Search Results (70)

Disasters caused by natural hazards, including the August 2023 floods in Slovenia and the 2020 earthquakes in Croatia, resulted in a combined damage and loss of about EUR 26 billion. Indemnity insurance covered only a small share, shifting recovery to public budgets. This review examines whether parametric insurance can provide transparent, pre-arranged, and auditable post-event liquidity to smooth public finances and support timely recovery. A structured qualitative review of peer-reviewed studies, supervisory materials, and EU and national law assesses data readiness, enforceability, and consumer protection duties. EU rules address parts of prudential and conduct risk. However, gaps persist in trigger verification, automated execution, and in the treatment of third-party trigger data sources and calculation methodologies documented for supervisory reviews and audits (no published parametric-specific accreditation standards). The core gap reflects the low take-up of catastrophe insurance rather than a low overall insurance penetration. Parametric cover is treated strictly as a complement to indemnity insurance. We outline narrowly scoped pilots using verifiable, publicly sourced triggers, version-controlled calculations, pre-tested basis risk disclosures, and reversible, auditable settlements with human oversight. Parametric designs add value only when verifiable triggers, transparent disclosures, and supervisory audits are embedded ex ante. Full article

In recent years, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) have been interpreted in many—and often conflicting—ways. We recast PEDs as a vehicle for verifiable climate neutrality and present a declaration-ready assessment that integrates (i) a cumulative, science-based GHG budget per m² gross floor area (GFA), (ii) full life-cycle accounting, and (iii) time-resolved conversion factors that include everyday motorized individual mobility and quantify flexibility. Two KPIs anchor the framework: the cumulative GHG LCA balance (2025–2075) against a maximum compliant budget of 320 kg_CO2e·m⁻²_GFA and the annual primary energy balance used to declare PED status with or without mobility. We follow EN 15978 and apply time-resolved emission factors that decline to zero by 2050. Its applicability is demonstrated on six Austrian districts spanning new builds and renovations, diverse energy systems, densities, and mobility contexts. The baseline scenarios show heterogeneous outcomes—only two out of six meet both the cumulative GHG budget and the positive primary energy balance—but design iterations indicate that all six districts can reach the targets with realistic, ambitious packages (e.g., high energy efficiency and flexibility, local renewables, ecological building materials, BESS/V2G, and mobility electrification). Hourly emission factors and flexibility signals can lower import-weighted emission intensity versus monthly or annual factors by up to 15% and reveal seasonal import–export asymmetries. Built on transparent, auditable rules and open tooling, this framework both diagnoses performance gaps and maps credible pathways to compliance—steering PED design away from project-specific targets toward verifiable climate neutrality. It now serves as the basis for the national labeling/declaration scheme klimaaktiv “Climate-Neutral Positive Energy Districts”. Full article

Prior studies on indoor LiDAR point-cloud semantic segmentation consistently report that sampling density strongly affects segmentation accuracy as well as runtime and memory, establishing an accuracy–efficiency trade-off. Nevertheless, in practice, the density is often chosen heuristically and reported under heterogeneous protocols, which limits quantitative guidance. We present a unified evaluation framework that treats density as the sole independent variable. To control architectural variability, three representative backbones—PointNet, PointNet++, and DGCNN—are each augmented with an identical Point Transformer module, yielding PointNet-Trans, PointNet++-Trans, and DGCNN-Trans trained and tested under one standardized protocol. The framework couples isotropic voxel-guided uniform down-sampling with a decision rule integrating three signals: (i) accuracy sufficiency, (ii) the onset of diminishing efficiency, and (iii) the knee of the accuracy–density curve. Experiments on scan-derived indoor point clouds (with BIM-derived counterparts for contrast) quantify the accuracy–runtime trade-off and identify an engineering-feasible operating band of 1600–2900 points/m², with a robust setting near 2400 points/m². Planar components saturate at moderate densities, whereas beams are more sensitive to down-sampling. By isolating density effects and enforcing one protocol, the study provides reproducible, model-agnostic guidance for scan planning and compute budgeting in indoor mapping and Scan-to-BIM workflows. Full article

Smart contracts empower many blockchain applications but are exposed to code-level defects. Existing methods do not scale to the evolving code, do not represent complex control and data flows, and lack granular and calibrated evidence. To address the above concerns, we present an across-graph corresponding contract-graph method for vulnerability detection: abstract syntax, control flow, and data flow are fused into a typed, directed contract-graph whose nodes are enriched with pre-code embeddings (GraphCodeBERT or CodeT5+). A Graph Matching Network (GMN) with cross-graph attention compares contract-graphs, aligns homologous sub-graphs associated with vulnerabilities, and supports the interpretation of statements at the level of balance between a broad structural coverage and a discriminative pairwise alignment. The evaluation follows a deployment-oriented protocol with thresholds fixed for validation, multi-seed averaging, and a conservative estimate of sensitivity under low-false-positive budgets. On SmartBugs Wild, the method consistently and markedly exceeds strong rule-based and learning baselines and maintains a higher sensitivity to matching false-positive rates; ablations track the gains to multi-graph fusion, pre-trained encoders, and cross-graph matching, stable through seeds. Full article

Short-form video platforms have shifted advertising from standalone, time-bounded spots to feed-embedded, swipeable stimuli, creating a high-velocity processing context that can penalize casting complexity. We ask whether a “one face, many roles” casting strategy (a single actor playing multiple characters) outperforms multi-actor executions, and why. A two-phase pretest (N = 3500) calibrated a realistic ceiling for “multi-actor” casts, then four experiments (total N = 4513) tested mechanisms, boundary conditions, and alternatives. Study 1 (online and offline replications) shows that single-actor ads lower cognitive load and boost account evaluations and purchase intention. Study 2, a field experiment, demonstrates that Need for Closure amplifies these gains via reduced cognitive load. Study 3 documents brand-type congruence: one actor performs better for entertaining/exciting brands, whereas multi-actor suits professional/competence-oriented brands. Study 4 rules out cost-frugality and sympathy using a budget cue and a sequential alternative path (perceived cost constraint → sympathy). Across studies, a chain mediation holds: single-actor casting reduces cognitive load, which elevates brand authenticity and increases purchase intention; a simple mediation links cognitive load to account evaluations. Effects are robust across settings and participant gender. We theorize short-form advertising as a context-embedded persuasion episode that connects information-processing efficiency to authenticity inferences, and we derive practical guidance for talent selection and script design in short-form campaigns. Full article

The new financial standards, IFRS S1 and S2, have not only modified the way financial reporting is presented to diverse stakeholders but have also increased uncertainty. These changes make traditional valuation methods inadequate. This article proposes the development of a valuation framework using Real Options Valuation (ROV), which incorporates the disclosures required by S1 and S2 as inputs to the valuation model. The framework proposes a quarterly decision rule for deferring investments, parameters aligned with the new sustainability disclosures, and notes in the financial statements proposed as voluntary reporting. The results show that, under regulatory uncertainty and its associated implications, the deferral option is a more effective technique than the Net Present Value method. For professionals responsible for the valuation process, the proposed model serves as a practical guide for applying the ROV within the capital budgeting process. For investors, it provides an additional element of transparency through disclosure and alignment with other existing accounting standards. This work lays the groundwork for future empirical applications as companies adapt to the implementation of new accounting standards and their associated reporting. Full article

This paper analyzes the 1/3 Financial Rule, a method of allocating income equally among debt repayment, savings, and living expenses. Through mathematical modeling, game theory, behavioral finance, and technological analysis, we examine the rule’s potential for supporting household financial stability and reducing bankruptcy risk. The research develops theoretical foundations using utility maximization theory, demonstrating how equal allocation emerges as a solution under standard economic assumptions. The game-theoretic analysis explores the rule’s effectiveness across different household structures, revealing potential strategic advantages in financial decision-making. We investigate psychological factors influencing financial choices, including cognitive biases and neurobiological mechanisms that impact economic behavior. Technological approaches, such as AI-driven personalization, blockchain tracking, and smart contract applications, are examined for their potential to support financial planning. Empirical validation using U.S. Census data and longitudinal studies assesses the rule’s performance across various household types. Stress testing under different economic conditions provides insights into its adaptability and resilience. The research integrates mathematical analysis with behavioral insights and technological perspectives to develop a comprehensive approach to household financial management. Full article

The development of an energy transition policy that ensures a rational combination of the requirements of sustainable development and the country’s priorities is a key factor determining the success of its development. The complexity and importance of this task increase in the case of countries in which oil and natural gas export revenues play a key role in the formation of the budget and development of the country. In this paper, the solution to this problem is studied using the example of Azerbaijan. Considering that the task requires addressing the uncertainty and limitations of available information and statistical data, we used an approach based on the use of fuzzy scenarios and expert information. Scenarios have been described using linguistic variables and the formalism of Z-numbers. Z-numbers allow us to simultaneously formalize uncertainty and reliability in the information. Solving the problem involves integrating approximate methods of Z-reasoning and multi-criteria decision-making. This approach considers economic, social, environmental, and technological criteria and allows for the generation, analysis, and evaluation of transition scenarios. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for constructing energy transition scenarios for countries producing and exporting oil and gas. The solution suggests a moderate increase in natural gas and hydropower production, along with a significant rise in solar and wind energy production. The results highlight the effectiveness of a rational combination of traditional and renewable energy sources during the transition period. The rule base developed in this article can be adapted to account for the priorities and constraints of a specific oil- and gas-producing and -exporting country, and the fuzzy scenarios approach can be successfully applied to address the transition challenge. Full article

The study investigated the influence of cultural factors on Health and Safety (H&S) practices in the construction industry of a developing economy using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from industry professionals. The findings reveal varying perceptions of safety culture, communication, and practices, with mean scores ranging from 2.692 to 3.607. Safety training frequency showed high variability (mean = 2.692, CV = 43.13%, Skewness = 0.42, Z-score = −0.69, range = 1.531 to 3.853), while subcontractors’ safety compliance exhibited the least variability (mean = 3.589, CV = 26.50%, Skewness = −0.38, Z-score = 0.58, range = 2.638 to 4.540). Practices (mean = 3.327, CV = 25.69%, Skewness = −0.38), behaviors (mean = 3.234, CV = 27.40%, Skewness = −0.25), and norms (mean = 3.028, CV = 31.91%, Skewness = 0.10) also showed significant variations. Additionally, the key challenges with highest values include budget constraints (mean = 3.607, CV = 31.80%) and company rules (mean = 3.523, CV = 30.28%). Furthermore, Kruskal–Wallis’s test indicates statistically significant differences across variables, with medium to large effect sizes (η²). By addressing important cultural factors and challenges, the findings provide actionable insights to enhance worker safety, reduce accidents, and promote a safer working environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development and resilience in Pakistan’s construction sector. Full article

This paper investigates the effectiveness of centrality measures for the influence maximization problem in competitive social networks (SNs). We consider a framework, which we call “I-Game” (Influence Game), to conceptualize the adoption of competing products as a strategic game. Firms, as players, aim to maximize the adoption of their products, considering the possible rational choice of their competitors under a competitive diffusion model. They independently and simultaneously select their seeds (initial adopters) using an algorithm from a finite strategy space of algorithms. Since strategies may agree to select similar seeds, it is necessary to include an initial seed tie-breaking rule into the game model of the I-Game. We perform an empirical study in a two-player game under the competitive independent cascade model with three different seed-tie-breaking rules using four real-world SNs. The objective is to compare the performance of centrality-based strategies with some state-of-the-art algorithms used in the non-competitive influence maximization problem. The experimental results show that Nash equilibria vary according to the SN, seed-tie-breaking rules, and budgets. Moreover, they reveal that classical centrality measures outperform the most effective propagation-based algorithms in a competitive diffusion setting in three graphs. We attempt to explain these results by introducing a novel metric, the Early Influence Diffusion (EID) index, which measures the early influence diffusion of a strategy in a non-competitive setting. The EID index may be considered a valuable metric for predicting the effectiveness of a strategy in a competitive influence diffusion setting. Full article

Disc cutter wear has emerged as a critical concern impacting the efficiency and cost budgets of TBMs (tunnel boring machines). Through statistical analysis of field data on cutter wear in a TBM tunnel, this study explores the wear rules of different types of disc cutters in granite. Grey sensitivity analysis is employed to investigate the sensitivity between the cutter ring wear rate of face cutters and two types of cutter wear influence parameters. Subsequently, reasonable parameters are selected to develop a new cutter life prediction model for face cutters. The results show that, with increases in the installation radius, the accumulated wear extent shows a linearly increasing trend for both the center and the face cutter, while it first increases and then decreases for gauge cutters, and the accumulated replacement number shows a linear growth trend for face cutters. The accumulated wear extent of the average single cutter position of gauge cutters is about 3 times that of face cutters and 7 times that of center cutters; the number of replaced cutter rings of the average single cutter position for gauge cutters is about 3–4 times that for center cutters and face cutters; and the average utilization rate of gauge cutters is the highest (80.97%). The cutter ring wear rate of face cutters is the most sensitive to three intact rock parameters (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Cerchar abrasion index (CAI), and equivalent quartz content (EQC)) and two TBM tunnelling parameters (cutterhead thrust (F) and cutterhead rotational speed (RPM)). Finally, a new cutter life prediction model (R² = 0.964) for face cutters is developed based on F, UCS, and RPM. The research results can provide a certain theoretical basis for cutter wear and cutter life prediction for the face cutters of TBM projects in similar geological conditions and TBM specifications. Full article

Direct numerical simulations of temporally evolving high-temperature supersonic turbulent channel flow for chemical equilibrium were conducted with a Mach number of 3.0, a Reynolds number of 4880, and a wall temperature of 1733.2 K to investigate the influence of the viscosity law. The mean and fluctuating viscosity for the mixture rule is higher than that for Sutherland’s law, whereas an opposite trend is observed in the mean temperature, mean pressure, and dissociation degree. The Trettel and Larsson transformed mean velocity, the Reynolds shear stress, the turbulent kinetic energy budget, and the turbulent Prandtl number are insensitive to the viscosity law. The semilocal scaling that take into account local variation of fluid characteristics better collapses the turbulent kinetic energy budget. The modified strong Reynolds analogies provide reasonably good results for the mixture rule, which are better than those for Sutherland’s law. The streamwise and spanwise coherencies for the mixture rule are stronger and weaker than those for Sutherland’s law, respectively. The relationship between viscosity and species components can help to identify the traveling wave packet. Full article

Lorenz’ seminal work on global atmospheric energetics improved our understanding of the general circulation. With the advent of Regional Climate Models (RCMs), it is important to have a limited-area energetic budget available that is applicable for both weather and climate, analogous to Lorenz’ global atmospheric energetics. A regional-scale energetic budget is obtained in this study by applying Reynolds decomposition rules to quadratic forms of the kinetic energy K and the available enthalpy A, to obtain time mean and time deviation contributions. According to the employed definition, the time mean energy contributions are decomposed in a component associated with the time-averaged atmospheric state and a component due to the time-averaged statistics of transient eddies; these contributions are suitable for the study of the climate over a region of interest. Energy fluctuations (the deviations of instantaneous energies from their climate value) that are appropriate for weather studies are split into quadratic and linear contributions. The sum of all the contributions returns exactly to the total primitive kinetic energy and available enthalpy equations. Full article

Greening the unused or inefficient land surface is of vital importance to increase the carbon pool in environmentally fragile but depopulated rural areas. A proactive land-use strategy, rural residential land decrement (RRLD), is triggered by rural land abandonment and can contribute to greening the land surface. A RRLD can be designed and implemented according to the specific regulations and rules and linked to regional environmental change. However, the carbon consequences of implementing multi-scenario RRLDs remain unknown. Thus, this study exemplifies a rural county of China, proposes a framework that illustrates how spatial zoning, decision model, and prediction techniques jointly determine the RRLD, and accounts for the associated carbon emissions under three scenarios. The results demonstrate that half of the 2012.23 hectares of RRLs were recommended for conversion to farming or gardening use. Under the scenarios of agricultural priority, compact ecological priority, and complete ecological priority, the change of carbon emission capacity in one township could be up to 77.41 tCO₂ yr⁻¹, −172.32 tCO₂ yr⁻¹, and −209.07 tCO₂ yr⁻¹. The total change of Fang’s carbon budget ranged from −1179.91 tCO₂ yr⁻¹ (sequestration) to 461.53 tCO₂ yr⁻¹ (emission). The findings provide a practical paradigm for utilizing land-use strategies to improve the carbon-related environment. Full article

The German Constitutional Court’s climate verdict provided a re-interpretation of core liberal-democratic concepts, and it is highly relevant for liberal constitutional law in general, including EU and international law—where similar issues are currently being discussed in ongoing trials before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice. The present article applies a legal interpretation to analyse the national and transnational implications of the ruling. The results show that the verdict accepts human rights as intertemporal and globally applicable. It applies the precautionary principle to these rights and frees them from the misleading causality debate. However, the court failed to address the most important violations of human rights, it categorised climate policy as a greater threat to freedom than climate change, and the court failed to acknowledge that the Paris 1.5-degree limit implies a radically smaller carbon budget. Furthermore, little attention has so far been paid to the fact that the ruling implies an obligation for greater EU climate protection, especially since most emissions are regulated supranationally. Against this backdrop, the EU emissions trading system demands a reform, which has to go well beyond the existing EU proposals so as to enable societal transformations towards sustainability. Full article