Status of tertiary level online class in Bangladesh: students' response on preparedness, participation and classroom activities

In the era of technology, every time the world confronts any kind of crisis or challenge, we use technology as a weapon. Like other emergencies, as COVID-19 is announced as a pandemic, all countries have started trying to control the situation with technological advancement in the medical sector, educational progress, and in the continuity of productions. As most of the educational institutions have been closed since March and the learning process in higher education has moved online, therefore, developing countries like Bangladesh are also trying to continue classes through the online platform with a lack of technological resources, readiness, and inclusiveness from the perspective of the students. This quantitative study surveyed over 844 students of different universities of Bangladesh to analyze the status of preparedness, participation, and classroom activities through online during the pandemic. The findings revealed a lack of preparedness, participation, and less scope of classroom activities through online learning. Problems of infeasible consistency of the internet and electricity, paying attention, understanding lessons through the online platform are the main constraints of online learning in the developing country. Finding ways of mitigating these problems can be the next subject for further researchers.

Energy efficiency evaluation, changing trends and determinants of energy productivity growth across South Asian countries: SBM-DEA and Malmquist approach

Energy efficiency is widely regarded as the most efficient means of supplying additional energy to meet the rising demand. However, extensive energy consumption causes greenhouse emissions, environmental destruction, and a decrease in energy efficiency (EE). This study investigates the role of energy efficiency and productivity growth in the ecological improvement of South Asia. Moreover, it evaluates the determinants (efficiency change or technology change) of energy productivity change across different SA (South Asian) countries. To estimate the energy efficiency and productivity change, we employed SBM-DEA and Malmquist Productivity Index methods with three inputs (capital stock, labor, and energy consumption), a single desirable output (gross domestic product) and a single undesirable output (CO2 emissions) on the well-extended dataset (2001-2019) for 6 South Asian countries. Furthermore, to check the impact of energy policy (2010) over the study period, the statistical significance of the change in mean scores for energy efficiency and productivity over two time periods (2001-2010 and 2011-2019) and six countries was examined using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results reveal that the average EE score of all 6 SA countries for the study period is 0.7278. This score shows that SA countries still have the potential of 27.22% to improve their energy efficiency to minimize the inputs to get the optimum output level with the least emissions. The primary determinant of energy productivity growth is technological change instead of efficiency. The average energy efficiency level is significantly different for two time periods, 2001-2010 and 2011-2019. Results conclude that energy efficiency and productivity in SA declined over the period, and potential causes are an inefficiency in the energy conversion process, extensive utilization of inputs, and less output growth.

Toward a sustainable circular economy for cigarette butts, the most common waste worldwide on the coast

The circular economy is based on the maximum use of resources by reducing, reusing, and recycling the elements used. Currently, the items littered most frequently in the world are cigarettes butts (CB) as these debris are freely disseminated in the marine habitat, they are generally difficult to collect and very complex to recycle. Litter CB is a great social problem that generates excessive economic costs and serious environmental problems. CB is also not biodegradable and highly toxic to marine organisms and presents a distinctive mixture of physical and chemical contamination. However, little research has been done on the management and recycling of this dangerous waste. Several proposals have been made to incorporate this waste into high-volume articles of direct production or recycling, but collection logistics are lacking since the current system is inefficient, in addition to the poor environmental behaviour of citizens. This work presents a current synthesis of the CB problem from all its possible aspects in order to have a global vision of the life cycle of the CB, indicating both the known and the gaps in the knowledge of each of them, and intends to give a general outline of the steps to follow to try to end such a worrying problem at the global level.

A technological innovation and economic progress enhancement: an assessment of sustainable economic and environmental management

This study examines the role of technological innovation and economic progress on environmental pollution by using STRIPAT and EKC theoretical frameworks in 25 developing Asian countries from the period 1998 to 2019. For technological advancement, the energy intensity has been used to gauge how much of the quantity of energy is employed to produce the additional unit of gross domestic product at domestic level. Therefore, the volume of the energy used in the production process is highly important as it is documented through the energy intensity. To capture the impact of innovation, the sum of total patent applications and trademark applications for the sampled countries has been used. This study applied second-generation unit root and panel cointegration techniques to estimate the results. To estimate the long-run relationship of variables and the cross-sectional interdependence, Pedroni Residual and Westerlund Cointegration tests are applied. Further, the Hausman-Taylor-type test has been used to check the efficiency of the pool mean group (PMG). The results of PMG regression confirm the existence of EKC in the developing Asian countries. The results of this study showed that technological development, innovations, and economic progress have the potential to reduce carbon emission and to protect the environment in developing Asian economies. Moreover, the results of error correction model indicate that in case of any external shock, this model will converge towards equilibrium within 64.6 years. The study proposed that a policy framework related to technological innovations should be sustained and the advancement of human capital and research and development should be the primary focus of the developing nations to mitigate the environmental challenges.

The moderating role of leadership on the relationship between green supply chain management, technological advancement, and knowledge management in sustainable performance

The escalation of regulatory obligations in order to reshape and implement eco-friendly operations make it essential for firms to execute the related strategies and enhance their position in a competitive market. Scholars and practitioners, thereby, have aligned their search in the area of sustainability to get to know regarding activities that might improve the outcomes of business practices. To contribute in a particular area, the study attempts to explore the critical role of knowledge management, technological advancement, and green supply chain (SC) management on SBP in the presence of a moderator-leadership. China is used as a study sample, and the study model was evaluated through structural equation modelling. Statistical findings indicate that knowledge management, technological advancement, and green SC management have a positive influence on SBP in China. The findings reveal that leadership support significantly moderates knowledge management, technological advancement, green SC management, and SBP in China. These outcomes guide regulators in making regulations related to sustainable performance using the best practice of SC, technology advancement, and knowledge management.

The impact of high economic growth and technology advancement on extensive energy production in China: evidence using NARDL model

High energy production is the global requirement that is the demand of high economic growth in the country and needs regulators and recent researchers' emphasis. Therefore, the current study examines the impact of economic factors such as gross domestic product (GDP), national income, employment rate, foreign direct investment (FDI), and inflation and technological advancement on energy production in China. The present article has used the secondary data extracted from World Development Indicators (WDIs) from 1976 to 2020. The present research has employed the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lagged (NARDL) model to explore the association among the understudy constricts. The findings revealed that all the economic factors such as GDP, national income, employment rate, FDI, inflation, and technological advancement have a significant and positive association with energy production in China. This article guides the relevant authorities and policymakers in developing and implementing the policies related to generating high energy production using foremost economic factors.

Assessing the influence of the digital economy on carbon emissions: Evidence at the global level

This paper discusses the influence of the digital economy (DE) on carbon emissions based on evidence at the global level. Specifically, based on the panel data from 80 countries from 2010 to 2020, this paper creates a DE measurement index and uses the System-GMM model to assess the influence of DE on carbon emissions. The results show that: (1) The development of DE significantly promotes carbon emissions reduction. (2) The development of DE significantly promotes carbon emissions reduction through technological advancement, structural optimization, and educational enhancement; (3) Regulatory quality and financial development play a positively moderating role in DE's promoting effect on carbon emissions reduction; (4) DE of European and North American nations have stronger promoting effect on carbon emissions reduction than DE of other countries. Compared to DE of developing countries, DE of developed countries has a stronger promoting effect on carbon emissions reduction. Additionally, this paper also finds that institutional differences can impact the carbon emission reduction effects of DE. Based on the results, this paper suggests that governments globally should promote the development of DE and foster international cooperation to enhance DE's driving role in promoting carbon emissions reduction.

Intrinsic challenges and strategic approaches for enhancing the potential of natural rubber and its derivatives: A review

Natural rubber (NR) and its derivatives play indispensable roles in various industries due to their unique properties and versatile applications. However, the widespread utilization of NR faces intrinsic challenges such as limited mechanical strength, poor resistance to heat and organic solvent, poor electrical conductivity, and low compatibility with other materials, prompting researchers to explore enhancing its performance. Modified NRs (MNRs) like cyclization, deproteinization, chlorination, epoxidation, or grafting NR demonstrated a few enhanced merits compared to NR. However, various strategies, such as blending, vulcanization, crosslinking, grafting, plasticization, reinforcement, and nanostructuring, overcame most drawbacks. This review comprehensively examines these challenges and delves into the modification strategies employed to enhance the properties and expand the applications of NR and its derivatives. Furthermore, the review explores future visions for the NR industry, emphasizing integrating advanced modification techniques, adopting sustainable practices, and promoting circular economy principles. By elucidating the inherent challenges, outlining effective modification strategies, and envisioning future trajectories, this review provides valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate and contribute to the sustainable development of the NR sector.

Energy, technology, and economic growth in Saudi Arabia: An ARDL and VECM analysis approach

This paper investigates the effects in short and long run of renewable and non-renewable energy, technological advancement, population, foreign direct investment, energy export, energy price, and carbon dioxide emissions on economic growth in Saudi Arabia as one of the largest oil producing and richest countries in the world and as a leading country in investing in modern technology, during 1990-2022 by using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag(ARDL) approach and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger causality technique. In first step, the ADF and DF-GSL tests are used to identify the order of integration of variables. In the second step, the Bounds test and the Wald test are used respectively to verify the existence of long run cointegration relationships and the long run relationships between variables. In the third step, we have applied the ARDL approach to capture the effect of each variable on Saudi economic growth in long term. Finally, the VECM technique was used to detect the direction of causality running from variable to another. It is appearing that all variables are stationary in first difference, and there are a long run cointegration and relationships among variables. The results of ARDL estimation show that non-renewable energy, renewable energy, population, foreign direct investment, energy export, and energy price positively affect the Saudi economic growth. While technological advancement and carbon dioxide emissions have negative effects on the economic increase of Saudi Arabia. These two results appear important and useful because of their consequences. In effect, it could damage its worldwide standing and dishearten foreign investment, stopping economic diversification efforts and increasing the income inequality. Though, the results of VECM technique show four bidirectional causal relationships between economic growth and non-renewable energy, foreign direct investment, energy export, and energy price. The findings of this study have several policy implications for Saudi Arabia. First, Saudi government should continue investing in the energy sector. Second, to attract more FDI, Saudi government should continue its efforts to reduce bureaucracy, simplify regulations, and provide a business-friendly environment. This strategy can help transfer technology and knowledge. Third, the government should monitor and control energy prices, as these can significantly impact economic growth. The government should invest in technological advancement, as this can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve energy efficiency; also, investing in human capital is essential for long-term economic growth. Policies that promote the health, education, and general well-being of the population can lead to a more productive and innovative workforce. However, the article reveals that technological advancements have a negative impact on economic growth in Saudi Arabia. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of skilled workers to implement new technologies or a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the needs of the economy. As solutions, Saudi government must invest in education and training can help address these challenges by developing a workforce capable of adapting to the changing needs of the economy and effectively using new technologies. Also, it's important to create science and technology parks to foster innovation and collaboration between businesses and universities. By taking these steps, the Saudi government can help create more diverse and knowledge-based economy, making it less dependent on oil and gas exports and more resilient to economic shocks.

Unlocking the potential: Receptor-mediated targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy

Receptor-mediated targeted drug delivery has emerged as a pivotal strategy in cancer therapy, offering precision and specificity in combating malignant diseases while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review explores the multifaceted role of receptors in cancer biology, emphasizing their contributions to cancer progression, metastasis, and their potential as therapeutic targets. Ligand-based targeting approaches highlight the utility of small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, as well as the development of novel targeting ligands. A critical focus is placed on engineering receptor-targeted nanoparticles and advanced drug delivery systems. Innovations in dual-targeting strategies and the targeted delivery to the tumour microenvironment (TME) and metastatic niches are discussed, underscoring their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, receptor-targeted imaging is reviewed for its dual role in diagnosis and real-time treatment monitoring. To address the challenges of side effects and off-target toxicity, strategies that minimize these risks while targeting overexpressed receptors in solid tumours are explored. Finally, the review outlines future directions in receptor-targeted cancer therapy, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to refine these strategies further. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a roadmap for advancing receptor-based therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving outcomes for cancer patients.

Efficiency evaluation, regional technological heterogeneity and determinant of total factor productivity change in China's healthcare system

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.

The impact of technological advancement on culture and society

Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural identities and practices across the globe. This paper explores the complex relationship between technology and cultural transformation, recognizing both its opportunities and challenges in diverse cultural contexts. We employ key theoretical frameworks, including cultural diffusion, technological determinism and the digital divide, to examine how technological advancements contribute to cultural development. Our findings reveal that technology acts as a catalyst for cultural exchange, innovation and adaptation, enabling unprecedented global communication and the exchange of ideas. For example, the rapid spread of the internet and mobile technologies has facilitated cross-cultural interactions, leading to the blending of cultural values and practices on a global scale. However, the research also highlights the challenges posed by technology, such as the digital divide, which exacerbates inequalities in access to digital resources, and the risk of cultural homogenization, where dominant global cultures overshadow local identities. This study underscores the dual nature of technological influence: while it fosters cultural enrichment and connectivity, it also poses risks to cultural diversity and equity. By analyzing empirical case studies, we show how these dynamics unfold in real-world contexts. Ultimately, this paper advocates for inclusive, mindful approaches to technological integration that respect and preserve cultural diversity. Our findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators and technologists, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive strategies to ensure that technological progress enhances, rather than erodes, cultural heritage in the digital age.

Effect of carbon trading scheme and technological advancement on the decision-making of power battery closed-loop supply chain

Optimising the decision-making of a power battery closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) and establishing a well-organised recycling system of waste power batteries are key to avoiding environmental pollution and wastage of resources, as well as realising green and sustainable development of a power battery CLSC. Combined with game theory and system dynamics, we explore the impact of the carbon trading scheme (CTS) and technological advancements on the power battery CLSC model. The results show the following: 1). At the initial stage of introducing CTS, more free carbon quotas increase the production of power batteries and social welfare. However, recycling and echelon utilisation are impeded, and carbon emissions of power battery CLSC increase. Reduced free carbon quotas and the rise of carbon trading prices promote recycling and echelon utilisation of waste power batteries, and carbon emissions reduce, but the production of power batteries and social welfare suffer a lot. 2). Technological advancement is more effective than CTS to promote recycling and echelon utilisation and reduce carbon emissions. 3). When technology becomes mature, it is appropriate to introduce CTS. At that moment, the combination of CTS, mature technology, and moderate competition recycling market is the best way to optimise the decision-making of power battery CLSC.

Digitalized world and carbon footprints: does digitalization really matter for sustainable environment?

There is a growing demand for energy to support economic and social development. There will be many shifts in the energy sector as a result of digitization. Hence, we aim analyzing the linkage between digitalization and environment sustainability by incorporating energy consumption as a moderating factor using data of UK from 1990 to 2020. Different dimensions of digitalization are used as explanatory variables, ecological and carbon footprints are used as outcomes and energy consumption is used as moderator. The findings of autoregressive distributed lag model show that internet users and technological advancement (fixed telephone subscription and mobile cellular) are negatively (positively) linked with ecological and carbon footprints. Energy consumption causes to enhance ecological and carbon footprints and plays an antagonistic role in the nexus of internet users, technological advancement, and ecological and carbon footprints. The effects of mobile cellular and fixed telephone subscription have increased in the presence of energy consumption as moderator which exhibits that energy consumption plays an enhancing role in the links between mobile cellular, fixed telephone subscription and ecological and carbon footprints. The results underscore the importance of taking a holistic approach to addressing the environmental impact of digital technologies. By promoting sustainable communication practices and investing in the development of more energy-efficient technologies, practitioners, managers, and society as a whole can work together to reduce the carbon and ecological footprints of digital technologies and create a more sustainable future for all.