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32 pages, 9556 KB  
Article
A DAS-Based Multi-Sensor Fusion Framework for Feature Extraction and Quantitative Blockage Monitoring in Coal Gangue Slurry Pipelines
by Chenyang Ma, Jing Chai, Dingding Zhang, Lei Zhu and Zhi Li
Sensors 2026, 26(7), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26072048 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Long-distance coal gangue slurry transportation pipelines are critical components of underground coal mine green backfilling systems, yet blockage failures severely threaten their safe and efficient operation. Existing distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)-based monitoring methods for such pipelines suffer from three key limitations: insufficient fixed-point [...] Read more.
Long-distance coal gangue slurry transportation pipelines are critical components of underground coal mine green backfilling systems, yet blockage failures severely threaten their safe and efficient operation. Existing distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)-based monitoring methods for such pipelines suffer from three key limitations: insufficient fixed-point quantitative accuracy, lack of verified blockage-specific characteristic indicators, and limited quantitative severity assessment capability. To address these gaps, this paper proposes a novel feature-level fusion monitoring method integrating DAS, fiber Bragg grating (FBG), and piezoelectric accelerometers for accurate blockage identification and quantitative evaluation in coal gangue slurry pipelines. A slurry pipeline circulation test platform with gradient blockage simulation (0% to 76.42%) and a synchronous multi-sensor monitoring system were developed. Through multi-domain signal analysis, three blockage-correlated characteristic frequencies were identified and cross-validated by synchronous multi-sensor data: 1.5 Hz (system background vibration), 26 Hz (blockage-induced fluid–structure resonance, verified by the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory with a theoretical value of 25.7 Hz), and 174 Hz (transient flow impact). The DAS phase change rate exhibited a unimodal nonlinear response to blockage degree, with the peak occurring at 40.94% blockage. On this basis, a sine-fitting quantitative inversion model was developed, achieving a high goodness of fit (R2 = 0.985), and leave-one-out cross-validation confirmed its excellent robustness with a mean relative prediction error of 3.77%. Finally, a collaborative monitoring framework was built to fully leverage the complementary advantages of each sensor, realizing full-process blockage monitoring covering global blockage localization, precise quantitative severity calibration, and high-frequency transient risk early warning. The proposed method provides a robust experimental and technical foundation for real-time early warning, precise localization, and quantitative diagnosis of long-distance slurry pipeline blockages and holds important engineering application value for the safe and efficient operation of underground coal mine green backfilling systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensor Fusion in Industry 4.0)
27 pages, 2857 KB  
Perspective
Point-of-Care Electrochemical Diagnostic Developments for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Role of Aptamers and Nanomaterials
by Kamna Ravi and Baljit Singh
Biosensors 2026, 16(4), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040186 - 24 Mar 2026
Abstract
The unchecked and uncontrolled global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious challenge to healthcare and modern medicine, and demands diagnostic approaches that are rapid, sensitive, multiplexed, and reliable in point-of-care (POC) settings. At the interface of nanomaterials and aptamer-based biosensing, significant [...] Read more.
The unchecked and uncontrolled global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious challenge to healthcare and modern medicine, and demands diagnostic approaches that are rapid, sensitive, multiplexed, and reliable in point-of-care (POC) settings. At the interface of nanomaterials and aptamer-based biosensing, significant advances have been reported. The convergence of portable electrochemical sensing technologies, smartphone-based readout systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-based data analysis is also playing a significant role in advancing this area. This perspective reflects on the most recent breakthroughs and translational developments in electrochemical nano-aptasensors for MDR bacterial detection, covering diagnostic targets and translation trends, nanomaterials advancements, aptamer engineering-integration, POC strategies and microfluidics platforms, and novel multimodal strategies that enhance accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in POC testing. Moreover, limitations and knowledge gaps in this area, as well as key considerations for sustainable development, large-scale manufacturing, and deployment of integrated electrochemical nano-aptasensors, are also highlighted. Electrochemical nano-aptasensors can pave the way for the transformation of MDR bacterial diagnosis, but need coordinated translational efforts for POC diagnostic advancements towards real-world applications. Full article
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26 pages, 17591 KB  
Article
Monitoring of Changes in Desertification in the High Andean Zone of Candarave: Case Study in Tacna, Perú, at the Headwaters of the Atacama Desert
by German Huayna, Jorge Muchica-Huamantuma, Edwin Pino-Vargas, Pablo Franco-León, Eusebio Ingol-Blanco, Fredy Cabrera-Olivera, Carolyn Salazar, Gloria Choque and Edgar Taya-Acosta
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073179 - 24 Mar 2026
Abstract
Desertification is one of the main threats to high Andean ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions subject to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluated the spatial-temporal dynamics of desertification in the province of Candarave (Tacna, Peru) by integrating the Remote [...] Read more.
Desertification is one of the main threats to high Andean ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions subject to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluated the spatial-temporal dynamics of desertification in the province of Candarave (Tacna, Peru) by integrating the Remote Sensing-based Desertification Index (RSDI), constructed from a principal component analysis incorporating four biophysical indicators: vegetation greenness, surface moisture, soil grain size, and fraction of solar radiation reflected (albedo), derived from Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images processed in Google Earth Engine. Temporal trends were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall test, while system stability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation, allowing different degrees of stability and environmental degradation to be characterized during the period 2010–2025. The results show that moderate and severe desertification classes predominate in higher altitude areas, covering approximately 92% of the study area, and are characterized by insignificant to weakly significant negative trends associated with high to relatively high temporal volatility. In contrast, stable areas with no significant changes represent 5.3% of the territory, while restoration processes occupy a small proportion, close to 2.7%. The high variability observed in the high Andean sectors is mainly linked to the interaction between reduced water availability, climate variability, and extreme events, as well as anthropogenic pressures, particularly overgrazing and aquifer exploitation. This multitemporal analysis allows us to anticipate the evolution of desertification and highlights the need to strengthen conservation planning in order to reduce the degradation of strategic high Andean ecosystems in the Tacna region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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22 pages, 8074 KB  
Article
High-Performance Parallel Direct Georeferencing for Massive ULS LiDAR Measurements
by Mei Yu, Yuhao Zhou, Hua Liu and Bo Liu
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(6), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18060949 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 158
Abstract
The rapid increase in point density and acquisition rate of UAV laser scanning (ULS) systems has shifted the primary bottleneck of LiDAR workflows from data acquisition to post-processing, particularly during direct georeferencing of massive LiDAR measurements. This study presents a systematic evaluation of [...] Read more.
The rapid increase in point density and acquisition rate of UAV laser scanning (ULS) systems has shifted the primary bottleneck of LiDAR workflows from data acquisition to post-processing, particularly during direct georeferencing of massive LiDAR measurements. This study presents a systematic evaluation of parallel computing strategies for accelerating ULS direct georeferencing while preserving geodetic accuracy. Two georeferencing models are investigated: (1) a rigorous model that strictly follows the full geodetic transformation chain from sensor owned coordinates system (SOCS) to projected map coordinates, and (2) an approximate model that incorporates meridian convergence angle compensation and preprocessing of platform trajectories to reduce per-point computational complexity. For each model, a shared-memory multicore CPU implementation based on OpenMP and a heterogeneous GPU implementation based on CUDA are designed. Experiments were conducted on seven real-world ULS datasets, ranging from 2.9 × 107 to 7.0 × 108 points and covering diverse terrain types. Accuracy analysis shows that, in typical urban, plain, and industrial scenarios, the approximate model achieves millimeter-level mean errors and centimeter-level RMSEs relative to the rigorous model, satisfying the requirements of most engineering surveying applications. Performance evaluation demonstrates that parallelization yields substantial speedups: OpenMP-based method achieves 7–9 times acceleration, while GPU computing attains up to 24.6 times acceleration for the rigorous model and up to 16.7 times for the approximate model. The results highlight the complementary strengths of the two models and provide practical guidance for selecting accuracy-efficiency trade-offs in large-scale ULS production workflows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point Cloud Data Analysis and Applications)
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27 pages, 1922 KB  
Article
Research on Contractor Selection for Grey Plaster Decoration Engineering of Cultural Relic Buildings Based on the BWM-TODIM Method
by Yu Qiao, Le Gao, Xinwen Deng, Xiaoying Huang, Jianqiang Wang, Tian Yang and Hengyi Chen
Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061241 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 113
Abstract
Grey plastic is a representative traditional architectural decoration craft in the Lingnan region in China, carrying rich historical and cultural values as well as distinctive regional artistic characteristics. However, the grey plastic craft is currently facing problems such as inheritance gaps and a [...] Read more.
Grey plastic is a representative traditional architectural decoration craft in the Lingnan region in China, carrying rich historical and cultural values as well as distinctive regional artistic characteristics. However, the grey plastic craft is currently facing problems such as inheritance gaps and a shortage of craftsmen, and its restoration projects impose extremely high professional requirements on contractors. Existing contractor selection methods are mostly applicable to ordinary construction projects and are difficult to adapt to its particularity, which may easily lead to risks such as substandard restoration quality. Therefore, this paper proposes a contractor selection method for grey plastic decoration projects of cultural relic buildings based on the BWM-TODIM method. Firstly, an evaluation system covering six core criteria is constructed; secondly, the BWM is adopted to determine the criteria weights; thirdly, the TODIM method is used to characterize the decision-makers’ loss aversion psychology and rank the candidate contractors; finally, an empirical analysis is conducted with a grey plastic restoration project in Lingnan as a case to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. This study can provide decision support for the scientific selection of contractors for grey plastic decoration projects and contribute to the sustainable protection of cultural heritage. The scope of this study is limited to contractor selection for grey plaster decoration engineering of cultural relic buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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19 pages, 2031 KB  
Article
A Novel Second-Order Explicit Integration Method for Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations in Dynamics
by Gorka Urkullu, Ibai Coria, Igor Fernández de Bustos and Haritz Uriarte
Mathematics 2026, 14(6), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14061036 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 115
Abstract
This paper introduces a new explicit integration method for second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) commonly encountered in engineering applications. Traditionally, these problems are solved either by reformulating them as first-order systems to apply one-step methods such as Runge–Kutta schemes, or by using direct [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a new explicit integration method for second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) commonly encountered in engineering applications. Traditionally, these problems are solved either by reformulating them as first-order systems to apply one-step methods such as Runge–Kutta schemes, or by using direct second-order approaches widely adopted in linear dynamics, including the generalized-α, central difference, and Newmark methods. The proposed method is derived from a Taylor series expansion truncated at the third derivative, resulting in a fully explicit algorithm that requires only one function evaluation per time step. Similar to Newmark’s formulation, it includes adjustable parameters that allow the user to balance accuracy and stability. For a specific parameter choice, the method exhibits convergence and stability properties comparable to those of the central difference scheme. An important advantage is that it remains explicit even when nonlinearities depend on first-derivative terms. The paper presents a theoretical analysis covering stability, local truncation error, spectral properties, numerical damping, and period elongation. The method is validated through four test cases from multibody dynamics, including linear and nonlinear problems. Results demonstrate that the Explicit Integration Grade 3 (EIG-3) method achieves accuracy comparable to existing explicit second-order integrators while significantly reducing computational cost, particularly in nonlinear applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section C2: Dynamical Systems)
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20 pages, 14840 KB  
Article
Integrated Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment for Delhi with Quantile-Regressed LightGBM and SHAP Interpretation
by Saurabh Singh, Sudip Pandey, Ankush Kumar Jain, Ashraf Mousa, Fahdah Falah Ben Hasher and Mohamed Zhran
Land 2026, 15(3), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15030488 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Rapid urbanization, environmental degradation and climate variability are intensifying the exposure of urban populations to multiple, interacting hazards in megacities. In India’s capital, Delhi, extreme heat, worsening air quality and flood-related stress overlap in impacted areas, exacerbated by high population density in low-lying [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization, environmental degradation and climate variability are intensifying the exposure of urban populations to multiple, interacting hazards in megacities. In India’s capital, Delhi, extreme heat, worsening air quality and flood-related stress overlap in impacted areas, exacerbated by high population density in low-lying zones and extensive built-up cover. This study develops an integrated spatial framework for assessing relative multi-hazard risk potential in Delhi by combining remote sensing, climate reanalysis, land use and demographic datasets into a predictive modeling system to support urban resilience planning. A comprehensive suite of twenty-two predictors representing thermal stress, air quality, surface indices, topography, hydrology, land use land cover (LULC), and demographic data was derived from diverse Earth observation sources. A cloud-native workflow leveraging Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Python 3 harmonized these predictors to train a Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model with five-fold spatial cross-validation. Quantile regression was used to estimate lower (P10) and upper (P90) predictive bounds, which are interpreted here as empirical predictive intervals around the modeled risk surface rather than as a strict separation of different uncertainty types, while SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) decomposed the non-linear contributions of individual features. The model achieved predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.98, MAE = 0.01), with residuals centered near zero and consistent performance across spatial folds, demonstrating strong generalizability. Road density (63.4%) and population density (25.9%) emerged as the primary predictors of the modeled risk surface, followed by building density and NO2 concentration. Conversely, vegetation cover (NDVI) functioned as a critical mitigating buffer. Spatial risk maps identified persistent high-risk clusters in eastern and northeastern Delhi, coinciding with dense transport networks and industrial zones. The integrated P90 mapping framework provides spatially explicit and uncertainty-aware information on relative multi-hazard risk potential to guide targeted interventions, such as transport corridor mitigation and urban greening in Delhi and other rapidly urbanizing cities. Full article
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34 pages, 4339 KB  
Review
A Review of Recent Advances in Micro Heat Exchangers in the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
by Muhammad Waheed Azam, Fabio Bozzoli, Ghulam Qadir Choudhary and Uzair Sajjad
Inventions 2026, 11(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions11020027 - 16 Mar 2026
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Micro heat exchangers (MHXs) have emerged as a critical technology for advanced thermal management in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their high surface area-to-volume ratios, compact design, and precise temperature control. This review provides a systematic and integrated analysis of MHX [...] Read more.
Micro heat exchangers (MHXs) have emerged as a critical technology for advanced thermal management in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their high surface area-to-volume ratios, compact design, and precise temperature control. This review provides a systematic and integrated analysis of MHX technology, covering their fundamental principles, classification, design methodologies, performance enhancement techniques, and industrial applications. Unlike existing reviews, the present work establishes a unified framework that links microscale heat transfer mechanisms, such as Brownian motion, surface corrugation effects, and non-dimensional parameters, with practical design choices, manufacturing routes, and the process requirements specific to food and pharmaceutical systems. The subsequent sections explore the key performance-influencing factors, including channel geometry, surface enhancement strategies, nanofluid utilization, and governing non-dimensional numbers (e.g., Nusselt, Reynolds, and Knudsen numbers), which are systematically compared across different operating regimes. Recent advances in materials and fabrication techniques, such as laser ablation, lithography, micro-milling, embossing, and additive manufacturing, are analyzed with respect to their scalability, thermal–hydraulic performance, and industrial feasibility. Furthermore, the review highlights the emerging trends in micro heat exchanger (MHX) optimization, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-driven design, smart monitoring systems, and energy-efficient integration within processing lines. Finally, the paper also identifies the key challenges and limitations of micro heat exchangers, including pressure drop, fouling, scaling, manufacturing complexity, and cost constraints. These are critically discussed along with future research directions aimed at improving reliability and sustainability. By consolidating the dispersed research outcomes into a coherent, design-oriented perspective, this review offers new insights and practical guidance for researchers, engineers, and industry practitioners seeking to advance the deployment of MHXs in food and pharmaceutical processing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Sights in Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena)
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20 pages, 21808 KB  
Article
Long-Wave Infrared Multispectral Imager for Lunar Remote Sensing: Optical Design and Performance Evaluation
by Haoyang Hu, Jianan Xie, Shiyi Qian, Liyin Yuan and Zhiping He
Photonics 2026, 13(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13030282 - 15 Mar 2026
Viewed by 248
Abstract
High-resolution long-wave infrared imaging is critical for lunar mineralogy. However, it must balance a large FOV, a small F-number, chromatic aberration correction, optical efficiency, and system compactness. We introduce a push-broom multispectral imager employing a collaborative integrated filter array and an off-axis two-mirror [...] Read more.
High-resolution long-wave infrared imaging is critical for lunar mineralogy. However, it must balance a large FOV, a small F-number, chromatic aberration correction, optical efficiency, and system compactness. We introduce a push-broom multispectral imager employing a collaborative integrated filter array and an off-axis two-mirror Gregorian telescope. The system, utilizing an uncooled Vanadium Oxide detector, has an F-number of 1.0, an IFOV of 0.04943 mrad, and a 2.90° × 2.83° FOV that covers eight bands ranging between 7.38 and 14.3 μm. Optical simulation confirms that the modulation transfer function exceeds 0.25 at the Nyquist frequency of 42 lp/mm, with a maximum RMS spot radius of less than 12 μm. The system has remarkable versatility within an operating temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C. Thermal background radiation analysis, stray light analysis, and detection sensitivity were conducted, which indicated that the system has good compliance with indicators and engineering feasibility. This high-throughput optical design meets the rigorous criteria for lunar remote sensing and provides a reliable device for site evaluation in future manned lunar missions. Full article
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47 pages, 742 KB  
Review
Plant-Derived Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: A Unified Framework Integrating Extracellular Vesicles, Engineered Phytocarriers, Hybrid Platforms, and Bioinspired Systems
by Adina-Elena Segneanu, George Dan Mogoşanu, Cornelia Bejenaru, Roxana Kostici and Ludovic Everard Bejenaru
Plants 2026, 15(6), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15060908 - 15 Mar 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), engineered phytosomes, bioinspired polymeric plant-based nanoparticles (PBNPs), hybrid phyto-inorganic nanocomposites, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, self-assembled nanoarchitectures, and multifunctional composites represent a rapidly advancing class of sustainable, nature-inspired nanocarriers. These platforms combine exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and renewable sourcing with tunable [...] Read more.
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), engineered phytosomes, bioinspired polymeric plant-based nanoparticles (PBNPs), hybrid phyto-inorganic nanocomposites, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, self-assembled nanoarchitectures, and multifunctional composites represent a rapidly advancing class of sustainable, nature-inspired nanocarriers. These platforms combine exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and renewable sourcing with tunable drug loading, targeted delivery, and controlled release properties. This review synthesizes translational advances from 2020 to 2026, covering scalable isolation/bioprocessing (bioreactors, elicitation), multi-parametric physicochemical/multi-omics characterization, rational engineering/hybridization, and rigorous in vitro/in vivo assessments of uptake, biodistribution, pharmacokinetic (PK), and efficacy. Phytosomes and PBNPs markedly enhance oral bioavailability and targeted delivery of lipophilic phytochemicals, while PDEVs offer unique immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulatory activities. Hybrid and green-synthesized systems provide structural stability, redox modulation, and synergistic effects, and self-assembled/multifunctional composites address solubilization barriers with stimuli-responsive design. Early-phase human studies on grapefruit-, ginger-, turmeric-, and ginseng-derived PDEVs report excellent short-term safety, favorable PK, and preliminary bioactivity signals, with no observed immunogenicity or dose-limiting toxicities; however, these trials remain exploratory, constrained by small sample sizes and safety-focused endpoints. Despite challenges, including methodological heterogeneity, variable yields, long-term safety uncertainties (notably for inorganic hybrids), and regulatory ambiguities, emerging strategies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-engineered plant line; artificial-intelligence-driven process optimization; standardized guidelines, and integrated clinical, intellectual property, and commercialization frameworks are progressively addressing these barriers. Collectively, these advances position plant-derived nanocarriers as immunologically privileged, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic and mammalian platforms, laying the foundation for a sustainable era of precision phytomedicine. Full article
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22 pages, 3578 KB  
Article
Numerical Simulation Analysis of Hydrodynamic Coupling Effects and Energy Conversion Efficiency of Dual-Float Wave Energy Converters
by Dongqin Li, Yu Zhang, Jie Hu, Yanqing Yin, Bohan Wang and Wenwen Chen
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(6), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14060530 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 248
Abstract
This study examines the hydrodynamic performance and energy conversion mechanisms of a dual-float wave energy converter (WEC) to address the limitations of single-float WECs regarding energy capture efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank is constructed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) technology [...] Read more.
This study examines the hydrodynamic performance and energy conversion mechanisms of a dual-float wave energy converter (WEC) to address the limitations of single-float WECs regarding energy capture efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank is constructed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) technology and STAR-CCM+ to simulate the dynamic response of the dual-float system under specific wave conditions characterized by a height of 0.1 m and a period of 1.5 s. The effects of a front-rear configuration with a quarter-wavelength spacing on the converter’s power output, turbofan rotational characteristics, and heave motion are systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the wave-facing float attains a consistent rotational speed of 4 rad/s, exhibiting significant fluctuations in heave displacement and velocity. Conversely, the downstream float exhibits diminished motion amplitude, a constant rotational velocity of 2.5 rad/s, and curtailed power generation attributable to wave diffraction and energy shielding from the wave-facing float. The mutual hydrodynamic interference between the floats influences the total energy conversion efficiency, as evidenced by the dual-float system’s array impact factor of 0.989. A parametric study covering multiple wave conditions and float spacing is supplemented to reveal the influence law of key parameters on system performance. This paper elucidates the fundamental mechanism of hydrodynamic coupling in dual-float arrays and offers a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the optimal design and engineering application of arrayed WECs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))
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24 pages, 5962 KB  
Article
Power Reconstruction and Quantitative Analysis of Photovoltaic Cluster Fluctuation Characteristics Considering Cloud Movement Time Lag
by Gangui Yan, Jianshu Li, Aolan Xing and Weian Kong
Electronics 2026, 15(6), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15061172 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 162
Abstract
The power fluctuation of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) clusters is significantly affected by cloud movement. Aiming at the engineering reality that meteorological observation data are generally lacking for most power stations in wide-area PV clusters, as well as the problem that existing models overfit [...] Read more.
The power fluctuation of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) clusters is significantly affected by cloud movement. Aiming at the engineering reality that meteorological observation data are generally lacking for most power stations in wide-area PV clusters, as well as the problem that existing models overfit second-order high-frequency noise such as microscopic cloud deformation, this paper proposes a disturbance reconstruction and smoothing effect quantification method for PV clusters focusing on the first-order dominant meteorological component. First, a clear-sky model is introduced as a deterministic trend filter to extract the purely random disturbance sequence that induces grid-connection risks from the measured output power. Second, the dimensionality reduction modeling concept of “macro-advection dominance and microscopic deformation filtering” is established: the PV cluster is finely partitioned by fusing Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and geographical distance, and a cross-space inversion of the macro-cloud velocity vector is realized, driven by pure power data using the Time-Lagged Cross-Correlation (TLCC) algorithm, thus constructing a disturbance power generation model that accounts for the phase misalignment of power output. Independent verification based on measured data in Jilin Province shows that the 95% confidence interval of the power reconstructed only by the first-order advection characteristics can cover 90.2% of the measured fluctuations, and the reconstruction error of the fluctuation standard deviation—an indicator that determines the system reserve demand—is merely 5.9%. This verifies that the macro-cloud displacement is the absolute dominant factor governing the extreme fluctuations of PV clusters. Finally, a normalized Smoothing Factor (SF) characterizing the “reserve capacity release ratio” is constructed, and combined with its statistical indicators, it is used to quantitatively evaluate the smoothing benefits provided by different spatial layout schemes. Under data-constrained conditions, the method proposed in this paper verifies the engineering rationality that microscopic meteorological noise can be safely neglected at the macro-PV cluster scale, providing a reliable quantitative basis for the safe grid expansion and peak-shaving energy storage capacity sizing of high-proportion PV bases. Full article
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13 pages, 2593 KB  
Essay
Effect of Outlet Pressure on Foam Performance in a Compressed Air Foam System
by Qing Ma, Chang Liu, Xiaobin Li, Dawei Li, Xinzhe Li and Yixuan Wu
Fire 2026, 9(3), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9030120 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 395
Abstract
This study investigates how outlet pressure influences the fire suppression performance of a compressed air foam system (CAFS), with the aim of supporting system optimization and engineering applications. An experimental apparatus for foam performance testing is used to measure changes in foam flow [...] Read more.
This study investigates how outlet pressure influences the fire suppression performance of a compressed air foam system (CAFS), with the aim of supporting system optimization and engineering applications. An experimental apparatus for foam performance testing is used to measure changes in foam flow rate, expansion, initial velocity, initial momentum, and drainage time at different outlet pressures. On the basis of relevant theoretical models, the factors causing discrepancies between model predictions and experimental results are examined, and the models are then refined. How the outlet pressure of CAFS affects foam performance is thereby clarified. The results show that foam flow rate increases as outlet pressure increases. At higher pressures, shear-thinning and intensified gas–liquid mixing affect the foam. As a result, the growth of flow rate in the range of 0.01–0.03 MPa is significantly higher than that in the range of 0.06–0.10 MPa. Both initial velocity and initial momentum increase significantly with increasing pressure, whereas the expansion decreases. Within the outlet pressure range of 0.01–0.10 MPa, the initial velocity increases from 1.23 m/s to 6.65 m/s, the initial momentum rises from 4.6 kg·m/s to 34.1 kg·m/s, and the expansion decreases from 9.2 to 5.4, indicating reduced foam stability. Drainage time and drained mass vary non-monotonically with outlet pressure. The longest drainage time and the smallest drained mass occur at 0.06 MPa. Fire suppression performance improves as outlet pressure increases. A higher outlet pressure enables the foam solution to penetrate the flame zone more effectively and to cover the surface of the burning material. In addition, changes in foam properties enhance the thermal insulation and smothering effects of the foam layer, as well as its heat absorption and cooling capacity. These effects together improve the efficiency of fire source cooling. Full article
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25 pages, 5483 KB  
Article
Urban Expansion and Flood-Relevant Runoff Responses in Data-Limited Catchments
by Tropikë Agaj, Ewelina Janicka-Kubiak, Anna Budka and Valbon Bytyqi
Water 2026, 18(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18050639 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Rapid land-cover transformations associated with urban expansion have increasingly altered hydrological processes, modifying runoff generation and flood response at the catchment scale. This study applied the Hydrologic Engineering Center–Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to examine rainfall–runoff dynamics in the Prosna River catchment (Poland) and [...] Read more.
Rapid land-cover transformations associated with urban expansion have increasingly altered hydrological processes, modifying runoff generation and flood response at the catchment scale. This study applied the Hydrologic Engineering Center–Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to examine rainfall–runoff dynamics in the Prosna River catchment (Poland) and the Morava e Binçës River catchment (Kosovo) for 2006–2021. Land-use changes were quantified using CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data from 2006, 2012, and 2018, and their hydrological effects were evaluated through changes in the Curve Number (CN) parameter. The model was calibrated and validated for the Prosna catchment, achieving satisfactory performance (NSE = 0.72 during calibration and 0.56 during validation), confirming its reliability under varying hydrometeorological conditions. Due to the lack of continuous discharge data in Kosovo, a parameter-transfer approach was used, applying calibrated parameters from the Prosna to the Morava e Binçës. Scenario-based simulations assessed the combined effects of urban growth and meteorological variability. Under wetter conditions, increased precipitation and expanded impervious surfaces markedly amplified simulated discharge, with maximum daily differences reaching 86.9 m3 s−1. These findings underscore the sensitivity of catchment response to interacting land-use and precipitation changes and highlight the need for improved hydrological monitoring in data-scarce regions. Full article
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32 pages, 10783 KB  
Article
A Collaborative Robot-Based Approach for Automated 3D Shape Inspection of Complex Parts
by Keqing Lu, Kaifu Wang, Junhua Lu, Chuanyong Wang, Zhanfeng Chen and Wen Wang
Actuators 2026, 15(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15030155 - 7 Mar 2026
Viewed by 272
Abstract
As manufacturing progresses, the demand for precision inspection of complex parts has intensified. To guarantee functionality and sensory performance, high-efficiency 3D shape measurement is required. In this paper, a collaborative robot-based approach for efficient and high-precision 3D shape inspection of complex parts is [...] Read more.
As manufacturing progresses, the demand for precision inspection of complex parts has intensified. To guarantee functionality and sensory performance, high-efficiency 3D shape measurement is required. In this paper, a collaborative robot-based approach for efficient and high-precision 3D shape inspection of complex parts is proposed. The system employs a collaborative robot to drive the scanner along optimized trajectories. First, the configuration of the inspection system is presented, and the ideal measurement mode for the sensor is analyzed. Subsequently, adaptive viewpoints are generated through parametric discretization based on surface geometric features. For inter-region scanning path planning, the problem is modeled as the Shortest Path Problem (SPP) within the framework of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and solved by constructing a Successive Approximation Algorithm (SAA). Furthermore, a Modified Denavit-Hartenberg (MDH) method is applied to establish the precise kinematic model of the collaborative robot. Inverse kinematics solutions are derived to convert planned viewpoints into target joint configurations, thereby achieving precise end-effector pose control. Simulation and experimental results on an engine cover and a cylinder head demonstrate that the proposed approach enables comprehensive 3D shape inspection of complex parts in a single setup and achieves higher efficiency and accuracy compared to existing methods. This work offers a viable solution for integrating robotic actuation and active sensing in the automated inspection of complex geometries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuation and Sensing of Intelligent Soft Robots—2nd Edition)
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