Technological Attributes Research Articles

Latent Information in the Evolving Energy Structure

Recent studies indicate that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, characterized by its integration of information and communication technology attributes, exerts a multifaceted influence on the energy system. The authors employ Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Triple-Difference (DDD) models to investigate the effects of AI. The research initially demonstrates that AI may exhibit dual attributes of constraining energy structure. Specifically, the rapid development of AI tends to increase the proportion of fossil fuel-based electricity generation while optimizing the consumption of renewable energy. Furthermore, the degradation of energy structure stems from the surge in electricity consumption by AI, which the renewable energy consumption capacity is unable to satisfy. Lastly, industrial agglomeration effects and the construction of the digital economy have positive impacts on development of renewable energy; technological innovation aids in mitigating the negative shocks to the energy structure. This study provides a new perspective on the role of AI technology in energy transition.

The influences of virtual-reality- and animation-supported gamified learning processes on students’ learning achievement and behavioral intention in retailing management courses

The application of virtual reality (VR)/animation-enhanced technologies to various educational settings has received increasing attention from academics and educators. However, empirical investigation of this issue using an integrated theoretical perspective is scarce in management education. Additionally, prior studies that specifically investigate the influences of the technological attributes of VR/animation-enhanced technologies and learners’ perceptions and experiences in management education contexts are scarce. This study thus investigates this issue by adopting the viewpoints of technological attributes and individual perceptions and experiences to comprehend students’ situated experiential learning. Therefore, to examine whether such a learning method improves learning achievement by enhancing long-term memory, this study conducted a quasi-experiment to understand how technological attributes influence students' cognitive and affective responses, confidence, and satisfaction, thus affecting behavioral intention and learning achievement. A total of 230 students participated in this study. The stimulus-organism-response model, situated learning theory, and flow theory were integrated in this study to explore the relationships between the factors of psychological state and students' experiential learning processes. All hypotheses were supported, except confidence did not significantly influence students' behavioral intention and learning achievement after four weeks. The implications for theory and practice of this study are subsequently discussed.

Characterizing the Impact of Emergent Technologies on Earth Communications Reliance for Crewed Deep Space Missions

Future human expeditions into deep space will encounter unique design challenges posed by the increasing distance from Earth, one of which is the inability to maintain near-continuous communication with ground support teams. As a result, the habitat and crew will require a higher level of operational self-sufficiency informed by onboard self-awareness and decision-making capabilities to accomplish functions that have historically involved extensive support from mission control personnel. These include, for example, task planning and anomaly detection, diagnosis and correction, as well as monitoring of consumable usage rates and system performance. Novel emergent technologies in the domain of ‘smart’ systems and digital twins can be employed to enable the onboard capabilities needed to function with minimal Earth communication. However, these technologies are generally low-TRL and difficult to incorporate through traditional systems engineering methods.This work proposes an extension of utility theory to assess the potential reduction in Earth communication reliance between baseline and emergent technologies, scored through a summation of weighted attributes and evaluated against future deep space mission needs and constraints. Case studies are defined from technology under development in the NASA Habitats Optimized for Missions of Exploration (HOME) Space Technology Research Institute (STRI), a project charged with developing and evaluating technologies to enable highly autonomous deep space habitats, and compared to the current baseline technologies used onboard the International Space Station. Notional deep space mission needs and constraints are informed from current NASA plans for the Moon and Mars. These in turn are broken out into higher resolution attributes that are used to assess the operational capabilities of each emergent technology and whether it offers a potentially viable solution for deep space. These technology attributes are scored through a series of semi-structured subject-matter interviews and compared to notional deep space mission constraints. Additional considerations for technology maturation and integration are also discussed. The design analysis paradigm described and demonstrated here can be adapted to assess the degree to which other emergent technologies rely on Earth-based communication, and is intended to provide trade space considerations for future research and development towards deep space habitat self-sufficiency.

The Tipping Points of Video Conferencing Solutions

ABSTRACT Video conferencing solutions have been used to support remote work and distance education but have not yet been widely adopted. This study aims to contribute to the development and proliferation of video conferencing solutions for remote work and education by analyzing consumer preferences. For this purpose, a survey of 1,018 people was conducted in July and August 2021 in Korea. As the use of video conferencing became enforced due to COVID-19, the analysis reflected previous user experiences. In addition, various scenario-specific market share simulations were performed, assuming future video conferencing solutions. The survey results showed that several factors, including technology attributes, cost, and market share, influence consumers’ choice of video conferencing solutions. The survey also found that consumers have asymmetric preferences regarding video conferencing solutions depending on their previous experience. Finally, the study identified tipping points companies could use to gain a significant market share.

Research on the Mechanism of the Green Innovation of Enterprises Empowered by Digital Technology from the Perspective of Value Co-Creation

To help enterprises utilize digital technologies to increase their green innovation awareness and behavior and further clarify the “black box” of this process, this study first develops a theoretical framework to explain the mechanism of the functional attributes of digital technology, stakeholder value co-creation, and enterprise green innovation. Data are subsequently gathered from 342 manufacturing enterprises, and the meditation and moderation hypotheses are empirically analyzed using hierarchical regression and the bootstrapping method. A robustness test is conducted via data grouping. The findings indicate that digital technology openness and affordance have a positive effect on green product innovation and process innovation through value co-creation between businesses and stakeholders. Additionally, digital technology self-growth positively moderates the indirect effect of digital technology affordance on the green innovation of enterprises through value co-creation.

Moderating Effect of Technology Staff Competence on the Relationship between Scanning Technological Attributes and Custom Revenue Performance: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Moderating Effect of Technology Staff Competence on the Relationship between Scanning Technological Attributes and Custom Revenue Performance: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Effect of farmland scale on agricultural green production technology adoption: Evidence from rice farmers in Jiangsu Province, China

Agricultural green production technology (AGPT) is crucial for mitigating farmland pollution and degradation, as well as promoting green agricultural development. Using data from 774 rice farmers in the 2021 China Land Economy Survey (CLES), the study analyzes the impact mechanisms and mediating pathways of farmland scale on AGPT adoption at both the farmer and plot levels. The study also reveals the differences in impact based on the heterogeneity of plot concentrations and technological attributes. The results show that: (1) Farmland scale positively impacts AGPT adoption, both at the farmer and plot level. (2) Farmland scale positively impacts AGPT adoption at two levels by affecting commercialization rate, time preference, and machinery investment. (3) The positive impact of farmland scale are heterogenous at two levels. When rice is scatteringly planted, plot scale has a more significant impact on AGPT adoption than operation scale; however, when rice is concentratedly planted, the situation is the opposite. Additionally, when faced with "capital-increasing, labor-saving, and risks-increasing" technology, operation scale has a more significant impact on AGPT adoption than plot scale; however, when faced with "capital-stabilizing, labor-increasing, and risks-controlling" technologies, the situation is the opposite. These findings help to provide policy implications for promoting AGPT adoption and sustainable farmland use.

From Waste to Value: Fish Protein Hydrolysates as a Technological and Functional Ingredient in Human Nutrition.

Fish provides a low-caloric content, polyunsaturated fatty acids, many essential trace elements and is also a rich source of protein, ranging from 10% to 25%. Therefore, the production of FPH (fish protein hydrolysates) is of great interest, as the resulting products exhibit a variety of important bioactive and technological properties, making them potential ingredients for new functional foods and supplements. The aim of this review was to compile and analyze information on enzymatic hydrolysates, with particular emphasis on those derived from fish by-products, as a potential ingredient in human nutrition. Their nutritional characteristics, food safety aspects, bioactive properties, technological attributes, key influencing factors, and applications in food products were evaluated. The findings revealed that these properties are influenced by several factors, such as the raw material, enzymes used, degree of hydrolysis, and the molecular weight of the peptides, which need to be considered as a whole. In conclusion, the gathered information suggests that it is possible to obtain high-value products through enzymatic hydrolysis, even when using fish by-products. However, although numerous studies focused on FPH derived from fish muscle, research on by-products remains limited. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the behavior of FPH from by-products differs from that of muscle-derived FPH.

Effect of smart technology attributes on work-related behaviors through perceived usefulness: Moderating roles of perceived risk and hotel affiliation

Hotels have speeded up technology adoption in response to the COVID-19 hit. This study attempts to understand whether smart technologies adopted by hotels enhance employees’ work-related behaviors (i.e., productivity, satisfaction, and retention) in the post-pandemic era. Through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study examines the relationships between smart technology attributes (STAs), hotel employees’ perceived usefulness (PU) of smart technology, and work-related behaviors (WBs). The moderating effects of perceived risk and hotel affiliation on the relationships are also investigated. Results from a survey of 272 hotel employees in Hong Kong indicate a positive influence of STAs on hotel employees’ PU, which in turn enhances their WBs. Furthermore, perceived risk and hotel affiliation are found to have a moderating effect on the relationships between STAs and PU. Theoretical contributions, managerial implications, and the limitations of this study are discussed.

Hybrid high‐protein yogurt made with partial replacement of milk proteins by pea proteins

SummaryMilk proteins are known for their exceptional nutritional and technological attributes, making them a staple in the food industry. Nonetheless, the partial substitution of milk proteins with plant‐based proteins in dairy products may be an effective strategy to meet the increasing consumer demand for a reduction in the consumption of animal‐derived proteins. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of partial substitution (25% and 50%) of milk proteins with pea protein on the manufacturing and technological attributes of high‐protein yogurt during refrigerated storage. The replacement of up to 50% of the milk proteins with pea protein did not alter the fermentation time and all yogurts had a total lactic acid bacteria count greater than 107 CFU g−1 after manufacturing. However, replacing 50% of milk proteins with pea protein affected the pH, syneresis, water holding capacity, consistency, firmness, viscosity index, and cohesiveness of the yogurts. In turn, no effect was observed on the pH, syneresis, water holding capacity, firmness, and cohesiveness of the product after replacing 25% of the dairy base with pea protein (P >0.05). Hence, the findings indicate that substituting 25% of the milk protein with pea protein in high‐protein yogurts can be achieved without compromising the product's stability.

Comparison of the quality of yoghurt produced from milk containing A1 and A2 β-casein

Abstract A2 milk, characterised by the presence of only the A2 β-casein genotype, has recently been of great interest due to its potential health benefits, which are the subject of intensive scientific research. From the dairy industry standpoint, it is crucial to ascertain its functional and technological attributes. The objective of this study was to compare two types of yoghurt (A1 and A2 yoghurts), produced respectively from cows’ milk containing exclusively β-casein (β-CN) A1 (A1/A1) or A2 (A2/A2) genotypes, in terms of basic chemical composition, protein profile, amino acid composition, antioxidant capacity, sensory quality, acidity, instrumental texture and colour profiles, as well as rheological characteristics. The obtained results indicate that the β-CN polymorphism had no significant impact on the basic chemical composition, acidity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) or colour properties of the yoghurts. Nonetheless, the β-CN genotype did affect the textural, rheological, and sensory qualities of the acidic gels, with A2 yoghurt yielding gels exhibiting higher hardness, gumminess, improved consistency and viscosity, and overall sensory quality compared to the corresponding A1 treatment. These results indicate that A2 milk serves as a good raw material for fermented milk production, warranting further investigation.

Prospects of green hydrogen production in the Philippines from solar photovoltaic and wind resources: A techno-economic analysis for the present and 2030

As global temperatures continue to rise, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is more important than ever – demanding an urgent transition to renewable energy systems. In this study, the potential for green hydrogen production from solar and wind sources in the Philippines is explored. Renewable energy systems can yield higher decarbonization by producing green hydrogen, potentially an ‘energy vector’ for industrial, power, and transportation applications, thereby representing a promising solution for the nation's energy transition. This study explores the competitiveness of green hydrogen production in the Philippines through a comprehensive techno-economic analysis to predict the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) derived from solar- and wind-powered electrolysis. The 2030 projections explore three scenarios, each representing varying research and development intensities resulting in different electrolyzer costs. The resulting LCOH values underscore the need for economic policy interventions to slash hydrogen costs to a competitive level. The present and near-future costs and attributes of electrolysis technologies still fall short compared to fossil fuel-based pathways. Furthermore, sensitivity and uncertainty analyses are conducted to investigate subsidy and policy requirements, and random changes to costs. The findings of this work provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential fluctuations and challenges in the economic landscape in the Philippines.

Farmers’ willingness to accept for attributes of soil and water Conservation technologies in Northern Ghana

Farmers’ willingness to accept for attributes of soil and water Conservation technologies in Northern Ghana

Perceptions of the attributes of new long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis formulations compared with a daily, oral dose among South African young women: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Oral PrEP is highly effective against the acquisition of HIV but is underutilised by young women. New options, like the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) and injectable long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA), are emerging. However, little is known about young women’s perceptions of these alternatives. This qualitative study explored perceptions of the attributes of PrEP technologies in South Africa. Young women accessing sexual health services were purposively selected to participate in 22 in-depth interviews, five focus group discussions and two workshops using the nominal group technique, between August 2022 and March 2023. A thematic approach guided by the diffusion of innovation attributes, including relative advantage, compatibility with the student's lives, complexity of the technology, and trialability, was used for data analysis. The DVR was the least preferred because of lower efficacy, the perceived complexity of inserting it in the vagina and some safety concerns. Oral PrEP, which some had tried and discontinued, was least compatible with students’ busy schedules. Integrating PrEP and contraceptives with similar return visit patterns could enhance service delivery. Intensive demand creation campaigns will be needed to increase PrEP utilisation and dispel myths about the vaginal ring.

Developing a Guided Web App for Postpartum Depression Symptoms: User-Centered Design Approach.

Psychological internet-based interventions have shown promise in preventing and treating perinatal depression, but their effectiveness can be hindered by low user engagement. This challenge often arises from a misalignment between technology attributes, user needs, and context. A user-centered, iterative approach involving all stakeholders is recommended. In this paper, we aimed to develop a user-friendly psychological internet-based intervention aimed at addressing the symptoms of perinatal depression through an iterative, user-centered approach. The development process followed the Center for eHealth Research and Disease Management Roadmap phases of contextual inquiry, value specification, and design. It involved a comprehensive literature review, 2 surveys, 10 focus groups, 5 usability interviews, and 1 technical pilot. The contextual inquiry revealed a demand for accessible interventions for perinatal mental health, with internet-based solutions seen as viable options. Insights from the literature influenced intervention content and features. Stakeholders' openness to the intervention became evident during this phase, along with the integration of the first set of values. Initially, we assessed the broader perinatal context to identify the optimal period for the intervention. On the basis of the findings and practical considerations, we decided to specifically target postpartum depression symptoms. The value specification phase further defined the central values and translated them into requirements. In the design phase, feedback was obtained on the user experience of an early digital prototype and on the prototype's final version. The resulting intervention, named Mamá, te entiendo ("Mom, I get you"), is a guided web app based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles, integrating elements from attachment and mentalization theories. It aims to reduce depressive symptoms in women during the first months postpartum and consists of 6 core sequential modules, along with 3 additional modules, including 5 case examples illustrating depressive symptoms and therapeutic techniques. The intervention provides homework exercises and offers users the opportunity to receive feedback from an e-coach through the web app. This study emphasizes the importance of a user-centered and iterative development process for psychological internet-based interventions. This process helps clarify user needs and provides valuable feedback on service design and quality, ultimately having the potential to enhance the utility and, presumably, the effectiveness of the intervention. The Discussion section shares valuable insights from the project, such as the value of the requirement sessions.

Enhancing Gluten-Free Muffins with Milk Thistle Seed Proteins: Evaluation of Physicochemical, Rheological, Textural, and Sensory Characteristics.

This study investigated the potential utilization of milk thistle seed protein (MTP) isolates in gluten-free muffins to enhance the protein quantity and technological attributes. MTP was employed to partially substitute a blend including equal amounts of rice flour and corn starch (RCS) at 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%. The study encompassed a rheological assessment of muffin batters and physicochemical, textural, and sensory analyses of the muffins. The consistency coefficient (K) of muffin batters exhibited an increase with the incorporation of MTP, with all batters demonstrating shear-thinning behavior (n < 1). The dough samples exhibited solid-like characteristics attributed to G' > G″, indicative of their viscoelastic nature. The storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) escalated with higher levels of MTP, suggesting an overall enhancement in dough viscoelasticity. The muffin containing wheat flour displayed the lowest hardness value, followed by MTP-added muffins at ratios of 12% and 9%. Additionally, MTP-added muffins exhibited greater springiness values than control samples without MTP (C2). However, the oxidative stability of MTP-added muffins was lower than the wheat control muffin (C1) and gluten-free control muffin. The protein content in muffins increased with MTP addition, reaching parity with wheat flour muffins at 6% MTP replacement. Sensory analysis revealed that substituting RCS with up to 6% MTP did not significantly alter the overall quality (p > 0.05), whereas higher MTP levels (9% and 12%) led to a decline in sensory attributes. Incorporating MTP at up to 6% yielded protein-enriched muffins with sensory characteristics comparable to the wheat flour muffin (C1). Furthermore, higher MTP additions (9% and 12%) conferred more favorable textural properties than the C2 muffin. However, the oxidative stability of the control muffins was found to be higher than that of MTP-added muffins. This study suggested that MTP could be a potential ingredient to increase the protein amount and specific volume of gluten-free muffins and to improve textural attributes such as springiness and hardness.

All for Winning the Next War: The Socio-Political and Technological Attributes of PLA Modernization through Continuing Force Transformation

All for Winning the Next War: The Socio-Political and Technological Attributes of PLA Modernization through Continuing Force Transformation

Genome editing tools based improved applications in macrofungi.

Macrofungi commonly referred to as Mushrooms are distributed worldwide and well known for their nutritional, medicinal, and organoleptic properties. Strain improvement in mushrooms is lagging due to paucity of efficient genome modification techniques. Thus, for advanced developments in research and commercial or economical viability and benefit, CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9) emerged as an efficient genome editing tool. The higher efficiency and precision of the desired genetic modification(s) are the most valuable attributes of this recent technology. The present review comprehensively summarizes various conventional methods utilized for strain improvement in mushrooms including hybridization, protoplast fusion, and di-mon mating. Furthermore, the problems associated with these techniques have been discussed besides providing the potential recluses. The significance of CRISPR/Cas9 strategies employed for improvement in various mushroom genera has been deliberated, as these strategies will paves the way forward for obtaining improved strain and effective cultivation methods for enhancing the yield and quality of the fruit bodies.

Selection and characterization of spontaneous phage-resistant mutant of Limosilactobacillus fermentum

Phage infection remains a major cause of fermentation failures in the dairy industry. The development of phage-resistant mutants of important fermentation strains is an effective measure used to address phage-related issues. This study employed the secondary culture method to screen for spontaneous phage-resistant mutants from the phage sensitive strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum IMAU32646 (L. fermentum IMAU32646). The phenotypic characteristics, technological attributes, probiotic characterization, adsorption characteristics and mutant genes were investigated. The results showed that the mutant strain displayed a high degree of phage-resistance and stability. The mutant strain produced more lactic acid during fermentation than the sensitive strain, while maintaining identical cell structure and morphologies. The mutant strain exhibited superior tolerance to acid and bile salts compared to the sensitive strain. Furthermore, the adsorption rate of phage LFP01 on the mutant strain was significantly lower than that of the sensitive strain. Following genome re-sequencing analysis showed that adsorption interference and blocked DNA injection were responsible for its phage-resistance. These results may provide a new strategy for avoiding phage contamination and industrial application of phage-resistant strains with good characteristics.

Dual carbon goal and agriculture in China: Exploring key factors influencing farmers’ behavior in adopting low carbon technologies

Identifying the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of low-carbon technologies (FA) and understanding their impacts are essential for shaping effective agricultural policies amied at emission reduction and carbon sequestration in China. This study employs a meta-analysis of 122 empirical studies, delves into 23 driving factors affecting FA and addresses the inconsistencies present in the existing literature. We systematically examine the effect size, source of heterogeneity, and time-accumulation effect of the driving factors on FA. We find that significant heterogeneity in the factors influencing FA, except for farming experience, sources of heterogeneity from the survey zone, methodology model, technological attributes, report source, financial support, and the sampling year. Additionally, age, farming experience, and adoption cost negatively correlate with FA. In contrast, educational level, health status, technical training, economic and welfare cognition, land contract, soil quality, terrain, information accessibility, demonstration, government promotion, government regulation, government support, agricultural cooperatives member, peer effect, and agricultural income ratio demonstrate a positive correlation. Especially, demonstration and age show a particularly strong correlation. Finally, the effect of demonstration, age, economic and welfare cognition, farming experience, land contract, soil quality, information accessibility, government promotion, and support, as well as agricultural cooperative membership and peer effects on FA, are generally stable but exhibit varying degrees of attenuation over time. The effect of village cadre, family income, farm scale, gender, health status, technical training, and off-farm work on FA show notable temporal shifts and maintain a weak correlation with FA. This study contributes to shaping China's current low-carbon agriculture policies across various regions. It encourages policymakers to comprehensively consider the stability of key factors, other potential factors, technological attributes, rural socio-economic context, and their interrelations.