Technology Community Research Articles

Some Comments on the Nature of Glasses Or a brief history of time and temperature in glass-forming liquids*

Abstract Here we undertake a brief presentation of the early history of the development of our modern understanding of glass-forming liquids that provides a look at how the scientific and technological communities were viewing the state of the art and how the knowledge in the field developed. We discuss aspects of our understanding from how the VFT equation became known to questions about the development of the concept of the “ideal” glass transition. The framework for this history leads us to ask the question whether some of the cautions that the pioneering researchers provided should have been taken more seriously by the community. We discuss in particular: The view presented by Tammann and Hesse (G. Tammann and W. Hesse, “Die Abhängigkeit der Viscosität von der Temperatur bie unterkühlten Flüssigkeiten,” Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem., 156, 245–257 (1926)) cautioning that the apparent singularity of the viscosity at a finite temperature was not physical and the, now famous, VFT equation is accurate for interpolation rather than for extrapolation. The other point is the strong sense by much of the glass community that the so-called Kauzmann (W. Kauzmann, "The nature of the glassy state and the behavior of liquids at low temperatures," Chem. Rev., 43, 219-256 (1948)) paradox is fundamental to glass-formation despite the comment by Kauzmann, himself, that the extrapolation of the entropy to negative values is “operationally meaningless”. We build on these ideas through a presentation of our own data and that of others that addresses the Tammann and Hesse comment through experiments that show there is not a viscosity (or relaxation time) divergence near to the Kauzmann or VFT temperatures and we show that the equilibrium entropy of a polymer that cannot crystallize shows no evidence of an “ideal” glass transition that is often invoked as a means of avoiding the Kauzmann paradox. In addition to providing some sense of the history of time and viscosity we think that the data we present leads to the conclusion that much of our understanding of the problem of glass-formation is based on misleading interpretations of the original works as well as being inconsistent with the newer data that has been published over that past 25 years or so. On an optimistic note, there are newer models that do not rely on the VFT divergence or the Kauzmann paradox to account for glass-formation in supercooled or equilibrium liquids. In addition, the experimental situation clearly leads to the possibility of deeper investigations into the “deep glassy state” through “finessing” the geological time-scale issue of creating equilibrium glasses. Such investigations are ultimately important to understanding behavior of glassy materials, especially polymers, that are used deep in the glassy state, but still close enough to the glass temperature that models able to reliably predict their behavior require better representations of glass-formation to engineer their performance.

Connecting environmental systems analysis to manufacturing technology: A catalogue of the world's steel and aluminium components

In pursuit of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, the environmental systems community has developed material flow analyses to describe the transformation of resources into goods, while the manufacturing technology community has developed innovations that can affect the production of individual components. However, these two communities have remained disconnected, because neither is able to relate their insights to their point of common interest: the global production of components. For the first time, this paper connects global analyses of the use of steel and aluminium to the production of components, classified by the metal forming processes which shape them. The results demonstrate the proportions of steel and aluminium used in ten distinct component groups, at global level, and for the major product groups which drive demand for these two metals. This helps both to prioritise requirements for innovation in design and manufacturing and to evaluate of the emissions potential of such innovations.

Reflecting on Current State and Future Research of Empathy Assessment and Development within the Game- Based Learning Community

There are decades of growing interest in social-emotional learning (Muravevskaia, 2023; Hoffman, 2009). According to the founders of the SEL concept, Cherniss, Goleman, et al. (2006), SEL is “the process of acquiring a set of social and emotional skills—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making within the context of a safe, supportive environment.” One of the most popular SEL frameworks is CASEL (2003), which includes five aspects: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, decision-making skills, and relationship skills. The social awareness aspect includes competencies related to empathy: (taking others’ perspectives, demonstrating empathy, and showing concern for the feelings of others). Empathy is widely used and mentioned in SEL and other literature across the research fields of game-based learning, design research, social psychology, neuroscience, affective computing, artificial intelligence, educational technologies, and others. Design thinking methodology and user experience research claim empathy is the first step in user research and developing multiple tools and measures (Dorst, 2011; Wright, 2008). Virtual reality is suggested as an “empathy machine” and promoted as a good tool for empathy development (Ventura, 2020). Affective computing works on modeling and measuring empathy in artificial agents to create systems that would scaffold the learning experience using SEL components (Gebhard, 2021). Empathy games are emerging as a new separate sub-domain (Muravevskaia,2023). Such situation multiplies many different definitions, methodologies, and measures for empathy. Such an active and divided interest in empathy across different domains can cause potential research confusion and challenges for educational technology and game-based research communities. We invite the GBL Research community to gather together as an interdisciplinary community to be able to discuss what empathy means for our community, how we define it and which methods use, which role it plays in the GBL, and which emerging future research in this area we envision together.

Research Factors Affecting Green Economic Development and Some Policy Implications

Vietnam is one of the countries heavily affected by climate change and rising sea levels. According to the World Bank, it is estimated that climate change will reduce Vietnam's GDP by 3.5% by 2050. Therefore, developing a green economy is the most effective and fastest way to adapt. and minimize the impact of climate change. The goal of the research is to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on Vietnam's green economic development. Through a survey of 215 samples from different subjects such as managers, businesses, residential communities, etc., the study pointed out 5 main influencing factors, including: government’s regulatory policies, engineering technology, environmental resources, human resources, and residential community. The research results provide a premise for suggesting a number of policy implications for the goverment as well as relevant ministries and branches in the process of completing the policy framework to develop a green economy for Vietnam in the coming time.

Assessment and enhancement of community water supply system sustainability: A dual framework approach

Population growth, pollution, and urbanization strain water sustainability, leading to the premature failure of community-managed water systems globally. This underscores the formidable task of precisely defining and quantifying sustainability within these community contexts. Based on the “You can't manage what you can't measure” adage, this study developed dual frameworks at community scale to assess and enhance the water supply system's sustainability. The assessment framework includes dimensions, indicators, and variables that convene into a Water Sustainability Index (WSI). WSI ranges from 1 to 4 where a score below 1.5 indicates poor water sustainability, while a score exceeding 3.5 signifies excellent sustainability. Likewise, the enhancement framework consists of dimensions, goals, and strategies. These frameworks relied on three specific dimensions, efficiency, resiliency, and community support. The identification of indicators, variables, and goals was based on SMART criteria. While the dimensions, indicators and goals are to remain consistent regardless of study areas, variables and strategies are site-specific and their selection needs to be based on each community's situations and data availability. The assessment framework suggested that the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) community has achieved fair water sustainability status with a score of 2.25. The strategic framework yielded several recommendations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the water supply system at the AIT. The study's outcomes offer tools to evaluate the current situation of sustainability and assists local community authorities in devising solutions to enhance sustainability in community supply systems. Looking ahead, these frameworks lay the groundwork for future investigations, to explore localized, community-centric strategies for sustainable water management.

The Rise of Gaming Nations

The article illuminates a paradigm shift in the digital landscape, where blockchain technology, Web 3.0, and gaming communities converge to redefine socio-economic dynamics. By examining the emergence of “Gaming Nations,” this article explores how virtual environments have transcended mere leisure, evolving into thriving economic ecosystems. Through case studies, including the transformative impact of Yield Guild Games during the COVID-19 crisis, the article demonstrates how guilds, traditionally formed for gameplay, are becoming veritable businesses. The integration of blockchain assets, particularly Non-Fungible Tokens, as essential elements of gameplay, blurs the boundaries between digital recreation and traditional economic activities. By envisioning a future where digital homes hold equivalent significance to physical residences, the article provokes contemplation on the changing landscape of human interaction and productivity. This comprehensive analysis offers a forward-looking perspective on the potential socio-cultural and economic impacts of this burgeoning phenomenon at the intersection of gaming, blockchain, and Web 3.0 technologies.

Technology, Aging and Home and Community Care: Picking the Right Problems to Solve.

As the Canadian population ages, the imperative to support aging in the community grows increasingly urgent. In this commentary, we build on Kokorelias et al.'s (2024) article to address the ethically appropriate role of digital technologies in supporting aging at home. We argue that a nuanced perspective on this topic is crucial. Focusing on the pivotal role of personal support workers in home and community care, we highlight the multiple challenges they face, from precarious employment to safety concerns. While digital innovations offer promise, we suggest that a holistic approach blending policy initiatives with technological advancements is imperative.

Cultural Preservation Through Immersive Technology: The Metaverse as a Pathway to the Past

Abstract This paper explores the potential of metaverse technology for the preservation of cultural heritage while acknowledging the obstacles that come with its implementation. It begins by highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage amidst the backdrop of globalization and technological advancements. The emergence of immersive technologies which include Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and the Metaverse, is then introduced as a promising solution to address this challenge. The paper emphasises the transformative power of the metaverse in revitalising our interactions with digital content. Nevertheless, it also identifies various challenges associated with employing metaverse technology for cultural preservation. These challenges encompass technical limitations, ethical considerations regarding cultural representation and ownership, as well as concerns about privacy, data security, and digital rights management. Despite these hurdles, the research advocates for the utilization of immersive technology to protect and celebrate cultural heritage. It underscores the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders, such as technology developers, cultural institutions, communities, and policymakers, to tackle these challenges and ensure responsible and ethical preservation practices.

Unraveling the post-adoptive hybrid learning experience: perspectives from information systems

Purpose Hybrid learning has become a reality due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students world over had to switch to this new learning format. This study aims to analyze the impact of innovation attributes of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and User Technology (UTAUT2) model and community of inquiry (COI) framework on the hybrid learning experience and the continued intention for it. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional research design, the study has adapted a scale from past studies and collected data using purposive sampling from the student community. The research has used the structural equation modeling technique using SMART-PLS to study the hypothesized relationships. Findings The study’s findings are that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, teaching presence, cognitive presence and social presence influence hybrid learning experience and continued intention. Further hybrid learning experience mediates the continued intention. Practical implications This study has several academic and practical implications for improving the hybrid learning experience. Various stakeholders can get insights on improving the user’s desire to pursue learning in a hybrid environment. Originality/value Hybrid learner experience is an upcoming area of research and yet unexplored in India as well as in other countries. A new hybrid experience model was developed by extending the UTAUT2 to include the COI framework and learner experience frameworks.

Review of the Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus in Small and Medium Drinking Water Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

Water is a critical resource for human life and plays a vital role in energy production. Energy is equally essential in water supplies but generates carbon emissions to the atmosphere depending on the energy source. Appraising water, energy, and carbon nexus is essential for promoting sustainable drinking water systems (DWSs) in the case of small- and medium-sized utilities, representing a significant portion of the water supply in many countries. Smaller utilities face unique challenges, such as insufficient funding, aging infrastructure, and higher operational costs. This paper examines over 100 studies to identify and comprehensively understand how source type and location, raw water quality, water consumption patterns, system size, land use, population density, topography, infrastructure age, and system losses and maintenance impact energy consumption in small and medium DWSs. The review also identified more than 40 indicators related to energy and carbon from the literature, providing advanced information in this area. Findings suggest a gap in understanding how energy and carbon indicators relate to the utility's operational performance. By analyzing the challenges and opportunities smaller utilities face in optimizing water, energy, and carbon nexus, this paper highlights the necessity of shifting towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the environmental impacts. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements, regulatory guidelines, and active community engagement to achieve decarbonization in DWSs. The present study aims to inform policymakers, water management professionals, and broader stakeholders about the essential components of sustainable and resilient small and medium DWSs

Efficient and robust disaster recovery system using cloud-based algorithms with data integrity

Incorporating cloud-based algorithms for disaster recovery (DR), it explores data replication, failover, virtual machine (VM) migration, and consistency algorithms. These algorithms play a pivotal role in safeguarding data and system continuity during unforeseen disruptions. Data replication ensures redundancy, failover algorithms swiftly transition to backup resources, VM migration facilitates resource optimization, and consistency algorithms maintain data integrity. Leveraging cloud technology enhances the effectiveness of these algorithms, providing robust DR solutions critical for business continuity in today's digital landscape. The recent growth in popularity of internet services on a massive scale has also raised the demand for stable underpinnings. Despite the fact that DR for big data is frequently overlooked in security research, the majority of existing approaches use a narrow, endpoint-centric approach. The significance of DR strategies has grown as cloud storage has become the norm for more data. But traditional cloud-centric DR techniques may be expensive, thus less expensive alternatives are being sought. There is persistent concern in the information technology (IT) community about whether or not cloud service providers (CPs) can guarantee data and service continuity in the event of a disaster.

Influence of Government Policy, Community Ecological Awareness, and Adoption of New Technology on Successful Forest Management in Kalimantan

Forest management is a critical concern in Kalimantan, Indonesia, where rapid deforestation and ecological degradation pose significant environmental challenges. This study explores the influence of government policy, community ecological awareness, and new technology adoption on successful forest management. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 170 respondents, including government officials, community leaders, and forest management professionals. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Squares (PLS) was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that government policy, community ecological awareness, and new technology adoption significantly impact forest management success. Government policy emerged as the most influential factor, followed by new technology adoption and community ecological awareness. These results underscore the importance of an integrated approach that combines robust policies, active community engagement, and advanced technologies to enhance forest management outcomes. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in developing effective strategies for sustainable forest management in Kalimantan and similar regions.

Malaysian Hospitals on the web: A multi-criteria assessment of official websites

This study thoroughly examines and assesses hospital websites in Malaysia according to a predefined list of indicators and sub-indicators, based on four criteria: Technology Features, Content, Services, and Community Interaction, as defined in the Health Sector Website Assessment Index (HSWAI). A total of 107 Malaysia hospitals were assessed. Private and university hospitals outperform public ones, especially in online appointment management and patient care automation areas. Most hospital websites perform well in the technology features criterion and satisfactorily on content, but show shortcomings in accessibility, reliability, research and teaching, participation, and community interaction elements, and most of them fall short in quality metrics data. Malaysian hospitals should adopt best practices to improve their websites concerning accessibility, reliability, services, and community interaction. The website design should endeavour to include multiple stakeholders, considering people with disabilities, in line with the sustainable development goals of leaving no one behind. Additionally, websites should ensure the dissemination of evidence-based information while taking advantage of social media to reach a wider audience.

Workplace Practices and School Effectiveness of Public Elementary Schools in Paquibato District, Davao City

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the workplace practices and school effectiveness of public elementary schools in Paquibato District, Davao City. This study utilized the descriptive-correlational design with one hundred fifty teachers school teachers selected using stratified random sampling technique. In gathering data, the researcher adapted a survey questionnaire both for the workplace practices and school effectiveness. Ethical considerations were observed in data collection. The collated data were subjected to statistical tests such as mean, Pearson’s r and multiple linear regression. Findings showed that the extent of workplace practices of the elementary schools is extensive, which means that their workplace practices is oftentimes observed. The extent of school effectiveness of the elementary schools is extensive, which means that their school effectiveness is oftentimes observed. There was a moderate significant relationship between the workplace practices and school effectiveness. The domains of workplace practices that influenced the school effectiveness were technology integration, student-centered learning, family and community engagement, and social- emotional learning. With this, the Department of Education should prioritize infrastructure and facilities for public elementary schools to promote favorable physical environment for effective teaching and learning, which contributes to overall school effectiveness.

Help us Deal with Water Crisis! Solving Water Crisis to Save Lives.

Water scarcity remains a critical global challenge, prompting the exploration of innovative strategies for sustainable water management. This study investigates the dual potential of rainwater harvesting and ocean water purification as solutions to address water scarcity. Through a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, this research examines the efficacy, challenges, and implementation strategies of both approaches across diverse contexts. The findings underscore the capacity of rainwater harvesting to augment local water supplies and reduce dependence on traditional sources, while ocean water purification offers a promising avenue for expanding freshwater resources. Key factors influencing success, including technological advancements, policy support, and community engagement, are identified and analyzed. Moreover, the study explores the environmental, economic, and social implications of these approaches, emphasizing their role in water conservation, climate change resilience, and sustainable development. Practical recommendations are offered for policymakers, practitioners, and communities to leverage rainwater harvesting and ocean water purification as complementary strategies for addressing water scarcity and advancing water security globally.

A Framework for Innovating the Technological Startup in the Cordillera Region through an E-commerce Mobile Platform

The technological startup community is beginning to be recognized in solving various needs in the Cordillera region. However, these technological startups have limited growth because they encounter challenges such as financial concerns, limited market reach, lack of awareness of intellectual property rights, and inadequate digital infrastructure. Thus, the researcher proposed the development of an e-commerce mobile application that addresses the needs of startups. Through the use of data gathering techniques, the researcher was able to determine the design considerations in terms of the architecture framework and features of the e-commerce mobile application that addressed the problems encountered by startups in the Cordillera region. The use of the 4+1 view model illustrated the architecture framework of the e-commerce mobile platform for intended stakeholders by providing a logical view, process view, physical view, development view, and scenario view. The architecture framework was used to determine the features to be integrated into the proposed e-commerce mobile application to address the challenges of the technological startups of the Cordillera region.

Empowering Tomorrow: Strategic Decision-Making in Energy Planning A Balance of Renewables, Non-Renewables, and Nuclear Innovation (A Short Approach)

This article delves into the intricate landscape of energy decision-making, exploring the dynamic interplay between renewable, non-renewable, and nuclear energy sources, along with the integration of Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARCs) and Vernova’s innovative approach. Through a comprehensive examination of tactical and strategic planning, it elucidates the challenges and opportunities inherent in shaping a sustainable energy future. Renewable energy emerges as a beacon of sustainability, offering promise in mitigating climate change and reducing reliance on finite resources. However, its intermittent nature necessitates innovative solutions in energy storage and grid management. Non-renewable resources continue to provide baseload power, while nuclear energy presents both promise and controversy, demanding rigorous safety protocols and responsible waste management. The integration of ARCs introduces new dimensions to the energy landscape, promising enhanced safety, efficiency, and resource sustainability. Vernova’s forward-thinking approach emphasizes technological innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, driving the transition towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, decision-makers can navigate the complexities of energy planning, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow where energy is abundant, accessible, and in harmony with the planet.

Perancangan Alat Distilasi Air Mawar

The Sapuangin Merapi area, Klaten Regency is a buffer village. The Sapuangin area is under the supervision of the Mount Merapi National Park Office. The Sapuangin area includes the Tegalmulyo Village area, Kemalang District, Klaten Regency. Tegalmulyo Village is located close to Mount Merapi, so this village has good natural resources, fertile soil and cool air. Local village people plant roses in fields. Every day, roses are harvested with a yield of 50 kg. Roses are sold to collectors every day. The price of roses sold is adjusted to the price of roses on the market on that day. The price of roses can change at any time according to market mechanisms. In certain months it is related to the tradition of visiting graves. The price of roses can be very high due to high demand. On the other hand, in normal months the market demand for roses is very low, while the rose harvest remains abundant, so the price of roses becomes very cheap, and sellers find it difficult to market them. To increase/maintain the economic value of roses, the Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University (UAJY) community service team provide training and provide equipment for processing rose flowers into rose water. Processing rose flowers into rose water uses a distillation process. The UAJY Faculty of Industrial Technology community service team designed the distillation equipment. The result of distilling rose water has many benefits and higher economic value, so it can increase the income of local people when the price of roses is cheap.

A Comprehensive Review on Evolution, Challenges of Models, Opportunities in Urban Farming Practices in the World

This review delves into the historical evolution of urban farming, tracing its roots from ancient civilizations to modern-day urban landscapes. It explores diverse urban farming models, ranging from rooftop gardens and vertical farms to community gardens and hydroponic systems, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to food security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Additionally, the abstract addresses the myriad challenges faced by urban farmers, including limited space, soil contamination, regulatory hurdles, and access to resources. Despite these challenges, urban farming presents abundant opportunities for innovation, social entrepreneurship, and urban revitalization. By leveraging technological advancements, community engagement, and policy support, urban farming has the potential to transform cities into vibrant hubs of agricultural production and sustainability. This abstract sets the stage for a comprehensive review that not only illuminates the past and present of urban farming but also identifies pathways for its future growth and impact in shaping resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities.

An access to innovation program to enhance the technological capabilities of the armed forces

As part of “Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy” (Department of National Defence (2017) Strong, Secure, Engaged) released in 2017, the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) announced the creation and implementation of an access to innovation program to be called the “Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)” Program. The IDEaS Program was introduced to support, increase, and sustain science and technology (S&T) community capacity external to DND that can generate new ideas and formulate solutions to Canada’s current and future defence and security innovation challenges. This paper will explore the design of this new business model through the delivery of the first proof of concept to have gone through the whole IDEaS cycle, in order to showcase the validity of this concept and processes. It also demonstrates that IDEaS has allowed a closer relationship with innovators and firms that had never worked with the defence industry, as well as the identification of novel solutions to a host ofproblems/challenges facing defence and security.