Technological Interventions Research Articles

Early Detection of Onion Spoilage Utilizing IoT and AI during Storage and Transportation

This paper introduces an innovative approach to reducing crop wastage by converting traditional onion warehouses into smart warehouses using IoT and AI technologies. We propose an IoT-based monitoring solution that continuously analyses and communicates the health status of onion stock in real time. Additionally, our methodology aims to support farmers by providing them with essential information about their onion stocks, enabling informed decision-making. Traditionally, farmers rely on sensory cues such as onion odor to detect decomposition. However, we propose a technological intervention utilizing image processing and AI-driven sensory mechanisms to enhance the onion detection process. Specifically, cameras are employed to identify sprouted onions, while AI algorithms analyze sensory data to detect rotten onions. Our prototype achieves an impressive 87% efficiency in identifying sprouted onions using camera-based systems. Furthermore, the response of the gas sensing system in detecting rotten onions under prescribed chamber dimensions yields encouraging results. Through the integration of IoT and AI, our methodology offers a promising solution to minimize crop wastage and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Assistive technology: Occupational therapy assessment and services for people with dementia

Introduction: Research suggests that services are not effectively providing suitable assistive technology for people with dementia. There is a need to understand the challenges facing practitioners to identify where service changes should be focussed to improve this situation. Method: This study used an online survey to explore the experiences of 41 occupational therapists working with people with dementia, and/or assistive technology. Eight participants subsequently agreed to participate in online discussion groups. Group discussions were transcribed and checked. Data responses from group discussions and open questions in the survey were analysed thematically using the person-centred framework to identify domains supporting or obstructing effective assistive technology service delivery. Results: Forty-one occupational therapist participants described challenges to providing person-centred assistive technology services. These included restricted access to assistive technology interventions, limited knowledge regarding developments in the field, variable funding, unsupportive systems, limited relevant training and difficulties working across health and social care sectors. Conclusion: There is a need to revise the systems surrounding the provision of assistive technology for people with dementia. Occupational therapists need access to training relative to this field, and systems need to be adapted to support the provision of person-centred care by widening access to assistive technology.

Technological Perception with Rural and Urban Differentiation and Its Influence on the Quality of Life of Older People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The past decade has seen a global increase in population age, especially in developed countries, where aging involves visual diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which severely affect quality of life (QoL) and mental health, as well as increase isolation and care costs. This study investigated how persons with AMD perceive the impact of technology use on their QoL, focusing on potential disparities between urban and rural contexts in Spain. Using a cross-sectional observational design, data from the 2020 National Statistics Institute’s Disability, Personal Autonomy, and Dependency Situations Survey were analyzed, focusing on QoL aspects based on the WHO items of the WHOQOL-100 scale. The results revealed a generally positive perception of technology among participants, with urban residents perceiving technology’s positive impact more favorably. Sex discrepancies in technology perception were also observed, as women exhibited a more positive outlook on technology’s influence on QoL. The analysis of QoL aspects, such as ‘Visibility’, ‘Learning’, ‘Mobility’, and ‘Domestic life’, highlighted distinct challenges faced by rural and urban populations, underscoring the importance of context-specific approaches in technology interventions. However, these perceptions were intertwined with comorbidities, which can exacerbate AMD-related issues. Furthermore, this study explored the role of technology in enhancing QoL among older adults with AMD, examining how it influences daily activities and independence, particularly in the context of AMD management. This study concluded that developing more-inclusive policies tailored to the specific needs of persons with AMD, with special attention to environmental and sex differences, is imperative to enhance the positive impact of technology on their QoL.

‘AgTech’ and the restructuring of agrifood labour regimes: Digital technologies, migrant labour and the intensification of production in the UK glasshouse sector

AbstractThis article examines the challenges surrounding the adoption of robotic automation and ‘AgTech’ in glasshouse agrifood production and considers ways in which growers and technology capital are seeking to transform the organisation of work at the point of production because of digital technological interventions. The article does so by examining the deployment by growers of ‘AgTech’ in the glasshouse agrifood sector in the context of the labour regime centred around seasonal migrant labour supply in the UK. The article makes three main contributions. Conceptually it centres technological transformation of the workplace within the context of wider labour regimes. Second, it argues that transformations of the labour process at the point of production through the introduction of ‘AgTech’ are one response by growers to labour supply shortages. Third, it examines the attempts by grower capital to intensify and fragment the nature of work as a result of the introduction of ‘AgTech’.

Leveraging Physical Activities to Support Learning for Young People via Technologies: An Examination of Educational Practices Across the Field

Many technological interventions have leveraged physical activity (PA, i.e., activities that involve whole-body movements) to provide young people with active and productive learning experiences. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding of how PA can serve as a learning medium—for example, how PA can support learning and how to design technologies to support PA-based learning. This paper conducts a systematic literature review (N = 141) of PA-based, technology-mediated learning experiences for young people with a focus on how PA supports learning, what technologies are involved, and the associated challenges. Through content analysis, we identified four approaches of how PA and learning were combined (i.e., PA embodied learning content, served as a functional input method for learning tasks, guided learners through different learning sites, and generated data for learning activities) and supporting technologies like full-body interaction learning environments and mobile apps. However, many challenges might arise, such as balancing learning and PA, as well as the scalability and reliability of technologies. We conclude with a discussion and reflection on design implications for more PA-based learning experiences and technologies. Overall, this paper provides a systematic overview of the different ways to design physically active learning experiences for young people and can serve as a reference for future designs of physically active learning experiences and technologies.

Innovation in Nutrition Promotion : Literature Analysis to Increase Community Awareness and Healthy Practices

The important role of health promotion in improving community welfare has encouraged effective innovation to increase nutritional awareness and healthy lifestyle practices. This research explores recent innovations in health promotion strategies, particularly in nutrition and health, to increase awareness and encourage positive behavioral change. Through comprehensive literature analysis, this research identifies and evaluates approaches such as technology interventions, community-based initiatives, and other new strategies. The results show that innovations such as nutrition promotion media (pop-up books, PGS cards, leaflets, nutrition puzzles, and educational videos) as well as active community participation (FGD and lunch menu practices) and empowering health workers and teachers, have succeeded in increasing knowledge. , attitudes and nutritional behavior of the community. Case studies and successful programs show real improvements in community nutrition practices. However, challenges such as limited sample size, short intervention duration, and methodological obstacles need to be overcome. Based on these findings, further research is recommended focusing on: (1) longitudinal research with larger sample sizes to understand long-term impacts; (2) exploration of contextual factors that influence program effectiveness; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of innovation for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or people with low education; (4) evaluation of community empowerment strategies and their impact on local health policies; and (5) exploration of cross-sectoral collaboration for holistic and sustainable nutrition promotion programs. These findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, and serve as a comprehensive resource for designing programs that increase nutrition awareness and encourage healthy practices in communities.

“The highest in each class was a twilight baby”: scientific motherhood, twilight sleep and the eugenics movement in McClure’s Magazine

In the early twentieth century, childbirth was increasingly being viewed as a medical experience in North America. Women were encouraged to engage with ‘scientific motherhood’ by adhering to medical advice...

IOT based Railway Crossing Gate Status detection and Security Code Generation System based on ESP8266

In rapidly developing nations like India, the railway system plays a pivotal role in facilitating transportation for the population. However, the safety of level crossing gates within this extensive railway network is of utmost importance and requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, due to human oversight, a significant number of accidents occur daily at these junctures, prompting a pressing need for technological interventions to address this issue. This study delves into two key approaches: firstly, the automation of railway gate operations at level crossings to streamline closure processes and reduce human involvement. A practical demonstration of this concept is showcased through a scaled-down model, which effectively tackles the challenge at hand. In this model, strategically positioned sensors near the level crossing gates detect approaching trains at a predetermined distance from the railway track. Subsequently, these proximity sensors relay signal pulses to a controller situated at the level crossing site, triggering motor activation for automated gate closure and opening. Secondly, the focus shifts towards monitoring the status of the crossing gates. Instances occur where gatekeepers unintentionally overlook gate closure and fail to communicate the security code to the station master, potentially leading to accidents. To address this issue, a system is proposed to generate the security code upon detecting the status of the railway gate, utilizing microcontrollers, LCD displays, and proximity sensors. Key Words: Railway Gate, Sensors, Microcontroller, IOT

Modeling and Sentiment Analysis of Social Relationships in Elderly Smart Homes Based on Graph Neural Networks

With the expansion of Speech Emotion Recognition in the consumer domain, several devices, particularly those designed for managing smart home personal assistants for the elderly, have been widely available on the market. The increasing processing power and connection, together with the growing need to facilitate longer residency through technological interventions, highlight the potential benefits of smart home assistants. Enabling these assistants to recognize human emotions would greatly improve user-assistant communication, allowing the assistant to deliver more constructive and customized feedback to the user. In this research work, Modeling and Sentiment Analysis of Social Relationships in Elderly Smart Homes Based on Graph Neural Networks (SASR-MBHNN-BBOA) is proposed. The input data are collected from Social Recommendation Dataset. Then, input data are pre-processed utilizing Inverse Optimal Safety Filters (IOSF) for cleaning the data and removing the background noise. Then the pre-processed data are given to Memristive Bi-neuron Hopfield Neural Network (MBHNN) for predicting the sentiments like positive, negative and neutral. In general, MBHNN doesn’t express some adoption of optimization approaches for determining optimal parameters to predicting the sentiments accurately. Hence BBOA is proposed to optimize MBHNN classifier which precisely predicts the sentiments in elderly smart home. The proposed SASR-MBHNN-BBOA method is implemented in Python, and it assessed with numerous performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, ROC. The outcomes show SASR-MBHNN-BBOA attains 20.8%, 19.5%, and 29.6% higher Accuracy, 28.8%, 22.5%, and 32.6% higher Precision, 15.5%, 27.4%, and 18.2% higher Recall are analysed with existing methods such as, Emotional speech analysis in real time for smart home assistants.(SASR-CNN-SHA), Machine Learning to Investigate Elderly Care Requirements in China via the Lens of Family Caregivers (SASR-ML-IECR),Identifying User Emotions via Audio Conversations with Smart Assistants (SASR-DNN-EASA) methods respectively.

Insights into Cold Plasma Treatment on the Cereal and Legume Proteins Modification: Principle, Mechanism, and Application.

Cereal and legume proteins, pivotal for human health, significantly influence the quality and stability of processed foods. Despite their importance, the inherent limited functional properties of these natural proteins constrain their utility across various sectors, including the food, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries. Enhancing functional attributes of cereal and legume proteins through scientific and technological interventions is essential to broadening their application. Cold plasma (CP) technology, characterized by its non-toxic, non-thermal nature, presents numerous benefits such as low operational temperatures, lack of external chemical reagents, and cost-effectiveness. It holds the promise of improving proteins' functionality while maximally retaining their nutritional content. This review delves into the pros and cons of different cold plasma generation techniques, elucidates the underlying mechanisms of protein modification via CP, and thoroughly examines research on the application of cold plasma in augmenting the functional properties of proteins. The aim is to furnish theoretical foundations for leveraging CP technology in the modification of cereal and legume proteins, thereby enhancing their practical applicability in diverse industries.

Database as method: Exposing ‘data’ about educational technology through a design intervention

Ubiquitous datafication of children and families in educational and everyday settings is both a result of and catalyst for power asymmetries between digital platforms and their users. These platforms seek to know their users by extracting and analysing various streams of personal information, often discreetly. However, the users are rarely equipped to do the same to the platforms as information about these platforms is often obscured, convoluted, or simply unavailable. This article explores the possibilities of reversing such power imbalance via the design intervention of an Australia-focused educational technology (EdTech) database developed by the authors of this article. Employing a design intervention method, the database is a collection of publicly available information about EdTech companies and products that target young children and their parents or educators in Australia. This alternate commentary article presents and discusses the ongoing processes of developing the database to reflect on what it says about the power relations between EdTech providers and their users. It demonstrates how the database works as a pedagogical space where people learn how to critically unpack and think about contemporary EdTech platforms. The database is positioned as a point of convergence for different actors involved in children's digital learning to collectively understand what needs to be done to enact and protect children's digital rights in education.

The American Academy of Health Behavior 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting: "Health Communication, (Mis-)Information, and Behavior: Leveraging Technology for Behavioral Interventions and Health Behavior Research"

The American Academy of Health Behavior 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting: "Health Communication, (Mis-)Information, and Behavior: Leveraging Technology for Behavioral Interventions and Health Behavior Research"

NEED FOR EFFECTIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN BANKING -A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Over a decade the banking practices in the country has been experiencing sea change with the implementation of number policy related changes, rise in privatisation and also due to technology upgradations. Modern-day banking activities have become more complex and complied with high-end technology intervention. It makes bank employees more sensitive towards their job. Thus, retain the existing work force with required skill sets is a dauting task for the administrations of banks. Talent management activities of banks generally revolve around employee engagement monitoring their performance, establishing connectivity between employee and the banking institution and they’re by achieving bank’s goal. It is concluded that talent management is an emerging issue and most focused topic in Indian banking sector. This task compliance with stringent procedures and time consuming too. Hiring talent in this pursuit and retaining them involve myriad steps to make the employees i.e., stimulate them to learn new concept and practice it in their day-to-day work adopt continuous training and monitor the performance of the employees KEY WORDS: Talent Management, Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Competition

Empowering College Communities through Digital Innovation: The Uni-Safe App's Role in Combating Bullying

The bullying in a college is major issue in today’s educational setting, negatively affecting student’s mental health and their overall health. This research paper presents an innovative approach implemented in a college for combating bullying with the aid of digital technology platforms. The technological intervention is the creation of app called Uni-Safe, using flutter framework renowned for its dynamic nature, versatile and responsive behaviour. Uni-Safe consists of various features such as user-friendly interface, real-time reporting features, and a confidential platform for students to raise their problems without having concern for identity revelation. The application was deployed to college environments and post analysis was continuously done to assess its effectiveness in resolving the issue. Though the app significantly reduced complexities and enhanced overall wellbeing of college dynamic still there presents a disparity as it is focusing on one college only instead of broader spectrum of educational institutions that could give higher insight into societal well-being.

Impact of technological interventions on farmers' income and employment in the Trans-Gangetic Plain region

Agriculture is a cornerstone of India's economy, employing around half of the workforce. However, a very large proportion of agricultural land in India does not have the desirable productivity, which diminishes the prospects for reasonable income to the farmers. Recognizing this challenge, a study on agricultural practices and income of 640 farmers of 32 villages in Haryana was conducted during the period 2016–17 and 2020–21. The analysis revealed an increase in productivity and consequent income of the farmers with varying degrees. The growth in productivity and income was more conspicuous in adopted villages due to technological interventions such as introduction and adoption of high yielding verities/hybrids/breeds, scientific management practices, resource conservation technologies, cost reduction measures and supplementary enterprises, etc. as compared to non-adopted villages. The income augmentation was noticed in field and horticultural crops, livestock and subsidiary enterprises. The highest increase in income was registered with high value commodities. Inter-district variations were noticed in the increase in productivity and income in adopted and non-adopted villages. The net income of marginal farmers increased the most amongst the different categories of farmers during the period of study. The field crops, horticultural crops and livestock contributed more to total additional income. To sustain the growth in productivity and consequent income of the farmers the Government can strengthen mechanism for continuous infusion of improved technologies and management practices in developmental programmes along with incentives to the farmers for quality seed and planting materials and matching critical inputs through a Misson-mode approach, more so in disadvantaged and challenged ecologies.

Cluster frontline demonstration on soybean (Glycine max): Learning on sustainability indicators

Enhancing production sustainably in oilseeds has been a challenge for the technologists and policy planners. This study focuses on the efforts made through various technological interventions on farmers’ field under Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) in increasing production of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop. A total of 27,069 CFLDs on soybean crop were conducted (2018–22) across the country using improved crop varieties (47) and recommended practices (RP). This study aimed to compare the performance of enhanced soybean varieties over farmers' practices (FP). Most of these CFLDs were carried out using variety KDS-726. Four of these 47 varieties (KDS-726, JS 20-34, JS 20-69, and KDS-753) accounted for approximately 49.5% of the demonstrations. Under RP, the cultivars PS-1225 and PS-1235's showed highest and lowest yielding capacities, respectively. Under RP, the extent of difference in yield between the highest and lowest was 213.4%. All the soybean cultivars grown under RP could result in increasing the yield above FP ranging from 1.65 (PS-1225) to 136.8% (VL Soya-77). Under RP and FP, the cost of cultivation for the various soybean cultivars ranged from ₹30,665 to ₹27,074/ha, respectively. Sikkim Pahenlo Bhatmas-1 (₹79,850/ha) and JS 95-60 (₹58,756/ha) showed the highest net returns while MACS-1407 (₹18,250/ha) and PS-1024 (₹6,630/ha) recorded lowest net returns for RP and FP, respectively. Under RP, SYI (sustainable yield index) ranged from 0.61 (MAUS-158) to 0.99 (MAUS-612) while under FP, it ranged from 0.27 (RVS 2001-4) to 0.99 (JS 97-52). Varieties under RP consistently displayed greater SVI (sustainable value index) values than FP in terms of net returns. The key insight suggested that improved soybean varieties have been instrumental in increasing yield and bridging the yield gap.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ART AND DESIGN THROUGH NEW-AGE MEDIA

Culture is a broad-spectrum term commonly used to identify habits of a heterogeneous social groups which develop in a specific geographic location. It is evidently reflected through the various art practices, be it visual or performing arts, or artifacts created by the artisans. They have become an integral part of the cultural ethos. India is a country rich in such diverse treasure of cultural practices through art. Artisans have also migrated beyond their original geographical boundaries to diversify the reach of the art. It is an important cultural asset which helps to preserve the culture and heritage of a community or the skill-sets of the artisans. Our ancestors have been preserving this culture of storytelling through the art forms which show a perspective of life. They also contribute to the livelihood of the craftsmen, thus contributing to the economy of the country. There is beauty in promoting cultural diversity; people learn new skills from other cultural groups and encourage innovation through various art forms and designs. In the contemporary era of technology, modernization and globalization, the traditional art forms are fading away. Sustainability of these valuable these art forms is a concern today. Purposes and functionality of these art practices have also diversified. The study creates new objectives through cultural diversity and designing new products for sustainable development in art and design. The article discusses some aspects of technological intervention in these art practices that can help sustain these heritages. Thus diversification of media, purpose and an involvement of the young generation can help to preserve the social cultural ethos of our country.

Adaptive support for self‐regulated learning in digital learning environments

AbstractA core focus of self‐regulated learning (SRL) research lies in uncovering methods to empower learners within digital learning environments. As digital technologies continue to evolve during the current hype of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the theoretical, empirical and methodological nuances to support SRL are emerging and offering new ways for adaptive support and guidance for learners. Such affordances offer a unique opportunity for personalised learning experiences, including adaptive interventions. Exploring the application of adaptivity to enhance SRL is an important and emerging area of research that requires further attention. This editorial introduces the contributions of seven papers for the special section on adaptive support for SRL within digital learning environments. These papers explore various themes related to enhancing SRL strategies through technological interventions, offering valuable insights and paving the way for future advancements in this dynamic area.

A Review of the Effects of Integrated Language, Science and Technology Interventions in Elementary Education on Student Achievement

This systematic literature review presents a review of the effects of integrated language arts, science and technology (ILS&T) instruction, with an inquiry- or design-based pedagogy, in elementary schools on student achievement. To this end, an overview of the characteristics of the 19 included studies and their interventions is first presented. Second, the effects of interventions in relation to the study characteristics and outcome variables were examined, by comparing the mean effect sizes. The findings demonstrate positive effects of ILS&T instruction for all reported student learning outcome variables. Third, the relation between characteristics of the intervention and effect sizes was analysed. Interventions with higher levels of integration, a short duration, and teacher professional development activities produce higher effect sizes. These findings are relevant for the design of ILS&T interventions. The analysis was challenged by a lack of detailed information in study and intervention descriptions, which prompts a call for scholars to provide more comprehensive information in their intervention studies.

38 Pig survival: Current state of the US swine industry

Abstract Pig survivability stands as a formidable challenge for the United States Swine Industry, constituting both the foremost economic hurdle and a prominent sustainability concern. The economic dimension of this challenge has been accentuated by escalating production costs driven by the surge in feed inputs, labor expenses, and other variable cost increments. Current estimations of birth-to-market survivability, ranging from 60% to 85%, underscore the urgency of addressing this multifaceted issue, with sow livability varying from 70% to 90%, contingent upon the data source and housing system (e.g., Prop-12, Open Pen Gestation; Ross et al., 2019). This presentation delves into the intricate web of factors contributing to the decline in survivability, encompassing genetic influences, heightened disease pressures, biosecurity concerns linked to pig density, evolving management practices, and the aging infrastructure of facilities. While extensive research has been dedicated to each of these facets, advancements in swine survivability remain constrained, with some indicators suggesting a troubling increase in challenges. The presentation seeks to offer a comprehensive review of the current state of swine industry survivability, elucidating the persistent challenges and, crucially, identifying untapped areas of opportunity. By navigating through the complex landscape of economic constraints, environmental considerations, and technological interventions, the symposium aims to provide insights that can guide the industry towards innovative solutions, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for the United States Swine Industry.