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Search Results (7,236)

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46 pages, 4245 KiB  
Article
Advanced Path Planning for UAV Swarms in Smart City Disaster Scenarios Using Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithms
by Mohammed Sani Adam, Nor Fadzilah Abdullah, Asma Abu-Samah, Oluwatosin Ahmed Amodu and Rosdiadee Nordin
Drones 2025, 9(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9010064 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
In disaster-stricken areas, rapid restoration of communication infrastructure is critical to ensuring effective emergency response and recovery. Swarm UAVs, operating as mobile aerial base stations (MABS), offer a transformative solution for bridging connectivity gaps in environments where the traditional infrastructure has been compromised. [...] Read more.
In disaster-stricken areas, rapid restoration of communication infrastructure is critical to ensuring effective emergency response and recovery. Swarm UAVs, operating as mobile aerial base stations (MABS), offer a transformative solution for bridging connectivity gaps in environments where the traditional infrastructure has been compromised. This paper presents a novel hybrid path planning approach combining affinity propagation clustering (APC) with genetic algorithms (GA), aimed at maximizing coverage, and ensuring quality of service (QoS) compliance across diverse environmental conditions. Comprehensive simulations conducted in suburban, urban, dense urban, and high-rise urban environments demonstrated the efficacy of the APC-GA approach. The proposed method achieved up to 100% coverage in suburban settings with only eight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, and maintained superior performance in dense and high-rise urban environments, achieving 97% and 93% coverage, respectively, with 10 UAV swarms. The QoS compliance reached 98%, outperforming benchmarks such as GA (94%), PSO (90%), and ACO (88%). The solution exhibited significant stability, maintaining consistently high performance, highlighting its robustness under dynamic disaster scenarios. Mobility model analysis further underscores the adaptability of the proposed approach. The reference point group mobility (RPGM) model consistently achieved higher coverage rates (95%) than the random waypoint model (RWPM) (90%), thereby demonstrating the importance of group-based mobility patterns in enhancing UAV deployment efficiency. The findings reveal that the APC-GA adaptive clustering and path planning mechanisms effectively navigate propagation challenges, interference, and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, ensuring reliable connectivity in the most demanding environments. This research establishes the APC-GA hybrid as a scalable and QoS-compliant solution for UAV deployment in disaster response scenarios. By dynamically adapting to environmental complexities and user mobility patterns, it advances state-of-the-art emergency communication systems, offering a robust framework for real-world applications in disaster resilience and recovery. Full article
16 pages, 827 KiB  
Article
Neuromuscular Excitation Pattern in Expert Indoor Skydivers
by Susanna Rampichini, Eloisa Limonta, Irene Di Giulio, Marta Borrelli, Emiliano Cè, Giuseppe Coratella, Johnny Padulo, Stefano Longo and Fabio Esposito
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020852 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
The evolution of indoor skydiving from military origins to a globally recreational pursuit has attracted individuals without prior specific training, exposing them to the heightened risk of muscle–joint injuries associated with indoor skydiving. This study aims to assess the muscular excitation patterns in [...] Read more.
The evolution of indoor skydiving from military origins to a globally recreational pursuit has attracted individuals without prior specific training, exposing them to the heightened risk of muscle–joint injuries associated with indoor skydiving. This study aims to assess the muscular excitation patterns in highly skilled instructors to determine the optimal activation strategies for preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Nine expert indoor skydiving instructors (M/F: 8/1; age 31 ± 7 years; body mass: 70.5 ± 11.1 kg; stature: 1.74 ± 0.09 m) were enrolled. The surface electromyographic signal was recorded on the anterior deltoid, AD; posterior deltoid, PD; pectoralis major, PM; latissimus dorsi, LD; rectus abdominis, Rabd; erector spinae, ES; rectus femoris, RF; and biceps femoris, BF for each position: PRONE, SUPINE, SIT, and head-down (HD). A synchronous heart rate was recorded to assess the cardiac engagement. The neuromuscular load (NeLo), representative of the excitation amplitude of a muscle set, was determined for each position across different body regions. PRONE and SUPINE were the least demanding in terms of cardiac engagement (67 ± 6 and 85 ± 8 bpm, respectively) and exhibited the lowest neuromuscular excitation (24 ± 10 and 24 ± 8% Max, respectively). By contrast, HD exhibited the highest cardiac (127 + 18 bpm) and neuromuscular (71 + 11% Max) engagement and particularly in the lower-trunk and lower-limbs muscles. SIT predominantly engaged upper-trunk and shoulder muscles. The findings indicate the significant engagement of the musculature surrounding the shoulder joint and that responsible for lower-trunk stabilization in maintaining the investigated positions. A targeted training regimen on strengthening these muscles is advised before practicing indoor skydiving to prevent shoulder joint injuries or lower back muscle overloads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Fitness, Human Performance and Health: 2nd Edition)
22 pages, 8160 KiB  
Article
The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
by Hao Zheng, Lanlan Guo, Jifu Liu, Bin Chen and Lianyou Liu
Land 2025, 14(1), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010181 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
This study explores the application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning, using the Shiyang Gully in China as a case study. Using both the HEC-HMS and FLO-2D, the 18 June 2017 debris flow event was reconstructed to analyze the impacts [...] Read more.
This study explores the application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning, using the Shiyang Gully in China as a case study. Using both the HEC-HMS and FLO-2D, the 18 June 2017 debris flow event was reconstructed to analyze the impacts of cumulative rainfall, rainfall intensity, and rainfall range on debris flow hazards. Simulation results showed that cumulative rainfall exceeding 90 mm or rainfall intensity surpassing 200 mm/8 h significantly increases debris flow depth, impact force, and affected areas, leading to severe structural damage. Expanding the rainfall range to the entire basin further amplifies disaster risks, increasing both inundation depth and exposed elements. Based on these findings, a four-tier debris flow early warning system was developed: (1) blue (IV) warning for cumulative rainfall of up to and including 20 mm or intensity of 200 mm/24 h, indicating preparation and monitoring; (2) yellow (III) warning for rainfall exceeding 20 mm but below 60 mm, requiring enhanced inspections and safety measures; (3) orange (II) warning for rainfall between 60 and 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/12 h, necessitating immediate evacuation preparations; and (4) red (I) warning for rainfall over 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/8 h, demanding full evacuation and emergency responses. This study demonstrates the value of numerical simulation in refining early warning systems by integrating multi-scenario analyses of rainfall parameters. The proposed system offers scientific and practical insights for enhancing debris flow disaster management, particularly in small, high-risk watersheds, providing a framework for cross-regional disaster mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Planning, Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction)
13 pages, 3590 KiB  
Article
Study on the Ablation Behavior of High-Intensity Lasers in Vacuum
by Heyan Gao, Ying Wang, Jifei Ye, Bangdeng Du, Diankai Wang, Sai Li, Qianqian Cui, Sibo Wang and Tengfei Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020848 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
Laser ablation has been extensively studied by researchers due to its high precision, high efficiency processing capabilities, and wide range of application potentials. However, in a vacuum environment, due to the complexity of experimental conditions, specific application scenarios, and interdisciplinary interferences, more in-depth [...] Read more.
Laser ablation has been extensively studied by researchers due to its high precision, high efficiency processing capabilities, and wide range of application potentials. However, in a vacuum environment, due to the complexity of experimental conditions, specific application scenarios, and interdisciplinary interferences, more in-depth research on the ablation behavior of high-intensity lasers in vacuum is still insufficient. In response to such issues, experiments were conducted on titanium alloy perforation using a nanosecond laser in a vacuum environment. The variations in ablation depth and volume as functions of pulse energy, pulse number, and defocus were investigated. Both the depth and volume ablation efficiencies were calculated, and the three-dimensional morphology of the ablation holes was captured. Additionally, the ablation plume was observed to support the research conclusions. The results indicate that within the number of high-intensity laser pulses, the ablation depth per pulse can be increased by more than four times, and the average ablation volume per pulse can reach 0.97 µm3/µJ. The enhanced sputtering of molten material during the multi-pulse laser ablation process in a vacuum environment is identified as the primary factor contributing to the increased ablation efficiency. With the advancement of science and technology and the growing demand for applications, this research is crucial for the further development of fields such as space exploration and technology, advanced manufacturing technology, and basic scientific research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Technologies and Applications)
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51 pages, 16764 KiB  
Review
Synthesis of Arginase Inhibitors: An Overview
by Maria Cristina Molaro, Chiara Battisegola, Marica Erminia Schiano, Mariacristina Failla, Maria Grazia Rimoli, Loretta Lazzarato, Konstantin Chegaev and Federica Sodano
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17010117 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 61
Abstract
Arginase (ARG) is a binuclear manganese-containing metalloenzyme that can convert L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea and plays a key role in the urea cycle. It also mediates different cellular functions and processes such as proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses in various [...] Read more.
Arginase (ARG) is a binuclear manganese-containing metalloenzyme that can convert L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea and plays a key role in the urea cycle. It also mediates different cellular functions and processes such as proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses in various cell types. In mammals, there are two isoenzymes, ARG-1 and ARG-2; they are functionally similar, but their coding genes, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and molecular regulation are distinct. In recent decades, the abnormal expression of ARG-1 or ARG-2 has been reported to be increasingly linked to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Therefore, considering the current relevance of this topic and the need to address the growing demand for new and more potent ARG inhibitors in the context of various diseases, this review was conceived. We will provide an overview of all classes of ARG inhibitors developed so far including compounds of synthetic, natural, and semisynthetic origin. For the first time, the synthesis protocol and optimized reaction conditions of each molecule, including those reported in patent applications, will be described. For each molecule, its inhibitory activity in terms of IC50 towards ARG-1 and ARG-2 will be reported specifying the type of assay conducted. Full article
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20 pages, 3548 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Material Flow and Product Allocation in Inter-Unit Operations: A Case Study of a Refrigerator Manufacturing Facility
by Selman Karagoz and Yasin Karagoz
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010013 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 110
Abstract
Background: Logistics operations are integral to manufacturing systems, particularly in the transportation processes that occur not only between facilities and stakeholders but also between warehouses and workstations within a facility. The design of functional areas and allocating goods to appropriate zones within [...] Read more.
Background: Logistics operations are integral to manufacturing systems, particularly in the transportation processes that occur not only between facilities and stakeholders but also between warehouses and workstations within a facility. The design of functional areas and allocating goods to appropriate zones within the warehouse management system (WMS) are critical activities that substantially influence the efficiency of manufacturing logistics operations. Methods: This study develops a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model to optimize material flow and product routing in manufacturing. The model identifies efficient pathways, assigns products to routes, and determines the required material-handling equipment. It is implemented in Python (3.11.5) using the Pyomo (6.7.3) package and the CBC solver (2.10.11), with sensitivity analysis performed on constraints and decision variables to evaluate robustness. Results: The findings indicate that Material Flow 3 and Material-Handling Equipment 1 represent the optimal configurations for managing the majority of goods within the manufacturing system. Conclusions: The proposed mathematical model supports the decision-making process by enabling adjustments to the proportions of functional areas within the manufacturing logistics system, ensuring operational efficiency and flexibility in response to changing demands. Furthermore, the study offers managerial insights and suggests directions for future research. Full article
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16 pages, 3706 KiB  
Article
Development of a Web-Based e-Portal for Freeform Surfaced Lens Design and Manufacturing and Its Implementation Perspectives
by Shangkuan Liu, Kai Cheng and Negin Dianat
Machines 2025, 13(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13010059 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 101
Abstract
In modern freeform surfaced optics manufacturing, ultraprecision machining through single-point diamond turning (SPDT) plays a crucial role due to its ability to meet the high accuracy demands of optical design and stringent surface quality requirements of the final optic. The process involves meticulous [...] Read more.
In modern freeform surfaced optics manufacturing, ultraprecision machining through single-point diamond turning (SPDT) plays a crucial role due to its ability to meet the high accuracy demands of optical design and stringent surface quality requirements of the final optic. The process involves meticulous steps, including optic surface modeling and analysis, optic design, machining toolpath generation, and manufacturing. This paper presents an integrated approach to customized precision design and the manufacturing of freeform surfaced varifocal lenses through a web-based e-portal. The approach implements an e-portal-driven manufacturing system that seamlessly integrates lens design, modeling and analysis, toolpath generation for ultraprecision machining, mass personalized customization, and service delivery. The e-portal is specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of personalized mass customization, and to offer a highly interactive and transparent experience for the lens users. By using Shiny and R-script programming for platform development and combining COMSOL Multiphysics for the ray tracing simulation, the e-portal leverages open-source technologies to provide manufacturing service agility, responsiveness, and accessibility. Furthermore, the integration of R-script and Shiny programming allows for advanced interactive information processing, which also enables the e-portal-driven manufacturing system to be well suited for personalized complex products such as freeform surfaced lenses. Full article
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22 pages, 4023 KiB  
Article
Osteoblastic Differentiation and Mitigation of the Inflammatory Response in Titanium Alloys Decorated with Oligopeptides
by Aroa Álvarez-López, Raquel Tabraue-Rubio, Rafael Daza, Luis Colchero, Gustavo V. Guinea, Martine Cohen-Solal, José Pérez-Rigueiro and Daniel González-Nieto
Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010058 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 133
Abstract
Under benign conditions, bone tissue can regenerate itself without external intervention. However, this regenerative capacity can be compromised by various factors, most importantly related with the extent of the injury. Critical-sized defects, exceeding the body’s natural healing ability, demand the use of temporary [...] Read more.
Under benign conditions, bone tissue can regenerate itself without external intervention. However, this regenerative capacity can be compromised by various factors, most importantly related with the extent of the injury. Critical-sized defects, exceeding the body’s natural healing ability, demand the use of temporary or permanent devices like artificial joints or bone substitutes. While titanium is a widely used material for bone replacement, its integration into the body remains limited. This often leads to the progressive loosening of the implant and the need for revision surgeries, which are technically challenging, are commonly associated with high complication rates, and impose a significant economic burden. To enhance implant osseointegration, numerous studies have focused on the development of surface functionalization techniques to improve the response of the body to the implant. Yet, the challenge of achieving reliable and long-lasting prostheses persists. In this work, we address this challenge by applying a robust and versatile biofunctionalization process followed by the decoration of the material with oligopeptides. We immobilize four different peptides (RGD, CS-1, IKVAV, PHSRN) on R-THAB® functionalized surfaces and find them to be highly stable in the long term. We also find that RGD is the best-performing peptide in in vitro cell cultures, enhancing adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. To assess the in vivo effect of RGD-decorated Ti-6Al-4V implants, we develop a calvarial model in murine hosts. We find that the RGD-decoration remains stable for 1 week after the surgical procedure and reduces post-implantation macrophage-related inflammation. These results highlight the potential of peptide decoration on R-THAB® functionalized surfaces to expedite the development of novel metallic biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility properties, thereby advancing the field of regenerative medicine. Full article
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18 pages, 830 KiB  
Article
Unboxing: Exploring the Challenges of Green Supply Chain Initiatives in Thailand
by Wethaya Faijaidee, Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao and Pornsiri Jongkol
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010012 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Background: The increasing global focus on sustainability has made Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) a critical strategy for businesses to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. Despite its benefits, GSCM adoption in developing countries faces significant challenges. This study addresses the gap by [...] Read more.
Background: The increasing global focus on sustainability has made Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) a critical strategy for businesses to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. Despite its benefits, GSCM adoption in developing countries faces significant challenges. This study addresses the gap by investigating these barriers within the Thai context, providing actionable insights for policymakers and businesses. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey of 480 business owners, executives, and supply chain employees, and expert analysis using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The ISM technique was used to determine the relationships and hierarchy among key barriers to GSCM implementation. Results: The findings reveal that weak legal frameworks, insufficient supplier engagement, and a lack of social responsibility are the most significant barriers. Secondary factors, such as low consumer demand and minimal competitive pressure, exacerbate these challenges. The ISM analysis highlighted the cascading effects of foundational barriers on other dimensions of GSCM adoption. Conclusions: Strengthening environmental regulations, promoting supplier collaboration, and embedding sustainability in corporate culture are key to overcoming GSCM barriers to sustainably enhance Thailand’s competitiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics)
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21 pages, 948 KiB  
Article
Effect of Indigenous Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts on Lipid Compositions of Maraština Wine
by Ana Boban, Urska Vrhovsek, Domenico Masuero, Vesna Milanović and Irena Budić-Leto
Foods 2025, 14(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020269 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
This study is the first to investigate the impact of indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeasts, including Hypopichia pseudoburtonii, Metschnikowia sinensis/shanxiensis, Metschnikowia chrysoperlae, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Lachancea thermotolerans, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii, Pichia kluyveri, [...] Read more.
This study is the first to investigate the impact of indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeasts, including Hypopichia pseudoburtonii, Metschnikowia sinensis/shanxiensis, Metschnikowia chrysoperlae, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Lachancea thermotolerans, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii, Pichia kluyveri, and Starmerella apicola on the lipid composition of sterile Maraština grape juice and wines using the UHPLC-MS/MS method. Yeasts were tested in monoculture and sequential fermentations alongside commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeasts showed the potential to improve fermentation performance and enable the development of new wine styles through the biosynthesis of an unsaturated fatty acid pathway, which was identified as the most significant pathway. In monoculture fermentations, L. thermotolerans, H. uvarum, H. guilliermondii, H. pseudoguilliermondii, and P. kluyveri significantly reduced lignoceric acid, potentially influencing wine aroma through the formation of esters and higher alcohols. Hyp. pseudoburtonii, M. chrysoperlae, M. pulcherrima, P. kluyveri, and S. apicola increased the demand for lipids, such as stearic acid, which may help preserve membrane permeability by integrating into the membrane in response to ethanol shock. The most significant impact on free fatty esters was observed in fermentations with H. pseudoguilliermondii. Furthermore, L. thermotolerans in sequential fermentations significantly reduced arachidic, stearic, and palmitic acid. P. kluyveri reduced the content of erucic and linoleic acid. Full article
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17 pages, 5548 KiB  
Article
Decoupling and Collaboration: An Intelligent Gateway-Based Internet of Things System Architecture for Meat Processing
by Jun Liu, Chenggang Zhou, Haoyuan Wei, Jie Pi and Daoying Wang
Agriculture 2025, 15(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15020179 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 252
Abstract
The complex multi-stage process of meat processing encompasses critical phases, including slaughtering, cooling, cutting, packaging, warehousing, and logistics. The quality and nutritional value of the final meat product are significantly influenced by each processing link. To address the major challenges in the meat [...] Read more.
The complex multi-stage process of meat processing encompasses critical phases, including slaughtering, cooling, cutting, packaging, warehousing, and logistics. The quality and nutritional value of the final meat product are significantly influenced by each processing link. To address the major challenges in the meat processing industry, including device heterogeneity, model deficiencies, rapidly increasing demands for data analysis, and limitations of cloud computing, this study proposes an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture. This architecture is centered around an intelligently decoupled gateway design and edge-cloud collaborative intelligent meat inspection. Pork freshness detection is used as an example. In this paper, a high-precision and lightweight pork freshness detection model is developed by optimizing the MobileNetV3 model with Efficient Channel Attention (ECA). The experimental results indicate that the model’s accuracy on the test set is 99.8%, with a loss function value of 0.019. Building upon these results, this paper presents an experimental platform for real-time pork freshness detection, implemented by deploying the model on an intelligent gateway. The platform demonstrates stable performance with peak model memory usage under 600 MB, average CPU utilization below 20%, and gateway internal response times not exceeding 100 ms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)
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21 pages, 2180 KiB  
Article
Advanced Distributed Control of Parallel Resonant CLLC DAB Converters
by David Carmona Vicente, Alba Muñoz Carrero, Eduardo Galván Díez, Juan Manuel Carrasco Solís and Francisco Rodríguez Rubio
Electronics 2025, 14(2), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14020318 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
The integration of hybrid alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) networks has gained relevance due to the growing demand for more flexible, efficient, and reliable electrical systems. A key aspect of this integration is the parallelization of power converters, which presents several [...] Read more.
The integration of hybrid alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) networks has gained relevance due to the growing demand for more flexible, efficient, and reliable electrical systems. A key aspect of this integration is the parallelization of power converters, which presents several technical challenges, such as current sharing imbalances, circulating currents, and control complexity. This paper proposes a distributed control architecture for parallel resonant CLLC dual active bridge (DAB) converters to address these issues in hybrid AC–DC networks and microgrids. The approach includes a master voltage controller to regulate the output voltage and distributed local current controllers to ensure load balance. The approach minimizes the difference between the output and input voltages, allowing for independent control of power flow. Simulation and experimental results show significant improvements. The system stability has been demonstrated experimentally. Transient response has been improved with response time 80% lower using the feed-forward term. The system maintained stability with current sharing deviations below 3% under full and low load conditions. Finally, scalability is ensured by the proposed distributed controller because the central power controller is not affected by the number of units in parallel used in the application. This solution is suitable for advanced hybrid networks and microgrid applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control Techniques for Power Converter and Drives)
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20 pages, 4600 KiB  
Article
A Novel Methodology for Performance Evaluation in Advanced Quality Control
by Ethel García, Rita Peñabaena-Niebles, Winston S. Percybrooks and Kevin Palomino
Mathematics 2025, 13(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13020259 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Current global conditions and challenges in industrial manufacturing, marked by dynamism, competition, and the need for responsible resource management, have increased the demand for sustainable manufacturing practices. The integration of Industry 4.0 and the recent development of Industry 5.0 have added dynamism, which [...] Read more.
Current global conditions and challenges in industrial manufacturing, marked by dynamism, competition, and the need for responsible resource management, have increased the demand for sustainable manufacturing practices. The integration of Industry 4.0 and the recent development of Industry 5.0 have added dynamism, which has generated profound implications for quality control and process monitoring, focusing mainly on recognising control patterns within the manufacturing environment. This study introduces a novel methodology for evaluating the performance of pattern classification models used in advanced quality control. Our approach incorporates robust performance metrics, early detection, window size, network hyperparameters, and concurrent patterns within a simulated monitoring environment. Unlike previous research, our evaluation methodology addresses the sensitivity of classification models to various factors, emphasising the critical balance between early detection and minimising false alarms. The findings reveal that window size significantly impacts the model’s sensitivity to pattern changes, highlighting that measuring early detection alone is impractical in real-world applications. Furthermore, optimal hyperparameter selection enhances the model’s practical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Data Analytics for Manufacturing Quality Assurance)
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16 pages, 3708 KiB  
Article
Exploitation of Perennial Plant Biomass for Particleboards Designed for Insulation Applications
by Danuta Martyniak, Marta Pędzik, Grzegorz Żurek, Karol Tomczak, Ryszard Gąsiorowski, Magdalena Komorowicz and Dominika Janiszewska-Latterini
Materials 2025, 18(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020352 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
With rising demand for wood products and reduced wood harvesting due to the European Green Deal, alternative lignocellulosic materials for insulation are necessary. In this work, we manufactured reference particleboard from industrial particles and fifteen different board variants from alternative lignocellulosic plants material, [...] Read more.
With rising demand for wood products and reduced wood harvesting due to the European Green Deal, alternative lignocellulosic materials for insulation are necessary. In this work, we manufactured reference particleboard from industrial particles and fifteen different board variants from alternative lignocellulosic plants material, i.e., five types of perennial plant biomass in three substitutions: 30, 50 and 75% of their share in the board with a nominal density of 250 kg/m3. Within the analysis of manufactured boards, the mechanical, chemical and thermal properties were investigated—internal bond, formaldehyde emissions, thermal insulation, heat transfer coefficient and thermal conductivity. In the case of thermal conductivity, the most promising results from a practical point of view (W/mK < 0.07) were obtained with Sida hermaphrodita and Miscanthus, achieving the best results at 50% substitution. The lowest formaldehyde emissions were recorded for boards with Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus, highlighting their positive environmental performance. In terms of mechanical properties, the highest internal bond was noticed in particleboards with a 30% substitution of Spartina pectinata and Miscanthus. Research findings confirm the potential of perennial plants as a sustainable source of raw materials for insulation panel manufacturing. Despite needing improvements in mechanical properties, most notably internal bond strength, these plants offer an ecologically responsible solution aligned with global construction trends, thus lessening reliance on traditional wood products. Thus, long-term benefits may be realized through the strategic combination of diverse raw materials within a single particleboard. Full article
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17 pages, 1285 KiB  
Article
Global Tomato Production: Price Sensitivity and Policy Impact in Mexico, Türkiye, and the United States
by Ramu Govindasamy, Rahmiye Figen Ceylan and Burhan Özkan
Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010084 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
Tomato, a vital subtropical vegetable crop, is in demand globally but is produced in limited regions. Recently, its supply has become increasingly influenced by internal and external production factors. This study analyzed the impact of price fluctuations and evolving agricultural support schemes on [...] Read more.
Tomato, a vital subtropical vegetable crop, is in demand globally but is produced in limited regions. Recently, its supply has become increasingly influenced by internal and external production factors. This study analyzed the impact of price fluctuations and evolving agricultural support schemes on tomato production in three key producers: Mexico, Türkiye, and the United States, which play significant roles in the global market with specialized production and trade. Using time-series price response data from 1991 to 2022, the research examined market prices, government support policies, and international trade agreements. Long-term price effects were similar in Türkiye and the USA but negligible in Mexico. Short-term price differences were positive across all countries, with the strongest impact in the USA. Financial support programs increased supplies in alignment with time-based effects. Deviations from long-term equilibrium were corrected in all countries, with Türkiye showing the fastest recovery. The results suggest that decoupled supports positively influence supply and merit further promotion. Full article
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