Abstract
There are now multiple proposals for Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) in SQL databases aimed at distributed systems. Some, such as ElectricSQL, provide only relational tables as convergent replicated maps, but this omits semantics that would be useful for merging updates. Others, such as Pg\_crdt, provide access to a rich library of encapsulated column types. However, this puts merge and query processing outside the scope of the query optimizer and restricts the ability of an administrator to influence access paths with materialization and indexes. Our proposal, CRDV, overcomes this challenge by using two layers implemented as SQL views: The first provides a replicated relational table from an update history, while the second implements varied and rich types on top of the replicated table. This allows the definition of merge semantics, or even entire new data types, in SQL itself, and enables global optimization of user queries together with merge operations. Therefore, it naturally extends the scope of query optimization and local transactions to operations on replicated data, can be used to reproduce the functionality of common CRDTs with simple SQL idioms, and results in better performance than alternatives.

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of brand coolness on the intention to acquire NFTs within the luxury fashion market. To achieve this purpose, we developed a conceptual model offering a broader perspective regarding consumers' purchase intention of luxury brands' NFTs by including both emotional aspects related to the brand (brand love) and perceptions predominantly related to the financial nature of the investment (perceived risk). Word-of-mouth (WOM) and willingness to pay (WTP) are also analyzed as outcomes of brand coolness. The model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the proposed relationships. The findings show that brand coolness positively impacts brand love, WOM, and WTP. Although it was not possible to observe a significant relationship between brand coolness and consumers' purchase intention of luxury brands' NFTs, it has significant indirect effects through brand love. Guided by the unexpected findings of the quantitative study, this article also includes a follow-up qualitative study, whose main aim was to further explore the influence of brand coolness on the intention to acquire NFTs within the luxury fashion market. Participants were individuals with relevant knowledge and experience with NFTs. The qualitative study revealed that brand coolness alone is insufficient to drive NFT purchases, while brand love, tied to trust and symbolic value, plays a stronger role, helping explain the quantitative results. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the complex interplay between brand coolness, consumer behavior, and NFTs in the luxury fashion context.

Abstract
Socialentrepreneurshipiscrucialforsustainabledevelopmentasitblendsinnovative business models with a focus on economic, social and environmental impact. This synergy can potentially accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals, creating a more equitable and sustainable future. This study aims to explore this phenomenon by carrying out a systematic review of literature. It is adopted the PRISMA framework to identify 54 relevant studies in this field. The findings characterize the evolution of articles in this field, the number of citations, the relationship between key terms, and the respective clusters. Moreover, seven contributions of social entrepreneurship for sustainable development are identified. Finally, the role of technology in promoting and supporting the interconnection between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development is explored. This study is relevant to enhance understanding of how technology supports social entrepreneurship and helps social entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable development goals. Copyright © 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development.

Abstract
As more distributed energy resources become part of the demand-side infrastructure, quantifying their energy flexibility on a community scale is crucial. CityLearn v1 provided an environment for benchmarking control algorithms. However, there is no standardized environment utilizing realistic building-stock datasets for distributed energy resource control benchmarking without co-simulation or third-party frameworks. CityLearn v2 extends CityLearn v1 by providing a stand-alone simulation environment that leverages the End-Use Load Profiles for the U.S. Building Stock dataset to create grid-interactive communities for resilient, multi-agent, and objective control of distributed energy resources with dynamic occupant feedback. While the v1 environment used pre-simulated building thermal loads, the v2 environment uses data-driven thermal dynamics and eliminates the need for co-simulation with building energy performance software. This work details the v2 environment and provides application examples that use reinforcement learning control to manage battery energy storage system, vehicle-to-grid control, and thermal comfort during heat pump power modulation.

Abstract
One of the industry’s most common applications of lasers is engraving, which is generally performed on flat surfaces. However, there are many situations where the object to be engraved has an unevenly curved geometry. In those cases, the light power density will be different along the surface for a fixed head, leading to a poor engraving result. This work deals with this problem by designing a robotic application capable of detecting variations on the object surface and automatically creating a trajectory to engrave on it correctly. This was made possible through a robotic manipulator, a time-of-flight distance sensor, and a data processing algorithm over the measured data. Obtained results were acquired using a custom-made test rig and validated by delivering consistent engraving results on irregular surface shapes.

Abstract
Sound design plays an important role in serious games, influencing user experience and learning outcomes. However, deriving general principles and best practices remains challenging, as most literature relies on case-based studies in different application domains. Through a systematic review of the literature, 21 studies were analyzed to address two key questions: 1) what types of serious games and application domains incorporate sound design? and 2) what sound design strategies are implemented to enhance user experience and learning outcomes? The findings show that serious games have mainly focused on education, healthcare, and training, using sound to enhance motivation (50%), cognition (32%), and knowledge acquisition (18%). Furthermore, sound design strategies fulfill distinct roles: sound effects enhance feedback and engagement, background music influences motivation and cognitive processing, ambient sounds support navigation and emotional regulation, and dialogue facilitates knowledge acquisition. The findings highlight the need for further research to establish standardized sound design principles to optimize user experience and learning outcomes in serious games.