Search Results (3,009)

The increasing use of wireless personal networks in educational institutions has created significant challenges in ensuring network security and the reliable testing of communication infrastructure. The selection of appropriate software tools for network security testing is a complex decision-making problem due to multiple software quality criteria and operational requirements. This paper proposes a multi-criteria model for evaluating approaches to wireless personal network security testing in educational institutions through the analysis of representative software tools. The evaluation framework is based on the ISO/IEC 25010 software quality criteria: reliability, functional suitability, interoperability, performance efficiency and scalability, compatibility and maintainability. Five widely used tools (Nmap, OpenVAS, Nessus, Wireshark and Wazuh) were analyzed using a structured multi-criteria approach. Criteria weights were determined using the PIPRECIA-S method, while the ranking was verified using the TOPSIS method. The results show that Wazuh achieved the highest overall score (0.3051), followed by Wireshark (0.2315) and Nessus (0.1954), while OpenVAS (0.1443) and Nmap (0.1225) achieved lower ranks. The stability and reliability of the model were confirmed by sensitivity analysis, Pareto analysis, Spearman’s rank correlation and scenario analysis. The model provides a reliable decision-support framework for selecting network security testing approaches in educational and similar organizational environments. Full article

Existing multi-modal UAV tracking methods typically rely on fixed-interval dynamic template update strategies to capture diverse target appearances, together with predefined thresholds to select high-quality search regions for template update. However, due to the irregular motion of targets and the complexity of real-world scenarios, such passive update mechanisms suffer from notable limitations. Fixed sampling intervals often fail to adequately capture appearance variations, while fixed threshold-based selection is insufficient to accommodate diverse imaging conditions, leading to ineffective updates or the introduction of noisy templates, thereby degrading tracking robustness and accuracy. To address these issues, we propose a search region-guided adaptive dynamic template update framework for robust multi-modal UAV tracking, aiming to improve both scene adaptability and target matching capability. Specifically, we design a Guided Template Selection Transformer, which dynamically matches templates conditioned on the current search region, enabling the tracker to autonomously select the most suitable template for the target’s current state. Furthermore, we introduce a Dynamic Threshold Module that adaptively adjusts template selection criteria according to different tracking scenarios, ensuring the reliability and contextual relevance of candidate templates. In addition, we develop a Dynamic Template Memory Module to maintain an ordered repository of target templates under different target states, providing a structured and high-quality template pool for the proposed selection mechanism. Extensive experiments on a standard multi-modal UAV tracking benchmark demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms existing approaches, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional fixed update strategies. Moreover, the proposed approach exhibits strong generalization capability across three additional multi-modal tracking datasets from typical surveillance scenarios. Full article

Rammed earth has long been recognised for its economic, environmental, and social advantages, and it is increasingly considered a sustainable alternative within the construction industry. Its primary benefit lies in the use of local soils, thereby minimising environmental impacts associated with material transport. At present, the assessment of soil suitability relies primarily on particle size distribution (PSD) envelopes or the maximum dry density achieved in compaction tests. Although the mechanical performance of unstabilised rammed earth (URE)—most notably its unconfined compressive strength (UCS)—depends heavily on soil clay content due to clay’s role as a natural binder, clay-rich soils are often excluded by existing criteria, despite reports of acceptable strength in such materials. In this study, URE specimens were prepared from a single local soil by systematically varying its clay fraction. The optimum moisture content (OMC) of all mixtures was determined, and all specimens were cured under controlled conditions for 28 days before being subjected to UCS testing. One-way ANOVA confirmed a statistically significant influence of clay content on UCS, and a logarithmic regression model was developed and benchmarked against published data. The results indicate that, under the controlled material and curing conditions investigated, the clay fraction can serve as a practical first-order indicator of compressive strength and related physical parameters in URE, although its predictive capacity must be interpreted together with mineralogy, moisture state, compaction conditions, and soil fabric. Full article

Dryland watersheds are governed by tightly coupled source–sink dynamics, in which expanding bare soil and declining vegetated patches amplify runoff, sediment transport, and land degradation. Identifying suitable locations for water harvesting structures remains challenging due to the limited scalability of field assessments and the inability of coarse DEM-based GIS methods to capture critical microtopographic features. This study evaluates whether high-resolution (0.44 m) topographic data, integrated with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), can identify suitable locations for water harvesting structures in dryland watersheds and compares the model discrimination of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Fuzzy AHP (FAHP). Eight geomorphic and ecological indicators were evaluated and validated using 565 practitioner-identified restoration practice locations across two watersheds in southern New Mexico. The results show that 78% (East Control) and 94% (West Restoration) of validation sites occur within the top two predicted suitability classes, with moderate to good model discrimination (AUC: 0.671–0.723) and strong ranking performance (Boyce Index: 0.945–0.983). AHP and FAHP produced nearly identical outputs (ΔAUC < 1%; ΔBoyce ≤ 0.005). These findings demonstrate that high-resolution topography, coupled with MCDA, provides a robust and transferable framework for the landscape-scale prioritization of nature-based water harvesting structures to support ecohydrological restoration in dryland watersheds. Full article

Probiotics are known to benefit human health through improving the gut environment. This study aimed to investigate whether Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) G7 exhibits probiotic properties and evaluated its effectiveness and suitability for oral health applications. Whole-genome sequencing of S. salivarius was performed using Novo assembly and bioinformatics analysis. To determine probiotic suitability, the required metabolic profiles were obtained through performing a hemolysis test, antibiotic susceptibility test, D-lactate production assay, and cytotoxicity assay according to the methods recommended in World Health Organization guidelines. To investigate the oral health impacts of S. salivarius, the acidogenicity and antimicrobial activity of S. salivarius were investigated. Finally, oral biofilms treated and untreated with S. salivarius were investigated. The phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses confirmed the taxonomic identity of S. salivarius. Also, it has been proven that this bacterium carries no virulence factors or transmissible antibiotic resistance genes. S. salivarius G7 exhibited low antibiotic resistance, cytotoxicity, and acidogenicity, while also displaying antimicrobial activity against oral disease-related bacteria, and was able to maintain eubiosis in oral biofilms. S. salivarius G7 met all the safety assessment criteria required by current probiotic guidelines and exhibited beneficial properties for oral health. Therefore, this strain may represent a safe and promising probiotic candidate for oral health applications. Full article

In rock tunnel engineering, the discontinuity roughness plays a crucial role in rock mass stability. Nevertheless, no suitable parameter is currently available to describe the multi-scale morphological complexity associated with varying shear directions. Improved 1D and 3D fractal dimensions are proposed and systematically evaluated for their ability to characterize the anisotropy and morphology complexity. The results show that the trends of improved 1D and 3D fractal dimensions are consistent with the Grasselli parameter GP(θ) along the orthogonal direction of the major and minor axes, which effectively characterizes the anisotropy. Meanwhile, they effectively characterize the profile and discontinuity morphology complexity, respectively. On the basis of the evaluation results, a comprehensive parameter is proposed to quantify directional multi-scale morphological complexity, which characterizes the discontinuity anisotropy, local roughness, and global morphological complexity simultaneously. Furthermore, the proposed parameter is compared with GP(θ) based on the Huashansong tunnel, using the concordance correlation coefficient and macro-trend similarity as evaluation criteria. The results show a moderate correlation between the two parameters, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.716. The overall similarity score of 85.8 and the macroscopic trend similarity of 71.0 indicate strong consistency in morphological features. In addition, the RMSE and MAE of γ(θ) are 0.25 and 0.19, which is lower than that of the existing GP(θ) and PSD-based methods in the study of characterizing the dominant morphology complexity direction. Full article

Smart shipping and achieving net-zero emissions have become pressing priorities in maritime transport, yet limited research has integrated sustainable shipping development with green finance decision-making. To address this gap, this study applies the AHP–RDEMATEL–TOPSIS approach to analyze the interrelationships and relative importance of key sustainability factors and to identify optimal green financing instruments. Incorporating ESG dimensions, the research conducted a survey of large international exporters in Taiwan and senior managers of shipping companies. The results reveal that green infrastructure is the most critical factor for container shipping lines, while energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are dominant for bulk carriers and shippers. Corporate reputation and image emerge as primary factors impacted across all three groups. In financing decisions, green bonds are most suitable for container lines, whereas green equities are best suited for bulk carriers. This study bridges the theoretical gap between sustainability assessment and finance, providing practical guidance for shipping companies’ financial departments seeking to align decarbonization goals with effective green financing solutions. Ultimately, the primary contribution of this study lies in establishing an empirically validated, multi-criteria decision support framework that empowers maritime stakeholders to systematically optimize their green investment portfolios amid the global transition towards net-zero emissions. Full article

This study develops a GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis framework to assess the territorial suitability of onshore wind energy in Colombia. The proposed approach combines technical and socio-environmental suitability modelling with territorial interpretation based on conflict and governance, moving beyond conventional siting models focused mainly on wind resource availability and infrastructure proximity. The technical assessment included wind speed, wind power density, terrain slope, land cover, land use, and proximity to electrical grids, main roads, settlements, and water bodies. In addition, a National Conflict Index and a National Governance Index were constructed to represent broader territorial conditions that may affect project implementation. Quantitative variables, including wind speed, wind power density, terrain slope, and distance-based criteria, were transformed onto a common suitability scale using linear fuzzy membership functions, whereas qualitative variables, including land cover and land use, were incorporated through categorical reclassification. The National Conflict Index and National Governance Index were first constructed using CRITIC to obtain objective weights for their internal variables. Subsequently, the final onshore wind suitability criteria were weighted through the linear Best–Worst Method based on expert judgment. The standardized suitability layers and corresponding BWM-derived weights were integrated through weighted spatial overlay to generate a national suitability map, while the conflict and governance indices were used to interpret the territorial conditions associated with the resulting suitable areas. The results show a highly selective territorial pattern, with the most favorable areas concentrated mainly in La Guajira (1286.09 km²) and Cesar (574.45 km²), and more fragmented secondary opportunities in Nariño, Boyacá, Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca, Atlántico, and Magdalena. Three territorial intervention scenarios were identified: priority intervention, complementary or selective development, and low relative priority. The main contribution of the study is the articulation of a BWM-weighted technical and socio-environmental suitability model with CRITIC-based conflict and governance indices, offering a replicable framework to support strategic planning and public policy decisions for onshore wind deployment in Colombia. Full article

To overcome the low heat-transfer efficiency on the seawater side of the intermediate fluid vaporizer (IFV), a triangular inner-finned heat-transfer enhancement tube suitable for low to medium-flow-velocity conditions was designed. The influence of triangular internal fins’ axial spacing, height, radial arrangement number, and inclination angle on the flow and heat transfer characteristics inside the tube was numerically investigated. The tube performance was evaluated and optimized by performance evaluation criteria (PEC). The results indicated that triangular internal fins induced vortex structures, which disrupted the boundary layer, thereby enhancing momentum and energy exchange between the hot fluid within the boundary layer and the cold fluid outside it. Heat transfer was improved with reduced fin distance, increased height, and increased the number of radial arrangements. The optimal comprehensive performance was achieved at an inclination angle of 75°. The Nusselt number (Nu) increased by 66.02%, the friction factor (f) increased by 162.23%, and PEC reached up to 1.203 when Re was 9545. The results provided a theoretical reference for the structural optimization of efficient heat-exchange tubes. Full article

Namibia’s vast renewable energy potential positions it as a strategic location for green hydrogen production, a key vector in advancing global decarbonization objectives. Nevertheless, identifying optimal production sites remains a complex and multidimensional challenge. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic and spatial assessment to determine the most suitable areas for large-scale green hydrogen production in Lüderitz, Namibia. The analysis employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process integrated with Geographic Information System techniques to evaluate and spatially prioritize potential sites. Critical criteria, including solar irradiance, wind velocity, land use, and proximity to essential infrastructure, were systematically weighted and overlayed to generate suitability classifications. The results indicate that approximately 20% of the study area exhibits high suitability, 68% exhibits moderate suitability, 8% exhibits marginal suitability, and 4% is unsuitable for the development of integrated wind and solar energy. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for guiding policy formulation, investment planning, and the spatial optimization of Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen industry. Full article

The paper presents the results of experimental studies aimed at assessing thermal conductivity, compressive strength, water absorption and capillary action of samples in the form of ordinary concrete (reference sample—B1) and lightweight concrete with the addition of a biocomponent (C100) in the range of 3–31.2% porosity with varied morphology. Gas permeability studies were conducted for porous materials with an anisotropic structure. The measurement results indicate a significant effect of the type of material on thermal conductivity for B1, which is 3.05 W·(m·K)⁻¹ and C100 equal to 0.09 W·(m·K)⁻¹. On the other hand, the highest water absorption is demonstrated by C100, which is 99%, and the lowest by B1 equal to 2%. Tests were conducted for different gas permeability conditions using oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The basis for assessing gas permeability through porous beds is the gas flow resulting from the overpressure forcing this flow. The highest gas permeability coefficient at a flow resistance of 6 kPa for B1 was 2.7·10⁻⁷ m², and for C100, 2.1·10⁻⁷ m² at CO₂ flow. The following issues were identified: scientific, identifying the lack of research on gas permeability testing for anisotropic concrete structures; application, identifying reports of premature failure of concrete structures in livestock buildings due to the effects of toxic substances. The novelty in the article is the indication of the gas permeability model and the performance of a comparative analysis (multi-criteria analysis) based on diagnostic features. In the hierarchical decision-making structure, gas permeability was used as one of the evaluation criteria, which can be assessed as a stimulant or destimulant depending on the climatic zone. The permeability of gas media is one of the features that allow for assessing the suitability of materials, among others, for small-sized prefabricated wall systems—the durability of both the element itself and any reinforcing inserts depends on permeability. The aim of this article was to compare the physical and functional properties of materials, such as thermal conductivity, water absorption, capillarity and gas permeability, in relation to the material composition. The research was of an application and engineering nature, focusing on macroscale functional parameters that are important from the point of view of the practical application of the tested building composites. The scientific problem is to indicate the lack of scientific research on the study of gas permeability in anisotropic concrete structures in livestock building conditions. The engineering use of hempcrete indicates its usefulness in various structural elements of livestock buildings. Full article

Multiphase electric drives have gained significant attention in recent years due to their enhanced efficiency and inherent fault-tolerant capability, making them a promising solution for modern high-performance applications. In this context, finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) has emerged as an effective control strategy due to its flexibility in handling multivariable systems and multiple control objectives. Among its recent developments, variable-sampling-time approaches introduce an additional degree of freedom that enables more efficient adaptation of the control action, particularly reducing switching frequency. This variant of FCS-MPC schemes is based on a sequential structure, in which the direction of the desired current response is prioritized over its magnitude, even when implementation constraints limit its achievement. This work proposes an adaptive sampling time multivector model predictive control strategy (AST-MPC) for six-phase induction motor (6ph-IM) drives. The proposed AST-MPC combines multivector control actions with a threshold-based mechanism to incorporate magnitude information into the selection of control actions, typically governed by directional criteria. The designed approach is experimentally validated and compared under steady-state and transient conditions using multiple performance metrics. Results demonstrate that AST-MPC achieves improved current quality and reduced switching frequency, maintaining suitable dynamic performance and providing natural fault tolerance. Full article

In recent years, multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) methods have attracted widespread attention in the academic community. However, most existing MCGDM approaches suffer from limitations in decision-makers’ expressive capacity and the loss of uncertain information. To address these issues, this study proposes a novel multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) framework. First, we developed an evaluation information representation method called the hybrid probabilistic information set (HPIS), which allows DMs to fully express their opinions based on individual cognition using the most suitable form of representation. Second, the criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) methods are extended into the cloud model environment, ensuring that the rich uncertainty information is fully preserved and transmitted throughout the entire evaluation process. Finally, we apply the proposed MCGDM framework to a practical case study evaluating urban flood resilience within an urban agglomeration, to identify its vulnerable components. The results indicate that Baoding, Zhangjiakou, and Chengde are identified as the most vulnerable cities, necessitating immediate and targeted measures to bolster their flood defense capabilities. At the same time, decision-makers can select both qualitative and quantitative comments simultaneously and carry uncertainty information throughout the entire calculation process. Furthermore, the sensitivity and comparative analyses demonstrate the robustness and practical utility of the proposed method under the tested scenarios. Full article

Gamma-ray parameters are widely used to screen organic-rich intervals, yet the influence of lithofacies heterogeneity on the reliability of gamma-ray-based TOC predictions remains incompletely evaluated. This study aims to (1) assess the relationships between gamma-ray parameters and TOC, (2) evaluate how lithofacies heterogeneity influences predictive reliability, and (3) establish practical screening criteria for identifying organic-rich intervals in two Middle Miocene marine successions from the Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin System. Outcrop gamma-ray spectrometry measurements (K, U, Th) and dose rate (DR) were paired with co-located laboratory TOC analyses (Voćin n = 45; Podsused n = 96). Pearson correlation, multiple and simple linear regression, logistic regression for TOC ≥ 1 wt.%, and threshold analysis were applied to evaluate relationships between gamma-ray parameters and organic matter enrichment. U and DR show moderate positive relationships with TOC in both sections, whereas K and Th are not statistically significant predictors. Regression and threshold analyses identify U as the primary predictor of TOC and show more stable and systematic predictive behaviour in the homogeneous Podsused succession than in the heterogeneous Voćin section. The results indicate that lithofacies heterogeneity primarily influences predictive stability rather than the existence of TOC–gamma-ray relationships. The study demonstrates that lithofacies heterogeneity is an important factor influencing the reliability of gamma-ray-based TOC screening and provides a framework for assessing the suitability of uranium and dose-rate proxies in different sedimentary settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for grass pollen allergy. However, the proportion of patients interested in AIT who meet guideline-defined eligibility criteria remains unclear. This study aimed to characterise symptom burden, medication use, and AIT eligibility in adult patients with grass pollen allergy during the peak pollen season. Methods: In this multicentre, prospective, non-interventional epidemiological study, 479 adults with confirmed grass pollen allergy recorded daily nasal, ocular, and systemic symptoms, as well as anti-allergic medication use, via a validated electronic diary (CCC STUDY Diary) over a 30-day period in June/July 2025. A combined symptom–medication score (CSMS) was calculated daily, with a predefined threshold of ≥1.5 indicating clinically relevant symptom severity and potential eligibility for AIT. Both additive and weighted calculation approaches for the CSMS and the daily medication score (dMS) were evaluated to assess methodological robustness and reproducibility. Results: The mean additive CSMS was 2.14, indicating moderate symptom burden. Overall, 63.3% of participants exceeded the CSMS threshold of 1.5 and were considered eligible for AIT. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated excellent concordance between additive and weighted CSMS/dMS calculations (Spearman’s ρ >0.98; p < 0.001), and Bland–Altman analysis confirmed minimal bias (0.157) and narrow limits of agreement. Asthma was reported as a comorbidity in 36% of patients, generally associated with mild to moderate daily respiratory symptoms. Limitations included the self-reported nature of the data and a slightly reduced sample size; however, the results are representative of adult patients seeking care in specialised allergy centres in Germany. Conclusions: The CSMS also in its additive and therefore modernised form is a reliable, reproducible, and clinically meaningful tool for quantifying symptom severity and identifying patients suitable for AIT. Approximately two-thirds of adults interested in grass pollen AIT exhibited moderate to severe symptoms and were eligible for treatment according to current guideline recommendations. Full article