Search Results (5,312)

The global transition toward sustainable and intelligent farming has positioned Electrified Agricultural Machinery (EAM) as a central focus in modern equipment development. By integrating advanced electrical subsystems, high-efficiency powertrains, and intelligent Energy Management Strategies (EMSs), EAM offers considerable potential to enhance operational efficiency, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and improve adaptability across diverse agricultural environments. Nevertheless, widespread deployment remains constrained by harsh operating conditions, complex duty cycles, and limitations in maintenance capacity and economic feasibility. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of enabling technologies and application trends in EAM. Performance requirements of electrical subsystems are examined with emphasis on advances in power supply, electric drive, and control systems. The technical characteristics and application scenarios of battery, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and power-split powertrains are compared. Common EMS approaches (rule-based, optimization-based, and learning-based) are evaluated in terms of design complexity, energy efficiency, adaptability, and computational demand. Representative applications across tillage, seeding, crop management, and harvesting are discussed, underscoring the transformative role of electrification in agricultural production. This review identifies the series hybrid electronic powertrain system and rule-based EMSs as the most mature technologies for practical application in EAM. However, challenges remain concerning operational reliability in harsh agricultural environments and the integration of intelligent control systems for adaptive, real-time operations. The review also highlights key technical bottlenecks and emerging development trends, offering insights to guide future research and support the wider adoption of EAM. Full article

The solar-driven water splitting for the production of renewable green hydrogen fundamentally relies on the exploration of efficient photocatalysts. Nanostructured TiO₂ is widely recognized as a promising material for photocatalysis, yet it remains hindered by inadequate light harvesting and fast photogenerated carrier recombination. Herein, calcined C/TiO₂ xerogels with yolk–shell and core–shell nanostructures (denoted as YS-C/TiO₂ and CS-C/TiO₂) were designed and fabricated via a typical sol–gel–calcination assisted approach. Thanks to the encapsulation of carbon nanospheres into TiO₂, it effectively enhances light absorption, improves carrier separation, and lessens carrier recombination, making the well-designed YS-C/TiO₂ composite display a remarkable hydrogen evolution rate of 975 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under simulated solar light irradiation and without the use of any co-catalyst, which is approximately 21.7 times that of the commercial TiO₂. The work provides an efficacious design concept in developing nanostructured TiO₂-based photocatalysts and in boosting broad photocatalytic applications. Full article

Poland, as a leading apple producer in the EU, must maintain high fruit quality during prolonged storage and distribution, which is crucial for exports to distant markets. Therefore, it is essential to clearly identify which factors most strongly affect quality and the magnitude of their effects in order to make informed choices about pre- and postharvest practices, storage technology, and logistics. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of selected factors on the quality of apples of the ‘Gala Schniga^® SchniCo Red(s)’ cultivar after long-term storage. The study analyzed the effects of harvest date (optimal and delayed), three variants of 1-methylcyclopropene application (control-0 µL·L⁻¹ 1-MCP, Harvista™, SmartFresh™, and Harvista™ + SmartFresh™), storage period (5, 7, and 9 months), simulated trading period (0 or 7 days at 20 °C) and storage technology (ULO: 1.2% CO₂: 1.2% O₂; DCA: 0.6% CO₂: 0.6% O₂) in two consecutive seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). Five quality parameters were evaluated: flesh firmness (F), soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA ratio, and the concentration of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). Backward-elimination stepwise regression and partial eta squared (η²) calculations were used to analyze the data to determine the factors with the greatest impact. The post-harvest application of 1-MCP had the strongest effect in terms of maintaining firmness (η² = 70.4%) and acidity (η² = 38.0%) and reducing ACC content (η² = 21.3%). Harvista™ preparation had a weaker or negligible effect on ACC content, but reduced SSC (η² = 22.7%). Harvest date, storage duration, and shelf life significantly influenced all traits, with controlled-atmosphere regime further modulating outcomes. By integrating preharvest maturity with treatment timing and CA storage, we disentangled the relative contributions of harvest timing, treatment, and storage. The results provide actionable inputs for a decision-support tool to help producers maintain target quality—firmness, SSC, TA, SSC/TA, and ACC—through optimized practice, storage technology choice, and logistics. Full article

Loeselia mexicana (Polemoniaceae) is a Mexican shrub with significant medicinal value since pre-Hispanic times. Despite its ethnobotanical importance and apparent role in supporting pollinator communities, detailed information about its reproductive biology remains limited, hindering conservation efforts for this increasingly harvested species. We investigated the reproductive ecology of L. mexicana across two flowering seasons (2023–2024 and 2024–2025) in central Mexico through an integrated approach examining flowering phenology, floral morphology, sexual maturation sequence, nectar characteristics, floral visitors, and breeding system experiments. Flowering occurs from September to March, peaking in October. Flowers exhibit protandry, with anther dehiscence on days 1–2 and stigma receptivity from day 2 onward (flower lifespan: 2.85 ± 0.11 days). Maximum nectar production (1.46 ± 0.05 µL per flower; 193.13 ± 8.8 mg/mL) coincided with peak visitor activity. Despite possessing classic ornithophilous traits, we recorded 21 floral visitor species (5 hummingbirds, 3 hymenopterans, 13 butterflies) with similar visitation patterns, challenging previous assumptions about pollination specialization. Controlled pollination experiments confirmed self-incompatibility, with cross-pollination producing significantly more seeds than autonomous selfing. Our findings reveal that L. mexicana maintains a generalized pollination system, while protandry and self-incompatibility enforce outcrossing, providing critical baseline information for conservation strategies. Full article

Underground mine emergencies destroy communication infrastructure when situational awareness is most critical. Current systems rely on centralized network infrastructure, which fails during emergencies when miners are trapped and require rescue coordination. This paper proposes an energy-harvesting LoRa mesh network that addresses self-powered operation, interference management, and adaptive physical layer optimization under severe underground propagation conditions. A dual-antenna architecture separates RF energy harvesting (860 MHz) from LoRa communication (915 MHz), enabling continuous operation with supercapacitor storage. The core contribution is a decentralized scheduler that derives optimal timing offsets by modeling concurrent transmissions as a Poisson collision process, exploiting LoRa’s capture effect while maintaining network coherence. A SINR-aware physical layer adapts spreading factor, bandwidth, and coding rate with hysteresis, controls recomputing timing parameters after each change. Experimental validation in Missouri S&T’s operational mine demonstrates far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) reaching 35 m. Simulations across 2000 independent trials show a 2.2× throughput improvement over ALOHA (49% vs. 22% delivery ratio at 10 nodes/hop), 64% collision reduction, and 67% energy efficiency gains, demonstrating resilient emergency communications for underground environments. Full article

The escalating demand for efficient energy harvesting in CubeSat missions necessitates advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques. This work presents a comprehensive time-domain analysis and simulation of three MPPT algorithms: perturb and observe (PO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and a novel hybrid PO-PSO method, tailored explicitly for CubeSat photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. Utilizing MATLAB R2025a/Simulink, a detailed model of a PV module based on the Azur Space 3G30C datasheet and a DC-DC boost converter was developed. The conventional PO MPPT, while simple, demonstrated limitations in tracking the global maximum power point (GMPP) under rapidly changing temperature conditions and exhibited significant oscillations around the GMPP. The PSO algorithm, known for its global search capabilities, was investigated to mitigate these shortcomings. This research introduces a hybrid PO-PSO MPPT technique that synergistically combines the low computational complexity of PO with the robust global optimization of PSO. Time-domain simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid PO-PSO MPPT significantly reduces oscillations around the GMPP, enhances tracking accuracy under varying temperature conditions, and stabilizes output parameters more effectively than standalone PO or PSO methods. These findings validate the hybrid approach as a superior and reliable solution for optimizing power generation in constrained CubeSat applications. Full article

The memory demand of modern applications has been rapidly increasing with the continuous growth of data volume across industrial and academic domains. As a result, computing devices (i.e., IoT devices, smartphones, and tablets) often experience memory shortages that degrade system performance and quality of service by wasting CPU cycles and energy. Thus, most operating systems rely on the swap mechanism to mitigate the memory shortage situation in advance, even if the swap memory fragmentation problem occurs over time. In this paper, we analyze the fragmentation behavior of the swap memory space within storage devices over time and demonstrate that the latency of swap operations increases significantly under aged conditions. We also propose a new extension of the traditional swap mechanism, called VSwap, that mitigates the swap memory fragmentation problem in advance by introducing two core techniques, virtual migration and address remapping. In VSwap, virtual migration gathers valid swap pages scattered across multiple clusters into contiguous regions within the swap memory space, while address remapping updates the corresponding page table entries to preserve consistency after migration. For experiments, we enable VSwap on the traditional swap mechanism (i.e., kswapd) by implementing it with simple code modifications. To confirm the effectiveness of VSwap, we performed a comprehensive evaluation based on various workloads. Our evaluation results confirm that VSwap is more useful and highly valuable than the original swap mechanism. In particular, VSwap improves the overall performance up to 48.18% by harvesting available swap memory space in advance with negligible overhead; it performs close to the ideal performance. Full article

Postharvest operations are cost intensive in microalgae production, and when electrocoagulation–electroflotation (EC/EF) with aluminum anodes is used, aluminum can remain associated with biomass and wash streams; hence, a selective postwash process is needed. Accordingly, this study defined an operational window for aluminum desorption that preserves the energetic advantage of EC/EF. A response-surface design (I-optimal/CCD) was used to evaluate the effects of the EDTA concentration (1–100 mM), contact time (5–20 min), mixing speed (100–300 rpm), and pH (6–10) on EC/EF-harvested Chlorella sp. biomass, with ANOVA and model diagnostics supporting adequacy. EDTA concentration and mixing emerged as significant factors, whereas time and pH acted mainly through interactions; moreover, quadratic terms for EDTA and mixing indicated diminishing returns at high levels. Consequently, the surface predicted an optimum near EDTA ≈ 65 mM, time ≈ 20 min, pH 10, and 100 rpm, corresponding to ~97% aluminum removal. Importantly, a confirmation run under these conditions across eight chlorophyte strains consistently achieved >95% removal, revealing narrow dispersion yet statistically distinguishable means. Taken together, coupling EC/EF with an EDTA postwash operation in the identified window effectively limits aluminum carry-over in microalgal biomass and, therefore, provides a reproducible basis for downstream conditioning and potential recirculation within biorefinery schemes. Full article

The growing demand for renewable energy requires efficient technologies to maximize solar resource utilization. This study presents the development and validation of a novel dual-axis solar tracking system that integrates kinematic modeling, embedded control, and a monocular vision algorithm. Unlike fixed photovoltaic systems, the proposed design dynamically aligns solar panels with the sun’s position using a Denavit–Hartenberg-based model and real-time image analysis. The system was experimentally validated in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, a high-irradiance region. Results showed reliable sensor calibration with errors below 3%, and an 18% increase in energy capture compared to a fixed panel system. The prototype achieved a maximum output of 800 W using four 205 Wp modules. This work contributes an innovative, replicable approach to enhance solar energy harvesting under real operating conditions. Full article

Objective: The omentum is a highly vascularized and immunologically active tissue with significant regenerative potential. Despite its versatility, its use has traditionally been limited to intra-abdominal applications due to access challenges. Conventional open harvest requires laparotomy, and laparoscopic techniques are hindered by limited visualization and poor ergonomics. We describe the use of robotic-assisted omental flap harvest for thoracic reconstruction, offering a minimally invasive alternative. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent robotic omental flap harvest for intrathoracic reconstruction at a single-center institution between January 2023 and January 2024. Data collected included demographics, indications, surgical technique, operative details, and postoperative outcomes, with a focus on flap viability and complications. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate current evidence and experiences with this type of technique. Results: Three patients underwent robotic omental flap harvest for indications including chest wall reconstruction and pleural space obliteration in infected thoracic cavities. The average robotic flap harvest time was 79 ± 13 min, with an estimated ± blood loss of 20 cc. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 days, influenced by the primary procedure and patient comorbidities. At an average follow-up of 8 months, all flaps remained viable, with no flap-related complications or losses. The systematic review demonstrated limited data in the current literature regarding this type of surgical approach. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted omental flap harvest is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for complex thoracic reconstructions. It provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional harvest methods, with reduced morbidity and excellent clinical outcomes. This technique expands the reconstructive options for intrathoracic defects and infections. Full article

Agricultural diversification represents an important strategy for promoting sustainability and resilience in rural regions. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) have emerged as a promising alternative crop due to their high nutritional and functional potential. In this sense, the search for new crops to diversify the production in southwestern Spain is of main interest for farmers to adapt their productions to consumers claims and to climate change, having alternatives to the classical crops (olives, grapes for wine, etc.). This study evaluated several quality related parameters of three goji berry varieties cultivated in the southwest of Spain. Texture profile analysis (TPA) and puncture tests revealed varietal differences in firmness, cohesiveness, and springiness, influenced by genotype and harvesting time. Other morphological and quality parameters such as moisture, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and color were also affected. Significant differences in antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays) were found among the varieties and harvesting times, with NQ7 exhibiting the highest values. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by LC–HRMS/MS, detecting 33 compounds, with most belonging to the hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and flavanones families. NQ7 presented the highest total phenolic content (74.787 mg/100 g DW), with rutin, coumaric acid derivatives, and naringenin as major contributors. The correlation analysis confirmed a strong relationship between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Overall, the results indicated that goji berries grown in southwestern Spain exhibited favorable quality and bioactive profiles, supporting their suitability for sustainable production and commercialization, including further applications as functional food ingredients. Full article

A two-year field study was performed to evaluate the cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation potential of two hyperaccumulators, Sedum alfredii (S.A.) and Sedum plumbizincicola (S.P.), in contaminated farmland. Biomass and Cd uptake in both species followed logistic growth models. S.A. reached maturity about 20 days earlier than S.P., with optimal harvest timing at the early late-flowering stage (early–mid May), compared to the full late-flowering stage (early June) for S.P. The primary Cd-accumulating organs were stems and flowers in S.A. and leaves and stems in S.P. Under identical conditions, S.P. exhibited higher theoretical biomass, Cd content, bioconcentration factor (BCF), and Cd uptake, supported by transcriptomic data showing upregulation of metal transporter and stress-related genes under Cd exposure. However, S.P. demonstrated greater environmental sensitivity and lower stress resistance, resulting in more variable real-world remediation efficiency than S.A. It is recommended to harvest at flowering stages, enhance biomass in key Cd-accumulating tissues, and select species based on local conditions. Future work should aim to breed Sedum varieties with greater biomass, Cd accumulation capacity, and stress tolerance. This study provides actionable insights for optimizing the timing and species selection in Cd phytoremediation. Full article

Cartilage regeneration has long been a major challenge in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Aiming to develop a simple outpatient treatment for knee OA, we have demonstrated the potential of combining Nomura’s jellyfish mucin (JM) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to contribute to cartilage repair and regeneration in chondrocytes. In this study, we examined the effects of moon jellyfish JM and jellyfish collagen (JC) on chondrocytes. Polydactyly-derived chondrocytes (PDs), obtained from polydactyly surgery, were used. PDs were cultured in media supplemented with JM or JC, harvested, and evaluated by RT-qPCR. The effects of simultaneous addition of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were also examined. Furthermore, the effects on rat articular cartilage were investigated. A mono-iodoacetate (MIA) model was created by intra-articular injection in 6-week-old rats, followed by four intra-articular injections. Evaluations were performed using macroscopic observation and histological assessment with the OARSI scoring system. In vitro, the addition of JM or JC significantly affected the expression of ACAN, MMP3, and ADAMTS5. However, in vivo, intra-articular injection of JM alone did not significantly suppress cartilage degeneration in MIA-induced OA model rats. Both JM and JC may contribute to the suppression of cartilage degeneration as well as to cartilage repair and regeneration, even in the absence of HA. However, further studies are needed to clarify the optimal conditions, such as dosage, timing, and delivery method, that are required to achieve these effects in articular cartilage. Full article

To address the challenges of low efficiency and high damage rates in dryland safflower harvesting, a roller-brush type harvesting device was developed. The design was developed following a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution and mechanical characteristics of safflower plants. The pose adjustment process begins with helical grooves clamping and contacting the plant stem. The propulsion action of the helix then forces the stem to undergo a predetermined deflection displacement. The optimal picking pose occurs when the plant’s longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the picking roller brush. In this position, the picking roller brush shears the filaments at the necking zone through gentle contact with the fruit balls. This mechanism transforms the traditional pull-off separation into a low-damage shear-separation mode. The Box–Behnken test was designed to find the optimal combination of parameters for picking: picking roller brush speed of 282.5 r/min, roller brush spacing of 3.7 mm, and brush bristle diameter of 0.1 mm. Verification tests showed the picking, damage and fruit injury rates were 92.4%, 7.1% and 1.2%, respectively, with standard deviations of 5.42%, 0.51%, and 0.08%. The harvesting efficiency reached 0.053 hm²/h, 8.48 to 12.01 times higher than manual harvesting. Full article

In new wireless ecosystems, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (CNOMA) together make a potential design model. These systems enhance spectral efficiency (SE), energy efficiency (EE), and data interchange reliability by combining energy harvesting (EH), superposition coding (SC), and relay-assisted transmission. Despite this, CNOMA’s energy efficiency is still constrained by the fact that relay nodes servicing multiple users require a significant amount of power. Most previous studies look at performance as if imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC) were possible. To solve these problems, this study presents a multiuser SWIPT-enabled cooperative wavelet NOMA (CWNOMA) framework that reduces imperfect SIC, inter-symbol interference (ISI), and inter-user interference. SWIPT-CWNOMA enhances overall energy efficiency (EE), keeps relays functional, and maintains data transmission strong for users by obtaining energy from received signals. The proposed architecture is evaluated against traditional CNOMA and orthogonal multiple access (OMA) in both perfect and imperfect scenarios with SIC. The authors derive closed-form formulas for EE, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and achievable rate to support the analysis. Residual error because of imperfect SIC for near users shows lower values in a varying range of SNR. Across 0–30 dB SNR, SWIPT-CWNOMA achieves, on average, $1.4$ times higher energy efficiency, approximately $4.7$ lower BER, and $1.9$ times higher achievable rate than OFDMA, which establishes SWIPT-CWNOMA as a promising candidate for next-generation energy-efficient wireless networks. Full article