International Journal of Innovative Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences

On a Comparative Analysis of Research Performance Trends in Western Balkans through Peer Reviewed Indexing Databases

Dimitrios Karras — 2024-12-11

In order to be published in scientific journals and conferences, the results of every systematic study must be presented in the form of a research report or paper that satisfies the standards established by the scientific community during centuries of development. It is well acknowledged that the output of research is what defines its performance. Because there are millions of researchers in the world, there has been a significant increase in demand in recent years for boosting the visibility of research outcomes. Every research group aims to maintain its research efforts and obtain further funding by maximizing the impact and visibility of the research results it produces in the scientific community. This obviously holds true for the advancement of any researcher's career in universities and research canters. As a result, over time, the international scientific community has established commonly used standards and measurements to distinguish between different levels of quality in research. Ranking significant and unimportant outcomes is the constant aim of all such groups. In light of the aforementioned observations, indexing has become a crucial criterion for characterizing each research publication. All research groups want to expand their effect in their respective scientific societies and gain more funding by producing more indexed papers than other groups in the same field. Additionally, indexed articles describe the calibre and effectiveness of research conducted by both individuals and groups, but also that of universities and research canters. As a generalization of the aforementioned factors, it makes sense to take into account research performance at the national level if, on the other hand, every organized nation is evaluated in terms of its universities and research canters with reference to local research development. Therefore, comparing research performance and its evolution across nations with comparable organizational characteristics in relation to the global competitiveness is the goal of this study. Here, the Western Balkans are chosen as a collection of "similar" nations. Therefore, starting with the widely used SCOPUS indexed database, an attempt is made to measure their research performance in terms of absolute numbers of indexed papers. Finding patterns in these nations' scientific advancements, however, is the most crucial component of this study. Naturally, this is still a work in progress, and the quantification study that is being undertaken should take into account a lot more aspects. It is obvious that such work could be applied to any other group countries.

Transitioning Towards a Sustainable Energy System: A Case Study of Baden-Württemberg

Annika Fuchs — 2024-12-19

The development and use of renewable energy sources are important to combat current climate change. The paper examines possible pathways to a climate-neutral Baden-Württemberg by 2045, with a focus on a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in the different sectors. In this paper, a reference energy system of the region was modelled using the EnergyPLAN model based on data from 2020. Regarding the expansion targets for renewable energies in Baden-Württemberg by 2040, four scenarios were developed. These focus on the main sectors: transport, heat, industry and electricity. This includes a complete substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energies, and in the industrial sectors, conventional energy is replaced by green hydrogen. In all scenarios, significant CO2 emission reductions of up to 8.68 Mt can be achieved, which underlines the feasibility of climate neutrality in Baden-Württemberg through the expansion of renewable energies and technological change. This work provides some of the key insights needed to further support policymakers and researchers in their work to improve energy systems. This can therefore help to develop better strategies to effectively reduce emissions and thus advance Baden-Württemberg's goals of climate- neutral economy. As this paper was a first step, further research in this direction is needed to successfully achieve these goals.

Implications of Integrated Community-Oriented Approaches for Schizophrenia Treatment

Ambrozia Itellari — 2024-12-26

Schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 1 in 300 individuals worldwide. Although its exact cause remains unclear, genetic factors have been identified as a partial contributor. Additionally, many patients with schizophrenia exhibit an imbalance between the neurotransmitter’s dopamine and serotonin. The complex nature of schizophrenia raises critical questions about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. These uncertainties are compounded by ethical concerns surrounding the capacity for decision-making and voluntary consent among patients. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence are central to determining appropriate treatment strategies for individuals with schizophrenia. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or "shock therapy," has been considered for patients with severe symptoms, though its potential benefits are often outweighed by risks, including significant memory loss in 40-60% of cases. Antipsychotic medications are more commonly used and can be effective, but questions arise about the ability of patients to consent to these treatments during acute episodes. This paper explores the most effective medical interventions for schizophrenia, with a focus on preserving patient autonomy, enabling informed consent, and supporting community integration.

Life Cycle and Environmental Impact Assessment of Sustainable Energy Systems in Building Construction: Comparative Analysis of Fossil Fuels and Solar Energy in Mashhad

Dorsa Sedaghati — 2024-12-27

Rapid urbanization and the growing demand for sustainable development have emphasized the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in the construction sector. This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to compare the carbon footprints of fossil fuel-based and solar energy systems in residential buildings in Mashhad, Iran. Results from Revit simulations and MATLAB modeling based on Leopold matrix highlight the significant advantages of solar energy, with life cycle CO₂ emissions peaking at only 2.5 kg in the most emission-intensive months, compared to 120 kg for fossil fuels during electricity generation in July. Furthermore, the annual cumulative emissions of fossil fuels reached nearly 1800 kg CO₂, whereas solar energy remained under 100 kg CO₂. These findings show the critical role of solar energy in achieving sustainability. The research offers actionable insights for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing green engineering practices by addressing the seasonal and lifecycle phases of energy systems.