Search Results (18)

This work presents a novel Gallium Nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT)-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetector architecture that integrates advanced material and structural design strategies to enhance detection performance and stability under room-temperature operation. This study is conducted as a fully numerical simulation using the Silvaco Atlas platform, providing detailed electrothermal and optoelectronic analysis of the proposed device. The device is constructed on a high-thermal-conductivity silicon carbide (SiC) substrate and incorporates an n-GaN buffer, an indium nitride (InN) channel layer for improved electron mobility and two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confinement, and a dual-passivation scheme combining silicon nitride (SiN) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A p-GaN layer is embedded between the passivation interfaces to deplete the 2DEG in dark conditions. In the device architecture, the metal contacts consist of a 2 nm Nickel (Ni) adhesion layer followed by Gold (Au), employed as source and drain electrodes, while a recessed gate embedded within the substrate ensures improved electric field control and effective noise suppression. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the integration of a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) interlayer within the dual passivation stack effectively suppresses the gate leakage current from the typical literature values of the order of ${10}^{-8}$ A to approximately ${10}^{-10}$ A, highlighting its critical role in enhancing interfacial insulation. In addition, consistent with previous reports, the use of a SiC substrate offers significantly improved thermal management over sapphire, enabling more stable operation under UV illumination. The device demonstrates strong photoresponse under 360 nm ultraviolet (UV) illumination, a high photo-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) found at approximately ${10}^6$, and tunable performance via structural optimization of p-GaN width between 0.40 μm and 1.60 μm, doping concentration from $5\times {10}^{16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$ to $5\times {10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$, and embedding depth between 0.060 μm and 0.068 μm. The results underscore the proposed structure’s notable effectiveness in passivation quality, suppression of gate leakage, and thermal management, collectively establishing it as a robust and reliable platform for next-generation UV photodetectors operating under harsh environmental conditions. Full article

Microalage are broadly recognized as promising agents for sustainable wastewater treatment and biomass generation. However, industrial effluents such as petroleum refinery wastewater (WW) present challenges due to toxic growth inhibiting substances. Three marine microalgae species: Pseudochloris wilhelmii, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Synechococcus sp. MK568070 were examined for cultivation potential in oil refinery WW. Their performance was evaluated in terms of growth dynamics, lipid productivity, and toxicity reduction, with a focus on their suitability for largescale industrial use. N. gaditana demonstrated the highest growth rate and lipid content (37% d.w.) as well as lipid productivity (29.45 mg/(Lday)) with the N-uptake rate of 0.698 mmol/(gday). The highest specific DIN uptake rate was observed inn P. wilhelmii (0.895 mmol/(gday) along with the highest volumetric productivity (93.9 mg/L/day) and WW toxicity removal (76.5%), while Synechococcus sp. MK568070 demonstrated lower performance metrics. A simple numerical model was applied to calculate continuous operation based on empirical results of batch experiments. Sustainability of the microalgae-based WW remediation under the conditions of optimized lipid biomass production was estimated, regarding 2019–2022–2025 cost dynamics. Parameters for optimum open raceway pond cultivation were calculated, and the biomass production accumulation was estimated, with the highest biomass production noted in P. wilhelmii (171.38 t/year). Comparison of treatment costs, production costs and revenue showed that the best candidate for WW remediation is N. gaditana. Full article

This article addresses the issue of historical heritage revitalization using the example of a tavern. The concept presented in this study constitutes an attempt to establish a connection between the community’s tangible historical legacy and the green space that both highlights and reinforces its significance. The Tatary district in Lublin includes areas along Mełgiewska Street, Zadębie III, and the village of Hajdów. It is a residential and industrial district with landmarks such as the Graff Manor and the Krauze Brothers’ Mill. Since the Middle Ages, a crossing existed here at the narrowing of the Bystrzyca River valley, where major communication routes from Lithuania to Łęczna and from Ruthenia to Mełgiew intersected. Located in this area, the Red Inn has one of the oldest culinary traditions in Lublin, dating back to the 16th century. The building is listed in the register of monuments under number A/268. The revitalization of this currently non-operational inn should focus on restoring the building to preserve its original character and historical value while adapting it to modern standards. The inn and its surroundings have been subjected to field analyses on multiple research levels, culminating in a land development project. A key element of the plantings here are native species that support biodiversity. Full article

Dynamic environmental changes continue to impact organizations’ performance and goals, prompting them to adapt and develop strategies that foster innovation continually. Thus, HRMS enables talented, retaining skilled, and innovative employees who contribute with creative ideas and creative problem-solving problems to enhance innovation practices in organizations. Therefore, the findings of previous studies are insufficient and considered as empirical evidence to investigate the research constructs relationship. This study aims to examine the gap in strategic adaptability via HRM strategies and innovation in Jordanian banks. The study employs data analysis and hypotheses testing, descriptive analysis approach, and (SEM) structural equation modeling through SPSS-24 and PLS-SEM-4 software. The research population includes 16 Jordanian banks, and a stratified sampling method conducted on 468 respondents resulted in 455 completed ones, the respondents are middle level managers and department heads. The findings reveal a positive significant impact of HRMS and innovation (INN), a significant positive impact of HRMS and strategic adaptability (SA), and a significant positive effect between strategic adaptability (SA) and innovation (INN). In addition, the findings indicate a partial indirect relationship effect between strategic adaptability (SA) via HRMS and innovation (INN). The conclusion shows that the bank’s performance is highly improved by strategic adaptability, which allows the bank to quickly respond to local and global environmental changes, challenges, crises, and market trends, and provides valuable theoretical and practical insights regarding the role of strategic adaptability (SA) relationship between HRM strategies (HRMS) and innovation (INN). These findings are relevant to the global banking sector due to the similar operating conditions and environments. Moreover, a better understanding of these relationships by practitioners and researchers for future studies in different environments, and sectors. Full article

This study centers on sustainable operations management within the energy sector, identifying and synthesizing effective strategies for integrating sustainability into business practices. We perform a systematic literature review covering contributions from January 2000 to June 2024 extracted from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The methodology includes an explicit search and selection protocol to ensure relevant and unbiased insights into the evolution of sustainable practices in the energy sector. The results indicate an increase in publications over the years, particularly in areas such as low-carbon economies, environmental management, and innovation, all of which are crucial for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing operational sustainability. This study categorizes existing research into five main streams: Closed Loop Supply Chains (CLSC), Low Carbon Economy (LCE), Environmental Management and Performance (EMP), Innovation (INN), and Social Responsibility (SR). The review underscores the significant gap between current practices and the potential for incorporating renewable energy sources into existing systems. In addition, it highlights the need for robust governmental policies and international cooperation in order to foster a more rapid transition towards sustainable operations on the energy sector. Furthermore, our findings suggest that despite technological advances, significant implementation gaps remain that require focused research and policy adjustments in order to achieve sustainability targets in the energy sector. Full article

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of adopting eco-innovation on the performance of companies in the hotel sector in Brazil, since a large part of the growth in this sector is evidenced by concern for the environment, which is also reflected in the increase in demand for this leisure service and contact with nature. To carry out this study, quantitative research was carried out through the application of a questionnaire, which was sent to the managers of hotels and inns and analyzed through hypothesis tests with structural equation modeling of partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The results show that environmental pressure is positively related to the adoption of environmental practices, and this adoption is positively related to operational improvements and the competitiveness of companies in the hotel sector. Furthermore, the adoption of environmental practices is indirectly positively related to competitiveness, mediated by an operational improvement. Finally, the adoption of environmental practices, although positively related to performance mediated by competitiveness, was not statistically significant, and therefore, it cannot be said that this adoption would generate better performance in companies in the hotel sector in Brazil. Thus, in a broader context, the objective of this study was to provide useful empirical evidence and bring elements, perceptions, and support to the discussion of the theme that the adoption of eco-innovation positively impacts companies in the hotel sector. Full article

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an air purifier device (professional XXl inn-561 innoliving) with HEPA 14 filter in reducing the number of suspended particles generated during dental procedures as a vector of COVID-19 transmission. The survey was conducted on 80 individuals who underwent Oral Surgery with dental Hygiene Procedures, divided into two groups based on the operational risk classification related to dental procedures: a Test Group (with application of filtering device) and a Control Group (without filtering device). All procedures were monitored throughout the clinical controls, utilising professional tools such as molecular particle counters (Lasair III 350 L 9.50 L/min), bacteriological plates (Tryptic Soy Agar), sound meters for LAFp sound pressure level (SPL) and LCpk instantaneous peak level. The rate of suspended particles, microbiological pollution and noise pollution were calculated. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis method. The results showed the higher efficacy of the TEST Group on pollution abatement, 83% more than the Control fgroup. Additionally, the contamination was reduced by 69–80%. Noise pollution was not noticeable compared to the sounds already present in the clinical environment. The addition of PAC equipment to the already existing safety measures was found to be significantly effective in further microbiological risk reduction. Full article

For moderate-to-severe glaucoma, trabeculectomy remains the “gold standard” intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment; nonetheless, this method requires extensive post-operative maintenance. Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) treatments are designed to lessen intra- and post-operative care burden while offering an acceptable IOP decrease for individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma. The PreserFlo^® MicroShunt (previously InnFocus MicroShunt) is an 8.5 mm glaucoma drainage device manufactured from poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS), an extremely biocompatible and bioinert material. The lumen is narrow enough to prevent hypotony, but big enough to avoid being obstructed by sloughed cells or pigment. The device is implanted ab externo, as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with cataract surgery, with intraoperative mitomycin C, and a bleb is produced under the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule. The MicroShunt was CE-marked in 2012 and designed for primary open-angle glaucoma, the IOP of which remains uncontrolled after maximally tolerated topical treatment. Several clinical trials evaluating the MicroShunt’s long-term safety and effectiveness have been conducted, highlighting the effectiveness of the device over time, along with a tolerable safety profile. The present review aims to gather evidence of PreserFlo’s effectiveness and safety results almost 10 years after its introduction, and furthermore, to compare it with other MIGS and with the gold-standard trabeculectomy for glaucoma management. Full article

As an insulating medium, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is extensively applied to electrical insulation equipment to ensure its normal operation. However, both partial discharge and overheating may cause SF₆ to decompose, and then the insulation strength of electrical equipment will be reduced. The adsorption properties and sensing mechanisms of four SF₆ decomposed components (HF, SO₂, SOF₂ and SO₂F₂) upon an Au-modified InN (Au-InN) monolayer were studied in this work based on first-principles theory. Meanwhile, the adsorption energy (E_ad), charge transfer (Q_T), deformation charge density (DCD), density of states (DOS), frontier molecular orbital and recovery property were calculated. It can be observed that the structures of the SO₂, SOF₂ and SO₂F₂ molecules changed significantly after being adsorbed. Meanwhile, the E_ad and Q_T of these three adsorption systems are relatively large, while that of the HF adsorption system is the opposite. These phenomena indicate that Au-InN monolayer has strong adsorption capacity for SO₂, SOF₂ and SO₂F₂, and the adsorption can be identified as chemisorption. In addition, through the analysis of frontier molecular orbital, it is found that the conductivity of Au-InN changed significantly after adsorbing SO₂, SOF₂ and SO₂F₂. Combined with the analysis of the recovery properties, since the recovery time of SO₂ and SO₂F₂ removal from Au-InN monolayer is still very long at 418 K, Au-InN is more suitable as a scavenger for these two gases rather than as a gas sensor. Since the recovery time of the SOF₂ adsorption system is short at 418 K, and the conductivity of the system before and after adsorption changes significantly, Au-InN is an ideal SOF₂ gas-sensing material. These results show that Au-InN has broad application prospects as an SO₂, SOF₂ and SO₂F₂ scavenger and as a resistive SOF₂ sensor, which is of extraordinary meaning to ensure the safe operation of power systems. Our calculations can offer a theoretical basis for further exploration of gas adsorbent and resistive sensors prepared by Au-InN. Full article

For Europe, a reduction of 80% of the potential storage volume due to reservoir sedimentation is predicted by 2080. Sedimentation processes trigger the decrease of the storage volume and a related restriction in hydropower production. Further, the artificial downstream flushing of deposited fines has manifold effects on the aquatic ecology, including changes in morphology and sediment quality, as well as increased turbidity and subsequent stress for aquatic species. However, it is common to lower the water surface of reservoirs for technical inspections, which is not comparable to reservoir flushing operations. The presented case study deals with such a controlled drawdown beyond the operational level of the Gepatsch reservoir (Tyrol, Austria). Based on the awareness of possible ecological consequences, an advanced set of measures and an integrative monitoring design, consisting of a detailed event-based quantification of suspended sediments, changes in the morphology, especially with respect to fine sediments, and analyses of the biological quality element fish on the reach scale along the Inn River have been developed. Full article

The interval neutrosophic set (INS) can make it easier to articulate incomplete, indeterminate, and inconsistent information, and the Schweizer-Sklar (Sh-Sk) t-norm (tm) and t-conorm (tcm) can make the information aggregation process more flexible due to a variable parameter. To take full advantage of INS and Sh-Sk operations, in this article, we expanded the Sh-Sk and to IN numbers (INNs) in which the variable parameter takes values from $\left[\infty -,0\right)$ , develop the Sh-Sk operational laws for INNs and discussed its desirable properties. After that, based on these newly developed operational laws, two types of generalized prioritized aggregation operators are established, the generalized IN Sh-Sk prioritized weighted averaging (INSh-SkPWA) operator and the generalized IN Sh-Sk prioritized weighted geometric (INSh-SkPWG) operator. Additionally, we swot a number of valuable characteristics of these intended aggregation operators (AGOs) and created two novel decision-making models to match with multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems under IN information established on INSh-SkPWA and INSh-SkPRWG operators. Finally, an expressive example regarding evaluating the technological innovation capability for the high-tech enterprises is specified to confirm the efficacy of the intended models. Full article

Ammonia is an essential biomarker for noninvasive diagnosis of liver malfunction. Therefore, selective detection of ammonia is essential for medical application. Here, we demonstrate a portable device to selectively detect sub-ppm ammonia gas. The presented gas sensor is composed of a Pt coating on top of an ultrathin Indium nitrite (InN) epilayer with a lower detection limit of 0.2 ppm, at operating temperature of 200 °C, and detection time of 1 min. The sensor connected with the external filter of nonpolar 500 CS silicone oil to diagnose liver malfunction. The absorption of 0.7 ppm acetone and 0.4 ppm ammonia gas in 10 cc silicone oil is 80% (0.56 ppm) and 21.11% (0.084 ppm), respectively, with a flow rate of 10 cc/min at 25 °C. The absorption of acetone gas is 6.66-fold higher as compared to ammonia gas. The percentage variation in response for 0.7 ppm ammonia and 0.7 ppm acetone with and without silicone oil on InN sensor is 17.5% and 4%, and 22.5%, and 14% respectively. Furthermore, the percentage variation in response for 0.7 ppm ammonia gas with silicone oil on InN sensor is 4.3-fold higher than that of 0.7 ppm acetone. The results show that the InN sensor is suitable for diagnosis of liver malfunction. Full article

Willingness to pay (WTP) is a foundation of payment for environmental services (PES) and varies according to different stakeholders. Because of its high-quality environment, numerous inns have appeared around Erhai Lake, which has become the inn sector leader in China. Declining water quality of the lake contrasts sharply with the increasing number of inns, thus a policy that balances economic development and water protection is needed desperately. The Erhai Lake Resource Protection Fee (ELRPF) is a form of PES, constructed on the basis of the contingent value method (CVM) involving the relationship between perceived benefits, institutional trust, awareness, and supportive attitude. Using relevant data obtained from a survey questionnaire, SmartPls 3.0 software was used to analyze the factors influencing inn operators’ WTP. The results of the analysis of 307 questionnaires showed that institutional trust, PES cognition, and attitudes toward support significantly affected inn operators’ WTP, while perceived benefit did not. This result differs from results of research on other tourism stakeholders. The reasons for this difference might be the specific identity of operators, their cultural and place identity, ability and professional education, and complexities of the broker of ecosystem services. Full article

The power Bonferroni mean (PBM) operator is a hybrid structure and can take the advantage of a power average (PA) operator, which can reduce the impact of inappropriate data given by the prejudiced decision makers (DMs) and Bonferroni mean (BM) operator, which can take into account the correlation between two attributes. In recent years, many researchers have extended the PBM operator to handle fuzzy information. The Dombi operations of T-conorm (TCN) and T-norm (TN), proposed by Dombi, have the supremacy of outstanding flexibility with general parameters. However, in the existing literature, PBM and the Dombi operations have not been combined for the above advantages for interval-neutrosophic sets (INSs). In this article, we first define some operational laws for interval neutrosophic numbers (INNs) based on Dombi TN and TCN and discuss several desirable properties of these operational rules. Secondly, we extend the PBM operator based on Dombi operations to develop an interval-neutrosophic Dombi PBM (INDPBM) operator, an interval-neutrosophic weighted Dombi PBM (INWDPBM) operator, an interval-neutrosophic Dombi power geometric Bonferroni mean (INDPGBM) operator and an interval-neutrosophic weighted Dombi power geometric Bonferroni mean (INWDPGBM) operator, and discuss several properties of these aggregation operators. Then we develop a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method, based on these proposed aggregation operators, to deal with interval neutrosophic (IN) information. Lastly, an illustrative example is provided to show the usefulness and realism of the proposed MADM method. The developed aggregation operators are very practical for solving MADM problems, as it considers the interaction among two input arguments and removes the influence of awkward data in the decision-making process at the same time. The other advantage of the proposed aggregation operators is that they are flexible due to general parameter. Full article

The spatial distribution of fish upstream of a vertical trash rack was investigated at the hydropower plant Kirchbichl in the alpine River Inn (Tyrol, Austria). The objective of the research project “FIDET” was to establish a non-invasive methodology to study fish presence and flow characteristics at large hydro power sites. A new monitoring approach was developed combining hydroacoustic observations of fish locations with multivariate hydrodynamic data. This was accomplished by utilizing complementary observations from multiple underwater sensor technologies: First, an array of echosounders were deployed at a fixed cross-section upstream of the trash rack for long-term monitoring. Afterwards, detailed underwater surveys with “acoustic cameras” (DIDSON and ARIS) revealed that the spatial distributions of fish in front of the trash rack were highly heterogeneous. The spatial distribution of the flow field was assessed via the time-averaged velocity fields from acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Finally, a custom pressure-based flow turbulence probe was developed, providing spatial estimates of flow turbulence immediately upstream of the trash rack. The significant contribution of this work is to provide a multi-modal monitoring approach incorporating both fish position data and hydrodynamic information. This forms the starting point for a future objective, namely to create an automated, sonar-based detection and control systems to assist and monitor fish protection operations in near real-time. Full article