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Authors - 9829
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Publications - 6383
Constitutive modelling of recycled PET-modified asphalt concrete using CBM–PBM within a discrete element framework
Publication Name: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Publication Date: 2026-12-01
Volume: 25
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into asphalt mixtures offers a sustainable approach to enhance pavement performance while reducing plastic waste. However, the mesoscale mechanisms governing the influence of PET on stiffness, deformation resistance, and fracture behavior remain unclear. In this study, a three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework was developed to investigate the constitutive response of PET-modified asphalt concrete through the explicit representation of aggregates, asphalt mortar, PET inclusions, and air voids. Two bonding schemes, the Contact Bond Model (CBM) and Parallel Bond Model (PBM), were implemented and compared in terms of stiffness, tensile strength, damage evolution, and crack propagation. The experimental dynamic modulus (|E*|), indirect tensile strength (ITS), resilient modulus (Mr), rutting, and moisture susceptibility tests were conducted for mixtures containing 0–10% PET by volume. The DEM microparameters were calibrated using |E*| and ITS data, whereas Mr, rut depth, and tensile strength ratio (TSR) were used for independent validation. The results show that PET incorporation increases the mixture stiffness, with the dynamic modulus rising from 3500 to 5159 MPa and improves the resilient response under repeated loading. ITS increased from 0.44 MPa for the control mixture to a peak value of 1.15 MPa at 6% PET before decreasing to 0.89 MPa at 10% PET due to interfacial weakening. The rut depth decreased consistently with increasing PET content, indicating enhanced resistance to permanent deformation, whereas the TSR values confirmed acceptable moisture durability. Mesoscale analyses revealed that PET modified the force-chain distribution and promoted interface-controlled damage at the PET–mortar contacts. Compared with CBM, PBM more accurately reproduces progressive stiffness degradation and distributed cracking. An optimum PET content of approximately 6% was identified, providing the best balance between stiffness enhancement, tensile resistance and durability. These findings provide mechanistic insights into PET-modified asphalt mixtures and support the development of performance-based sustainable pavement materials.
Open Access: Yes
Evaluating blockchain-based waste management investments in smart cities using a multi-criteria decision support framework
Publication Name: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: 2026-12-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
With growing urbanization, there are increasing demands on waste management systems that can be performed in an environmentally friendly way as well as efficiently. Current approaches to managing waste often have issues with efficiency, transparency, and engaging with the public. Blockchain technology has been identified as one potential solution to these problems because it offers several benefits including decentralization, security, and transparency. The selection of the best blockchain-based waste management (BBWM) system is very difficult due to the many different evaluation criteria that may conflict with each other. Therefore this research uses a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach using CIMAS (Criteria Importance Assessment), for determining weights based upon subjective input, and LOPCOW (Logarithmic Percentage Change-Driven Objective Weighing), for determining weights based upon objective data within the MCDM framework. To rank alternatives effectively, an Alternative Ranking Order Method Accounting for Two-Step Normalization (AROMAN) technique is applied, ensuring a precise evaluation process. The use of T-Spherical Fuzzy Sets (T-SFS) captures all three (membership, non-membership, hesitation degree) and is used to address the variability that exists when making an expert judgment. Some of the key factors include; Technological Feasibility, Operational Costs, Scalability, Data Security, Regulatory Compliance, Environmental Impact. Based on the evaluation criteria, it appears that the Blockchain Enabled Waste Tracking System is the most appropriate alternative due to its high potential for Transparency, Regulatory Compliance and Fraud Prevention. In addition, this research will provide Policymakers, Urban Planners and Investors with a methodical way of making Data Driven Decisions on BBWM Investments.
Open Access: Yes
Enhancing Policy Insights: Machine Learning-Based Forecasting of Euro Area Inflation HICP and Subcomponents
Publication Name: Forecasting
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Accurate inflation forecasting is of central importance for monetary authorities, governments, and businesses, as it shapes economic decisions and policy responses. While most studies focus on headline inflation, this paper analyses the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and its 12 subcomponents in the euro area over the period 2000–2023, covering episodes of financial crisis, economic stability, and recent inflationary shocks. We apply a broad set of machine learning and deep learning models, systematically optimized through grid search, and evaluate their performance using the Normalized Mean Absolute Error (NMAE). To complement traditional accuracy measures, we introduce the Forecastability Index (FI) and the Interquartile Range (IQR), which jointly capture both the difficulty and robustness of forecasts. Our results show that RNN and LSTM architectures consistently outperform traditional approaches such as SVR and RFR, particularly in volatile environments. Subcomponents such as Health and Education proved easier to forecast, while Recreation and culture and Restaurants and hotels were among the most challenging. The findings demonstrate that macroeconomic stability enhances forecasting accuracy, whereas crises amplify errors and inter-model dispersion. By highlighting the heterogeneous predictability of inflation subcomponents, this study provides novel insights with strong policy relevance, showing which categories can be forecast with greater confidence and where uncertainty requires more cautious intervention.
Open Access: Yes
Digital transformation project risks assessment using hybrid picture fuzzy distance measure-based additive ratio assessment method
Publication Name: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Digital transformation (DT) has become vital for companies trying to remain competitive in the recent ever-changing technological environment. DT is the integration of digital technologies into all disciplines of business from regular activities to strategic decision making. Risk management planning requires projects to assess possible risks that may negatively or positively affect a DT project. The purpose of the study is to introduce a hybridized decision support system (DSS) by combining the distance measure, ranking comparison (RANCOM) model and additive ratio assessment (ARAS) approach in the context of a picture fuzzy set (PFS). In this framework, the decision experts’ significance values are computed using a picture fuzzy score function-based formula. With the combination of objective weight using distance measure and subjective weight through the RANCOM model, a combined weight-determining approach is developed to determine the significance values of considered DT risks under picture fuzzy environment, while a hybrid ARAS model is developed to evaluate and rank DT projects from the risks perspective. To exhibit the feasibility of the introduced framework, a case study of a DT projects assessment problem is discussed in the context of picture fuzzy sets. A sensitivity study is also discussed over different values of the strategy coefficient, which confirms the strength of the proposed model. Further, a comparison with the existing picture fuzzy information-based methods is presented to prove the robustness of the developed decision-making framework.
Open Access: Yes
From childhood imitation based studying to a knowledge based society
Publication Name: International Journal of Learning
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Page Range: 221-242
Description:
In most countries the following questions are very frequently asked: how can our country become a knowledge - based economy, what requirements are needed to meet to establish a knowledge based society, how can we form our culture that it should support the new behaviour? There are basic elements of national, organisational and personal culture, such as study skills and the willingness to study, methods of knowledge acquisition (for example literacy), childhood curiosity (for example which can be satisfied by the sample behaviour of adults), youthful pursuit of knowledge experience gained in the course of work. One of the critical elements of knowledge acquisition is how and from whom we can receive it. The other critical question is how we can share our knowledge with other people, how it should become a common value to improve the memory of organisations and nations. The features of this behaviour can be observed from childhood but these are going to change depending on the characteristics of the environment and age. In our research the emphasis was put on the age characteristics that influence our studying habits and sources of our knowledge acquisition from childhood to adulthood. The aim of this international research is to explore factors that can help and/or obstruct the process of knowledge sharing which should become daily routine from imitation - based studying to knowledge-based society. © Common Ground, Andrea Bencsik.
Open Access: Yes
ISO 14000 as a driver of sustainability: Exploring its alternative drivers beyond ISO 9000 standards
Publication Name: Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 12
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study replicates and extends Corbett and Kirsch (2001) and Vastag (2004) using a new data set to investigate the drivers of ISO 14000 certification diffusions using decision tree analysis. The findings indicate that at the national level, ISO 14000 certification diffusions are influenced by factors other than ISO 9000 certification diffusions, such as the number of environmental treaties signed and ratified, industrial activities as a percentage of GDP, and GDP per capita, thus provides a range of managerial insights and enhances scholarly understanding of sustainability beyond the influence of ISO 9000. Future studies might extend the countries included in this study to see if the results are the same. Future research may include other factors like a country’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indicators to better understand its commitment to sustainability, including environmental sustainability. The country’s culture may influence customers, investors, and other stakeholders’ knowledge and desire for sustainable practices and inspire firms to obtain ISO 14000 certifications. Since larger firms may seek ISO 14000 certification, future studies may evaluate the influence of the number of large firms in various countries as drivers of ISO certification diffusions.
Open Access: Yes
Future: Carrier and family plans of 5th-year female medical students
Publication Name: Lege Artis Medicinae
Publication Date: 2006-06-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Page Range: 585-589
Description:
INTRODUCTION - The aim of this study was to analyze female medical students' carrier and family attitudes and plans in view of two social problems: (1) the increasing shortage of physicians in Hungary and (2) conflicts and health problems in the life of female doctors caused by professional and family duties. METHOD - The basis of this study is a self-reported questionnaire-based survey performed in the spring of 2004 among 5th-year female medical students in the faculties of general medicine at Semmelweis and Debrecen universities. One hundred and seventeen students (46.2%) responded. RESULTS - The overwhelming majority of students (91.5%) want to work as a physicians, and 63.5% plan to work abroad in health care. As to family planning, 95.7% of the respondents would like to have children, although only 52.8% plan to stay at home in the first three years. CONCLUSION - These data suggest that the majority of Hungarian female medical students want to be engaged in the medical profession and plan to meet both family and career demands. Due to its special requirements, however, this profession may generate future marital, childmother relationship and workplace conflicts.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: DOI not available
OPPORTUNITIES AND PERSPECTIVES OF FORMATION OF THE MOUNTAIN TOURISM CLUSTER IN ALMATY AGGLOMERATION
Publication Name: Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 58
Issue: 1
Page Range: 105-118
Description:
In the current conditions of sustainable development, the main reason for the importance of creating tourism clusters in mountainous areas is determined by competitiveness, the availability of attractive tourist facilities, and the possibility of achieving economic development by increasing the number of tourists. This is due to the fact that recreational resources and landscape features of mountainous areas significantly increase the tourist potential of the territory and contribute to the development of tourism. In connection with this, Almaty agglomeration is one of the most favourable regions for the creation and development of the first mountain tourism cluster in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities and prospects of mountain tourism cluster development in Almaty agglomeration. The study began with a literature review of the theoretical and practical foundations of mountain tourism cluster formation. The main problems of the enterprises-participants of the mountain tourism cluster and ways to solve them became known in the course of a specially conducted interview. The interview was based on 4 questions pre-designed for tourism industry entrepreneurs participating in the cluster located in the agglomeration and 63 business managers voluntarily participated. As a result of the research the main problems of enterprises-participants of mountain tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration are revealed and the structural model of mountain tourism cluster development is developed. The model was aimed at mobilising tourism and recreational facilities and service organisations into a unified environment that would form the basis for the formation and development of a mountain tourism cluster. As a competitive advantage of Almaty agglomeration the presence of unique picturesque wildlife, as well as the occupation of such types of active recreation as sports tourism and extreme tourism is defined. Thus, having studied the development potential of mountain tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration, natural resources and attractions, as well as the current state of the tourism industry, the need to develop a state strategic plan for the development of tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration was determined. The said plan should fully incorporate marketing strategies, infrastructure development, socio-economic development, environmental cleanliness and safety, and protection of stakeholder rights. The results of this study will be effective in creating a mountain tourism cluster in the Almaty agglomeration, attracting visitors from around the world and stimulating the local economy.
Open Access: Yes
Dual TYK2/JAK1 Inhibition by Brepocitinib Reprograms Synoviocyte Pathobiology: Mechanistic Insights Into Targeted Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Publication Name: Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Publication Date: 2026-12-01
Volume: 25
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial hyperplasia, persistent inflammation, and joint destruction. Targeted inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT, has improved RA treatment outcomes, though safety and selectivity remain as concerns. Brepocitinib, a dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, has shown clinical efficacy in the management of autoimmune diseases, yet its mechanistic impact on synoviocytes remains underexplored. Objectives: To investigate the molecular and functional effects of brepocitinib on MH7A and RA-FLS synoviocytes, a key effector cell type in RA pathogenesis. Methods: MH7A and RA-FLS cells were treated with brepocitinib (0.5 µM, 1 µM, and 5 µM) for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed. Western blotting was used to examine phosphorylation of TYK2, JAK1, STAT1/3, and apoptotic markers (BAX, BCL-2, caspase-3). Quantitative PCR and ELISA were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Wound healing assays measured synoviocyte migration. Results: Brepocitinib maintained ≥ 85% cell viability across all doses, compared with ~20% viability in doxorubicin-treated controls. At 5 µM, phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 was suppressed by > 80%, while TYK2 and STAT1 inhibition reached ~70%. IL-6 and TNF-α transcripts were reduced by > 80% and IFN-γ by ~70%, with corresponding decreases in secreted cytokines (IL-6: 100 pg/mL to 20 pg/mL; TNF-α: 150 pg/mL to 15 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 41 pg/mL to 11 pg/mL). Brepocitinib shifted the BAX/BCL-2 ratio fourfold in favor of apoptosis and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels to ~80% of maximal response. Functionally, it reduced wound closure from ~75% in controls to ~20% at 5 µM, confirming potent inhibition of synoviocyte migration. Conclusions: Brepocitinib exerts multi-faceted effects on RA synoviocytes by simultaneously inhibiting inflammatory signaling, suppressing cytokine expression, restoring apoptotic sensitivity, and reducing migratory potential. These findings provide mechanistic support for brepocitinib as a targeted therapeutic agent in RA.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-166019
