Impact Area Research Articles

Advancements in Wireless Communication Technology: A Comprehensive Analysis of 4G to 7G Systems

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in wireless communication technology from 4G to 7G systems, focusing on critical aspects such as network architecture, spectrum allocation, data rates, security, and coverage. The evolution of wireless communication technology has been remarkable, with each generation introducing significant improvements to meet the growing demands of users and applications in an increasingly connected world. From the early adoption of 4G technology to the anticipated rise of 7G systems, sweeping changes have reshaped the landscape of wireless communications and changed the way we communicate, work and interact with our surroundings we are surrounded by communication. These changes signal a shift towards more efficient, high-speed and high-capacity systems designed to meet the needs of a variety of industries. Furthermore, the need to strengthen security measures and expand network services highlights the importance of ensuring reliability and security in networks in the face of competition and threats Continued research and innovation are essential and for further developments in this area and to realize and enable new work capabilities and services to benefit people, businesses and businesses This article examines the proposed mobile communication features from 4G to 7G in. Each generation brings unique spectrum allocation, usage and operational challenges. Each generation presents unique spectrum allocation, utilization, and efficiency challenges. Furthermore, this paper investigates network architecture aspects, data rates, and throughput, emphasizing latency and reliability improvements. Advancements in spectral efficiency, MIMO scheme usage, cell size, used frequency bands, and coverage enhancement strategies are considered. Additionally, the integration of energy efficiency with economic and social sustainability is analyzed. Security challenges, including privacy protection, new services, access control models, and security monitoring, are classified for each generation. One of the main objectives of this study is to identify the primary applications, impact areas, and overall impact of 4G to 7G technologies.

Circular economy and the separated yet inseparable social dimension: Views from European circular city experts

Circular economy has received significant attention worldwide for its potential to reconcile ecological limits and economic development. Europe, in particular, has made it a policy focus for achieving its climate ambitions. However, to date, the circular economy remains a loosely defined concept with competing discourses of technocentrism and holistic societal transformation. As the former prevails, its neglect of the social dimension raises concerns about the circular economy's social sustainability and feasibility. Therefore, this study explores how the relationship between the circular economy and the social dimension is perceived by experts directly engaged in the current circular transition process. By uncovering their experiences and perceptions, this study aims to offer empirical insights for the future development of the circular economy. Through qualitatively exploring the views of 14 experts across 11 European cities with a clear circular vision, this study found that although the social dimension is not a primary focus or fundamentally connected with the circular economy, it plays a fundamental role in the transition process and is simultaneously an impacted area. However, there is a significant gap between the ideal social environment required for circular transition and what the current transition can facilitate. As such, the future of the circular economy may be precarious unless it shifts from a technocentric tendency to more holistic, transformational approaches.

The tidal flood implications for territorial resilience in the coastal area of Sayung, Demak Indonesia

Tidal floods have transformed into a serious threat in the coastal area of Sayung, Demak, Indonesia. The disasters, which afflict recurrently and in the long term, will have an adverse effect on the territorial resilience of the impacted areas. Disasters constitute disruptive phenomena in the national resilience system in a broad scope. Territorial resilience is a micro form of national resilience, and hence, the study of territorial resilience is emphasized at local government levels, e.g., provincial and regency, and on all systems which become subsystems within a region. This research is aimed at analyzing tidal flood implications for territorial resilience using a qualitative method with a case-study approach. Results demonstrated that tidal floods had an implication for gatras (aspects) of national resilience. Several aspects with significant effects in the static aspect were geographic, demographic, and natural resources, while in the dynamic aspect, tidal floods impacted economic and socio cultural aspects.

Solar Alpha Particle Radiation Increases Human Mortality – Examples from the Neoplasms Mortality in the Europe and Mediterranean

A dangerous phenomenon for humanity is described. In the joint analysis of data from satellites in orbit around the Earth and from the health statistics source EUROSTAT, it became clear that, by some mechanism, flows of positively charged particles with high energy entering the Earth's orbit increase mortality on the planet's surface. The increase in mortality is in a band of maximum risk in the Northern Hemisphere, parallel to the Equator and bounded by the parallels of 30° and 50° north latitude. Examples are given for the European Union mortality from neoplasms, confirming the described phenomenon. A hypothetical mechanism based on observational evidence has been proposed, according to which this dangerous phenomenon is due to solar alpha particles of high energy sufficient to overcome the atmosphere's resistance and reach the Earth's surface in a limited area of maximum death impact.

Research trends of digital transformation in healthcare systems: A bibliometric approach

This study aims to guide future research by examining trends and structures in scholarly publications about digital transformation in healthcare. We analyzed English-language, open-access journal articles related to this topic from the Scopus database, irrespective of publication year. Using tools like Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Scopus Analyzer, we found a growing research interest in this area. The most influential article, despite being recent, has been cited 836 times, indicating its impact. Notably, both Western and Eastern countries contribute significantly to this field, with research spanning multiple disciplines, including computer science, medicine, engineering, business, social sciences, and health professions. Our findings can help policymakers allocate resources to impactful research areas, prioritize multidisciplinary collaboration, and promote international partnerships. They also offer insights for technology investment, implementation, and policy decisions. However, this study has limitations. It relied solely on Scopus data and didn’t consider factors like author affiliations. Future research should explore specific collaboration types and the ethical, social, policy, and governance implications of digital transformation in healthcare.

Anatomy of the economic value generated by a cultural event

The article measures the economic effects of decisions made by two agents in the cultural and creative sector. Managers of a cultural event decide to produce it: it mobilizes a flow of artists and creatives who materialize their creations. Individuals decide to visit it: it mobilizes a flow of individuals who produce experiences by attending the event. The result is revealed by the economic dimension of the value generated by a cultural event: new income and jobs for the host territory of the event and unique and authentic cultural experiences for those attending the event. The empirical literature has drawn attention to the need for more precise measures of economic value, in particular that do not overestimate. A combination of instruments is used: interviews (n = 6) with event managers/organizers; a face-to-face survey (n = 173) with representatives of commercial stalls; a face-to-face survey of attendees (n = 1,030); and, an input–output model is adapted to the area of impact. The article provides a methodologically useful framework for identifying and estimating more reliable measures of the material (economic) value created by a cultural event, which can be replicated in a variety of events around the world.

Anomalous size effect of impact resistance in carbon nanotube film

Dynamic mechanical behavior and size-related impact resistance of CNT films are studied by employing laser-induced projectile impact test (LIPIT) and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulation. The energy dissipation mechanisms of the CNT films are investigated via CGMD simulations. An evident anomalous thickness-dependent effect is directly observed in the experiment, consistent with simulation phenomena. The mechanisms underlying this anomalous thickness-dependent effect are investigated at the atomic scale. The disparities between experiments and simulations are discussed. Our analysis of energy dissipation modes, deformation behaviors during impact, and impact area reveals that kinetic energy change predominantly governs the deformation mode. Meanwhile, a plugging failure mode near the exit face of CNT film is identified at high impact velocity (∼160 m/s), leading to a deterioration in impact resistance and a corresponding reduction in SEA with increasing CNT film thickness. These findings provide a feasible strategy for the protection design of CNT film in broaden protective application scenarios.

Supporting driver performance in closely spaced tunnel-interchange structure: Traffic control devices and effects on driving behavior

Objectives With the rapid development of expressways in the mountainous regions of southwestern China, closely spaced tunnel-interchange structures have inevitably emerged due to topographical constraints and environmental limitations. Given the unfavorable road geometry and rapid cross-section transitions, drivers face significant safety concerns. This study aims to investigate drivers’ safety performance at closely spaced tunnel-interchange sections and determine how safety risks can be mitigated through improved traffic control devices design. Methods Thirty-nine participants conducted an experimental study in a fixed-base simulator. The test scenario was modeled on the Xingyan Freeway-S3801 and accurately reproduced in the simulator. For each safety performance metric, the driving simulator experiments yielded a dataset with 780 observations. To address the idiosyncratic variation due to individual driver differences, a series of linear mixed effects models (LMM) were developed to analyze drivers’ behavior responses. Results In closely spaced tunnel-interchange sections, a general impairment of both longitudinal and lateral performance was observed. This study identified potential critical impact variables in traffic control device systems. According to the LMM results: (a) Removing the 0.5 km interchange ramp exit advance guide sign located in the tunnel exit area reduces dangerous behavior in the corresponding impact area. (b) Replacing the 0.5 km interchange ramp exit advance guide sign with arrow pavement markers as an information source supports improved driver performance, promoting driver safety. (c) Adding tunnel exit distance signs within tunnels is recommended to enhance situation awareness for drivers. Conclusions This study addresses the scientific issues related to traffic control devices setup for closely spaced tunnel-interchange sections, focusing on identifying potential critical impact variables. The findings provide guidance on the design of traffic control devices for such sections and support revisions to national engineering standards.

Assessment and pre-assessment of compound hot and drought events over Yangtze River Basin

Abstract The severe compound hot and drought event (CHDE) in 2022 had serious impacts on water resources, agriculture, power supply, and ecosystems in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). Have similar spatiotemporally overlapping compound events, like the one observed in 2022, occurred historically in the basin? How can we pre-assess the impacts of such potential events on subseasonal timescales? To address these, regional CHDEs in the YRB since 1961 were systematically identified and comprehensively assessed using a modified Intensity-Area-Duration (IAD) technique and hazard assessment method. Additionally, the subseasonal pre-assessment capability for CHDEs in the YRB using the China Meteorological Administration's third-generation climate model prediction system (CPSv3-S2S) was demonstrated. A total of 140 CHDEs occurred during 1961 to 2022, with the 21st century showing a remarkably high risk of such events. Among these, 2022 was the most intense year, with the event from July 26th to August 30th being unprecedented in severity. CPSv3-S2S effectively forecast this event’s occurrence within a 1-25 lead days, particularly in pre-assessing its extensively impacted area and high-hazard centers in the upper and middle reaches of the main river course. This pre-assessment method serves as a valuable reference in decision-making to anticipate and mitigate risks of hydropower supply shortages and heightened electricity demand during extremely high temperatures in the upstream area.

Relevant information from the perspective of sustainable forest management – auditing socio-environmental information and data

Purpose: The study aims to: (1) deepen the theory of defining new concepts such as relevant information and information needs, and (2) examine the essence of financial and non-financial information and its usefulness to forest stakeholders. The research problem was formulated as follows: “Since forest management entities generate and disclose financial and non-financial information, which of these sources of information will be considered most useful (relevant) by information users?” In the context of environmental and social challenges, accounting 5.0 must generate, report, and disclose information according to stakeholders’ expectations. Methodology/approach: The following methods were used: literature analysis and critique, document examination, logical analysis and construction, the Delphi method, and snowballing. The Pearson chi-square independence test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Findings: The most important characteristics of information are reliability and timeliness. The most useful information for stakeholders includes forest maps and conservation information, a “forest dictionary”, and rules for timber sales. Information about campaigns, charitable actions, forest hazards, and forest access restrictions is useful. Research limitations: A limitation of the research is the national sample size of the survey, with a higher percentage of internal forest stakeholders than external stake-holders. Practical implications: The practical implications of the article are based on the collected research material, which can contribute to the development of a standard questionnaire for investigating the information needs of stakeholders in the future. Originality/value: The study is the first empirical research of its kind in Poland and involves the participation of foreign experts. Contributions to social science theory include: (1) an original definition of “relevant information”; (2) a definition of “information needs”; (3) comparative frameworks for the impact areas of the sustainable development concept in correlation with information, relevant information, and stake-holders; (4) a conceptual table of differences between types of information from a sustainability perspective.

Enhancing safety feedback to the design of small, unmanned aircraft by joint assessment of impact area and human fatality.

Advantages of commercial UAS-based services come with the disadvantage of posing third party risk (TPR) to overflown population on the ground. Especially challenging is that the imposed level of ground TPR tends to increase linearly with the density of potential customers of UAS services. This challenge asks for the development of complementary directions in reducing ground TPR. The first direction is to reduce the rate of a UAS crash to the ground. The second direction is to reduce overflying in more densely populated areas by developing risk-aware UAS path planning strategies. The third direction is to develop UAS designs that reduce the product in case of a crashing UAS, where is the size of the crash impact area on the ground, and is the probability of fatality for a person in the crash impact area. Because small UAS accident and incident data are scarce, each of these three developments is in need of predictive models regarding their contribution to ground TPR. Such models have been well developed for UAS crash event rate and risk-aware UAS path planning. The objective of this article is to develop an improved model and assessment method for the product In literature, the model development and assessment of the latter two terms is accomplished along separate routes. The objective of this article is to develop an integrated approach. The first step is the development of an integrated model for the product . The second step is to show that this integrated model can be assessed by conducting dynamical simulations of Finite Element (FE) or Multi-Body System (MBS) models of collision between a UAS and a human body. Application of this novel method is illustrated and compared to existing methods for a DJI Phantom III UAS crashing to the ground.

The influence of erosion on the dynamic process of landslide in Xinmo Village, Maoxian

A large-scale, high-speed, long-runout landslide occurred in Xinmo Village, Maoxian, Sichuan Province, China, on June 24, 2017. It was characterized by fast sliding speed, rapid volume growth, and large impact area. The dynamic process of such landslides and the influence of erosion on the dynamic process are studied by field investigation, numerical inversion and simulation. The results showed that entrainment erosion was a major factor of landslide volumetric change and a salient feature of the landslide process. An exponential equation relating the erosion rate and the deposition volume was established. Moreover, the study found that a slight change of the erosion rate (1e-4) also had a significant impact on the lateral spreading, longitudinal runout, and vertical erosion. As the erosion rate increased, the lateral spreading, longitudinal runout, and vertical erosion of this type of landslide became more obvious. By using the coefficient of variation method, it was obtained that the erosion rate had a greater influence on the vertical erosion than on the lateral spreading and longitudinal runout. In the study of the velocity of the rock avalanche under different erosion conditions, it was found that the erosion amount and the landslide velocity were not strictly linearly related. This study has important significance for understanding the dynamic process and erosion effect of rock avalanche, and provides useful references and insights for future research in related fields.

Geospatial Analysis of the Socioeconomic and Demographic Effects of Historic Coal Mining in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, Pennsylvania, USA

A geospatial model was developed to statistically assess the socioeconomic effects of coal mining in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area by integrating home sale data, abandoned mine lands (AML) inventory “problem area” sites, and census demographic information. Results indicated that homes located within problem areas sold for an average of 28% ($58,600) less than homes outside of these regions. Demographic data revealed a notable disparity in the population distribution within Allegheny County mining problem areas as having a statistically significant larger Black population. This same trend was even more pronounced in urban areas. The study also established that areas influenced by past mining activities had a higher proportion of individuals without formal postsecondary education. Logistic regression models were created to analytically evaluate the relationship between predictor variables, specifically home sale price and Community Needs Index, to the probability of being situated within mining problem areas. The home sale analysis indicated a negative correlation between sale prices and the likelihood of residing in a mining-affected zone, implying that properties with lower prices are more commonly situated in these impacted areas. The CNI logistic regression model revealed a correlation between the probability of living in a mining problem area and overall higher community needs.

Tracking genetic and phylogenetic diversity across Brazilian ecoregions: A molecular ecology approach using marine decapod crustaceans

Abstract Genetic diversity is shaped by life history traits and environmental factors across the marine ecoregions of the world (MEOW), a condition that serves as a valuable framework to enhance our understanding of gene flow processes and identifying priority conservation centers among populations in different regions. We investigated the genetic and phylogenetic diversity of 13 decapod crustacean species distributed across the marine ecoregions of Brazil. We hypothesized that ecoregions act as barriers to gene flow, creating distinct population structures and varying genetic diversity levels. We examined how habitat type, bathymetry, geographical distribution, and larval development affect genetic diversity. Mitochondrial markers from 13 species of the four major decapod groups (Anomura, Brachyura, Caridea, and Penaeoidea) were analyzed using nucleotide diversity, haplotype networks, pairwise FST, and linear mixed-effects models (LMER). Results show no significant genetic structuring among ecoregions. Genetic diversity correlates with habitat type (P < 0.05), with species from less impacted areas, especially intertidal zones like rocky shores and estuaries, displaying higher diversity. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and species richness (SR) varied, with the highest PD in eastern Brazil and the highest SR in southeastern Brazil. Intertidal zones showed the highest genetic diversity, likely due to their complex microhabitats and environmental variability. Our findings indicate that environmental and geographical barriers defined by the ecoregions do not significantly impede genetic connectivity among decapod crustaceans, which suggests that high dispersal potential of larval stages facilitates genetic flow across ecoregions. The results underscore the need for conservation strategies that consider the high genetic connectivity and diversity of marine species across broad spatial scales.

T1 Mapping of the Abdomen, From the AJR "How We Do It" Special Series.

By exploiting different tissues' characteristic T1 relaxation times, T1-weighted images help distinguish normal and abnormal tissues, aiding assessment of diffuse and local pathologies. However, such images do not provide quantitative T1 values. Advances in abdominal MRI techniques have enabled measurement of abdominal organs' T1 relaxation times, which can be used to create color-coded quantitative maps. T1 mapping is sensitive to tissue microenvironments including inflammation and fibrosis and has received substantial interest for noninvasive imaging of abdominal organ pathology. In particular, quantitative mapping provides a powerful tool for evaluation of diffuse disease by making apparent changes in T1 occurring across organs that may otherwise be difficult to identify. Quantitative measurement also facilitates sensitive monitoring of longitudinal T1 changes. Increased T1 in liver helps to predict parenchymal fibro-inflammation, in pancreas is associated with reduced exocrine function from chronic or autoimmune pancreatitis, and in kidney is associated with impaired renal function and aids diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. In this review, we describe the acquisition, postprocessing, and analysis of T1 maps in the abdomen and explore applications in liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidney. We highlight practical aspects of implementation and standardization, technical pitfalls and confounding factors, and areas of likely greatest clinical impact.

Using cumulative human impact assessment to support adaptive management of the threatened species’ habitats in the Yangtze River Estuary

The conflict between multiple functions of human use and habitat conservation represents an intractable challenge for environmental management. While numerous studies on marine conservation prioritize cumulative impact assessments (CIA) to tackle this issue, estuaries — despite their immense conservation significance amidst intense human activities — remain overlooked. Taking the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) as the case study area, it is one of the most intensely human-utilized estuaries globally, yet it serves as a critical habitat and migratory corridor for the endangered Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis).We employed ecological indicators and quantitative modeling to assess habitat suitability and cumulative anthropogenic impacts on this endangered species in the YRE. The results demonstrated that suitable habitat distribution and human impact varied for juvenile Chinese sturgeon in the YRE. The suitable habitat distribution for juvenile Chinese sturgeon was concentrated in Chongming Dongtan and the North Channel. Ship density, submarine optical cables, and smooth cord grass invasion were the main anthropogenic factors impacting the Chinese sturgeon's migrating habitat in the YRE. Moreover, existing Chinese sturgeon habitats remain at risk, with 36.24 % of potential habitats and 56.60 % of high human impact areas requiring enhanced protection. Adaptive management strategies were proposed, tailored to the spatial and environmental protection needs across the dynamic habitat demands of aquatic species. Our spatially explicit and indicator-based findings provide key scientific support for enlarging protected areas and implementing adaptive management of human activities to balance conservation and sustainable use in this highly utilized ecosystem.

Distribution characteristics and cumulative effects of landslides triggered by multiple moderate-magnitude earthquakes: a case study of the comprehensive seismic impact area in Yibin, Sichuan, China

Distribution characteristics and cumulative effects of landslides triggered by multiple moderate-magnitude earthquakes: a case study of the comprehensive seismic impact area in Yibin, Sichuan, China

Effects of urban regeneration projects on store survival rate in neighborhood commercial areas: the case of South Korea

ABSTRACT Neighborhood commercial areas in cities densely populated with small stores serve as crucial social, economic, and cultural hubs. However, the emergence of large discount stores and online shopping and urban decline have challenged these commercial areas. In response, South Korea introduced urban regeneration policies in 2014, known as urban regeneration leading areas (URLAs), with related projects carried out between 2017 and 2019. This study explored how urban regeneration projects impacted neighborhood commercial areas. It specifically examined the relationship between store survival rates – a key indicator of revitalization – and influencing factors (e.g. characteristics of urban regeneration projects, store characteristics, and regional features). The results, derived from a survival analysis model, indicated that revitalized areas, such as artificially specialized streets, negatively impacted store survival rates. Moreover, stores established at the commencement or midpoint of regeneration projects demonstrated lower survival rates, indicating temporary gentrification. Contrarily, stores linked to convenience facilities integral to residents’ lives and those existing before regeneration projects exhibited higher survival rates. These results suggest the need for a shift in urban regeneration projects and policies, such as increasing support for established local stores rather than creating new commercial zones and setting reasonable rents to sustain newly established stores.

Global research trends in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma over the past decade: A bibliometric analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify research trends and hot spots in the treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) over the past decade using bibliometric analysis. MethodsData were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, including Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). The data underwent manual cleaning to remove inaccuracies and irrelevancies, followed by transformation into an analyzable format via the VOSviewer software. This tool facilitated the visualization of co-occurrence networks and keyword maps, highlighting the relationships and the prominence of research themes. ResultsA total of 46448 authors from 7374 institutions across 108 countries contributed to the literature, reflecting a broad international effort. The study documented a consistent increase in SCC-related publications up to 2020, with some variability in subsequent years. Notably, the United States, Germany, China, the United Kingdom, and France were predominant in this research area. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh were leading contributors in terms of publication volume and citation impact. Key journals included ‘Oral Oncology’ and ‘Clinical Cancer Research’, which were central to the dissemination of high-impact research. Our keyword analysis identified three major research clusters focused on molecular mechanisms, clinical treatment strategies, and emerging interests in immunotherapeutic approaches. ConclusionsThe extensive collaboration and the increasing publication trend underscore the growing global commitment to advancing SCC treatment. The high level of engagement from top institutions and the concentration of research in influential journals reflect the field's dynamic evolution towards innovative and effective treatment modalities. This study provides a valuable overview for researchers, guiding future studies towards areas of high impact and emerging trends in SCC treatment. The findings advocate for enhanced focus on personalized medicine and combination therapies, which are poised to improve outcomes for SCC patients.

Mean-square exponential stabilization of mixed-autonomy traffic PDE system

Control of mixed-autonomy traffic where Human-driven Vehicles (HVs) and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) coexist on the road has gained increasing attention over the recent decades. This paper addresses the boundary stabilization problem for mixed traffic on freeways. The traffic dynamics are described by uncertain coupled hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with Markov jumping parameters, which aim to address the distinctive driving strategies between AVs and HVs. Considering that the spacing policies of AVs vary in mixed traffic, the stochastic impact area of AVs is governed by a continuous Markov chain. The interactions between HVs and AVs such as overtaking or lane changing are mainly induced by impact areas. Using backstepping design, we develop a full-state feedback boundary control law to stabilize the deterministic system (nominal system). Applying Lyapunov analysis, we demonstrate that the nominal backstepping control law is able to stabilize the traffic system with Markov jumping parameters, provided the nominal parameters are sufficiently close to the stochastic ones on average. The mean-square exponential stability conditions are derived, and the results are validated by numerical simulations.