Utilization Of New Technologies Research Articles

Utilisation of new technologies: a state-of-art-review and future prospective

Since the last two decades, companies have been using Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs); but these are not handled properly, resulting in a big loss to the organisations in the form of profitability; productivity; market share etc. The paper is planned to understand these different activities involved in the utilisation of new technologies. Various success factors that affect the utilisation level have been evolved. Further, to improve the utilisation level, initiatives undertaken by different researchers have been suggested.

Based on energy-saving of utilization and development of urban underground space resource of Qingdao

Abstract The upper space is saturation, and the high-rise building will consume much material, like concrete, steel and timber. However the underground space is more energy-saving. Underground space is a kind of important resource during urban continued advance. It is foundation of developing and utiliz ing underground space that we should deeply recognize environment characteristics of urban engineering geology and strengthen the study on urban underground engineering geological problem. In the same time, It is the key of scientifical and reasonable utilization of new technology in underground geotechnical engineering to development of urban underground space At last, the evaluate method of the underground cavity capacity is put in to use of Qingdao underground space resource estimation.

Evaluating biological variation in non-transgenic crops: Executive summary from the ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute workshop, November 16–17, 2009, Paris, France

The International Life Sciences Institute Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Protein Allergenicity Technical Committee hosted an international workshop November 16–17, 2009, in Paris, France, with over 60 participants from academia, government, and industry to review and discuss the potential utility of “-omics” technologies for assessing the variability in plant gene, protein, and metabolite expression. The goal of the workshop was to illustrate how a plant’s constituent makeup and phenotypic processes can be surveyed analytically. Presentations on the “-omics” techniques (i.e., genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) highlighted the workshop, and summaries of these presentations are published separately in this supplemental issue. This paper summarizes key messages, as well as the consensus points reached, in a roundtable discussion on eight specific questions posed during the final session of the workshop. The workshop established some common, though not unique, challenges for all “-omics” techniques, and include (a) standardization of separation/extraction and analytical techniques; (b) difficulty in associating environmental impacts (e.g., planting, soil texture, location, climate, stress) with potential alterations in plants at genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels; (c) many independent analytical measurements, but few replicates/subjects – poorly defined accuracy and precision; and (d) bias – a lack of hypothesis-driven science. Information on natural plant variation is critical in establishing the utility of new technologies due to the variability in specific analytes that may result from genetic differences (crop genotype), different crop management practices (conventional high input, low input, organic), interaction between genotype and environment, and the use of different breeding methods. For example, variations of several classes of proteins were reported among different soybean, rice, or wheat varieties or varieties grown at different locations. Data on the variability of allergenic proteins are important in defining the risk of potential allergenicity. Once established as a standardized assay, survey approaches such as the “-omics” techniques can be considered in a hypothesis-driven analysis of plants, such as determining unintended effects in genetically modified (GM) crops. However, the analysis should include both the GM and control varieties that have the same breeding history and exposure to the same environmental conditions. Importantly, the biological relevance and safety significance of changes in “-omic” data are still unknown. Furthermore, the current compositional assessment for evaluating the substantial equivalence of GM crops is robust, comprehensive, and a good tool for food safety assessments. The overall consensus of the workshop participants was that many “-omics” techniques are extremely useful in the discovery and research phases of biotechnology, and are valuable for hypothesis generation. However, there are many methodological shortcomings identified with “-omics” approaches, a paucity of reference materials, and a lack of focused strategy for their use that currently make them not conducive for the safety assessment of GM crops.

Conference Report: New Analytical Technologies for Biological Discovery

While a rapidly growing number of protein and peptide drugs are under development, new analytical technologies have been employed for quantitative measurement of biologics towards understanding of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Besides presenting the recent advance in studies on small molecule xenobiotics, the 16th North American regional meeting of the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, has provided scientists with the opportunity to share experience in utilization of new technologies for analyses of protein therapeutics and discuss potential application to future biological discovery.

Technology and pregnancy

In the USA, depending upon the diagnosis criteria used, 135,000-200,000 women annually develop gestational diabetes mellitus, adding to the number of pregnant women already suffering from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Maternal hyperglycaemia and the resultant fetal hyperinsulinaemia are central to the pathophysiology of diabetic complications of pregnancy. These complications include congenital malformations and an increase in neonatal intensive care unit admission and birth trauma. In addition, there is an increased rate of accelerated fetal growth, neonatal metabolic complications and risk for stillbirth. Importantly, during the last century there were two breakthroughs in diabetes management and monitoring that changed the course of treatment: the discovery of insulin and the progress in the understanding of glucose monitoring. As technology has evolved, both glucose monitoring and insulin administration can now be achieved in a continuous fashion. In this review of the literature we focus on the utility of new technologies in the management and monitoring of diabetes in pregnancy.

Análise dos modos de falha e efeitos na otimização dos fatores de produção no cultivo agrícola: subprocesso colheita da canola

O setor agrícola passa por um intenso processo de transformações e moder nização, mas ainda apresenta certo atraso em relação aos demais segmentos da economia, sobretudo na utilização de novas tecnologias e técnicas administrativas, que reflete em problemas que devem ser considerados. Este artigo apresenta uma metodologia para priorizar modos de falha e seus efeitos associados, para a determinação de ações preventivas, visando aperfeiçoar processos no cultivo agrícola de canola, usando a técnica FMEA, com foco no subprocesso colheita. O setor agrícola possui algumas características próprias, razão pela qual foram feitas algumas adaptações para análise deste tipo de processo. A aplicação foi ilustrada através de um estudo de caso em uma lavoura de canola na Escola-Fazenda da Sociedade Educacional Três de Maio (SETREM). A determinação de prioridades dos modos de falha foi feita de forma comparativa, pelo NPR (número de prioridade de risco) e de um método gráfico.

The Unbearable Lightness of A Useful Knowledge and Economic Growth

Economists usually sing with the same nose when they answer questions about the role of technology in economic growth. They generally agree that sustained long-term growth in productivity, which began in Western Europe some two centuries ago, could not have been maintained in an environment of stagnant production technologies. Whether we consult Karl Heinrich Marx, Joseph Alois Schumpeter or Robert Merton Solow, the answer is the same: new technologies are the source of long-term economic growth. Economists, as we know, usually argue that the production and utilization of new technologies depend critically on appropriate social institutions, such as competition, decentralized markets, secure property rights, enforceable contracts, and norms of trust and reciprocity. Yet virtually no one argues that long-term growth in output per worker is possible in an economy with stationary production techniques.

Hospital Care of Pathological Vertebral Fracture (PVF) in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients: Burden of Illness and Patterns of Care

BACKGROUND: PVF contribute significantly to MM morbidity and disability but are poorly characterized at the population level. We studied the inpatient outcomes for a population-based sample of MM patients to better describe the burden of PVF and patterns of acute management, including use of newer vertebral augmentation (VA) techniques such as vertebro-/kyphoplasty.Methods: Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and ICD-9CM diagnosis codes, we identified adult PVF cases among MM admissions (N = 54,790) to all US hospitals in calendar year 2005. Admissions were described by patient (age, gender, race, adjusted Charlson comorbidity score, primary payer) and hospital type (control, location, teaching status, bedsize). Admissions complicated by spinal cord injury (SCI) were identified and described, but excluded from further analyses. Data regarding therapeutic interventions was extracted for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, spinal surgery, and VA using ICD-9CM procedure coding. We then examined hospital costs (charges transformed using Medicare cost-to-charge ratios), length of stay (LOS) and mortality by intervention. Factors influencing use of VA technology were explored in multivariate logistic regression models. All analyses were sample weighted.Results: A group of 3641 PVF admissions was extracted. Mean LOS was 8.9 days (95%CI 8.2–9.7) and mean costs were $19,290 (95%CI $16,395–22,184). Summary statistics for the uncomplicated group, including rates for therapeutic interventions, are given in the table.InterventionN (%) [95% CI]Mean LOS in Days [95% CI]Mean Costs in $US [95% CI]Radiotherapy299 (8.3%) [224–374]11.1 [9.1–13.1]$19,671 [$15,352–23,989]Spinal Surgery217 (6.0%) [122–313]11.9 [6.5–17.3]$40,976 [$25,784–56,169]Vertebral Augmentation1063 (29.5%) [436–1690]6.8 [5.8–7.9]$19,201 [$17,316–21,088]SCI complicated only 32 (<1%) of these admissions, and mean costs, LOS, and mortality did not differ from the uncomplicated cases. When VA was employed, other treatment modalities were used in <1% of cases. VA admissions tended to be shorter and were significantly less costly. Discharge disposition, including mortality rates, did not differ by treatment group. In regression analysis, presence of comorbid medical illness (OR 0.37, p<0.001) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.40, p=0.011), but not black race (OR 0.70, p=0.169) were significant predictors of decreased VA utilization. Age (OR 0.98, p=0.057) and Medicaid as primary payer (OR 0.34, p=0.052) approached but did not reach significance. Hospital-level variables, while significant in univariate analysis, were not associated with outcome in the multivariate model.Conclusions: Acute care hospitalization for PVF constitutes a significant economic burden in the management of MM patients but likely underestimates full costs. While newer VA treatments are associated with shorter hospital stays and decreased hospital costs, age, racial/ethnic, and payer variability in utilization raises concern for disparities in care. Further studies designed to better explore these possible disparities, as well as secular trends in utilization of newer technologies, are warranted.

Current situation of German care homes

Aim. The aim of this paper is to explore the situation of and current developments in the German care home sector. Background. Germany, like other Western countries, faces demographic change and subsequently tries to develop structures and processes to achieve a care system which can tackle the increasing number of people in need of care with a variety of quality services. Policy strives to set up structures and instruments to enhance the quality of service provision. Discussion. Figures show that the structures in the care sector are changing in favour to increased privatization of homes, a slight increase in size and improved building structures. In order to tackle the expected changes, a mix of low and high skilled qualification and new job profiles arise in the care sector. Other changes to be observed are the development of new living arrangements and the utilization of new technologies to support the care process. Conclusion. This contribution looks at the socio-demographic changes in care, the statutory developments and the structures of care homes as well as current discussions on future developments.

Innovative Peer Review Model for Rural Physicians: System Design and Implementation

The peer review process in small rural hospitals is complicated by limited numbers of physicians, conflict of interest, issues related to appropriate utilization of new technology, possibility for conflicting recommendations, and need for external expertise. The purpose of this project was to design, test, and implement a virtual peer review system for small rural hospitals in Texas. We sought to define the characteristics of a virtual peer review system in the context of rural health care, and to explore the benefits from peer review administration within a rural network supported by a university. Physicians from small rural hospitals participated in pilot testing of the system. Policies and procedures reflecting the innovative character of the new peer review process were developed based on legal/regulatory requirements and desired educational focus of the process. An information technology system to support the virtual peer review was selected, tested, and deployed. The system tests suggested feasibility of the procedures, reliability of the communication lines, and functional anonymity of the hospitals and physicians participating in the virtual peer review. Participating institutions and individual physicians expressed satisfaction with the reliability and user friendliness of the system as demonstrated during the pilot tests. Hospital licensing and accreditation require a process to monitor and evaluate the care of patients. Utilizing means of virtual communication is a viable option for small rural hospitals. This process is dependable, user-friendly and provides functional anonymity to participating hospitals and physicians. The peer review system has successfully functioned since 2004.

New Technology and Record Keeping in Educational Management: Levels of Secondary School Principals’ Computer Literacy and Phobia

While research on school improvement is now into its third decade, systematic research on what theprincipal actually does and its relationship to stability and change is quite recent. Some of the earlierimplementation research identified the role of the principal as central to promoting or inhibiting change(Sammons, 1999; Goleman, 2000), but it did not examine the principal’s role in any depth orperspective as regards to the utilization of new technology for record-keeping. During the 1980’sresearch and practice focusing on the role of the principal-ship, vice-principal-ship, and other schoolleaders mounted, resulting in greater clarity, but also greater appreciation of the complexities anddifferent paths to success.

Comparative Charge Analysis of One- and Two-Level Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty Versus Circumferential Lumbar Fusion

This is a retrospective, independent study comparing 2 groups of patients treated surgically for discogenic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lumbosacral spine. To compare the surgical and hospitalization charges associated with 1- and 2-level lumbar total disc replacement and circumferential lumbar fusion. Reported series of lumbar total disc replacement have been favorable. However, economic aspects of lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) have not been published or studied. This information is important considering the recent widespread utilization of new technologies. Recent studies have demonstrated comparable short-term clinical results between TDR and lumbar fusion recipients. Relative charges may be another important indicator of the most appropriate procedure. We report a hospital charge-analysis comparing ProDisc lumbar disc replacement with circumferential fusion for discogenic low back pain. In a cohort of 53 prospectively selected patients with severe, disabling back pain and lumbar disc degeneration, 36 received Synthes ProDisc TDR and 17 underwent circumferential fusion for 1- and 2-level degenerative disc disease between L3 and S1. Randomization was performed using a 2-to-1 ratio of ProDisc recipients to control spinal fusion recipients. Charge comparisons, including operating room charges, inpatient hospital charges, and implant charges, were made from hospital records using inflation-corrected 2006 U.S. dollars. Operating room times, estimated blood loss, and length of stay were obtained from hospital records as well. Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees were, for the purposes of comparison, based on Medicare reimbursement rates. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2-tailed Student t test. For patients with 1-level disease, significant differences were noted between the TDR and fusion control group. The mean total charge for the TDR group was $35,592 versus $46,280 for the fusion group (P = 0.0018). Operating room charges were $12,000 and $18,950, respectively, for the TDR and fusion groups (P < 0.05). Implant charges averaged $13,990 for the fusion group, which is slightly higher than the $13,800 for the ProDisc (P = 0.9). Estimated blood loss averaged 794 mL in the fusion group versus 412 mL in the TDR group (P = 0.0058). Mean OR minutes averaged 344 minutes for the fusion group and 185 minutes for the TDR (P < 0.05) Mean length of stay was 4.78 days for fusion versus 4.32 days for TDR (P = 0.394). For patients with 2-level disease, charges were similar between the TDR and fusion groups. The mean total charge for the 2-level TDR group was $55,524 versus $56,823 for the fusion group (P = 0.55). Operating room charges were $15,340 and $20,560, respectively, for the TDR and fusion groups (P = 0.0003). Surgeon fees and anesthesiologist charges based on Medicare reimbursement rates were $5857 and $525 for the fusion group, respectively, versus $2826 and $331 for the TDR group (P < 0.05 for each). Implant charges were significantly lower for the fusion group (mean, $18,460) than those for 2-level Synthes ProDisc ($27,600) (P < 0.05). Operative time averaged 387 minutes for fusion versus 242 minutes for TDR (P < 0.0001). EBL and length of stay were similar. Patients undergoing 1- and 2-level ProDisc total disc replacement spent significantly less time in the OR and had less EBL than controls. Charges were significantly lower for TDR compared with circumferential fusions in the 1-level patient group, while charges were similar in the 2-level group.

Measuring the spatial impacts of urbanization on the surface water resource basins in Istanbul via remote sensing

Istanbul is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the World. The city has experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization in the second half of the twentieth century. Between 1950 and 2000, the city has grown by an average of 4.5% annually. Given the scale of the growth, neither local nor the central governments have shown capability of controlling the influx of migration, most of which settled illegally on public lands. Most of the settlements lack the basic sewerage facilities, and a significant portion of which are on the major water resource basins. As of today, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) not only has to cope with the infrastructure problems, but also has to find ways of solving the problem of illegal occupations of public lands and water resource basins. This paper presents the land use changes in the water resource basins providing water to the Istanbul Metropolitan Area. Using four consecutive Landsat images between 1990 and 2005, the changes in 12 different land use categories are obtained via overlay operations by GIS for water resource basins surrounding the City of Istanbul. It has been observed that the most critical land use changes are in the nearest basins to the city. The capability of Landsat and IKONOS images in determining the alterations in the macro form of the city are also discussed. Finally, possibility of utilization of new technologies in policy making regarding environmental management in Istanbul is discussed.

Investigating Postadoption Utilization: An Examination Into the Role of Interorganizational and Technology Trust

Grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study examines the influence of technology trust and interorganizational trust on post adoption utilization. This study extends the innovation diffusion literature by drawing upon past diffusion research and considering trust-based determinants in facilitating technology usage. Field interviews were conducted to develop an understanding of the user population and the unique challenges the individuals experienced while working with the new system. The results of the interviews enabled the author to identify which variables to investigate further through the use of a survey data collection protocol. In the present study, 273 first-tier supply chain members of the second-largest U.S. automotive service-parts logistics operation, who were recently introduced to a new supply chain management technology, were surveyed. Using a structural equation model, nine hypotheses were tested. As hypothesized, an individual's technology trust and interorganizational trust have an effect on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which further influence post adoption technology utilization behavior. The results suggest that even in supply chains where usage is mandated, the presence of technology and interorganizational trust can increase individual utilization of new technologies. Implications of this study along with suggestions for future research are provided.

Utilization of new technologies: organizational adaptation to business environments

The practice of introducing new technologies into the corporate environment has become a well-accepted principle for sustaining or advancing competitive advantages. The current study focuses on the environmental and managerial factors associated with the successful utilization of new technologies. To this end, the suggested framework examines the efforts put forth by the two parties involved (the firm buying and the firm supplying the new technology). We use 112 matched data collected from the suppliers and buyers of the customer relationship management (CRM) system in business-to-business markets. We find that the perceived turbulence of business environments stimulates adaptive efforts from both the supplying and buying firms, which may lead to a high level of utilization of new technologies for the buying firm.

Networking in South African businesses

PurposeThe purpose and the goal of this paper were to investigate South African businesses and determine their utilisation of new technologies and business structures. The role and development of e‐commerce and networks in South African businesses can determine their competitive role in a global market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that South Africa's position in the networked economy was researched through an empirical survey and the use of a convenience sample that incorporated 707 online businesses listed in an online directory in South Africa. Manufacturing businesses, retail and wholesale businesses, as well as business rendering services online, were targeted.FindingsThe paper finds that business networks have necessitated new business structures and 78.4 percent of the respondents are currently using these modern business structures to adapt to the demands of the networked economy. These include the matrix structure (42.9 percent), the networked business structure (25 percent) and the extended business structure (10.7 percent). E‐commerce provides many advantages, the response received on the reasons for e‐commerce utilisation includes enhanced profit (86 percent), entering strategic markets (64 percent) and building international association (61 percent).Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that the focus should be on finding new opportunities and the most important recommendations include: South African business people should be informed about the importance of shared knowledge, intellectual capital and establishing strategic alliances that are facilitated through the use of networks. Proactive management and added value in business processes should be implemented and can enhance the competitive advantage amongst South African businesses.

Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology and the Diabetes Technology Community

Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology and the Diabetes Technology Community

Celebrating 25 years of advances in micropalaeontology: a review

Abstract. INTRODUCTION (F. JOHN GREGORY)To commemorate the publication of the 25th Volume of the Journal of Micropalaeontology, the first issue of which came out in 1982, this celebratory review article was commissioned. Officers of each TMS Group (Ostracod, Foraminifera, Palynology, Nannofossil, Microvertebrate and Silicofossil) were requested to reflect over the last 25 years and assess the major advances and innovations in each of their disciplines. It is obvious from the presentations that all Groups report that research has moved on from the basic, but essential descriptive phase, i.e. taxonomy and establishing biostratigraphies, to the utilization of new technologies and application to issues of the day such as climate change and global warming. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the foundation of micropalaeontology is observation and the building block for all these new and exciting innovations and developments is still good taxonomy. Briefly, the most obvious conclusion that can be drawn from this review is that micropalaeontology as a science is in relatively good health, but we have to ensure that the reported advancements will sustain and progress our discipline. There is one issue that has not really been highlighted in these contributions – we need to make sure that there are enough people being trained in micropalaeontology to maintain development. The last 25 years has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of post-graduate MSc courses in micropalaeontology. For example, in the UK, in the 1980s and early 1990s there were five specific MSc courses to choose . . .

European Union: challenges and dilemmas

In the last two decades, the EU trails behind the USA in both the rate of economic growth and the rate of growth of productivity. In addition, in the next 25 years, the EU will experience demographic challenges in the form of the rapidly ageing population and a substantial increase in the dependency ratio. To answer these challenges, the EU needs economic policies which will facilitate the utilization of new technologies. To do that and to alleviate the growing pressures on the European social and economic model, the significant economic reforms are necessary. The key to that is the EU-wide integration of the financial sector. &amp;nbsp;

Relationships Between Reef Fish Communities and Remotely Sensed Rugosity Measurements in Biscayne National Park, Florida, USA

The realization that coral reef ecosystem management must occur across multiple spatial scales and habitat types has led scientists and resource managers to seek variables that are easily measured over large areas and correlate well with reef resources. Here we investigate the utility of new technology in airborne laser surveying (NASA Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar (EAARL)) in assessing topographical complexity (rugosity) to predict reef fish community structure on shallow (<10 m deep) patch reefs. Marine portions of Biscayne National Park, Florida, USA, were surveyed remotely using the EAARL, and reef fish populations were visually surveyed on 10 patch reefs at independent, randomly selected stations (n = 10–13 per reef). Rugosity at each station was assessed in situ by divers using the traditional chain-transect method (10-m scale), and remotely using the EAARL submarine topography data at multiple spatial scales (2, 5, and 10 m). The rugosity and biological datasets were analyzed together to elucidate the predictive power of EAARL rugosity in describing the variance in reef fish community variables and to assess the correlation between chain-transect and EAARL rugosity. EAARL rugosity was not well correlated with chain-transect rugosity, or with species richness of fishes (although statistically significant, the amount of variance explained by the model was very low). Variance in reef fish community attributes was better explained in reef-by-reef variability than by physical variables. However, once the reef-by-reef variability was taken into account in a two-way analysis of variance, the importance of rugosity could be seen on individual reefs. Fish species richness and abundance were statistically higher at high rugosity stations compared to medium and low rugosity stations, as predicted by prior ecological research. The EAARL shows promise as an important mapping tool for reef resource managers as they strive to inventory and protect coral reef resources.