/6FDA-based mixed matrix membranes in real natural gas purification applications.

USE OF INTERACTIVE METHODS IN MUSIC LESSONS

In the application of advanced pedagogical technologies in the educational process in connection with the organization of innovative activities on a scientific basis, it is important to take into account the readiness and interest of students in these activities and the selection of appropriate technology.

A sustainable redesign model for the water/wastewater supply network: a water–energy nexus approach

PurposeA sustainable selection method for facility location of the water treatment is formulated by best–worst method. In addition, the model addresses the selection of appropriate technologies in the treatment plant, management of water leakage in the whole transmission network by using modernization and selection of different transmission technologies. Finally, the interaction between water and energy in this network seems to be paying particular attention.Design/methodology/approachRapid population growth and urban development, and the constraints of water supply have become one of the crucial challenges around the world in the 21st century. Hence, the use of refined urban wastewater is increasing in many countries as an alternative source of water. In this regard, the rehabilitation of urban wastewater recycling and reuse has been proposed as one of the most suitable solutions for urban water management. Hence, in this paper, a mathematical model is formulated to design the simultaneous marketing of the urban water distribution network and wastewater treatment (including).FindingsIt seeks to ensure that energy is supplied through chemical methods to ensure that the system's energy dependence is on the national electricity grid. And in order to validate the model, a case study has been studied. By analyzing the results, it can be concluded that the upgrading of sewage treatment plants to replace underground water and water from nearby dams in household, agricultural and industrial applications will have positive environmental and economic impacts. One of the notable environmental impacts is the decline in groundwater and water scarcity in the coming years.Originality/valueThe summary of contributions is presented follow as: design and planning of water and urban wastewater integrated network; sustainable selection of facility location for the water treatment; capability selecting different treatment technologies in simultaneous design water and urban sewage supply chain; managing water leak in the network; proposed a water–energy nexus model in simultaneous design water and urban sewage supply chain; studying the feasibility of construction of power plants from biogas, the resulting of anaerobic digestion in treatment centers.

Trends in the use of multi-criteria decision-making methods in technology transfer processes (a critic review)

The application of multi-criterion decision-making methods allows reducing the ambiguity, imprecision, uncertainty, and subjectivity in human-based judgments when processes of transfer and appropriation of technologies are developed. These types of MCDM are key for developing countries since the efficiency of the transfer process is vital to improve the productivity and competitiveness of companies and territories based on correct prioritization and selection of technologies, the definition of barriers and drivers, or the selection of the best provider, among others. In this sense, it is key to identify what is the evolution in the empirical use of this type of techniques for knowledge management and the reduction of competitive gaps. The objective of this review was to identify the current state-of-the-art of applications and use of methods for multi-criteria decision-making process in sectorial technology transfer, to establish trends, application areas, and future challenges. The review was conducted in the "SCOPUS" database between the years 2010 through 2021. The results showed three major research perspectives: a) Determination of technology-transfer strategies, b) Selection of appropriate technologies and c) Determination of barriers and drivers. The correct selection of transfer strategies and appropriate technologies can improve the efficiency of sectors such as agriculture, renewable energies, manufacturing, and construction that still refuse to introduce innovations, due to barriers such as acquisition and maintenance costs, complexity of use, ease of use. use and perceived utility.

Reuse-focused selection of appropriate technologies for municipal wastewater treatment: a multi-criteria approach.

Wastewater treatment technologies (WWTTs) are employed across the world, and the selection is mainly based on ‘past experiences’ aimed at ‘pollution prevention’ in the receiving water bodies. This paper aims to develop a methodology for the selection of an appropriate wastewater treatment chain that produces effluent suitable for the defined reuse. Adopting the least weighted cost approach, four decision criteria: Capital cost, Operation and Maintenance cost, Land requirement, and Energy requirement, have been used and the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) has been employed for obtaining weights. Quality expectations for 14 reuses have been enlisted, and 25 WWTTs have been evaluated in a total of 360 combinations. In Kanpur city, for water reuse in industrial cooling under restricted land and challenging influent quality conditions, a combination of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) with Wuhrmann process (WP) is obtained as the most preferred suggestion. For non-potable domestic reuse, Anaerobic Anoxic Oxic (A2O) with Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the most preferred combination. In Varanasi city, for vehicular washing operations and for flow augmentation (inland surface water), under energy-constraint scenario, high-rate activated sludge-based biological filtration and oxygenated reactor (BIOFOR-F) is suggested. For technology supplementation to existing ASP-based STPs in the city to obtain effluent for inland surface water augmentation, WP in combination with microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) is suggested. Thus, the developed model may be used as a decision-making tool for planning a reuse-focused water reclamation program or for upgradation of existing STPs as per resource availability and target reuse objectives.

Frontiers of Membrane Desalination Processes for Brackish Water Treatment: A Review.

Climate change, population growth, and increased industrial activities are exacerbating freshwater scarcity and leading to increased interest in desalination of saline water. Brackish water is an attractive alternative to freshwater due to its low salinity and widespread availability in many water-scarce areas. However, partial or total desalination of brackish water is essential to reach the water quality requirements for a variety of applications. Selection of appropriate technology requires knowledge and understanding of the operational principles, capabilities, and limitations of the available desalination processes. Proper combination of feedwater technology improves the energy efficiency of desalination. In this article, we focus on pressure-driven and electro-driven membrane desalination processes. We review the principles, as well as challenges and recent improvements for reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), electrodialysis (ED), and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI). RO is the dominant membrane process for large-scale desalination of brackish water with higher salinity, while ED and MCDI are energy-efficient for lower salinity ranges. Selective removal of multivalent components makes NF an excellent option for water softening. Brackish water desalination with membrane processes faces a series of challenges. Membrane fouling and scaling are the common issues associated with these processes, resulting in a reduction in their water recovery and energy efficiency. To overcome such adverse effects, many efforts have been dedicated toward development of pre-treatment steps, surface modification of membranes, use of anti-scalant, and modification of operational conditions. However, the effectiveness of these approaches depends on the fouling propensity of the feed water. In addition to the fouling and scaling, each process may face other challenges depending on their state of development and maturity. This review provides recent advances in the material, architecture, and operation of these processes that can assist in the selection and design of technologies for particular applications. The active research directions to improve the performance of these processes are also identified. The review shows that technologies that are tunable and particularly efficient for partial desalination such as ED and MCDI are increasingly competitive with traditional RO processes. Development of cost-effective ion exchange membranes with high chemical and mechanical stability can further improve the economy of desalination with electro-membrane processes and advance their future applications.

Design of a sleep apnoea detection system for a home environment

Normal breathing during sleep is essential for people’s health and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose apnoea events at an early stage and apply appropriate therapy. Detection of sleep apnoea is a central goal of the system design described in this article. To develop a correctly functioning system, it is first necessary to define the requirements outlined in this manuscript clearly. Furthermore, the selection of appropriate technology for the measurement of respiration is of great importance. Therefore, after performing initial literature research, we have analysed in detail three different methods and made a selection of a proper one according to determined requirements. After considering all the advantages and disadvantages of the three approaches, we decided to use the impedance measurement-based one. As a next step, an initial conceptual design of the algorithm for detecting apnoea events was created. As a result, we developed an activity diagram on which the main system components and data flows are visually represented.

Simulacioni model i analiza performansi hibridnog pogona BVP M-80A

Introduction: Hybrid technology has been successfully incorporated into the industry of passenger and commercial vehicles. Driven by the success and benefits that hybrid technology brings, many defense organizations around the world invest in the development of hybrid technology for combat vehicles and develop prototypes of tracked combat vehicles which have lower fuel consumption, better performance, better exhaust emission, and additional onboard electric power. However, various technical challenges must be resolved before it comes to the introduction of hybrid tracked combat vehicles in operational use. Several successful tests of prototypes have been conducted so far, but there are still restrictions on key technologies such as electric motors, electronics, and storage of electricity. In such conditions, where finance is limited, mistakes cannot be allowed nor spending a lot of resources on planning, building prototypes, and testing. Method: Therefore, it is clever to run the simulation software with which it is possible to examine various parameters in simulated conditions which more or less mimic real operating conditions. This paper aims to show one of possible solutions concerning the selection of appropriate technologies of hybrid drive, to propose a system solution for a hybrid BVP M80A, and to display a simulation hybrid drive model and the results obtained from the model devised in Simulink. Results: The results obtained by the simulation show that the proposed hybrid drive solution provides better performance while retaining key drivetrain elements of the vehicle. Conclusion: Only turning parameters are considered during the simulation but it is clear that the hybrid drivertrain has advantages related to straightline motion as well. Also, sound projections about the drivetrain performance and control can be made with the use of the proposed model.

Strategic Technologies Selection for Oil Production: An Application of Attractiveness-Capability Matrix of Technology

Rapid development of technologies, their increasing complexity and variety, together with limited organizational resources and efforts for survival in industrial competitions have made the task of appropriate technology selection a major challenge. The present research is aimed at the formulation of technology strategy related to oil production in one of the west Karoon oil fields in Iran. At the first, the processes and challenges of production in the studied oil field are recognized by the experts’ survey. Then, the priority of the challenges is evaluated and four key challenges of the considered field are recognized by using a paired comparison questionnaire and Chang Fuzzy AHP. In the next step, the existing and new technologies of oil production in the four recognized key challenges are determined. For each of the recognized technologies, the attractiveness assessment and capability assessment questionnaire are designed based on Jolly indexes and distribute in a sample composed of production engineering experts. Sampling is done by the non-random and purposive-judgmental method. Based on the results of the questionnaires, the attractiveness-capability matrix is designed by Morin’s model, and then based on the obtained technology portfolio, the strategies of each of the four areas are formulated and discussed.

Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment of Arable Crop Production Technologies Compared to Different Harvesting Work Systems in Short Rotation Energy Plantations

Abstract Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was developed as a tool for sustainable, decision-supporting environmental management. Applying agricultural sector-LCA in order to achieve both internal (comparative) and external (efficiency enhancing) benefits is a priority. Since the life-cycle assessment of products and processes attracts great interest, applying the method in agriculture is relevant. Our study undertakes a comparative environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) of local arable crop production technologies used for the main cultivated plants: maize, sunflower, lucerne, cereals, and canola (environmental data in the territorial approach calculated on a 1 ha unit and in the quantitative approach calculated on 1 t of produce). We prepared an environmental inventory of the arable crop production technologies, constructed the life-cycle models, and executed the impact assessment. We also compiled an environmental ranking of technologies. In the impact interpretation, we compared the results with the values of short rotation energy plantations in each impact category. We analysed carbon footprints closely. The obtained results help better assess environmental impacts, climate risks, and climate change as they pertain to arable crop production technologies, which advances the selection of appropriate technologies adjusted to environmental sensitivities.

The selection of the optimum trenchless pipe laying technology with the use of fuzzy logic

Presently, several trenchless pipe laying technologies are used. Those are applied under different conditions and show different, specific values of technical parameters. With a great variety of technologies available, key challenges are the selection of appropriate technology for a given project and the choice of the criteria that should be taken into consideration. The use of inappropriate technology can cause major problems in the maintenance of laid pipelines, or can even result in the failure of pipe laying. For that reason, the mathematical model which allows the choice of the optimal trenchless pipe laying technology was developed. In the model, fuzzy logic was used. Assumptions and input quantities were determined and presented. Limiting conditions in the form of linguistic variables were given. Those include the following: the possibility of pipe laying in a given soil type using a given trenchless technology; the possibility of laying the pipeline of a given diameter using a given trenchless technology; the lengths of pipelines laid in one drive, characteristic of each technology; the possibility of laying the pipeline of a given material for a given technology and the deviation of an installed pipeline slope from the designed slope, characteristic of each technology. For those variables, linguistic term-sets and universes of discourse were determined and presented. Membership functions, grades of membership attributed to them, and also fuzzy sets qualified for particular linguistic variables were introduced. The algorithm of the mathematical model was constructed. Finally, the verification of the model for real trenchless pipe laying projects, was presented.

Implementing citizen centric technology in developing smart cities: A model for predicting the acceptance of urban technologies

Local urban identity, culture and knowledge ecosystems continue to shape innovative capacity and technological acceptance despite global exchange in talent, trade and technology. This has important implications for the development and implementation of future smart cities. The last two decades of smart city research has presented smart cities as a generic, universal aspiration without taking into consideration such local cultural differences. Future smart cities have several tasks ahead of them. The first is selecting culturally appropriate technologies from the vast array of global technologies now on offer. The second task is adapting such technology and the third task is in managing the acceptance of such technology. The above process is not linear but must be iterative, with technology acceptance considered simultaneously alongside the selection and adoption of such technologies. This study integrates the substantial literature on Technology Acceptance Modelling into the smart city discourse to begin to address this need. It also further develops our understanding of technology acceptance using the Structural Equation Modelling Method. A new synthetic model is proposed consisting of twelve factors, which have been selected based on a targeted literature review. A survey-based method was used to develop and cross-validate the model sampling a diverse population from various Iranian cities. The result of the above process is a new model named the Urban Services Technology Acceptance Model (USTAM).The validated model includes key factors related to technology such as Self-Efficacy, Operation, Work Facilitation, Relative Advantage and Compatibility. The USTAM is a useful tool for the prediction of technology acceptance in the implementation of smart cities. The final model is significant for various reasons. Firstly, it is significant for ensuring that selected technology is appropriate to local cultural contexts. Secondly it is significant to ensure that integration of technologies at metropolitan scales is managed effectively. The final significant reason is that it is well-suited to helping developing economies participate in the smart city boom in a resource efficient manner. The proposed model can potentially help cities achieve this by guiding them in the selection of appropriate technologies. The proposed model is developed with specific reference to Iran and Bangladesh. The authors suggest that the model is useful for cities of different cultural identities and characteristics, who wish to initiate their own distinctive smart city strategies.