Cost Of Technology Research Articles

Challenges in Wastewater Treatment Plant

Effective wastewater operation and maintenance are critical for ensuring sustainable water management and protecting public health and the environment. However, these systems face numerous challenges, including equipment durability issues, frequent breakdowns in treatment systems, regulatory compliance pressures, and the impacts of climate change. Financial constraints, such as limited budgets and the high costs of advanced technologies, further exacerbate these issues, while human resource challenges, such as skill gaps and inadequate training, hinder operational efficiency. This research paper explores these challenges in detail, drawing on real-world case studies from leading wastewater treatment companies and municipalities worldwide. Innovative solutions, including the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and decentralized wastewater treatment systems, are analyzed as potential pathways to address these hurdles. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate technology, skilled workforce development, and adaptive policy frameworks to improve wastewater management. This paper also highlights the disparities between developed and developing nations in addressing these challenges and provides actionable insights for future improvements.

Optimization and Safety Research on Autonomous Vehicles Based on Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Artificial Intelligence

The field of autonomous vehicles is undergoing rapid development, with research focused on enhancing safety, efficiency, and intelligence to drive the full realization and transformation of intelligent transportation systems. This paper explores the potential applications and challenges of blockchain technology, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence in the realm of autonomous vehicles. The study finds that integrating blockchain with autonomous vehicles significantly improves data encryption security through quantum hash algorithms. However, the advancement of quantum computers still faces challenges in technological maturity, stability, and cost. In the operating mechanisms of autonomous vehicles, quantum reinforcement learning demonstrates unique advantages in path optimization, while quantum annealing and quantum optimization algorithms improve decision-making efficiency and precision. This research highlights the innovative opportunities brought by blockchain, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to the field of autonomous vehicles, while also addressing the challenges of technology integration, providing valuable insights for the development of intelligent transportation systems.

Life cycle environmental impacts and costs of water electrolysis technologies for green hydrogen production in the future

BackgroundTo limit climate change and reduce further harmful environmental impacts, the reduction and substitution of fossil energy carriers will be the main challenges of the next few decades. During the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the participants agreed on the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. Hydrogen, when produced from renewable energy, can be a substitute for fossil fuel carriers and enable the storage of renewable energy, which could lead to a post-fossil energy age. This paper outlines the environmental impacts and levelized costs of hydrogen production during the life cycle of water electrolysis technologies.ResultsThe environmental impacts and life cycle costs associated with hydrogen production will significantly decrease in the long term (until 2045). For the case of Germany, the worst-case climate change results for 2022 were 27.5 kg CO2eq./kg H2. Considering technological improvements, electrolysis operation with wind power and a clean heat source, a reduction to 1.33 kg CO2eq./kg H2 can be achieved by 2045 in the best case. The electricity demand of electrolysis technologies is the main contributor to environmental impacts and levelized costs in most of the considered cases.ConclusionsA unique combination of possible technological, environmental, and economic developments in the production of green hydrogen up to the year 2045 was presented.Based on a comprehensive literature review, several research gaps, such as a combined comparison of all three technologies by LCA and LCC, were identified, and research questions were posed and answered. Consequently, prospective research should not be limited to one type of water electrolysis but should be carried out with an openness to all three technologies. Furthermore, it has been shown that data from the literature for the LCA and LCC of water electrolysis technologies differ considerably in some cases. Therefore, extensive research into material inventories for plant construction and into the energy and mass balances of plant operation are needed for a corresponding analysis to be conducted. Even for today’s plants, the availability and transparency of the literature data remain low and must be expanded.

Cellulose nanofiber-created air barrier enabling closed-cell foams prepared via oven-drying

Cellulose foams are renewable and biodegradable materials that are promising substitutes for plastic foams. However, the scale-up fabrication of cellulose foams is severely hindered by technological complexity and cost- and time-consuming drying processes. Here, we developed a facile and robust method to fabricate cellulose foams via oven-drying following surfactant-assisted mechanical foaming of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). CNFs in the air-water interface reduced the surface tension to stabilize bubbles in the wet foams, and generated densely arranged crystal barriers to seal air in the bubbles while oven-drying to prevent bubbles from collapsing. The optimal CNF foam has an ultra-low density of 12.10 mg/cm3, an ultra-high porosity of 99.14 %, and a low thermal conductivity of 34.87 mW/m/K, allowing it to act as an excellent thermal insulation material. Moreover, CNF foams can be easily integrated with diverse advanced properties such as flame retardancy, ultra-high mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and magnetic responsiveness by incorporating functional components. The study paves the way for CNF foams to move toward practical applications.

Agro-Blockchain Markets (ABM): A secure and transparent model for smallholder farmers

This paper introduces the concept of Agro-Blockchain Markets (ABM), a system that applies blockchain technology to agricultural trade to enhance transparency, fair pricing, and trust among stakeholders. By leveraging blockchain's decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, ABM enables smallholder farmers to participate in secure and efficient markets, bypassing intermediaries and gaining improved market access. The paper discusses the design and functionality of ABM, highlighting key components such as smart contracts and decentralized exchanges. It also explores the potential benefits for smallholder farmers, including financial inclusion, price stability, and reduced fraud. However, challenges such as technology adoption barriers, infrastructure limitations, and costs are acknowledged. Recommendations for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and tech developers are provided, emphasizing the need for supportive regulations, partnerships, and user-friendly blockchain platforms to ensure the successful implementation of ABM. The paper concludes that ABM can significantly empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Financial data analytics in healthcare: A review of approaches to improve efficiency and reduce costs

This review explores the role of financial data analytics in healthcare, focusing on its potential to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. It examines current approaches such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, highlighting how these tools are used in areas like cost management, resource allocation, and revenue cycle optimization. While financial data analytics offers numerous benefits, including better decision-making and enhanced resource utilization, several challenges persist, such as data privacy concerns, system integration issues, high technology costs, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The paper also identifies opportunities for future advancements, including the adoption of cloud-based analytics, improved interoperability, and enhanced workforce training. The review concludes with recommendations for addressing these challenges and maximizing the impact of financial data analytics to promote more efficient, cost-effective healthcare delivery.

Uncertainty shock and digital transformation: evidence from COVID-19

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of uncertainty shocks, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, on enterprise digital transformation using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach with data from Chinese A-share listed companies. Our findings reveal that such shocks accelerate the process of digital transformation, a conclusion that withstands parallel trend tests and multiple robustness checks. Heterogeneity analyses show that knowledge-intensive and service-oriented industries generally exhibit stronger trends in digital transformation, while traditional labour-intensive industries face more challenges. Further mechanism analyses identify technology upgrading effect, cost effect, and peer effect as the primary channels through which uncertainty shocks influence enterprise digital transformation. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing comprehensive empirical evidence on how uncertainty shocks drive digital transformation across various industries, extending research on coping strategies for such shocks and broadening our understanding of the drivers behind enterprise digital transformation.

Intelligent control system for technological complexes of aluminum industry enterprises

Relevance. Aluminum production is one of the most important industries all over the world. It has a high environmental load, resource and energy intensity. To reduce the negative impact of aluminum production, efforts are underway to improve its technological processes, aimed at increasing aluminum recovery rates, reducing waste volumes, and lowering energy consumption. The reduction of energy consumption can be achieved, among others, through implementing control systems that provide energy management. Due to the complexity and multiplicity of technological processes in aluminum production, the use of traditional linear approaches for such control systems is ineffective, and adequate mathematical models are required. At the same time, for the production level, the use of mathematical models based on a phenomenological description of the ongoing physical processes overly complicates the control task. As a result, the use of intelligent and adaptive approaches to both the mathematical description of technological processes and the optimal energy consumption management is relevant. Objects. Technological complexes of aluminum production, which have the properties of inertia, nonlinearity, and closedness; and the control system based on artificial intelligence methods. Alumina production is chosen as an illustration. Aim. To develop mathematical models capable of adequately describing the interrelated processes in the technological complexes under consideration, as well as the control system that allows optimal energy consumption management. Methods. For the mathematical model based on balance equations under uncertainty, the fuzzy-set theory was used along with the gradient descent method to identify the model parameters; for the optimization task, the genetic algorithm method was used. Results. The mass balance model and the process conditions changing model have been developed to determine the energy consumption for the technological complexes of aluminum production with continuous inertial nonlinear closed production. Based on these models, the dynamic characteristics of energy consumption and the parameters of technological processes were determined depending on the main controlled parameters, allowing us to predict emergencies. Considering technological parameters and cost factors, the optimization task for energy consumption management was solved.

Exploration of the Role of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Revolutionizing Art Education

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have become increasingly important instruments in the field of art education as information technology develops quickly, transforming the conventional art education approach. The present situation, benefits, difficulties, and potential development tendencies of VR and AR technologies in art education will be investigated in this study. By means of literature analysis and case studies, this paper presents the fundamental ideas of VR and AR technologies together with their several uses in art education, namely virtual museums, interactive art production, art history instruction, and distant art cooperation. The research examines how these technologies might improve students’ immersion, raise their learning motivation, and encourage innovative ideas and multidisciplinary cooperation. Practical application concerns including technology costs, content production obstacles, user acceptance, privacy, and ethical questions also come under discussion. At last, the article offers ideas and suggestions to help VR and AR technologies be effectively integrated into art education through teacher training, curriculum design, technology infrastructure development, and multidisciplinary cooperation. This study offers useful advice for teachers of art as well as important references for legislators and technology developers working together to further the creative growth of art education.

Reproductive decision-making experiences of Australian adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 and schwannomatosis.

Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 and schwannomatosis (NF) often face difficult reproductive choices when family planning; however, their experiences and the barriers and enablers to reproductive decision-making are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions and experiences of individuals with NF in Australia and inform the development of practice recommendations and resources. Focus groups with adults with NF were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule developed by the research team. Partners were also invited. The focus groups were recorded, de-identified, transcribed, and analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. Three focus groups were conducted with 17 participants (12 = NF1, 4 = NF2-related schwannomatosis [NF2-SWN] and one partner). Three themes were identified: (1) Barriers and enablers; (2) Contemplating the options; and (3) Education and support needs. Barriers to reproductive decision-making included: difficulty accessing healthcare services to discuss reproductive planning; a lack of access to reliable information sources and support; and, in some cases, the financial cost of assistive reproductive technology. Conversely, positive healthcare experiences and support systems enabled reproductive choices. Participants reported many factors that contributed to their reproductive decisions, including: their personal experience of their condition; concern about their future health and that of an affected child; the impact of pregnancy on their health; and the opinion of healthcare providers, family, and friends. Many participants reported mental health difficulties related to their condition and additional stressors related to the reproductive journey. Participants' recommendations included increased access to healthcare services to discuss reproductive options, the development of comprehensive information resources, and improved psychological and peer support for individuals with NF considering family planning and, where relevant, their partners. In conclusion, people with NF and their partners identify a need for improved awareness of NF among healthcare professionals and increased access to appropriate services, information, and support to facilitate informed reproductive decision-making.

Investment Decision and Coordination of Fresh Supply Chain Blockchain Technology Considering Consumer Preference

In this paper, we study the decision-making and coordination problem of a two-tier fresh food supply chain consisting of a supplier and a retailer. Considering the influencing factors of consumers’ information preference, freshness, and misrepresentation, we construct a centralized decision-making model and a decentralized decision-making Stackelberg game model. We also analyze the changes in the equilibrium solution of the supply chain before and after the input of blockchain technology, identify the conditions for the investment in blockchain technology, and design a “cost-sharing + benefit-sharing” combination contract for the coordination of the blockchain. The results are as follows: Firstly, under decentralized decision-making, if the fresh supplier misreports the freshness of the product, it will mislead the retailer to increase the order quantity, and its own profit will rise. Therefore, the fresh supplier has the motivation to misreport freshness. However, the backlog of fresh products will eventually damage the retailer‘s profit, and the overall profit of the supply chain will also be damaged. Therefore, the increase in the profit of the fresh supplier is at the expense of the overall interests and stability of the supply chain. Second, when the investment cost of blockchain technology is within a certain threshold, it is feasible to invest in blockchain technology. Consumers’ preference for traceable fresh products will encourage the fresh supply chain to improve the level of information traceability and increase investment in blockchain technology. Finally, there are double marginal effects in the fresh supply chain under decentralized decision-making. The combined contract of “cost-sharing + revenue-sharing” can coordinate the overall revenue of the supply chain to the level of centralized decision-making. When the contract parameters meet certain conditions, Pareto improvement in revenue can be achieved for all parties involved in the fresh supply chain. The willingness of retailers to invest in blockchain technology will change with the change in contract parameters. When the proportion of retailers’ costs and the proportion of shared income are higher, the level of retailers’ investment in blockchain technology will decrease. Therefore, the interests of supply chain members need to be balanced in the process of contract coordination.

Comments on “Uncertainties in estimating production costs of future nuclear technologies: A model-based analysis of small modular reactors” [Energy 281 (2023) 128204]

This comment aims to provide a critical analysis of the article entitled ”Uncertainties in estimating production costs of future nuclear technologies: A model-based analysis of small modular reactors” [Energy 281 (2023) 128204], which presents a model-based analysis to estimate the future costs of small modular reactors (SMRs). Their work is timely, containing models from production theory that could be used to predict the future cost of nuclear technologies. Nonetheless, it is unfortunate that the article contains a series of unjustified assumptions that severely inflate the results.

Blockchain’s role in operation strategy of power battery closed-loop supply chain

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, the issue of recycling retired power batteries is becoming increasingly prominent. Considering the adoption of blockchain technology to enhance information traceability for retired power batteries, we construct three closed-loop supply chain decision-making models: a supply chain that does not adopt blockchain technology, a manufacturing enterprise that independently bears the input cost of blockchain technology, and a scenario which both manufacturing and selling enterprises jointly bear the blockchain technology input costs. Through the comparative analysis of the equilibrium solutions of these models, including the profits of each supply chain member, consumer surplus, environmental impact, and social welfare, it is concluded that the level of information traceability increases with the increase of the blockchain technology input cost-sharing ratio λ by the selling enterprise. However, there is a threshold for λ and λ cannot be infinitely increased. The profits of both manufacturing and selling enterprises increase with the adoption of blockchain technology, yet the ladder-utilizing enterprise achieves the highest profits when not adopting blockchain technology. Furthermore, the adoption of blockchain technology can increase consumer surplus and social welfare while reducing the impact on the environment. These studies provide theoretical guidance on both economic and social environment for the operation decision of each member in the closed-loop supply chain of power batteries.

Three-channel-switchable coded aperture snapshot multispectral polarization imaging.

An ingenious and compact snapshot multispectral polarization imaging method is proposed based on a new, to the best of our knowledge, three-channel-switchable spectral polarization coded aperture. We utilize the coded aperture to simultaneously select three-channel light components and encode them with specific spectrum-polarization coefficients. It enables easy retrieval of each channel's light component from the mixed information via polarization measurements and linear decoding operations. Distinct three-channel light components can be detected simultaneously, thus achieving either three spectral images or linearly polarized ones per snapshot. The number of detectable light components is unlimited and triple that of snapshot times, showing its superior capability in measuring spectral polarization properties. The resulting prototype is miniaturized, featuring compact dimensions of Φ5.5 cm × 25 cm and a light weight of ∼800 g. This is attributed to its simplistic structure comprising a monochrome polarization detector and an imaging lens integrated with the coded aperture, making it suitable for portable and on-board applications. Furthermore, the absence of advanced or costly production technologies for manufacturing the prototype ensures an affordable price for its acquisition, facilitating widespread adoption and application of the proposed method.

Optimising Malaysia’s power mix for a sustainable future: a multi-scenario modelling approach

PurposeThis study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy mix, including energy storage, the research identifies pathways to decarbonise the power sector while minimising costs. These findings will inform the development of future policies.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the Stockholm Environment Institute-developed Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) to construct and optimise a comprehensive Malaysian power sector model. The model encompasses both electricity supply, including diverse electricity generation sources and demand across key sectors. Three scenarios – existing policy, optimised existing policy and more ambitious policy (near-zero emissions) – are analysed.FindingsSolar photovoltaic (PV) is the dominant technology, but realising its full potential requires significant grid upgrades. While natural gas expansion underpins Malaysia’s decarbonisation strategy, solar and storage offer a cleaner and potentially cost-effective alternative. Rapid technological advancements in clean energy increase stranded asset risk for new gas power plants. Malaysia’s abundant bioenergy resources need more tapping. This can contribute to decarbonisation and rural development. Transitioning to a fully renewable grid necessitates substantial investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. While falling battery costs and regional interconnection can mitigate costs, careful consideration of potential disruptions and cost fluctuations is essential for resilience.Research limitations/implicationsEnergy sector modelling results are inherently dependent on input assumptions, such as future technology costs, resource availability and fossil fuel prices. These factors can be highly uncertain. While this study did not conduct sensitivity analyses to explore how variations in these assumptions might affect the results (e.g. cost variations across scenarios, technology mix fluctuations), the core findings provide valuable insights into potential decarbonisation pathways for Malaysia’s power sector. Future studies could build upon this work by incorporating sensitivity analyses to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how key results might change under a wider range of future possibilities.Originality/valueThis study co-optimises a 100% renewable energy mix for Malaysia, incorporating a comprehensive range of renewable resources, battery and pumped hydro storage. The research also provides a unique perspective on the interplay of philosophical underpinnings, psychological maturity and energy policy.

Integrating Lean Management and Circular Economy for Sustainable Dentistry

The increasing focus on environmental sustainability has prompted the healthcare sector, including dentistry, to reconsider waste management practices. Dental offices generate various waste streams from outdated technologies, including single-use plastics, hazardous materials, and digital waste. This scoping review explores how integrating circular economy principles with lean management practices can enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in dental clinics. Using the PRISMA methodology, the review identifies 30 articles that passed the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist from 2000. Circular economy principles focus on reducing waste and maximizing resource reuse, while lean management seeks to improve efficiency and minimize process waste. Together, these approaches can significantly reduce resource consumption and enhance recycling efforts in dental practices. Despite barriers such as high technology costs, regulatory constraints, and limited recycling infrastructure, case studies highlight successful implementation in healthcare settings, demonstrating improved environmental and operational outcomes. Collaboration between dental professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders is essential for promoting the adoption of these sustainable practices.

Integrating market penetration and cost technologies (IMPACT): Procurement incentives on fuel cell electric truck adoption in California

In the United States, both federal and local governments have instituted various financial incentives to promote the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) within their transportation sectors. However, it remains unclear whether these procurement incentives can effectively stimulate the adoption of ZEVs to achieve the expected targets, especially given the wide range of financial and non-financial factors anticipated in the coming decades. To investigate the energy, economic, and environmental aspects of the transition toward ZEVs, we developed the Integrating Market Penetration and Cost Technologies (IMPACT) model. In this study, it was tailored as a detailed analytical and quantification tool for investigating financial incentives for medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs). The IMPACT model comprises three interconnected sub-models: a vehicle cost model, a vehicle choice model, and an infrastructure model, each specifically tailored for the California market from 2024 to 2040. We designed three different incentive plans based on current policies: the IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits (CVTC) and the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The proposed hierarchical method facilitates a robust analysis of these incentives in relation to FCET sales and market shares, providing a quantitative basis to gauge the fiscal impact and effectiveness of these incentives over time. Our findings indicate that while financial incentives are crucial for enhancing FCET adoption, their design and implementation must be meticulously planned. Careful balancing of factors such as vehicle cost, infrastructure availability, and long-term sustainability is essential to optimize policy outcomes. This study underscores the complexity of incentive strategies and offers critical insights for policymakers aiming to expedite the deployment of FCETs and supporting hydrogen infrastructure in California and beyond.

Toward a better understanding of barriers to wayfinding technology use for people with disabilities

ABSTRACT Wayfinding is the process of navigating from one’s present location to their desired location. While wayfinding technologies are increasingly used by people with disabilities, there is little understanding of the barriers specific to wayfinding technology. The objective of this study was to understand the wayfinding technology barriers experienced by Canadians with disabilities. A total of 213 participants with varying disabilities (i.e. mobility, visual, hearing, memory and learning disabilities) completed a survey of open-ended questions about their personal experiences with different types of technologies. Technologies were categorized into public (i.e. digital and tactile interfaces) and personalized (i.e. mobile/website applications, wearable devices, smart assistive devices), and qualitative content analysis was used. Main themes were identified and either common across both groups (i.e. compatibility, demands on personal resources, information provision, interactability) or specific to one technology type (i.e. stigma, specific to personalized technology). Detailed subthemes provided greater specificity on the types of barriers encountered. For example, infection risk was noted as a barrier to public technology and high costs was a barrier for personalized technology. Results support the inclusion of wayfinding technology within accessibility standards and provide insights to clinicians on how to best support people with disabilities and their use of technology.

The treatment of lung cancer by gene editing technology and its comparison with traditional therapies

Abstract. In the past, drug resistance in the anti-cancer process has been a major factor affecting the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, which has greatly reduced the quality of life of patients, accompanied by greater suffering and lower survival rates. This article mainly discusses the possibility and practical feasibility of gene editing technology for curing some types of cancer under the current state of technology, and through analysis it finds that gene editing technology can greatly improve the negative effects of traditional drug treatment and chemotherapy, but the relatively immature technology and high cost often discourage many people. There are already experimented ways to cure cancer. For example, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is currently the easiest, most efficient, and most diverse way to edit genomes, and it is also one of the most attractive applications. It is hoped that it will be promoted and applied in the future while reducing costs.

Synergistic Catalytic Sites in High-Entropy Metal Hydroxide Organic Framework for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The integration of multiple elements in a high-entropy state is crucial in the design of high-performance, durable electrocatalysts. High-entropy metal hydroxide organic frameworks (HE-MHOFs) are synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions. This novel crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) features a random, homogeneous distribution of cations within high-entropy hydroxide layers. HE-MHOF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), reaching a current density of 100mA cm-2 at ≈1.64 VRHE, and demonstrates remarkable durability, maintaining a current density of 10mA cm-2 for over 100 h. Notably, HE-MHOF outperforms precious metal-based electrocatalysts despite containing only ≈60% OER active metals. Ab initio calculations and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrate that the high-entropy catalyst contains active sites that facilitate a multifaceted OER mechanism. This study highlights the benefits of high-entropy MOFs in developing noble metal-free electrocatalysts, reducing reliance on precious metals, lowering metal loading (especially for Ni, Co, and Mn), and ultimately reducing costs for sustainable water electrolysis technologies.