Investigating Reversibility of Steps in Petri Nets

In reversible computations one is interested in the development of mechanisms allowing to undo the effects of executed actions. The past research has been concerned mainly with reversing single actions. In this paper, we consider the problem of reversing the effect of the execution of groups of actions (steps). Using Petri nets as a system model, we introduce concepts related to this new scenario, generalising notions used in the single action case. We then present properties arising when reverse actions are allowed in place/transition nets (PT-nets). We obtain both positive and negative results, showing that allowing steps makes reversibility more problematic than in the interleaving/sequential case. In particular, we demonstrate that there is a crucial difference between reversing steps which are sets and those which are true multisets. Moreover, in contrast to sequential semantics, splitting reverses does not lead to a general method for reversing bounded PT-nets. We then show that a suitable solution can be obtained by combining split reverses with weighted read arcs.

Cyber-attack and Measuring its Risk

In this short research, cyber-attack and the well-known attacking methods are discussed. Moreover, how many attacks were made in 2021 compared to the attacks in the previous year is found, to determine how fast this malicious activity is growing and the reasons which motivate such cyber-attacks are studied. The risk measurement methods are also discussed in this article based on some previous research. The conclusions are made on the suitable solution for cyber-attack, reviewed based on the point of view of different research.

THE EVALUATION OF PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ON HAJJ CROWD BETWEEN ARAFAT AND MUZDALIFAH PEDESTRIAN STREET

Makkah is the holy city of Muslims which is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. It is the being visited by pilgrims from all nationalities every year for the annual Islamic Pilgrimage (Hajj). Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which is the largest annual religious pilgrimage event in the world. The Hajj management authority specifies that the current pilgrimage’s performance is challenging due to the increase of pilgrims every year. Pedestrian conflicts and uncomfortable walking environment are the crucial issues that have been identified, which are due to insufficient pedestrian facilities. Hence, this paper presents the pedestrian facilities assessment between Arafat to Muzdalifah road. The objectives of the study are to determine the available pedestrian facilities for pilgrimage from Arafat to Muzdalifah, and to suggest the suitable solution for pedestrian facilities in every 5 minutes walks. Meanwhile, qualitative methods of site inventory and observation were applied to gather the related data on the selected study area. Possible pedestrian facilities design is suggested for the purpose of future Hajj improvement.

Advances in Processing and Mechanical Behavior in Lightweight Metals and Alloys

The demand for lightweight metals and related alloys is still the most suitable solution to many high-tech applications, including sports equipment and automotive components where alternate movements require low inertia [...]

Development and Validation of a Useful Taxonomy of Patient Portals Based on Characteristics of Patient Engagement

Objective Taxonomies are classification systems used to reduce complexity and better understand a domain. The present research aims to develop a useful taxonomy for health information managers to classify and compare patient portals based on characteristics appropriate to promote patient engagement. As a result, the taxonomy should contribute to understanding the differences and similarities of the portals. Further, the taxonomy shall support health information managers to more easily define which general type and functionalities of patient portals they need and to select the most suitable solution offered on the market. Methods We followed the formal taxonomy-building method proposed by Nickerson et al. Based on a literature review, we created a preliminary taxonomy following the conceptional approach of the model. We then evaluated each taxa's appropriateness by analyzing and classifying 17 patient portals offered by software vendors and 11 patient portals offered by health care providers. After each iteration, we examined the achievement of the determined objective and subjective ending conditions. Results After two conceptional approaches to create our taxonomy, and two empirical approaches to evaluate it, the final taxonomy consists of 20 dimensions and 49 characteristics. To make the taxonomy easy to comprehend, we assigned to the dimensions seven aspects related to patient engagement. These aspects are (1) portal design, (2) management, (3) communication, (4) instruction, (5) self-management, (6) self-determination, and (7) data management. The taxonomy is considered finished and useful after all ending conditions that defined beforehand have been fulfilled. We demonstrated that the taxonomy serves to understand the differences and similarities by comparing patient portals. We call our taxonomy “Taxonomy of Patient Portals based on Characteristics of Patient Engagement (TOPCOP).” Conclusion We developed the first useful taxonomy for health information managers to classify and compare patient portals. The taxonomy is based on characteristics promoting patient engagement. With 20 dimensions and 49 characteristics, our taxonomy is particularly suitable to discriminate among patient portals and can easily be applied to compare portals. The TOPCOP taxonomy enables health information managers to better understand the differences and similarities of patient portals. Further, the taxonomy may help them to define the type and general functionalities needed. But it also supports them in searching and comparing patient portals offered on the market to select the most suitable solution.

Digital Services Taxes: The International Experience and Relevance for the Russian Federation

The article deals with the problems arising in connection with the taxation of the digital economy, using the example of the proposals of the OECD and the EU on the introduction of a tax on digital services, as well as unilateral measures of national states in the area of taxation of the digital economy (on the example of the French digital tax). The main question for the study is whether unilateral measures imposing taxes on digital services represent a suitable solution to the tax problems that arise in connection with digitalization. Based on the legal analysis of both the EU Law provisions and domestic legal reality the author substantiates conclusions as applied to the Russian Federation.

Robo Ludens

The use of games as vehicles to study human-robot interaction (HRI) has been established as a suitable solution to create more realistic and naturalistic opportunities to investigate human behavior. In particular, multiplayer games that involve at least two human players and one or more robots have raised the attention of the research community. This article proposes a scoping review to qualitatively examine the literature on the use of multiplayer games in HRI scenarios employing embodied robots aiming to find experimental patterns and common game design elements. We find that researchers have been using multiplayer games in a wide variety of applications in HRI, including training, entertainment and education, allowing robots to take different roles. Moreover, robots have included different capabilities and sensing technologies, and elements such as external screens or motion controllers were used to foster gameplay. Based on our findings, we propose a design taxonomy called Robo Ludens, which identifies HRI elements and game design fundamentals and classifies important components used in multiplayer HRI scenarios. The Robo Ludens taxonomy covers considerations from a robot-oriented perspective as well as game design aspects to provide a comprehensive list of elements that can foster gameplay and bring enjoyable experiences in HRI scenarios.

El afán por preservar y proteger. La custodia del dinero en efectivo en el XVIII burgalés = The desire to preserve and protect. The custody of cash in the XVIII century in Burgos

<p>La inexistencia de entidades bancarias en las que depositar los caudales particulares hacía preciso, en el Antiguo Régimen, y más, en concreto, en el siglo XVIII, solucionar tal problemática de la mejor manera posible. El burgalés del Setecientos se las ingeniaba para proteger el dinero en efectivo atesorado merced a su ocultación en el interior del mobiliario contenedor disponible en el interior de las viviendas. En los inventarios de bienes más exquisitos nos adentramos, además, en las estancias en las que se encontraban ubicados dichos muebles. Sus “<em>secretos</em>” eran, en la práctica, cajas de caudales habilitadas en las entrañas del mobiliario contenedor. En el Burgos del Setecientos aparece dinero en efectivo en el 49.2% de los inventarios recopilados. En el 27.2% de ellos disponemos del lugar en que era protegido de miradas indeseables.</p><p>The inexistence of banking entities to deposit the particular flows made necessary, in the Old Regime, and more specifically, in the Eighteenth century, to find a suitable solution. In this period, the Burgos civilians managed to protect the treasured cash by hiding it inside secret containers in the furniture of the houses. In the most exquisite inventories of goods, the rooms where this furniture were located are also shown. Their "secrets" were, in practice, cash boxes enabled in the bowels of the container furniture. In the Burgos of the Eighteenth Century, cash appears in 49.2% of the inventories collected. In 27.2% of them, the place where it was protected from undesirable looks is exposed</p>

POWER BACKUP SUPPLY FOR CONSUMERS OF THE FIRST CATEGORY

The paper is dedicated to the methods of heat-power backup supply. A search for a solution to update a process of power backup supply to consumers of the first category is carried out. There is carried out a comparative analysis of all accessible systems for power backup supply including those which were not used earlier for the most significant consumers. As a solution in the paper there are offered micro-turbine installations as the most efficient and convenient in operation. The method is based on the principle of comparison allowing the choice of the most suitable solution. The investigation results are a fundamentally new solution for this field of researches as micro-turbine installations were not used earlier for power backup supply of consumers of the first category. Various versions of power backup supply are presented, problem setting is carried out taking into account the requirements made, the objects under investigations are described and conclusions on the best version for heat-power backup supply of the consumers of the first category are presented.

Modi's Strategic Concerns and China's Belt & Road Imitative (BRI): A Realist Perspective

This article provides a conceptual and theoretical framework to analyze motivations of China in BRI, which is conceived as a project of the 21st century for the revival of erstwhile Asian values, this paper is not a critique on BRI, but it securitizes India's concern whose policymakers consider that it can harm the strategic interest of India. This paper investigates why Indian policymakers have demonstrated reluctance to join BRI. Moreover, the study also explores the major reasons behind India's belligerent policy against BRI because they conceive it as a danger for their national sovereignty. Besides, this research has applied realist theory as an investigative tool to prove Indian concerns. As a whole, the paper analyses that how far the rivalry between both states can harm regional peace if they fail to find any suitable solution considering the BRI project.