In this paper, we modeled and simulated two tandem solar cell structures (a) and (b), in a two-terminal configuration based on inorganic and lead-free absorber materials. The structures are composed of sub-cells already studied in our previous work, where we simulated the impact of defect density and recombination rate at the interfaces, as well as that of the thicknesses of the charge transport and absorber layers, on the photovoltaic performance. We also studied the performance resulting from the use of different materials for the electron and hole transport layers. The two structures studied include a bottom cell based on the perovskite material CsSnI₃ with a band gap energy of 1.3 eV and a thickness of 1.5 µm. The first structure has an upper sub-cell based on the CsSnGeI₃ material with an energy of 1.5 eV, while the second has an upper sub-cell made of Cs₂TiBr₆ with a band gap energy of 1.6 eV. The theoretical model used to evaluate the photocurrent density, current-voltage characteristic, and photovoltaic parameters of the constituent sub-cells and the tandem device was described. Current matching analysis was performed to find the ideal combination of absorber thicknesses that allows the same current density to be shared. An efficiency of 29.8% was obtained with a short circuit current density J_sc = 19.92 mA/cm², an open circuit potential V_oc = 1.46 V and a form factor FF = 91.5% with the first structure (a), for a top absorber thickness of CsSnGeI₃ of 190 nm, while an efficiency of 26.8% with J_sc = 16.74, V_oc = 1.50 V and FF = 91.4% was obtained with the second structure (b), for a top absorber thickness of Cs₂TiBr₆ of 300 nm. The objective of this study is to develop efficient, low-cost, stable and non-toxic tandem devices based on lead-free and inorganic perovskite.

This study examines how the framing of organizational gender-equity policies shapes support among Generation Z employees. Drawing on performativity (Butler, 1990) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991), we conceptualize framing as mediating how Gen Z employees perceive equity initiatives. Using a mixed-methods design, we combine survey data from 4,861 Gen Z respondents in 30 countries with directed content analysis of four HR policy documents (coded for equity vs enforcement, identity recognition, and youth engagement). Results reveal a gender gap: Gen Z women strongly endorse inclusive equity measures, consistent with evidence that women show stronger support for equality policies, whereas Gen Z men are more skeptical of policies framed as exclusive or punitive – mirroring polls finding many Gen Z men say equality efforts have gone too far. These findings suggest that performative policy framing activates social identities differently by gender and that intersectional policy language affects reception. Practically, we recommend framing equity initiatives in terms of shared fairness and collective benefit, using transparent rationale and inclusive identity language. Gen Zers expect fair pay, inclusive policies, and transparency, so HR communications should emphasize fairness and allyship to enhance legitimacy and support among this cohort.

The study focuses on the employees’ behavioral intentions towards the usage of disruptive technology in the industry. The digital technology application in consumer, retail, and hospitality, education and training, financial services, the health sector, infrastructure, government, and airports. The study objectives were to explore the possible adoption of innovation and creativity changes and their acceptance by the employees in the organization. To identify the variables impacting behavioral intention and analyze how these variables relate to perceived usefulness, attitude, perceived ease of use, facilitating conditions, and technology optimism. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 335 respondents, who were selected based on their relevance to the study objectives. The questionnaires were distributed through the Google Forms application, and the data were collected and analyzed periodically. The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the behavioral intention towards disruptive technologies in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya locations in Malaysia and highlight the significance of factors such as perceived usefulness, attitude, perceived ease of use, facilitating conditions, and technology optimism. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on Industry 4.0 by providing empirical evidence and practical implications for organizations seeking to leverage disruptive technologies in their operations management.

The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.

Infrastructure development is critical for sustaining Asia’s economic growth. Unfortunately, huge financing gaps—estimated by a recent Asian Development Bank study to be USD22.5 trillion—constrain the ability of most emerging Asian countries to fully realize the benefits of infrastructure development. For instance, over 70% of infrastructure investments in Asia are still funded by public resources, which pose acute financing challenges for many countries with limited budgets and fiscal constraints. This paper discusses some of the challenges associated with public financing of infrastructure projects in emerging Asian countries, before introducing some new options for alleviating their infrastructure investment needs. In particular, it proposes a new approach to infrastructure financing by utilizing the spillover effects of infrastructure investment, where additional revenues generated from such investment can be channeled back to investors as subsidy to increase the returns to their investment. The paper also argues the need for Asian countries to implement fiscal reforms and to develop a more balanced approach to financing, one that involves both the private and public sector. 

Due to rising global environmental challenges, air/water pollution treatment technologies, especially membrane techniques, have been focused on. In this context, air or purification membranes have been considered effective for environmental remediation. In the field of polymeric membranes, high-performance polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes have gained increasing research attention. The polymer/graphene nanomaterials exposed several potential benefits when processed as membranes. This review explains the utilization of polymer and graphene-derived nanocomposites towards membrane formation and water or gas separation or decontamination properties. Here, different membrane designs have been developed depending upon the polymer types (poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(dimethyl siloxane), polysulfone, poly(methyl methacrylate), etc.) and graphene functionalities. Including graphene in polymers influences membrane microstructure, physical features, molecular permeability or selectivity, and separations. Polysulfone/graphene oxide nanocomposite membranes have been found to be most efficient with an enhanced rejection rate of 90%–95%, a high water flux >180 L/m²/h, and a desirable water contact angle for water purification purposes. For gas separation membranes, efficient membranes have been reported as polysulfone/graphene oxide and poly(dimethyl siloxane)/graphene oxide nanocomposites. In these membranes, N₂, CO₂, and other gases permeability has been found to be higher than even >99.9%. Similarly, higher selectivity values for gases like CO₂/CH₄ have been observed. Thus, high-performance graphene-based nanocomposite membranes possess high potential to overcome the challenges related to water or gas molecular separations.