Technology Support Research Articles

A study of the enablers and barriers to the collection of sociodemographic data by public health units in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundCollection and use of sociodemographic data (SDD), including race, ethnicity and income, are foundational to understanding health inequities. Ontario’s public health units collected SDD as part of COVID-19 case management and vaccination activities. This research aimed to identify enablers and barriers to collecting SDD during COVID-19 case management and vaccination.MethodsAs part of a larger mixed-method research study [1], qualitative methods were used to identify enablers and barriers to SDD collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from Ontario’s 34 public health units. Sixteen focus groups and eight interviews were conducted virtually using Zoom. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using inductive and deductive qualitative description.ResultsSDD collection enablers included: legally mandating SDD collection and having dedicated data systems, technological and legal supports, senior management championing SDD collection, establishing rapport and trust between staff and clients, and gaining insight from the experiences from local communities and other jurisdictions. Identified barriers to SDD collection included: provincial data systems being perceived as lacking user-friendliness, SDD collection “was not a priority,” time and other constraints on building staff and client rapport, and perceived discomfort with asking and answering personal SDD questions.ConclusionA combination of provincial and local organizational strategies including supportive data systems, training, and frameworks for data collection and use, are needed to normalize and scale up SDD collection by local health units beyond the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DALAM ERA AI: MENGGUNAKAN KECERDASAN BUATAN UNTUK PERSONALISASI PEMBELAJARAN SPIRITUAL

The digital era and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have presented a significant shift in teaching methods, including in the realm of Christian Religious Education (PAK). This article explores the integration of AI in PAK, with a focus on personalizing spiritual learning. Using a qualitative method with a literature study approach, this study analyzes current sources to understand the potential and challenges of using AI in the context of spiritual education. The results of the study show that AI offers significant opportunities to improve the quality and effectiveness of PAK through personalized learning, deeper analysis of religious texts, and wider access to educational resources. However, the application of AI also presents ethical challenges, including concerns about data privacy, the potential erosion of relational aspects in education, and the risk of widening the digital divide. The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to integrating AI, which involves training educators, developing ethical frameworks, and ongoing theological reflection. In conclusion, while AI has transformative potential in PAKs, its application must be done carefully to ensure that technology supports, not replaces, important aspects of Christian religious education, including authentic character building and spiritual growth.

Construction of a Joint Newmark–Runout Model for Seismic Landslide Risk Identification: A Case Study in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

The key to seismic landslide risk identification resides in the accurate evaluation of seismic landslide hazards. The traditional evaluation models for seismic landslide hazard seldom consider the landslide dynamic runout process, leading to an underestimation of seismic landslide hazard. Therefore, a joint Newmark–Runout model based on landslide dynamic runout is proposed. According to the evaluation results of static seismic landslide hazard, the landslide source points can be extracted, and the landslide dynamic runout process is simulated to obtain the dynamic seismic landslide hazard. Finally, the static and dynamic seismic landslide hazards are fused to obtain an optimized seismic landslide hazard. In September 2022, a strong Ms6.8 earthquake occurred in the eastern Tibetan Plateau, triggering thousands of landslides. Taking the 2022 Luding earthquake-induced landslide as a sample, the function relationship between seismic slope displacement and landslide occurrence probability is statistically modeled, which partly improves the traditional Newmark model. The optimized seismic landslide hazard evaluation of the Luding earthquake area is conducted, and then, the seismic landslide risk identification is completed by taking roads and buildings as hazard-affected bodies. The results show that the length of the roads facing very high and high seismic landslide risks are 3.36 km and 15.66 km, respectively, and the buildings on the Moxi platform near the epicenter are less vulnerable to seismic landslides. The research findings can furnish critical scientific and technological support for swift earthquake relief operations.

Business Sustainability Among Women Entrepreneurs in Ghana

There is a problem among women entrepreneurs in Ghana caused by the lack of training among women’s entrepreneurs that includes social, cultural, economic, political, demographic, institutional, and technological support. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple case study was to explore business strategies that women entrepreneurs in Ghana need to learn to make their business sustainable beyond 5 years. Ten successful women entrepreneurs from 5 industries in Ghana, who had the training, experience, and information to understand the causes of business failure and had applied that information to gain business sustainability beyond 5 years were recruited. Data analysis involved triangulation, member checking, and Yin’s 5 steps. Key findings were change management and adaptation, agility and flexibility in operations, analysis of stakeholders, creation of business policies and objectives, designing and executing digital implementation plan, developing and supporting corporate culture, developing and measuring performance standards, and enhancing internal control and processes. Findings could reduce poverty and increase women’s employment, sustainability in women-owned businesses, community development, and the standard of living.

COF-5/Pebax mixed-matrix membranes with enhanced CO2 removal ability for ECCO2R system

Extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) is a type of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technology. It aims to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from small flow of the blood and correct hypercapnia and related acidosis. The ECCO2R system removes CO2 retained in the patient’s body through the gas-blood exchange membranes, which in use, blood flows on the outside of the membrane, and the inside of the membrane is for gas flow. Existing ECCO2R system generally improves the emission rate of CO2 by the increase of the gas flow rate. However, there is a problem that O2 is simultaneously taken out, which will reduce the blood O2 concentration. Therefore, the gas-blood exchange membranes should not only increase the CO2 removal rate by the improvement of CO2/O2 selectivity, but also retain more O2 in the blood and then maintain the oxygen saturation of the blood. In present work, a method was proposed to fabricate COF-5/Pebax mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) on the PMP surface for enhancing CO2/O2 selectivity, which was increased from 0.96 to 5.57. The CO2 removal ability of COF-5/Pebax MMM was tested by blood circulation, and it was found that the CO2 removal effect was increased 10.9% than that of the pristine membranes. The O2 concentration was maintained at a higher level, about 1.69 times that of the pristine membranes. In contrast to the pristine PMP membrane, blood compatibility of COF-5/Pebax MMMs was improved because protein adhesion decreased by 44.75%. The results of cytotoxicity test and rabbit pyrogen test exhibited that the prepared COF-5/Pebax MMM presented great biosafety. Overall, the proposed COF-5/Pebax MMM has good performance in ECCO2R system and attractive potential for medical application.

The effects of climate change technology spillovers on carbon emissions across European countries

To unravel the challenges in the global diffusion of climate-friendly technologies, this investigation analyzes the diffusion of climate change-related technologies across countries. By using an unbalanced panel of selected European countries over the period 1990-2020, this investigation quantifies the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission effects of the diffusion of climate change-related technologies that are mediated by imports, geographical and technological proximity and free diffusion of technologies. In this study, the effects of domestic development of climate change-related technologies, population and affluence are also accounted for, and the emission effects are estimated using a fixed-effects panel model with instrumental variables. The instrumental variable for foreign technology spillovers is based on the technology support policies adopted in foreign countries. As expected, international spillovers of climate-friendly technologies are negatively linked to CO2 emissions, thus promoting emission reductions across the region. Importantly, emission reductions in Europe are more strongly influenced by international technology spillovers than by domestic innovation activities. Moreover, while all the analyzed technology diffusion channels appear relevant, the results are the most robust regarding import-mediated technology spillovers. Insights from this study support policy recommendations, especially in the trade policy context.

Bayesian deep learning: An enhanced AI framework for legal reasoning alignment

The integration of artificial intelligence into the field of law has penetrated the underlying logic of legal operations. Currently, legal AI systems face difficulties in representing legal knowledge, exhibit insufficient legal reasoning capabilities, have poor explainability, and are inefficient in handling causal inference and uncertainty. In legal practice, various legal reasoning methods (deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, etc.) are often intertwined and used comprehensively. However, the reasoning modes employed by current legal AI systems are inadequate. Identifying AI models that are more suitable for legal reasoning is crucial for advancing the development of legal AI systems.Distinguished from the current high-profile large language models, we believe that Bayesian reasoning is highly compatible with legal reasoning, as it can perferm abductive reasoning, excel at causal inference, and admits the "defeasibility" of reasoning conclusions, which is consistent with the cognitive development pattern of legal professionals from apriori to posteriori. AI models based on Bayesian methods can also become the main technological support for legal AI systems. Bayesian neural networks have advantages in uncertainty modeling, avoiding overfitting, and explainability. Legal AI systems based on Bayesian deep learning frameworks can combine the advantages of deep learning and probabilistic graphical models, facilitating the exchange and supplementation of information between perception tasks and reasoning tasks. In this paper, we take perpetrator prediction systems and legal judegment prediction systems as examples to discuss the construction and basic operation modes of the Bayesian deep learning framework. Bayesian deep learning can enhance reasoning ability, improve the explainability of models, and make the reasoning process more transparent and visualizable. Furthermore, Bayesian deep learning framework is well-suited for human-machine collaborative tasks, enabling the complementary strengths of humans and machines.

Digital tools in primary total knee arthroplasty-Prevalence in the German-speaking region

Digital tools are being increasingly used worldwide in primary knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to analyze the utilization density of digital tools, the preferred alignment strategies, and the obstacles and benefits of implementing these technologies in German-speaking countries. An online survey with 57questions about digital tools in primary knee arthroplasty and their usage was conducted among members of the Arthroplasty Working Group (AE). The survey included questions on navigation, robotics, patient-specific instruments, individualized implants, and augmented reality. The survey revealed that 18% of hospitals use navigation and 17% use robotic systems in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery. The main reasons for not implementing supportive technologies were high acquisition and ongoing costs, as well as longer surgical duration. Patient-specific instruments and individualized implants currently play aminor role. Patient-specific alignment strategies, such as kinematic (navigation: 35%; robotics: 44%) and functional alignment (navigation: 15%; robotics: 35%), are preferred in this context. With conventional instrumentation predominantly mechanical alignment was applied (79%). The results indicate arelatively high utilization density of digital tools, which are mainly used to perform personalized alignment strategies in primary knee arthroplasty in German-speaking countries. This was particularly evident in high-volume hospitals. Economic aspects were the main reasons for not using these technologies. Future developments should aim to simplify the systems and thus achieve improved cost efficiency.

Pressure control and support technology for spacecraft space exploration

Abstract As a top-level requirement for ensuring the exploration work inside and outside the spacecraft, the cabin pressure control technology of the spacecraft ensures the safety of astronauts and is one of the core systems for maintaining astronaut space exploration. This article introduces the pressure control and support technology for space environment exploration and constructs a cabin pressure control model. Through simulation verification, the constructed model meets the requirements of spacecraft cabin pressure control, and can effectively save the extravehicular activity air source. This technology can provide a reference for pressure support systems for manned space stations, Mars, and lunar exploration spacecraft.

Socio-Cultural Approach through Digital Teaching Modules: A Solution to Improve Beginning Reading Skills in Elementary Schools

The low level of early reading skills among primary school students in Indonesia is one of the significant challenges in education. International evaluations such as PISA show that Indonesian students' basic literacy skills are still below average, affecting their overall academic development. One of the contributing factors to these low results is learning that is less relevant to students' socio-cultural context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a socio-cultural-based digital teaching module on primary school students' beginning reading skills. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a sample of 200 grade 1 students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group learned using socio-cultural-based digital teaching modules, while the control group applied conventional learning methods. The instrument used was a beginning reading test with 20 questions that measured the ability to recognize letter symbols, distinguish words based on the same initial letter or syllable, and compose syllables into words. Independent Sample T-Test analyzing an independent sample, ensuring that the ty and homogeneity tests were met. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group showing more significant improvement in all indicators of beginning reading ability. Further discussion showed that the socio-cultural-based approach in this module made learning more relevant, exciting and interactive for students, ultimately improving their reading comprehension and motivation. In addition, integrating digital technology in this module supports flexibility and continuity of learning, allowing students to learn according to their pace and needs. This research has important implications, namely the need for broader implementation of Socio-Cultural Based Digital Teaching Modules in primary schools to improve basic literacy. However, to ensure its successful implementation, adequate technological infrastructure support and teacher training are needed to optimize this digital-based learning in the classroom.

Systematic Literature Review: Health Technology in Nursing

Digital health technologies such as telehealth, electronic health records (EHR), and artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed nursing by enhancing patient care, improving workflow efficiency, and expanding healthcare accessibility. This systematic literature review examines the current role of these technologies in nursing practice, focusing on their impact on patient outcomes, workflow optimization, and accessibility of healthcare services. Findings indicate that telehealth increases healthcare access for underserved populations, EHRs improve care coordination and documentation accuracy, and AI supports predictive care and clinical decision-making. However, challenges such as data security, usability, and ethical considerations remain. Addressing these issues through training, system improvements, and ethical guidelines is essential for optimizing the benefits of digital health technologies in nursing. This review provides insights for healthcare providers and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of technology integration and support in advancing nursing practices.

Economic Burden of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating retinal condition that affects more than 200 million people globally, with the severe late-stage forms-neovascular AMD (nAMD) and geographic atrophy (GA)-affecting more than 11 million people globally. However, much is unknown about the economic burden of the disease. To estimate the economic burden associated with late-stage AMD in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US at the societal level. This study used the prevalence approach cost-of-illness economic modeling to estimate costs attributable to late-stage AMD. Data on health care resource utilization, well-being, and productivity were obtained via primary data collection. Additional data required for the model were sourced from available published literature. Data were collected from January 2021 to March 2022, and analyzed from April to July 2022. Participants older than 50 years residing in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US who were diagnosed with late-stage AMD (nAMD or any form of GA) in 1 or both eyes and caregivers who care for people diagnosed with late-stage AMD were recruited through ophthalmological clinics in Bulgaria and Germany and via online newsletters and social media in the US. The main outcomes were direct medical costs (disease-related health care expenditures), indirect medical costs (care support and assistive technology), well-being cost (loss of well-being), and productivity cost (loss in productivity due to the diseases for both patient and caregivers). Of the 128 individuals with late-stage AMD in this study, 80 (62%) were female, and 120 (94%) were aged 60 years or older. Of the 61 caregivers, 43 (70%) were female and 55 (91%) were aged 45 years or older. Estimated per-annum total costs attributable to late-stage AMD were €449.5 million ($512.5 million) in Bulgaria, €7.6 billion ($8.6 billion) in Germany, and €43.2 billion ($49.4 billion) in the US. Across all countries, 10% to 13% of the total cost incurred was attributed to direct medical costs. In Germany and Bulgaria, the biggest contributor to the total economic burden was reduced well-being (67% and 76%, respectively), whereas in the US, loss of productivity (42%) was the biggest contributor. The findings of this study indicate a substantial burden of late-stage AMD on patients and caregivers in the US, Germany, and Bulgaria. Across the 3 countries, reduced well-being and loss of productivity were relatively large contributors to the total economic burden. Implementing measures to reduce AMD incidence, delay disease progression, and alleviate humanistic burden may help reduce the economic burden of late-stage AMD.

Digital Health Technology on Patient Recovery and Nurse Performance in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of digital health technology, nurse competence, patient safety protocols, and organizational support on patient recovery and nurse performance within the Indonesian healthcare sector. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 120 healthcare professionals through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3). The findings reveal that digital health technology, nurse competence, and patient safety protocols positively influence patient recovery, while organizational support and digital health technology significantly enhance nurse performance. Organizational support and patient safety protocols emerged as the strongest predictors of nurse performance and patient recovery, respectively. These results suggest that a comprehensive approach integrating technological, safety, and support factors can substantially improve healthcare outcomes. This study offers practical recommendations for healthcare administrators and policymakers to enhance healthcare quality through strategic investments in digital tools, training, safety protocols, and supportive work environments.

SIM-RS Success Factors Based on DeLone and McLean Theory at Hermina OPI Jakabaring Hospital

The information technology system is a technology used to process data, including processing, obtaining, compiling, storing, and manipulating data in various ways to produce quality information, namely information that is relevant, accurate, and timely, which is used in personal, business, and government purposes and is strategic information for decision making. Information systems with technological support are one of the systems that play a significant role in organizational success. The purpose of this study was to determine the success factors of the management information system (SIM-RS) at Hermina OPI Jakabaring Hospital based on the DeLone and McLean theory, which consists of six variables, namely system quality, information quality, service quality, use, user satisfaction and benefits. This research was conducted at Hermina OPI Jakabaring Hospital with a sample of 48 hospital employees who use SIM-RS. The results obtained from this study were based on the system quality variable, which stated that as many as 48% of employees stated SIM-RS quality. Information quality variables as much as 54% of respondents stated that SIM-RS was qualified. As many as 79% of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the service quality variable of SIM-RS. The use variable as many as 43% of respondents stated that SIM-RS was often used. As for the user satisfaction variable, as many as 94% of respondents stated that SIM-RS was of high quality. The benefit variable was that as many as 56% of respondents stated that SIM-RS was useful.

Evaluation of crop structure optimization policy quantitatively and future directions in China: a PMC-Index model approach

Developing policies to optimize the planting structure is essential to ensure an adequate supply of agricultural products and guarantee food security. However, the rationality and comprehensiveness of China’s cropping structure optimization policies require scientific evaluation. Therefore, this research established an evaluation index system for China’s planting structure optimization policies using text mining and the PMC-Index model to evaluate eight agricultural cropping structure optimization policies in China since 2003. The results showed that: (1) The PMC-Index showed a general upward trend across the eight policies, with scores ranging from 4.88 to 6.61. (2) Seven of the eight policies were deemed acceptable, while one was classified as low. (3) The Chinese government has long focused on optimizing the structure of agricultural cultivation, and relevant policies have made significant progress in terms of logical connotation and long-term feasibility. However, there is still room for improvement in enhancing regulatory effectiveness and strengthening interdepartmental collaboration. It is recommended that the government develop more flexible and diverse incentive mechanisms, strengthen interdepartmental coordination, expand policy coverage, enhance the comprehensiveness of policy functions, and elevate support for agricultural technology.

Pengaruh Pembelajaran Berbasis Kasus dan Dukungan Teknologi Terhadap Hasil Belajar Mahasiswa Administrasi Perkantoran

Learning is the process of interaction between students, educators, and learning resources within a learning environment. Technology support refers to the use of technology or digital platforms that can help facilitate learning, while learning outcomes are the achievements that students attain after participating in learning activities. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of case-based learning and technology support on students' learning outcomes. This research employs a quantitative approach with a survey method, and the data are analyzed using SPSS. The results indicate that case-based learning does not have a strong influence on students' learning outcomes; however, technology support has a strong influence on learning outcomes. Nevertheless, technology support does not have a strong influence on the success of case-based learning.

PELUANG USAHA INDUSTRI ANIMASI DI INDONESIA

The animation industry in Indonesia has shown significant growth in recent years, fuelled by the increasing demand for creative content across various media platforms, such as film, television, social media, and gaming. This research aims to identify business opportunities in Indonesia's animation sector and analyze the factors influencing its growth. The research method used is a literature study and a survey of local animation industry players, including animation studios, independent animators, and educational institutions. The results show that technological support, increased access to digital platforms, and government programs that encourage creativity provide excellent opportunities for the growth of the animation industry in Indonesia. However, challenges such as lack of investment, limited skilled human resources, and lack of access to international markets must be overcome. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of strengthening the animation industry ecosystem through collaboration between the education sector, government, and industry to create a business climate that supports sustainable growth.

Research on Mobile Learning (M-Learning) in Higher Education: A Systematic Review (2016 to 2023)

This study investigates the evolution of mobile learning (M-Learning) applications in higher education between 2016 and 2023. This period marks an era of significant technological innovations and the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. The purpose of this research is to delineate how M-Learning applications are represented in the academic literature during this time and to identify research trends within this field. The research is based on a systematic review of 161 academic articles related to M-Learning, published between 2016 and 2023 in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study utilizes the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, Methodology) framework to conduct an in-depth analysis of theoretical approaches, research contexts, learning characteristics, and methodological strategies in the literature. The findings reveal that M-Learning positively impacts areas such as collaboration, skill development, and self-assessment among students. The effective use of mobile devices as educational tools by instructors and students is identified as crucial for the success of M-Learning applications. Moreover, the success of M-Learning is closely linked to users' attitudes toward technology and the integration of technological and pedagogical supports into the learning processes. This systematic review provides significant insights into how M-Learning can transform learning and teaching practices in higher education. It suggests strategic planning and further research for educators, policymakers, and researchers on integrating mobile technologies into learning processes. Specifically, there is a need to explore the long-term effects of M-Learning on student achievement and its applicability in various learning contexts.

Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers

Abstract Background The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software. Findings The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation. Conclusions It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers. Key messages • The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions. • Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.

Information Technology Support and Accounting Digitalization on Business Development Potential with Knowledge Management as an Intervening Variable in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Deli Serdang Regency

There are still relatively many MSMEs in the Deli Serdang district area that have not used technology as a medium to assist in increasing their business where in this day and age technology plays a very important role in increasing sales to the international scope. The Deli Serdang district government, which cares about increasing MSMEs, makes socialization for business actors within the Cooperative and SMEs Office to be given training in the use of business digitalization in order to provide an understanding that digitalization is the right way in this day and age to manage businesses both in production, marketing, finance and management. This research will be conducted in the Deli Serdang district with a population of MSMEs that already have NIB of 570 businesses with a sampling method using the Slovin formula with an error rate of 5%, so that a research sample of 235 can be found. Directly the information technology support variable has a significant effect on kenowlodge management. Directly the information technology support variable has a significant effect on the business development potential of the business, directly the accounting digitalization variable has a significant effect on kenowlodge management, directly the accounting digitalization variable has a significant effect on business development potential, directly the knowledge management variable has a significant effect on business development potential, indirectly the Knowledge Management variable has a significant role in mediating Information Technology support on Business Development Potential, indirectly knowledge management does not have a significant role in mediating accounting digitalization support on Business Development Potential