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Purpose: The aim of the article is to examine the agile behavior of enterprises in the context of the ecological use of IT equipment. The focus was on analyzing how enterprises implement Green IT practices and how these activities affect their operational and environmental efficiency. Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology was based on an anonymous survey among 578 enterprises representing various sectors of the economy. The survey aimed to collect data on practices related to the successive replacement of IT equipment, the implementation of technological innovations, the use of energy-saving devices and the integration of Green IT as an element of a business strategy. Findings: Research has shown that enterprises that regularly replace IT equipment with new ones are more likely to implement technological innovations and use energy-saving devices. Strong correlations were observed between the implementation of innovations and energy efficiency. Choosing suppliers that promote Green IT is an important factor for companies striving for sustainable development. Research limitations/implications: Research limitations include the subjectivity of respondents' responses and the lack of full representativeness of the sample. Focusing on specific aspects of the green use of IT equipment may have omitted other important factors. Research results have limited validity due to changing regulations and technologies. Practical implications: The research results suggest that enterprises should focus on the gradual replacement of IT equipment with modern and energy-saving ones and on the integration of innovative technological solutions. This approach not only reduces energy consumption, but also reduces operating costs and improves the company's image as environmentally responsible. Social implications: Implementing Green IT solutions as an element of a business strategy contributes to the protection of the natural environment and supports sustainable development. Companies that promote agile and green practices can gain greater trust from customers, business partners and local communities. Originality/value: The article adds value by comprehensively analyzing the links between enterprise agility and their green practices in the use of IT equipment. The study highlights the importance of integrating Green IT into business strategies and shows how such activities can bring both operational and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling systems provide a safe thermal environment for the reliable operation of IT equipment in data centers (DCs) while generating significant energy consumption. Therefore, to achieve energy savings in cooling system control under dynamic thermal distribution in DCs, this paper proposes a multi-setpoint cooling control approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Firstly, a thermal model based on the XGBoost algorithm is constructed to precisely evaluate the thermal distribution in the rack room to guide real-time cooling control. Secondly, a multi-set point cooling control approach based on the deep Q-network algorithm (DQN-MSP) is designed to finely regulate the supply air temperature of each air conditioner by capturing the thermal fluctuations to ensure the dynamic balance of cooling supply and demand. Finally, we adopt the extended CloudSimPy simulation tool and the real workload trace of the PlanetLab system to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the proposed control solution effectively reduces the cooling energy consumption by over 2.4% by raising the average air supply temperature of the air conditioner while satisfying the thermal constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intelligent transportation system (ITS) relies heavily on the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) and the internet of vehicles (IoVs), which combine cloud and fog to improve task processing capabilities. As a cloud extension, the fog processes' infrastructure is close to VANET, fostering an environment favorable to smart cars with IT equipment and effective task management oversight. Vehicle processing power, bandwidth, time, and high-speed mobility are all limited in VANET. It is critical to satisfy the vehicles' requirements for minimal latency and fast reaction times while offloading duties to the fog layer. We proposed a fuzzy logic-based task scheduling system in VANET to minimize latency and improve the enhanced response time when offloading tasks in the IoV. The proposed method effectively transfers workloads to the fog computing layer while considering the constrained resources of car nodes. After choosing a suitable processing unit, the algorithm sends the job and its associated resources to the fog layer. The dataset is related to crisp values for fog computing for system utilization, latency, and task deadline time for over 5000 values. The task execution, latency, deadline of task, storage, CPU, and bandwidth utilizations are used for fuzzy set values. We proved the effectiveness of our proposed task scheduling framework via simulation tests, outperforming current algorithms in terms of task ratio by 13%, decreasing average turnaround time by 9%, minimizing makespan time by 15%, and effectively overcoming average latency time within the network parameters. The proposed technique shows better results and responses than previous techniques by scheduling the tasks toward fog layers with less response time and minimizing the overall time from task submission to completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data centers are energy-intensive facilities, with over 95% of their total cooling load attributed to the heat generated by information technology equipment (ITE). Various energy-saving techniques have been employed to enhance data center efficiency and to reduce power usage effectiveness (PUE). Among these, economizers using outdoor air for cooling are the most effective for addressing year-round cooling demands. Despite the simplicity of the load composition, analyzing data center cooling systems involves dynamic considerations, such as weather conditions, system conditions, and economizer control. A PUE interpretation tool was specifically developed for use in data centers, aimed at addressing the simplicity of data center loads and the complexity of system analysis. The tool was verified through a comparison with results from DesignBuilder implementing the EnergyPlus algorithm. Using the developed tool, a comparative analysis of economizer strategies based on the PUE distribution was conducted, with the aim of reducing the PUE of data centers across various climatic zones. The inclusion of evaporative cooling (EC) further improved cooling efficiency, leading to reductions in PUE by approximately 0.02 to 0.05 in dry zones. Additionally, wet zones exhibited PUE reductions, ranging from approximately 0.03 to 0.07, with the implementation of indirect air-side economizer (IASE). Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were further conducted. The computer room air handler (CRAH) supply temperature and CRAH temperature difference were the most influential factors affecting the annual PUE. For the direct air-side economizer (DASE) and DASE + EC systems, higher PUE uncertainty was observed in zones 1B, 3B, 4B, and 5B, showing ranges of 1.17–1.39 and 1.15–1.17, respectively. In the case of the IASE and IASE + EC systems, higher PUE uncertainty was noted in zones 0A, 0B, 1A, 1B, and 2A, with ranges of 1.22–1.43 and 1.17–1.43, respectively. The distinctive innovation of the tool developed in this study is characterized by its integration of specific features unique to data centers. It streamlines the computation of cooling loads, thus minimizing the burden of input, and delivers energy consumption data for data center cooling systems with a level of precision comparable to that of commercial dynamic energy analysis tools. It provides data center engineers with a valuable resource to identify optimal alternatives and system design conditions for data centers. This empowers them to make informed decisions based on energy efficiency enhancements, thereby strengthening their ability to improve energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is designed to evaluate students' knowledge and perceptions about the online learning of pharmacy curricula in Iraq during the COVID-19 quarantine. A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 278 pharmacy students was done between October 2020 and June 2021. About 42.44% preferred face–face lecturers over other modes of delivery for lectures in the pharmacy curriculum. Most participants preferred both active learning and face–face lectures. The results show that 72.66% of responders chose to stay at home as one of the privileges of e-learning. However, the main barriers that associated with e-learning were lack of patient involvement and some technical issues regarding IT equipment, (74.82%) and (62.23%), respectively. E-learning is seen as a lack of social presence, less social contact, and synchronization of connections. However, e-learning undoubtedly benefits students in several ways. Online learning is an essential podium for students to achieve their studies in periods of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In line with public health policy, healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) are encouraged to deliver opportunistic health behaviour change interventions during routine consultations. The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare delivery has been wide‐ranging, but little is known about how the pandemic has affected the delivery of health behaviour change interventions. The present study aimed to examine the barriers and enablers to delivering opportunistic behaviour change interventions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Twenty‐five qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted in January 2022 with a range of patient‐facing healthcare professionals (including nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, doctors and midwives) working in the NHS. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two overarching themes were generated: (1) the healthcare system's response to COVID‐19, and (2) maintaining good HCP‐patient relationships: reluctance and responsibility. COVID‐19‐related barriers included exacerbated staffing pressures and a perceived inability to use IT equipment to facilitate conversations about health behaviour change (due to poor internet connectivity or ill‐equipped platforms). COVID‐19‐related enablers included the use of video consultations enabling less awkward and more honest conversations about health behaviours. However, some barriers and enablers remained the same as pre‐pandemic, such as issues of role responsibility for discussing health behaviour change with patients, balancing holistic wellbeing advice with maintaining positive patient‐HCP relationships, and reluctance to deliver opportunistic behaviour change interventions. Discussion: The increased use of remote consultations may facilitate the delivery of opportunistic health behaviour change interventions by healthcare professionals. However, there is also a strong need to improve staffing levels, in order that staff have the psychological and physical capabilities to engage patients in these conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive information can have its security compromised by unintentional electromagnetic emissions from the information technology equipment (ITE) being used to process it. It is important to assess the likelihood of a potential compromise, and this requires radio frequency (RF) engineering expertise to predict the likelihood of the vulnerability occurring. This paper describes the development of a fuzzy inference system that can be used to assess the radiated and conducted vulnerability likelihood of unintentional electromagnetic emanations. The system has the potential to be a valuable tool for cybersecurity practitioners without RF expertise. The system has been tested on office-based ITE devices, and it is effective in predicting the likelihood of radiated and conducted vulnerabilities occurring. Areas of future work include extending the fuzzy inference system to use RF propagation models and enabling it to make vulnerability likelihood predictions after countermeasures have been applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding flows of resource‐rich electrical and electronic equipment throughout its life cycle is increasingly important in the development of global circular economies, reflected by heavy legislative focuses on waste prevention and resource use efficiency. This research facilitates broader material flow analysis by characterizing flows of professional IT equipment within the Republic of Ireland, emphasizing the flow of legal exports for the purposes of refurbishment and reuse. The analysis of transboundary movement of non‐waste used equipment contributes to a less often measured, but influential, facet of material flows. Eight key exporters of used equipment, comprising original equipment manufacturers, information technology asset disposition companies, and waste treatment facilities, were interviewed to characterize the sector, map the flow of materials, and identify gaps in existing reporting. Interviewed organizations declared exports of used equipment by category using a voluntary declaration form. Two key flows were identified representing currently unreported and unmeasured flows of non‐waste professional equipment. A total of 441,261 units of equipment were declared to be exported for reuse from the Republic of Ireland through these previously unmeasured flows in 2019. Product keys developed by United Nations University were used to estimate the weight of total units exported as approximately 576 metric tons, amounting to an additional approximately 9% of the weight of IT equipment collected in the Republic of Ireland in 2018, or 0.1 kg per inhabitant. These quantifications of IT equipment exported for reuse will be a key component of future material flow analyses in the development of a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Using patent data from 1976 to 2010 as indicators of inventive activity, we determine the concentration level of where inventive ideas originate and then examine how and why those concentrations change over time. The analysis finds pervasive deconcentration in every area related to the Information and Communication Technology equipment market. We find that booms and busts play an important role in deconcentration trends. In comparison, new entry explains surprisingly little and merger and acquisition activity does not revert the trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of valuable properties of waste and their reuse as raw materials is an imperative of the circular economy. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a significant source of valuable raw materials, certain metals, and rare earth elements that are the basis for highly sophisticated IT equipment production. It is estimated that the production of WEEE in Europe in 2019 was 16.20 kg/inhabitant, while quantities continue to grow at a rate of 3–4% per year. Waste liquid crystal displays used in televisions, laptops, desktops, and other devices represent a significant share of WEEE and contain 0.12–0.14% of liquid crystals whose main ingredient is indium—tin oxide. In order to investigate and determine the methods and conditions of indium recycling from waste LCDs, laboratory research was conducted. The influence of temperature, particle size, and retention time in different media with and without ultrasound treatment was monitored to provide the efficiency of indium leaching. The analysis of the results showed that 98% indium leaching was achieved with granulation samples of 10 × 10 mm at a temperature 40 °C/40 min in solution H2O:HCl: HNO3 = 6:2:1 under ultrasound conditions, while aqueous and alkaline media under the same conditions did not show significant efficiency. This study can be used as a practical reference for the recycling of indium from LCD panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For virtual care models to be able to improve the safety and quality of care, it is essential to identify the strengths and weaknesses of virtual care. In this Scoping review, literature published on virtual care was identified using international databases. The results of the included studies were summarized using a predefined taxonomy. In total, 20 studies were included in the present review. Extracting the findings of the articles showed four main topics, including "virtual care delivery models," "Video conference software platforms to provide virtual care," "virtual care delivery challenges," and "virtual care implementation facilitators." Therefore, with the development of emerging digital technologies, unique opportunities to provide virtual care and improve the provision of health services have been created in the health care system worldwide. Multifunctional video conference software platforms using specific models for each scope of care practice should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era ruled by data and information, engineers need new tools to cope with the increased complexity of industrial operations. New architectural models for industry enable open communication environments, where workflows can play a major role in providing flexible and dynamic interactions between systems. Workflows help engineers maintain precise control over their factory equipment and Information Technology (IT) services, from the initial design stages to plant operations. The current application of workflows departs from the classic business workflows that focus on office automation systems in favor of a manufacturing-oriented approach that involves direct interaction with cyber-physical systems (CPSs) on the shop floor. This paper identifies relevant industry-related challenges that hinder the adoption of workflow technology, which are classified within the context of a cohesive workflow lifecycle. The classification compares the various workflow management solutions and systems used to monitor and execute workflows. These solutions have been developed alongside the Eclipse Arrowhead framework, which provides a common infrastructure for designing systems according to the microservice architectural principles. This paper investigates and compares various solutions for workflow management and execution in light of the associated industrial requirements. Further, it compares various microservice-based approaches and their implementation. The objective is to support industrial stakeholders in their decision-making with regard to choosing among workflow management solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an exclusive national sample of Brazilian university laboratories, this study examines the relationship between the intensity of university-industry collaboration (UIC) and the scale of research resources and the scope of activities at the laboratory level. We defined the scale of the laboratories' research resources in terms of staff and capital stock. The staff of laboratories was proxied by the number of permanent researchers, non-permanent researchers, and non-researchers who made up their personnel structure. The capital stock was proxied by the value of the laboratories' equipment infrastructure. The scope of activities conducted in the laboratories covered teaching, research, technological development, the provision of technological services, and technological extension. Results of the ordered logit model indicated that the number of non-researchers in the laboratory staff is positively associated with the intensity of the UIC, emphasizing the relevance of the non-academic experience for the establishment of links between laboratories and industry. A new type of evidence showed that the latent variable for the UIC intensity increased with the scale of the equipment infrastructure. We also found a positive relationship between UIC and technological activities at the laboratory level. Idiosyncrasies concerning the knowledge fields of the laboratories are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the paper is to present the participation of the Mobile Library Service of Zagreb City Libraries in the period from 2018 to 2022, in the projects of the Institute for Youth Development and Innovation (IRIM) dealing with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. The projects are as follows: "The STEM revolution continues: Libraries", "The Digital citizen", and "The Digital libraries for local development". The mentioned projects encourage the use of digital technologies in libraries in order to develop libraries into advanced centers for the acquisition of digital skills. By providing a mobile library service, the libraries strive to reduce the consequences of social exclusion and raise the quality and standard of life in the community for all citizens, thus contributing to the realization of the right of each individual to access information, knowledge and culture, which also includes the presentation of new technologies to all children, regardless of whether they live in urban or suburban areas and whether they attend central or branch primary schools. Approach/methodology. The paper describes the participation of the Mobile Library Service of Zagreb City Libraries in the period from 2018 to 2022 in the projects of the Institute for Youth Development and Innovation: "The STEM revolution continues: Libraries", "The Digital citizen", and "The Digital libraries for local development". Through the presentation of the five years of participation in the projects, two of which were completely marked by the coronavirus epidemic, it will be shown how successful the implementation of the projects was in 2018 and 2019, as well as the stagnation that followed in 2020 and 2021, and the start of the revitalization of the projects in 2022. The data was collected in the reports on the work of the Mobile Library Service, on the Zagreb City Libraries website, and from the professional and other papers on the Mobile Library Service of Zagreb City Libraries. Findings. By presenting the participation in the projects, an attempt was made to indicate the success of their implementation and the development of activities in accordance with the modern IFLA Mobile Library Guidelines (2011). Also, it will be shown that the work program is based on social and demographic changes in the local communities, the computerization of the library systems and the modernization of the IT equipment of the Mobile Library Service, as well as an excellent inter-institutional cooperation. Furthermore, the paper points to the most important thing, which is that by providing a mobile library service, libraries strive to reduce the consequences of social exclusion and raise the quality and standard of life in the community for all citizens, thus contributing to the realization of the right of each individual to access information, knowledge and culture, which also includes the presentation of new technologies to all children, regardless of whether they live in urban or suburban areas and whether they attend central or branch primary schools. Social implications. By being included in the IRIM projects, libraries, as well as mobile libraries, thus develop into advanced centers for acquiring digital skills. The social significance is manifested in the effort to reduce the consequences of social exclusion by providing a mobile library service that also includes the presentation of new technologies to all children, regardless of whether they live in urban or suburban areas and whether they attend central or branch primary schools. Originality/value. The paper is a valuable contribution to the very small number of published professional papers on the participation of the Mobile Library Service of Zagreb City Libraries in the projects of the Institute for Youth Development and Innovation such as "The STEM revolution continues: Libraries", "The Digital citizen", and "The Digital libraries for local development". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of work has changed significantly in recent years, influenced by digitalization, technological advances (e.g., robotics, automation, artificial intelligence), demographics and diversity. As a result, remote work has steadily increased over the last two decades. The article explores the advantages and disadvantages of working from home in public administration. In the empirical part, we wanted to determine whether employees working from home can coordinate their personal and professional lives and whether their employer has properly organized their work from home and provided them with adequate IT equipment. The research was conducted based on an anonymous questionnaire completed by public administration employees. The statistical analysis results showed that the employees see more advantages than disadvantages in working from home. Based on research and theory, we find that part of the public administration continues to work from home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLI'E) is an in-person group mind-body movement program for people across the spectrum of cognitive decline and care partners (CPs). Objective: This study developed and refined an online version called Moving Together and tested feasibility and satisfaction with an online delivery. Methods: In Phase 1, we used qualitative methods to determine which elements of the in-person program were essential to retain for the online version and adaptations that would be needed to support the user experience. In Phase 2, we created a prototype of the online program and iteratively refined it based on user feedback. In Phase 3, we assessed feasibility of online delivery based on class attendance and program completion; we assessed satisfaction and participant-reported outcomes using a post-program evaluation survey with quantitative and qualitative components. Results: Phase 1 findings from 27 participants (14 PLWD, 13 CPs) revealed three key considerations related to online delivery of PLI'E: technology use, social connection as a primary motivator, and physical safety concerns. Phase 2 iterative testing among 25 participants (14 PLWD, 11 CPs) resulted in key refinements to program delivery and instructional elements; Phase 3 pilot testing included 39 participants (12 PLWD, 15 CPs, 12 MCI) who attended 75 ± 29% of 24 classes; 77% completed the 12-week program, of whom 96% rated it as excellent or good. Participant-reported outcomes included improvements in social connection, emotional well-being, physical function, cognitive function and present-centered body awareness. PLWD or MCI also reported improvements in self-concept, and CPs reported improvements in caregiving self-efficacy. The primary challenges were related to participant navigation of technology. Conclusion: The Moving Together online program is feasible for PLWD or MCI and CPs with participants reporting high satisfaction and positive outcomes across multiple domains. Providing individual technology support is critical for the success of livestreamed, online interventions for dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For small public water systems, vulnerability to cyberattacks is a serious concern. This is especially true for systems operating on a low budget for upgrading outdated information technology equipment and cybersecurity plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IT infrastructure is the basis for the efficient and effective flow of logistic information between the individual elements of the logistical system. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess the diversification of equipment in IT infrastructure in enterprises in Central Pomerania in Poland. The research was conducted in 2021 using the CAWI method. The research covers five categories of IT infrastructure: IT equipment, software/applications, means of communication, devices cooperating in the smart internet network and other devices. The study was conducted on a sample of 353 enterprises located in the area of Central Pomerania. The results of the conducted research indicate that the degree of use of the IT infrastructure in the analyzed enterprises varies. Taking into account the size of the enterprise, IT infrastructure is much more often used by large and medium enterprises than by small and micro enterprises. In addition, the results also show the diversification of the use of IT infrastructure depending on the business profile of the enterprise. Among the various sections of activity, IT infrastructure is most often used by enterprises from Section C (industrial processing) and from Section H (transport and warehouse management). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of information science and technology, the demand for computer data processing is increasing, resulting in the rapid growth of the demand for high-power and high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs). The stable operation of SSDs plays an important role in ensuring the reliable working conditions and appropriate temperature of information technology equipment, rack servers, and related facilities. However, SSDs usually have significant heat emissions, putting forward higher requirements for temperature and humidity control, and consequently the heat sink system for cooling is essential to maintain the proper working state of SSDs. In this paper, a new type of thin heat pipe (THP) heat sink is proposed, and the heat transfer performance and cooling effect are experimentally and numerically studied. The numerical results are compared with experimental results, which showed an error within 5%. Single and double heat pipes were investigated under different input powers (from 5 W to 50 W) and different placement angles between 0° and 90°. The heat transfer performance of the new heat sink is analyzed by the startup performance, the evaporator temperature, and the total thermal resistance. The results show that the new double THPs with a 90° angle have a great advantage in the heat transfer performance of SSDs. The research is of great significance for the design and optimization of the SSDs' cooling system in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the popularization of computer and information network technology, the core business of more and more industries has basically realized informatization office. Although the informatization office has brought a lot of convenience to people, the increasingly complex informatization infrastructure equipment has also buried many hidden dangers for people. More and more security incidents are caused by unfamiliarity with these infrastructures. How to use the information infrastructure correctly has become a problem considered by more and more enterprise information security departments, and the position of IT operation and maintenance is born to solve this hidden danger. The IT (Internet Technology) operation and maintenance personnel of each enterprise formulate a set of operational risk quantitative assessment models for the enterprise based on the internal information infrastructure equipment of the enterprise so that the enterprise staff can use these infrastructure equipment efficiently and safely. This paper focused on the quantitative assessment model of IT operation and maintenance operation risk constructed by the digital twin model. The quantitative assessment model of IT operation and maintenance operation risk constructed by the digital twin model was compared with the quantitative assessment model of IT operation and maintenance operation risk constructed by other traditional models. The comparison results showed that the output results of the evaluation model constructed by the digital twin model were closer to the actual results, and the accuracy rate was 35.9% higher than that of the previous operational risk assessment model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Development Fund (ADF) has approved several loans and grants for development projects in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and the Zambezi Basin. In Guinea, a loan of $14.04 million will support industrial development and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Liberia will receive an additional $10 million to improve food and nutrition security and increase agricultural production. Nigeria will receive a $15 million subordinated loan facility to attract institutional investors for infrastructure financing. Sierra Leone will receive a $19.95 million grant to create jobs and strengthen climate change adaptation capacity. South Sudan will receive grant funding of $8.6 million to enhance revenue administration and tax collection. The Zambezi Basin will receive funding of over $18 million to improve water management and address electronic waste. [Extracted from the article]

Https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llad099 Dear Editor, Clinical research is a key pillar in healthcare by synthesizing the evidence that underpins our treatment guidelines and practices in medicine. Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 3 Sustainable Trials Study Group. [Extracted from the article]

In recent years, data centers (DCs) have evolved a lot, and this change is related to the advent of cloud computing, e-commerce, services aimed at social networks, and big data. Such architectures demand high availability, reliability, and performance at satisfactory service levels; requirements are often neglected at the expense of high costs. In addition, the use of techniques capable of promoting greater environmental sustainability is most often forgotten in the design phase of such architectures. Approaches to perform an integrated assessment of dependability attributes for DCs, in general, are not trivial. Thus, this work presents the dependability attributes (availability and reliability), performability, and sustainability parameters that need special attention in implementing a cooling subsystem in DCs. That is one of the most cost generators for these infrastructures. In this study, we use the hypothetical-deductive method through a quantitative and qualitative approach; as for the procedure, it is bibliographical research through the review of scientific studies, and the research objectives are exploratory in nature. The results show that among all the papers selected and analyzed in this systematic literature review (SLR), none have jointly addressed performability, dependability, and sustainability in cooling systems for DCs. The main results of this work are presented through research questions, as they bring evidence of gaps to be addressed in the area. The four research questions point out challenges in implementing cooling systems in DCs and present the techniques and/or methods most used to propose or analyze data center cooling infrastructures; addressing the essential sustainability requirements for cooling subsystems, and finally, presenting open questions that can be investigated in the area of sustainable cooling in DCs regarding the data center's cooling and the difficulty of incorporating dependability attributes in the environmental context. In addition to these results, the present study actively contributes to the concept of a "green data center" for the companies, which ranges from the choice of renewable energy sources to more efficient information technology equipment. Hence, we show the relevance and originality of this SLR and its results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information technology equipment (ITE) processing sensitive information can have its security compromised by unintentional electromagnetic radiation. Appropriately assessing likelihood of a potential compromise relies on radio frequency (RF) engineering expertise—specifically, requiring knowledge of the associated causal factors and their interrelationships. Several factors that can cause unintentional electromagnetic emanations that can lead to the compromise of ITE have been found in the literature. This paper confirms the list of causal factors reported in previous work, categorizes the factors as belonging to threat, vulnerability, or impact, and develops an interpretive structural model of the vulnerability factors. A participatory modelling approach was used consisting of focus groups of RF engineers. The resulting hierarchical structural model shows the relationships between factors and illustrates their relative significance. The paper concludes that the resulting model can motivate a deeper understanding of the structural relationship of the factors that can be incorporated in the RF engineers' assessment process. Areas of future work are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online business-to-business auctions for used IT products have emerged as a viable market for finding a second life for these products, rather than having them end up in landfills as e-waste. As part of the growing "secondary market" landscape, these online B2B auctions are significantly affected by adverse selection since uncertainty about product quality from their first life remains in place. We study how these adverse selection costs may be identified and reduced in online B2B auctions for mobile phones using a proprietary data set for pallets of iPhone devices. We focus on the differences between carrier-locked and unlocked iPhones, and the degree to which the jailbreaking of devices may lead to adverse selection costs. We first show that uncertainty with respect to the possibility of jailbreaking-to-unlock induces significant adverse selection costs in this market. We identify a clear method that these adverse selection costs may be reduced through policies implemented in the primary market. We find that adverse selection costs exist with respect to jailbreaking-to-unlock, by comparing prices obtained for locked and unlocked devices, as well as pallets where this information is not disclosed. However, when some of the uncertainty surrounding jailbreaking-to-unlock is removed by virtue of an exogenous policy change implemented by Verizon in the primary market, i.e., to sell all iPhones as factory unlocked, adverse selection costs are significantly reduced. Our work has significant implications for enhancing the efficiency of secondary markets for IT products, by virtue of highlighting the connections between primary and secondary markets. Managerial and theoretical implications that emerge from this work are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An electronic prescription system is a mechanism that has long been implemented in many countries around the world. In the present study, we reviewed the requirements, standards, and features of an electronic prescription system for its correct and accurate execution.Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-SCR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). A comprehensive literature search was performed with the related keywords in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest with no time limit. The selection of papers was based on inclusion criteria. After removing duplicates, reviewing titles, abstracts, and full-text, 13 articles were included in the analysis.Results: Electronic prescription system requirements extracted from the studies: Patient data, Patient selection or identification and data access, Drug Selection, Security, Privacy and administration, Transparency and accountability, Interoperability and communication, Monitoring, report, reminder, and renewals, Feedback at the prescriber level, Infrastructure: Computer equipment, Awareness of physicians and System support, Patient education and information, Usability, Standards, History of Medications / Current Medications, Data transfer and storage, Alerts and other messages to prescribers, and filtering of user-selectable alerts for possible prescription problems and Decision support.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the electronic prescription systems have several functional and technical capabilities that can provide significant benefits to all system's stakeholders, including service providers, drug distributors, patients, and insurance organizations if used correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a three‐dimensional hybrid kinematics‐force (HKF) model for fluid force estimation coupled with position optimization of an aerial robot capable of high‐pressure fluid ejection is presented. Motivated by the archerfish's unique (water‐jetting) hunting mechanics, the HKF model comprises of two sub‐models (hybrid kinematics and fluid force estimation) to maintain a specific fluid force at the point‐of‐contact (POC) during high altitude fluid jetting for high‐risk maintenance (cleaning) scenarios. Industries with high‐risk cleaning applications seek to employ robots to assist cleaners in routine operations on infrastructures or equipment at a height such as photovoltaic e‐glasses, impact‐sensitive objects, and many others. For a fluid jet, the stand‐off distance represents the length of the fluid trajectory between the nozzle orifice and POC, and is also a vital variable in fluid force control. If the stand‐off distance between the ejection source and the target is large, the fluid stream loses energy along the trajectory and the force at the POC is weakened thus losing some of the jet pressure at the target surface. The HKF model exploits this by estimating and maintaining a specific force at the POC through position optimization of the onboard nozzle coupled with the knowledge of the fluid parameters. To innovate high structure cleaning, the HKF model can be employed on an aerial robot with fluid ejection capabilities for accurate fluid force control at the POC. For high‐pressure fluid ejection (on horizontal and vertical structures), the HKF model is able to predict the (high pressure) fluid force at the POC with less than 10% error. The proposed HKF model is tested and verified through simulations and the experimentation results are validated by flying the physical prototypes in actual deployment scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As energy consumption constantly gains importance, it has become one of the major issues in managing logistics systems. However, it is ranked against other company priorities, and the rationalization for investing in energy needs to be justified by the savings achieved. A solution for reducing energy consumption via electric forklifts for performing docking operations at distribution centers, which requires no investments in infrastructure or equipment, is outlined in this paper. The solution is based on optimizing inbound dock door allocation, and the energy savings are quantified using a simulation model. A case study of a local FMCG distributor's logistics center was conducted to collect the data and information needed for modeling inbound docking operations and performing simulation experiments. The optimal dock door allocation was obtained using a linear programming method using an MS Excel spreadsheet optimizer (Solver), while the simulation of the docking operations was carried out using FlexSim simulation software. The experimental results show that the solution outlined in this paper enables savings in the electric energy consumption of forklifts of between 12.8% and 14.5%, compared to the empirical solution applied by the company in the case study. The intended contribution of this paper is not limited to presenting an applicable solution for energy savings in performing logistics processes, but also aims to draw the attention of more researchers and companies to the ways in which logistics processes are managed and performed in terms of raising energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the Covid 19 pandemic many governments and professional bodies recommended cancellation of elective surgeries including cochlear implantation. Resumption of elective surgeries was recommended after appropriate permissions were given by the authorities and the hospital had adequate infrastructure in terms of equipment and manpower to start elective surgeries without compromising on patient safety and care. We began cochlear implant surgeries in April 2020. We have done 5 cochlear implants surgeries till date. This manuscript discusses the changes that we did in our preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of aviation equipment system maintenance, it is very difficult to judge the faulty finished product according to the fault phenomenon, the author proposes a data mining-based prediction model for aviation equipment failure finished products. The model takes historical fault record data as input, clusters a large number of fault descriptions through text clustering to obtain fault phenomenon clusters, and establishes a many-to-many relationship between "fault phenomenon" and "fault finished product." A probability distribution algorithm for faulty finished products is proposed, and by matching new fault phenomena and fault phenomenon clusters, the probability distribution of faulty finished products is calculated. The experimental results show that after calling the model to complete the clustering of the fault information database, 18966 fault phenomenon clusters are obtained, and each fault phenomenon cluster contains 2.9 fault records on average, the many-to-many relationship between the fault phenomenon and the faulty finished product of the fault information database is successfully constructed. The model can effectively predict the probability distribution of products that may fail according to the fault description, and the prediction accuracy can be improved with the increase of the amount of data to meet the actual security needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive hydraulic transients in a water distribution system (WDS) can instantaneously damage equipment and infrastructure, while long-term pressure oscillations can contribute to pipe structural deterioration and eventually pipe bursts. It is therefore important to monitor hydraulic transient events in WDSs and locate the source in a timely manner; however, there is a lack of a theoretical basis for optimal sensor placement with regard to real-time transient event detection. This paper investigates the criteria for optimal sensor deployment of high-speed pressure loggers in a WDS and develops a technique for determining the optimal sensor locations. The proposed criteria focus on maximizing the spatial extent of the network within which transient events can be detected and located. A key concept in this work is the locatability of an event, which is defined based on the combination of hydraulic wave propagation theory in networks and the adoption of graphing theoretic concepts, and is based on the existence of unique wave propagation paths from the event to two or more sensors. Two case studies are considered, where the first is a small network that is used to explain the steps of the method, and the second serves as the basis for an extensive numerical study, where it is observed that the proposed method outperforms other approaches and is able to provide the optimum sensor layout for a given number of sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article deals with the subject of innovation in theoretical and practical terms. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of innovations co-financed from EU funds on the development of the health care sector in the Łódź region. Design/methodology/approach: The article is based on literature studies, the results of literary studies from empirical research and own research of the author. The aim was achieved by the use of CATI technique (CATI – Computer Assisted Telephone Interview). Findings: Innovations in health care institutions are a necessary condition for overcoming the challenges of the contemporary environment. They contribute to the improvement of the quality of provided services, expansion of the examined entities (in terms of medical equipment and infrastructure) and increasing the level of accessibility to medical services. Research limitations/implications: The primary limitation of the conducted research is the lack of possibility to generalize the results to the entire group of entities operating in Poland. The results may serve as an assessment of the current status regarding the functioning of health care institutions in the Łódź region. Practical implications: The health level of a society is closely related to the level of economic development. A healthy, capable and long-living society is able to produce more goods and services, which has a direct impact on development, while a high level of development creates the possibility of allocating more resources to the health sector. Originality/value: This article presents original empirical findings on the sources of funding, types and areas, and effects of innovation ventures in hospitals. The efforts to improve the understanding and implementation of innovation in hospitals are significantly hindered by the lack of solid scientific evidence. Therefore, a framework for further research has been created to confirm the urgent need for directions in the development of innovation in the health sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious virus outbreaks pose a significant challenge to public healthcare systems. Early and accurate virus diagnosis is critical to prevent the spread of the virus, especially when no specific vaccine or effective medicine is available. In clinics, the most commonly used viral detection methods are molecular techniques that involve the measurement of nucleic acids or proteins biomarkers. However, most clinic‐based methods require complex infrastructure and expensive equipment, which are not suitable for low‐resource settings. Over the past years, smartphone‐based point‐of‐care testing (POCT) has rapidly emerged as a potential alternative to laboratory‐based clinical diagnosis. This review summarizes the latest development of virus detection. First, laboratory‐based and POCT‐based viral diagnostic techniques are compared, both of which rely on immunosensing and nucleic acid detection. Then, various smartphone‐based POCT diagnostic techniques, including optical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and other types of biosensors are discussed. Moreover, this review covers the development of smartphone‐based POCT diagnostics for various viruses including COVID‐19, Ebola, influenza, Zika, HIV, et al. Finally, the prospects and challenges of smartphone‐based POCT diagnostics are discussed. It is believed that this review will aid researchers better understand the current challenges and prospects for achieving the ultimate goal of containing disease‐causing viruses worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic prerequisites for the correct operation of the classic on-load tap-changing voltage control (CVC) are that the distribution network (DN) is passive. However, by installing distributed generators (DGs), today's DNs become increasingly active. Consequently, by measuring only the current and voltage magnitudes at the on-load tap-changing transformer secondary side, its automatic voltage regulator receives a false image of the DN load. In such a case, it is impossible to determine the optimal voltage value at the transformer secondary side in all possible states. Therefore, the CVC must be adapted to the new situation. This paper presents a simple, efficient, and inexpensive adaptive on-load tap-changing voltage control (AVC) for active DN with DGs and customers placed on different feeders. The adaptation refers only to the false image of DN load correction, based on the DN load assessment without the influence of DG. Practically, this correction is realized by minimal investment into the existing equipment and infrastructure. Thus, complicated methods requiring an expensive upgrade of DN in terms of communication infrastructure expansion, installation of new sensors and control devices, their coordination, and integration with modern IT/OT systems are avoided. The verification of the AVC is performed in real-life in the real-world active DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of infrastructure equipment is taking a toll on the health and economic well-being of residents all around the world. This is mainly because it contributes to ambient air pollution, noise, and vibration in the surroundings. The study aimed at analyzing the effects of the road infrastructure equipment on the surroundings in Uganda. The emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter were analyzed. METHODS: Six road infrastructure equipment were sampled consisting of an excavator, roller, grader, concrete mixer, tamper, and wheel loader, obtained from a case study project in Kampala city, Uganda. The diesel exhaust air emissions were computed and analyzed using the emissions rate equation model for non-road equipment, developed by Environmental Protection Agency. This was based on the horsepower and power rating of the equipment. Noise and vibrations levels were obtained using a sound level meter, seismometers, and accelerators, while following the National Environment Regulations. FINDINGS: The greenhouse gas of carbon dioxide was the most predominant accounting for 84.1 percent of the total emissions. The grader was the highest emitter of this greenhouse gas, at 1,531.5 g/h, representing 37.1%. The lowest air pollutant emission was nitrogen dioxide at 1.43 g/h for the concrete mixer, representing 1.4%. Overall, the equipment emitted more greenhouse gases than air criteria pollutants at 88.8% and 11.2% respectively. The highest criteria air pollutant was particulate matter at 100.5 g/h, emitted by the grader. Most of the emissions met the standards stipulated by Environmental Protection Agency, for reducing emissions back to the environment, except particulate matter. However, the concentrations of some pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide did not satisfy the limits required for ambient air quality that is safe for workers. All the equipment had noise levels way above the recommended 70.00 decibel, except for the wheel loader. Only the excavator produced vibrations higher than permissible vibration limit by 4%. CONCLUSION: The criteria air pollutants of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter emitted by the equipment were all not safe to the workers. They exceeded the permissible limits of 50 ppm, 5 ppm, and 0.02 g/kW/h respectively. This partly shows why ambient air pollution had been reported in urban centers in Uganda. The study shows the need for strengthening the regulations and monitoring of the construction equipment being used, in order to protect the surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]