Narrow Results

This paper examines the use of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. To assess the performance of BIPV–PCM systems, the study employs a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The study features the advantages of using PCMs with BIPV envelopes. The benefits include lower heating and cooling requirements, shifted peak loads and increased thermal comfort. However, there are several challenges like heat loss and lower energy efficiency which needs to be addressed. Further, the potential for reduced PCM efficiency over time is recognized. The paper concludes by recommending further research on alternative PCM placement strategies, enhanced PCM formulations, gypsum board integration and the evaluation of PCMs combined with nanoparticles.

This article states the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Singapore biomed sector.

The huge potential offered by the implementation of a modern Train Control Information System (TCIS) could result in significant improvements in the railway sector in general. As a technology transfer, primarily in the European railway sector, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is expected to play an important role in providing better railway performances. However, the implementation of ERTMS entails certain dilemmas and disadvantages and the decision-making regarding it can be one of the crucial challenges for each railway. Having this in mind, the aim of this work is to propose a decision-making framework to support such a critical decision process through application of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analyses. In the proposed approach, external and internal factors that simultaneously enhance and constrain ERTMS implementation were identified and presented through the SWOT analysis, while the AHP method was applied for the evaluation of the importance of identified factors. The thorough literature review represents a basis for creating a SWOT matrix and setting of judgments for the evaluation of the SWOT factors. The results of the AHP method highlight the importance of the factors within the SWOT matrix regarding ERTMS implementation. Results of the AHP method were checked by two additional weight assessments in order to provide the appropriate approach for factor evaluation. The proposed approach also shows a relatively simple and very suitable decision-making framework for consideration of other TCISs, too.

Very few women's co-operatives exist in Europe today; of those that do, the vast majority are involved in non-agricultural sectors. For the past thirty years in Greece, numerous women's agricultural co-operatives have been established in rural areas and scholars have articulated several aspects of their role in both women's life and the local development. A cursory glance at the history of the women's agricultural co-operatives in Greece and a review of the literature highlights the uniqueness of this type of entrepreneurship (a rarity in Europe) and their significant role for rural society cohesion, mainly in geographically and economically isolated rural areas. In this paper we employ a SWOT analysis to elaborate on strengths and weaknesses, which vary from co-operative to co-operative. Either bottom-up or top-down created women's co-operatives are currently a social innovation. Their strengths mainly concern economic independence and social inclusion of women in rural areas, while their weaknesses are mainly associated with funding, organization, administration, know how, culture, product promotion and marketing problems. Nevertheless, they are called upon to survive in a competitive environment; although difficult, it is one that provides opportunities that most likely can outweigh threats.

This study examines China’s energy security strategy in Central Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Green BRI. The examination extends while integrating two theories, i.e., Energy Securitization and Complex Interdependence. By analyzing China’s investments in renewable and non-renewable energy projects, this research assesses how they enhance regional connectivity, foster economic cooperation, and contribute to China’s energy security. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of China’s energy strategy, highlighting opportunities for sustainable development and challenges posed by geopolitical factors. The findings suggest that while the BRI is a critical tool for China’s energy security, careful strategic planning and collaboration with Central Asian countries are essential to mitigate risks and maximize benefits. The study acknowledges the complex interplay of economic, political, and environmental constraints and concludes by highlighting the need for joint policy initiatives to promote mutual energy security, sustainability, and regional stability.

In today's world of global warming, hole in ozone layer, deforestation, drying of river, ecological crisis, two main problems brought by science and civilization appear very catastrophic: the damages of pollution done to human health and environment and the high carbon emissions which leads to global warming. The raise of biological washing may provide a contribution to solve these global problems. Environmental superiority of biological detergent may become a main competitive advantage in future development of detergent industry. The development strategy of biological washing industry, pioneered by a Shanghai company, challenges the first generation petrochemical cleaners and the second generation plant detergents, and as such constitutes a disruptive technology. This paper explores detergent development strategy new trend in today's world of more stringent environment requirements and increasingly tense resources, environmental protection, health, low-carbon, green and sustainable development.