This paper explores the challenges and constraints when over the horizon (OTH) maritime surveillance service utilizes an Internet of Things (IoT) as its backbone. The service is based on High Frequency Surface Wave Radars (HFSWRs) and relies on a satellite communication network as its communication infrastructure in harsh environments. The complete IoT OTH maritime surveillance network is currently deployed in the Gulf of Guinea, which due to its tropical climate represents an unfavorable environment for sensors and communications. In this paper, we have examined the service performance under various meteorological conditions specific to the Gulf of Guinea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of IoT OTH maritime surveillance service in equatorial environment. Our analysis aims to mathematically describe the impact of harsh weather conditions on the performance of the service in order to mitigate it with careful overall system design and provide constant quality of the service. Analyses presented in the paper show that average service latency is about 90 s, but it can rise to about 120 s, which is used as a key information during the sensor data fusion algorithm design. Validity of the analyses is demonstrated through high quality of service with an outage probability of just 0.1% in the driest months up to the 0.7% in the rainiest months. The work presented here can be used as a guideline for deployment of maritime surveillance service solutions in other equatorial regions. Moreover, the gained experience presented in this paper will significantly facilitate future expansions of the existing maritime surveillance network with more HFSWRs. This will be done in such a way that it will not affect the quality of service of the entire system on a large scale.

This paper presents a research study conducted in a specially developed laboratory for biometric engineering education. The laboratory gives students an opportunity to learn more about fingerprint acquisition and analyze the impact of acquisition on other parts of the biometric authentication process. An IoT approach was used, as different types of sensors (biometric sensors, thermometer, and humidity sensor) and components (heaters and workstations) were included in setting up a working surface for biometric data acquisition. Working surfaces create a network where data collected from each working station is recorded in a database. In parallel with biometric data acquisition, environmental condition parameters are recorded. Collected data is available to students for later analysis through the use of a specially developed visualization tool. In order to fully utilize the possibilities the laboratory provides, a flipped classroom approach was used. An evaluation study was done as a part of the course of Biometric technology held at the University of Belgrade. Research results show improvements in student learning outcomes and motivation.

The steady increase of the world population and economy leads to an increase in both types and amounts of goods transported over seas, which further inevitably leads to an increase of criminal activities in the maritime arena. In order to stifle criminal activities nations are forced to develop sophisticated sensor networks. The backbone of any sensor network is a communication network which connects all sensors with the command centers, most often located hundreds of kilometers away from the sensors. In developing countries, communication networks are very often poorly developed, leaving only satellite links as somewhat reliable means of communication. Henceforth, in this paper, a laboratory for the Internet of Things (IoT) communication infrastructure environment designed to facilitate maritime sensor network design process in areas where communication network is dependent on data transfer over satellite links is presented. In order to successfully describe and develop a laboratory for IoT communication infrastructure environment, necessary data are collected during the design and deployment of a maritime surveillance network in the Gulf of Guinea. The main advantage of the proposed laboratory environment is the inclusion of satellite link simulation in the IoT laboratory environment. This feature provides an opportunity to cover a much broader scope of IoT solutions compared to other IoT laboratories.

This study investigates the intersection of digital tools and methods with the built environment disciplinary framework, focusing on Urban Planning and Development (UPD), Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), and Cultural Heritage (CH) domains. Using a systematic literature review of 29 solution-oriented documents, the research applies both bibliometric and in-depth content analysis to identify methodological patterns. Co-occurrence mapping revealed four thematic clusters—Data Integration and User-Centric Analysis, Advanced 3D Spatial Analysis and Processing, Real-Time Interaction and Digital Twin Support, and 3D Visualization—each corresponding to distinct stages in a digital workflow, from data acquisition to interactive communication. Comparative and interdependency analyses demonstrated that these clusters operate in a sequential yet interconnected manner, with Data Integration forming the foundation for analysis, simulation, and visualization tasks. While current solutions are robust within individual stages, they remain fragmented, indicating a need for systemic interoperability. The findings underscore the opportunity to develop integrated digital platforms that synthesize these clusters, enabling more comprehensive observation, management, and planning of the built environment. Such integration could strengthen decision-making frameworks, enhance public participation, and advance sustainable, smart city development.