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Abstract Smart technology has become an increasingly prominent feature in the fashion apparel industry. However, small retailers still face challenges while trying to adopt such innovative smart technologies to increase consumer interaction and sales. By applying the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, the aim of this study is to understand small independent fashion retail owners’ and employees’ thoughts on innovative retail technologies and their reactions to the currently available new technology. A qualitative research method of in-depth interviews with 11 participants working in fashion companies was used. The themes that emerged in this study represent criteria to be met prior to adopting new technology for small fashion retailers, including transparency, consistency, and integration of technology. While there were concerns regarding the cost and timing of adopting smart technology, they all expressed unanimous agreement that these advancements would become the next major trend in fashion retail, enhancing consumer connectivity. In particular, the smart technology they plan to adopt must possess the capability for reciprocity between consumers and the company. This will motivate a resurgence of innovative technologies in the less advanced fragment of small independent fashion retailers. Future research can focus on analyzing how the implementation of new smart technologies affects these types of businesses and their customer satisfaction.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a recently recognized complication of chronic kidney disease. In this study, we investigated the association between PHT, peripheral vascular calcifications (VCs), and major cardiovascular events. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 172 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis [hemodialysis (HD)=84, peritoneal dialysis=88]. PHT was defined as an estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure>37 mmHg using echocardiography. The Simple Vascular Calcification Score (SVCS) was measured using plain radiographic films of the hands and pelvis. Results: The prevalence of PHT was significantly higher in HD patients (51.2% vs. 22.7%). Dialysis patients with PHT had a significantly higher prevalence of severe VCs (SVCS≥3). In multivariate analysis, the presence of severe VCs [odds ratio (OR), 2.68], mitral valve disease (OR, 7.79), HD (OR, 3.35), and larger left atrial diameter (OR, 11.39) were independent risk factors for PHT. In addition to the presence of anemia, severe VCs, or older age, the presence of PHT was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events in ESRD patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of PHT was higher in HD patients and was associated with higher rates of major cardiovascular events. Severe VCs are thought to be an independent risk factor for predicting PHT in ESRD patients. Therefore, in dialysis patients with PHT, careful attention should be paid to the presence of VCs and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events.