Applied System Innovation

Recently, the installed generation capacity of wind energy has expanded significantly, and the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) has gained a prominent position amongst wind generators owing to its superior performance. It is extremely vital to enhance the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability for the wind turbine DFIG system because the DFIG is very sensitive to faults in the electrical grid. The major concept of LVRT is to keep the DFIG connected to the electrical grid in the case of an occurrence of grid voltage sags. The currents of rotor and DC-bus voltage rise during voltage dips, resulting in damage to the power electronic converters and the windings of the rotor. There are many protection approaches that deal with LVRT capability for the wind turbine DFIG system. A popular approach for DFIG protection is the crowbar technique. The resistance of the crowbar must be precisely chosen owing to its impact on both the currents of the rotor and DC-bus voltage, while also ensuring that the rotor speed does not exceed its maximum limit. Therefore, this paper aims to obtain the optimal values of crowbar resistance to minimize the crowbar energy losses and ensure stable DFIG operation during grid voltage dips. A recent optimization technique, the Starfish Optimization (SFO) algorithm, was used for cropping the optimal crowbar resistance for improving LVRT capability. To validate the accuracy of the results, the SFO results were compared to the well-known optimization algorithm, particle swarm optimizer (PSO). The performance of the wind turbine DFIG system was investigated by using Matlab/Simulink at a rated wind speed of 13 m/s. The results demonstrated that the increases in DC-link voltage and rotor speed were reduced by 42.5% and 45.8%, respectively. Full article

The automation of wind turbine maintenance processes is aimed at improving the operational efficiency of wind farms through timely diagnosis of technical condition, predictive identification of potential failures, and optimization of the distribution of repair and restoration procedures. In this context, the main objective of the study is to improve the reliability and efficiency of wind energy infrastructure by developing an intelligent decision support system for wind turbine maintenance. The proposed architecture includes a module for optimizing the routes of robotic agents, which implements a hybrid method based on a combination of the A* algorithm and a modified ant algorithm with dynamic pheromone updating and B-spline trajectory smoothing, as well as a module for detecting based on a modified YOLOv3 model with integrated adaptive feature fusion and bio-inspired anchor frame optimization. The choice of the YOLOv3 architecture is due to the optimal balance between accuracy and inference speed on embedded platforms of robotic autonomous agents, which ensures the functioning of the detection module in real time with limited computing resources. The results of the computational experiment confirmed a 15–20% reduction in route length and energy consumption, as well as a 41% increase in the $F1$ detection metric relative to the baseline implementation of YOLOv3 while maintaining a performance of 42 frames per second. The set of results obtained confirms the practical feasibility and integration potential of the developed architecture into the predictive maintenance and life cycle management of wind energy infrastructure. Full article

This research proposes the development of an Entity-Relationship Diagram—PRO (ERD-PRO) to assist students in understanding the concept of developing Entity-Relationship Diagrams in designing a database. ERD-PRO is an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) that is built using a mixed-initiative approach to address the learning challenges by adopting Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) concept to provide individualized and on-demand feedback and guidance. The effectiveness of ERD-PRO is tested on 25 participants from different educational institutions. Pre- development surveys are conducted to determine learning needs and post-development surveys are performed to measure the success. The results show that the design of ERD-PRO, guided by survey findings, successfully addresses key challenges in database design education. 65% of students agreed that the system’s explanation facilities effectively clarified difficult topics, and 90% expressed high satisfaction with the tool. The integration of XAI features within ERD-PRO has enhanced its ability to provide meaningful, scenario-based explanations, demonstrating its potential as an effective intelligent tutoring system. These findings validate the effectiveness of ERD-PRO in meeting its objectives and highlight its value in providing tailored explanations for database design instruction. Full article

Estimating the absolute scale of reconstructed camera trajectories in monocular odometry is a challenging task due to the inherent scale ambiguity in any monocular vision system. One promising solution is to fuse data from different sensors, which can improve the accuracy and precision of scale estimation. However, this approach often requires additional effort in sensor design and data processing. In this paper, we propose a novel method for fusing single-camera data with wheel odometer readings using a fuzzy system. The architecture of the fuzzy system has as inputs the wheel odometer value and the translation and rotation obtained from ORB-SLAM2. It was trained with the ANFIS tool in MATLAB 2014b. Our approach yields significantly better results compared to state-of-the-art pure monocular systems. In our experiments, the average error relative to GPS measurements was only four percent. A key advantage of this method is the elimination of the sensor calibration step, allowing for straightforward data fusion without a substantial increase in data processing demands. Full article

This study explores how research on carbon capture technologies (CCTs) has developed over time and shows how semantic text mining can improve the analysis of technology trajectories. Although CCTs are widely viewed as essential for net-zero transitions, the literature is still scattered across many subthemes, and links between engineering advances, infrastructure deployment, and policy design are often weak. Methods that rely mainly on citations or keyword frequencies tend to overlook contextual meaning and the subtle diffusion of ideas across these strands, making it difficult to reconstruct clear developmental pathways. To address this problem, we ask the following: How do CCT topics change over time? What evolutionary mechanisms drive these transitions? And which themes act as bridges between technical lineages? We first build a curated corpus using a PRISMA-based screening process. We then apply BERTopic, integrating Sentence-BERT embeddings with UMAP, HDBSCAN, and class-based TF-IDF, to identify and label coherent semantic topics. Topic evolution is modeled through a PCC-weighted, top-K filtered network, where cross-year connections are categorized as inheritance, convergence, differentiation, or extinction. These patterns are further interpreted with a Fish-Scale Multiscience mapping to clarify underlying theoretical and disciplinary lineages. Our results point to a two-stage trajectory: an early formation phase followed by a period of rapid expansion. Long-standing research lines persist in amine absorption, membrane separation, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), while direct air capture emerges later and becomes increasingly stable. Across the full period, five evolutionary mechanisms operate in parallel. We also find that techno-economic assessment, life-cycle and carbon accounting, and regulation–infrastructure coordination serve as key “weak-tie” bridges that connect otherwise separated subfields. Overall, the study reconstructs the core–periphery structure and maturity of CCT research and demonstrates that combining semantic topic modeling with theory-aware mapping complements strong-tie bibliometric approaches and offers a clearer, more transferable framework for understanding technology evolution. Full article

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly transforming industries and organizations through automation and augmentation. Personalization of human–system interaction is a key area that can be significantly advanced through the effective implementation of GenAI. GenAI, positioned as an intermediary between humans and systems, can transform the human experience from the pre-defined, conventional notions of personalization into a dynamic and integrated hyperpersonalization capability. This article presents the zero-shot-to-head-shot hyperpersonalization (Z2H2) framework, which aims to achieve this through the effective adoption of GenAI techniques. It is a domain-neutral framework of three incremental stages named zero-shot, few-shot, and head-shot that gradually increase the level of hyperpersonalization of the human–system interaction. The framework is further represented in a layered system design and the Z2H2 Data Modality Matrix (ZDMM), which systematically maps data types, AI capabilities, and personalization objectives for each stage. The capabilities of the framework are demonstrated in an educational setting, followed by an empirical evaluation using the Open University Learning Analytics Dataset (OULAD). Although this dataset only contains demographic and aggregated clickstream data, which is a subset of attributes relevant to the entire framework, the gradual development of zero-shot-to-head-shot hyperpersonalization is effectively demonstrated and validated on these student interactions. Full article

An increasing number of juveniles are accessing adult-oriented venues, such as bars and nightclubs, where supervision is frequently inadequate, thereby elevating their risk of both offline harm and unmonitored exposure to harmful online content. Existing facial age estimation systems, which are primarily designed for adults, have significant limitations when it comes to protecting juveniles, hindering the efficiency of supervising them in key venues. To address these challenges, this study proposes a facial age estimation solution for juvenile protection. First, we have designed a ‘detection–cropping–classification’ framework comprising three stages. This first detects facial regions using a detection algorithm, then crops the image before inputting the results into a classification model for age estimation. Secondly, we constructed the the Juvenile Protection Surveillance and Detection (JPSD) Dataset by integrating five public datasets: UTKface, AgeDB, APPA-REAL, MegaAge and FG-NET. This dataset contains 14,260 images categorised into four age groups: 0–8 years, 8–14 years, 14–18 years and over 18 years. Thirdly, we conducted baseline model comparisons. In the object detection phase, three YOLO algorithms were selected for face recognition. In the age estimation phase, traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), such as ResNet50 and VGG16, were contrasted with vision transformer (ViT)-based models, such as ViT and BiFormer. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was used for visual analysis to highlight differences in the models’ decision-making processes. Experiments revealed that YOLOv11 is the optimal detector for accurate facial localisation, and that ResNet50 is the best base classifier for enhancing age-sensitive feature extraction, outperforming BiFormer. The results show that the framework achieves Recall of 89.17% for the 0–8 age group and 95.17% for the over-18 age group. However, we have found that the current model has low Recall rates for the 8–14 and 14–18 age groups. Therefore, in the near term, we emphasise that this technology should only be used as a decision-support tool under strict human-in-the-loop supervision. This study provides an essential dataset and technical framework for juvenile facial age estimation, offering support for juvenile online protection, smart policing and venue supervision. Full article

High volume pencil manufacturing often generates substantial material waste due to a small proportion of products having missing or recessed graphite leads. Standard vision-based quality control processes discard entire wooden slats that carry any faulty pencils, causing excessive waste of usable wood and graphite resources. This study describes the design and implementation of a laser triangulation-based inspection system for lead defect detection after individual pencils are cut from the slat. The system combines a two-dimensional laser profile scanner with synchronized triggering sensors and a programmable logic controller (PLC)-controlled pneumatic rejection unit. Using the systematic design methodology for VDI 2221, a functional prototype was developed, which was then tested in a simulated production system with a throughput of up to 200 pencils per minute. The proposed system was able to detect missing and recessed leads highly accurately and correctly classified 98–100% of pencils without false rejections of acceptable products. The most common type of defect was missing or deeply recessed lead with an accuracy of 98.5%, and the less common partial-lead fractures had a lower percentage of detection of nearly 92% due to geometric sensitivity. The developed inline inspection system was successful in identifying and rejecting defective pencils without the waste of materials and provided a viable alternative of economical implementation with less than a one-year payback period. Through its increased resource efficiency and decreased raw material waste, the proposed system contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Full article

Semiconductor wafer fabrication is one of the most complex and demanding processes in industry. The process involves numerous sequential steps, including photolithography, deposition, etching, and chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP). At advanced process nodes below 5 nanometers, even angstrom-level deviations in parameters such as oxide thickness or critical dimension (CD) can lead to yield degradation or device failure. Traditional single-factor experimental methods are insufficient to capture the inherent multivariate interactions within plasma, thermal, and chemical processes. This review introduces the application of Design of Experiments (DOE) in wafer fabrication and demonstrates that it provides a statistically rigorous framework for addressing these challenges. It enables the simultaneous analysis of multiple variables, quantifying main effects and interactions, and developing predictive models with fewer runs. DOE can accelerate process development, reduce wafer consumption, enhance process robustness, and support applications in processes such as photolithography, CMP, and deposition. Beyond process optimization, DOE, combined with virtual metrology, machine learning, and digital twin technologies, provides a balanced dataset for predictive analytics and real-time control. Its functions encompass proactive monitoring, adaptive formulation optimization, and eco-efficient manufacturing aligned with sustainability goals. As wafer fabs adopt AI-assisted, simulation-driven environments, experimental design remains the foundation for knowledge-intensive, data-driven decision-making. This ensures continuous improvement in yield, manufacturability, and competitiveness in future semiconductor miniaturization processes. Full article

The planning of unbalanced three-phase distribution networks increasingly requires the coordinated integration of distributed energy resources, such as photovoltaic (PV) generators and static compensators (D-STATCOMs), to enhance system performance and reduce costs. This planning task is inherently challenging, as it leads to a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem driven by nonconvex voltage–current–power relationships, phase unbalances, and the temporal variability of demand and solar irradiance. This work proposes an exact Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) framework for the joint siting and sizing of PV units and D-STATCOM devices, with an objective function based on the minimization of the equivalent annual cost of energy purchases and investments. The methodology is applied to 25- and 37-bus unbalanced test systems and benchmarked against four state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms. The results show that the exact MINLP consistently attains the global optimum, yielding reductions in equivalent annual cost of USD 392,855 (14.36%) and USD 436,361 (14.90%) for the respective test systems, whereas the metaheuristics provide near-optimal but slightly dispersed solutions. These findings highlight the potential of exact optimization as a robust and economically sound tool for long-term distribution network planning, combining technical reliability with guaranteed global optimality. Full article

This study proposes an automated, visual–geometric fusion method for measuring pupillary height (PH) and interpupillary distance (PD), aiming to replace manual measurements while balancing accuracy, efficiency, and cost accessibility. To this end, a two-layer Ensemble of Regression Tree (ERT) is used to coarsely localize facial landmarks and the pupil center, which is then refined via direction-aware ray casting and edge-side-stratified RANSAC followed by least-squares fitting; in parallel, an RC-BlendMask instance-segmentation module extracts the lowest rim point of the spectacle lens. Head pose and lens-plane depth are estimated with the Perspective-n-Point (PnP) algorithm to enable pixel-to-millimeter calibration and pose gating, thereby achieving 3D quantification of PH/PD under a single-camera setup. In a comparative study with 30 participants against the Zeiss i.Terminal2, the proposed method achieved mean absolute errors of 1.13 mm (PD), 0.73 mm (PH-L), and 0.89 mm (PH-R); Pearson correlation coefficients were r = 0.944 (PD), 0.964 (PH-L), and 0.916 (PH-R), and Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement were −2.00 to 2.70 mm (PD), −0.84 to 1.76 mm (PH-L), and −1.85 to 1.79 mm (PH-R). Lens segmentation performance reached a Precision of 97.5% and a Recall of 93.8%, supporting robust PH extraction. Overall, the proposed approach delivers measurement agreement comparable to high-end commercial devices on low-cost hardware, satisfies ANSI Z80.1/ISO 21987 clinical tolerances for decentration and prism error, and is suitable for both in-store dispensing and tele-dispensing scenarios. Full article

This work proposes an intelligent strategy for the coordinated management of active and reactive power in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) within AC microgrids operating under both grid-connected (GCM) and islanded (IM) modes to minimize daily operational costs. The problem is formulated as a mixed-variable optimization model that explicitly leverages the control capabilities of BESS power converters. To solve it, a Parallel Particle Swarm Optimization (PPSO) algorithm is employed, coupled with a Successive Approximation (SA) power flow solver. The proposed approach was benchmarked against parallel implementations of the Crow Search Algorithm (PCSA) and the JAYA algorithm (PJAYA), both in parallel, using a realistic 33-node AC microgrid test system based on real demand and photovoltaic generation profiles from Medellín, Colombia. The strategy was evaluated under both deterministic conditions (average daily profiles) and stochastic scenarios (100 daily profiles with uncertainty). The proposed framework is evaluated on a 33-bus AC microgrid that operates in both grid-connected and islanded modes, with a battery energy storage system dispatched at both active and reactive power levels subject to network, state-of-charge, and power-rating constraints. Three population-based optimization algorithms are used to coordinate BESS schedules, and their performance is compared based on daily operating cost, BESS cycling, and voltage profile quality. Quantitatively, the PPSO strategy achieved cost reductions of 2.39% in GCM and 1.62% in IM under deterministic conditions, with a standard deviation of only 0.0200% in GCM and 0.2962% in IM. In stochastic scenarios with 100 uncertainty profiles, PPSO maintained its robustness, reaching average reductions of 2.77% in GCM and 1.53% in IM. PPSO exhibited consistent robustness and efficient performance, reaching the highest average cost reductions with low variability and short execution times in both operating modes. These findings indicate that the method is well-suited for real-time implementation and contributes to improving economic outcomes and operational reliability in grid-connected and islanded microgrid configurations. The case study results show that the different strategies yield distinct trade-offs between economic performance and computational effort, while all solutions satisfy the technical limits of the microgrid. Full article

Detecting small-scale objects remains a critical challenge with limited pixel information, complex backgrounds, and varying imaging conditions. To tackle these challenges, we propose an innovative high-precision detection framework (DRF-YOLO) that integrates a dilated-wise residual (DWR) module and an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN). The DWR module enhances contextual representation and enriches spatial detail, while AFPN optimizes multi-scale feature fusion and semantic alignment. Extensive evaluations were carried out on the DUT-Anti-UAV and Det-Fly datasets, which contain images taken in complex aerial environments. The DRF-YOLO model achieved an mAP@50 of 86.9 and 91.1% on the two respective datasets, showing performance gains of 1.5% and 3.3% compared to the YOLOv8 reference model, and yielded mAP@50:95 gains of 1.1 and 2.3%, respectively. The synergistic effect of the DWR module and AFPN architecture enables significant enhancement in mAP@50, mAP@50:95, precision, and recall, demonstrating an optimal balance between accuracy and object coverage. The model also demonstrates improved robustness under complex backgrounds and occlusion, underscoring its potential for accurate UAV detection. Full article

In response to the demands for high reliability, excellent dynamic response, and high-precision control of advanced aircraft actuation systems, this study focuses on the control technology for the master-master operating mode of dual-redundancy electro-hydrostatic actuation (EHA) systems. A multi-domain coupling model integrating motor magnetic circuit saturation, hydraulic viscosity-temperature characteristics, and mechanical clearances was established, based on which a current-loop decoupling technique using vector control was developed. Furthermore, the study combined adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) and an improved active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to enhance the robustness of the speed loop and the disturbance rejection capability of the position loop, respectively. To address the key challenges of synchronous error accumulation and uneven load distribution in the master-master mode, a dual-redundancy dynamic model accounting for hydraulic coupling effects was developed, and a two-level cooperative control strategy of "position synchronization-dynamic load balancing" was proposed based on the cross-coupling control (CCC) framework. Experimental results demonstrate that the position loop control error is less than ±0.02 mm, and the load distribution accuracy is improved to over 97%, fully meeting the design requirements of advanced aircraft. These findings provide key technical support for the engineering application of power-by-wire flight control systems in advanced aircraft. Full article

Real-time vessel tracking and environmental assessment in developing regions face significant challenges due to the high cost and proprietary constraints of commercial Automatic Identification System (AIS) services. We introduce MAGI, an open-source, low-cost, IoT-distributed architecture that integrates Orange Pi 5 edge nodes with software-defined radio (SDR) AIS receivers and containerized microservices to capture, preprocess, and stream AIS messages. During a ten-day field campaign in Panama, our decentralized deployment processed over 500,000 AIS transmissions, achieving 99% uptime and delivering vessel position and speed updates with sub-second latency. Based on the collected data, we also evaluated system scalability, energy consumption, and per node cost, demonstrating that a complete coastal network can be deployed for under USD 1200 per site. These results confirm that MAGI is a scalable, secure, and affordable IoT solution for AIS-based vessel tracking and environmental monitoring in resource-constrained settings. Full article

The issue of food waste is more relevant than ever, both for emerging and developed economies. Information technologies have the potential to contribute to reducing this problem, and our research aims to present a viable prototype that uses on-cloud image classification and specific OCR techniques. The result of our study is a low-cost, high-performance mobile application prototype that paves the way for further research. We used advanced application integration concepts, including mobile architectures, Firebase machine learning components, and OCR techniques to highlight how close food products are to their expiration date. In contexts with no printed date, the system computes an indicative shelf-life estimate from conservative category priors. These estimates are not safety judgments and do not replace manufacturer date labels or national food-safety guidance. These results give our article clear elements of authenticity and contribution to the field of knowledge, improving the economic efficiency of warehouses and food stores. The implications of our study are technical, economic, and social. Full article

In the evolving landscape of digital education, there is an increasing need to enhance traditional Learning Management Systems (LMSs) by integrating innovative pedagogical practices that promote active participation and learner autonomy. This study presents the transformation of a Greek LMS platform into an open learning ecosystem, incorporating three key educational innovations: collaborative hackathons, microcredentials, and blended learning support. The primary goal was to modernize the LMS in a way that encourages deeper engagement, social learning, collaboration, and mixed learning. To accomplish this objective, the system integrated advanced innovative tools designed to facilitate structured collaborative processes including hackathons, microcredentials aligned with specific learning objectives, and blended learning through flexible content delivery and student learning tracking tools. The use of these tools in the educational process contributes to the creation of a more dynamic and participatory learning environment, where knowledge is co-shaped and learning acquires a social character. In addition, the tools promote differentiated learning, allowing students to engage at their own pace and in their own way. Full article

The paper presents methods of applying AI to generate mathematical and programming exercises for the purpose of creating courses on an educational platform. Various challenges and advantages are highlighted and discussed in the context of a new interactive platform—Compass. The proposed learning methods based on user–platform interaction are described, along with the results of evaluations conducted among university students who learned with Compass. Full article

The acquisition of images of road surfaces not only establishes a theoretical foundation for road maintenance by relevant departments but also is instrumental in ensuring the safe operation of highway transportation systems. To address the limitations of traditional road surface image acquisition systems, such as low collection speed, poor image clarity, insufficient information richness, and prohibitive costs, this study has developed a high-speed binocular-vision-based system. Through theoretical analysis, we developed a complete system that integrates hybrid anti-shake technology. Specifically, a hardware device was designed for stable installation at the rear of high-speed vehicles, and a software algorithm was implemented to develop an electronic anti-shake module that compensates for horizontal, vertical, and rotational motion vectors with sub-pixel-level accuracy. Furthermore, a road surface image fusion algorithm that combines the stationary wavelet transform (SWT) and nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) was proposed to preserve multi-scale edge and textural details by leveraging their complementary multidirectional characteristics. Experimental results demonstrate that the fusion algorithm based on SWT and NSCT outperforms those using either SWT or NSCT alone across quality evaluation metrics such as QAB/F, SF, MI, and RMSE: at 80 km/h, the SF value reaches 4.5, representing an improvement of 0.088 over the SWT algorithm and 4.412 over the NSCT algorithm, indicating that the fused images are clearer. The increases in QAB/F and MI values confirm that the fused road surface images retain rich edge and detailed information, achieving excellent fusion results. Consequently, the system can economically and efficiently capture stable, clear, and information-rich road surface images in real-time under high-speed conditions with low energy consumption and outstanding fidelity. Full article