The Role of Intrinsic Motivations

Neves, C., Oliveira, T., & Karatzas, S. (2023). The Impact of Sustainable Technologies in the Perceived Well-being: The Role of Intrinsic Motivations. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2202549 --- We would also like to thank Fundação para a Ciência e a Technologia (FCT) regarding the program UIDB/04152/2020-Centro de Investigação em Gestão de Informação—MagIC (NOVA IMS). This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, project: TwinERGY, Grant agreement ID: 957736Sustainable technologies are increasingly being introduced into consumers’ life as a mitigation effort against environmental problems. However, the study of the main factors that influence its use and satisfaction, but especially their impact on well-being has not been yet fully explored. In fact, post-adoption stages are infrequently studied on this topic. To fill this gap, this study aims to explain the consumers’ inner motivations for sustainable technology use and satisfaction and the impact of those technologies on consumers’ perceived well-being. Moreover, the moderating impact of intrinsic motivations is explored. A contextualized model is created based on a mixed methods approach. We tested our model using 400 observations from Greece. The work found the significance of all hypotheses, except the moderation between use and perceived well-being. The study provides valuable insights into the understanding of the consumers’ motivations to use sustainable technologies, as well as the role of technologies in more humanistic outcomes.publishersversionpublishe

Development of a multi criteria model for assisting EV user charging decisions

Electric Vehicles offer one of the most efficient solutions towards the direction of providing sustainable transportation systems. However, a broader market uptake of Electric Vehicle--based mobility is still missing. The lack of sufficient infrastructure (Electric Vehicle charging stations) in combination with the lack of information about their availability appears as a major limitation, leading to low user acceptance. Additional, technology based, assistance services provided to Electric Vehicle users is a key solution to unlock the full potential of their utilization. This paper presents a multi-factor dynamic optimization model using multi-criteria analysis to select the best alternatives for Electric Vehicle charging within a smart grid with the goal of supporting a larger uptake of Electric Vehicle -based mobility. The application provides assistance to the Electric Vehicle drivers through functionalities of energy price, cost and travel time of the electric vehicle to the charging station, the specifications of vehicles and stations, the status of the charging stations as well as the user\u27s preferences. The proposed model is developed by incorporating PROMETHEE II and Analytic Hierarchy Process methodologies to provide the best charging solutions after considering all possible options for each Electric Vehicle user. The multi-criteria analysis algorithm is not only limited to comparing alternative charging options at a specific time but also looks at several starting times of charging. A simulated case study is implemented to examine the functionality of the proposed model. From the results, it is evident that by applying the findings of this work entrepreneurial community and industry can develop new services that will improve user satisfaction, electromobility, urban mobility, and sustainability of cities. At the same time, academia, leveraging the methodology and factors that influence the choice of charging station, can conduct further research on digital innovations that will contribute to the consolidation of e-mobility ensuring the sustainability of cities, while accelerating digital transformation in the transport sector

Giant pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma with hemangioma mimicking intestinal obstruction

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma (P-HCC) has rarely been reported and is characteristically large and encapsulated. Only sporadic cases have been published, in which P-HCC was combined with other liver tumors (mostly benign), making the diagnosis difficult.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a patient who was admitted to our hospital with clinical features of intestinal obstruction and a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an encapsulated mass of unclear origin and characteristics of liver hemangioma. Laboratory tests revealed elevated α-fetoprotein (> 800 ng/ml) and cancer antigen 125 (> 51.2 U/ml). With a possible diagnosis of giant liver hemangioma, we proceeded to surgery. During surgery, a giant pedunculated tumor was discovered on the inferior surface of the right lobe of the liver, hanging free in the right abdominal cavity towards the right iliac fossa. The macroscopic appearance of the tumor was compatible with liver hemangioma. Tumor resection was performed at a safe distance, including the pedicle. The rest of the liver appeared normal. Histopathological examination revealed grade II and III HCC (according to Edmondson-Steiner's classification) with nodular configuration, central necrosis, and infiltration of the capsule. Underneath the tumor capsule, residual tissue of a cavernous hemangioma was recognized. The resection margins were free of neoplastic tissue.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This rare presentation of a giant P-HCC combined with a hemangioma with features of intestinal obstruction confirmed the diagnostic difficulties of similar cases, and required prompt surgical treatment. Therefore, patients benefit from surgical resection because both the capsule and the pedicle prevent vascular invasion, therefore improving prognosis.</p

A systems approach for managing risks with complex interactions in urban spaces

Extreme phenomena have emerged strongly in urban areas in recent years and are directly linked to the current urban challenges, such as climate change and digital transformation, that future cities must face efficiently. Risk management in urban public spaces is the primary means by which decision makers and local stakeholders ensure urban resilience and enhance urban smartness. In this framework, the current research proposes risk management solutions for urban areas considering their complexity as systems. The implementation of STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis) method, as a relatively new hazard analysis technique for complex systems is presented. The applied method delivers a mechanism useful in understanding where gaps in current operational risk structures may exist. The findings in terms of loss scenarios can be used to generate a variety of safeguards to ensure secure operational control and in implementing targeted strategies through standard approaches of risk assessment. Results from a use case in Patras city, Greece, indicate that a systemic, hierarchically structured, and adaptive approach, can effectively assist local stakeholders in risk management of urban public spaces

System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) for Hazard Analysis in Complex Systems: The Case of “Demand-Side Management in a Smart Grid”

Inelasticity of demand along with the distributed energy sources and energy market democratization pose significant challenges which have considerable negative impacts on overall grid balance. The need for increased capacity and flexibility in the era of energy market digitalization has introduced new requirements in the energy supply network which could not be satisfied without continuous and costly local power network upgrades. Additionally, with the emergence of Smart Homes (SHs) and Home Energy Management (HEM) systems for monitoring and operating household appliances, opportunities have arisen for automated Demand Response (DR). DR is exploited for the modification of the consumer energy demand, in response to the specific conditions within the electricity system (e.g., peak period network congestion). In order to optimally integrate DR in the broader Smart Grid (SG) system, modelling of the system parameters and safety analysis is required. In this paper, the implementation of STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis) structured method, as a relatively new hazard analysis technique for complex systems is presented and the feasibility of STPA implementation for loss prevention on a Demand Response system for home energy management, and within the complex SG context, is examined. The applied method delivers a mechanism useful in understanding where gaps in current operational risk structures may exist. The STPA findings in terms of loss scenarios can be used to generate a variety of safeguards to ensure secure operational control and in implementing targeted strategies through standard approaches of risk assessment

Design and Evaluation of a Micro-Grid Energy Management Scheme Focusing on the Integration of Electric Vehicles

Market penetration of electric vehicles is nowadays gaining considerable momentum and so is the move towards increasingly distributed clean and renewable electricity sources. The penetration rate varies among countries due to several factors, including the social and technical readiness of the community to adopt and use this technology. In addition, the increasing complexity of power grids, growing demand as well as environmental and energy sustainability concerns intensify the need for energy management solutions and energy demand reduction strategies. Hence, integration strategies for energy-efficiency in the building and transport sector are of increasing importance. The present study analyses key parameters leading to Electric Vehicle adoption, utilizing background data from countries where Electric Vehicles have already been introduced and adopted in everyday living, and presents a case study of an energy management scheme in Greece, where the penetration rate is still low. Based on the above, an optimization algorithm is proposed, where buildings, photovoltaic plants, storage systems, and Electric Vehicles (utilization of Vehicle to Grid technology) can efficiently meet the energy requirements and peak-hour energy demand, in both economic and sustainability terms. The study proposes a hybrid approach, based on Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology and Genetic algorithms, aiming to foster the diffusion of the Vehicle to Grid concept to support building energy demand