Technology Providers Research Articles

Resilience in supply chain management: lessons learned from disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic

The ravaging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains and its exposures of the vulnerabilities of the supply chain process has been examined in this paper. Importantly, the failure of supply chain resilience and the post-COVID-19 lessons necessitated the need to examine the need for resilience in supply chain management process. The paper examined the concept of resilience and its application in supply chain management, and covered strategies for developing resilience in supply chain management, which includes: identification and assessment of associated risks, diversification of supply chain channels, enhancing collaborations and effective communication among stakeholders, inventory management and supply chain flexibility, technology adoption and digitalization, scenario planning and simulations, as well as robust continuity planning. The paper also identified the challenges of supply chain resilience building. The paper provides valuable insights into how organizations can better handle future supply chain operations by considering the intrinsic development of resilience, which will enable them to better withstand and quickly recover from future disruptions.

Flexible wearable sensors for crop monitoring: a review.

Crops were the main source of human food, which have met the increasingly diversified demand of consumers. Sensors were used to monitor crop phenotypes and environmental information in real time, which will provide a theoretical reference for optimizing crop growth environment, resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve crop yield. Compared with non-contact monitoring methods such as optical imaging and remote sensing, wearable sensing technology had higher time and spatial resolution. However, the existing crop sensors were mainly rigid mechanical structures, which were easy to cause damage to crop organs, and there were still challenges in terms of accuracy and biosafety. Emerging flexible sensors had attracted wide attention in the field of crop phenotype monitoring due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The article introduced the key technologies involved in the preparation of flexible wearable sensors from the aspects of flexible preparation materials and advanced preparation processes. The monitoring function of flexible sensors in crop growth was highlighted, including the monitoring of crop nutrient, physiological, ecological and growth environment information. The monitoring principle, performance together with pros and cons of each sensor were analyzed. Furthermore, the future opportunities and challenges of flexible wearable devices in crop monitoring were discussed in detail from the aspects of new sensing theory, sensing materials, sensing structures, wireless power supply technology and agricultural sensor network, which will provide reference for smart agricultural management system based on crop flexible sensors, and realize efficient management of agricultural production and resources.

Sustainable All-Day Thermoelectric Power Generation From the Hot Sun and Cold Universe.

Energy conversion from the environment into electricity is the most direct and effective electricity source to sustainably power off-grid electronics, once the electricity requirement exceeds the capability of traditional centralized power supply systems. Normally photovoltaic cells have enabled distributed power generation during the day, but do not work at night. Thus, efficient electricity generation technologies for a sustainable all-day power supply with no necessity for energy storage remain a challenge. Herein, an innovative all-day power generation strategy is reported, which self-adaptively integrates the diurnal photothermal and nocturnal radiative cooling processes into the thermoelectric generator (TEG) via the spectrally dynamic modulated coating, to continuously harvest the energy from the hot sun and the cold universe for power generation. Synergistic with the optimized latent heat phase change material, the electricity generation performance of the TEG is dramatically enhanced, with a maximum power density exceeding 1000mWm-2 during the daytime and up to 25mWm-2 during the nighttime, corresponding to an improvement of 123.1% and 249.1%, compared with the conventional strategy. This work maximizes the utilization of ambient energy resources to provide an environmentally friendly and uninterrupted power generation strategy. This opens up new possibilities for sustained power generation both daytime and nighttime.

The Mediating Role of Self-Determination in the Relationship Between Assistive Technology and Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

The current research study conducts an investigation of the dynamic relationship between three key variables: assistive technology (AT) provision, self-determination (SD), and employment outcomes (EOs) as they pertain to persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Saudi Arabia (KSA). The main objective of the study is to investigate the function of AT in improving EOs for PwDs and contextualize the mediating effect of SD on the observed relationship. The study features a quantitative study design which utilizes survey data obtained from a sample size of 120 PwDs. The study participants are employed in either private or public sector organizations situated in Riyadh and Al-Jouf regions of KSA. The conducted survey provides measurements, using a Likert scale, for AT provision, various aspects of SD (decision-making autonomy, self-belief, self-advocacy, goal setting, and persistence and resilience), and EOs (job placement, satisfaction, retention, income level, and career advancement). For data analysis, the study utilizes the partial least square-structural equation modeling. The study findings demonstrate significant direct and indirect effects of AT provision on EOs for PwDs—with SD playing a key mediating role. Specifically, positive effects of AT can be observed in job placement, satisfaction, income level, retention, and career advancements—SD is observed as a key facilitator of AT adoption and effectiveness (EFF) within workplace settings. The findings emphasize the key role of AT investment (accessibility and EFF) in the enhancement of the SD skills of PwDs, and the resulting effect of more inclusive workplace environments for PwDs in KSA.

Chinese early childhood educators’ beliefs and experiences around using touchscreens with children under three years of age

ABSTRACT Research shows that educators’ technology beliefs and experiences strongly shape their technology adoption and utilization in educational practices. This mixed-method study investigated very young children’s educators’ touchscreen use and their beliefs and experiences in China. Rich quantitative findings (N = 1276) revealed the availability of touchscreen devices mainly computers and laptops in early childhood educational settings and this technology provision aligns with Chinese traditional teacher-centred educational practices. Despite their highly reported digital skills, educators’ overall use of touchscreen technologies with very young children was low and there was a lack of confidence in using them with children. It appears that confidence is more influential for Chinese educators in deciding to use technology with very young children than their digital skills. Implications for educational policies and designing effective professional learning and development for early childhood educators to enhance their digital competence are discussed.

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

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

The role of agglomeration in digitalisation and productivity: an empirical examination of manufacturing SMEs in South Korea

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between regional agglomeration and the digitalisation of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and how this interplay affects their productivity. Using two analytical models, we investigate the correlation of regional agglomeration factors such as industrial specialisation, related and unrelated variety, urbanisation economies and the spatial concentration of suppliers with SMEs' digitalisation level in South Korea. Our findings indicate that related variety within regional agglomerations positively influences digital innovation, facilitating knowledge spillovers particularly beneficial for SMEs with higher levels of digitalisation. The study reveals a differentiated impact of agglomeration economies on SMEs based on their digital maturity. While high-level digitalised enterprises benefit from related variety and urbanisation economies, those in the initial stages of digital adoption gain proximity to digital technology suppliers. The 2SLS models further demonstrate that digitalisation significantly enhances productivity across all levels of digital technology adoption among SMEs. This study emphasises the conditional nature of the effects of regional agglomeration on digitalisation and productivity, advocating for nuanced support strategies that cater to the varying digital maturity stages of SMEs, which are valuable for policymakers and business leaders in fostering a supportive regional ecosystem that propels SMEs towards greater productivity in the digital economy.

Effects on dimensioning of heat supply technologies for district heating under consideration of future developments regarding investment costs and emission factors

Municipalities and energy suppliers are facing the challenge of transforming space heating supply from fossil fuels to energy sources with low greenhouse gas emissions as part of the heating sector transition. Redesigning and planning future heat generation portfolios for district heating networks involves uncertainties such as energy prices, investment costs, district heat sales, and building energy efficiency. This study presents an optimisation model based on multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming to address economic and ecological needs. The model considers economic and emission objectives to find optimal solutions for heat generation unit dimensioning under different growth scenarios and different emission factors for district heat demands. The results show different pareto optimal solutions, providing a range for heat generation unit dimensioning and heat generation over the investigated time horizon. Additionally, the results include commissioning timepoints which are compared within different heat demand growth scenarios.

Single Stage Autonomous Solar Water Pumping System Using PMSM Drive

Water supply technology has advanced significantly with the development of autonomous solar water pumping devices. These solar-powered systems offer a dependable and sustainable way to pump water in remote and off-grid areas. They are the perfect solution for solving problems with water delivery in places with restricted access to power because of their capacity to function independently and without the requirement for grid electricity. Autonomous solar water pumping systems present a viable and creative approach to a sustainable water supply at a time when demand for renewable energy solutions is only expected to increase. Sustainable and effective agricultural techniques have advanced significantly with the introduction of autonomous solar water pumping equipment. These solar-powered devices provide an economical and environmentally responsible way to address the problems of declining water supplies and growing energy expenses. Adoption of autonomous solar water pumping devices will be essential to maintaining the productivity and long-term sustainability of our world's food supply as the agricultural sector develops.

Online Collaborative Strategies of ESL Learners in Precis Writing

It can be difficult to make the switch to online learning, and there are questions about how well students will be able to work together on group writing assignments. This study aims to identify the synchronous collaboration strategies employed by ESL students and how they affect their precis writing. Purposive sampling was employed in this study to select twenty-five (25) ESL students. Data was gathered using interviews, observation, and checklists as part of an explanatory mixed-method study design. According to the study's findings, students gain strategic thinking skills through online collaborative writing assignments; they also get better at summarizing, working in teams, and communicating important ideas in texts; and they stress the value of editing their work and utilizing both conventional and modern writing tools. Through the provision of resources, technology, and mentorship, educational institutions should establish settings that support collaborative writing.

Theories, models and frameworks to understand barriers to the provision of mobility-assistive technologies: a scoping review

ObjectivesThere is strong evidence that mobility-assistive technologies improve occupational performance, social participation, educational and employment access and overall quality of life in people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities still...

Discovering the conceptual building blocks of blockchain technology applications in the agri-food supply chain: a review and research agenda

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of the application of blockchain to agri-food supply chains, including key issues and trends. It examines the state of the art and conceptual structure of the field and proposes an agenda to guide future research.Design/methodology/approachThis article performs a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software on a sample of 205 articles from the WoS database to identify research trend topics.FindingsThe number of publications in this area has increased since 2020, which shows a growing research interest. The research hotspots are related to the integration of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain for traceability, coordination between all actors involved, transparency of operations and improvement of food safety. Furthermore, this is linked to sustainability and the achievement of the sustainable development gtoals (SDGs), while addressing key challenges in the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in the agri-food supply chain.Practical implicationsThe application of blockchain in the agri-food supply chain may consider four key aspects. Firstly, the implementation of blockchain can improve the traceability of food products. Secondly, this technology supports sustainability issues and could avoid disruptions in the agri-food supply chain. Third, blockchain improves food quality and safety control throughout the supply chain. Fourthly, the findings show that regulation is needed to improve trust between stakeholders.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive overview of the blockchain phenomenon in the agri-food supply chain by optimising the search criteria. Moreover, it serves to bridge to future research by identifying gaps in the field.

Research on the Effects of Voltage Sags and Harmonics on the Output Characteristics of Switching Power Supply

Switching power supply is widely used in industrial equipment, household appliances, and other fields due to the advantages of high integration and lightweight. Voltage sags can seriously affect the output voltage of switching power supply and the working condition of its power supply equipment; at the same time, the working scenarios of power equipment using switching power supply often have different level of harmonic problems. Considering the continuous innovation of switching power supply technology, the previous analysis and test results on the effect of voltage sags and harmonics on switching power supplies may no longer be applicable. The paper reveals the mechanism of the effect of harmonic alone as well as voltage sag superimposed harmonics on the output voltage of the switching power supply. Then the test research program was developed, and four different brands switching power supplies were selected for the test research, with which the effects of different amplitude voltage sags, harmonics with different frequencies and distortion, as well as voltage sag superimposed harmonics on the output voltage of switching power supplies were investigated. The results show that the tolerance ability of switching power supplies to voltage sags has been improved compared with previous switching power supplies, and the harmonic itself has less effect on the output voltage of switching power supply, but the joint action of harmonics and voltage sags will have a greater effect on the output voltage of switching power supply. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Design of Capacitive Power Transfer System with Small Coupling Capacitance for Wireless Power Transfer

Wireless power transfer systems play an important role in the application of modern power supply technology. Wireless charging has been widely used in portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and even some medical devices. Higher system efficiency can be achieved while reducing costs. This article describes the design of a capacitive power transfer (CPT) system using the Class-E amplifier method. When the capacitance of the coupling plate is small, the operation of Class-E amplifiers under Zero-Voltage-Switching (ZVS) conditions is very sensitive to their circuit parameters. By adding an additional capacitor to the Class-E amplifier, the coupling capacitance can be increased, resulting in better circuit performance. The high efficiency of the Class-E amplifier is verified by simulation and experimental results.

International Cooperation Towards Decarbonization, Originating from India – Case Analysis of Industrial Cooperation in the Semiconductor Sector between India, Japan, and Taiwan

Background: Climate change represents a global challenge that cannot be mitigated by any single nation. Notably, CO2 emissions from the Southern Hemisphere are escalating rapidly, currently constituting two-thirds of the global total. The proactive efforts of India, which leads this group, are noteworthy. Purpose: This study aims to elucidate the impact of international cooperation on decarbonization, with a specific focus on the semiconductor industry in India, a representative nation of the Global South. The current state of collaboration between Japan, Taiwan, and India serves as an exemplar of international efforts towards decarbonization. Furthermore, the strategic significance of industrial collaboration in the semiconductor sector among Japan, India, and Taiwan, and the potential for establishing a global semiconductor supply chain oriented towards decarbonization, are examined. Method: This study employs a case study methodology to scrutinize the current status of international collaboration in the semiconductor industry among India, Japan, and Taiwan. Result: The Japanese semiconductor industry, renowned for its advanced technical capabilities, necessitates the fortification of the global supply chain and technology transfer, with collaboration with India proving advantageous. Taiwan, actively expanding its presence in India, seeks to enhance the quality and efficiency of semiconductor manufacturing and to form diverse supply chains, thereby accelerating innovation through collaboration with Japan. A synergistic relationship in the semiconductor industry is being established among India, Japan, and Taiwan. Conclusion: India possesses the potential to assume a pivotal role in the construction of a global semiconductor supply chain, with Japan and Taiwan identified as optimal partners. This collaboration is anticipated to bolster manufacturing capabilities aimed at decarbonization, contribute to international decarbonization efforts, and drive technological advancements as part of global next-generation technology management.

Use of eye-gaze technology feedback by assistive technology professionals: findings from a thematic analysis

Purpose: Eye-gaze technology offers professionals a range of feedback tools, but it is not well understood how these are used to support decision-making or how professionals understand their purpose and function. This paper explores how professionals use a variety of feedback tools and provides commentary on their current use and ideas for future tool development.Methods and Materials: The study adopted a focus group methodology with two groups of professional participants: those involved in the assessment and provision of eye-gaze technology (n = 6) and those who interact with individuals using eye-gaze technology on an ongoing basis (n = 5). Template analysis was used to provide qualitative insight into the research questions.Results: Professionals highlighted several issues with existing tools and gave suggestions on how these could be made better. It is generally felt that existing tools highlight the existence of problems but offer little in the way of solutions or suggestions. Some differences of opinion related to professional perspective were highlighted. Questions about automating certain processes were raised by both groups.Conclusions: Discussion highlighted the need for different levels of feedback for users and professionals. Professionals agreed that current tools are useful to identify problems but do not offer insight into potential solutions. Some tools are being used to draw inferences about vision and cognition which are not supported by existing literature. New tools may be needed to better meet the needs of professionals and an increased understanding of how existing tools function may support such development.

Digitalization and predictability in the BRICS countries: what can be learned from information about the dynamics of stock prices

The study aims to identify the impact of digitalization on predictability in the BRICS countries’ stock markets. It is based on an analysis of the dynamics of stock markets volatility during the 1990-2023 period. The paper seeks to prove that the standard deviation of stock returns is determined by the volume of incoming new information, and higher volatility of returns indicates lower predictability. Digitalization may cause a reduction in uncertainty as it uses more data, improves their quality and develops data analysis methods. On the other hand, digitalization may lead to increased uncertainty due to the emergence and development of new industries, in which it is more difficult to predict cash flows in comparison with traditional industries because of increased complexity of supply chains and technologies. Based on quantitative analysis, it has been revealed that digitalization has led to a statistically significant decrease in the volatility of stock markets in the BRICS countries. In 2015-2023, relative to the period of the 1990s-2006, volatility in Russia decreased by 1 percentage point, in India by 0.4–0.5 percentage points, in China by 0.8 percentage points, in the UAE (Dubai) by 0.5-0.7 percentage points. Statistically insignificant decreases in volatility were observed in Brazil and South Africa. In the developed capital markets, the decrease in volatility between these two periods was also statistically insignificant, amounting to less than 0.1 percentage points. These findings may indicate that the processes of digitalization in the BRICS countries contributed to an accelerated increase in predictability thanks to an increase in the volume and quality of information and the emergence of new methods of analysis. At the same time, part of the decrease in volatility may be explained by further development and improved efficiency of capital markets. The joint influence of these effects on the complexity of forecasting turned out to be more significant than the impact of innovative technologies and new industries.

Review of Power Supply and Distribution Construction Technology for Highway Electromechanical Engineering

In recent years, China has made significant progress in the construction of highways, resulting in an improvedhighway network that has provided robust support for economic and social development. However, the rapid expansion of highway construction, power supply, and distribution has led to several challenges in mechanical and electrical engineering technology. Ensuring the safe, stable, and cost-effective operation of the power supply and distribution system to meet the diverse requirements of highway operations has become a pressing issue. This article takes an example of a highway electromechanical engineering power supply and distribution construction project to provide insight into the construction process of highway electromechanical engineering power supply and distribution technology.

Organic package substrate embedded coupled magnetic core inductors using lithographic via technology for power supply in package

In this work, a cost-effective organic package substrate embedded coupled magnetic core inductor technology is proposed and demonstrated for power supply in package applications. Based on a novel lithographic via process, it involves a solid copper pillar electroplating step for creating a groove and integration of the vertical interconnects of the inductor. The primary and secondary windings of the coupled inductor are interleaved on the rectangular magnetic composite core which is accommodated within the groove. The coupled inductor combines solid vertical interconnecting with low loss magnetic composite core, therefore bringing together tight process tolerances and superior current capability. Experimental results show that the 2.9-mm2 coupled inductor achieves a high inductance to resistance ratio of 0.28 nH/mΩ, and a coupling factor of 0.57. In addition, the proposed inductor achieves an ultra-high saturation current of 16.52 A that is the highest reported value for a high-frequency integrated magnetic core inductor to the best of our knowledge. The performance of the coupled inductor has been calculated for a standard 1.8 to 1 V interleaved converter. Notably, it demonstrated a remarkable efficiency exceeding 95% across a wide range of phase currents between 0.11 and 2.32 A.

Recovery of Cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries with Gluconic Acid Leaching Process: Kinetics Study

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is driven by environmental concerns and market growth, particularly in the transportation sector. The EU’s push for net-zero emissions and the European Green Deal accentuates the role of battery technologies in sustainable energy supply. Organic acids, like gluconic acid, are explored for the eco-friendly leaching of valuable metals from spent batteries. This study investigates leaching kinetics using gluconic acid (hydrolyzed glucono-1.5-lacton), analyzing factors such as temperature, acid concentration, particle size, and reaction time. Results reveal the temperature’s influence on leaching efficiency for cobalt, nickel, and lithium. The mechanism for Co follows a surface chemical reaction model with an activation energy of 28.2 kJ·mol−1. Nickel, on the contrary, shows a diffusion-controlled regime and an activation energy of 70.1 kJ·mol−1. The reaction of leaching Ni and Co using gluconic acid was determined to be first-order. The process within this environmentally friendly alternative leaching agent shows great potential for sustainable metal recovery.