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Drawing on work from home (WFH), job demand-control and street-level bureaucracy literature streams, this paper specifically focuses on the emerging trend of WFH for public sector employees in a developing country context of Egypt.

The empirical sample comprises focus group discussions with a total of 40 public sector employees in Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used on focus group discussion transcripts to bring out main themes linked to this topic.

Our findings show that employee (marginal discretion power, pharaonism, corruption), citizen (unfamiliarity with digital services) and country (lack of proper info-structure, overstaffing in the public sector)- level challenges hinder and/or slow down the potential for WFH in Egyptian public sector.

A major implication of our paper relates to highlighting the criticality of e-governance and WFH for public sector employees, as well as highlighting multilevel challenges associated with those. At the same time, socio-economic and political consequences of offering such options need to be considered in a country like Egypt where most public organisations are overstaffed, and those employees lack modern day employability skills. Hence, there needs to be an open debate in countries such as Egypt on the consequences of e-governance and WFH and whether it may facilitate delivering citizen services digitally. Also, high power distance culture plays a role in this context, and any change cannot be successful unless that specific aspect is confronted.

This study contributes to the emerging WFH literature by being one of the pioneering studies to offer a multilevel (micro, meso and macro) assessment of this phenomenon in the under-researched fragile developing country’s context.

The aim of this paper is to determine whether the dominant integrated water resources management (IWRM) paradigm within which the Pra River Basin is managed holds the key to address the current water security and sustainability issues in Southwestern Ghana.

This study employed a literature review developed based on water security and sustainability studies as well as normative scenarios from the broad scenario planning methodology. The study builds on Wæver’s Theory of Securitization and the Utilitarian theory to protect water bodies through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Insights on introducing innovative environmental sustainability technology are presented and propose the Pra-integrated smart water security management decision-making system that uses visual inspections, noise sensors, the potential of hydrogen (pH) probe sensor, real-time collection of hydrological data (streamflow) and wireless transmission of the data in real-time at the basin level. This serves as a robust tool for managing the basin’s sustainable development ecosystem by using AI to protect water bodies against illegal mining.

The proposed innovative environmental technology which is the first of its kind is meant to gain a better understanding of pollution incidents and respond quickly to them by integrating AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies with traditional IWRM practices. This addresses water security in the Pra Basin, supports policy development and innovation, strengthens the goal of the government to protect water resources against pollution and contributes to the African Water Vision and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6.

This paper aims to develop an adaptable control architecture for electrohydraulic humanoid robots (HYDROïD) that emulate the functionality of the human nervous system. The developed control architecture overcomes the limitations of classical centralized and decentralized systems by distributing intelligence across controllers.

The proposed solution is a distributed real-time control architecture with robot operating system (ROS). The joint controllers have the intelligence to make decisions, dominate their actuators and publish their state. The real-time capabilities are ensured in the master controller by using a Preempt-RT kernel beside open robot control software middleware to operate the real-time tasks and in the customized joint controllers by free real-time operating systems firmware. Systems can be either centralized, where all components are connected to a central unit or decentralized, where distributed units act as interfaces between the I/Os and the master controller when the master controller is without the ability to make decisions.

The proposed architecture establishes a versatile and adaptive control framework. It features a centralized hardware topology with a master PC and distributed joint controllers, while the software architecture adapts based on the task. It operates in a distributed manner for precise, force-independent motions and in a decentralized manner for tasks requiring compliance and force control. This design enables the examination of the sensorimotor loop at both low-level joint controllers and the high-level master controller.

It developed a control architecture emulating the functionality of the human nervous system. The experimental validations were performed on the HYDROïD. The results demonstrated 50% advancements in the update rate compared to other humanoids and 30% in the latency of the master processor and the control tasks.

The purpose of this paper is to provide details of biomimetic and neuromorphic sensor research and developments and discuss their applications in robotics.

Following a short introduction, this first provides examples of recent biomimetic gripping and sensing skin research and developments. It then considers neuromorphic vision sensing technology and its potential robotic applications. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Biomimetics aims to exploit mechanisms, structures and signal processing techniques which occur in the natural world. Biomimetic sensors and control techniques can impart robots with a range of enhanced capabilities such as learning, gripping and multidimensional tactile sensing. Neuromorphic vision sensors offer several key operation benefits over conventional frame-based imaging techniques. Robotic applications are still largely at the research stage but uses are anticipated in enhanced safety systems in autonomous vehicles and in robotic gripping.

This illustrates how tactile and imaging sensors based on biological principles can contribute to imparting robots with enhanced capabilities.

The purpose of this study is to design a highly integrated smart glove to enable gesture acquisition and force sensory interactions, and to enhance the realism and immersion of virtual reality interaction experiences.

The smart glove is highly integrated with gesture sensing, force-haptic acquisition and virtual force feedback modules. Gesture sensing realizes the interactive display of hand posture. The force-haptic acquisition and virtual force feedback provide immersive force feedback to enhance the sense of presence and immersion of the virtual reality interaction.

The experimental results show that the average error of the finger bending sensor is only 0.176°, the error of the arm sensor is close to 0 and the maximum error of the force sensing is 2.08 g, which is able to accurately sense the hand posture and force-touch information. In the virtual reality interaction experiments, the force feedback has obvious level distinction, which can enhance the sense of presence and immersion during the interaction.

This paper innovatively proposes a highly integrated smart glove that cleverly integrates gesture acquisition, force-haptic acquisition and virtual force feedback. The glove enhances the sense of presence and immersion of virtual reality interaction through precise force feedback, which has great potential for application in virtual environment interaction in various fields.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fault estimation issue of nonlinear dynamical systems via distributed sensor networks. Furthermore, based on the communication topology of sensor networks, the nonfragile design strategy considering the gain fluctuation is also adopted for distributed fault estimators.

By means of intensive dynamical model transformation, sufficient conditions with disturbance attenuation performance are established to design desired fault estimator gains with the help of convex optimization.

A novel distributed fault estimation framework for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems is established over a set of distributed sensor networks, where sampled data of sensor nodes via local information exchanges can be used for more efficiency.

The proposed distributed fault estimator gain fluctuations are taken into account for the nonfragile strategy, such that the distributed fault estimators are more applicable for practical sensor networks implementations. In addition, an illustrative example with simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness and applicableness of the developed distributed fault estimation technique.

The purpose of the study is to address concerns regarding the subjectivity and imprecision of decision-making in table tennis refereeing by developing and enhancing a sensor node system. This system is designed to accurately detect the points on the table tennis table where balls collide. The study introduces the twined-reinforcement chimp optimization (TRCO) framework, which combines two novel approaches to optimize the distribution of sensor nodes. The main goal is to reduce the number of sensor units required while maintaining high accuracy in determining the locations of ball collisions, with error margins significantly below the critical 3.5 mm cutoff. Through complex optimization procedures, the study aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of decision-making in table tennis refereeing by leveraging sensor technology.

The study employs a design methodology focused on developing a sensor array system to enhance decision-making in table tennis refereeing. It introduces the twined-reinforcement chimp optimization (TRCO) framework, combining dual adaptive weighting strategies and a stochastic approach for optimization. By meticulously engineering the sensor array and utilizing complex optimization procedures, the study aims to improve the accuracy of detecting ball collisions on the table tennis table. The methodology aims to reduce the number of sensor units required while maintaining high precision, ultimately enhancing the reliability of decision-making in the sport.

The optimization research study yielded promising outcomes, showcasing a substantial reduction in the number of sensor units required from the initial count of 60 to a more practical 49. The sensor array system demonstrated excellent accuracy in identifying the locations of ball collisions, with error margins significantly below the critical 3.5 mm cutoff. Through the implementation of the twined-reinforcement chimp optimization (TRCO) framework, which integrates dual adaptive weighting strategies and a stochastic approach, the study achieved its goal of enhancing the efficiency and reliability of decision-making in table tennis refereeing.

This study introduces novel contributions to the field of table tennis refereeing by pioneering the development and optimization of a sensor array system. The innovative twined-reinforcement chimp optimization (TRCO) framework, integrating dual adaptive weighting strategies and a stochastic approach, sets a new standard for sensor node distribution in sports technology. By substantially reducing the number of sensor units required while maintaining high accuracy in detecting ball collisions, this research offers practical solutions to address the inherent subjectivity and imprecision in decision-making processes. The study’s originality lies in its meticulous design methodology and complex optimization procedures, offering significant value to the field of sports technology and officiating.

This study explores the impact of biophilic design in built environments on sustainable behaviors through the innovative use of a serious game. By examining how exposure to biophilic elements influences behaviors in real and virtual settings, the research aims to demonstrate the potential of serious games as tools for promoting sustainability.

The study was conducted in three distinct experimental settings: (1) a real environment pre-game, (2) a non-immersive game environment within the same real setting and (3) an immersive game environment post-game. Data were collected from 162 participants who experienced these different conditions. The serious game “Pop a Coffee Corner” was developed based on biophilic design principles and used to assess behavioral changes.

Results indicated that exposure to biophilic design elements in real settings significantly enhanced sustainable behaviors compared to non-biophilic environments. Additionally, playing the serious game in a biophilic environment led to even greater improvements in sustainable behavior than exposure to biophilic design alone. This demonstrates the effectiveness of serious games in fostering sustainable actions.

The study’s findings are based on a specific university setting, which may limit generalizability. Future research could explore long-term impacts and applications in diverse contexts.

The research provides practical guidelines for incorporating biophilic design in built environments, and developing serious games can be a practical strategy for architects, urban planners and educators to promote sustainable behaviors among individuals. This approach can be applied in educational settings, public spaces and workplaces to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of biophilic design and serious games in promoting sustainable behaviors, this study contributes to broader societal efforts to address environmental challenges. Implementing these strategies can lead to increased environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors, ultimately supporting sustainability goals.

This study introduces the serious game approach as a novel method to evaluate and promote sustainable behaviors through biophilic design. It highlights the potential for integrating biophilic elements in both real and virtual environments to encourage environmentally responsible behavior, offering valuable insights to architects, designers and policymakers.

Unlocking the potential of Big Data Analytics (BDA) has proven to be a transformative factor for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. This has prompted researchers to focus attention on BDA in the AEC industry (BDA-in-AECI) in recent years, leading to a proliferation of relevant research. However, an in-depth exploration of the literature on BDA-in-AECI remains scarce. As a result, this study seeks to systematically explore the state-of-the-art review on BDA-in-AECI and identify research trends and gaps in knowledge to guide future research.

This state-of-the-art review was conducted using a mixed-method systematic review. Relevant publications were retrieved from Scopus and then subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A quantitative bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software and Gephi to reveal the status quo of research in the domain. A further qualitative analysis was performed on carefully screened articles. Based on this mixed-method systematic review, knowledge gaps were identified and future research agendas of BDA-in-AECI were proposed.

The results show that BDA has been adopted to support AEC decision-making, safety and risk assessment, structural health monitoring, damage detection, waste management, project management and facilities management. BDA also plays a major role in achieving construction 4.0 and Industry 4.0. The study further revealed that data mining, cloud computing, predictive analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, such as deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision, are the key methods used for BDA-in-AECI. Moreover, several data acquisition platforms and technologies were identified, including building information modeling, Internet of Things (IoT), social networking and blockchain. Further studies are needed to examine the synergies between BDA and AI, BDA and Digital twin and BDA and blockchain in the AEC industry.

The study contributes to the BDA-in-AECI body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive scope of understanding and revealing areas for future research directions beneficial to the stakeholders in the AEC industry.

This study has aimed to investigate the impact of service innovation capabilities (SIC), supply chain digitalization capabilities (SDC) and customer risk protection (CRP) capabilities of GrabFood on customer satisfaction. GrabFood has been chosen as a case study because GrabPay is one of the Malaysian government's digital wallet partners, and GrabFood is one of the region's leading Online Food Delivery Service (OFDS) providers.

A total of 410 valid responses have been gathered from the GrabFood users for data analysis using the partial least square technique.

The findings reveal that SIC, SDC and CRP of GrabFood have a highly significant influence on customer satisfaction. CRP has been found to partially mediate the relationship between SIC and customer satisfaction and the relationship between SDC and customer satisfaction.

OFDS providers need to consider how to minimize the potential risk to be encountered by customers in delivering services that satisfy the customers. OFDS providers must identify the gap between their capabilities and customer perception and continuously improve their service quality to mitigate the gap.