Search Results (9,569)

Many organizations execute multiple projects simultaneously, competing for limited resources, including specialized and expensive equipment. Managing such multi-project environments requires advanced planning and decision-making. An additional difficulty is taking into account the possibility and profitability of using internal and external resources. The construction industry is a particularly demanding example of this scenario, where simultaneously executed projects must share high-value equipment with limited availability. Project management planning with resource allocation is supported by various types of IT tools. ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems are particularly useful in this regard, as they use the organization’s transaction data directly, but only offer basic project support. Therefore, it is necessary to extend their functionality in order to fulfill the expected functional requirements of business users, with particular emphasis on the provision of a consistent, graphically supported interface. This article proposes an algorithm to support decision-making on equipment allocation in a multi-project environment, taking into account the use of own and third-party equipment. A case study is presented demonstrating the practical implementation of the proposed solution in the IFS Applications ERP system. The developed extension supports users through graphical and numerical presentation of machine workloads across multiple projects. Full article

To promote sustainable development and guide the responsible use of natural ecosystems, the United Nations introduced the concept of ecosystem accounting. Ecosystem services are key components of ecosystem accounting. Water-related ecosystem services (ES) are of primary importance for Armenia due to relatively dry climate, and dependence on irrigation water for agriculture. This study aims to conduct a pilot-level quantitative scoping assessment and mapping of key water-related regulating ES in accordance with the SEEA-EA guidelines, and to offer recommendations to initiate their accounting in Armenia. We used three Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) models—Seasonal Water Yield, Sediment Delivery Ratio, and Urban Flood Risk Mitigation. Input data for these models were sourced from global and national databases, as well as ESRI land cover datasets for 2017 and 2023. Government-reported data on river flow and water consumption were used to assess the ES supply–use balance. The results show that natural ecosystems contribute between 11% and 96% of the modeled ES, with the strongest impact on baseflow supply and erosion prevention. The average current erosion is estimated at 2.3 t/ha/year, and avoided erosion at 46.4 t/ha/year. Ecosystems provide 93% of baseflow, with an average baseflow index of 34%, while on bare ground it is only 3%. Changes in land cover from 2017 to 2023 have resulted in alterations across all assessed ES. Comparison of total water flow and baseflow with water consumption revealed water-deficient provinces. InVEST models show their general operability at the scoping phase of ecosystem accounting planning. Advancing ES accounting in Armenia requires model calibration and validation using local data, along with the integration of InVEST and hydrological and meteorological models to account for the high diversity of natural conditions in Armenia, including terrain, geological structure, soil types, and regional climatic differences. Full article

China’s traditional approach to supplying land for mining operations hinders the sustainable use of land resources, resulting in extensive land degradation and idleness after mining activities conclude. Based on this, the competent national authorities have innovatively launched reforms to the temporary land supply model for open-pit coal mining operations. This study uses the Anjialing open-pit coal mine pilot project in Shanxi Province, China as a case example to construct a comprehensive lifecycle model for temporary mining land use in operational coal mines. It evaluates the land reclamation implementation at this mine and proposes a land management model for future pilot mines establishing new temporary mining sites. Research indicates that: (1) In pilot mining projects currently under construction, the larger the initial mining area, the lower the strip ratio and coal extraction rate, and the longer the overall duration of temporary land use. (2) Based on the overall land use cycle model for temporary mining sites, the land use cycle for the Anjialing open-pit coal mine is approximately 7 to 10 years, making it impossible to complete mining operations and return the land after reclamation within five years. (3) Based on historical image analysis using the GEE platform, by the end of 2020, the coal mine reclamation area barely reached the boundaries of the 2012 temporary land use plan. Consequently, the pilot project for temporary mining land use failed to pass the required acceptance inspection. Overall, the promotion of this new model not only upholds the critical mission of safeguarding national farmland and ensuring food security, but also holds significant implications for future resource extraction and sustainable land utilization. Full article

The creation of a new protected area, especially on permafrost territory, along with the adoption of legislative measures, requires a thorough assessment of its ecological diversity and condition. In the planned Bolshoe Toko National Park (Yakutia, Northeastern Russia), the main protected area will be a unique deep-water mountain lake of glacial origin, Bolshoe Toko Lake. Our aim was to study the species composition of algal communities of Bolshoe Toko Lake by combining our new and previously known data on the flora of algae and cyanobacteria of the lake. For the first time by analyzing environmental parameters, we identified factors and hotspots of diversity of the lake ecosystem. In the planktonic microflora of the lake, 479 species belonging to six taxonomic phyla were identified. This allows us to talk about a biodiversity hotspot at Bolshoe Toko Lake. The presence of rare, new endangered and critically endangered species in the flora of the lake confirms the need to create a national park. Bioindication analysis and contour maps of ecological factors made it possible to assess the current sustainability of the ecosystem when developing a plan for the creation of a new protected area and to identify potential problem areas and factors affecting the ecosystem. One such factor is the development of the coal basin, which is already having a noticeable impact on the lake environment. Full article

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders remain a major cause of maternal morbidity and adverse perinatal outcomes due to abnormal placental adherence and invasion. Early and accurate prenatal diagnosis is essential to optimize surgical planning and reduce complications. Although ultrasound is well established as the cornerstone for PAS detection, the potential role of serial ultrasonography in refining risk assessment and predicting outcomes is increasingly being explored. Monitoring with serial ultrasonographic imaging may offer valuable insights into the progression of sonographic features, such as placental lacunae, myometrial thinning, placental bulge, and bladder wall disruption, which can predict surgical complexity and perinatal risk and influence decision-making and management. However, there is still limited evidence about the prognostic value of serial scans, and the variability in interpreting ultrasound markers continues, presenting challenges. While scoring systems incorporating ultrasound features show promise for risk stratification, further validation in larger studies is needed. Future research should focus on standardizing ultrasound protocols, validating predictive models, and exploring technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, to enhance diagnostic precision. Incorporating serial ultrasound assessments thoughtfully into clinical practice may improve individualized care and outcomes for women affected by PAS, but more studies are required. Full article

To address the challenges of short allowable motion windows and complex motion planning inherent in dual forging manipulator systems, this study proposes a coordinated motion pattern tailored to dual-manipulator operations, focusing on forging deformation behavior and press control characteristics. First, six representative long-shaft forging materials were classified based on typical industrial applications. Using DEFORM-3D (V11.0) software, the deformation process during the elongation operation was analyzed, and the velocity and displacement characteristics at both ends of the forgings were extracted to clarify the compliant motion requirements of the grippers. Next, a segmented computation method for manipulator allowable motion time was developed based on the motion–time curve of the hydraulic press, significantly improving the time utilization efficiency for coordinated control. Furthermore, experimental tests were carried out to verify the dynamic response performance and motion accuracy of the dual-manipulator system. Finally, the dual-manipulator forging cycle was systematically divided into four stages—pre-forging adjustment, inter-pass compliance, execution phase, and forging completion—resulting in a structured and implementable coordination control framework. This research provides both a theoretical foundation and practical pathway for achieving efficient and precise coordinated motion control in dual forging manipulator systems, offering strong potential for engineering application and industrial deployment. Full article

This cross-sectional study evaluates the potential spatial accessibility of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) facilities in the Republic of Serbia (RS) for the year 2030. Cardiovascular diseases, specifically acute myocardial infarction (AMI), are major contributors to mortality, requiring immediate intervention to reestablish blood circulation to the heart. This research employs travel time isochrone analysis to assess the percentage of the population residing within three specific time intervals (30, 60, and 90 min) from a pPCI facility. We project the percentage of the population residing within a 30 min travel time interval to be 50% in 2030. Additionally, the percentage of the population residing within the 90 min travel time interval from a pPCI facility, i.e., known as the “golden hour” travel time distance, is around 96%, with some weekly variations that equate to 1%. We utilized additional spatial analysis to identify population clusters that reside beyond the 90 min travel time from a pPCI facility. These results point to specific regions where either additional pPCI facilities or better road connections would most effectively reduce treatment delays. Additionally, the study highlighted the optimal location for a novel pPCI facility, which is the city of Vršac. Our findings underline the need for careful planning in the health system, where location and transport data can directly guide measures to improve access and lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Full article

Background and aim: Managing the therapy of patients with chronic liver diseases and comorbidities presents significant challenges for physicians and pharmacists, particularly regarding drug-induced liver damage and polypharmacy. Given the liver’s central role in drug detoxification, polypharmacy in liver disease requires special attention. The aim of the review was to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy among patients with chronic liver diseases. Approach and Results: A literature search focused on randomized controlled trials, database reviews, and medical records. Review of PubMed, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect databases identified 2578 manuscripts, however only 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of studies showed that the prevalence of polypharmacy among patients with chronic liver disease can exceed 50%, and can lead to high prevalence of MRP and pDDI among those patients. Conclusions: Findings reveal a critical link between polypharmacy and adverse outcomes in chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Individualized treatment plans, considering factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, and liver disease severity are essential. The interventions focused on mitigating MRP and reducing pDDI need to be implemented in order to reduce the potential harm of polypharmacy. Full article

Objective: The simultaneous occurrence of brain aneurysms and brain tumors creates a complicated clinical scenario requiring extensive surgical planning. The study seeks to illuminate the safety, effectiveness, and prospective advantages of combination surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 10 patients concurrently diagnosed with both cerebral aneurysm and meningioma who received simultaneous microsurgical intervention. Clinical and demographic data, encompassing lesion characteristics, surgical specifics, complications, and outcomes, was extracted. The Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) was utilized to assess functional status preoperatively, after discharge, and during the final follow-up. Descriptive statistics and visualizations were produced via Python tools and libraries. Results: The predominant demographic was female (90%), with a median surgical age of 58 years. All patients presented with WHO Grade 1 meningiomas and predominantly incidental aneurysms, typically situated in the middle cerebral artery. At a median follow-up of 27 months, functional results demonstrated improvement, with 10% of patients reporting tumor recurrence or necessitating resurgery, while the total death rate was 20%. Conclusion: The simultaneous occurrence of intracranial aneurysms and brain tumors is infrequent. This study demonstrates that simultaneous aneurysm clipping and tumor resection with the same method is both viable and secure. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient and an extensively devised surgical plan are essential for the effective management of these complex cases. Full article

As cities densify and lifestyles become increasingly individualized, older adults face heightened risks of isolation and reduced wellbeing. Yet in historic Chinese neighborhoods, everyday socio-cultural practices—square dancing, Mahjong, community gardening and street markets—continue to foster social cohesion and spatial familiarity. This study employs Christopher Alexander’s pattern-language framework to examine how these practices are spatially embedded across six traditional neighborhoods in Chengdu. Drawing on systematic field observation, photographic surveys and typological mapping, it identifies recurring spatial configurations that support older adults’ participation and cultural continuity. While many canonical patterns remain relevant, the analysis shows how several require contextual reinterpretation to reflect Chinese collectivism, threshold sociability and informal public-space use. Synthesizing these insights, the paper develops a pattern-based design toolkit for culturally sensitive urban regeneration, contributing to age-friendly planning grounded in lived spatial practices. Although centered on six historic neighborhoods in Chengdu, the findings are intended primarily for Chinese heritage-led regeneration and—where comparable high-density morphologies, edge conditions and management regimes exist—are cautiously transferable to heritage districts elsewhere. Full article

To explore a more personalized approach to radiation therapy for adjuvant whole-breast irradiation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we analyzed the cell lines BT549 and MDA-MB-231 as in vitro models for radiobiological characterization. The local disease-free survival (LSR) values were determined for both cell lines’ median, maximum, and minimum α and β parameters to achieve an LSR probability of close to 100% in a five-fraction schedule. Based on these findings, fifteen treatment plans were created for BC to simulate the proposed dose schedule. For the MDA-MB-231 cell line, the α/β ratios were 3.79 Gy (minimum), 15 Gy (maximum), and 7 Gy (median). For the BT-549 cell line, the α/β ratios were 5.95 Gy (minimum), 22.93 Gy (maximum), and 16.51 Gy (median). To achieve an LSR probability of close to 100%, the required doses per fraction were 5.2 Gy, 5.3 Gy, and 7.3 Gy for MDA-MB-231 and 8 Gy, 9.1 Gy, and 9.9 Gy for BT-549. We selected the highest dose per fraction, 9.9 Gy × 5, to simulate the worst-case scenario. To achieve 100% cell death effectiveness in TNBC, it is likely that higher radiation doses are required—doses that are not feasible within the setting of adjuvant whole-breast irradiation. Our model, which relies on the intrinsic biological features of the tumor, paves the way to reach more tailored RT plans and to improve the classic LQ model. Full article

Market-Driven Requirements Engineering (MDRE) integrates traditional Requirements Engineering (RE) practices, such as Requirements Elicitation and requirements prioritization, with market analysis. Offering software products to an open market has become a trend, yet it has many challenges. In MDRE, there are diverse sources for requirements including support teams, subcontractors, sales, and marketing teams. So, the MDRE process must provide ongoing requirements gathering techniques to ensure no crucial requirements are overlooked. It is generally possible for users to search and download software applications through app stores (such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store) for various purposes. Users are allowed to express their opinions about the software applications by writing text messages which are widely known as “app reviews”. Utilizing these app reviews as a source of requirements while planning to develop a similar software application may have promising results. Therefore, the concept of “App Reviews Utilization” has emerged and can be applied for various purposes. This research utilizes app reviews in Requirements Elicitation while developing a software product in the market-driven development context. Furthermore, these reviews may be noisy and informally expressed. This paper proposes a framework, Automatic Requirements Elicitation from App Reviews (AREAR), that integrates Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques with pre-trained Language Models to automatically elicit requirements from available app reviews while developing a market-driven software product. AREAR employed the Bidirectional Encoder Representation from the Transformers (BERT) Language Model. The proposed framework achieved an improved Accuracy and ${\mathrm{F}}_1$ score as compared to previous research. Full article

Rising household carbon emissions (HCEs) substantially increase residential energy consumption. This review evaluates the four principal quantification methods: Emission Coefficient Method (ECM), Input–Output Analysis (IOA), Consumer Lifestyle Approach (CLA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The methods are compared according to data requirements, uncertainty levels, and scale suitability. The study synthesizes multidimensional determinants—including household income, household size, urbanization, energy intensity and composition, population aging, and household location—and translates these insights into behavior-informed mitigation pathways grounded in behavioral economics principles. Combining compact-city planning, targeted energy-efficiency incentives, and behavior-nudging measures can reduce HCEs without compromising living standards, providing local governments with an actionable roadmap to carbon neutrality. Full article

This study presents a high-fidelity digital twin (DT) framework designed to evaluate and improve vertiport operations for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). By integrating Unreal Engine, AirSim, and Cesium, the framework enables real-time simulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations under nominal and disrupted conditions, such as adverse weather and engine failures. The DT supports interactive visualisation and risk-free analysis of decision-making protocols, vertiport layouts, and UAV handling strategies across multi-scenarios. To validate system realism, mixed-reality experiments involving physical UAVs, acting as surrogates for eVTOL platforms, demonstrate consistency between simulations and real-world flight behaviours. These UAV-based tests confirm the applicability of the DT environment to AAM. Intelligent algorithms detect Final Approach and Take-Off (FATO) areas and adjust flight paths for seamless take-off and landing. Live environmental data are incorporated for dynamic risk assessment and operational adjustment. A structured capacity evaluation method is proposed, modelling constraints including turnaround time, infrastructure limits, charging requirements, and emergency delays. Mitigation strategies, such as ultra-fast charging and reconfiguring the layout, are introduced to restore throughput. This DT provides a scalable, drone-integrated, and data-driven foundation for vertiport optimisation and regulatory planning, supporting safe and resilient integration into the AAM ecosystem. Full article

Local scour around bridge piers is one of the primary causes of structural failure in bridges. Therefore, this study focuses on addressing the estimation of maximum scour depth (d_sm), which is essential for safe and resilient bridge design. Many studies in the last eight decades have included metadata collection and developed around 80 empirical formulas using various scour-affecting parameters of different ranges. To date, a total of 33 formulas have been comparatively analyzed and ranked based on their predictive accuracy. In this study, novel formulas using semi-empirical methods and gene expression programming (GEP) have been developed alongside an artificial neural network (ANN) model to accurately estimate d_sm using 768 observed data points collected from published work, along with eight newly conducted experimental data points in the laboratory. These new formulas/models are systematically compared with 74 empirical literature formulas for their predictive capability. The influential parameters for predicting d_sm are flow intensity, flow shallowness, sediment gradation, sediment coarseness, time, constriction ratio, and Froude number. Performances of the formulas are compared using different statistical metrics such as the coefficient of determination, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, mean bias error, and root-mean-squared error. The Gauss–Newton method is employed to solve the nonlinear least-squares problem to develop the semi-empirical formula that outperforms the literature formulas, except the formula from GEP, in terms of statistical performance metrics. However, the feed-forward ANN model outperformed the semi-empirical model during testing and validation phases, respectively, with higher CD (0.790 vs. 0.756), NSE (0.783 vs. 0.750), lower RMSE (0.289 vs. 0.301), and greater prediction accuracy (64.655% vs. 61.935%), providing approximately 15–18% greater accuracy with minimal errors and narrower uncertainty bands. Using user-friendly tools and a strong semi-empirical model, which requires no coding skills, can assist designers and engineers in making accurate predictions in practical bridge design and safety planning. Full article