Search Results (561)

The Adriatic–Ionian region is seismically very active and poses a major challenge for risk mitigation. Each country has developed laws, standards, and techniques to reduce seismic vulnerability. The ADRISEISMIC project created a database of existing regulatory and incentive frameworks, based on a comprehensive study conducted in six countries. The study covered seismic norms, building regulations, urban planning regulations, incentive frameworks, and post-earthquake planning. A comparative matrix was developed in which key parameters, such as year of issuance, references to EU regulations, level of enforcement, mandatory status, target groups, reference period in relation to earthquake occurrence, and consideration of cultural heritage, were analyzed. The database aims to support a harmonized strategy to reduce seismic vulnerability by promoting measures based on common reference standards. This increases safety, improves the built environment, and minimizes risks to people and nature. Particular attention will be paid to historic urban areas that are both vulnerable and rich in cultural heritage. The collected regulatory and incentive framework will serve as a basis for future research to support the identification of good practices and the formulation of customized roadmaps to apply them to reduce seismic vulnerability. Full article

Seismic isolation and energy dissipation systems are essential technologies for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure exposed to earthquake-induced ground motions. By reducing structural damage, protecting non-structural components, and ensuring post-earthquake functionality, these systems contribute to minimizing economic loss, preserving human life, and supporting long-term community resilience. This review focuses exclusively on passive control systems, such as base isolators and damping devices, commonly codified and implemented in current engineering practice. A comprehensive analysis of international design codes and performance-based practices is presented, highlighting the role of these systems in promoting sustainable infrastructure through risk mitigation and extended service life. The study identifies critical gaps in global standards and testing protocols, advocating for harmonized and forward-looking approaches. The findings aim to inform seismic design strategies that align with the principles of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Full article

This paper addresses the core contradiction in fault diagnosis of gearboxes in heavy-duty equipment, where it is challenging to achieve both lightweight and robustness in dynamic industrial environments. Current diagnostic algorithms often struggle with balancing computational efficiency and diagnostic accuracy, particularly in noisy and variable operating conditions. Many existing methods either rely on complex architectures that are computationally expensive or oversimplified models that lack robustness to environmental interference. A novel, lightweight, and robust diagnostic network, YConvFormer, is proposed. Firstly, a time–frequency joint input channel is introduced, which integrates time-domain waveforms and frequency-domain spectrums at the input layer. It incorporates an Efficient Channel Attention mechanism with dynamic weighting to filter noise in specific frequency bands, suppressing high-frequency noise and enhancing the complementary relationship between time–frequency features. Secondly, an axial-enhanced broadcast attention mechanism is proposed. It models long-range temporal dependencies through spatial axial modeling, expanding the receptive field of shock features, while channel axial reinforcement strengthens the interaction of harmonics across frequency bands. This mechanism refines temporal modeling with minimal computation. Finally, the YConvFormer lightweight architecture is proposed, which combines shallow feature processing with global–local modeling, significantly reducing computational load. The experimental results on the XJTU and SEU gearbox datasets show that the proposed method improves the average accuracy by 6.55% and 19.58%, respectively, compared to the best baseline model, LiteFormer. Full article

(1) Background: Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), characterized by high toxicity and strong lipophilicity, which promote their bioaccumulation in human tissues. Their detection in breast milk raises concerns about early-life exposure during lactation. Although dietary intake is the primary route of maternal exposure, environmental pathways—including inhalation, dermal absorption, and residential proximity to contaminated sites—may also significantly contribute to the maternal body burden. (2) Methods: This narrative review examined peer-reviewed studies investigating maternal and environmental determinants of dioxin and dl-PCB concentrations in human breast milk. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000–2024), identifying a total of 325 records. Following eligibility screening and full-text assessment, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: The included studies consistently identified key exposure determinants, such as high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, fish, dairy), living near industrial facilities or waste sites, and maternal characteristics including age, parity, and body mass index (BMI). Substantial geographic variability was observed, with higher concentrations reported in regions affected by industrial activity, military pollution, or inadequate waste management. One longitudinal study from Japan demonstrated a declining trend in dioxin levels in breast milk, suggesting the potential effectiveness of regulatory interventions. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight that maternal exposure to dioxins is influenced by identifiable environmental and behavioral factors, which can be mitigated through public health policies, targeted dietary guidance, and environmental remediation. Breast milk remains a critical bioindicator of human exposure. Harmonized, long-term research is needed to clarify health implications and minimize contaminant transfer to infants, particularly among vulnerable populations. Full article

To further enhance the economic performance of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), this study develops a model-adaptive model predictive control (MPC) strategy. This strategy leverages the dynamic relationship between proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) output characteristics and temperature to track its optimal operating temperature (OOT), addressing challenges of temperature control accuracy and high energy consumption in the PEMFC thermal management system (TMS). First, PEMFC and TMS models were developed and experimentally validated. Subsequently, the PEMFC power–temperature coupling curve was experimentally determined under multiple operating conditions to serve as the reference trajectory for TMS multi-objective optimization. For MPC controller design, the TMS model was linearized and discretized, yielding a predictive model adaptable to different load demands for stack temperature across the full operating range. A multi-constrained quadratic cost function was formulated, aiming to minimize the deviation of the PEMFC operating temperature from the OOT while accounting for TMS parasitic power consumption. Finally, simulations under Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) conditions evaluated the OOT tracking performance of both PID and MPC control strategies, as well as their impact on stack efficiency and TMS energy consumption at different ambient temperatures. The results indicate that, compared to PID control, MPC reduces temperature tracking error by 33%, decreases fan and pump speed fluctuations by over 24%, and lowers TMS energy consumption by 10%. These improvements enhance PEMFC operational stability and improve FCV energy efficiency. Full article

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are widely used in power-conversion applications, including distributed energy storage integration, because of their scalability, high efficiency, and reduced harmonic distortion. Integrating battery storage systems into MMC submodules using dual active bridge (DAB) converters provides electrical isolation and reduces voltage stress, harmonics, and common-mode issues. However, voltage fluctuations due to the battery state of charge can compromise the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation of a DAB and increase the reactive power circulation, leading to higher losses and reduced system performance. To address these challenges, this study investigated an active control strategy for submodule voltage regulation in an MMC with DAB-based battery integration. Assuming single-phase-shift modulation, two control strategies were evaluated. The first strategy regulated the DAB voltage on one side to match the battery voltage on the other, scaled by the high-frequency transformer turns ratio, which facilitated the ZVS operation and reduced the reactive power. The second strategy optimized this voltage to minimize the total power-conversion losses. The proposed control strategies improved the efficiency, particularly at low power levels, achieving several percentage points of improvement compared to maintaining a constant voltage. Full article

Dual three-phase PMSMs (DTP-PMSMs) have attracted increasing attention in the field of robotics industry for their higher power density and enhanced fault-tolerant ability. The non-phase-shifted DTP-PMSM (NPSDTP-PMSM), which shows naturally prevailed performance on zero-sequence current (ZSC) suppression, necessitates the investigation on the control method with improved fault-tolerant performance. In this paper, a novel fault-tolerant control (FTC) method for NPSDTP-PMSM is proposed, which concurrently simultaneously reduces copper loss and suppresses torque ripple under single and dual open phase fault. Firstly, the mathematical model of NPSDTP-PMSM is established, where the ZSC self-suppressing mechanism is revealed. Based on which, investigations on open phase fault and the copper loss characteristics for NPSDTP-PMSM are conducted. Subsequently, a novel fault-tolerant control method is proposed for NPSDTP-PMSM, where the torque ripple is reduced by mutual cancellation of harmonic torques from two winding sets and minimized copper loss is achieved based on the convex characteristic of copper loss. Experimental validation on an integrated robotic joint motor platform confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

To investigate the oscillation modes of iced transmission lines, this study introduces a forcing term into the galloping equation and applies two discretization approaches: Discrete Method I (DMI), which directly transforms the partial differential equation into an ordinary differential form, and Discrete Method II (DMII), which first averages dynamic tension along the span. The finite element method is employed to validate the analytical solutions. Using a multiscale approach, amplitude-frequency responses under primary, harmonic, and internal resonance are derived. Results show that DMII yields larger galloping amplitudes and trajectories than DMI, with lower resonant frequencies and weaker geometric nonlinearities. In harmonic resonance, superharmonic and subharmonic modes (notably 1/2) are more easily excited. Under 2:1:2 internal resonance, amplitude differences in the vertical (z) direction are more sensitive to the discretization method, whereas the 1:1:1 case shows minimal variation across directions. These findings suggest that the choice of discretization significantly influences galloping behavior, with DMII offering a more conservative prediction. Full article

The Navier equations are reformulated to be third-order partial differential equations. New anti-Cauchy-Riemann equations can express a general solution in 2D space for incompressible materials. Based on the third-order solutions in 3D space and the Boussinesq–Galerkin method, a third-order method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is developed. For the 3D Navier equation in linear elasticity, we present three new general solutions, which have appeared in the literature for the first time, to signify the theoretical contributions of the present paper. The first one is in terms of a biharmonic function and a harmonic function. The completeness of the proposed general solution is proven by using the solvability conditions of the equations obtained by equating the proposed general solution to the Boussinesq–Galerkin solution. The second general solution is expressed in terms of a harmonic vector, which is simpler than the Slobodianskii general solution, and the traditional MFS. The main achievement is that the general solution is complete, and the number of harmonic functions, three, is minimal. The third general solution is presented by a harmonic vector and a biharmonic vector, which are subjected to a constraint equation. We derive a specific solution by setting the two vectors in the third general solution as the vectorizations of a single harmonic potential. Hence, we have a simple approach to the Slobodianskii general solution. The applications of the new solutions are demonstrated. Owing to the minimality of the harmonic functions, the resulting bases generated from the new general solution are complete and linearly independent. Numerical instability can be avoided by using the new bases. To explore the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed MFS variant methods, some examples are tested. Full article

In this study, We explore for Minkowski 3-space ${\mathbb{E}}_1^3$ harmonic surfaces’ geometric features by employing a common tangent vector field along a curve situated on the surface. Our analysis is grounded in the rotation minimizing (RM) Darboux frame, which offers a robust alternative to the classical Frenet frame particularly valuable in the Lorentzian setting, where singularities frequently arise. The RM Darboux frame, tailored to curves lying on surfaces, enables the expression of fundamental invariants such as geodesic curvature, normal curvature, and geodesic torsion. We derive specific conditions that characterize harmonic surfaces based on these invariants. We also clarify the connection between the components of the RM Darboux frame and thesurface’s mean curvature vector. This formulation provides fresh perspectives on the classification and intrinsic structure of harmonic surfaces within Minkowski geometry. To support our findings, we present several illustrative examples that demonstrate the applicability and strength of the RM Darboux approach in Lorentzian differential geometry. Full article

The enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) may reduce the supply of natural rubber to the European Union (EU), potentially leading to price increases due to the inelastic nature of rubber demand. This study assesses the potential financial implications for smallholder producers in Ghana, considering both the opportunities and risks associated with the evolving regulatory environment under EUDR and local market access conditions. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the impact of different EUDR-related export decline scenarios on the net present value (NPV) of a standard 4-hectare plantation. The results suggest that even a minor 2.5% decline in global exports to the EU could increase the NPV by 17% for an independent compliant producer. However, a simulated COVID-19-like crisis in the fifth year of production leads to a 20% decline in NPV, reflecting vulnerability to external shocks. Based on these findings, the study identifies two priorities. This first is improving the coordination and harmonization of compliance efforts across the value chain to enable more producers to benefit from potential EUDR-related price increases. The recent creation of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) presents an opportunity to support such collective mechanisms. Second, minimizing losses during demand shocks requires the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to establish clear rules and transparent reporting for authorizing unprocessed rubber exports when factories reduce purchases due to low international prices—thus preserving market access for vulnerable producers. Together, these approaches would ensure that the potential benefits of the EUDR are realized inclusively, remain stable despite market downturns, and do not undermine value addition in domestic processing factories. Full article

This paper details the development and implementation of an intelligent energy efficiency system for an electrical grid that incorporates renewable energy sources, specifically photovoltaic systems. The system is applied in a small locality of approximately 8000 inhabitants and aims to optimize energy consumption in public institutions by scheduling electrical appliances during periods of surplus PV energy production. The proposed solution employs a hybrid neuro-fuzzy approach combined with scheduling techniques to intelligently shift loads and maximize the use of locally generated green energy. This enables appliances, particularly schedulable and schedulable non-interruptible ones, to operate during peak PV production hours, thereby minimizing reliance on the national grid and improving overall energy efficiency. This directly reduces the cost of electricity consumption from the national grid. Furthermore, a comprehensive power quality analysis covering variables including harmonic distortion and voltage stability is proposed. The results indicate that while photovoltaic systems, being switching devices, can introduce some harmonic distortion, particularly during peak inverter operation or transient operating regimes, and flicker can exceed standard limits during certain periods, the overall voltage quality is maintained if proper inverter controls and grid parameters are adhered to. The system also demonstrates potential for scalability and integration with energy storage systems for enhanced future performance. Full article

Pregnancy introduces significant physiological changes that alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antiretroviral therapy (ART), impacting its safety and efficacy in HIV-positive women. Optimizing ART during pregnancy is critical to maintaining maternal virological suppression and preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. This review evaluates the impact of pregnancy-induced PK changes on ART and proposes strategies for tailored regimens to improve outcomes. A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted, focusing on PK adaptations during pregnancy and their implications for different ART classes, including protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Key studies were analyzed to assess drug exposure, efficacy, and safety. Pregnancy significantly alters the PK of antiretrovirals, with increased hepatic metabolism, renal clearance, and changes in plasma protein binding leading to reduced drug exposure. For example, drugs like lopinavir and atazanavir require dose adjustments, while dolutegravir maintains efficacy despite reduced plasma levels. Integrase inhibitors demonstrate favorable virological suppression, although cobicistat-boosted regimens show subtherapeutic levels. Tailored approaches, such as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), optimize ART efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Pregnancy-specific PK changes necessitate evidence-based ART adjustments to ensure virological suppression and reduce MTCT risk. Incorporating TDM, leveraging pharmacogenomic insights, and prioritizing maternal and neonatal safety are critical for personalized ART management. Further research into long-acting formulations and global guideline harmonization is needed to address disparities in care and improve outcomes for HIV-positive pregnant women. Full article

This study presents a social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) of the F-CUBED Production System (FPS), an innovative process that converts wet biogenic residues—specifically paper biosludge, virgin olive pomace, and fruit and vegetable residues—into intermediate bioenergy carriers via hydrothermal treatment (TORWASH^®), pelletization, and anaerobic digestion. The hydrothermal carbonization of these low-grade, moisture-rich biogenic residues enhances the flexibility and reliability of renewable energy systems while also offering the potential to reduce environmental burdens compared to conventional disposal methods. Through this S-LCA, the study aims to evaluate the cradle-to-gate socioeconomic impacts of the FPS in three European contexts—Sweden, Italy, and Spain—using the 2020 UNEP Guidelines and the Social Hotspots Database (SHDB) and applying quantitative modeling via SimaPro. The functional unit is defined as 1 kWh of electricity produced. The assessment combines SHDB-based modeling with primary data from stakeholder surveys conducted in the three countries. Impact categories are harmonized between SHDB and UNEP typologies, and the results are reported in medium-risk-hour equivalents (mrheq). The results show a heterogeneous social impact profile across case studies. In Sweden, the treatment of paper biosludge delivers substantial benefits with minimal risk. In Spain (orange peel), the introduction of the FPS demonstrated a strong social benefit, particularly in health and safety and labor rights, indicating high institutional performance and good integration with local industry. Conversely, in Italy (olive pomace), the FPS revealed significant social risks, especially in the biopellet production and electricity generation sectors, reflecting regional vulnerabilities in labor conditions and governance. This suggests that targeted mitigation strategies are recommended in contexts like Southern Italy. These findings highlight that the social sustainability of emerging bioenergy technologies is context-dependent and sensitive to sectoral and regional socioeconomic conditions. This S-LCA complements prior environmental assessments and emphasizes the importance of integrating social performance considerations in the deployment and scaling of innovative bioenergy systems. Full article

High-current electron beams can significantly enhance the productivity of variety of applications including medical radioisotope (RI) production and wastewater purification. High-power superconducting radio frequency (SRF) linacs are capable of producing such high-current electron beams due to the key advantage to operate in continuous wave (CW) mode. However, this requires an injector capable of generating electron bunches with high repetition rate and in CW mode, while minimizing beam losses to avoid damage to SRF cavities due to quenching. RF gating to the grid of a thermionic electron gun is a promising solution, as it ensures CW bunch generation at the repetition rate same as the fundamental or sub-harmonics of the accelerating RF frequency, with minimal beam loss. This paper presents detailed beam dynamics simulations demonstrating that an RF-gated gun operating at 1.3 GHz can generate bunches with 148 ps full width with 8.96 pC charge. Full article