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Consumers towards Sustainable Banking: An Exploratory Study of Individual ATM Usage in the Hungarian Banking Industry

Tamás Vinkóczi Anikó Németh

Publication Name: Ecocycles

Publication Date: 2025-12-15

Volume: 11

Issue: 2

Page Range: 1-8

Description:

The design and use of banking services may be an important part of sustainability efforts. The implementation of automated teller machine (ATM) services and offerings has a considerable impact on the economic viability and sustainability of banks. The use of such services enhances the security of transactions and reduces paper-based environmental damage. In Hungary, the use of cash is still widely accepted, expected, and applied as a method of saving and paying money. Therefore, the aspects of sustainability and consumer interests indicate a similarity of interests in this country, which makes an analysis of the perception of the ATM user experience crucial. However, research tends to concentrate on the phenomenon of financial digitalization and fintech, which indicates a research gap in the field of research on consumer perception of ATM use. Therefore, the objective of this research is to explore the factors that influence ATM use through attitudinal research. The questionnaire survey resulted in a sample of 214. Data were processed using factor analysis to identify key factors of ATM use. The results suggest that simplicity and reliability factors influence bank customers' satisfaction with ATM usage. The high demand for access to cash is also indicated by the fact that ease of use and 24/7 access to ATMs are the most important issues for customers. The novelty of this study lies in its attempt to link the proportion of image use typical of the Central European region with sustainability goals, thereby highlighting that optimizing the user experience is key.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.19040/ecocycles.v11i2.484

Authenticity, ethics, and transparency in virtual influencer marketing: A cross-cultural analysis of consumer trust and engagement: A systematic literature review

Veronika Keller Donia Khalfallah

Publication Name: Acta Psychologica

Publication Date: 2025-10-01

Volume: 260

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Virtual influencers (VIs) artificial intelligence (AI)-generated personas that mimic human influencers have emerged as a transformative force in digital marketing. This study conducts a systematic literature review (n = 51 articles) to explore the impact of virtual influencers on consumer trust, engagement, and ethical considerations across different cultural and regulatory environments. Key themes examined include the perceived authenticity of virtual influencers and its influence on trust, the ethical dilemmas surrounding transparency and consumer deception, and the effects of disclosure on engagement across various social media platforms. The findings of the study indicate that while virtual influencers have the capacity to enhance brand engagement, concerns regarding authenticity, transparency, and the uncanny valley effect influence consumer perceptions. Ethical considerations, including regulatory compliance and cultural sensitivities, further complicate their integration into marketing strategies. The Virtual Influencer Trust and Engagement Model (VITEM) is a novel framework that elucidates the relationships between authenticity, disclosure transparency, and cultural context. It shows trust to be a key mediating factor, emphasizing cultural differences in consumer responses to virtual influencers. The present study offers insights to a range of professionals, including marketers, researchers, policymakers, psychologists, and consumer wellbeing stakeholders, on the responsible leveraging of virtual influencers in an evolving digital landscape.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105573

Prioritization of AI-based material handling approaches for smart logistics in sustainable warehouses: A q-rung orthopair fuzzy CoCoSo methodology with consensus reaching

Dragan Pamucar Tapan Senapati Erfan Babaee Tirkolaee Svetlana Dabic-Miletic Leena Arya Abhijit Saha Vladimir Simic

Publication Name: Environment Development and Sustainability

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study aims to address the artificial intelligence-based material handling approach selection problem under circular economy to contribute the smart and sustainable business management in logistics systems. The "consensus-reaching process" for experts is not emphasized in the current decision-making procedures with q-rung orthopair fuzzy data. Experts working on group decision-making challenges may hold views that are very dissimilar from one another as a result of their knowledge and experiences. In order for experts to increase the amount of consensus, a consensus-building process is needed. Besides, the ranking results provided by "combined compromise for ideal solution" do not change dramatically in line with the changing weight distributions of characteristics. So, q-rung orthopair fuzzy-based combined compromise for ideal solution methodology with consensus reaching is introduced for solving the addressed emerging problem of logistics companies. This robust and logical decision-making method can comprehensively analyze the advantages, disadvantages, and potential barriers to the acceptance of artificial intelligence-based material handling approaches. The real-life study is offered for a logistics company that plans to invest in robotic solutions based on artificial intelligence. The findings show that autonomous mobile robots represent the best artificial intelligence-based material handling approach. Recommendations for adopting alternative solutions are provided to assist in the efficient completion of smart logistics activities.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s10668-025-06435-6

Prediction of biochar physicochemical properties based on biomass initial conditions and pyrolysis process supported by data-driven multiple linear regression model

Chunjie Li Chew Tin Lee Sheng Rong Guo Li Yee Lim Pei Ying Ong Keng Yinn Wong Huiyi Tan Chiaw Hui Chiew Liangyu Li Li Yee Lim Petar Sabev Varbanov

Publication Name: Energy

Publication Date: 2025-12-15

Volume: 340

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Biochar has gained attention for its role in soil improvement and environmental remediation. Predicting its physicochemical properties from various biomass sources is essential for optimising its applications. Existing linear regression models have investigated the effects of biomass type and pyrolysis conditions on biochar physicochemical properties and soil quality. The models are highly specific and lack predictive accuracy with limited biomass classifications. This study develops a multiple linear regression model, integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce dependent variables and enhance predictions of key biochar properties: pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and Electrical Conductivity (EC). Three classification approaches—uncategorised (Combination UC), lignocellulosic analysis (Combination LA), and elemental analysis (Combination EA)—were compared. Classification significantly improved prediction accuracy, with Combination EA outperforming Combination LA. Applying PCA to Combination EA (EAPCA) further enhanced model efficiency, achieving high adjusted R2 values for pH, EC, and CEC in woody (0.817, 0.537, 0.875), herbaceous (0.795, 0.759, 0.732), and wet biomass (0.76, 0.787, 0.607) categories. The woody biomass case exhibited the strongest predictive performance for CEC. Key parameters identified through PCA included residence time, heating rate, nitrogen, hydrogen, and H/C ratio. The model's RMSE (15.4778) and R2 (0.875) indicate strong predictive capability, explaining 87.5 % of the variance in CEC. This study highlights the effectiveness of classification and PCA in improving biochar property predictions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139304

Multi-objective genetic algorithm calibration of colored self-compacting concrete using DEM: an integrated parallel approach

Majid Movahedi Rad Vahid Shafaie

Publication Name: Scientific Reports

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

A detailed numerical simulation of Colored Self-Compacting Concrete (CSCC) was conducted in this research. Emphasis was placed on an innovative calibration methodology tailored for ten unique CSCC mix designs. Through the incorporation of multi-objective optimization, MATLAB's Genetic Algorithm (GA) was seamlessly integrated with PFC3D, a prominent Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) software package. This integration facilitates the exchange of micro-parameter values, where MATLAB’s GA optimizes these parameters, which are then input into PFC3D to simulate the behavior of CSCC mix designs. The calibration process is fully automated through a MATLAB script, complemented by a fish script in PFC, allowing for an efficient and precise calibration mechanism that automatically terminates based on predefined criteria. Central to this approach is the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) test, which forms the foundation of the calibration process. A distinguishing aspect of this study was the incorporation of pigment effects, reflecting the cohesive behavior of cementitious components, into the micro-parameters influencing the cohesion coefficient within DEM. This innovative approach ensured significant alignment between simulations and observed macro properties, as evidenced by fitness values consistently exceeding 0.94. This investigation not only expanded the understanding of CSCC dynamics but also contributed significantly to the discourse on advanced concrete simulation methodologies, underscoring the importance of multi-objective optimization in such studies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54715-4

FEM-Based Analysis of Induction Machine Broken Rotor Bar Detection Using Extended Kalman Filter

György Istenes Krisztian Horvath

Publication Name: 2024 23rd International Symposium on Electrical Apparatus and Technologies Siela 2024 Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This paper presents an extended Kalman filter-based (EKF-based) detection method of broken bars in induction machine (IM). The objective is to detect the change in rotor resistance of a cage induction machine in case of one or more broken bars. To analyze the proposed fault detector, simulations are carried out. In the applied simulation environment, finite element method (FEM) model is used to describe the electric behavior of IM. The broken bars are modelled in the FEM simulations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1109/SIELA61056.2024.10637867

Combined Barrier–Target Coverage for Directional Sensor Network

Tamas V. Michaletzky Balázs Kósa Márk Bukovinszki Viktor R. Tihanyi

Publication Name: Sensors

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 24

Issue: 24

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Over the past twenty years, camera networks have become increasingly popular. In response to various demands imposed on these networks, several coverage models have been developed in the scientific literature, such as area, trap, barrier, and target coverage. In this paper, a new type of coverage task, the Maximum Target Coverage with k-Barrier Coverage (MTCBC-k) problem, is defined. Here, the goal is to cover as many moving targets as possible from time step to time step while continuously maintaining k-barrier coverage over the region of interest (ROI). This approach is different from independently solving the two tasks and then merging the results. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation for the MTCBC-k problem is presented. Additionally, two types of camera clustering methods have been developed. This approach allows for solving smaller ILPs within clusters, and combining their solutions. Furthermore, a polynomial-time greedy algorithm has been introduced as an alternative to solve the MTCBC-k problem. An example was also provided of how the aforementioned methods can be modified to handle a more realistic scenario, where only the targets detected by the cameras are known, rather than all the targets within the ROI. The simulations were run with both dense and sparse camera placements, convincingly supporting the usefulness of the clustering and greedy methods.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/s24248093

New dimensions of internal controls in banking after the GFC

Laszlo Vasa Csaba Lentner Pál P. Kolozsi Zoltán Zéman

Publication Name: Economic Annals Xxi

Publication Date: 2019-08-20

Volume: 176

Issue: 3-4

Page Range: 38-48

Description:

The weakness of the control function of governments and central banks was the main regulatory cause of the global financial crisis (GFC) broke out in 2007, but the suboptimal regulatory environment «corrupted» the quality of internal control and audit of banks as well. After the crisis, corporate governance issues appeared in the focus of international organizations. In this paper, we present the relevant international recommendations aimed at improvement of the weak corporate governance practices of the banking sector. Based on the comparison of pre- and post-crisis internal control functionalities which are presented as a meta-analysis and a systematic review of the existing empirical researches, the authors conclude that the stricter guidelines could and can have a positive impact on banks' operations stabilizing through the strengthening of internal control practices.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.21003/ea.V176-04

Web crippling behavior of cold-formed steel built-up I-sections with stiffened and unstiffened perforated webs

Ardalan B. Hussein

Publication Name: Results in Engineering

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 28

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study investigates the web crippling behaviour of cold-formed steel (CFS) back-to-back built-up U-shaped sections with perforated webs. In this research, the web opening was positioned at the mid-height of the web directly beneath the bearing plate. Initially, the geometrically and materially nonlinear finite element (FE) models were validated against 24 experimental tests from the literature, demonstrating excellent agreement. Specifically, the mean FE-to-experimental strength ratios (PFE/PEXP) were 1.002 and 1.001 for the Interior-Two-Flange (ITF) and Interior-Loading (IL) conditions, respectively. Subsequently, the verified nonlinear FEM models were employed to conduct an extensive parametric study comprising 198 built-up I-sections. Moreover, this extensive investigation systematically examined the effects of various parameters, including hole size, the presence of unstiffened and stiffened holes, as well as different hole shapes such as rectangular, slotted, circular, and square openings, on web crippling performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that unstiffened holes can reduce the web crippling strength by as much as 54 % compared to plain webs. In contrast, edge-stiffened holes can enhance the web crippling strength by up to 42 % relative to plain webs. These findings highlight the significant impact of web perforation geometry and stiffening on the web-crippling behaviour of CFS built-up sections.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107565