Research And Technological Development Research Articles

MMD-MSD: A Multimodal Multisensory Dataset in Support of Research and Technology Development for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Improper sitting positions are known as the primary reason for back pain and the emergence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among individuals who spend prolonged time working with computer screens, keyboards, and mice. At the same time, it is well understood that automated technological tools can play an important role in the process of unhealthy habit alteration, so plenty of research efforts are focused on research and technology development (RTD) activities that aim to provide support for the prevention of back pain or the development of MSDs. Here, we report on creating a new resource in support of RTD activities aiming at the automated detection of improper sitting positions. It consists of multimodal multisensory recordings of 100 persons, made with a video recorder, camera, and wrist-attached sensors that capture physiological signals (PPG, EDA, skin temperature), as well as motion sensors (three-axis accelerometer). Our multimodal multisensory dataset (MMD-MSD) opens new opportunities for modeling the body stance (sitting posture and movements), physiological state (stress level, attention, emotional arousal and valence), and performance (success rate on the Stroop test) of people working with a computer. Finally, we demonstrate two use cases: improper neck posture detection from pictures, and task-specific cognitive load detection from physiological signals.

Human Capital is the Key to the Successful Competitiveness of Countries in the Asean

Objective: This research aims to look at competitiveness in the Asean region. Knowing the factors driving competitiveness then mapping the strength of competitiveness based on the driving factors for each country in ASEAN. So you will know which countries with high competitiveness are influenced by what factors. The results will be an illustration for other countries in ASEAN to improve these factors with the aim of increasing competitiveness. Method: The method used to determine the factors driving competitiveness is to use panel data regression with the Stata application. Then group them using main factor analysis with SPSS so that country categories are found based on the factors driving their competitiveness. The data used are 12 indicators forming independent and dependent variables. Obtained from various relevant sources. In a period of 10 years, namely 2010 to 2019. Results: The results of multivariate linear regression showed that both simultaneously and partially Human Capital Development (HCD), Human Capital - High Education (HCH), Research and Technology Development (RTD), and Social Capital – Unemployment (SCU) had a significant influence on Competitiveness. HCD has the greatest influence on competitiveness. This research can provide an illustration for each country in ASEAN that the driving factors of competitiveness needed to achieve high competitiveness are HCD and HCH because of their large influence in the regression model. Countries with very strong competitiveness also have very strong HCD and HCH factors and vice versa. This can be a consideration for each country in making policies related to increasing national competitiveness. Because high competitiveness indicates a high level of population welfare.

Vulnerability Identification and Assessment for Critical Infrastructures in the Energy Sector

Vulnerability identification and assessment is a key process in risk management. While enumerations of vulnerabilities are available, it is challenging to identify vulnerability sets focused on the profiles and roles of specific organizations. To this end, we have employed systematized knowledge and relevant standards (including National Electric Sector Cybersecurity Organization Resource (NESCOR), ISO/IEC 27005:2018 and National Vulnerability Database (NVD)) to identify a set of 250 vulnerabilities for operators of energy-related critical infrastructures. We have elaborated a “double-mapping” scheme to associate (arbitrarily) categorized assets, with the pool of identified Physical, Cyber and Human/Organizational vulnerabilities. We have designed and implemented an extensible vulnerability identification and assessment framework, allowing historized assessments, based on the CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) scoring mechanism. This framework has been extended to allow modelling of the vulnerabilities and assessments using the Structured Threat Information eXpression (STIX) JSON format, as Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) information, to facilitate information sharing between Electrical Power and Energy Systems (EPES) and to promote collaboration and interoperability scenarios. Vulnerability assessments from the initial analysis of the project in the context of Research and Technology Development (RTD) projects have been statistically processed, offering insights in terms of the assessment’s importance and distribution. The assessments have also been transformed into a dynamic dataset processed to identify and quantify correlation and start the discussion on the interpretation of the way assessments are performed.

Introduction to this special issue.

Introduction to this special issue.

Barriers and challenges of the assessment framework of the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on building renovation by European RTD projects

The refurbishment of buildings is one of the main keys to pursue the targets of the European Green Deal, and to accomplish the European Union has applied two mechanisms among others: the European policy and the European Research and Technological Development (RTD) projects. On the one hand, the EU has published the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 with an assessment framework composed by Measurable Progress Indicators (MPI) that can be considered the main legal instrument to measure the progress of the decarbonisation together with health & wellness, social and economic related targets of the Directive 2018/844, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). On the other hand, the RTD projects also pursue the targets of the EU but following their own assessment methodology composed by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Considering the parallelism of these two mechanisms, the objective of this study is to analyse the applicability of the EU’s assessment framework by the RTD projects, establishing a critical point of view of the viability of the MPIs and identifying the barriers and challenges of the evaluation system proposed by the EU. Regarding the methodology, the applicability of MPIs by RTD projects has been analysed in five stages: (1) Identification and listing of the MPIs of EU Recommendation; (2) selection of European RTD projects; (3) identification of the KPIs applied by the projects; (4) study of the concordance of the MPIs of the Commission Recommendation’s assessment framework and the KPIs of the RTD projects; (5) evaluation of the barriers and challenges of the applicability of the EU’s MPIs based on the level of agreement with the projects’ KPIs. This investigation shows that although some evaluation scopes of the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 do agree with high degree with RTD projects, many MPIs present barriers related to the low reliability, the absence of standardised calculation methods, and the lack of data. Besides, the assessment framework of the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 also presents challenges to improve the evaluation of the building renovation like calibration techniques, standardised input data and the shortlisting of the MPIs to improve the effectiveness of the method. The main conclusion is that the readjustment of the assessment framework proposed in the Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 is needed. This readjustment is proposed to be done by shortlisting the MPIs and defining standardised measurement methods in order to build a common roadmap that could be followed and assessed homogenously towards the decarbonisation of the European building stock.

Unchaining Collective Intelligence for Science, Research, and Technology Development by Blockchain-Boosted Community Participation

Since its launch just over a decade ago by the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, the distributed ledger technology (DLT) blockchain has followed a breathtaking trajectory into manifold application spaces. This study aper analyses how key factors underpinning the success of this ground-breaking “Internet of value” technology, such as staking of collateral (“skin in the game”), competitive crowdsourcing, crowdfunding, and prediction markets, can be applied to substantially innovate the legacy organization of science, research, and technology development (RTD). Here, we elaborate a highly integrative, community-based strategy where a token-based crypto-economy supports finding best possible consensus, trust, and truth by adding unconventional elements known from reputation systems, betting, secondary markets, and social networking. These tokens support the holder’s formalized reputation and are used in liquid-democracy style governance and arbitration within projects or community-driven initiatives. This participatory research model serves as a solid basis for comprehensively leveraging collective intelligence by effectively incentivizing contributions from the crowd, such as intellectual property work, validation, assessment, infrastructure, education, assessment, governance, publication, and promotion of projects. On the analogy of its current blockbusters like peer-to-peer structured decentralized finance (“DeFi”), blockchain technology can seminally enhance the efficiency of science and RTD initiatives, even permitting to fully stage operations as a chiefless decentralized autonomous organization (DAOs).

Open Platform Concept for Blockchain-Enabled Crowdsourcing of Technology Development and Supply Chains

We outline the concept of an open technology platform which builds upon a publicly accessible library of fluidic designs, manufacturing processes and experimental characterisation, as well as virtualisation by a ‘digital twin” based on modelling, simulation and cloud computing. Backed by the rapidly emerging Web3 technology “Blockchain”, we significantly extend traditional approaches to effectively incentivise broader participation by an interdisciplinary ‘value network’ of diverse players. Ranging from skilled individuals (the ‘citizen scientist’, the ‘garage entrepreneur’) and more established research institutions to companies with their infrastructures, equipment and services, the novel platform approach enables all stakeholders to jointly contribute to value creation along more decentralised supply chain designs including research and technology development (RTD). Blockchain-enabled “Wisdom of the Crowds” and “Skin in the game” mechanisms secure “trust” and transparency between participants. Prediction markets are created for guiding decision making, planning and allocation of funding; competitive parallelisation of work and its validation from independent participants substantially enhances quality, credibility and speed of project outcomes in the real world along the entire path from RTD, fabrication and testing to eventual commercialisation. This novel, Blockchain-backed open platform concept can be led by a corporation, academic entity, a loosely organised group, or even “chieflessly” within a smart-contract encoded Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO). The proposed strategy is particularly attractive for highly interdisciplinary fields like Lab-on-a- Chip systems in the context of manifold applications in the Life Sciences. As an exemplar, we outline the centrifugal microfluidic “Lab-on-a-Disc” technology. Rather than engaging in all sub-disciplines themselves, many smaller, highly innovative actors can focus on strengthening the product component distinguishing their unique selling point (USP), e.g., a particular bioassay, detection scheme or application scenario. In this effort, system integrators access underlying commons like fluidic design, manufacture, instrumentation and software from a more resilient and diversified supply chain, e.g., based on a verified pool of community-endorsed or certified providers.

THE NOTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OBJECTS, CREATED ON THE BASIS OF RESEARCH AGREEMENTS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE

The article deals with the issue of determining the notion of intellectualproperty rights objects created on the basis of research agreements in higher educational institutions of Ukraine. To achieve the goal of research, the author provides answers, in particular, to the following questions: 1) what the subject-matter of basic and applied research, research and technological development (RTD) is; 2) what the results of these researches are and whatpossible forms of objectification of these results can be; and 3) what type of intellectual property rights objects can be created as a result of these researches.To solve those questions, the author has analyzed, in particular, such notions as: subject of the research agreement (Chapter 62 of the Civil Code of Ukraine); fundamental and applied scientific research; scientific (scientific-technical) work; scientific result; scientific and technical (applied) result; technology and object of technology.Based on this analysis, there have been determined the aims and subject-matters of the above-mentioned researches, their results and implementation of those results. Whereupon, the list of intellectual property rights objects, created on the basis research agreements, has been determined. Based on the obtained results, the author draws a conclusion about the types of intellectual property rights objects, created on the basis of research agreements in higher educational institutions of Ukraine. In particular, this category of objects should include intellectual property rights objects, created as a result of carrying out basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) on the basis of research agreements, one of the parties to which is a higher educational institution of Ukraine. In addition, the list of this category of intellectual property rights objects should include: copyright, scientific discoveries, inventions, utility models, industrial designs, layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits, plant varieties and animalbreeds, phonograms, videograms, performances and trade secret. However, trademarks, trade names, geographical indications, innovative proposals and broadcasts cannot result directly from basic and applied researches, research and technological development, so they are not included in the list of intellectual property rights objects, created on the basis of research agreements in higher educational institutionsof Ukraine.Also, suggestions to improve the legislation of Ukraine have been made.

ECONOMIC RIGHTS TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OBJECTS, CREATED ON THE BASIS OF RESEARCH AGREEMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE

The article deals with the features of the distribution of economic rights between customers of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) and higher educational institutions, as executors of such researches.During the study the author has analyzed general provisions of the Civil Code of Ukraine regarding the distribution of rights to the results of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) between the customer and the executor of such researches. In addition, the author has analyzed provisions of special legislation regarding the distribution of economic rights to scientific and scientific-technical (applied) results, which are IPR objects.Based on this analysis, it has been found that the distribution of economic rights to IPR objects, which are the results of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD), at the level of «customer — executor of such researches» will depend on: 1) the type IPR objects that will be created and 2) the sources of fundingof such researches. In relation to such IPR objects as inventions, utility models, industrial designs, copyright, layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits, plant varieties, animal breeds and performances the following options for distribution of economic rights are possible:1) in case of non-budgetary financing of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD) — rights belong jointly to the customer and the higher educational institution-executor of such researches. This may be changed by a contract between the customer and the executor.2) in case of budgetary financing of researches — rights belong to the higher educational institutions-executor of such researches. In addition, the legislator does not provide for the possibility to change the said provision by contractually. At the same time, the customer of such research should be assigned the right to use IPR objects for free.3) in the case of budgetary financing of the researches, while the obtained IPR objects are state secrets or objects obtained under a state defence order — rights belong to the customer of such research. This cannot be changed contractually either;4) in the case of mixed financing (own funds of the higher educational institution and budgetary funds) – rights belong to the party that will be determined contractually by the customer and the executor of the basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD).In the case of a scientific discovery, we can only talk about moral rights, namely – the right of attribution. Thus, the indicated object is outside of the scope of the rules regarding the distribution of economic rights.As to phonograms and videograms, the economic rights to these objects will belong to that party to research agreements that will actually “create” those objects. This can be either the customer or the executor of such researches.As to trade secrets, the economic rights will, as a general rule, belong to both the customer and higher educational institution — the executor of basic and applied researches, research and technological development (RTD). In this case, disposing of these rights will be carried out jointly. This can be changed contractually. Also, suggestions to improve the legislation of Ukraine have been made.

AutoCloud+, a “Universal” Physical and Statistical Model-Based 2D Spatial Topology-Preserving Software for Cloud/Cloud–Shadow Detection in Multi-Sensor Single-Date Earth Observation Multi-Spectral Imagery—Part 1: Systematic ESA EO Level 2 Product Generation at the Ground Segment as Broad Context

The European Space Agency (ESA) defines Earth observation (EO) Level 2 information product the stack of: (i) a single-date multi-spectral (MS) image, radiometrically corrected for atmospheric, adjacency and topographic effects, with (ii) its data-derived scene classification map (SCM), whose thematic map legend includes quality layers cloud and cloud–shadow. Never accomplished to date in an operating mode by any EO data provider at the ground segment, systematic ESA EO Level 2 product generation is an inherently ill-posed computer vision (CV) problem (chicken-and-egg dilemma) in the multi-disciplinary domain of cognitive science, encompassing CV as subset-of artificial general intelligence (AI). In such a broad context, the goal of our work is the research and technological development (RTD) of a “universal” AutoCloud+ software system in operating mode, capable of systematic cloud and cloud–shadow quality layers detection in multi-sensor, multi-temporal and multi-angular EO big data cubes characterized by the five Vs, namely, volume, variety, veracity, velocity and value. For the sake of readability, this paper is divided in two. Part 1 highlights why AutoCloud+ is important in a broad context of systematic ESA EO Level 2 product generation at the ground segment. The main conclusions of Part 1 are both conceptual and pragmatic in the definition of remote sensing best practices, which is the focus of efforts made by intergovernmental organizations such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). First, the ESA EO Level 2 product definition is recommended for consideration as state-of-the-art EO Analysis Ready Data (ARD) format. Second, systematic multi-sensor ESA EO Level 2 information product generation is regarded as: (a) necessary-but-not-sufficient pre-condition for the yet-unaccomplished dependent problems of semantic content-based image retrieval (SCBIR) and semantics-enabled information/knowledge discovery (SEIKD) in multi-source EO big data cubes, where SCBIR and SEIKD are part-of the GEO-CEOS visionary goal of a yet-unaccomplished Global EO System of Systems (GEOSS). (b) Horizontal policy, the goal of which is background developments, in a “seamless chain of innovation” needed for a new era of Space Economy 4.0. In the subsequent Part 2 (proposed as Supplementary Materials), the AutoCloud+ software system requirements specification, information/knowledge representation, system design, algorithm, implementation and preliminary experimental results are presented and discussed.

SYNTHESIS AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE NOVEL Ho(5-SSA), (5-SSA = 5-SULFOSALICYLIC ACID) CAGE STRUCTURE

In recent years, intensive studies have been made on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) which is kind of spongy structures having excellent original architectures formed by ligands in organic forms and metal centers classified as binders. The main reason for this condensation is due to the great huge potential for such materials to be used in many technological application areas such as sensors, gas storage, photo-catalysis, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), solar cells (SCs) and luminescent emitting devices. The properties of the metal-organic frameworks depend on the selected organic ligands and metal ions. Therefore, new research and technology development (R-T-G) fields can be discovered with these materials that can be originally synthesized. In this work, Ho(III)-based metal-organic framework (Ho-MOF; [Ho(5-SSA)], 5-SSA = 5-sulfosalicylic acid) was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The structural characterization has been made by powder X-ray diffraction, a room temperature solid-state UV and FT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, the solid-state photoluminescence measurements have been taken at room temperature in the UV-visible and near-infrared region (NIR) and the energy transfer mechanism from 5-SSA ligand to the Ho+3 ion is investigated in detail. Under the excitation of UV light (at 349 nm), 5-SSA ligand exhibited a broad navy-blue emission while its Ho-MOF complex exhibited several characteristic emissions of the Ho+3 ion in the UV-Visible and NIR region. The excellent luminescent performances make this compound very good candidate for efficient luminescence materials.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Public Investment in Research and Development by Federal Executive Bodies in Russia

The purpose of this study is to develop an instrument to measure the effectiveness of public investment in R&D and make timely adjustments to scientific and technical policy. This will contribute to the growth of fundamental results, patents as well as their commercialization and innovative development for the overall economy. This article assesses the effectiveness of public investment in research and technological development (RTD), including attracted extra-budgetary funds, on the basis of the authors' methodology for assessing the efficiency of public spending on RTD projects. The main distributors of state budget funds in Russia are the Federal Executive Bodies (FEB). The proposed tool first allows the evaluation of the effectiveness of public expenditure on RTD in general, although it does not involve comparing individual FEB administrations, but only evaluates their work in promoting the development of their assigned research areas in terms of dynamics. This method sets the general rules for an evaluation of effectiveness in the state financial support of RTD, defines the key indicators reflecting the performance of such support and the use of science as a tool for ensuring the achievement of indicators and the socio-economic development of the state.

Homogenization on Multi-Materials’ Elements: Application to Printed Circuit Boards and Warpage Analysis

This research is sponsored: - by the Portugal Incentive System for Research and Technological Development. Project in co - promotion no 36265/2013 (Project HMIExcel - 2013 - 2015), and - by FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 – Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI) with the reference project POCI - 01 - 0145 - FEDER - 006941

Prevention and Risk Management in RTD European Projects Developed by University-Company's Consortiums

Abstract This study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of a simple methodology to manage and prevent the risk in co promotion projects financed by the European Union through operational programs. The risk prevention is a key factor in the project success, whether singular or plural, research or development. Our focus was directed to present the methodology applied to three Research and Technological Development (RTD) European projects, where companies and universities had to work hand in hand towards the success of the project. Socio-cultural differences between different countries, different methods and work's rhythms between universities and companies alongside the issues of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), are some of the sensitive points in all the projects. It is where Project Management has the duty to act proactively in order to control small outbreaks of contention, while maintaining the smooth functioning of the project execution.

Adequate and anticipatory research on the potential hazards of emerging technologies: a case of myopia and inertia?

History confirms that while technological innovations can bring many benefits, they can also cause much human suffering, environmental degradation and economic costs. But are we repeating history with new and...

ICT-enabled energy efficiency – a lens onto practices of other sectors

Purpose – The potential and opportunity offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enable Energy Efficient (EE) viable operations has been thoroughly laboured with respect to sustainability goals. Often the issue is not a lack of technological options, but rather an issue in understanding what choices will lead to the greatest impact. This paper summarises the outcome of a research work undertaken within Roadmap Enabling Vision and Strategy for ICT-enabled EE (REViSITE), an EU-funded project tasked with investigating migration pathways from current state of the art to a common vision for ICT-enabled EE with respect to four energy intensive sectors (energy grids, built environment, manufacturing and lighting). In this paper the focus is particularly on the built environment and how it might benefit from other sectors. Design/methodology/approach – The REViSITE methodology/framework combined Life Cycle thinking, an adapted capability Maturity Framework and the REViSITE-developed SMARTT taxonomy for the development of a multi-disciplinary Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) which suggests research trajectories based on Research and Technology Development (RTD) topics. These priorities or pathways are presented in terms of short, medium and long-term delivery. Findings – Development of a multi-disciplinary SRA and the corresponding Implementation Action Plan (IAP) offering specific recommendations for research development in the area of ICT-enabled EE among other recommended actions, which are reported in other publications. Originality/value – At a basic level the value of the research is that it offers the potential to augment existing domain knowledge by offering a lens onto the ICT4EE practices of other sectors.

Reducing bluetooth discovery time in collaborative working environment

The main aim of the research presented in this paper was to investigate ‘how to reduce the bluetooth discovery time in collaborative middleware based collaborative working environment (CWE), to enhance the communications of mobile users. The high level collaborative middleware is a research and technology development (RTD) challenge and one of most desirable medium to long term research outputs for CWEs. This research activity outlines a collaborative middleware module that has been developed on Smartphone technology and enables to reduce the discovery time of a multi-user collaborative working environment via a Bluetooth wireless communications network. To achieve this aim, it started with discussing the key design parameters, and then the design of collaborative middleware module with collaborative functionality; finally it is a comparison test to evaluate the impact of middleware. The result of the evaluation concludes the Bluetooth enabled collaborative middleware can reduce the discovery time in CWE.

Climate change and the water sector in Europe: a review of research and technology development needs

The Water supply and sanitation Technology Platform (WssTP) was initiated by the European Commission in 2004. It is led by industries in collaboration with academics, research organisations and water users to help structure the European Research Area and identify R&D needs for the water sector. In December 2008, the board of the WssTP identified the need to create a Task Force on Climate Change in order to build a working group focused on the issue and able to assist the EU Commission in the related Calls for Projects. The Task Force on Climate Change did a review on the research and technology development (RTD) needs related to each of the WssTP topics, highlighting the challenges they will face in a climate change context. This paper is based on the review carried out and presents its main conclusions. The RTD topics identified involve a broad range of expertise areas and can be divided into two main groups: mitigation and adaptation. The latter will be brought to the fore in this paper.

Improving communications with bluetooth enabled collaborative middleware in MANET

The main aim of the research presented in this paper was to investigate how can collaborative middleware based collaborative working environment (CWE), combined with bluetooth technology, enhance the communications of mobile users. The high level collaborative middleware is a research and technology development (RTD) challenge and a desirable research outputs for CWEs. This paper outlines a collaborative middleware that has been developed on smartphone technology and enables the creation of a multi-user CWE via a bluetooth network. To achieve this aim, it started with discussing the key design parameters, and then the design of collaborative middleware with collaborative functionality; ended by completed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis with focus group to determine the collaborative middleware's potential impact to improve communications between users. The result of the evaluation concludes the bluetooth enabled collaborative middleware can improve the communications of mobile ad-hoc networks. This research also provides two key areas of contribution. Firstly it provides an evolutionary step for the creation of new collaborative applications. Secondly, it has optimised the use of bluetooth beyond the functionality for which it was originally designed.

An Australian roadmap for ICT research and development for ageing? lessons from a European Union initiative.

The Bridging Research in Ageing and ICT Development (BRAID) project has developed a comprehensive Research and Technological Development (RTD) roadmap for active ageing in European Union countries. This paper provides an overview of the BRAID project, including its methodological approach and outcomes, and suggests that a similar approach could be undertaken to consolidate research and development in relation to ICT and ageing in Australia.