Saved Queries

by Jiahui Yu, Zhi Dou, Can Wang, Shendong Zhou, Huimin Shi, Hongzhu Zhang, Hongze Wang, Nana Ma, Xiangzhen Shen and Guangjun Chang

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040336 (registering DOI) - 31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Yeast culture (YC), a complex functional feed additive containing fermentation metabolites, has demonstrated potential in dairy production systems. However, its mechanistic effects on rumen function and host metabolism in lactating dairy cattle warrant further investigation. This study evaluated the impacts of YC supplementation on production performance, systemic antioxidant status, and rumen function in late-lactation Holstein cows. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows (body weight 655 ± 28 kg; days in milk 270.4 ± 1.6 d) were randomly allocated into two groups, a control group (CON, basal diet) and a YC-supplemented group (YC, basal diet + 50 g/d YC), in a 28-day feeding trial. YC supplementation significantly increased dry matter intake (p < 0.01), nutrient digestibility (p < 0.01 for DM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF), and milk yield (p < 0.05) compared to CON. Systemic antioxidant capacity was enhanced, as evidenced by elevated serum superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Rumen fermentation was improved with higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (p < 0.01) and microbial protein (p < 0.01) and reduced ammonia nitrogen levels (p < 0.01). Macrogenomic analysis revealed a YC-mediated restructuring of the rumen microbiota, characterized by an increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidota. Untargeted metabolomic profiling identified significant alterations in rumen metabolite profiles, with differential metabolites enriched in pyrimidine metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption pathways. These results indicate that YC supplementation improves production performance in late-lactation dairy cows through multi-faceted mechanisms involving rumen microbial community modulation and metabolic pathway activation, ultimately enhancing nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency. Full article

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15 pages, 2624 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Implementation of a Remote Water Level Control and Monitoring System in Rural Community Tanks Using LoRa and SMS Technology

by Ulises Balderrama-Rey, Rafael Verdugo-Miranda, Miguel Martínez-Gil, Joel Carvajal-Soto, Frank Romo-García, Luis Medina-Zazueta, Edgar Espinoza-Zallas and Rolando Flores-Ochoa

Appl. Syst. Innov. 2026, 9(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi9040076 (registering DOI) - 31 Mar 2026

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a low-profile remote monitoring and control system for water level management in storage tanks located in rural communities. The system was developed to ensure a reliable water supply, prevent spills, reduce electrical energy consumption, and mitigate theft and vandalism risks posed by a previously installed, highly exposed commercial system. The proposed system employs LoRa technology to transmit water level data from the storage tank to a receiver located 6 km from the water well. When the water level drops below a predefined threshold, the system transmits an activation signal through the LoRa network to start the well pump and trigger tank refilling. In addition, an SMS monitoring module enables users to remotely verify water level and pump operational status at any time. System notifications and operational data are automatically delivered via SMS to predefined phone numbers, enabling continuous supervision without requiring internet connectivity. The implementation of the proposed system thus provides an efficient and reliable solution for water resource management in rural environments, ensuring continuous water availability and preventing supply shortages. LoRa communication enables robust long-range data transmission, while SMS-based monitoring offers real-time operational awareness for end users. The system was validated through field testing in a pilot rural community, demonstrating operational robustness, improved water management efficiency, and measurable positive impacts on residents’ water service continuity. The low-profile physical design significantly reduced theft and vandalism incidents reported by the local water authority. Experimental results showed an average monthly reduction of 41.2% in electrical energy consumption while maintaining high system reliability, physical security, and real-time monitoring capability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Collection Series on Applied System Innovation)

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3613 KB

Open AccessArticle

Energy-Aware 5G Device-to-Device Optimization Using Hybrid Grey Wolf and Evolutionary Schemes

by Abdallah El Mohamad, Mehmet Toycan and Hüseyin Öztoprak

Electronics 2026, 15(7), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15071448 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

The device-to-device (D2D) communication that underlays cellular networks is a key enabler in the process of improving the utilization spectrum and energy efficiency (EE) of 5G systems. Most EE optimization studies have focused solely on a single-band configuration or single cell, while practical deployments inherently involve multi-cell and multi-band interference coupling that significantly affects the power allocation and system-level EE performance. In this study, we investigated EE maximization for multi-band, multi-cell D2D underlaying networks and propose two hybrid metaheuristic optimization algorithms: the evolutionary algorithm enhanced-particle grey wolf optimizer (EA-PGWO) and the memetic particle-guided grey wolf optimizer with derivative local learning (MPGWO-DLL). For fairness and a more comprehensive evaluation, three baseline algorithms—the derivative algorithm (DA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the genetic algorithm (GA)—were benchmarked and compared against our proposed algorithms. The proposed hybrid algorithms use population-based global exploration with local refinement to increase and stabilize the optimization under non-convex and interference-limited conditions. From the obtained simulation results, we obtained a clear outperformance from both the EA-PGWO and MPGWO-DLL in terms of EE against all three baseline algorithms and across varying D2D and cellular user densities. Among all the evaluated methods, MPGWO-DLL achieved the highest EE gains due to its memetic local learning stage combined with its derivative-guided refinement. Full article

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985 KB

Open AccessArticle

SwiftURL: A Lightweight Transformer-Based Model for Malicious URL Detection

by Zheng You Lim, Ying Han Pang, Edwin Chan Kah Jun, Shih Yin Ooi and Sek Yong Wee

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3366; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073366 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

In today’s world, electronics and networked systems, such as IoT devices, embedded platforms and smart environments, are increasingly popular and widespread. As a result, these systems become more exposed to cyber threats. The malicious URL is also one of the most widespread yet perilous vectors of cyberattack, as it is widely used in phishing, malware distribution, and command-and-control communication. The security of these electronic systems necessitates real-time, lightweight and intelligent detection techniques that must be efficient in resource-constrained environments. In order to meet this requirement, we propose SwiftURL, a lightweight deep learning model to detect malicious URLs that can be specifically deployed in modern electronic environments. SwiftURL leverages knowledge distillation from a transformer-based ELECTRA-Small teacher model, transferring detection capability into a smaller and faster student model while maintaining high performance. Experimental results on a public Kaggle dataset of malicious URLs demonstrate that SwiftURL achieves an accuracy of 94.38%, reduces computational overhead by 35%, and accelerates training time by 15%. These findings highlight SwiftURL’s effectiveness as a practical solution for enhancing cybersecurity in electronic and networked systems through efficient, on-device URL threat detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)

1169 KB

Open AccessArticle

Growth-Promoting and Quality-Enhancing Effects of Insect-Derived Serratia marcescens BRC-CXG2 on Romaine Lettuce

by Xinran Hu, Yukun Zhu, Zhao Wu, Guoxi Ji, Zhitong Lin, Moyan Wang, Fen Li, Jiaping Xu, Kaiqi Wu, Wenyu Tian and Xiaohong Han

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3136; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073136 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

To explore the application potential of insect-derived functional microorganisms in short-cycle leafy vegetable production, we evaluated the effects of Serratia marcescens BRC-CXG2, isolated from larvae of Monochamus alternatus, on romaine lettuce in a pot experiment. Plant growth traits, biomass accumulation, nutritional quality, endogenous hormones, and rhizosphere microbial communities were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that inoculation significantly promoted seedling development. Plant height and root length increased by 48.7% and 29.1%, respectively, while shoot and root dry weights were 1.78- and 1.85-fold higher than those of the control. Vitamin C and total sugar contents increased by 76.4% and 98%, respectively. The levels of gibberellins (GA₃)-, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-, and abscisic acid (ABA)-immunoreactive equivalents increased by 1.5-, 1.29-, and 1.75-fold. High-throughput 16S rDNA gene and ITS amplicon sequencing further revealed that inoculation reshaped the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that insect-derived S. marcescens exhibits significant growth-promoting potential in short-cycle leafy vegetable systems, with effects associated with hormone regulation, enhanced total sugar accumulation, and shifts in rhizosphere microbial community structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Plant–Microbe Interaction)

26 pages, 647 KB

Open AccessReview

Extracellular Vesicles in Obesity: From Pathophysiological Mediators to Therapeutic Tools

by Nikola Pavlović, Petar Todorović, Mirko Maglica, Andrea Kopilaš, Roko Šantić, Marko Kumrić, Marino Lukenda and Joško Božić

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073137 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a disease of dysregulated intercellular communication rather than merely an energy imbalance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound nanoparticles (30–1000 nm) released by nearly all cell types, act as central mediators of this pathological crosstalk. In obesity, hypertrophic adipocytes, pro-inflammatory macrophages, and dysfunctional endothelial cells secrete EVs carrying altered cargo, including pro-inflammatory miRNAs (e.g., miR-34a, miR-155), bioactive lipids, and stress proteins, which propagate systemic metabolic dysfunction. Adipose tissue-derived EVs impair hepatic fatty acid oxidation, promote steatohepatitis, suppress pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion, induce skeletal muscle insulin resistance via PPARγ repression, and contribute to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. EV-mediated adipocyte–macrophage crosstalk reinforces chronic adipose inflammation. Circulating EVs also provide biomarkers: subpopulation ratios, miRNA signatures, and tissue factor-positive EVs reflect disease severity, predict cardiovascular risk, and monitor therapeutic responses, with machine learning enhancing diagnostic precision. Therapeutically, EVs from mesenchymal stem cells, Wharton’s jelly MSCs, adipose progenitors, and M2 macrophages reverse insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and adipose inflammation in preclinical models. Engineering strategies improve EV potency and tissue targeting, and Phase I trials confirm safety, though manufacturing and cost remain barriers. Preclinical and early clinical studies of MSC-EVs confirm a favorable safety profile, though manufacturing scalability and cost remain barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Overall, EVs represent both diagnostic tools and therapeutic vehicles in precision obesity medicine, offering a pathway from symptom management toward true disease remission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Obesity and Obesity Related Disorders: 3rd Edition)

22 pages, 1233 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adapting Health Services in Forced Displacement: Operationalizing Surge Capacity Framework in the EMT Barco San Raffaele, Colombia

by Lina Echeverri, Ana Lucia Lopez, Diego Orlando Posso, Ives Hubloue, Luca Ragazzoni and Flavio Salio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23040435 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

(1) Background: Colombia hosts one of the world’s largest mixed-displacement crises, combining longstanding internal displacement with the influx of Venezuelan migrants. This case study examines how the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Hospital Barco San Raffaele (HBSR) adapted its service-delivery model to respond simultaneously to internal displacement in the Colombian Pacific region and the Venezuelan refugee influx. Using the WHO EMT Surge Capacity Framework, the study analyses how health services were adapted across two concurrent displacement contexts. (2) Methods: A mixed-methods comparative case study was conducted using mission reports, epidemiological surveillance data, policy reports and institutional documents collected between November 2020 and May 2021. Data were analyzed through a thematic analysis structured around the four domains of the WHO EMT Surge Capacity Framework (Staff, Structure, Supplies and Systems), to examine how service adaptation was operationalized across different geographic, sociocultural and legal environments; (3) Results: EMT HBSR adapted staffing composition, supply chains, infrastructure, and operational systems across both settings. Its hybrid model, combining a hospital boat platform with mobile outreach teams, enabled continuity of primary care, mental, maternal and child health, and community-based services in geographically isolated and culturally diverse communities; (4) Conclusions: The findings illustrate how flexible EMT operational models can support the adaptation of health services, and reduce health access inequalities in displacement contexts characterized by high mobility, confinement and limited health system capacity. Mobile platforms, such as hospital boats, appear to be a viable strategy for ensuring continuity of care along migratory routes and in geographically isolated areas affected by protracted instability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

22 pages, 2486 KB

Open AccessArticle

Operational Management of Multi-Vendor Wi Fi Networks in Smart Campus Environments

by Weerapatr Ta-Armart and Charuay Savithi

Technologies 2026, 14(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14040204 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Digital transformation in higher education increasingly hinges on the robustness and governability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructures, with campus Wi-Fi networks serving as the operational backbone of digital learning, research collaboration, and administrative services. In large universities, these networks typically evolve into heterogeneous, multi-vendor environments, introducing ongoing challenges in monitoring coherence, configuration governance, and cross-platform performance diagnosis. Despite the centrality of these issues, smart campus scholarship has paid limited attention to day-to-day operational management. This study examines the design and operational performance of a dual-platform Wi-Fi network management architecture implemented at Mahasarakham University, Thailand. The architecture strategically integrates SolarWinds and LibreNMS to combine centralized network-wide visibility with fine-grained, device-level diagnostics across a multi-vendor infrastructure. An engineering-oriented mixed-method approach was employed, drawing on production monitoring logs and semi-structured interviews with campus network engineers. Findings indicate that SolarWinds strengthens configuration oversight and campus-level situational awareness, whereas LibreNMS enhances detailed performance analytics and accelerates fault isolation. Their coordinated deployment improves operational stability, diagnostic clarity, and long-term maintainability of campus Wi-Fi systems. The study provides practical architectural guidance for managing heterogeneous ICT infrastructures in smart campus and enterprise-scale environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Information and Communication Technologies)

19 pages, 584 KB

Open AccessArticle

Narrative Journalism as a Design Framework for Newsgames

by Blessing Duke and Bahareh Heravi

Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020073 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Newsgames integrate journalism and digital game design to communicate news through interactive storytelling. This study examines how narrative journalism can function as a design framework for newsgames by exploring how its storytelling techniques—such as characterisation, scene construction, and narrative structure—can inform the design of interactive journalistic experiences while maintaining factual integrity. Using a narrative literature review, the research synthesises scholarship from journalism studies, narrative theory, and game studies to analyse how narrative structures and gameplay systems shape the communication of news in digital games. The paper proposes a conceptual model that integrates narrative journalism and newsgames with Symbolic Interaction Theory (SIT) and the Values at Play (VAP) heuristic, providing a theoretical framework for interactive journalistic storytelling. Within this framework, gameplay operates as a narrative structure through which players engage with journalistic content by interacting with simulated environments, characters, and decision-making processes. The analysis indicates that the communicative capacity of newsgames depends on how journalistic information is embedded within gameplay mechanics and narrative systems, where interactivity, player agency, and ethical design shape how audiences interpret complex social and political issues. The study concludes that newsgames function as interactive narrative systems of journalism, in which gameplay serves as a storytelling mechanism that enables audiences to engage with news through participation and interpretation. By positioning narrative journalism as a design framework for interactive news experiences, this research contributes a theoretical foundation for analysing and developing narrative-driven newsgames. Full article

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34 pages, 863 KB

Open AccessReview

Secure Communication Protocols and AI-Based Anomaly Detection in UAV-GCS

by Dimitrios Papathanasiou, Evangelos Zacharakis, John Liaperdos, Theodore Kotsilieris, Ioannis E. Livieris and Konstantinos Ioannou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3339; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073339 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly integrated into critical applications ranging from logistics and agriculture to defence and security operations, surveillance and emergency response. At the core of these systems lies the communication link between the UAV and its ground control station (GCS), which serves as the backbone for command, control and data exchange. However, communications links remain highly vulnerable to cyber-threats, including eavesdropping, signal falsification, radio frequency interference (RFI) and hijacking. These risks highlight the urgent need for secure communication protocols and effective defence mechanisms capable of protecting data confidentiality, integrity, availability and authentication. This study performs a comprehensive survey of secure UAV-GCS communication protocols and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven intrusion detection techniques. Initially, we review widely used communication protocols, examining their security features, vulnerabilities and existing countermeasures. Accordingly, a taxonomy of UAV-GCS security threats is proposed, structured around confidentiality, integrity, availability and authentication and map these threats to relevant attacks and defences. In parallel, our study examines state-of-the-art intrusion detection systems for UAVs, while particular emphasis is placed on emerging methods such as deep learning, federated learning, tiny machine learning and explainable AI, which hold promise for lightweight and real-time threat detection. The survey concludes by identifying open challenges, including resource constraints, lack of standardised secure protocols, scarcity of UAV-specific datasets and the evolving sophistication of attackers. Finally, we outline research directions for next-generation UAV architectures that integrate secure communication protocols with AI-based anomaly detection to achieve resilient and intelligent drone ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of AI in Signal and Image Processing)

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31 pages, 622 KB

Open AccessReview

When Disinfection Fails: Biocide Tolerance as a Driver of Campylobacter Persistence and Resistance

by Inês M. Fonseca, Inês Martins, Mónica Oleastro and Susana Ferreira

Antibiotics 2026, 15(4), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15040357 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Campylobacter spp. constitutes a significant global public health hazard as it is a leading cause of reported foodborne diseases. Human infection is predominantly acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food, unpasteurized milk and untreated water, prompting the widespread implementation of chemical disinfection across several sectors, from healthcare, domestic environments, and food-processing to animal husbandry. While these biocidal agents encompass multiples classes with different modes of action and efficacy, growing evidence suggests that their extensive and repeated use may unintentionally promote bacterial persistence, tolerance and adaptive responses. Although biocide resistance has been documented in several foodborne pathogens, data on biocide tolerance in Campylobacter spp. remain limited. Available studies report variable degrees of reduced susceptibility to commonly used biocides among isolates originating from poultry production, food-processing environments, and water systems. Importantly, while biocide-induced adaptive responses in Campylobacter spp. may potentially overlap with antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, the extent to which these agents drive co-selection, persistence, or dissemination requires further elucidation. Evidence remains limited on the effects of long-term and repeated exposure under realistic processing conditions, the interplay between stress-induced gene regulation and stable genetic changes, and the contribution of mobile genetic elements, biofilm formation, and microbial communities in shaping antimicrobial resistance evolution. In light of the global health burden imposed by campylobacteriosis and the rising challenge of antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter, this review brings together current evidence on the role of biocides in shaping bacterial survival, adaptation, and resistance mechanisms. Full article

13 pages, 263 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Quantum Public-Key Cryptosystem with Reusable Keys Using Entangled States

by Xiaoyu Li and Yue Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3335; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073335 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

In most traditional quantum public-key cryptosystems, the public key held by the key management center (KMC) is a group of quantum systems. The public key is destroyed after a secret communication process, and so users must reconstruct the public key with the KMC after every communication process or hold many copies of the public key in the beginning. This requirement is an obstacle to the practical application of such quantum cryptosystems. This paper describes a quantum public-key cryptosystem with reusable keys using entangled states. Each user shares a set of entangled quantum systems with the KMC as that individual user’s (public key, private key) pair. Two users can exchange secret communications with the help of the KMC. Moreover, the states of the quantum systems revert to their original states. The user’s (public key, private key) pair is unchanged so that the keys are reusable. It is unnecessary for users to reconstruct the public key with the KMC or save many copies of the public key in the KMC. As a result, this public-key cryptosystem is much less expensive to manage and easier to realize in practice than most traditional quantum public-key cryptosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Communication and Quantum Information)

15 pages, 1082 KB

Open AccessReview

Significant Benefits of the Rhizosphere Microbiome for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review on Blueberry Rhizosphere Microbiome

by Jilu Che, Yaqiong Wu, Ying Chang, Wenlong Wu, Lianfei Lyu, Fuliang Cao and Weilin Li

Agronomy 2026, 16(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16070718 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

The rhizosphere is a complex microecosystem where soil, roots, and microbes interact to maintain soil ecological functions. Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), an economically important fruit, has a shallow, fibrous root system with few root hairs, limiting its nutrient absorption. It thrives in acidic, high-organic matter soils, restricting its cultivation in many soil types worldwide. Enhancing blueberry productivity and adaptation by leveraging beneficial rhizosphere microbial communities offers a sustainable solution. This review summarizes the composition of blueberry rhizosphere microbial community across different microenvironments and the blueberry rhizosphere core microbiome. We detail the functional roles of beneficial microorganisms in stimulating nutrient bioavailability and secreting phytohormones. Furthermore, factors influencing microbiome assembly, including cultivars, planting age, and metabolites, are evaluated alongside agricultural management practices. Despite extensive taxonomic characterization, a critical gap remains in understanding the functional synergism between blueberry and its rhizosphere microbiome, particularly the ecological mechanisms underlying host adaptation to acidic and nutrient-limited environments. Overall, future research should focus on developing targeted agricultural practices and synthetic microbial communities to reshape the rhizosphere microbiome, thereby establishing productive, resilient rhizosphere-based microbial systems that support eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rhizosphere Microbiome Association with Agronomic Productivity)

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19 pages, 1584 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrification Inhibitors on the Soil Microbiome During Strawberry Cultivation

by Jana Maková, Renata Artimová, Soňa Javoreková, Samuel Adamec, Oleg Paulen, Alena Andrejiová, Ladislav Ducsay and Juraj Medo

Nitrogen 2026, 7(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7020039 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

The application of nitrification inhibitors (Nis) with nitrogen fertilizers is increasingly used as a management strategy to improve nitrogen use efficiency in crop production systems. To evaluate the effects of Ni dicyandiamide (DCD) and 1,2,4-triazole (TZ) on the rhizosphere microbiome and strawberry yield (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), a two-year field experiment was conducted with three treatments: unfertilized control (C), mineral nitrogen fertilizer (N) applied in two doses (40 + 40 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹), and a single nitrogen application (80 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) combined with nitrification inhibitors (N + Ni). Soil microbiota were assessed using cultivation-based methods and metabarcoding of 16S rRNA and ITS2 regions. Total bacterial counts on complex media increased from 5.85 to 6.15 log CFU g⁻¹ in the N treatment, while remaining 5.89 in N + Ni. Microscopic fungi increased in fertilized treatments during spring but decreased in July of the second year. Microbial community composition differed among treatments, although sampling time explained a larger proportion of variability than fertilization. Relative abundance of Gemmatimonas decreased under N + Ni, whereas Nitrososphaera increased. Fungal Shannon diversity decreased in N + Ni, while prokaryotic diversity did not differ significantly. Despite similar levels of mineral nitrogen measured before harvest, strawberry yield increased significantly in the N + Ni treatment in the second year, reaching 109% higher values than the control and 80% higher than the N treatment. This may indicate that the fertilization regime including nitrification inhibitors influenced nitrogen availability earlier in the growing season. Full article

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24 pages, 3302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lyapunov-Based Event-Triggered Fault-Tolerant Distributed Control for DC Microgrids with Communication Failures

by Ilhami Poyraz, Heybet Kilic and Mehmet Emin Asker

Mathematics 2026, 14(7), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14071152 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Recently, distributed DC microgrids have gained prominence due to their modular design, scalability, and seamless integration with renewable energy sources. However, ensuring robust operation of distributed secondary control schemes remains challenging, particularly in the presence of unavoidable communication disruptions and parametric uncertainties encountered in practice. Most existing control strategies either assume ideal communication networks or address fault tolerance and communication constraints separately, which limits their applicability in realistic networked environments. This paper proposes an event-triggered fault-tolerant distributed secondary control framework for DC microgrids operating under communication faults. An embedded averaged model is incorporated to support fault-tolerant decision-making and to guide event-triggered communication updates. In addition, an auxiliary recovery mechanism is introduced, enabling neighboring converters to cooperatively compensate for information loss during communication interruptions without centralized supervision. Lyapunov-based stability analysis establishes boundedness and practical convergence of the closed-loop system under event-triggered updates and bounded disturbances while explicitly excluding Zeno behavior. The simulation results under communication fault scenarios demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves accurate DC bus voltage regulation with steady-state deviations below 1% while restoring proportional power sharing with an averaged error within 5%. The embedded model error remains bounded throughout the fault interval, and fault-tolerant control actions are triggered sparsely with well-separated inter-event times on the order of tens of milliseconds, thereby significantly reducing the communication burden. These results confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed framework for the resilient operation of distributed DC microgrids under practical communication constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Modeling and Simulation for Control Systems, 3rd Edition)

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