Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly energy sources resulted in extensive research in the field of renewable energy. Biomass, derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, forestry products, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge, holds great potential as a renewable energy resource that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer sustainable solutions for energy production. This study focused on diverse biomass materials, including sludge from WWTPs, forest biomass, swine waste, cork powder, and biochar. Chemical and physicochemical characterizations were performed to understand their energy potential, highlighting their elemental composition, proximate analysis, and calorific values. Results showed that different biomasses have varying energy content, with biochar and cork powder emerging as high-energy materials with net heating values of 32.56 MJ/kg and 25.73 MJ/kg, respectively. WWTP sludge also demonstrated considerable potential with net heating values of around 14.87 MJ/kg to 17.44 MJ/kg. The relationships between biomass compositions and their heating values were explored, indicating the significance of low nitrogen and sulphur content and favourable carbon, hydrogen, and moisture balances for energy production. Additionally, this study looked into the possibility of mixing different biomasses to optimize their use and overcome limitations like high ash and moisture contents. Mixtures, such as 75% Santo Emiliao WWTP Sludge + 25% Biochar, showed impressive net heating values of approximately 21.032 MJ/kg and demonstrated reduced emissions during combustion. The study's findings contribute to renewable energy research, offering insights into efficient and sustainable energy production processes and emphasizing the environmental benefits of biomass energy sources with low nitrogen and sulphur content.

Abstract
The dowry payment system is used in the cultural context and tradition of certain financial transactions related to marriages and engagement. However, disputes, fraud, and financial gaps in exploitation occur in these systems, which affect user confidence. This study uses an exploratory approach to identify the main weaknesses of current traditional dowry payment systems and analyses the benefits that blockchain technology and smart contracts can provide. The proposed data security framework combines blockchain security features such as decentralisation, cryptography, and automatic verification through smart contracts to ensure the integrity and reliability of dowry payment transactions. In this study, we adopt the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to propose producing and developing artefacts that support solving problems in the existing dowry payment system more efficiently. We will disseminate new ideas or concepts developed to indigenous communities in Timor-Leste using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) frameworks to ensure that the technological framework developed can be used safely and efficiently. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract
Education is vital in fostering economic growth and societal development, particularly in developing countries like Timor-Leste. As technology has revolutionised education in the digital transformation era, the concept of a smart university, driven by advanced technologies and data analytics, has gained prominence globally. Timor-Leste, amid its progress in institutional structures and public infrastructure, is also exploring integrating smart technologies in higher education. This underscores a commitment of The East Timor National Education Strategic Plan (NESP) 2011–2030 to meet national and international standards, positioning the country at the forefront of educational innovation. This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a Smart University in Timor-Leste to evaluate the readiness of the country to embrace digital technologies and integrate them into higher education practices. The research employs a Design Science Research methodology where qualitative and quantitative data are gathered through interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Design artefacts, including system architecture and an evaluation framework, are developed to comprehensively understand the technological and informatics aspects of implementing a Smart University in Timor-Leste. The findings will contribute to decision-making and inform the implementation plan, offering valuable insights into stakeholders’ perspectives and perceptions, and will support the advancement of the educational landscape in Timor Leste by integrating smart technologies and innovative practices in higher education. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract
In the context of Industry 4.0, this paper explores the vital role of advanced technologies, including Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in enhancing data valorization and management within industries. These technologies are integral to addressing the challenges of producing highly customized products in mass, necessitating the complete digitization and integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) for flexible and automated manufacturing processes. The paper emphasizes the importance of interoperability through Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA), Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS), and Resource-as-a-Service (RaaS) to achieve seamless integration across systems, which is critical for the Industry 4.0 vision of a fully interconnected, autonomous industry. Furthermore, it discusses the evolution towards Supply Chain 4.0, highlighting the need for Transportation Management Systems (TMS) enhanced by GPS and real-time data for efficient logistics. A guideline for implementing CPS within Industry 4.0 environments is provided, focusing on a case study of real-time data acquisition from logistics vehicles using CPS devices. The study proposes a CPS architecture and a generic platform for asset tracking to address integration challenges efficiently and facilitate the easy incorporation of new components and applications. Preliminary tests indicate the platform’s real-time performance is satisfactory, with negligible delay under test conditions, showcasing its potential for logistics applications and beyond. © 2024 by the authors.

Abstract
The relevance of the tourism industry to the overall sustainability of rural territories grows along with the demand for rural tourism destinations. Likewise, as the digital transition of rural tour operators takes place, their marketing initiatives also evolve towards a digital nature, which is why it is crucial to comprehend how the overall calibre of these activities might affect the perception of rural places, while also motivating tourists' travel intentions and, as a result, promoting the general sustainability of the destination. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel conceptual model based on Delone and McLean's representative model of Information Systems Success Model, on Tan and Wu's arguments on tourism destinations' image relationship with tourists' visit intentions, and also on Verma's tourism destination brand equity concept. To validate the proposed model, an online focus group was developed involving several specialists whose opinions and perspectives corroborated the potential adequacy of the proposed artefact and, consequently, assumed its contribution and value. From this validation process, it was possible to highlight that digital marketing initiatives' overall quality influences both rural destinations' image and tourists' intention to visit these territories, that a positive image will trigger tourists' visit behaviour, and that these behaviours represent a valuable asset to rural destinations' global sustainability.