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To design, control and evaluate photovoltaic (PV) systems, an accurate model is required. Accuracy of PV models depends on model parameters. This study aims to use a new algorithm called improved social spider algorithm (ISSA) to detect model parameters.

To improve performance of social spider algorithm (SSA), an elimination period is added. In addition, at the beginning of each period, a certain number of the worst solutions are replaced by new solutions in the search space. This allows the particles to find new paths to get the best solution.

In this paper, ISSA is used to estimate parameters of single-diode and double-diode models. In addition, effect of irradiation and temperature on I–V curves of PV modules is studied. For this purpose, two different modules called multi-crystalline (KC200GT) module and polycrystalline (SW255) are used. It should be noted that to challenge the performance of the proposed algorithm, it has been used to identify the parameters of a type of widely used module of fuel cell called proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Finally, comparing and analyzing of ISSA results with other similar methods shows the superiority of the presented method.

Changes in the spider’s movement process in the SSA toward the desired response have improved the algorithm’s performance. Higher accuracy and convergence rate, skipping local minimums, global search ability and search in a limited space can be mentioned as some advantages of this modified method compared to classic SSA.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible microbiological contamination in terms of total counts and representative microbial groups found in the hazelnuts as well as in work areas and on the working surfaces of a hazelnut processing plant.

Some microbiological parameters related to the manufacturing process (e.g. aerobic colony count yeast and fungi) were evaluated. Indoor air samples were tested in order to evaluate the possible contamination of fungal strains (i.e. mycotoxin producing fungi).

The results showed that the highest values (>of 500 CFU/m³) for bacteria and fungi were only observed in the shelling and sorting areas. Some species such as Aspergillus and Penicillium (potential mycotoxin-producers) as well as some noxious colonies of Aspergillus fumigatus were detected along the processing line. No occurrence of aflatoxins was observed in the finished product. Microbial loads obtained through surface analyses were in accordance to the reference data.

The aim of this study was to monitor and improve the procedures currently used in a hazelnut processing plant.

To reduce financial and human losses, managing risks associated with earthquakes is essential in practice. However, in using common risk management methods, experts are often faced with ambiguities that can create profound challenges for risk management. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a logical and straightforward risk assessment model to provide scientific and accurate answers to complex problems. This study aims to recommend an innovative combined method based on the probability-impact (P-I) approach and intuitionistic fuzzy set theory to identify and prioritize the essential earthquake risks associated with worn-out urban fabrics in the context of Iran.

The opinions of 15 experts in the fields of civil engineering and urban construction were gathered during brainstorming sessions. These brainstorming sessions were conducted to determine the probability of risks and the effect of identified risks. After calculating the severity of risks using the P-I approach and converting them to intuitionistic fuzzy sets, the risks were measured and prioritized based on their individual scores.

The study results indicated that risk of damage due to buildings’ age and flooding risk had the highest and lowest priorities in causes of financial damage, respectively. Furthermore, the risk of damage due to building quality (demolition) and building age was the most important. The risk of flooding and damage to communication networks has the lowest importance among causes of fatalities in worn-out urban fabrics.

The study findings and recommendations can be served as a policy and consultative instrument for the relevant stakeholders in the area of urban management.

The average lifetime of a building in Iran is only one-quarter of the reported global average lifespan. A major reason why buildings in Iran have shorter service life is attributed to the inappropriate selection of the facility repair and maintenance (R&M) methods. Hence, selecting the appropriate R&M methods is critical in upholding or even extending the lifespan of the building. The purpose of this paper is to determine the main criteria for selecting the suitable R&M methods of commercial real estate (CRE) in Iran as a major challenge encountered by the Iranian construction industry.

The total number of identified criteria (related to the selection of the suitable R&M methods) is 16, which is divided into five clusters (referred as main criteria in this study): human resources; flexibility and technical capability; safety and risk; cost of maintenance; and facilities and technology. To analyze the identified criteria, the expert opinions were collected through both face-to-face interviews and distribution of Delphi survey questionnaires. A total of 12 industrial experts in the construction industry were invited to participate in a Delphi survey to solicit their perceptions and opinions on the identified criteria in this research.

The findings indicated that, among the five main criteria, the cost of maintenance is the most important criteria for selecting appropriate R&M methods of CRE in Iran. In addition, the criterion of facilities and technology was recognized as the least important among the main criteria.

The research, significantly, justified the configuration of non-compliance with the practice and its deliverables and developed a diagnostic study on the grounds of failure in the Iranian construction industry regarding the issues which are threatening the expected and desirable outcomes. The research achievements and suggested effective recommendations can serve as a useful policy and consultative instrument for the relevant stakeholders in the construction industry engaged in building R&M work.

This study highlights areas of key importance for building event resilience and provides best-practice industry examples that foster innovative, adaptable and transformative event environments, which are areas of high academic and managerial relevance in times of uncertainty.

The study employs a multicase study research design that draws on interviews with the leaders of four event organizations in Denmark and Norway: (1) the Steinkjer Festival, (2) Run Alone Denmark, (3) FC Midtjylland and (4) the Bergen International Festival.

The events demonstrated the critical necessity of understanding innovation and its contribution to resilience in the event sector, particularly in times of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These organizations achieved success by continuously fostering innovative environments before COVID-19 by being value-driven and customer-centric organizations. Digital technologies were not used as makeshift solutions but rather to enhance event attendees' experiential platforms and expand each event's business potential.

The paper answers the call for event and festival research during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore the importance of understanding failure, crisis, innovation and recovery.

The paper's contributions to event management research are (1) adding to the ongoing discussion about building a resilient event sector in times of uncertainty, (2) screening how event organizers achieve innovation in their organizations and (3) providing insights on future requirements for events in a post-COVID world.