Practical Technology Research Articles

The Development and Challenges of Digital Government in the Intelligent Era

With the advent of the intelligent era, there is a need to leverage the empowering effects of data and construct a digital government governance system. Currently, driven by a reform mindset, innovative concepts, robust resource integration and implementation capabilities, as well as complementary technological advancements and innovative practices, the digital government exhibits governance characteristics of infrastructure cloudification, full-touchpoint digitization, online business processes, and data-driven operations. Its transformation logic reflects the interactive philosophy of flat communication, collaborative sharing of government data, optimization of precise service delivery, and the effective output of scientific decision-making. Despite its powerful governance effectiveness, digital government governance still faces challenges such as slow response to departmental needs, data silos, poor service collaboration, and weak business consistency. A comprehensive deepening of government digital transformation in the future requires innovative concepts, transitioning from information dissemination to intelligent applications, data innovation transitioning from data silos to data circulation and sharing, service innovation transitioning from function-driven to demand-driven by society, and decision-making innovation transitioning from unilateral decisions to collaborative, participatory, and shared decision-making. This will ultimately enhance the governance effectiveness of digital government.

Black hair technologies at the “post-natural” turn

ABSTRACT Manipulation of the hair is one of the lesser theorized technologies through which Black diasporic subjects have carved space for their existence, expressed aspirations, and posed dissent against a social world reliant upon their dehumanization. In response to this forum's call to elevate mediated epistemologies about Black women, we offer focused consideration of Black hair as a technology of collective expansion that resists essentialism and begins to theorize a digital, post-natural turn. The practices tied to Black hair, from the development of styling tools and products (physical technologies) to technologies of touch via digital practices (i.e., the digits or fingers) such as greasing, braiding, washing, combing, and otherwise working hair, are central to how Black women create digital (here meaning: online) content and navigate scrutinization. We consider the complications of these technological and digital practices by considering the simultaneous neoliberal and liberatory undergirding of the Digital Natural Black Hair Movement and a very recent tech-forward turn toward what we call the “post-natural” that eschews the implicit essentialism of earlier natural hair moments. Taking the “sacred” foray into the haircare industry by megastar Beyoncé as a case study, we outline facets (and aspirations) of the post-natural digital re-branding of Black hair.

[Artículo traducido] Entrevista telemática en telefarmacia: documento de consenso para el seguimiento farmacoterapéutico y la entrega informada de medicamentos

Telepharmacy is defined as the practice of remote pharmaceutical care, using information and communication technologies. Given its growing importance in outpatient pharmaceutical care, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy developed a consensus document, Guía de entrevista telemática en atención farmacéutica, as part of its strategy for the development and expansion of telepharmacy, with key recommendations for effective pharmacotherapeutic monitoring and informed dispensing and delivery of medications through telematic interviews.The document was developed by a working group of hospital pharmacists with experience in the field. It highlights the benefits of telematic interviewing for patients, hospital pharmacy professionals, and the healthcare system as a whole, reviews the various tools for conducting telematic interviews, and provides recommendations for each phase of the interview. These recommendations cover aspects such as tool/platform selection, patient selection, obtaining authorization and consent, assessing technological skills, defining objectives and structure, scheduling appointments, reviewing medical records, and ensuring humane treatment.Telematic interview is a valuable complement to face-to-face consultations but its novelty requires a strategic and formal framework that this consensus document aims to cover. The use of appropriate communication tools and compliance with recommended procedures ensure patient safety and satisfaction. By implementing telematic interviews, healthcare institutions can improve patient care, optimize the use of resources and promote continuity of care.

Top IT Challenges in ARL Libraries

The practice of information technology (IT) in academic libraries is changing rapidly, not only with new and evolving developments in the technologies themselves but also with the organization and management of IT at both the library and institution levels. This study presents the results of an online survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic library members to identify the biggest challenges they perceive in the area of information technology organization and management. This article compares their responses with challenges reported in earlier studies to identify new and changing trends as well as ongoing challenges that remain.

Educate to liberate: agroecological transitions with participatory methodologies in popular and community education

The response to the environmental crisis is a revolution that, in addition to insisting on the transformations of the economic and political structure, must address the social and cultural relations that sustain it. One of the alternatives to face the crisis in conventional agriculture is agroecology. However, this agroecology must be thought of under a pedagogical and educational support that transcends technological and substitution practices; This must be done from a transformation of perceptions and social relationships with nature. In that sense, this article aims to determine the need for agroecological transitions with educational methodologies, taking into account the research carried out in peasant organizations in the states of Morelos and Guerrero, through participatory methodological approaches. Discovering that micro practices in the ecosystem can lead to resolving social conflicts.

The Practice of Computer Internet Technology in Electronic Information Engineering

Computer Internet is an important supporting force for the development of today s society and has become an indispensable part of social life. As a wide range and fast development of electronic information engineering, its development can not be separated from the support of computer Internet technology. The introduction of computer Internet technology into the field of electronic information, for the progress of science and technology and the quality of life of the people to provide a force to support. In such a big environment, actively carrying out the practical research of computer Internet in electronic information engineering is a very necessary work to adapt to the needs of modern social and economic development, and is also worth the attention of the industry. Based on this, the article analyzes the practical application of computer Internet technology in electronic information engineering for the reference of relevant personnel.

Emerging innovative pre‐ and post‐harvest management practices to mitigate patulin‐linked food safety risks in apple and its products

AbstractPatulin, a toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain molds (Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys), poses a significant health risk when present in apple juice products above permissible levels. Its presence is a major concern for both consumers and regulatory bodies due to its potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Minimizing patulin concentration in apple juice products requires a multifaceted approach involving various stages of apple fruit production, from orchard management to processing and storage. This review explores the pre‐ and postharvest strategies associated with minimizing patulin concentration in apple juice products. It examines the role of good agricultural practices in reducing mold contamination in orchards and discusses the importance of proper postharvest handling, including fruit sorting and washing to remove contaminated apples before processing. During processing, factors such as temperature, pH, and processing time play crucial roles in minimizing patulin levels. Innovative processing technologies, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, high‐pressure processing, enzymatic, and chemical degradation have shown promise in reducing patulin concentration while preserving the sensory and nutritional quality of the juice. Furthermore, effective storage practices, such as maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, are essential for preventing patulin formation during storage. Continuous monitoring and analytical testing for patulin content throughout the production chain are necessary to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to guarantee the safety of apple juice products. Despite advancements in technology and production practices, challenges remain in effectively minimizing patulin concentration. These include the need for further research to develop more efficient detection methods, the adoption of sustainable and eco‐friendly practices in orchard management, and the dissemination of knowledge and best practices to stakeholders across the apple juice supply chain. In conclusion, minimizing patulin concentration in apple juice products requires a holistic approach that integrates preventive measures, innovative processing technologies, and stringent quality control measures. By addressing these challenges, the apple juice industry can ensure the production of safe and high‐quality products that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Advances in auditing and business continuity: A study in financial companies

This paper delves into the integration of Intelligent Process Automation within the domain of business continuity auditing, with a focus on the Portuguese banking sector. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, organizations are increasingly leveraging automation to reinforce operational efficiency and realize substantial cost savings. Concurrently, auditors play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless transitions amid technological transformations to safeguard business continuity. This research endeavors to bridge the realms of business continuity and intelligent automation, culminating in a comprehensive application that streamlines the audit process. The implemented solution encompasses the automation of critical audit activities, including communication, information requests, and final report submissions, liberating auditors from the chains of repetitive tasks. The incorporation of business intelligence augments this automation framework, enabling a meticulous analysis of key performance indicators within the audit department. This ensures a continuous evaluation of the efficacy of the Annual Audit Plan. Empirical validation of this initiative was achieved through surveys conducted with audit teams from four prominent Portuguese banks. The results unequivocally affirm the potential benefits of this implementation, extending invaluable support to management in the decision-making process, while concurrently alleviating auditors of routine tasks inherent to the audit process. This study not only underscores the transformative potential of intelligent process automation in the audit domain but also offers a replicable framework for organizations seeking to fortify their business continuity efforts through technological integration. The findings hold implications for businesses navigating the dynamic intersection of technology and audit practices, providing a blueprint for harnessing automation for enhanced operational resilience.

Enhancing sleep health in urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents: Implications for culturally tailored interventions.

Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents are vulnerable to sleep and other health-related disparities due to numerous social drivers, including historical trauma and relocation to urban areas. This study aims to identify strategies to increase protective factors and culturally tailor sleep health interventions for this population. Using community-based participatory research, the NAYSHAW study conducted in-depth interviews with urban AI/AN adolescents aged 12-19 years to understand critical components needed for developing a culturally sensitive sleep health intervention. Data from two qualitative subsamples (N = 46) and parent surveys (N = 110) were analyzed, focusing on factors that affect sleep health behaviors, including parental involvement, technology, and traditional practices. Key findings include the detrimental impact of electronics use at night and protective effects of traditional practices on sleep. Parental involvement in sleep routines varied by adolescent's age. Adolescents desired sleep health education in interactive formats, whereas parents preferred workshops and digital applications for sleep health strategies. Findings suggest that interventions need to address electronics use and should also be culturally tailored to address the unique experiences of urban AI/AN adolescents. Results underscore the importance of utilizing community-based strategies to develop culturally tailored sleep interventions for underserved populations, specifically urban AI/AN adolescents. Integrating traditional practices with evidence-based sleep health strategies can provide a holistic approach to improving sleep and overall well-being. Parental education and involvement will be critical to the success of such interventions.

Semesters Simplified: A Comprehensive Approach to Academic Management

The "Semesters Simplified" project addresses challenges in academic management at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) by introducing a dedicated website and mobile application. This technological initiative aims to streamline information dissemination, enhance communication, and foster an engaging learning environment for both students and educators within semester-based academic structures. Grounded in educational technology principles, the project prioritizes user engagement, personalized learning, and inclusivity. The chosen technology stack employs modern tools for front-end and back-end development, ensuring a seamless and responsive user experience. The methodology encompasses needs analysis, user-centric design, development, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement. The proposed facilities, spanning software and hardware requirements, are crucial for the project's success. The literature review provides a solid foundation, aligning the project with established principles and best practices in educational technology. Ultimately, "Semesters Simplified" aspires to contribute significantly to the advancement of academic management, fostering accessibility, engagement, and inclusivity at AKTU.

Recipes for institutional adoption of a teacher-driven learning analytics tool

The changing landscape of higher education is putting increasing strain on educators, leading to a diminishing ability to provide pedagogical and pastoral support to ballooning and diversifying cohorts. Learning analytics promises solutions to these challenges for educators, including by personalising learning support and experiences, streamlining data capture and analyses, and providing teachers with new, efficient teaching approaches. However, reports of these impacts, or widespread adoption of learning analytics, or even examples of cross-institutional collaboration are sparse. We argue that this may be because of a lack of educator-driven learning analytics tools that meet their felt needs, and present case studies from three Australian universities that have collaborated to implement such a tool. This tool, the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES), empowers educators to collect, collate, analyse, and use student engagement and success data that they consider meaningful for their particular contexts. Developed by unfunded educators and widely adopted through collegiate recommendations, the SRES enables personalisation and targeting of student learning and support using relevant data, fostering positive student-teacher relationships and enhancing student engagement. Using the three case studies as a backdrop, we present a revised learning analytics adoption framework focussing on strategy, structure, support, and impact, and use this framework to systematically evaluate the implementation of the SRES at the three institutions to derive ‘recipes’ for adopting an educator-focussed learning analytics platform. We also discuss three core themes emerging from the case studies, around the needs of academics, the role of academic and educational developers, and flexible and agile information technology practices.

A Formative Study Towards the Inclusion of Indigenous Technologies and Knowledge Practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Curriculum Settings

A Formative Study Towards the Inclusion of Indigenous Technologies and Knowledge Practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Curriculum Settings

A Formative Study Towards the Inclusion of Indigenous Technologies and Knowledge Practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Curriculum Settings

This work on STEAM and education for sustainable development was undertaken across a series of collaborative case studies as formative research on the inclusion of Indigenous technologies and knowledge practices in teacher education. We noted that, despite the current academic imperative to decolonise southern African education, one seldom finds the inclusion of Indigenous technologies and Indigenous heritage practices in the contemporary classroom. Teachers we worked with were highly interested in their Indigenous knowledge heritage. Yet, they reported that they, and the young teachers they work with, simply do not have the heritage knowledge capital to include Indigenous knowledge systems in their teaching. Other challenges they face are the time it takes to engage community knowledge holders, and to find knowledge relating to school subject disciplines. The teachers observed that students prioritise modernity over Indigenous heritage and technologies, often undervaluing the latter as a forgotten past. Three exploratory cases delved into teacher education's response to challenges through co-engaged work, and this paper synthesises the emerging evidence-aiming to refine pedagogical tools for integrating Indigenous knowledge into STEAM education. A cultural-historical approach was used to frame the study and to derive insights and inferences in co-engaged lesson design research with teachers.

Embracing mindful reading: leveraging technology to soothe sensory stress

In an increasingly digitized world, technological advancements have transformed information consumption, introducing sensory stress. This review explores mindful reading as a strategy to alleviate this stress and enhance digital reading experiences by integrating technology and mindfulness practices. Mindful reading involves deliberate engagement, derived from mindfulness techniques, offering improved concentration and emotional regulation. Tools like Reader View and digital annotation features can help to reduce sensory strain and enhance readability. Educators play a vital role in supporting mindful reading by providing tailored resources for navigating digital formats and fostering reflective learning approaches. This review calls for further research on this topic to build our understanding of how to create a balanced coexistence between technology and human well-being in reading.

Factors influencing small holder farmers adoption of climate SMART agriculture practices in Welmera Woreda, Central Ethiopia

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

Dutch elementary school teachers’ differentiation practices during Science and Technology lessons

Although differentiation is essential to quality teaching, portraits of how teachers adjust lessons of specific subjects to students' needs are scarce. This study investigated Dutch teachers' differentiation practices in elementary Science and Technology (S&T) education. In a multiple-case design, data obtained from lesson plans, interviews and observations of nine elementary-school teachers were triangulated. All teachers adjusted their lesson's environment and/or process with the aim to support children's learning. Adjustments in product and content were less common and more targeted at fostering children's curiosity or creativity. These findings are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks and empirical results in other contexts.

Should You Run a Dedicated TQT Study? Sponsor and Regulatory Considerations on Substitution Pathways to Assess QT Liability.

Cardiac safety regulatory guidance for drug development has undergone several monumental shifts over the past decade as technological advancements, analysis models and study best practices have transformed this landscape. Once, clinical proarrhythmic risk assessment of a new chemical entity (NCE) was nearly exclusively evaluated in a dedicated thorough QT (TQT) study. However, since the introduction of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) E14/S7B Q&A 5.1 and 6.1 TQT substitutions, drug developers are offered an alternative pathway to evaluate proarrhythmic risk during an ascending dose study in healthy volunteers or during a powered patient study, respectively. In addition, the findings as well as the manner in which nonclinical studies are conducted (i.e., utilizing best practices) can dictate the need for a positive control in the clinical study and/or affect the labeling outcome. Drug sponsors are now faced with the option of pursuing a dedicated TQT study or requesting a TQT substitution. Potential factors influencing the choice of pathway include the NCE mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profile, as well as business considerations. This tutorial will highlight the regulatory framework for integrated arrhythmia risk prediction models to outline drug safety, delineate potential reasons why a TQT substitution request may be rejected and discuss when a standalone TQT is recommended.

Orthodontic educational landscape in the contemporary context: Insights from educators

We sought the perspectives of fourteen orthodontics educators on emerging trends and themes in the orthodontics educational landscape. The focus of this article was on four overarching areas: technology, workforce, research and clinical practice. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis showed that infusion of newer technologies is poised to change the way we train the next generation of orthodontists, open up new lines of enquiry, and alter the way we render clinical care. Areas of weakness include lack of adequate numbers of orthodontics faculty and lack of progress in Orthodontics research when compared to medical research. Our educational set up is at crucial juncture. We have to make sure that the pipeline of Orthodontics educators is well developed and our new-gen educators have the tools and skillset to adapt to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. ContextOver the past decade, the Orthodontics landscape has changed rapidly to keep pace with infusion of newer technologies, increasing digitization, emphasis on personalized orthodontics care, and evolving practice models. In this narrative review, we sought the perspectives of orthodontics educators on what they thought were emerging issues and trends impacting the field of Orthodontics as related to education. We focused on four overarching areas pertaining to Orthodontics education: Technology, Workforce, Research, and Clinical Practice. We then conducted a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of themes that the educators highlighted. We present insights from educators as an anthology.

Artificial intelligence and assisted reproductive technology: Applying a reproductive justice lens

In recent years, health-data-driven artificial intelligence and machine learning applications have been introduced to many areas of medicine. In the field of assisted reproduction, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications and related technologies have been hailed as (potentially) significant and ground-breaking, not least because they promise standardisation and automation in in-vitro fertilisation clinics – a precondition for scaling up and branching out in the fertility bioindustry. Artificial intelligence data-driven algorithms promise time- and cost-effective selection of ‘high-quality’ reproductive cells and successful personalised treatments. In this essay, we aim to critically discuss artificial intelligence as a technological clinical practice, which is currently moving from bench to bedside internationally. Through an analytic framework of reproductive justice, we propose that introducing artificial intelligence into this already stratified context threatens to black-box health disparities and to generate what we refer to as ‘hyper-stratifications’ of reproduction in the context of rising health and social disparities in the European context. As feminist, social science and bioethics scholars, we are all too aware of how reproductive technologies reinforce normativities rather than unravel them. We cannot presume that artificial intelligence is an ethical technological agent or user of health data but, instead, need to keep a critical eye on the moral ambivalence of emerging and evolving artificial intelligence-assisted reproduction technologies practices and their gendered consequences. Given the current hype around artificial intelligence, but also with concerns around the fast development and deployment of artificial intelligence generally and in artificial intelligence-assisted reproduction technologies particularly in mind, there is an urgent need to engage in critical feminist discussion of such developments.

Application of Trustworthy IoT Technology in Fast Communities: Smart Access Control

As a response to the current development status and existing problems in the ubiquitous and trustworthy aspect of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the construction of smart community systems in Bangladesh, this paper presents the trustworthy technology strategy of the ubiquitous and trustworthy IoT intelligent system. Additionally, it provides a list of the demonstration application practice of trustworthy IoT technology at the level of smart communities through three different application scenario project construction cases. These cases include smart access control, smart buildings' construction, and smart parks' construction.