Technology Usage Research Articles

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working Conditions and Efficiency of Radiographers at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences' Radiology and CT Scan Imaging Centers

Background: Radiographers are highly skilled imaging technology users who work directly with COVID-19 cases. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the working conditions and efficiency of radiographers and their level of satisfaction with personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and facilities during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among radiographers registered in the radiology and CT scan imaging centers of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and some private centers between June and October 2022. A questionnaire with 28 multiple-choice questions was used to collect information. The questionnaire consisted of two sections; the first part contained demographic information. In the second part, participants answered questions about changes in working conditions, such as changes in stress level, work efficiency, the need for more rest, imaging time, use of equipment, and personal protective equipment at work, based on their experiences and observations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS) software, version 26.0, with statistical significance assumed at a P-value < 0.05. Results: One hundred and fifty radiographers completed the questionnaire. The mean age and mean work experience of participants were 33.2 ± 8.3 years and 9 ± 7.2 years, respectively. The results showed that most participants of both sexes agreed that they needed more rest (P-value < 0.05); their work efficiency had not decreased significantly during the COVID-19 epidemic. The stress level of participants had significantly increased compared to before the epidemic. There were significant differences between government-owned hospitals and private radiology centers regarding the presence of a COVID-19-related protocol, the compulsory use of masks, the existence of decontamination instructions, the type of air decontamination, the contact with imaging equipment manufacturers, the timing of decontamination, and the type of decontamination applied to the imaging equipment (P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the reduction in work efficiency among radiographers was not significant compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study's results, radiographers' working conditions underwent numerous adjustments over the course of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Adoption of clean energy cooking technologies in rural households: the role of women

Abstract Ensuring energy access for rural households is crucial for global sustainable development. Technologies like liquefied petroleum gas, biogas, and efficient cookers are touted as solutions, yet their adoption remains limited despite their potential health, economic, and environmental benefits. We conducted a meta-analysis of 50 studies in developing countries, integrating contextual factors to explore gender and other determinants impacting rural energy transition. Our findings underscore socioeconomic status, social capital, environmental concerns, and gender dynamics as pivotal factors. Notably, women's involvement boosts adoption rates by 7.90 per cent, yet cultural barriers often sideline them from these processes. Thus, our recommendations stress addressing women's roles as energy technology users to foster inclusive energy transitions.

Fidelity of the Face-it health promotion intervention for women with recent gestational diabetes

Abstract Introduction According to the 2021 British Medical Research Council 2021 framework, a feasibility study aims to assess intervention-specific progression criteria. Fidelity is a critical criterion because it concerns how an intervention is implemented as intended. Fidelity conceptualisation has expanded beyond intervention adherence to encompass participant engagement, i.e., how well they receive and enact the intervention, but these latter aspects achieve little attention. We aimed to assess the fidelity of the Face-it intervention, a health promotion intervention for women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and their families. The intervention consisted of three home visits and health technology delivered by health visitors/coaches. Our fidelity assessment included: i) training of the health visitors/coaches ii) the delivery, iii) receipt, and iv) enactment of the intervention. Methods The National Institutes for Behaviour Change Consortium’s (NIHBCC) framework for fidelity was used to assess four elements of fidelity. Data were collected from 150 women using intervention checklists, health technology logs and the virtual climate care questionnaire, which measured autonomy supportiveness from the intervention. Results The health visitors/coaches received four training days before the implementation and 16 hours throughout the intervention delivery. 73.3% of women completed three home visits, and 91.3% of women registered as health technology users. The participants perceived the intervention to be autonomy supportive, encourage health behaviour change and provide effective possibilities for health behaviour change, even though the delivery of the health technology varied greatly. Conclusions The Face-it intervention was largely implemented as intended. Using the NIHBCC framework, we expanded our fidelity conceptualisation and gained important insight into the feasibility of the intervention and interplay between delivery, receipt, and enactment.

The use of technology and mobile health apps in child maltreatment interventions: Perspectives of TF-CBT therapists and SafeCare providers

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated positive effects of using technology as an augmentation to evidence-based youth mental health treatment and parenting programs, however, limited research has examined the use of technology in evidence-based child maltreatment (CM) prevention and treatment. ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is twofold: 1) to understand the application of technology and mobile health apps in CM prevention and treatment programs and 2) examine the acceptability of CM programs with an evidence-informed app, JoyPop™, developed to promote resilience through emotion regulation. Participants and SettingTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) therapists (N = 12) and SafeCare© providers (N = 12) were recruited and participated in virtual semi-structured interviews. MethodParticipants tested the JoyPop™ app over one week and were interviewed to assess their perspectives about and experiences using technology and mobile health apps in practice (aim 1) and the potential use of JoyPop™ as a program augmentation (aim 2). Data collection and analysis was guided by qualitative descriptive analysis. ResultsParticipants reported that technology and apps supporting positive coping strategies, including JoyPop™, are relevant to the goals of CM programs and can be used enhance client engagement and skill uptake. Participants noted that JoyPop™'s features more strongly align with the components of TF-CBT than Safecare. Limitations of technology use in practice are discussed. ConclusionsSupplementing CM programs with technology and mobile health apps may be used to bolster client engagement and positive outcomes. Future research is needed to address the efficacy and client acceptance of technology and app usage in practice.

Empowering Teachers as Users in Human-Centered Design

Teachers play a crucial role as end-users of technology in educational settings but seldom get recognition as a group of technology users with varying needs and perspectives. This paper analyzes the unique user characteristics of teachers, both in terms of general user nature and within the context of established ed-tech frameworks and technology acceptance models. The authors argue that existing frameworks and models inadequately address the distinct characteristics of teachers as users and therefore provide specific recommendations for the development of a specialized framework that accounts for the teacher’s specific user criteria.

The relationships between online program formatting, technology satisfaction, and course quality

This study aims to explore students’ perceived quality of graduate courses in relation to their satisfaction with the technological tools used in online master’s level courses. Invariance testing and structural equation modelling were used to demonstrate the validity of technology usage scales and effectively test links between course type, technology satisfaction, and course quality. The study participants included 364 graduate students enrolled at a large university in the Midwest who were taking blended and fully online courses. The participants responded to a scale regarding their experience with the course. Interestingly, program type (blended vs. fully online) did not significantly impact technology satisfaction or the perceived quality of the course, even after taking into account the technology satisfaction mediator on course quality. Program type is not related to course quality, although technology satisfaction does contribute to quality ratings. The implications for instructors suggest that the development of technology-centric activities is warranted to improve the quality of online education courses.

Development of Priority Assistive Product Lists in Three African Countries

National Assistive Product Lists (APLs) play an important role in improving access to assistive products (APs). Assistive products are critical to enhancing the health, well-being, and quality of life of persons with disabilities and other functional limitations, including those associated with aging. Comparing national APL development across Malawi, Liberia, and Sierra Leone may provide insight into the differences between the resulting national APLs and how to enhance AP service delivery systems. The aim of this study was to compare how the World Health Organization’s 5Ps model (people, personnel, policy, provision, products) influenced national APL development across Malawi, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. To achieve this aim, we conducted a series of qualitative interviews with representatives of key government and non-state organizations (n = 12) who had been involved in the development of the APL in each of the three countries. We used directed content analysis to review and analyze the resulting data, with the 5Ps representing the 5 areas of analysis. Our results found substantial differences between the APLs of the three countries, which were substantially influenced by the needs of assistive technology users in each of the respective countries (people). This was evident in the fact that product selection criteria differed across countries, with the most critical factor being population need. Provision systems were generally fragmented and depended heavily on donors, with a lack of coordination between the public and private sectors. None of the countries had or produced a standalone AT policy in the APL development process. County-specific factors also influenced the APL differences between countries. Our research concludes that national APLs will vary substantially if they are developed collaboratively, considering the needs of the population with consideration for the country’s context and existing policies and systems.

Technological Innovation in International Training and Advancing Health Services: Two Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Beginning in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic limited onsite international activities and challenged us to plan and implement new ways of collaboration. We reviewed our online trials during a three-year period to better understand how to use digital technologies to continue knowledge and skills transfer. In this cross-national case study, we compare two illustrative cases: Japanese experts training Indonesian health professionals for participatory school health education, and Swiss experts training Malagasy health providers for respectful obstetric and newborn emergencies. We first describe our cases, referring to Vargo’s framework for summarizing reports on digital technology usage. Second, we draw commonalities between the two cases. Third, gleaned from these experiences during the pandemic, we offer a practical framework for efficient and effective international collaboration using new technologies. For both cases, basic digital technologies, such as online meetings and e-mailing, were used and training sessions were successfully conducted. Trusting relationships between the training and participant groups were in place before the pandemic. This led to enthusiasm for continuing learning even after the pandemic started. Our case comparison presents the usefulness of digital technologies for continuing international collaboration and highlights the importance of human factors, such as trusting relationships and enthusiasm to pursue a shared goal, as the basic condition for success.

Enhancing Conceptual Understanding of Electricity and Magnetism through VR Simulations

The study explores the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) simulations in enhancing students’ conceptual understanding of electricity and magnetism, using the Labster platform. Traditional teaching methods often need to adequately convey the complexities of these topics, leading to limited student engagement and poor comprehension. The research compares two groups: one receiving traditional instruction and another using VR-based simulations. The study found that students in the experimental group, who used VR simulations, showed a 35% improvement in post-test scores, compared to a 15% improvement in the control group. The VR group also reported higher levels of engagement and found abstract concepts such as electric fields and circuits easier to understand through interactive, immersive learning environments. Teachers noted that VR aided in visualizing difficult concepts, although challenges included a learning curve in technology usage and the need for proper integration into curriculum. The findings suggest that VR, when used as a supplemental tool, has the potential to significantly improve learning outcomes in physics education. However, the study highlights the need for further research into long-term impacts and accessibility issues and strategies to better integrate VR into traditional teaching methods.

Impacts of agricultural production decisions on the safe and just operating space: A systematic literature review

Abstract Agricultural production decisions impact how agriculture navigates within the safe and just operating space (SJOS). The ability to model and assess these impacts is crucial for policy analysis. This study systematically explores the literature for links between agricultural production decisions and SJOS. As agricultural production decision categories, we examine on-farm technology usage, farm structural change, and field structural change. We identify the impact mechanisms of various aspects of these categories and discuss the scope of evidence available. Technology usage impacts the SJOS often through farmers’ choice of technology and its effect on yield. Farm structural change impacts the SJOS through economies of scale and scope, while field structural change impacts directly and through management efficiency. There is considerable knowledge of these relationships but also research gaps. The study provides fundamental insights for characterizing the decision properties of agricultural production and is useful for guiding policy modelling for improved SJOS outcomes.

Social trust and household financial decision-making: An empirical study based on the usage of household financial technology

This paper utilizes data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) to examine the impact of social trust on household financial decision-making. The results indicate that social trust significantly enhances the adoption of financial technology by households, and this positive effect is further strengthened by an improved understanding of financial knowledge. Additionally, an analysis of regional heterogeneity reveals varying impacts across different areas. It is recommended that policies focus on enhancing social trust and regional education levels to facilitate the use of financial technology and improve decision-making outcomes.

Habit and Help-Experiences of Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Interview Study Among Older Adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled older adults to engage with technology to a greater extent given emergent public health observance and home-sheltering restrictions in the United States. This study examined subjective experiences of technology use among older adults as a result of unforeseen and widespread public health guidance catalyzing their use of technology differently, more often, or in new ways. This study aimed to explore whether older adults scoring higher on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire fared better in aspects of technology use, and reported better subjective experiences, in comparison with those scoring lower. A qualitative study using prevalence and thematic analyses of data from 18 older adults (mean age 79 years) in 2 groups: 9 scoring higher and 9 scoring lower on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire. Older adults were fairly competent technology users across both higher- and lower-scoring groups. The higher-scoring group noted greater use of technology in terms of telehealth and getting groceries and household items. Cognitive difficulty was described only among the lower-scoring group; they used technology less to get groceries and household items and to obtain health information. Qualitative themes depict the role of habit in technology use, enthusiasm about technology buttressed by the protective role of technology, challenges in technology use, and getting help regardless of technology mastery. Whereas the pandemic compelled older adults to alter or increase technology use, it did not change their global outlook on technology use. Older adults' prepandemic habits of technology use and available help influenced the degree to which they made use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retraction Note: Impact of corporate sustainable practices, government initiative, technology usage, and organizational culture on automobile industry sustainable performance.

Retraction Note: Impact of corporate sustainable practices, government initiative, technology usage, and organizational culture on automobile industry sustainable performance.

Learning and teaching with ChatGPT: Potentials and applications in foreign language education

This literature review delves into the applications and implications of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-driven chatbot, in educational settings. As technology continues to permeate the field of education, ongoing debates persist regarding the potential impact on learners' critical thinking skills and the evolving role of educators. Instead of resisting such technologies, this review contends that discussions should focus on strategies to optimize their use within education. By conducting a comprehensive document analysis, this study hones in on the utilization of ChatGPT, harnessing its natural language processing technology, within the realm of foreign language acquisition. The findings of this review indicate that ChatGPT can significantly enhance foreign language writing skills and conversational capabilities, offering tailored language support. Through personalized feedback and guidance, ChatGPT has the potential to facilitate more effective knowledge acquisition and create practical and interactive learning experiences, particularly in applied sciences. It is important to note, however, that ongoing debates surrounding accuracy, currency, and reliability should be taken into account. Thus, the study emphasizes the cautious and responsible use of ChatGPT within educational contexts. To summarize, when used responsibly, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT can enrich language learning processes and provide practical and active learning experiences, ultimately fostering more effective knowledge acquisition. Therefore, this review underscores the significance of bolstering the tech-literacy of both educators and students, integrating novel technological skills into educational curricula, and investing in comprehensive training on technology usage for students. By embracing these approaches, educational institutions can harness the full potential of AI chatbots in enhancing the learning journey.

The Integration of Technology on Family Dynamics and Communication Pattern

This research paper explores the multifaceted impact of technology on family dynamic patterns, focusing on how digital advancements have reshaped communication, relationships, and interactions within families. The study identifies both positive and negative influences of technology. Technology facilitates and enhances communication through social media and instant messaging, offering families the ability to connect across distances. It can reduce face-to-face interactions; lead to an increase dependence on technology usage. This research will examine the impact of technology on family communication. The study will employ a method of quantitative survey method to assess the integration of technology among different families alongside its variance across different family structures and socioeconomic statuses. The findings suggest that while technology presents challenges to traditional family dynamics, it also offers opportunities for growth and adaptation. The paper concludes with recommendations for families and policymakers to navigate the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing the need for balance and mindful usage of technology to support healthy family relationships.

Streaming movies, series and shows: attitudes and beliefs among Gen Zers

Purpose Faster internet and online streaming have changed the way young consumers enjoy their favorite movies, series and shows, and business models must adapt to these changes. This study aims to examine the streaming behaviors, beliefs and piracy intentions of Generation Z, the youngest and largest generation of online entertainment consumers. Research in the area of young consumer behavior and streaming piracy is limited, and for a good reason: current laws and regulations focus on punishing the distributors of pirated content rather than consumers. Design/methodology/approach This study used a self-reported questionnaire administered to 750 Generation Z college students aged 17–25 years. The authors used the scenario-based method to examine the factors explaining the intentions to commit movies, series and shows streaming (MS) piracy. This method has been extensively applied when analyzing digital piracy because sharing streaming account passwords and using illegal streaming websites among consumers is still not unlawful in the U.S. Therefore, an adequate approach to evaluate young consumers’ intentions is through a scenario-based model. All information was coded, and a statistical and econometric analysis was completed. Findings From the statistical analysis, the authors found that only 14% of the young participants indicated their intention to stop sharing account information and using illegal websites to watch their favorite movies and shows if streaming piracy were punishable by law. The key motivations are related to the denial of injury to others and the belief that governments would have a difficult time enforcing the law in online environments. Approximately 80% of the participants who indicated their intention to continue MS piracy expressed a low perception of any type of risk associated with MS piracy. Research limitations/implications The results were obtained using a scenario-based model. A scenario provides the opportunity for the participants to reflect on a specific conflict, but they can recognize that there is little at “stake” when addressing the conflict, potentially producing the bias of “over positive responses.” Nonetheless, the analysis is still reliable, as the number of observations is large (750 responses), and the conflict is expressed as a degree of conformity rather than a yes/no answer. Practical implications The authors believe that future generations’ attitudes and beliefs about streaming entertainment will pose significant economic hardships to the entertainment industry. Similar to other forms of entertainment, streamed movies, series and shows are highly susceptible to digital piracy and it is the most common risky behavior among adolescents. The economic impact of streaming piracy could extend to revenue losses, job losses and national domestic production. Social implications Peer influence, personal or through social media, is a strong predictor of streaming piracy. In fact, social media influencers play an important role in teenagers’ behavior, including the usage of illegal streaming apps or websites and other deviant behavior in the digital world. It is expected that social media influencers will continue to be a relevant explanatory factor of streaming piracy among young Gen Zers. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on digital piracy in several ways. First, it adds to the understanding of streaming piracy and the views and perceptions of young consumers about entertainment streaming. Second, the authors extend the analysis of digital piracy to streamed movies, shows and series. Third, the authors complete a statistical analysis on the relationships between Gen Zers’ consumption behavior, beliefs and intentions of streaming entertainment piracy. Understanding Gen Zers’ behavior and attitudes toward paid versus unpaid consumption of streaming content will allow the entertainment industry to respond effectively to future changes in copyright laws and technology usage.

Appraising the application of cryptocurrency technologies in the Nigerian built environment: stakeholders’ perspective

PurposeTwenty-first century digitalisation birthed new methods of payment systems like the emergence of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency technologies have been identified as drivers for crypto-smart contracts and procurements. Studies regarding the application of cryptocurrency technologies in the Nigerian built environment industry are uncommon. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relevance of cryptocurrency technologies to the sector, examine the perceived barriers that may hinder cryptocurrency technologies implementation and propose measures to promote the applications.Design/methodology/approachThe research conducted a virtual interview across Abuja and Lagos cities to appraise stakeholders’ perceptions. The interviewees were requested to proffer answers to the research questions. The study conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable stakeholders. The data were analysed, and findings were reported in themes.FindingsEnhanced the era of smart contracts, increased liquidity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and new openings to raise more funds for capital-intensive construction projects emerged as the advantages where cryptocurrency technologies can benefit the sector if allowed to operate. Cryptocurrency technology applications are not without some anticipated hindrances. Risk of loss of investment/price instability, lack of intrinsic value, money laundering, attracting speculators, criminal activities/security issues, lack of clarity and awareness and lack of skills emerged as the frequently anticipated barriers that may hinder cryptocurrency technologies applications.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to cryptocurrency technology applications in Nigeria’s built environment, and a qualitative method has been adopted.Originality/valueBesides uncovering barriers hindering cryptocurrency technology usage via an unexplored mechanism, the study is one of the few studies to proffer measures to improve cryptocurrency technology usage in the built environment.

A Review of the Effectiveness of Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners

We see diversity in our classrooms. The learners are diverse in their age, race, socio-economic and geographical background, gender, academic and social skills, and physical state. To deal with all this diversity, a teacher has to be equipped with different pedagogical skills and approaches. The main objective of this review was to point out effective teaching strategies for diverse learners. The researcher used Google Scholar as a key search engine and searched articles and books related to the topic of the study by using different keywords. The researcher set the range for the search of relevant material from 2020 to date. The effective teaching strategies included the usage of technology, integration of projects and extracurricular activities in curricula, adaptation of inclusive education and assessment, development of collaboration enhancement of counseling center in the school, focus on individualized and differentiated learning, and ensuring peer learning.

When knowledge workers meet AI? The double-edged sword effects of AI adoption on innovative work behavior

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on knowledge workers' innovative work behaviors (IWB), as well as the mediating role of stress appraisal and the moderating role of individual learning abilities. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed the questionnaire results of 313 knowledge workers, and data analysis was conducted by using SPSS 25.0, SPSS 25.0 macro-PROCESS and AMOS 28.0. Findings This study found that AI adoption has a double-edged sword effect on knowledge workers' IWB. Specifically, AI adoption can promote IWB by enhancing knowledge workers' challenging stress appraisal, while inhibiting IWB by fostering their hindering stress appraisal. Moreover, individual learning ability significantly moderated the relationship between AI adoption and stress appraisal, which further influenced IWB. Originality/value This study integrates the conflicting findings of previous studies and proposes a comprehensive theoretical model based on the theory of cognitive appraisal of stress. This study enriches the research on AI in the field of knowledge management, especially extending the understanding of the relationship between AI adoption and knowledge workers’ IWB by unraveling the psychological mechanisms and behavior outcomes of users' technology usage. Additionally, we provide new insights and suggestions for organizations to seek the cooperation and support of employees in introducing new technologies or driving intelligent transformation.

Unveiling the Teacher Identities of Online EFL Pre-service Teachers

The remote education modality inherited from the global pandemic in early 2020 and the emergence of online schools worldwide led different universities in Colombia to establish pedagogical practicum online as a permanent option. These shifts impact the delivery of FL education and the positioning and self-perception of pre-service teachers as online educators in the post-pandemic landscape. Some previous research has examined how graduate and college in-service teachers developed their identities as online instructors during the global pandemic in early 2020, graduate and college in-service teachers’ construction of their transitional identities as online instructors and compared such newly-constructed roles with their already-established identities in face-to-face (f2f) scenarios; overlooking thus a complete examination of the experiences and factors that shape student-teachers online teacher identity in planned remote training settings in post-pandemic realities. This qualitative case study intended to address the research gap by unveiling the online teacher identities that 16 EFL pre-service teachers constructed throughout their online pedagogical practicum at a public university in Colombia. Data were collected employing whole-class discussions, recorded class observations, focus groups, teacher’s journals, and surveys. The results showed that the student-teachers constructed multiple online teacher identities based on their experiences as technology users and educational software course students. The pre-service teachers also drew on their recent experiences and interactions with their students and the online factors and events themselves present during the synchronous EFL classes in their pedagogical practicum. These results posed noteworthy implications for FL teacher education programs, practicum supervisors, and teacher development. The study's limitations entailed the relatively short timeframe of data collection and the selection of participants not based on a carefully designed and checked test on ICT and software-specific skills that could have played a role in the resulting online teacher identities.