Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (3,207)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = hierarchical optimization

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
32 pages, 1573 KB  
Article
Smart Optimization Method for Safety Signs in Innovative Manufacturing Environments Integrating Industrial Field IoT Sensors and Knowledge Graphs
by Yixiang Li, Jianxin Chen and Jing Yang
Sensors 2026, 26(12), 3965; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26123965 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Safety signs in innovative manufacturing environments fail to match dynamic risks due to the separation of perception, semantics, and decision-making. Existing methods lack closed-loop integration of IoT sensor streams, knowledge graph reasoning, and adaptive signage control. This paper proposes a framework that fuses [...] Read more.
Safety signs in innovative manufacturing environments fail to match dynamic risks due to the separation of perception, semantics, and decision-making. Existing methods lack closed-loop integration of IoT sensor streams, knowledge graph reasoning, and adaptive signage control. This paper proposes a framework that fuses dynamic graph attention networks with hierarchical temporal knowledge graphs and reinforcement learning optimization. The framework extracts spatiotemporal dependencies from multi-source sensors, traces risk propagation paths on an industrial knowledge graph, and generates adaptive signage actions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves 96.7% risk identification accuracy, a 91.3% risk propagation F1 score, a 94.2 semantic matching score, and 43.65 milliseconds response latency. Real-world validation on an aerospace workshop confirms the method’s effectiveness. This work provides a closed-loop solution from physical perception to adaptive semantic expression for intelligent manufacturing safety. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 3121 KB  
Article
Type-2 Fuzzy C-Means-Based Clustering-Decomposed Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays
by Mubashar Javed, Laiq Khan, Yasir Muhammad, Saad Mekhilef and Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122943 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in medium-to-large power systems constitutes a computationally demanding, mixed-integer, nonlinear optimisation problem whose complexity escalates rapidly with system size, making the simultaneous minimisation of relay operating time and computational cost a critical open challenge. This study [...] Read more.
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in medium-to-large power systems constitutes a computationally demanding, mixed-integer, nonlinear optimisation problem whose complexity escalates rapidly with system size, making the simultaneous minimisation of relay operating time and computational cost a critical open challenge. This study presents a two-level hierarchical framework in which Type-2 Fuzzy C-Means (T2FCM) clustering partitions 226 fault scenarios into subproblems at the upper level, while the Hybrid Fractional Entropy Evolution (HFEE) algorithm independently optimises relay settings for each cluster at the lower level. HFEE integrates fractional-order velocity updates—derived from the Grünwald–Letnikov formulation—with a Shannon entropy diversity-control mechanism to prevent premature convergence. T2FCM captures inherent fault-current uncertainty through interval-valued type-2 fuzzy memberships, yielding more robust cluster assignments near protection-zone boundaries than crisp partitioning methods. The framework is validated on the extended IEEE 30-bus system. An ablation study demonstrates that standalone HFEE achieves a 29.19% improvement in Top over the prior best-reported result; however, a comprehensive parameter sweep over cluster counts K{2,,8} and fractional orders α{0.1,,0.9} across 50 independent runs per configuration shows that the proposed clustering-decomposed method achieves 3.68–66.67% lower wall-clock computation time while maintaining zero CTI violations across all active relay pairs. The communicationless, entirely offline framework demonstrates scalability for simultaneous sub-transmission and distribution protection coordination and offers a practically deployable strategy for modern power networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization and Machine Learning Approaches for Power Systems)
22 pages, 2230 KB  
Article
Research on Intelligent Parsing Technology of High-Resolution Hydrological Data for Ship Intelligent Navigation
by Jianan Luo, Zhichen Liu and Tianle Wang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121143 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
To address the demand for high-precision, high-efficiency, and standardized hydrographic information in intelligent shipping, this study systematically investigates key technologies for high-resolution hydrographic data parsing and intelligent information services. Focusing on the East China Sea, a space–air–ground integrated monitoring data access system is [...] Read more.
To address the demand for high-precision, high-efficiency, and standardized hydrographic information in intelligent shipping, this study systematically investigates key technologies for high-resolution hydrographic data parsing and intelligent information services. Focusing on the East China Sea, a space–air–ground integrated monitoring data access system is established. A hybrid data assimilation method combining four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) and ensemble Kalman filter is adopted to realize quality control, deep fusion, and optimal state estimation of multi-source heterogeneous hydrographic observations. A hybrid tidal harmonic response model is further developed to improve the refined forecasting accuracy of tide levels and ocean currents. A hierarchically decoupled system architecture is designed, and modules for data production, sharing, exchange, and visualization are developed in compliance with the international S-100 standard. By integrating hybrid spatiotemporal indexing, multi-level caching, and intelligent query optimization, the system achieves low-latency and high-concurrency service capabilities. Experimental results show that, compared with conventional models, the proposed framework reduces tidal forecast RMSE by approximately 15.8% under extreme weather, raises the continuity index of current vectors to 0.93, and cuts the S-100 product generation latency to less than 30 s. This research establishes a full-chain technical system from data parsing and product generation to intelligent services, providing a reliable technical support platform for ship intelligent navigation, dynamic route planning, and maritime safety assurance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies in Autonomous Ship Navigation)
48 pages, 9238 KB  
Article
Smart Logistics Model for Supply Chain Management via Brain-Inspired Geometric Deep Networks
by Mehdi Khaleghi, Farshad Pashootanizadeh, Nastaran Khaleghi, Sobhan Sheykhivand, Sebelan Danishvar and VahidReza Ghezavati
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060440 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Systematic logistics plays a key role in fostering profitable development in supply chains. An intelligent logistics model can help create a more agile, sustainable, and resilient supply chain. In recent years, several brain-inspired deep learning architectures, such as long short-term memory networks, graph [...] Read more.
Systematic logistics plays a key role in fostering profitable development in supply chains. An intelligent logistics model can help create a more agile, sustainable, and resilient supply chain. In recent years, several brain-inspired deep learning architectures, such as long short-term memory networks, graph neural networks, and convolutional neural networks, have been introduced for intelligent decision-making tasks. From a biomimetic perspective, these models are inspired by biological information-processing mechanisms. Convolutional neural networks reflect hierarchical procedures similar to those in the visual cortex, graph neural networks mimic communication among biological neurons, and LSTM networks are motivated by short-term and long-term memory mechanisms in the brain. Inspired by these biomimetic computational principles, this study proposes a novel hybrid deep learning strategy composed of LSTM, convolutional layers and GraphSAGE geometric layers for smart supply chain logistics management. This strategy enables leveraging information pertaining to LSTM-based long-term dependencies, convolutional local patterns and graph-related hidden connections of the supply chain dataset for intelligent decision-making. The GraphSAGE framework helps with scalable graph learning, which enhances predictive accuracy in the case of unseen data. The optimizer in the proposed methodology performs sequential optimization using the biomimetic particle swarm optimizer and the Adam approach (PSO-Adam), considering the hybrid cost function. The prediction of logistics parameters is investigated using five datasets, including DataCo, Shipping, Smart Logistics, Hospital Supply Chain, and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain. The average accuracies of 97.8%, 100%, 96.6%, 98.7% and 99.4% are obtained for practical multi-category logistics parameter forecasts. The evaluation metrics for ten logistics predictions confirm the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent logistics model and highlight the potential of biomimetic geometric networks for complex supply chain decision-making. The model is a cost-efficient approach with consideration of the prediction capabilities, helping to reduce the occurrence of logistics risks, increase the productivity of the supply chain and affect the supply chain visibility, customer satisfaction, and industry reputation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 4938 KB  
Article
Intelligent Smart Grid Energy Management for EV Charging Stations Using GOA–HMGIGCN
by Mlungisi Ntombela
Algorithms 2026, 19(6), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/a19060497 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCSs) have become increasingly important due to the growing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable-based power generation. However, challenges such as fluctuating renewable energy availability, increasing charging demand, power losses, operational cost, and charging delays continue to affect [...] Read more.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCSs) have become increasingly important due to the growing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable-based power generation. However, challenges such as fluctuating renewable energy availability, increasing charging demand, power losses, operational cost, and charging delays continue to affect overall grid performance and stability. To address these issues, this study proposes a hybrid Goat Optimization Algorithm–Hierarchical Multi-Granularity Interaction Graph Convolutional Network (GOA–HMGIGCN) framework for intelligent smart grid energy management and EV charging coordination. The proposed framework combines the Goat Optimization Algorithm (GOA) for optimal EVCS placement and charging scheduling with the Hierarchical Multi-Granularity Interaction Graph Convolutional Network (HMGIGCN) for forecasting renewable generation, charging demand, and load variations. The framework was implemented and evaluated in MATLAB/Simulink R2024a using the IEEE 14-bus smart grid test system under varying operating conditions. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed framework achieved superior performance compared with the Coot Optimization Algorithm–Fractional Backpropagation Physics-Informed Neural Network (COA-FBPINN), Dingo Optimization Algorithm–Convolutional Hypergraph Graph Neural Network (DOA-CHGNN), Self-Feedback Feedforward Artificial Neural Network (SFFANN), Deep Neural Network (DNN), and Golden Jackal Optimization–Attention-Based Probabilistic Convolutional Neural Network (GJO-APCNN) techniques by attaining the lowest operational cost of USD 1561, the highest efficiency of 99.2%, the minimum power loss of 10.6 kW, and the shortest charging time of 32 min. In addition, the proposed framework and overall grid reliability, confirming its effectiveness for intelligent renewable-integrated smart grid applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1542 KB  
Article
Cooperative Task Planning of Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Formations Driven by a Multi-Objective Dolphin Echolocation Optimization Algorithm
by Chengyuan Pang, Zongpu Li, Le Ru, Fan Sun and Jiaxu Chen
Drones 2026, 10(6), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10060473 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
In the task planning of heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle formations, problems such as dynamic topological instability and sparse Pareto front exist, which affect the robustness of the planning. To address this, this paper proposes a cooperative task planning method based on multi-objective dolphin [...] Read more.
In the task planning of heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle formations, problems such as dynamic topological instability and sparse Pareto front exist, which affect the robustness of the planning. To address this, this paper proposes a cooperative task planning method based on multi-objective dolphin echolocation optimization driving. Firstly, a differentiated dynamic model of heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles covering different configurations such as rotors and fixed wings is constructed, and a dynamic communication topology model is established based on time-varying graph theory to quantify transmission delay and link stability. Then, a multi-objective optimization model is designed with task completion, energy balance, and time cost as the core, Bayesian networks are introduced to construct a dynamic threat field, and risk assessment and real-time response are achieved in complex environments. Based on this, a multi-objective dolphin echo optimization algorithm is adopted to solve the model, and its echo beam focusing search and adaptive weight allocation mechanism are utilized to effectively improve the convergence and distribution of the Pareto solution set. Finally, a “decision execution” hierarchical collaborative control architecture is constructed, utilizing the decision layer to output a global planning scheme and the execution layer to achieve rolling optimization and precise tracking of instructions through distributed model predictive control. The simulation test results show that this method can maintain high task completion, energy balance, and communication stability in different formation sizes and complex environments significantly better than traditional algorithms. When the formation size is between 20 and 60 sorties, the hypervolume (HV) index of this method is superior to that of the comparison method. In cases of sudden obstacles and complex electromagnetic interference scenarios, the average energy consumption of a single unmanned aerial vehicle after applying this method is maintained at 150–250 Wh, and the transmission delay is stable at 50–200 ms. The experimental results verify that this method has good planning robustness and collaborative real-time performance. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2361 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporally Coordinated Operation in Multiple Data Centers Based on Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Algorithm with Hierarchical Collaboration
by Yanghui Liu, Bowen Zhou, Liaoyi Ning and Juan Yan
Mathematics 2026, 14(12), 2225; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14122225 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Abstract
Data centers have become essential infrastructure for digital services, while their rapidly growing electricity demand makes coordinated workload and power management an important optimization problem. This paper studies the multi-data-center operation problem under time-of-use electricity pricing and formulates it as a multi-data-center mixed-integer [...] Read more.
Data centers have become essential infrastructure for digital services, while their rapidly growing electricity demand makes coordinated workload and power management an important optimization problem. This paper studies the multi-data-center operation problem under time-of-use electricity pricing and formulates it as a multi-data-center mixed-integer nonlinear programming model (MDC-MINLP). The model jointly represents binary task scheduling decisions, including temporal workload shifting and spatial task migration, and continuous power-side variables, including device-level utilization, IT and auxiliary power consumption, energy storage dynamics, grid power procurement, and quality-of-service constraints. The objective is to minimize the total operating cost by integrating electricity purchasing cost, IT operation loss, storage degradation cost, and migration cost. To solve the resulting large-scale discrete–continuous coupled problem, an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search algorithm with Hierarchical Collaboration (HC-ALNS) is proposed. HC-ALNS reconstructs feasible task action sets, employs a surrogate objective for fast candidate screening, performs accurate power-layer evaluation for selected solutions, and adaptively adjusts search intensity according to convergence behavior. Numerical results show that HC-ALNS reduces the total operating cost by 3.67% and achieves better convergence and solution quality than NSGA-II and PSO. These findings demonstrate that the proposed MDC-MINLP and HC-ALNS provide an effective mathematical optimization framework for coordinated computation–power scheduling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section E: Applied Mathematics)
18 pages, 5389 KB  
Article
Synergistic Regulation of Composition and Growth Kinetics in Cobalt-Doped Nickel Sulfides for High-Performance Pseudocapacitors
by Hung Nguyen Dinh, Cu Dang Van, Thu Thuy Luong Thi and Khu Le Van
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122651 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 80
Abstract
Transition-metal sulfides are promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors but are often limited by poor conductivity, particle agglomeration, and insufficient active sites. Herein, Co-doped NiS2 with tunable sulfur vacancies was directly grown on flexible carbon cloth via a facile one-step solvothermal method [...] Read more.
Transition-metal sulfides are promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors but are often limited by poor conductivity, particle agglomeration, and insufficient active sites. Herein, Co-doped NiS2 with tunable sulfur vacancies was directly grown on flexible carbon cloth via a facile one-step solvothermal method by systematically controlling sulfur source ratio, Ni:Co ratio, temperature, and reaction time. Structural analyses reveal that the optimized conditions of S:(Ni + Co) = 3:1, Ni:Co = 2:1, 160 °C, and 15 h promote the formation of phase-pure Co-doped NiS2 hierarchical microspheres with enhanced crystallinity and abundant active sites from the synergistic interaction between Ni and Co. Consequently, the optimized electrode delivers an impressive capacitance of 1296 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, along with excellent rate performance, retaining more than 88% of its capacitance after 1500 charge/discharge cycles at current densities ranging from 2 to 20 A g−1. This work highlights the critical role of synthesis parameter engineering in regulating defect chemistry, structure, and electrochemical performance in advanced energy storage applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

43 pages, 26548 KB  
Review
Advances in Multi-Level Compensation Strategy and Process Collaborative Optimization for Robotic Belt Grinding
by Zhuoshi Li, Guili Gao, Jialin Guo and Dequan Shi
Technologies 2026, 14(6), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14060376 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Robotic belt grinding is an effective and widely adopted finishing method for superalloys, offering notable advantages such as high material removal capability, low heat input, and reduced workpiece damage. In addition, robots can readily integrate multiple sensors—such as infrared radiation cameras, force sensors, [...] Read more.
Robotic belt grinding is an effective and widely adopted finishing method for superalloys, offering notable advantages such as high material removal capability, low heat input, and reduced workpiece damage. In addition, robots can readily integrate multiple sensors—such as infrared radiation cameras, force sensors, and high-speed cameras—which facilitate real-time monitoring of the grinding process and thereby enhance grinding quality control. With the establishment and continuous advancement of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data models, new breakthroughs have emerged in the optimization of robotic grinding processes. Owing to its dexterous workspace and advantages in high flexibility and cost-effectiveness, robotic belt grinding has become a critical process for the precision forming of complex curved components such as aero-engine blades and blisks. However, factors such as the limited absolute accuracy of industrial robots, time-varying grinding contact states, and significant transient boundary effects make it difficult for the current constant-parameter open-loop machining mode to simultaneously meet the demands for high material removal efficiency and high surface integrity on complex profiles. This paper systematically reviews the technologies for precision control and process optimization of robotic belt grinding aimed at pointwise precise material removal. First, the structural composition of the robotic belt grinding system and the material removal mechanism are analyzed. Then, centered on the compensation concept, a hierarchical progressive technical framework is outlined, covering geometric calibration compensation, force/position hybrid online compensation, transient entry boundary compensation, and system-level comprehensive compensation of multi-source errors, with a comparison of the applicable scenarios and the effects on shape and property control at each level. Furthermore, under the support of effective compensation, the collaborative optimization methods of material removal modeling, multi-objective optimization of process parameters, force-constrained trajectory planning, and intelligent adaptive processes are elaborated. Finally, current technical bottlenecks are summarized, and future trends in next-generation adaptive grinding technology driven by digital twins and embodied intelligence are envisioned. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical reference for the high-precision and intelligent upgrading of robotic precision grinding systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

38 pages, 3286 KB  
Review
Rational Design of Carbon Aerogels for Alkali-Metal-Ion Batteries: Controlled Synthesis, Heteroatom Doping, and Energy Storage Applications
by Anrui Li, Simin Hua, Le Sun, Qinsi Shao, Delun Zhu and Ruicheng Bai
Gels 2026, 12(6), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060553 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 72
Abstract
Carbon aerogels possess continuous three-dimensional conductive networks, hierarchical pore architectures, and tunable surface chemistry. These structural characteristics make them suitable electrode materials for alkali-metal-ion batteries. This review examines the controlled synthesis and heteroatom doping of carbon aerogels. The discussion links framework construction, electronic-structure [...] Read more.
Carbon aerogels possess continuous three-dimensional conductive networks, hierarchical pore architectures, and tunable surface chemistry. These structural characteristics make them suitable electrode materials for alkali-metal-ion batteries. This review examines the controlled synthesis and heteroatom doping of carbon aerogels. The discussion links framework construction, electronic-structure modulation, and storage mechanism matching with their electrochemical behavior. The rational design of carbon aerogels should move beyond the simple pursuit of high specific surface area or high dopant content. Effective electrodes require the coordinated regulation of pore architecture, conductive continuity, heteroatom-doped sites, and ion-storage pathways. The current application status of carbon aerogels in alkali-metal-ion batteries is also analyzed from an industrial perspective. A mechanism-oriented and application-oriented framework is therefore required to translate carbon aerogel-based electrodes from structural optimization to a practical battery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Processing and Engineering)
14 pages, 6152 KB  
Article
Hollow Tubular Engineering and Electronic Structure Modulation of Vanadium-Incorporated MoP for Boosting Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
by Wei Yang, Guimin Wang, Siyi Yang, Ganceng Yang, Haijing Yan and Yanqing Jiao
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(12), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16120776 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 78
Abstract
Synergistically optimizing electronic structure and exposing abundant active sites is a promising route to enhance electrocatalytic activity, yet remains challenging. Herein, a hierarchical tubular structure of vanadium-incorporated molybdenum phosphide (V-MoP) was successfully constructed for highly effectively alkaline hydrogen evolution. Molecular self-assembly of a [...] Read more.
Synergistically optimizing electronic structure and exposing abundant active sites is a promising route to enhance electrocatalytic activity, yet remains challenging. Herein, a hierarchical tubular structure of vanadium-incorporated molybdenum phosphide (V-MoP) was successfully constructed for highly effectively alkaline hydrogen evolution. Molecular self-assembly of a V-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) with a simple organic ligand was exploited to induce a hollow tubular precursor and trigger precise V doping by virtue of the intrinsic structural features of POMs, thereby realizing simultaneous morphology engineering and electronic structure modulation. The unique open-ended hollow tubular structure, which furnishes both internal and external surfaces and superhydrophilicity, increases the exposure of electrochemical active sites, promotes rapid electrolyte penetration and shortens mass transfer pathways. Moreover, V doping effectively modulates the electronic structure of MoP, further renders Mo and P sites more electron-rich, meanwhile triggering the coexistence of V3+ and V5+, which further promotes water dissociation and hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the V-MoP catalyst exhibits significantly enhanced activity, far beyond that of pristine bulk MoP and bulk V-MoP, and even surpasses that of commercial 20% Pt/C at high current densities. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts with tailored morphology and tunable electronic structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4543 KB  
Article
Albuminuria Levels and Geriatric Outcomes in Predialysis: Chronic Kidney Disease: Falls, Fear of Falling, and Frailty in a Cross-Sectional Study
by Vedat Gençer, Yavuz Sultan Selim Akgül, Burcu Eren Cengiz and İsmail Altıntop
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4772; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124772 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 64
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) accelerates biological aging and amplifies the risk of adverse geriatric outcomes. Albuminuria reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction beyond renal damage, yet its specific relationship with falls, fear of falling, and frailty in predialysis CKD patients remains underexplored. Objectives: We [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) accelerates biological aging and amplifies the risk of adverse geriatric outcomes. Albuminuria reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction beyond renal damage, yet its specific relationship with falls, fear of falling, and frailty in predialysis CKD patients remains underexplored. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the association between albuminuria levels (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, ACR) with falls, fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale, FES), and frailty (FRAIL scale and Clinical Frailty Scale, CFS) in older adults with CKD. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 295 patients aged ≥60 years attending nephrology and geriatrics clinics at Kayseri City Hospital, Turkey (April–June 2025). ACR was categorized per KDIGO (A1: <30, A2: 30–300, A3: ≥300 mg/g). Inflammatory indices (NLR, SII, CAR) were calculated. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression and ROC analyses were performed. Results: Fall prevalence showed a clear dose-response across ACR categories: 31.2% (A1), 72.0% (A2), and 93.2% (A3) (p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, each unit increase in log-ACR was associated with a 3.84-fold increase in fall odds (OR 3.84, 95% CI 2.74–6.65). Although bivariate ACR-frailty associations were non-significant, fully adjusted models uncovered independent associations across both instruments and thresholds: FRAIL ≥ 3 (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05–2.03), FRAIL ≥ 2 (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08–2.21), CFS ≥ 5 (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.38–2.83), and CFS ≥ 4 (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.93). ACR showed good discriminative ability for falls (AUC 0.773, optimal cut-off 21.70 mg/g) but poor discrimination for frailty (AUC 0.50–0.54). The ACR–fall association was stronger in patients with GFR < 60 (OR 4.48) than GFR ≥ 60 (OR 2.18). Conclusions: Albuminuria is a strong, independent, and graded predictor of falls in older CKD patients, with a nearly 4-fold increase in risk per log-unit ACR increase after full adjustment. ACR measurement, already routine in CKD monitoring, could help identify older patients at increased fall risk and guide targeted geriatric assessment. However, ACR showed poor standalone discriminative ability for frailty across all definitions (AUC 0.50–0.54), establishing that it cannot serve as a frailty screening tool in isolation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Disease Management and Rehabilitation in Older Adults)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1370 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective BESS Siting and Sizing via NSGA-II and PTDF-Constrained DC Optimal Power Flow: Application to the Mali Transmission Network
by Adrián Alarcón Becerra, Gregorio Fernández, Aritz Rubio Egaña, Francesco Roncallo, Mario Mihetec, Alberto Júlio Tsamba, Nikola Matak and Gilberto Mahumane
Electricity 2026, 7(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity7020057 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 84
Abstract
Weak grid infrastructure and the absence of flexible storage are among the principal barriers to reliable, low-carbon energy access in sub-Saharan transmission systems. This paper proposes a hierarchical multi-objective framework for the optimal siting and sizing of battery energy storage systems (BESSs), applied [...] Read more.
Weak grid infrastructure and the absence of flexible storage are among the principal barriers to reliable, low-carbon energy access in sub-Saharan transmission systems. This paper proposes a hierarchical multi-objective framework for the optimal siting and sizing of battery energy storage systems (BESSs), applied to the 130-bus Mali transmission network within the EMERGE project. The upper level employs NSGA-II to simultaneously maximize daily price arbitrage revenue and minimize active power losses; the lower level solves a network-constrained DC optimal power flow with thermal branch limits enforced as hard linear inequalities via the Power Transfer Distribution Factor (PTDF) matrix. Over 500 generations, the framework identifies Bus 91 (SIRAKORO II, 150 kV) as the dominant storage location, achieving a maximum daily revenue of approximately €10,033 at a marginal loss increment of 6.7×103 MWh. The resulting Pareto front gives Mali system planners a quantitative tool for trading off private investment returns against grid-level environmental impact, demonstrating that rigorous network-constrained BESS planning is technically tractable and economically viable in the resource-constrained context of sub-Saharan energy transitions. Full article
23 pages, 2839 KB  
Article
Dynamic Economic–Environmental Dispatch with Generator Priority: A Machine Learning–Optimization Framework
by Abdelkadir Fellague, Latifa Dekhici, Khaled Guerraiche, David A. Pelta and José Luis Verdegay
Mathematics 2026, 14(12), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14122187 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 168
Abstract
The efficient management of power systems requires balancing electricity generation costs with associated environmental emissions under dynamically varying demand. This paper proposes a two-stage approach that combines machine learning (ML) with a metaheuristic optimization algorithm to address the dynamic economic–environmental load dispatch (DEELD) [...] Read more.
The efficient management of power systems requires balancing electricity generation costs with associated environmental emissions under dynamically varying demand. This paper proposes a two-stage approach that combines machine learning (ML) with a metaheuristic optimization algorithm to address the dynamic economic–environmental load dispatch (DEELD) challenge. In the first stage, electricity consumption data are enriched with temporal features to capture demand patterns and enable accurate forecasting. In the second stage, the daily scheduling horizon is divided into multiple periods, and dispatch solutions are generated sequentially while enforcing ramp-rate constraints. To enhance operational realism, a priority-based generator scheduling mechanism is explicitly introduced, enforcing hierarchical unit commitment and reflecting practical dispatch policies. Rather than focusing on a single optimal solution, the proposed framework generates multiple feasible dispatch solutions and evaluates them using economic, environmental, and operational performance indicators. These solutions are then ranked according to predefined decision profiles, enabling system operators to select dispatch strategies that align with specific priorities. This transforms the dispatch process into a flexible decision-support tool capable of addressing diverse real-world requirements. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 21863 KB  
Article
Detailed Classification of Vegetation and Assessment of Carbon Stock in the Liaohe Estuary Wetlands Based on Sentinel-2 Imagery
by Haoze Wang, Congcong Bi, Yilong Luo, Baokang Xing, Jiayi Wei, Siyu Chen, Rui Yan and Yan Zhang
Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 6268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126268 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 177
Abstract
Most remote sensing extraction studies utilizing vegetation indices typically classify and extract land cover features based on the phenological characteristics of the study area or rely on a single vegetation index. When attempting to extract multiple land cover types simultaneously, classification accuracy often [...] Read more.
Most remote sensing extraction studies utilizing vegetation indices typically classify and extract land cover features based on the phenological characteristics of the study area or rely on a single vegetation index. When attempting to extract multiple land cover types simultaneously, classification accuracy often declines significantly because a single vegetation index is unsuitable for all features. While some recent studies employ deep learning and neural networks for classification and extraction, their complex mechanisms and “black-box effect” hinder clear explanations for accuracy outcomes. In response to the issues outlined above, this paper proposes a simpler and more intuitive method for the hierarchical extraction of typical land cover features. This approach analyzes the difficulty of separating these features based on spectral reflectance data to determine the following extraction order: first water bodies, followed by reed, then Suaeda salsa, and finally tidal flat. Furthermore, by selecting appropriate parameters and substituting vegetation indices for bands that perform better, high extraction accuracy is achieved. The classification and interpretation results were validated using a combination of field survey data and Google imagery, together with a validation sample. Accuracy assessments using overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient demonstrate the following optimal results for the hierarchical approach: NDWI for water, S2REP for reeds, and MSAVI for Suaeda salsa. Overall accuracy reached 98.5% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.9796, validating the effectiveness of this spectral-feature-based hierarchical extraction method using diverse vegetation indices. Using a hierarchical extraction approach to classify typical land cover features in the study area from 2020 to 2025, accuracy rates exceeded 98% in all cases. Based on these classification results, the INVEST model was employed to simulate carbon stock trends in the Liaohe Estuary region over the past five years. The study found that, although factors such as tides and the date of image acquisition had a certain impact on the study area compared with the problems caused by historical development, the ecological environment in the study area is gradually stabilizing at the present stage. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop