Holistic Solution Research Articles

Enhanced fatigue SN curve generation for gear bending fatigue life prediction using multi-objective optimization algorithms

This study presents a comprehensive methodology for fatigue life prediction and SN curve generation in gear systems, integrating specimen and product-level testing, simulations, and multi-objective optimization. The approach addresses the discrepancy between specimen-based testing and actual product performance through a novel multi-fidelity framework. To solve the proposed multi-objective optimization problem, several optimization algorithms were compared and analyzed, demonstrating the effectiveness of each approach in balancing different objectives. A key innovation is the development of an empirical formulation-based surrogate model, enabling efficient optimization while significantly reducing computational demands. The methodology covers both specimen and product-level testing along with simulations, offering a holistic solution for accurate fatigue life prediction. Extensive validation through experiments and comparison with commercial software confirms the reliability and practical applicability of the method. This approach provides a sustainable and efficient solution for SN curve generation and fatigue life prediction in automotive gear train development, allowing for continuous improvement as new data becomes available. Its practicality and accuracy make it particularly valuable for early-stage design optimization and large-scale applications in the automotive industry.

Effective cooling networks: Optimizing corridors for Urban Heat Island mitigation

The detrimental impacts of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect are widely recognized in cities globally. Despite the natural cooling capacity of urban cold islands (UCIs), their fragmented state diminishes overall effectiveness. Previous research focused on identifying corridors to connect these isolated UCIs, aiming to enhance cooling networks. However, optimal connection strategies remained elusive. This study introduces a novel framework to address this gap. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro's optimal region connection tools alongside Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) and ecological parameters, corridors in Ghaemshahr, Iran were meticulously planned and assessed. Through minimum cumulative resistance and gravity models, 63 potential corridors totaling 153 km were identified. Optimization procedures then refined this selection to 27 key corridors spanning 22 km, with 67% measuring less than 0.5 km and strategically positioned near UCIs. This prioritizes adjacency, maximizing corridor protection and construction likelihood. This cost-effective approach fosters stronger connectivity between adjacent UCIs, ultimately linking all UCIs within the region. This innovative methodology provides a holistic solution for mitigating UHI effects, promoting sustainable urban development.

Investigating Problem-Based Learning Model’s Impact on Student’s Critical Thinking Skills in Environmental Conservation Context

In the educational context of the 21st century, where critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills, the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model offers numerous advantages. In contrast to traditional learning models that only focus on knowledge transfer, PBL encourages students to solve real environmental problems, promotes active learning, and encourages the development of critical thinking skills to solve complex global issues. Environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, and other issues require students' ability to integrate various information and analyze, synthesize, and formulate holistic and comprehensive solutions. This research discusses the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model and aims to determine its effect on students' critical thinking skills in discussions related to the environment. The type of research applied was a quasi-experiment with a non-equivalent control-group design pre-test and post-test and the experimental class subjects were 29 and the control class was 32 students as a result of cluster random sampling. Data were collected in the form of essay tests and observations and then analyzed to determine significant differences using the t-test. The results of this study show that there is a significant difference in critical thinking skills with a value of p = 0.004 α 0.05 between the experimental class and the control class, where the experimental class gets a higher score of 71 compared to the control class of 61. In the event that learning involves interdisciplinary and abstract material such as environmental topics and aims to develop students' critical thinking skills, the PBL model can be a teacher's choice in implementing learning.

Enhancing Human Mental Health through Rajyoga Lifestyle

Mental health has become a significant concern in today's fast-paced, high-stress world. Conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression are prevalent across all demographics. Traditional and modern therapeutic approaches, while effective, often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes of mental unrest. Rajyoga, an ancient practice of mind and soul purification, presents a holistic solution. This paper explores how adopting a Rajyoga lifestyle can enhance mental well-being by fostering inner peace, reducing stress, and nurturing emotional balance.

Stereo Bi-Telecentric Phase-Measuring Deflectometry.

Replacing the endocentric lenses in traditional Phase-Measuring Deflectometry (PMD) with bi-telecentric lenses can reduce the number of parameters to be optimized during the calibration process, which can effectively increase both measurement precision and efficiency. Consequently, the low distortion characteristics of bi-telecentric PMD contribute to improved measurement accuracy. However, the calibration of the extrinsic parameters of bi-telecentric lenses requires the help of a micro-positioning stage. Using a micro-positioning stage for the calibration of external parameters can result in an excessively cumbersome and time-consuming calibration process. Thus, this study proposes a holistic and flexible calibration solution for which only one flat mirror in three poses is needed. In order to obtain accurate measurement results, the calibration residuals are utilized to construct the inverse distortion map through bicubic Hermite interpolation in order to obtain accurate anchor positioning result. The calibrated stereo bi-telecentric PMD can achieve 3.5 μm (Peak-to-Valley value) accuracy within 100 mm (Width) × 100 mm (Height) × 200 mm (Depth) domain for various surfaces. This allows the obtaining of reliable measurement results without restricting the placement of the surface under test.

An integrated approach toward digital design and simulation of the automated overbraiding process for composite manufacturing

The study presents a new integrated hybrid modeling framework that combines kinematic models with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the overbraiding process on non-circular and variable cross-section mandrels in composite manufacturing. By combining the computational efficiencies of kinematic models with the detailed physical insights from FEA simulations, this hybrid method provides a holistic solution for designing and prototyping overbraided structures. Specifically applied to a complex rectangular-to-square mandrel, the approach accurately predicts braid angles, validated against physical braiding experiments covering a range of target angles. The achieved results highlight the model's accuracy and emphasize its potential to boost the efficiency and precision of overbraiding in industrial settings, thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming physical braiding iterations.

Heinous crime at healthcare facility: Need for a holistic solution

Heinous crime at healthcare facility: Need for a holistic solution

Beyond The Wi-Fi Era

The continual progress pace of the development of the Wi-Fi generations may not fulfill the expected tremendous data growth of future smart-home network devices and applications. Throughout this article, we show a comprehensive design of the futuristic smart-home network that distributes massive data for indoor devices while fully supporting intelligent functions. We start by drawing a vision for various application scenarios of information and communication technologies in smart-home networks beyond the 2030s. Then, we appraise the technical specifications of the candidate intelligent home network. To achieve these technological speculations, we propose a novel holistic networking solution that is efficient and intelligent from service and operation perspectives. Specifically, we detail the proposed network architecture, elements, and enabling technologies. To accelerate the research progress and implementation, we further point out the future research directions. Finally, we discuss the non-technological factors that could affect the future deployment of the proposed network solution.

Cost-benefit analysis of working with recovery in river management using Marxan

With the impact and cost of continued river degradation and climate change-induced extreme rainfall and floods, there is growing urgency to achieve and maintain good river health to meet global sustainable development goals. Up-scaling and working with nature-based solutions at regional, catchment and fluvial corridor scales is critical. One way to achieve this is to work within a recovery-enhanced approach to river rehabilitation, incorporating processes of geomorphic and vegetative recovery to build fluvial corridors in areas where they have become fragmented. Geomorphologically-informed cost-benefit analysis has not previously been applied in a riverine or riparian context, at the catchment or regional scale needed. We applied Marxan in a novel manner to undertake the first cost-benefit analysis for geomorphologically-informed rehabilitation of river systems. We estimated that to rehabilitate 75,500 km of streams in coastal catchments of NSW will cost $8.2 billion, comparing favourably to recent single flood event insurance losses, and projected future losses. We developed Marxan scenarios based on three broad approaches to river management: ad hoc and reactive, working with recovery and corridors, across current and future time periods. We found there are considerable current and flow-on future financial and non-financial benefits, and lower initial total and per-hectare rehabilitation costs, by fully adopting working with recovery or corridors approaches and moving away from the ad hoc and reactive approaches which dominate current practice. Implementing targeted rehabilitation based on a rolling sequence over time of corridors scenarios provides optimal holistic solutions to improve geomorphic condition and enhance recovery potential at landscape-scale. Our study demonstrates the use of Marxan as an accessible tool to address prioritisation complexity, and to run and cost landscape-scale rehabilitation scenarios over time. Our study also demonstrates the positive offsite feedbacks that occur through multiplier effects, as recovery occurs, and corridors are built. Geomorphologically-informed decision making becomes more robust, transparent, cost-effective, consistent across catchments, and adaptive to local situations and evolving river management priorities.

The Intersection of the Internet of Things and Smart Cities: A Tertiary Study

Since the transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy, cities have attracted large masses of people in search of their facilities. Cities are symbols of progress and opportunities. However, urbanization also brings with it several problems and challenges. Smart Cities (SC) offer a way to address these challenges by using technology to make cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable. There are numerous technologies that enable the concept of smart cities, including the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT provides the fundamental sensing infrastructure that allows connecting and virtualizing the physical world, extracting environmental variables that serve as initial inputs for decision-making processes. Such processes are provided by software systems whose construction and execution need to deal with the dynamism, heterogeneity and often serendipitous nature that permeate both the domains of smart cities and IoT. As the integration of IoT and Smart Cities paradigms is still at an early stage, and there are not yet holistic solutions to explore the full potential of such a synergy, we carried out a literature review on the topic. In particular, the objective of this article is to describe the results of a structured literature review to identify general concepts about quality attributes, applications, technologies, and challenges of IoT solutions applied to the SC domain. Our main goal is to assist in understanding the basic concepts of the research area through the search for secondary studies. This review is a tertiary study covering 17 reviews and aims to promote a high-level discussion on the identified characteristics and provide an overview of the area to promote a better perception of current development needs and opportunities.

SQL injection attack: Detection, prioritization & prevention

Web applications have become central in the digital landscape, providing users instant access to information and allowing businesses to expand their reach. Injection attacks, such as SQL injection (SQLi), are prominent attacks on web applications, given that most web applications integrate a database system. While there have been solutions proposed in the literature for SQLi attack detection using learning-based frameworks, the problem is often formulated as a binary, single-attack vector problem without considering the prioritization and prevention component of the attack. In this work, we propose a holistic solution, SQLR34P3R, that formulates the SQLi attack as a multi-class, multi-attack vector, prioritization, and prevention problem. For attack detection and classification, we gathered 457,233 samples of benign and malicious network traffic, as well as 70,023 samples that had SQLi and benign payloads. After evaluating several machine-learning-based algorithms, the hybrid CNN-LSTM models achieve an average F1-Score of 97% in web and network traffic filtering. Furthermore, by using CVEs of SQLi vulnerabilities, SQLR34P3R incorporates a novel risk analysis approach which reduces additional effort while maintaining reasonable coverage to assist businesses in allocating resources effectively by focusing on patching vulnerabilities with high exploitability. We also present an in-the-wild evaluation of the proposed solution by integrating SQLR34P3R into the pipeline of known vulnerable web applications such as Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA) and Vulnado and via network traffic captured using Wireshark from SQLi DNS exfiltration conducted with SQLMap for real-time detection. Finally, we provide a comparative analysis with state-of-the-art SQLi attack detection and risk ratings solutions.

Energy transition in the retail sector: Revealing decision-making behaviours for energy efficiency retrofits of Dutch shopping centres

Shopping centres hold significant energy retrofit potential in the retail sector. However, their complex multi-stakeholder governance structure complicates decision-making for Energy Efficiency Retrofits (EER). Although literature identifies some barriers linked to EER, they are often scattered and not identified within a process perspective that considers their contextual complexities. This study addressed this gap by examining stakeholders’ behaviours, barriers, and relations during EER decision-making processes, to detect stakeholders’ needs to catalyse the energy transition. Qualitative research was conducted on three representative Dutch shopping centres case studies. The cross-case analysis uncovered the decision-making process for EER and new barriers attributed to this building typology. Amongst other, detected barriers can be attributed to limitations with governmental and internal regulations, lifecycle conflicts, proposed interventions being out of scope, and existing technical challenges. The study also revealed causal relationships among stakeholders, showcasing varying interpretations of barriers and highlighting the roles of owners, property managers, and public authorities in overcoming them. Furthermore, the findings indicate the key role that different contextual variables play in the EER decision-making process, such as ownership type, governance structure, and leasing structure. This study offers insights and recommendations for shopping centre owners, property managers, and policymakers, to support them in navigating the energy transition of the retail building stock. Key recommendations include decentralizing decision-making, optimizing governance structure, streamlining sustainability advisors, and acknowledging the collaborative roles of property managers and policymakers in providing effective and holistic solutions.

Optimizing Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) to Maximize Readiness.

The Army utilizes Individual Critical Task Lists (ICTLs) to track and ensure competency and deployment readiness of its medical service members. ICTLs are the various skills and procedures that the Army has deemed foundational for each area of concentration (AOC)/military occupational specialty (MOS). While many ICTLs involve the patient care that military medical providers regularly provide, some procedures are not as commonly performed. This, when coupled with lower patient volume at military treatment facilities (MTF), poses a challenge for maintaining skill competency and deployment readiness. Fort Campbell's Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) has created a holistic and unique solution to meet many of these standardized requirements and support a ready medical force. By optimizing the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) course curriculum to facilitate ICTL completion, BACH has increased its ICTL completion rates, ATLS® course exposure, and streamlined training requirements. The purpose of this article is to describe this best practice and suggest its applicability to other MTFs. By cross-referencing the ATLS® course curriculum and appendices with ICTLs, BACH has augmented ATLS® course certification with the additional completion of 12 ICTLs. This new approach not only increases ICTL completion, but also increases ATLS® curriculum exposure to medical providers, such as Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners, who would not typically take ATLS®. Since starting this new approach in April 2021, 73 military medical personnel have completed the ATLS® course at BACH, with 24 different medical specialties represented. A total of 361 ICTLs have been completed with specific ICTL completion counts ranging from 13 to 48. Each ICTL tested was completed 100% of its annual requirement. ATLS® is a mandatory joint interoperability standard for military physicians and it is also an Army ICTL for many AOCs/MOSs. Only counting completion of this course as one ICTL is a missed opportunity for the time spent by Army medical providers and limits the exposure of ATLS® to select AOCs/MOSs. This optimized and novel approach has been successful at BACH, suggesting its applicability at other MTFs that serve as ATLS® testing sites.

Enhancing Biogas Production: An Assessment of Pasteurization Effects on Poultry, Swine, Bovine Manure and Food Waste Substrates

Within the evolving regulatory landscape of the European Union concerning animal by-product (ABP) management within the circular economy framework, this study explores the concurrent objectives of safeguarding public health and environmental integrity and maximizing final product value. Anaerobic digestion (AD) emerges as a holistic solution for ABP management, addressing sanitation concerns while enhancing end-product quality. Through laboratory-scale experimentation, the AD process applied to four substrates—poultry manure, swine manure, cattle manure, and food waste—is scrutinized. Prior to AD, pasteurization at 70 °C for 60 min ensures microbial safety. Subsequently, four experimental AD cycles compare pasteurized and unpasteurized substrates. Results highlight the efficacy of pasteurization in sanitizing final products across all substrates, emphasizing its pivotal role in product safety. However, pasteurization’s impact on system performance varies. While enhancing biogas yield from animal waste notably, its influence on food waste biogas production is less pronounced, indicating substrate-specific dynamics. This study offers insights into optimizing ABP management strategies, emphasizing the interplay between pasteurization, substrate characteristics, and AD performance. Such insights are crucial for advancing sustainable practices in the circular economy paradigm, balancing environmental stewardship with economic viability.

Cybersecurity Assessment and Vulnerability Modelling of Networks and Web Services in Nigerian Colleges of Education

Cybersecurity threats are among the most significant risks facing organizations and government today, and administrative boards have now been held accountable. This is an experimental research activity conducted to perform a holistic cybersecurity assessment and vulnerability modelling on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and services of Colleges of Education in the six geopolitical zones. The study adopts an integrated bi-modal threat modelling and assessment (IBTMA) method by combining assessment and modelling approaches, which involves mixed-methods, along with computer-based experimentation to comprehensively evaluate and model cybersecurity threats, identify vulnerabilities, and propose effective mitigation strategies. Logistic regression data analysis was used to model the relationship between dependent variables (e.g., presence or absence of vulnerabilities or threats) and independent variables (e.g., cybersecurity practices, system configurations, policies, and staff training programs). This cybersecurity assessment provides the initial understanding of the security landscape and practices. The next step involves using the Microsoft Threat Modeling tool on the assets to identify specific threats. These threats are then prioritized based on their potential impact and likelihood. Assessment result of the vulnerability exposure is supported by the threat modelling report, which shows several threats: tampering, elevation of privilege, denial of service, privilege escalation, information disclosure, and spoofing. Findings from the study indicate that colleges face critical network and web vulnerabilities that need holistic solution.

Systematic Literature Review: The Evolution of Adaptive Governance and Practice in the Context of the Environmental Crisis

This paper aims to clarify the understanding of the conceptual evolution of the adaptive governance framework, followed by an examination of implementation actions in the environmental setting. Since three approaches are recognized to be essential in navigating complex socio-ecological systems, namely adaptive management, adaptive co-management, and adaptive governance. This might lead to confusion and misunderstandings in adaptive concepts and practice. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus database. A literature search was conducted in Mei 2023 using the keyword "Adaptive Governance" as the search term. As a result, despite sharing the same purpose and philosophy, each approach's work process has distinct features and scales. Adaptive governance emerges as a response to the need for holistic solutions to overcome uncertainty within the framework of complex socio-ecological systems. This is similar to adaptive co-management, although on a larger scale and context. While adaptive management is the conceptual foundation for other approaches.

Yoga overcomes type 2 diabetes

Yoga offers holistic solutions to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications involving lifestyle changes such as various asana, change in diet, and management of stress and meditation. Various studies suggest that yoga can improve the risk of these complications in adults with type 2 diabetes. The effect of yoga incorporating asanas, pranayam, meditation, kriyas, sattvic diet and mental discipline is beneficial to the patients of type 2 DM. Stress and sedentary are the leading causes of type 2 diabetes. Yoga has shown to be quite effective in managing blood sugar levels. It helps both activating the internal organs like pancreas, and building strength. In the current communication, an attempt has been made to explain the importance of yoga in overcoming problems related to type 2 diabetes.

Restoring Mental Balance through Mantras as a Transcendental Communication: a Systematic Review of Insights from the Atharva Veda

In the pursuit of mental balance and psychological well-being, the ancient practice of mantra recitation, as detailed in the Atharva Veda, offers a compelling intersection of traditional wisdom and modern science. This systematic literature review synthesizes insights from 30 rigorously selected journals and reports, revealing the profound impact of mantra-based practices on mental health. By examining the vibrational and cognitive effects of mantras, this study bridges historical perspectives with contemporary empirical findings, highlighting their potential in addressing mental imbalances such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Our review delineates key research areas, including the neurophysiological mechanisms through which mantras influence brainwave patterns and emotional states. It explores the practical applications of mantra practices across diverse settings—from clinical environments to daily life—and assesses their effectiveness in enhancing mental clarity, resilience, and emotional stability. The review also identifies novel research opportunities and challenges, such as the need for more robust scientific validation and the exploration of mantra practices in diverse cultural contexts. This paper not only provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge but also proposes a practical framework for integrating mantra recitation into mental health interventions. By combining ancient spiritual practices with modern scientific methodologies, this study aims to pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches and enrich our understanding of holistic mental health solutions.

Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Systems: A Perspective on the Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Energy in Africa

The increasing demand for energy in Africa poses challenges in terms of sustainability, affordability, and accessibility. Although Africa is rich in renewable resources, their use remains limited. Implementing electrochemical energy conversion and storage (EECS) technologies such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and ceramic fuel cells (CFCs) can facilitate the transition to a clean energy future. EECS offers superior efficiency, cost, safety, and environmental benefits compared to fossil fuels. Their modularity also enables distributed renewable integration and off-grid access. However, Africa lacks production, deployment, and recycling capacities for these technologies. Infrastructure, policy, costs, consumer awareness, and technical expertise are major obstacles. This perspective review provides environmental and technical context for LIBs and CFCs. Adopting a comprehensive framework encompassing manufacturing, deployment, integration, and recycling, we analyze their benefits and adoption barriers in Africa. The review aims to enlighten policies and investments that can promote the scalability of these energy storage and conversion technologies. If strategic efforts are implemented, these technologies could catalyze sustainable electrification and position Africa at the forefront of global energy innovation. Realizing this potential requires holistic value chain solutions.

Waste management 2.0 leveraging internet of things for an efficient and eco-friendly smart city solution.

Waste management poses a major challenge for cities worldwide, with significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. This paper proposes a novel waste management system leveraging recent advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), algorithms, and cloud analytics to enable more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly waste collection and processing in smart cities. An ultrasonic sensor prototype is tailored for reliable fill-level monitoring. A LoRaWAN and cellular network architecture provides city-wide connectivity. A cloud platform handles sensor data storage, processing, and analytics. Dynamic route optimization algorithms minimize time, distance, and fuel use based on real-time bin data. Extensive pilot studies in 10 different locations across Lahore, Pakistan, validated the system, processing over 200 million data points. The results showed a 32% improvement in route efficiency, a 29% decrease in fuel consumption and emissions, a 33% increase in waste processing throughput, and 18% vehicle maintenance savings versus conventional practices. This demonstrates quantifiable benefits across operational, economic, and sustainability dimensions. The proposed IoT-enabled waste management system represents a significant advancement towards sustainable and ecologically responsible waste practices in smart cities worldwide. This research provides a replicable model for holistic smart city solutions integrating sensing, algorithms, and analytics to transition civic operations towards data-driven, efficient paradigms. It represents a significant advancement in sustainable waste practices for smart cities worldwide. Further work could apply emerging technologies like automation and artificial intelligence to create waste management 3.0.