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This editorial introduces the special issue "The Interplay Between Artificial Intelligence, Production Systems, and Operations Management Resilience.' We selected twelve papers, encompassing many angles that illuminate the advances and challenges dealing with artificial intelligence tools and approaches in the production systems and operations management resilience domains. This editorial presents the papers with a smart view, highlighting the essentials of each article, such as full paper title, background, theory/literature scope, methodology design/analysis approach, and the main findings/contributions. Finally, the conclusions, future pathways, and research directions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a smart model for palletising as main intra-logistics task for product-on-pallet distribution, and its development in Logistics 4.0 framework aligned to Industry 4.0. The model is developed in holonic paradigm as a 2-layer Holonic Logistics Execution System (HLES) in semiheterarchical topology. Scheduling of logistics activities and allocation to resources are optimised for global efficiency on compact time periods. The logistics model virtualises physical entities: resources, pallets and orders as holons implemented with digital twin software, and categories of task workloads: resource health monitoring, dispatching and tracking pallet orders, re-assigning jobs at resource failure, which grants reality-awareness and robustness. Global workload optimisation uses Constraint Programming as decision making technology with ILOG optimiser engine as situation-specific solver tool in SaaS cloud model, and delegate multi-agent system (MAS) technology for intelligence distribution. The optimised objective function is a combination of palletising cost weighted by robot speed limits and pallet storage cost in payable stocks. The main constructs are exemplified and validated on a real-life structure with multiple palletising resources in which programmable logic controllers (PLC) coordinate locally the parallel execution of order holons according to their globally optimised sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpolar solvents with added charge control agents are widely used in various applications, such as E-paper displays. In spite of previous work, the mechanisms governing charge generation in nonpolar liquids, particularly those induced by electrochemical reactions at the liquid-solid interface, are not completely understood. We hypothesize that a physics-based model, according to the modified Butler–Volmer equation, can be used to quantitatively predict the injection of charges and the corresponding currents, in nonpolar solvents with surfactants. We propose a model to describe the migration and charge generation of inverse micelles. In addition to the mechanisms of electromigration, diffusion and charge generation via disproportionation that were introduced in earlier models, we include charge generation via electron injection at the electrodes using a microscopically justified expression as opposed to the previously used semi-empirical approaches. To validate our model, we compare its results to experimental current measurements in a simplified, effectively 1D, geometry. We find that the incorporation of both bulk and electrochemical reaction mechanisms in the model can effectively explain the experimental steady-state currents in a wide range of concentrations, voltages (0.5 V-5 V), and cell thicknesses. These numerical results of currents at longer time scales show a steady-state current only when both bulk and electrochemical reactions are taken into account. Moreover, we have observed in our simulation that at low applied voltages, the electric field in the bulk is fully shielded, and the steady-state current in this low-voltage regime is governed by the charge injection at the electrodes. Conversely, when the voltage is high enough and the electric field remains partially unscreened, the bulk disproportionation mechanism dominates the current generation. This also explains why we observe a non-Ohmic behavior where the steady-state currents at high voltages are independent of applied voltage. Hence, by elucidating the physical processes underlying the experimental observations, our model offers a more profound comprehension of charge transport in these systems, which could facilitate advancements in the design of enhanced E-ink displays and smart windows.   • Currents predicted by our numerical model agree well with experimental results. • Analyzing physical mechanisms clarifies the origins of observed electrical currents. • At high voltage, our model shows current saturation limited by bulk reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a retrospective study of 448 cases of rebleeding after secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding, identifying risk factors for rebleeding. The study found that the rebleed rate was 15.4%, with factors such as the use of AgNO3 and higher deprivation levels associated with a higher risk of rebleeding. The study suggests that routine overnight hospital admission for all patients with secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding may not be necessary, and close monitoring for the first 24 hours after presentation with bleeding is recommended. The findings aim to guide best management practices for this common complication. [Extracted from the article]

The Bibliography column documents scholarly communication in English for the interdisciplinary fields of librarianship and Slavic, East European and Eurasian (SEEE) studies. While the bibliography includes books, articles, exhibition catalogs, reports, etc. that were published in paper or digital form from all over the world, the vast majority of entries represents works published in North America and Europe (especially countries of the SEEE region, for obvious reasons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling operation relies on observing various devices, such as weight indicator, drilling equipment parameters, and logging display screen. This leads to high work intensity and difficulty in ensuring wellbore engineering safety and drilling speed, especially in complex well sections. To address these problems, this paper presents a smart driller pilot system for future automatic drilling. The paper introduces the working principle, calculation model, hardware composition, functional architecture, and field application of the system. The system can optimize parameters, provide drilling risk tips, engineering early warnings, expert instructions, and other functions in text, graphic, and voice modes. It aims to improve the driller's precise operation and reduce the drilling accident and complexity rate. Field tests of 65 wells show that the system can increase drilling speed by 2% and decrease the drilling complexity rate by 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiband (MB) optical transmission targets increasing the capacity of operators' optical transport networks. However, nonlinear impairments (NLI) affect each optical channel in the C+L+S bands differently, and, therefore, the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem needs to be complemented with fast and accurate tools to consider the quality of transmission (QoT) within the provisioning process. This paper proposes a digital twin-assisted approach for lightpath provisioning to provide a complete solution for the RSA problem that ensures the required QoT in MB optical networks. The OCATA time domain digital twin is proposed, not only to estimate the QoT of a selected path but also to support the QoT-based channel assignment process. OCATA is based on a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to model the propagation of the optical signal. However, because of the different impacts of nonlinear noise on each channel and the large number of channels that need to be considered in C+L+S MB scenarios, OCATA needs to be adapted to make it scalable, while keeping its high accuracy and fast QoT estimation characteristics. In consequence, a complete methodology is proposed in this work that limits the number of channels being modeled to just a few. Moreover, OCATA-MB helps to mitigate NLI noise by programming the receiver at the provisioning time and thus with very little complexity compared to its equivalent implemented during the operation. NLI noise mitigation can be applied in the case when a lightpath cannot be provisioned because none of the available channels can provide the required QoT, making it an advantageous tool for reducing connection blocking. Exhaustive simulation results demonstrate the remarkable accuracy of OCATA-MB in estimating the QoT for any channel. Interestingly, by utilizing the proposed OCATA-MB-assisted lightpath provisioning approach, a reduction of the blocking ratio exceeding 50% when compared to traditional approaches is shown when NLI noise mitigation is not applied. If NLI mitigation is implemented, an additional over 50% blocking reduction is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Delivering health care services in isolated rural regions through vehicular communications has recently attracted more attention. Real‐time video streaming is one of the most commonly used applications in such services. Escorting this increasing interest, there is a high demand for high‐quality streaming video in vehicular environments. However, these services face challenging network characteristics such as high dynamic topology and mobility, leading to high packet loss and degraded visual quality. This paper presents a smart approach to multi‐access terrestrial and non‐terrestrial networks (NTNs) for high‐quality and real‐time video streaming in vehicular environments to enhance healthcare services in remote areas. The proposed approach integrates a mobile telemedicine unit connected to an expert site through different channels, including satellite communication, 5 Generation (5G), and long‐term evolution (LTE) networks. A modified multipath QUIC extension (MPQUIC) was introduced to stream data hybridly through the network. Furthermore, multiple description coding (MDC) was applied to split data into two different descriptions and prioritize one over the other. Important data would be transmitted through cellular networks, and non‐priority data would be transmitted through satellite links, enhancing the reliability of video transmission. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through the use of a connected ambulance as a case study. The Mininet‐Wifi was used to emulate network conditions. The peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural SIMilarity (SSIM), and video multimethod assessment fusion (VMAF) were measured to evaluate the received video quality; the received data rate and packet loss were also calculated. The obtained results show our proposed method's efficiency by reducing latency by up to 60% and improving the receiving data rate by up to 143% compared with the classical MPQUIC. The proposed system enhances video quality by up to 70%. It minimizes packet loss by up to 50% compared with the unreliable QUIC, showcasing the potential to improve m‐health services' efficiency and mobility in isolated rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Background: Paper symptom diaries are a common tool for assessing motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but there are concerns about inaccuracies in the assessment of motor fluctuation due to recall bias and poor compliance. We, therefore, developed an electronic diary with reminder and real-time recording functions. Objectives and methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic diary, we compared compliance and motor fluctuation assessment with a paper diary. Nineteen PD patients were recruited and recorded paper diaries every 30 min from 8 am to 8 pm for 7 days, followed by 7 days of electronic diary recording using a smartphone and smartwatch. Prior to the recording period, the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ)-39 and the Movement Disorders Society-sponsored Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Revised (MDS-UPDRS) 1, 2, 3, 4 were measured. Patients completed a patient questionnaire on the usability of the diaries after the recording period. Results: Total reported time was significantly longer in paper diaries, but there was no significant difference in the number of entries (paper 115 [71–147] vs. electronic 109 [93–116], p = 0.77). There was a significant correlation between paper and electronic diaries with respect to motor status. ON time rate recorded in the electronic diary was significantly correlated with PDQ-39, MDS-UPDRS 1, 2, and 4, while MDS-UPDRS 1 was only correlated with ON time rate in the paper diary. The usability of our electronic diary was found to be satisfactory based on the results of patient questionnaire. Conclusion: Electronic diaries are useful tools that more accurately reflect PD motor fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical diagnostic laboratories as high‐risk environments are often exposed to unpredictable situations such as patient fainting, blood pressure drops, chemical spills, and burns. These life‐threatening events defined as medical emergencies and necessitate urgent actions. Hence, determining the most common medical emergencies in medical laboratories, so understanding and planning strategies to effective management seems to be crucial. Objective: This study aimed to investigate medical crises in Iranian medical laboratories. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, data collection was performed by a simple random sampling method through electronic and paper questionnaires filled by personnel in private and hospital laboratories in different provinces. Results: The most frequent medical emergencies were patient fainting, staff needle stick, and patient's blood pressure dropping. The occurrence of medical emergencies was 24% and 76% in men and women, respectively. Out of all, treatment was administered at the scene of the accident in 37.1% of cases, and 28.1% were discharged after sampling. Moreover, 51% of the medical diagnostic laboratories had a trolley code, with injection devices and angiocaths as available tools. In 81% of the laboratories, practicing for probable medical emergencies was not possible. A significant relationship was found between the type of client (laboratory personnel or the referring person) and the type of emergency event (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the prevalence and importance of handling medical emergencies in a short time, it is necessary to design training courses for laboratory personnel and expert them to encountering with unpredictable threats in order to help affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We studied changes in death statistics by deaths from diabetes mellitus (DM) after introduction of mandatory online death certificate (DC) submission in Norway. Materials and methods: Information on deaths with DM mentioned in the DCs from year 2017 (DCs submitted on paper) to 2022 (DCs submitted online) was collected from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (NCoDR), Sex, age, year of death and type of DC (paper (pDC) vs electronic (eDC)) was registered. In DCs with DM as underlying cause of death (UCOD), all codes (International classification of diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10)), their original position in the DC and place of death were collected. DM was classified as type-1, type-2 and other. Differences between 2017 and 2022 according to use of unspecified DM diagnoses, number of changed diagnoses after automated processing, correct positioning of UCOD in DC, total number of diagnoses, and use of ill- defined diagnoses were analyzed. Generalized linear models for binomial outcome with log link were used to fit mortality data and test differences between electronic and paper registration systems, two-sample t-test and linear regressions for analysis of differences in number of diagnoses. Results: 229 807 deaths were registered, including 3 864 DM deaths. Online DC submission increased from 0 in 2017 to 95% in 2022. In 2022, DCs with DM as UCOD showed significant less use of unspecified diabetes diagnoses (Relative risk,RR: 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.22), reduced need for change of diagnoses after automated processing (RR: 0.52, CI: 0.46–0.59), reduced number of diagnoses (CI: -0.7 to -0.38), and less use of ill-defined diagnoses (RR: 0.83, CI: 0.71–0.97). Conclusions: The introduction of online cause of death submission in Norway improved the quality of registration of deaths from diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread application of monitoring technology and network storage technology, there are some privacy issues in the process of public service advertising visual design and the process of pushing public service advertising visual design works. Researching the privacy protection method of public service advertising visual design is of great significance to protecting the privacy data security of public service advertising visual designers and the personal privacy of other citizens. This paper proposes a digital watermark privacy protection method and a public service advertising visual design work push privacy protection method, and conducts a privacy protection experiment study on public service advertising visual design. The digital watermark privacy protection method and the public service advertising work push privacy protection method are used to provide an innovative solution for public service advertising privacy protection. The study shows that the evaluation score of the digital watermark privacy protection method is 11.05% higher than that of the traditional passive privacy protection method; the average feasibility evaluation score and the average effectiveness evaluation score of the privacy protection method for the public service advertising visual design work push by experts are 86.8 and 90.66 respectively. Combining the perspectives of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, this paper proposes a digital watermark privacy protection method, emphasizing practicality, and providing new ideas for privacy protection of public service advertising visual design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper utilizes the digital integrated circuit testing model to compute the test yield curve of future wafers and explore the influence of test guardband (TGB) on quality and yield. With the passage of three years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted semiconductor production lines, the semiconductor manufacturing industry still faces chip shortages. Although initiatives such as the CHIPS and Science Act in the United States have helped stabilize chip supply chains, manufacturers still face inventory shortages and delayed deliveries. Moreover, the backwardness and inaccuracy of semiconductor test equipment have led to a decline in both test yield and wafer quality, resulting in reduced shipments. Therefore, to mitigate yield losses and enhance the test yield and shipment volume of semiconductor products, this paper proposes a diverse test method (DTM) to improve test outcomes through the alteration of the testing strategy and TGB adjustment. Furthermore, according to the wafer estimation table published in the IEEE International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (2023), the proposed DTM can effectively enhance the test yield of wafers and improve the testing capabilities of ATE testers (automatic test equipment). Consequently, suppliers can stabilize the chip supply chain and enhance their companies' profits and reputation by improving chip test yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐healing materials solutions and rapid prototyping approaches are actively searched to improve the safety and the production processes of batteries at the gigascale. Here, a self‐reparable polymer electrolyte designed into 3D‐printable ink formulation for digital light processing is shown. For this purpose, covalent adaptable networks containing hindered urea dynamic bonds end‐capped with photopolymerizable methacrylate groups are designed and investigated in terms of dynamicity and self‐healing properties. Electrochemical performance of the electrolytes is tested and compared with a commercially available benchmark, showing in all cases superior electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivities, and full specific capacity recovery after being cut in operando. This work brings the first self‐healable and 3D‐photoprinted electrolyte system for lithium batteries, at once ensuring safety, performance, and upscalability; the concept is also exploitable in lithium‐mediated ammonia electrosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nairobi's land digitisation programme presents continuous challenges to the Kenyan state's aspirations of reforming land administration. By drawing upon insights from archival sciences and digital geographies, this paper argues that digitisation of Kenya's land administration records presents us with an opportunity to pay attention to how information flows from paper to digital systems, and the nature of human condition that makes it possible. Based on research of land digitisation initiatives in Nairobi and its peripheral counties, this paper explores first, how digitisation initiates a large‐scale state exercise of sorting paper in the land records departments that constitutes the archival apparatus of the state; and second, how the archival labour of state officials in this process is at the same time significant, invisible and devalued. Through interviews of state officials in county and state departments, we argue that the digitisation process is far more complex and messier than the rhetoric of seamless transition to automated land administration in Kenya. Digitisation involves a slow embodied labour in sorting paper by state officials who have little power in shaping the design of the platform that they are expected to use. The devaluation of the archival labour of state officials who are not professionally trained in 'archival practice' and are seemingly voiceless in the production of national land information platforms leads to subversion and non‐cooperation with the platform itself. The paper concludes that an expansive lens of seeing digital platforms through the tools and technologies of archiving practices enables us to understand why platforms fail, why and how paper increases value within digital systems and how archival labour is central to the politics of digitisation and platformisation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological signals commonly suffer from contamination by various types of noise, ones of the most foremost are baseline wander (BLW) and power line interference (PLI). The removal of these interferences is a crucial in biomedical signal processing and diseases diagnosis. This paper introduces a digital fractional notch filter derived from the corresponding anti-notch one and specifically designed for the removal of BLW and PLI from physiological signals. The salient feature of the proposed filter is its capability to eliminate any frequency range only by adjusting the single parameter ν which defines the central frequency of the anti-notch filter. The performance of the filter is closely linked to the fractional order α and the number of samples L used in approximating the ideal fractional filter. Genetic algorithms were employed to determine the optimal values for these parameters (α, L). The proposed filter has been implemented on noisy ECG, EEG, and EMG signals, exhibiting its efficiency in removing unwanted noise. Comparative analysis with existing BLW and PLI removal techniques indicates that the proposed filter outperforms them based on the evaluation metrics employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of using observable professional activities (OPAs) on a residency inpatient spinal cord injury rotation in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) graduate medical education. The study aimed to demonstrate that the current OPAs for spinal cord injury (SCI) are feasible and beneficial for training programs. Results showed an increase in feedback provided to residents, a correlation between entrustment scores and resident experience, and positive feedback on the tool's ease of use and correlation with rotation objectives. While the study had limitations, it concluded that SCI OPAs have potential benefits for resident training in PM&R. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents digital modeling of shell face mills in milling cylinder heads. The cutter's structural dynamics and its mode shapes are predicted using a Finite Element system. The geometries of the cutter body and inserts are imported from their Computer Aided Design (CAD) models. The insert edge is discretized into small segments to model its varying normal rake and inclination angles, which affect the cutting mechanics. The cutter is dynamically assembled with the target machine tool spindle using the receptance coupling method. A general dynamic cutting force model, which considers the varying edge geometry and inserts' run-outs, is developed and used to predict cutting forces and chatter stability diagrams. The proposed model is experimentally verified to demonstrate the feasibility of the systematic application of physics-based digital design and analysis of tools for the mass machining of specific parts. The cutter body shape is optimized to increase the stiffness of the bending mode shape that caused chatter via topology optimization, which led to five-fold increase in the absolute stable depth of cut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation is a phenomenon perceived across a multitude of contexts in the organisational societal and individual domains. Conceptualising this broad phenomenon requires an approach that provides structure and comparability across contexts and domains whilst containing sufficient contextual detail and specificity to avoid conceptual stretching. Utilising a multi-method approach, this paper draws from a set of empirical data to develop such a context-sensitive conceptualisation for digital transformation. Utilising a design perspective on digital transformation this paper (1) develops a conceptual meta-structure capable of representing instances of digital transformation independent of domain and context and (2) develops a taxonomy of context-specific categories for the identified meta-elements. The three elements Representation, Technology, and Effect (RTE) constitute the meta-structure, the taxonomy is comprised of seven representation, 10 technology and nine effect categories. We evaluated our results utilising a card sorting approach in a workshop setting. The proposed conceptualisation is capable to accommodate context-specific manifestations of digital transformation in all tested environments thereby indicating its applicability as a foundation for a context-sensitive conceptualization of digital transformation. The paper contributes to the evolving body of literature on digital transformation by providing a conceptual meta-structure capable of capturing manifestations of digital transformation in a uniform and structured manner across domains and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automobile Technology & Material is the property of Automobile Technology & Material Editorial Office 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 editorial "Editors' introduction" in the journal Administration highlights the retirement of Michael Mulreany after forty years of service with the Institute of Public Administration in Ireland. It discusses his significant contributions to developing capacity in the Irish public service, particularly through his leadership of the Whitaker School of Government and Management. The special issue also includes contributions from colleagues and students, reflecting on various aspects of public administration and governance, showcasing Michael's lasting impact on the field. [Extracted from the article]

This paper provides an overview of the types of inks and their formulations for digital printing of wool, silk, cotton, and polyester. The innovative artificial inks were constituted by a fusion of reactive dye, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and Tween-80 surfactant, five Perylene acid dye inks were synthesised based on Acid red 27, also polyvinyl alcohol and waterborne polyester have been utilised for disperse dye ink formulation. Likewise, sustainable inks were prepared from curcumin and tannic acid incorporating triton x-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate, additionally dye molecules were encapsulated in a sonicator by an eco-friendly process of mini-emulsion polymerisation with styrene-co-butyl acrylate copolymers. The herbal inks constituted from bio indigo for blue ink, quebracho red for red ink, the flame of the forest for yellow ink and the mixture of three to derive black ink is included herein. Overall, greater colour values, fastness properties and print quality were acquired on the textile substrate inkjet printed with new quebracho red herbal inks. The review offers several novel ink formulations including those that are UV-curable, blue light curing or self-curable inks along with a critical analysis. The pre-treatment requirements, ink formulation, fabric composition, mechanism of printing and the desired end results are interdependent. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for more eco-friendly and simplified ink formulations for digital printing of textile substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines electronic waste and cycling in Lebanon. It describes the current situation regarding e-waste among government agencies and non-governmental organizations. It addresses two research questions: The first one asks if the Lebanese society and government are aware of the dangers posed by electronic waste and whether any action has been taken to prevent an environmental catastrophe. The second question asks about Lebanese attitudes toward e-waste and whether they are willing to fight against it. Interviews provided the first question's responses. The authors have visited Organization A and NGO B. The first is worried about gathering waste in more prominent Beirut, while the second targets spreading attention to e-waste's risks on legislative and social levels the same. Question two was discussed through surveys filled out by arbitrary people from Lebanese society. The answers to both research questions came in a manner that demonstrates the two hypotheses expected toward the start of the study, specifically that e-waste represents an incredible danger to the Lebanese climate. Hypothesis two, if climate neighborliness and proclivity to right e-garbage removal rely upon the instructive level of some random resident, has been confirmed while analyzing the answers in the survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microdisplays are widely used in near-to-eye (NTE) applications that operate with batteries, and reducing the power consumption of microdisplays is key to increasing their battery life. This paper proposes a digital data driver with a data energy recycling feature to reduce its dynamic power consumption. According to the measurement results obtained from a proof-of-concept array fabricated using TSMC 65 nm technology, the power consumption of the display data driver demonstrates an average reduction of 16% when tested with 10 random black-and-white images or a 14.4% decrease when evaluated using four real-life test images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Taiwan, traditional student assessments, covering academic and extracurricular achievements, have shifted from paper to electronic portfolios (e-portfolios). However, limited trust among institutions restricts students from freely sharing and using their educational data. This paper introduces a self-sovereign identity-based infrastructure aimed at enhancing personal data security within the e-portfolio ecosystem. The proposed system includes two core components: (1) a decentralized identity chain, aligning user identities across platforms and granting users full self-sovereign control; and (2) an e-portfolio application chain to manage user interactions and access permissions within the ecosystem. A trusted educational authority also audits data sources, ensuring data integrity and reliability. This infrastructure empowers users to control who can access their data, safeguarding their security, with the identity chain preventing unauthorized access and the application chain recording authorization statuses to restrict data visibility to approved parties only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarity identification is very important for operation of transformers, measurement and protection equipment, where it is useful in analyzing of transformer connections and operation as well as testing of protective systems. Moreover, it's essential in assessment of power systems performance during both normal and abnormal operation. Ensuring the correct polarity of the primary and secondary windings in voltage and current transformers is of paramount importance for various measurement and protection schemes in power networks. This paper proposes a digital polarity detector and tester using correlation coefficients and nine polarity indices calculated for instrument transformer signals. In order to test the performance of the proposed polarity tester algorithm, MATLAB code is imported to the LABVIEW model, and the numerical data obtained from the synchronous generator terminals via instrument transformers are interfaced with the computer through the Data Acquisition Card (DAC). The experimental system consists of a motor-generator set supplying a three-phase inductive load with instrument transformers connected to measure each phase voltage and current. The obtained results for various operating conditions and different types of abnormal conditions prove that the suggested algorithm is accurate, reliable and applicable to smart grids and substation automation systems. It can be considered as an integrated system incorporated with digital fault recorders, relays and meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic medical records are a patient's digital asset that enhances the information available to doctors for tracking their patients' health. When this information is stored in a secure environment, health examination reports can serve as a dependable repository for thorough observation of a patient's well‐being. However, it is crucial for the owner to have control over access to these repositories. In this scenario, a blockchain ecosystem with appropriate access control mechanisms can help create a distributed and decentralized storage platform to ensure the safety and security of data. Developing cost‐effective smart contracts and creating clear design diagrams to represent them are essential for establishing such an ecosystem. This paper introduces a smart contract for the Ethereum blockchain that allows an owner to maintain control over their data. The paper presents a diagram for visually representing the modules within our smart contract, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the access control techniques utilized in implementing our strategies. Our smart contract offers clinicians a valuable means of accessing historical data to promptly evaluate a patient's health in emergency situations. We showcase its efficacy by illustrating how it streamlines insurance claims, where it verifies the patient's coverage and automatically authorizes medical expense payments. Lastly, a study is presented to showcase an effective method of storing the ingested data within the Ethereum network. The suggested approach allows restrictions on data visibility based on the viewer's accessibility through identity‐based access control achieved using additional structures in smart contracts. These structures store filtered records accessible to users based on their viewing privileges. The simulated test bed results support the efficiency of using smart contracts with additional structures in terms of gas consumption when compared to those that use a single structure for read and write operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For this research, three hydrophobically modified polyacrylamides, HPAAB, HPAAF, and HPAAS, with multiple hydrophobic monomers were designed, synthesized, and used as thickeners in aqueous ink for digital ink-jet printing. The structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The viscosity–average molecular weight was determined by intrinsic viscosity determination and was adjusted according to hydrophobic content. The critical association concentration (CAC) of polymers was measured simultaneously using the apparent viscosity method and the fluorescence spectrum. The formation of a network structure and the mechanism of hydrophobic association are visualized dynamically with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at different concentrations. Under the same conditions, HPAAB exhibited excellent thickening ability across different pH levels, temperatures, and shear rates, which is caused by the longer hydrophobic side chain and the stronger hydrophobic effect of the behenyl polyoxyethylene ether methacrylate (BEM) group. Furthermore, an aqueous ink using HPAAB as a thickener displays significant printability and stability, functioning much better than a corresponding aqueous ink that uses a commercial thickener. This is the first example of a hydrophobic associating polyacrylamide, incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic units within a single hydrophobic chain, thereby serving as an efficient thickener for aqueous ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have focused on the development of bio-based products from sustainable resources using green extraction approaches, especially nanocellulose, an emerging nanoparticle with impressive properties and multiple applications. Despite the various sources of cellulose nanofibers, the search for alternative resources that replace wood, such as Lygeum spartum, a fast-growing Mediterranean plant, is crucial. It has not been previously investigated as a potential source of nanocellulose. This study investigates the extraction of novel cellulose micro/nanofibers from Lygeum spartum using a two-step method, including both alkali and mechanical treatment as post-treatment with ultrasound, as well as homogenization using water and dilute alkali solution as a solvent. To determine the structural properties of CNFs, a series of characterization techniques was applied. A significant correlation was observed between the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The FTIR results revealed the elimination of amorphous regions and an increase in the energy of the H-bonding modes, while the XRD results showed that the crystal structure of micro/nanofibers was preserved during the process. In addition, they indicated an increase in the crystallinity index obtained with both methods (deconvolution and Segal). Thermal analysis based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed improvement in the thermal properties of the isolated micro/nanofibers. The temperatures of maximum degradation were 335 °C and 347 °C. Morphological analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) showed the formation of fibers along the axis, with rough and porous surfaces. The findings indicate the potential of Lygeum spartum as a source for producing high-quality micro/nanofibers. A future direction of study is to use the cellulose micro/nanofibers as additives in recycled paper and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the paper sheets, as well as investigate their use in smart paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid metal (LM) electronic ink (e‐ink) is a promising new‐generation material for printed electronics. Extended from this ideal platform, such ink can be post‐processed or loaded with semiconductor nanoparticles to further make semiconductors in the forms of dots, wires, and films on its surface. In this way, targeted semiconductors can be quickly fabricated and patterned as desired with low cost at around room temperature. This leads to the unconventional bottom‐up strategy for direct manufacture of functional devices. Along this direction, a series of p–n junction diodes, field‐effect transistors, and light‐emitting devices have been developed. LM‐printed semiconductor would significantly innovate the classical processes of preparing integrated circuits and electronic devices. To push forward further progress of this cutting‐edge frontier, this article is dedicated to present an overview of LM‐printed semiconductor. The material category of LM semiconductor e‐inks and their synthesis approaches is introduced. Then the core strategies toward printing semiconductors are systematically outlined. Following that, the typical printed semiconductor materials and electronic devices thus constructed as well as their potential applications are summarized. Finally, scientific and technical challenges thus raised are interpreted. Perspective in the area is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based conductive inks, with their low cost, ease of fabrication, and environmental friendliness, have a wide range of applications. In this study, we present the development of a candle-soot-based conductive ink through a simple and cost-effective synthesis process. The composite was formulated by incorporating candle-soot with PVDF-HFP polymer using DMF as a solvent. The study evaluates the performance of different amounts of carbon present in a candle-soot-polymer composite. The conductive ink was also filled in a ballpoint refill, circuits were drawn, and I–V responses were studied. The conductive films were thoroughly characterized using SEM, EDX, TGA, and IV characteristics. XRD and FTIR analyses were performed to assess the properties of the conductive film (CPC4) and candle-soot. Four distinct conductive ink formulations were synthesized by varying the percentage of candle-soot. I-V studies revealed that the electrical resistance of the composite films decreased with increasing candle-soot content. The results demonstrated excellent conductivity, enabling the fabrication of simple and functional conductive circuits on paper using the developed CPC4 ink. Candle-soot, as filler, exhibited promising results comparable to expensive conductive fillers such as graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The developed conductive ink shows promising performance in flexible electronic devices, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the Smart Logistics Node concept, which combines the physical infrastructure of logistics nodes with digital systems to enhance collaboration. The Smart Logistics Node benefits from data sharing, supporting infrastructure, and Connected and Automated Transport (CAT) technologies. Based on a literature review on logistics nodes and CAT, we propose a general classification of Smart Logistics Nodes distinguishing upon the node function, degree of organisational (de-)centralisation, digital integration, and infrastructure support for automated driving. Then, we classify sixteen logistics nodes and find that high digital integration is common while automation is lacking. Further automation entails mixed traffic on public roads and requires organisational changes that do not always align with current business models. Our work supports the adoption of emerging technology at logistics nodes and the comparability of business cases. Ultimately, node authorities can use our concept and classification to draw a roadmap to develop CAT capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Home Literacy model predicts different outcomes depending on formal and informal literacy practices carried out at home. However, this model does not explicitly consider the potential differences that the media (paper vs. tablets) in which these practices are carried out can have on performance. The present study explored this issue. Participants were 136 children aged 6–7 years old and their parents. The different activities performed at home were analysed through reports of the parents, and children were assessed at school for their reading performance (decoding and comprehension). Results showed how formal practices using traditional materials predicted reading comprehension, but informal practices did not predict any performance measure. The digital home literacy environment showed no impact on reading performance, suggesting that two different environments (paper and digital) might exist, each one of them having differential impacts on performance. Implications for research and education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Mechanochromic photonic crystals (MPCs) are extremely attractive since they can adjust their structural color by forces. However, the poor color saturation and color-recordability of conventional MPCs significantly limit their practical applications. Herein, a highly brilliant and color-recordable MPC gel (MPCG) has been fabricated by photopolymerizing the liquid photonic crystals with silica particles non-closely packed in acrylate, dichlorobenzene, and oleylamine. Photopolymerization induces elastic gradient non-close-packing structures and thus broad photonic bandgaps (>100 nm), resulting in 1) high color saturation despite possessing a small refractive index contrast (0.06), 2) remarkable mechanochromic properties, including a large wavelength tuning range (228 nm), fast responsiveness (8.8–10.3 nm/ms), and high sensitivity (4.4 nm/kPa), and 3) unconventional color-recordable properties. MPCGs were experimentally proved to be ideal rewritable papers for constructing multicolor and high-resolution patterns in an ink-free way, difficult for traditional MPC-based units. The unique working mechanism of polymerization-induced phase separation and thus continuous swelling and gelation, and precise design of materials and structures are the keys to MPCGs' characteristics. This study paves a new way for constructing advanced stimulus-responsive photonic structures and will promote their applications in printing, display, anti-counterfeiting, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging infrastructure assets, including buildings, require efficient rehabilitation to sustain services. However, current rehabilitation planning is a complex process that is challenged by strict budgets and the difficulty of identifying and delivering the assets that are most worthy of rehabilitation. Existing methods struggle not only with collecting inspection data but also with how to use these data to allocate the limited rehabilitation funds efficiently across the asset portfolio. This paper introduces a smart infrastructure rehabilitation framework that integrates inspection, fund allocation, and scheduling phases. Focusing on roofing elements, the proposed framework uses four novel components: (1) asset image analysis to quantify the size of sustained damage; (2) data-mining to further analyze the asset condition; (3) clustering and optimization to shortlist the assets that are most worthy of rehabilitation under a strict budget; and (4) repetitive scheduling to generate timely delivery plans for the budgeted rehabilitation works. The model was applied to the Toronto District School Board asset portfolio (300+ schools), and the model identified the buildings in most need of rehabilitation given a strict budget ($2.3 million) and offer a schedule for the efficient delivery of the required rehabilitation work within a 45-day period of the school's summer break. Although this paper focuses on built-up building roofs, the framework is scalable to other types of assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates a smart irrigation system prototype, based on Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and cloud computing, in a fully operating environment. The system architecture was developed carefully with a special focus on robustness against both environmental and human external factors. The platform, which is deployed in the cloud and connected to the edge-layer via a bidirectional LoRa wireless network, was based on data gathering from the field using a set of cost-effective capacity-based moisture sensors. A hysteresis-based control structure implemented in the cloud send the control commands. The demonstration was performed on a strawberry production farm in Itaguá, Paraguay, during a 2-month period. Details of the implementation are provided, as well as an assessment of the irrigation system performance. It was found that the automated irrigation systems consumed slightly less water than manual irrigation by the farmer, but the efficiency of the automated system reached 91.4%, compared with 62.1% for manual irrigation. Finally, real-life issues encountered during the operation are discussed to illustrate the robustness of the prototype. In spite of these issues, the irrigation system was able to keep the moisture within the prescribed band most of the time, about 71.1% of all the samples, and 87.9% under normal operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the effect of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on banking stability in the digital era for a selected group of European banking institutions. Unlike many research, this paper incorporates the digital environment in which the European banking system operates into its investigation to capture the relationship between ESG scores, digitization, and bank stability from 2005 to 2022. This study uses a regime-switching model to investigate the non-linear hypothesis of the relationship, an aspect that has received insufficient attention in previous research. The empirical results confirm the non-linearity between ESG performance and banking stability in the digital era, identifying three ESG performance regimes. Moreover, higher ESG scores are associated with a lower risk of bank failure, aligning with stakeholder theory. Finally, European banks with weak ESG scores fail to avoid the fragility caused by investments in technological infrastructure. Overall, our results suggest that critics and proponents of banks' commitment to social responsibility are, to some extent, right. Indeed, low or moderate ESG performance (Regimes 1 and 2) aligns with the classical perspective, while high ESG engagement (Regime 3) is consistent with the stakeholder view. Consequently, European banks need to adopt a digital strategy based on improving sustainability to leverage the positive impact of digitization and ESG performance on bank stability. On the policymakers' side, they need to strengthen the legal infrastructure to support digitization and engagement in social responsibility activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) was conducted in paper and online reading modes in 2016 using the same samples of students in a number of countries. Differences in reading literacy scores were found in several European countries. In some countries, the differences favored the electronic reading mode. Yet in others, the paper reading mode was favored. As the electronic reading mode differs substantially in the cognitive demands compared to the paper mode, it can be expected that the differences between the two modes are related to the variables related to technology: availability and access, general use, use for educational purposes in class or out-of-school, and self-efficacy with technology. This study investigates the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) factors related to the differences in paper and online reading in six European countries participating in both modes in PIRLS 2016. This study uses linear regression models as the application of multilevel modeling is not suitable because of the low between-school variances across countries. The results from this study show limited support for the relative effect that the student individual, school, and classroom ICT variables have on the differences between paper and electronic reading. Access to technology is related to mode differences only in Italy, and the use of computer devices in and out of school is related to the mode differences in Italy and Portugal. Student self-efficacy is related to the mode differences in Portugal and Slovenia. School resources show significant effects in Denmark (computers to students ratio) and Italy (instruction affected by digital resource shortages). None of the classroom variables showed any significant relationship in any of the countries. In addition, socio-economic status (which is proxied by the variable on home resources for learning) is a significant predictor in half of the countries. In addition to these findings, the general technological context within countries is discussed as part of an evaluation of the difference in reading in the two test delivery modes. The general uptake of technology in different social and economic aspects, as measured by the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), follows the differences between the two reading modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of digital twin technology has provided innovative methods for monitoring and optimizing ship cooling pumps. This paper proposes a digital twin-based framework for the status monitoring and visualization of ship cooling pumps. By establishing highly realistic physical and mathematical models and integrating actual operational data, a comprehensive virtual environment was created to simulate the operational status of ship cooling pumps. Using the random forest algorithm for data training and testing, the results showed that the root mean square error for the training set was 0.0037873, and for the test set, it was 0.008929, indicating high accuracy in predicting the status of cooling pumps. This system enables real-time monitoring, problem diagnosis, performance optimization, and decision support for cooling pumps. This study aims to leverage digital twin technology to design and apply a visualization monitoring system to enhance the intelligence of ship operation and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s "Blue Initiative" and the need for sustainable development of the marine economy, this study aims to reduce the energy consumption and operating costs of a 40 m-long ocean-going purse seine vessel throughout its entire operating cycle to enhance the energy efficiency management technology for ocean-going fishing vessels, this paper relies on the Digital Research and Development Platform of fishing vessels, based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS), using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis software STAR- CCM+, the resistance of an ocean-going purse seine fishing vessel under different draught and different yaw conditions was simulated and calculated, based on the analysis of the change law of the resistance and the search for the optimal pitch angle under different draught and speeds, the displacement and speed requirements of the purse seine fishing vessels at the key operating points in the complete operating cycle are discussed, the optimal pitch operation manual and the economical selection scheme of the main engine power are established, and the actual energy saving effect of the pitch optimization is verified by comparing the energy consumption of the ship in the positive floating state and the optimal pitch state. The research results provide theoretical support for implementing energy-saving technology of ocean-going fishing vessel pitch optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era of agricultural digitalization, documenting on-farm operations is critical. These records contextualize other layers of data and underpin economic analysis and informed decision-making. On-farm recordkeeping is rooted in an ancient tradition and has evolved from pen and paper to digital means integrating diverse tools and methods. These tools vary widely in mode of data recording and this presents challenges in achieving complete, accurate and interoperable data. Assessing this diversity of existing recordkeeping systems is a key step toward the improvement in recordkeeping systems that enhance data quality and interoperability. Despite the importance, as of present, comprehensive studies addressing this challenge are lacking. A systematic review of existing on-farm recordkeeping systems was carried out to address their advantages and weaknesses and to analyze their features and traits, focusing on interoperability and adherence to efficient and comprehensive on-farm recordkeeping. Paper-based recordkeeping, a longstanding and reliable method, is gradually being replaced by digital platforms. Many universities and agencies have released farm management spreadsheets and interactive database forms representing the initial step toward intuitive recordkeeping. Furthermore, farm management software, web apps, and user-friendly smartphone apps are increasingly crucial for handling agricultural big data. Notably, among the surveyed software packages and apps, most of them are not free and only a few support data interoperability. The survey also indicates a scope for further development in open-source tools with automation in recordkeeping. Adopting digital on-farm recordkeeping tools can positively impact both on and off the farm, fostering data interoperability, controlled yet flexible data access, completeness, and appropriate accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patient-report outcome measures (PROMs) have gained widespread support as a mechanism to improve healthcare quality. We aimed to map out key enablers and barriers influencing PROMs implementation strategies in routine clinical practice. Methods: An umbrella review was conducted to identify reviews exploring enablers and barriers related to the integration of PROMs in routine clinical practice from January 2000 to June 2023. Information on key enablers and barriers was extracted and summarised thematically according to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: 34 reviews met our criteria for inclusion. Identified reviews highlighted barriers such as limited PROMs awareness among clinicians and patients, perceived low value by clinicians and patients, PROMs that were too complex or difficult for patients to complete, poor usability of PROMs systems, delayed feedback of PROMs data, clinician concerns related to use of PROMs as a performance management tool, patient concerns regarding privacy and security, and resource constraints. Enablers encompassed phased implementation, professional training, stakeholder engagement prior to implementation, clear strategies and goals, 'change champions' to support PROMs implementation, systems to respond to issues raised by PROMs, and integration into patient pathways. No consensus favoured paper or electronic PROMs, yet offering both options to mitigate digital literacy bias and integrating PROMs into electronic health records emerged as important facilitators. Conclusions: The sustainable implementation of PROMs is a complex process that requires multicomponent organisational strategies covering training and guidance, necessary time and resources, roles and responsibilities, and consultation with patients and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]