Search

Improvements experienced by incumbent "old" technologies when threatened by new ones, potentially supplanting them, are often addressed as the "sailing-ship effect." The latter phrase points to the eponymous case that consists of the 60-year or so technological battle between sail and steam in ships' propulsion during the 19th century, which led to unexpected large advancements in sail technology. Paradoxically, until today, the only work which addressed quantitatively that technological battle actually found a lack of evidence of the occurrence of the sailing-ship effect. In this paper, through fresh statistical analysis, we find instead confirmation of the existence of the effect in the original case. This finding contributes to the theoretical debate that explains technological persistence through mechanisms such as path dependence, cumulativeness, localized technical progress, competence and cognitive traps, the presence of complementary assets and tributary innovations, as well as institutional features. Policy dimensions are considered in Section 7 of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a significant cause of adult mortality, categorized into in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital (OHCA). Survival in OHCA depends on early diagnosis, alerting Emergency Medical Service (EMS), high-quality bystander resuscitation, and prompt Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use. Accelerating technological progress supports faster AED retrieval and use, but there are barriers in real-life OHCA situations. The study assesses 6th-year medical students' ability to locate AEDs using smartphones, revealing challenges and proposing solutions. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in 2022–2023 at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Respondents completed a survey on AED knowledge and characteristics, followed by a task to find the nearest AED using their own smartphones. As common sources did not list the University AEDs, respondents were instructed to locate the nearest AED outside the research site. Results: A total of 300 6th-year medical students took part in the study. Only 3.3% had an AED locating app. Only 32% of students claimed to know where the AED nearest to their home is. All 300 had received AED training, and almost half had been witness to a resuscitation. Out of the 291 medical students who completed the AED location task, the median time to locate the nearest AED was 58 s. Most participants (86.6%) found the AED within 100 s, and over half (53%) did so in under 1 min. Conclusions: National registration of AEDs should be mandatory. A unified source of all AEDs mapped should be created or added to existing ones. With a median of under one minute, searching for AED by a bystander should be considered as a point in the chain of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutions actively seek global talent to foster innovation in the contemporary landscape of scientific research, education, and technological progress. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of international collaboration as researchers and academicians faced limitations in accessing labs and conducting research experiments. This study uses a research collaboration system to examine the relationship between organizational intellectual capital (Human and structural Capital) and team scientific and technological performance. Further, this study underscores the moderating role of top management support. Using a time-lagged study design, data were collected from 363 participants in academic and research institutions. The results show a positive relationship between organizational intellectual capital (Human and structural Capital) and team scientific and technological performance using a research collaboration system. Moreover, top management support positively moderates the study's hypothesized relationships. The study's findings contribute significantly to existing knowledge in this field, with implications for academia, researchers, and government focused on technology transmission, talent management, research creative collaboration, supporting innovation, scientific research, technological progress, and preparing for future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the quality of journals in the realm of health care science and services is an intricate and vital pursuit, especially given the swift evolution of health care research amidst global challenges and technological progress. Bibliometric indicators have emerged as indispensable instruments for quantifying and comparing the impact, reach, and significance of scholarly contributions. In this study, a range of bibliometric indicators, including Impact Factor, Eigenfactor Score, Cite Score, and h-index, were utilized. We curated a list of 105 health care science and services journals using data from the Journal Citation Report (JCR) within the Web of Science (WOS), journal metrics from the Scopus database (Cite Score and SNIP), and h5-index from Google Scholar. Additionally, the SCImago Journal Ranking (SJR) was obtained from its official website. Subsequently, Bivariate Pearson’s (r) and Spearman’s (ρ) correlation coefficient tests were conducted to evaluate ranking correlations. The findings revealed strong Pearson’s (r) statistical correlations between JIF and CS (r = 0.908) and between JIF and SJR (r = 0.875), while moderate correlations were observed between JIF and H5-median, H5-index, and SNIP (r = 0.769, r = 0.730, and r = 0.645, respectively). Spearman’s rho analysis indicated high correlations between JIF and CS (ρ = 0.907) and between JIF and SJR (ρ = 0.863), with lower correlations among H5-median, SNIP, and H5-index indicators (ρ = 0.798, ρ = 0.763, and ρ = 0.750, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global interest in environmental issues and sustainable energy has propelled extensive research in photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Brazil has emerged as one of the top ten solar energy producers and flexible PV suppliers in the world. In this context, organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) have garnered attention due to their flexibility and ability to integrate into various surfaces, albeit facing challenges regarding lifespan and efficiency compared to silicon cells. This review examines the current state of research on OPVs and thin-film solar technologies, employing the systematic literature review methodology Proknow-C. The review includes an analysis of raw materials such as conductive polymers, fabrication processes including film deposition and encapsulation, and technological advancements that enhance the efficiency and stability of OPVs. Utilizing the Proknow-C methodology, a bibliographic portfolio was constructed to identify the current state of research in this field. Of 268 papers from major scientific databases, only 30 were deemed relevant to the theme, highlighting a significant research gap. This paper is a valuable resource for researchers, providing an updated overview and a foundation for future investigations in organic photovoltaics. The results emphasize the importance of materials such as conductive polymers and donor–acceptor molecules and the role of nanotechnology in advancing OPVs. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet and blade coating-based printing techniques, are shown to increase efficiency by providing precise control over film thickness and uniformity and reducing costs through lower material waste. Overall, this review highlights the necessity of further exploration and collaboration within the scientific community to address the challenges and propel advancements in organic photovoltaic cells. These advancements are crucial for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reinforcing the ongoing significance of thin-film technologies in energy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global economic integration and Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing has become crucial. As one of the economic cores of China, the digitization process of the manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta is particularly critical to the overall economic growth. Based on the theory of Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing, this study deeply analyzes the current digital development of the manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta. More importantly, this paper successfully constructs a fuzzy control model to quantitatively evaluate and guide the process of digital transformation of manufacturing industry in this region. The empirical results of the model reveal how key factors such as capital, talent, technology and data security affect the digitization process, and provide concrete and operational transformation strategies for the Yangtze River Delta region. In addition, combined with industrial advantages, policy support, technological progress and market demand, this paper predicts the digital development prospects of the manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta. Overall, the study not only provides in-depth insights on the digitization of manufacturing in the Yangtze River Delta, but also provides practical guidance for actual operation, which has high theoretical and practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at assessing the extent to which Turkey is integrated in the global political economy with respect to both the technological and the economic dimensions. This paper will achieve this aim by first providing for a technological definition of globalization. It will then proceed by assessing the degree of integration of Turkey in the technological progress necessary to catch up with the globalization progress. Finally, the analysis will move to the degree of integration of the country in the global political economy on the basis of the traditional indicators of integration, such as the share of global FDIs, the share of Global Mergers and Acquisitions and the share of global exports. Conclusions will be drawn to identify problems and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research emphasizes the increasing role of emerging countries in the advancement of future technologies and investigates the extent to which greenfield foreign direct investments (FDIs) can represent a bridge capable of stimulating technological collaboration opportunities between European regions and emerging countries. Utilizing a balanced panel dataset spanning 15 years from 2003 to 2017 and covering 286 European regions, we conducted a study that integrated collaborative patent data and foreign investments with emerging countries. Our findings indicate that technological collaboration primarily depends on inward FDIs (from emerging countries to Europe) rather than outward FDIs (from Europe to emerging countries). Furthermore, we discovered that a mutually reinforcing process can significantly enhance this collaboration. In this context, such a process acts as a cornerstone for the European Union (EU), offering a potential solution to navigate the paradoxical pressure between the rise of protectionism in response to the imbalances and inequalities stemming from globalization and the need to promote an environment conducive to global openness, competition and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite technological progress in the maritime industry, navigators are still the final link of the decision-making chain and rely not only on equipment, but also on human senses. Visual observation of the vessel's surroundings still plays a crucial role in navigation. Four different ships in service were visited to investigate the work of professional navigators and carry out a pilot experiment on real crews to test the methods for future full-scale research. The main objective was to better understand the influence of bridge design on lookout routines of navigators, while the additional goals were to check the presence of navigators in certain parts of the bridge and to determine if it is reasonable to forbid navigators to sit, as the practice is still used on some ships. Considering space limitations and differences in layouts of the wheelhouse, rarely mentioned in this kind of study, the movement of watch-keeping officers was analysed. In total, twenty observations were made to generate the heatmaps of presence during the routine duties. The results of the research indicate that many factors, including bridge design and layout of equipment, might affect lookout routines but it is possible to find similar patterns on the bridges of different shapes and arrangements. The pilot experiment confirms that it is reasonable to carry out a full-scale study, as there is still room for improvement in the area of ergonomic bridge design. Better understanding of modern lookout and movement routines might lead to the development of adequate ergonomic regulations and result in increased work comfort and the well-being of seafarers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address the issue of persistent uneven development from a Marxist perspective. First, we show the conceptual problems in applying the unmodified law of value to the international setting. Second, we propose a generalization of the global law of value by introducing an additional level of abstraction into the global valorization process—national abstract labor. Third, we examine broad cases of internationalization caused by deviations in productivity differences across industries from the average productivity differences across countries. We discover an endogenous national and international dynamic push toward specialization that perpetuates uneven development. The benefits of such specialization are skewed in favor of more developed countries, and the potential for technological improvement created by the global division of labor blocks technological progress in less developed countries. JEL Classification : B14, F00, F63, O14 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study employed multiple regression analysis to examine China and the top countries in energy transformation and established policy intensity to assess policy stringency. It has been investigated how environmental policies affect the dynamic evolution of the nation's energy system and technological innovation. It has been demonstrated that environmental policies have a favorable effect on technological advancement in the energy transformation industry. The national knowledge stock, national R&D spending, and other factors limit this impact, and the significance level is varied and lagging. Technology innovation in the field of energy transformation is impacted by the environmental regulations of industrialized nations. Technology innovation in energy transformation is encouraged by China's environmental regulations' institutional quality. The study also showed the boundary conditions and peak nodes of China's carbon emissions. Three different forecasting models are utilized to estimate the impact of China's economic development speed on energy transformation and to evaluate potential scenarios through the examination of macro time series data. Based on the constant dollar price in 2000, China's energy intensity fell to $1 for 0.18 kg of standard oil to $1 for 0.32 kg of standard oil in 2050. To fully unleash the potential of China's energy transformation, the report contends that China's environmental policy structure has to be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) techniques have undergone transformative evolution, encompassing physical GRID therapy, MLC-based grids, virtual TOMO GRIDs, and 3-dimensional high-dose lattices. Historical roots trace back to Alban Köhler's pioneering Spatially fractionated grid therapy (SFGRT), utilizing physical grids for dose modulation. Technological innovations introduced multi-leaf collimators (MLCs), enabling adaptable spatial fractionation and a shift to the broader term "SFRT." Physics and dosimetry-based studies have demonstrated the feasibility of computerized treatment planning and identified the potential to minimize the peripheral dose while using such high-dose therapy. Meanwhile, 3-dimensional high-dose lattices showed enhanced precision. The meticulous placement of high-dose volumetric spheres enables a reduction in the volume of high-dose spills. Advancements in 3-dimensional lattices through intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) techniques offer enhanced therapeutic options. A database of SFRT studies identified 723 articles. This review shows the trajectory of SFRT from traditional grids to MLC-based approaches, virtual TOMO GRIDs, and innovative 3-dimensional lattices. Technological innovations, dosimetric advancements, and clinical feasibility have underscored the continual progress in refining spatially fractionated radiotherapy. The integration of MLCs and lattice techniques has demonstrated improved therapeutic outcomes, solidifying their relevance in modern radiation therapy protocols. Research has yet to reveal a clear correlation between treatment outcomes and dosimetric parameters. Additional investigations are necessary to assess the impact of various dosimetric parameters, such as EUD, peak-to-valley ratio (PVDR), D5%, D10%, D20%, D90%, etc., on the effectiveness of treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of structural transformation with respect to the CARICOM region's export sophistication and diversification dynamics. Trends in the data indicate that CARICOM, in relation to other country groups, has the lowest number of active export lines. The region also has a low number of commodities with comparative advantage, and an almost negligible number of highly sophisticated exports. The factors affecting export diversification were also evaluated in relation to resource and factor endowments, the regulatory environment and the degree of technical progress. The overall results, from a global perspective, indicate that countries which are technically advanced tend to have a higher degree of export diversification while resource reliant economies are shown to be less diversified. In terms of CARICOM, structural factors and technical progress significantly explain diversification, however as the ease of doing business improves, these countries tend to become more specialized therefore highlighting the tendency to focus on sectors in which they are relatively strong given their factor endowments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patent is a form of state monopoly granted to the owner of an invention. A patent rewards its owner with exclusive rights in exchange for innovation ('quid pro quo') for a limited period of time. These exclusive rights allow the patent holder to prohibit others from using the patented invention, helping to recover their research and development (R&D) costs and thereby create an incentive for further innovation. However, patents can hinder technical progress if no restrictions are imposed. Therefore, exceptions and restrictions exist to balance patent protection with the right to freedom of research under Art. 13 of the EU Charter. The most important exceptions are the so-called Bolar and research exemptions. The Bolar exemption allows generics manufacturers to seek authorization or approval under pharmaceutical law before a patent expires, enabling market entry immediately after patent expiration. The research exemption permits the use of patented inventions for research purposes. These two exceptions are increasingly important due to a shift in patent law favoring patent holders through simplified procedures and expanded rights. This article briefly outlines the history and application requirements of these two exemptions and the limits and restrictions to be observed. It also discusses the national differences in application of the Bolar and research exemptions within Europe and the new Art. 27 UPCA introduced in June 2023. Finally, the proposed amendments published in April 2023 as part of the new European pharmaceutical package will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting the concept of Industry 4.0 enables manufacturing companies to gain advantages from digital production management, though issues have been identified related to human resources, management and organisation. Problem areas concern workplace ergonomics to the general wellbeing and satisfaction of workers, and social responsibility. Industry 5.0 promotes progress based on human-machine collaboration and sustainable, human-centred value creation. The research model of the degree of technological humanism, which aims to ensure that technological progress improves human wellbeing in manufacturing companies in the transformation towards Industry 5.0, is a demanding area that has not been sufficiently researched or unambiguously defined so far. The presented model can facilitate the digital transition of manufacturing companies towards Industry 5.0, as it contains the components necessary for the transformation of organisational processes, thereby enhancing and accelerating the implementation of smart manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The side effects of technological progress on the economy have been discussed frequently, but little is known regarding its health consequences. By combining the national individual‐level panel data of alcohol drinking with the prefecture‐level robot exposure rate in China, we find that one more robot exposure rate could induce up to 2.2% points increase in the probability of problem drinking. Such a pattern of problem drinking is explained by negative emotions, which can be ascribed to job loss due to substitution, higher income vulnerability, and reduced organization participation. Further, we provide evidence that automation can incur health costs, particularly for easily substituted workers, which would exacerbate health inequality in China. This paper sheds light on the impact of automation and the social incentives of problem drinking, emphasizing the possibly heterogeneous health cost accompanied by the automation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of digital transformation, businesses must innovate and adapt to sustain a competitive edge. This dynamic environment compels a reevaluation of traditional management practices, highlighting the need for highly flexible systems. Flexibility, defined as the ability to adapt organizational resources, processes, and strategies in response to environmental changes such as rapid technological advancements, is crucial. Our systematic review of 47 studies investigates how digital transformation influences performance measurement systems across various industries and global contexts. We found that digital transformation fosters the dynamism and adaptability of these systems. This study integrates strategic, organizational, and information systems flexibility concepts that are essential for effective adaptation and resilience. Our findings underscore the shifts towards decision-making agility, inclusivity, and sustainability, stressing the significant role of human resources in adapting to digital imperatives. We advocate for a comprehensive approach that fosters digital literacy, upholds ethical standards, promotes continuous skill development, and enhances strategic adaptability. Practical implications suggest integrating digital technologies into performance strategies, utilizing real-time metrics for agile decision-making and emphasizing ethical and sustainable practices to improve transparency and stakeholder trust. These strategies are crucial for optimizing performance in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith new technologies emerging, productivity is increasing, while environmental issues are being addressed. Studies focus on the benefits of technological progress but pay limited attention to potential risks. This paper uses data from 286 Chinese cities to explore the impact of industrial robots on urban green total factor productivity. We find that industrial robots significantly reduces urban green total factor productivity. Mechanism analysis shows the main effect is driven by manufacturing agglomeration and crowding out environmental investment. Urban green total factor productivity decomposition shows that industrial robots block green technical progress and efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis shows that industrial robots significantly impact urban green total factor productivity in developed, highly market-oriented, and industrialized regions. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of industrial robots in urban green development and provide corresponding policy implications for guiding the harmonious development of technology and sustainable urban growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perovskite materials have been broadly incorporated into optoelectronic devices due to a number of advantages such as high absorption coefficient, high carrier mobility, long carrier diffusion length, shallow defect levels, and high crystal quality. The rapid technological progress of perovskite devices is related to their relatively simple fabrication process, low production cost, and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing efficiency and productivity in countries' healthcare systems is a global challenge. The Chinese government invested huge resources to improve the efficiency and productivity of the healthcare system across the country. To assess the success of the mission above, this research utilized DEA-SBM Meta frontier analysis alongside the Malmquist Productivity Index. These methodologies were employed to gauge Efficiency, production technology heterogeneity, and productivity of healthcare systems change across 31 mainland Chinese provinces and four distinct geographical regions throughout the study period spanning from 1997 to 2022. Results revealed that the mean efficiency score of China's healthcare system is 0.7672. It indicates a growth potential of 23.28 percent in the operational efficiency of healthcare systems. The eastern region's efficiency level (0.86917) is higher among all four regions. Zhejiang, Shandong, and Guangdong are the top three healthcare-efficiency performers. The technology gap ratio indicates that eastern regions witnessed a high TGR (0.9909), showing the country's attainment of superior healthcare technologies. Beijing, Guangdong, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang witnessed higher TGR values among all 31 mainland Chinese provinces. The total factor productivity index of the healthcare system witnessed a slight growth of 0.33%, with an average MI score of 1.0033. Efficiency change (EC) was found to be the main determinant of TFPC as technology change TC is less than EC. Moreover, the MI score of the Western region (1.033) is higher than the corresponding Eastern, northeastern, and central regions. Guizhou, Anhui, and Yunnan were found to be the top three performers in TFPC growth. Finally, the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed the statistically significant difference among 4 Chinese regions for the healthcare system's efficiency, TFPC, and TGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst growing skepticism towards globalization and rising digital trade, this study investigates the impact of Restrictions on Cross-Border Data Flows (RCDF) on Domestic Value Chains (DVCs) stability. As global value chains participation declines, the stability of DVCs—integral to internal economic dynamics—becomes crucial. This study situates within a framework exploring the role of innovation and RCDF in the increasingly interconnected global trade. Using a panel data fixed effect model, our analysis provides insights into the varying effects of RCDF on DVCs stability across countries with diverse economic structures and technological advancement levels. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between digital trade policies, value chain stability, and innovation. RCDF tend to disrupt DVCs by negatively impacting innovation, which necessitates proactive policy measures to mitigate these effects. In contrast, low-income countries experience a less detrimental impact; RCDF may even aid in integrating their DVCs into Global Value Chains, enhancing economic stability. It underscores the need for dynamic, adaptable policies and global collaboration to harmonize digital trade standards, thus offering guidance for policy-making in the context of an interconnected global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to summarize the recent advancements and prevailing challenges within the realm of hydrogen storage and transportation, thereby providing guidance and impetus for future research and practical applications in this domain. Through a systematic selection and analysis of the latest literature, this study highlights the strengths, limitations, and technological progress of various hydrogen storage methods, including compressed gaseous hydrogen, cryogenic liquid hydrogen, organic liquid hydrogen, and solid material hydrogen storage, as well as the feasibility, efficiency, and infrastructure requirements of different transportation modes such as pipeline, road, and seaborne transportation. The findings reveal that challenges such as low storage density, high costs, and inadequate infrastructure persist despite progress in high-pressure storage and cryogenic liquefaction. This review also underscores the potential of emerging technologies and innovative concepts, including metal–organic frameworks, nanomaterials, and underground storage, along with the potential synergies with renewable energy integration and hydrogen production facilities. In conclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, policy support, and ongoing research are essential in harnessing hydrogen's full potential as a clean energy carrier. This review concludes that research in hydrogen storage and transportation is vital to global energy transformation and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power industry's low carbon transition is pivotal for achieving carbon reduction and sustainable development. This study uses the super epsilon-based measurement (Super-EBM) model and the Malmquist index to evaluate the power industry's low carbon transition efficiency using data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, and utilizes the Tobit model to comprehensively analyze the factors affecting the low carbon transition of power industry. In addition, this paper examines the spatial differences in the power industry's low carbon transition efficiency as well as its distributional characteristics and dynamic evolutionary patterns. Conclusion is drawn as follows this paper analyzes the regional differences, spatial distribution characteristics and dynamic evolutionary trends of the power industry's low carbon transition. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The power industry's low carbon transition efficiency in China shows an uptrend, with the western China region having the highest overall level of efficiency, greater fluctuations in the central China region, and more stability in the eastern China region, technological progress is a central factor in increasing total factor productivity, the efficiency of the power industry's low carbon transition is positively influenced by the electricity prices, and negatively influenced by the energy structure, environmental regulations and economic structure; (2) the Intraregional differences and hypervariable density are the main reasons sources of the overall differences in the efficiency of the power industry's low carbon transition; Intraregional differences in the eastern, central, and western China regions are decreasing year by year, but the efficiency of the power industry's low carbon transition in the western China region is still distributed in a multipolar way; (3) The dynamic evolutionary trends of the efficiency distribution of the low carbon transition in power industry is influenced by the type of spatial lag in the neighboring area. Where areas with low efficiency makes it difficult to achieve short-term leapfrog development, and areas with a cluster of high-efficiency provinces are prone to "Siphon Effect". The findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting the efficiency of the power industry's low carbon transition and coordinating the strategic adjustment of economic and environmental green development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research paper introduces a novel approach by combining a Backpropagation (BP) neural network with a non-angular and non-radial directional distance function to construct a BPNN-DDF model. This innovative model evaluates, decomposes, and analyzes China's agricultural sector's carbon emission rate across nine key subregions between 2010 and 2021. The key findings of this study are that China's agricultural carbon emission rate is decreasing, primarily due to technological advancements rather than technological efficiency. Subregions with robust economies and stable climates exhibit higher carbon emission efficiency, whereas those with underdeveloped economies, low agricultural technology, and volatile climates show relatively lower efficiency. The Dagum Gini coefficient analysis reveals a widening disparity in carbon emission rates among agricultural subregions, escalating from 0.174 in 2010 to 0.425 in 2021, indicating a growing gap between subregions that demands immediate attention. The kernel density distribution demonstrates an overall upward trend in China's carbon emission efficiency but also highlights an increasing divergence among subregions, particularly between the South China Area, the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, and other regions. Therefore, this paper posits that strategies focusing on technological progress, sustainable agricultural development, regional development initiatives, and addressing inter-subregional imbalances will be crucial pathways for China's future low-carbon agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key to high-quality development in the textile and apparel industry lies in enhancing technological innovation and optimizing the efficiency of technological innovation. Based on data from 60 A-share listed companies in the textile and apparel sector in China from 2013 to 2022, this study employs a three-stage DEA model and the Malmquist index model to measure changes in technological innovation efficiency from static and dynamic perspectives. Additionally, it uses a Tobit model to analyze the impact and mechanisms of management and financial factors on technological innovation efficiency. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the manufacturing industry and its sub-sectors, the overall technological innovation efficiency of listed textile and apparel companies was relatively low and showed a declining trend between 2013 and 2022; (2) Over the decade, the average total factor productivity of these listed companies increased by 1.7%, exhibiting a "W" shaped fluctuation, with technological progress, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency all showing weak improvement; (3) Management and financial factors significantly influence technological innovation efficiency. Specifically, employee quality, profitability, and operational capability are positively correlated with technological innovation efficiency and have long-term effectiveness, while firm age, management costs, equity concentration, development ability, and debt repayment capacity are negatively correlated with technological innovation efficiency; (4) Different types of enterprises show differences in the significance of management factors, while whether the same person holds both managerial positions significantly affects financial factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the causal impact of the technological innovation, trade openness and economic growth on the renewable energy use (RE) in Germany, the United Kingdom and Turkey. To this end, Breitung and Candelon (Journal of Econometrics, 2006, 132, 363) causality test linked to Toda and Yamamoto (Journal of Econometrics, 1995, 66, 225) procedure is applied on data for the period 1985–2021. Our results indicate that the German RE is mainly affected by the technological innovation and economic growth, but over the long‐term. Regarding the United Kingdom, its RE dynamics is found to be significantly impacted by the technological progress, trade openness and output growth all together, but only during the long‐run. However, in Turkey, the RE long‐term pattern is mainly led by the technological innovation, while the RE short‐term dynamics is primarily drown by the trade openness. This study provides policymakers a better understanding of RE pattern to formulate appropriate policies dealing with energy security, sustainable development and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the ongoing process of high-quality development in the new era, which is focused on improving total factor productivity, it is of great importance to explore the spatial and temporal variations of total factor productivity growth and its driving factors in China's county regions' grain cultivation industry. This paper employs a three-stage DEA-Malmquist productivity method, the Gini coefficient method, and a panel fixed-effects model to analyze data from Chinese counties between 2009 and 2019. The analysis indicates that the growth of county food total factor productivity (FTFP) exhibits a fluctuating upward trend during the examination period, with an average annual growth rate of 2.43%. This is primarily driven by technological progress, yet the core driving role of technological efficiency is not effectively played. The average annual growth rate of county FTFP varies across different regions. The highest average annual growth rate of county FTFP in the eastern region and the primary grain-producing area is 2.75 and 3.04%, respectively. The lowest growth rates were observed in the western region and the main grain marketing area, at 1.44 and 1.23%, respectively. Secondly, the Gini coefficient of county FTFP continues to demonstrate a persistent upward trend during the examination period, with an average annual growth rate of 14.729%. The primary factor contributing to the observed variation in total factor productivity growth of the food sector at the regional level is the existence of disparate technological progress. Thirdly, there is a notable positive correlation between county financial deepening and financial self-sufficiency rates and county FTFP growth, with impact coefficients of 0.0503 and 0.0924, respectively. Conversely, county population density, degree of economic development, farmers' income level, and industrial structure exert a significant negative influence on county FTFP growth and technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For over three decades, digital technologies have been used in Implant Dentistry, beginning with the introduction of planning software for Static Computer‐Assisted Implant Surgery (S‐CAIS). During this time, this field has witnessed the emergence of diverse methodologies and a proliferation of technological advancements. Today, S‐CAIS is a widely adopted procedure for the placement of dental implants in both partially and fully edentulous patients, with Dynamic Computer‐Assisted Surgery (D‐CAIS) and Robotic‐Assisted Implant Surgery (RAIS) rapidly gaining attention among dental professionals. The continuous advancements in this arena are not merely indicative of technological progress; they represent a steadfast dedication to refining precision, enhancing efficiency, and fostering innovation with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes in dental implantology. Aims: The purpose of the following review is to meticulously examine the spectrum of digital technologies available and to describe their protocols, advantages, and shortcomings as well as to evaluate their accuracy in implant surgery in patients with complete edentulism. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was performed following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) protocols, leveraging the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework to construct the research question and determine the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Two hundred and sixty‐seven records were identified for screening. After applying all the screening criteria, 41 articles were included for review and qualitative data analysis. Discussion: S‐CAIS, D‐CAIS, and RAIS were identified as the main technologies for computer assisted implant surgery. Their applications, characteristics, protocols and levels of accuracy were compared and described. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the limitations of this study, S‐CAIS appears to be the most applied and validated technology in implant surgery for fully edentulous patients followed by D‐CAIS and RAIS being these last two promising initiatives in the field. Despite having similar levels of accuracy, the overall comparison showed a slightly higher values in RAIS followed by D‐CAIS and S‐CAIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the contributions of Pope Francis toward human-centered AI and digital innovation. It draws from his numerous dialogues with experts in technology, medicine, science, ethics, law, philosophy, and theology. The papal engagements are based on the rich patrimony of Catholic Social Teaching that is being updated in the wake of the digital revolutions. The paper explores the Magisterium of Francis with the question of technological progress and inherent dangers for human society. It underscores some fundamental anthropological and ethical themes that the Pontiff considered necessary in making emerging technologies beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, significant scientific and technological advancements have been made in the field of forensic science, particularly in the advancement of fingerprint technology. Latent fingerprints (LFPs) are considered to be the most crucial evidence found at crime scenes, necessitating extensive research efforts for their advancement. Conversely, conjugated polymers are extremely adaptable substances that are utilized in many domains like photonics, bio-imaging, optoelectronics, nanomedicine, and more. Conjugated polymers, especially conjugated polymer nanoparticles and polymer dots, exhibit remarkable photophysical and chemical features that contribute to their high resolution, enhanced selectivity, and heightened sensitivity in the development of LFPs. This provides a detailed overview of the production of LFPs utilizing conjugated polymers, as well as the imaging techniques employed for their visualization. Particular attention is given to conjugated polymer nanoparticles and polymer dots. In addition, the most often employed techniques for producing conjugated polymer-based nanoparticles have also been examined. Additionally, it encompasses the historical background of LFP identification and offers a valuable understanding of the diverse conventional approaches investigated for their advancement. This article offers a comprehensive examination of conjugated polymers as contrasting agents for imaging LFPs on different surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Steel Pipe is the property of Steel Pipe Magazine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, represents a revolutionary approach to healthcare, tailoring medical interventions to individuals based on their unique characteristics such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. This shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a targeted approach holds great promise for enhancing patient outcomes, improving treatment effectiveness, and reducing adverse effects. Advancements in genomics, proteomics, and data analysis have facilitated the identification of biomarkers and treatment targets, leading to the development of personalized diagnostics and therapies across various medical fields. However, the widespread adoption of personalized medicine is hindered by challenges like data privacy, regulatory obstacles, and ensuring equal access to innovative technologies. This summary outlines the principles, technological progress, clinical applications, obstacles, and future prospects of personalized medicine, underscoring its potential to transform healthcare delivery and introduce a new era of precision medicine. Personalized medicine represents a healthcare model incorporating periodic, individualized, participatory, and predictive measures. It aims to improve treatment outcomes by pinpointing the genetic factors underlying an individual's illness. Personalized medicine holds promise for decreasing both financial and time costs while enhancing patients' quality of life and potentially extending their life spans. It represents an approach to improve treatment outcomes by identifying the genomic makeup responsible for causing diseases in individuals. Personalized medicine encompasses a wide range of applications and can be utilized for diagnosing various illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A planetary penetrator is a kind of machine that can use its special structure to independently penetrate an exoplanet and sample it for storage. It is a hot research topic in the world and has important development potential in the field of deep space exploration. Based on the analysis of relevant literature, this paper classifies and compares various representative planetary penetrator projectiles around the current research status. The development progress and key technologies of the planetary penetrator are analyzed, the current technical challenges are summarized, and the development trend of the planetary penetrator has prospected. The planetary probe has a broad application prospect, and its development will provide technical support for humans to establish extraterrestrial habitat, and play an important role in the field of deep space exploration. Currently, planetary penetrator research is still in its infancy, and the field is full of possibilities that need to be explored and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilean fruit exports grew 252% between 1975 and 2016. This paper aims to analyze agribusiness's readjustment strategies to face the socio-ecological impacts of the Capitalocene. For this purpose, our guiding questions are: How is agribusiness reading the current socio-ecological crisis, and what strategies are its main actors proposing? The main strategies in progress are technical innovations in productive systems, the increasing scale of infrastructure, displacement toward the south of the country, and renewed narratives. This contributes to legitimizing the current agricultural model without questioning its principles, while becoming more profitable and adaptable to the Capitalocene era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of rapid technological progress, the influence of dizitalization on different aspects of international economic activity can't be overstated. The aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive comparative study of digitalization's impact on global goods and services markets, with a specific focus on advanced and developing economies using multiple linear regression. The research methodology involved comprehensive data collection for 35-38 advanced economies and 52-66 developing economies depending on the availability of data. The analysis included depended variables (18 export and import goods sectors and 18 export and import services), independent variables (digitalization, consisting of ICT deployment, ICT export and import, ICT investment variables), control variables such as GDP growth, CPI, trade openness, exchange rate and political stability. The findings demonstrate the ICT infrastructure and ICT exports positive impact on export of technology-intensive goods, such as ores and metals, machinery and equipment, and tools and devices in advanced economies. Digitalization's positive impact on trade in goods appeared weaker in developing economies, potentially due to lower levels of ICT adoption or differing export focuses. ICT export has positive impact on financial services imports, indicating a reliance on imported financial services while exporting ICT capabilities. The model shows a high success rate depending on variables. The study highlights digitalization's varied impact on advanced and developing economies, emphasizing its importance for trade, competitiveness and policymakers in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To map and summarise the sports coaches' and support staff's perspectives on athlete monitoring to explore the breadth of literature, identify knowledge gaps and inform future research. Design: Scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Methods: SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and Embase databases were searched in English until 6 September 2022. The inclusion criteria were (1) coach(es) and/or support staff were explicitly questioned about their knowledge, perceptions, understanding, opinions, and/or applied practice of athlete monitoring; (2) results could be directly attributed to coach(es) and/or support staff; (3) primary research projects that are available as full-text. Exclusion criteria were applied for grey literature. The data were extracted into a custom-made data charting spreadsheet. Results: From the 4381 identified records, 42 met the eligibility criteria. Almost all the studies were conducted within the Anglosphere and at the national or international level. The main reasons for coaches and support staff to implement athlete monitoring were to reduce injury and illness, inform the training program, and improve or maintain performance. While training load monitoring is generally seen as valuable the coaches and support staff acknowledged that there was no perfect scientific approach to monitoring athletes and believed it should be part of the bigger picture, emphasising communication. Conclusions: There has been a recent surge in research demonstrating that athlete monitoring extends beyond quantitative information and encompasses non-quantified subjective information. This further substantiates that coaches and support staff will remain central to athlete monitoring, even amidst the anticipated technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing is the property of Editorial Department of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing is the property of Editorial Department of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The impact of climate change on agricultural quality development under the constraint of China's "Double Carbon" target has been widely discussed by policy practitioners and academic theorists. This paper attempts to deconstruct the logic of how climate change affects agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) in three dimensions—the structure of agricultural input factors, the change in the cropping system, and the stability of crop supply. This paper also reveals the mechanism through which biased technological progress increases agricultural TFP by weakening the magnitude of climate change and empirically tests it by using China's provincial-level data from 2000 to 2021. This study showed that average annual temperature and annual precipitation had significant negative effects on agricultural TFP, that the number of sunshine hours had a significant positive effect on agricultural TFP, and that obvious regional differences existed in the effect of climate change on agricultural TFP. Further mechanism tests revealed that biased technological progress positively moderated the effect of climate change on agricultural TFP. Based on these findings, the appropriate countermeasures for improving climate early warning mechanisms, promoting the progress of appropriate technology, and fostering new agricultural management bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation (DT) has become pervasive in all aspects of our society, forcing businesses, industries, governments, and individuals to discover new ways and modes of operating. The connections among DT, economic growth, and ecological systems are complex and multifaceted, and they are particularly influenced by market dynamics and spatial elements. Considering spatial dependence, this study analyzed the nexuses between DT and major environmental pollutants in China at the prefecture (i.e., city) level. Using spatial Durbin models, the empirical findings indicate that DT exerts a significant nonlinear impact on various environmental pollutants; moreover, inverted U-shaped patterns of the spatial spillover effect were observed at the nexus between DT and CO 2 . Furthermore, we examined three valid channels (i.e., technological progress, industrial structural upgrading, and green finance) that form a transmission mechanism between DT and environmental pollutants. In addition, a heterogeneity analysis revealed that DT imposes a relatively stronger impact on CO 2 , carbon intensity, and PM 2.5 in developed regions, suggesting that the impact of DT on environmental pollution is sensitive according to regional development status. The empirical evidence presented in this article can guide policy directions for different governments worldwide that are experiencing rapid industrial transitions and technological expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was discussed that the research progress and technical achievements had been obtained in the field of residual stress measurement and control of high-grade and large-diameter welded pipe for oil and gas transportation in China. (1) The layout scheme of measuring points and the requirements of spaces between measuring points, hole depth, etc., for residual stress measurement of welded pipe using hole drilling strain-gage method were proposed. On which, the residual stress measurement technology for welded pipe was proposed. (2) The measurement results indicate that the characteristics and distribution of residual stress of SAWH pipes with different grades and sizes were quite different. In general, the residual stress of SAWH pipe was highest, followed by JCOE pipe and UOE pipe. After the ring splitting test, SAWH pipe section usually had relative displacement in circumferential, axial and radial directions, and the degree of deformation varies greatly; But SAWL pipe section usually only occurs circumferential opening, without axial and radial stagger, and the circumferential opening of JCOE pipe was usually larger than that of UOE pipe. (3) Based on the mechanical analysis of the complex deformation of SAWH pipe after the ring splitting test and the superposition principle of elastic mechanics, a prediction model of the residual stress of the high-grade and large-diameter welded pipe suitable for SAWH pipe was established, which overcame the deficiency of the existing prediction models of the residual stress of the welded pipe only considering the circumferential deformation. (4) The key forming parameters affecting the residual stress of SAWH pipe were analyzed and determined as the reduction and forming angle. Combined with the finite element simulation analysis, field adjustment and residual stress analysis, the forming technology and residual stress control technology of low residual stress SAWH pipe were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the theme of human-machine convergence as portrayed in modern science fiction movies and TV/streaming series and compares them to real-world advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR). It examines how science fiction often depicts humanoid robots and AI with human-like emotions and intentions, contrasting with the actual technological challenges and ethical considerations in developing intelligent machines. The text discusses the evolution of humanoid robots from fictional portrayals to real-life examples like Boston Dynamics' Atlas and Tesla's Optimus. The paper also explores the reverse interaction, where humans become avatars in virtual worlds, and briefly discusses the ethical implications of simulating deceased individuals in digital form. Through this examination, the paper emphasizes the complexity of human-machine convergence and the importance of considering social, ethical, and emotional aspects in technological progress. It concludes by suggesting that while science fiction provides insights into societal fears and hopes regarding technology and thus into ethical and regulative necessities, the real trajectory of human-machine convergence cannot be predicted through film but will be determined by ongoing and after all incidental developments in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in New Plant Breeding Techniques have emerged as promising tools for enhancing crop productivity, quality, and resilience in the face of global challenges, such as climate change and food security. However, the successful implementation of these techniques relies also on public acceptance of this innovation. Understanding what shapes public perception and acceptance of New Plant Breeding Techniques is crucial for effective science communication, policymaking, and the sustainable adoption of these innovations. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize existing research on the public perception of New Plant Breeding Techniques applied to food crops and explore the psychosocial determinants that influence acceptance. Twenty papers published between 2015 and 2023 were included on various New Plant Breeding Techniques and their reception by the general public. Determinants affecting the acceptance of food crops derived from New Plant Breeding Techniques were categorized into six areas: sociodemographic factors, perceived benefits and risks, attitudes toward science, communication strategies, personal values, and product characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the evolving theoretical divide within the field of International Political Economy (IPE), focusing on the debate between the advocates of new globalization and critics from the anti-globalization perspective. By conducting an integrative review of the contemporary literature, we explore the foundational theories, core components, and primary theorists of both perspectives, aiming to understand their predictions for future global dynamics. The investigation reveals a polarization in theoretical orientation, reflecting divergent views on the implications of globalization. Through a critical analysis, the paper identifies the liberal international order and the respective contemporary neo-Marxist viewpoints as central to the debate, evaluating their critiques and contributions to understanding the new globalization's trajectory. We suggest a synthesis of these perspectives, positing that the future of globalization—or "new globalization"—will be influenced by structural changes in global power dynamics, ongoing crises, and technological progress. This is encapsulated in the "evolutionary structural triptych" (EST) approach, which perceives the world economy as an evolutionary result of political, economic, and technological structures, which correspondingly reposition the objectives of stability, growth, and innovation in the new emerging era. In conclusion, we advocate for a balanced approach to globalization, emphasizing the need for policies that promote fairness, sustainability, and cooperation in the changing global environment. This leads to the re-introduction of an appealing concept for globalization's future: a new, realistic, open, and innovative global liberalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigative journalism, like other sectors of social life, has undergone significant changes due to globalization, technological progress, and the Western world's turn to neoliberalism. This context has facilitated the emergence of new practices within the profession, particularly new modes of communication between journalists and their confidential sources. This qualitative study focuses on the meaning journalists attribute to the use of these technologies in their relationships with their sources. Anonymity tools are being used to build the professional identity of investigative journalism (both collectively and individually) and therefore constitute a resource in the power relationship between journalists and their sources, a relationship that is not fundamentally changed by their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the relationship between Energy-saving Technological Change (ESTC) and economic growth, using panel data of 280 cities in China from 2010 to 2018, and explore the possible moderating effect and threshold effect of factor endowment structure between technological progress of energy-saving and regional economic growth. We have the following findings: (1) ESTC has a significant negative effect on regional economic growth. Each unit increase in ESTC reduces economic growth by 0.4–0.8 percentage points. (2) An increase in factor endowment structure will significantly alleviate the inhibiting effect of ESTC on regional economic growth, showing a specific moderating effect. (3) The impact of ESTC on regional economic growth is heterogeneous depending on the regional factor endowment structure. However, the regions with a capital stock per capita of more than 92.002, ESTC will have no impact on potential economic growth rates. Thus, we provide a new perspective on how to achieve ESTC without compromising economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on examining the impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 on the energy industry, specifically in the Hail region, by exploring the role of technological and economic strategies in fostering sustainable energy development. The study aims to identify key factors that facilitate the implementation of Vision 2030 to assess the current energy landscape in Saudi Arabia. By delving into the economic and technological dimensions of Vision 2030, the research seeks to determine the essential components that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia needs to establish systems and initiatives that align with global scientific and technological advances, ensuring competitiveness and progress in the global arena. By surveying 60 faculty members from Hail University, the study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to unravel how economic activities and technological advancements collaborate to shape a sustainable and competitive energy sector. The findings highlight the crucial role of technological innovations, including advances in administrative processes, human resource management, regulatory frameworks, and technical infrastructure related to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Furthermore, the study evaluates economic aspects such as labor market reforms, skill development programs, and support for emerging energy enterprises. The results underscore the positive impact of technological and economic interventions on the energy sector in the Hail region, with significant improvements in energy project management efficiency and the creation of a conducive environment for sustainable energy practices. The study reveals that the integration of technological and economic initiatives has led to notable improvements in the energy sector, reflected in average values ranging from 68% to 84%. These results underscore the fundamental role of Vision 2030 in advancing sustainable energy development and underscore the importance of leveraging economic and technological strategies to achieve energy sustainability and competitive advantage. This research contributes to understanding how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving progress in the energy industry and emphasizes the importance of integrating economic and technological approaches in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. The findings provide valuable information for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to harness economic and technological advancements to promote sustainable energy development. By showcasing the transformative impact of Vision 2030 on the energy sector in the Hail region, this study underscores the originality and importance of research in advancing the goals of sustainable energy development in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]