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Keywords = industrial application

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33 pages, 1749 KB  
Article
LLM-Conductor: A Closed-Loop Resource-Adaptive Architecture for Secure LLM Deployment in Industrial Sensor Networks and IIoT Systems
by Kai Xu, Diming Zhang and Xuguo Wang
Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2733; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092733 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
To address the bottlenecks of missing decision-making closed loop, insufficient experience reuse, and decoupled resource scheduling in industrial LLM deployment, this paper proposes LLM-Conductor, a three-layer collaborative architecture that enables monitoring-feedback autonomous decision-making, structured policy memory, and joint policy-resource optimization.Through ablation studies, horizontal [...] Read more.
To address the bottlenecks of missing decision-making closed loop, insufficient experience reuse, and decoupled resource scheduling in industrial LLM deployment, this paper proposes LLM-Conductor, a three-layer collaborative architecture that enables monitoring-feedback autonomous decision-making, structured policy memory, and joint policy-resource optimization.Through ablation studies, horizontal comparisons with ISOLATEGPT and ReAct, and graded resource-reduction experiments across six tiers, the results demonstrate that the security risk incidence rate is reduced from 70.6 percent to 1.3 percent, the multi-application collaborative task completion rate reaches 100 percent, and token utilization improves to 88.9 percent. Under constraints of at least 512 MB memory and at least 0.5 GHz CPU, the core task completion rate remains above 95 percent. By deeply coupling decision-making with resource scheduling, this architecture provides an integrated pathway toward efficient, secure, and reliable LLM deployment in Industrial Internet of Things scenarios. Current validation focuses on software-layer interaction patterns under simulated resource-constrained environments, with physical-layer industrial integration reserved for future work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)
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30 pages, 335 KB  
Article
Does Performance Feedback Drive Greenwashing and Brownwashing? Evidence from China’s Capital Market
by Dongqi Yue, Jinmian Han and Xiong Bai
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4358; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094358 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Against the policy backdrop of high-quality development and the “Dual Carbon” goals, corporate environmental responsibility and green governance have emerged as core drivers of corporate value creation and resource allocation in capital markets. However, in practice, corporate environmental disclosure has increasingly degenerated into [...] Read more.
Against the policy backdrop of high-quality development and the “Dual Carbon” goals, corporate environmental responsibility and green governance have emerged as core drivers of corporate value creation and resource allocation in capital markets. However, in practice, corporate environmental disclosure has increasingly degenerated into an impression management tool. Using a sample of China’s A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2024, this paper combines text analysis of annual reports with green patent data to systematically examine the impact of performance feedback on corporate strategic environmental decoupling, drawing upon the behavioral theory of the firm and legitimacy theory. The findings are as follows: First, negative performance feedback significantly increases corporate greenwashing propensity, whereas positive performance feedback significantly strengthens corporate brownwashing behavior. Second, government regulation amplifies the costs of falsifying environmental information, significantly suppressing the positive impact of negative performance feedback on greenwashing, but exacerbating the positive impact of positive performance feedback on brownwashing. Conversely, media attention amplifies the benefits of corporate green performances, significantly strengthening the catalytic effect of negative performance feedback on greenwashing, while effectively suppressing the positive impact of positive performance feedback on brownwashing. Third, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of performance feedback on corporate strategic decoupling in environmental disclosure is more pronounced among non-state-owned enterprises, firms facing high industry competitive pressure, and those in heavily polluting industries. By integrating greenwashing and brownwashing into a unified analytical framework, this study expands the research boundaries of corporate environmental disclosure and strategic behaviors. Furthermore, it deepens the application contexts of the behavioral theory of the firm within non-financial disclosure, deconstructs the myth of homogeneous governance effects under legitimacy pressure, and provides vital implications for investors, policymakers, and fund managers. Full article
26 pages, 8242 KB  
Article
Biocompatible and Antimicrobial Cellulosic Support via Bioactive Emulsion-Based Film
by Angela Danila, Laura Chirila, Carmen-Mihaela Popescu, Ionela Cristina Voinea, Cristina-Mihaela Rimbu, Gizem Ceylan Türkoğlu, Emil-Ioan Muresan and Mariana Costea
Polymers 2026, 18(9), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091067 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various [...] Read more.
Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various emulsion recipes. The emulsions obtained were applied to cellulose supports intended for topical applications. Bioactive textiles were analyzed using SEM-EDS elemental mapping, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, biocompatibility assessment, antimicrobial activity assays, and analysis of comfort indices. SEM images of textile supports treated with bioactive emulsions confirmed the creation of a film surface and that the homogeneity of the film increases with increasing amount of glycerin, which acts as a plasticizer. Infrared spectra combined with their second derivatives and PCA indicate the presence of oregano essential oil, thyme extract, and pectin on the surface of the cotton. The biocompatibility evaluation of functionalized cotton supports revealed minimal cytotoxic effects on HaCaT human keratinocytes after 24 h of exposure. The results of the analyses showed that bioactive textile supports also exhibit antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the active emulsions with pectin, oregano essential oil, and hydroalcoholic extract of thyme provide biocompatible and antimicrobial active films by applying on cellulosic supports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cellulose-Based Polymers and Composites, 2nd Edition)
24 pages, 2281 KB  
Review
Low-Temperature Stress-Induced Limitations in Mainstream Anammox Wastewater Treatment: Responses, Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies
by Genwang Chang, Xiang Li, Haiqing Liao, Genmao Zhong, Jingyi Weng and Zhixuan Guo
Water 2026, 18(9), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18091051 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Low-temperature stress severely restricts the engineering application of anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) technology in municipal mainstream wastewater treatment, leading to its slower large-scale implementation relative to industrial wastewater and reject water treatments. The inhibitory effects of low temperatures on the anammox process cannot [...] Read more.
Low-temperature stress severely restricts the engineering application of anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) technology in municipal mainstream wastewater treatment, leading to its slower large-scale implementation relative to industrial wastewater and reject water treatments. The inhibitory effects of low temperatures on the anammox process cannot be merely ascribed to conventional microbial metabolic responses. Elucidating the specific mechanisms underlying low-temperature impacts on anammox bacteria is therefore critical for formulating targeted mitigation strategies. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to compare the response patterns of specific anammox activity (SAA) and nitrogen removal rate (NRR) to temperature variations. SAA declines gradually with decreasing temperature, while NRR displays a more dramatic and stepwise reduction. The T50 values (temperature corresponding to 50% of the performance at 30 °C) for these two parameters are 20 °C and 15 °C, respectively. Low-temperature inhibition of anammox is a multifaceted process, encompassing direct physiological disturbances to individual anammox cells and impaired nitrite bioavailability within the microbial community. To address these temperature-related bottlenecks, a conceptual hybrid nitrogen removal system was rationally optimized by integrating conventional strategies with an innovative split-flow influent regulation strategy. This hybrid system is anticipated to enhance the stability and treatment efficiency of anammox under low-temperature conditions, thus facilitating its broader engineering application in cold climate regions. Full article
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35 pages, 1664 KB  
Review
Grape Pomace as a Platform for Secondary Metabolite Recovery: Mechanistic Insights into Bioactivity, Processing, and Functional Valorization
by Monica Trif, Claudia Terezia Socol, Mihai Domnuțiu Domnutiu Suciu, Alexandru Vasile Rusu, Florin Leontin Criste, Daria Rus, Constantin Bîtea, Mohammad Billal Hossain and Lubna Ahmed
Foods 2026, 15(9), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091531 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive secondary metabolites has renewed attention
to grape pomace as a promising source within the context of sustainable and circular
bioeconomy strategies. Its chemically diverse composition, influenced by cultivar, climate,
and processing conditions, has shown a wide range [...] Read more.
The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive secondary metabolites has renewed attention
to grape pomace as a promising source within the context of sustainable and circular
bioeconomy strategies. Its chemically diverse composition, influenced by cultivar, climate,
and processing conditions, has shown a wide range of biological activities, including
antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects.
Several reviews have addressed its composition, bioactivity, extraction, and applications,
but a more integrated understanding of the molecular mechanisms is still needed. This
review synthesizes recent evidence on the mechanistic actions of grape pomace metabolites,
highlighting their involvement in key pathways such as Nrf2-mediated antioxidant
defense, NF-κB-regulated inflammation, AMPK/SIRT1-dependent metabolic regulation,
apoptosis-related signaling, and microbiota-driven phenolic metabolism. It also discusses
challenges related to raw material variability, process standardization, and industrial
scalability, and explores how advances in chemometrics, omics technologies, and datadriven
optimization can support future development. Therefore, it provides an integrated
perspective linking mechanistic insights with technological considerations to advance the
sustainable valorization of grape pomace. Full article
43 pages, 4131 KB  
Review
Industrial Waste Recycling for Sustainable Building Materials: A Review
by Elena Ciutac (Nicolaev), Viorica Ghisman, Catalina Iticescu, Denis Tcaciuc and Daniela Laura Buruiana
Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091741 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
The construction sector consumes significant amounts of natural resources and contributes substantially to global CO2 emissions, making it necessary to develop materials with a reduced environmental impact. In this context, the valorization of reusable industrial waste as secondary raw materials represents a [...] Read more.
The construction sector consumes significant amounts of natural resources and contributes substantially to global CO2 emissions, making it necessary to develop materials with a reduced environmental impact. In this context, the valorization of reusable industrial waste as secondary raw materials represents a strategic direction for applying circular economy principles and for decarbonizing the construction materials industry. The scientific problem addressed in this review is the urgent need to develop construction materials with a reduced environmental footprint, given that the construction sector is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. This challenge requires the identification and critical evaluation of sustainable solutions that support decarbonization and the transition toward a circular economy. The main findings indicate that the valorization of industrial waste offers high decarbonization potential: supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash, can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20–50%, while alkali-activated binders and geopolymers achieve reductions of 40–80% compared to Portland cement. These materials also enhance durability, extending service life by 10–20% in aggressive environments, although early-age strength may decrease by 10–30%; recycled aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW) can substitute up to 100% of natural aggregates, while rubber fibers can increase impact resistance by 30–50% and reduce density by 10–20%. However, key limitations relate to waste variability, heavy metal leaching risks (requiring immobilization efficiencies > 90%), and the relatively low technological maturity of many solutions (TRL < 7), leading to the TRL–CO2 paradox and highlighting the need for standardization and performance-based regulatory frameworks. The synthesized results indicate that the appropriate integration of industrial waste enables a significant reduction in clinker content, lowers associated CO2 emissions, and decreases primary energy consumption while maintaining physical–mechanical properties and durability characteristics comparable to or in some cases superior to those of traditional materials, if mix design is based on clear performance criteria, stratified according to the type of waste, dosage used, curing regime, binder chemistry, and the target application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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34 pages, 1556 KB  
Review
Impact of Heavy Metal Sequestration During Phytoremediation of Textile Wastewater on Biogas Yield of Aquatic Plants: A Review
by Kaizar Hossain, Sayanti Kar, Dipsita Hati, Arpita Ghosh, Sinjini Sengupta, Souvik Paul, Avik De and Abhishek RoyChowdhury
Biomass 2026, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass6030034 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
The textile industry consumes a significant quantity of water and produces effluent containing water-soluble dyes and heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn), among others. Heavy metal contamination of water bodies and their impact on [...] Read more.
The textile industry consumes a significant quantity of water and produces effluent containing water-soluble dyes and heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn), among others. Heavy metal contamination of water bodies and their impact on aquatic life, as well as on human health, is of prime importance. This review examined the potential of phytoremediation, a low-cost and eco-friendly process for removing contaminants from textile effluent. This review also investigated the impact of heavy metal toxicity on aquatic plants used for biogas production post phytoremediation application. This review evaluated textile effluent characteristics, efficiency evaluation of phytoremediation of textile wastewater, metal uptake mechanisms of aquatic plants, and anaerobic digestion processes with emphasis on Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Duckweed (Lemna minor), and Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). The findings indicated that these aquatic plants possess immense potential for removing heavy metals and other impurities by employing phytoextraction and rhizofiltration methods. Their rapid growth rate makes them preferred candidates for anaerobic digestion. However, accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues inhibits microbial activities during anaerobic digestion, resulting in fluctuations in biogas and methane production. Findings also showed that these aquatic plants are efficient in the removal of heavy metals in water while yielding considerable biomass that can be used to produce bioenergy through anaerobic digestion. However, the sequestration of heavy metals in plant biomass may affect the rate of methane generation efficiency. The findings of this review suggest that phytoremediation has promising potential for the recycling of textile wastewater and, when coupled with biogas production, contributes towards a circular bioeconomy, an approach that integrates closed-loop resource utilization with renewable biological systems to minimize waste. Full article
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19 pages, 15794 KB  
Article
Enhanced Ethanol Sensing Performance and Humidity Tolerance of Ce/ZnO-Incorporated In2O3 Nanocubes
by Yijun Yang, Dong Geon Jung and Daewoong Jung
Micromachines 2026, 17(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17050539 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
This work presents the design and evaluation of cerium and zinc oxide-incorporated indium oxide (Ce/ZnO-In2O3) nanocube composites synthesized via a hydrothermal process for advanced ethanol gas sensing. The incorporation of Ce and ZnO effectively modified the surface chemistry and [...] Read more.
This work presents the design and evaluation of cerium and zinc oxide-incorporated indium oxide (Ce/ZnO-In2O3) nanocube composites synthesized via a hydrothermal process for advanced ethanol gas sensing. The incorporation of Ce and ZnO effectively modified the surface chemistry and electronic structure of In2O3 without causing significant morphological degradation. Compared with pristine In2O3, the Ce/ZnO-In2O3 sensor exhibited a significantly enhanced response of 33.2 toward 100 ppm ethanol at 300 °C, corresponding to an 8.7-fold improvement, along with a low detection limit of 0.8 ppm. In addition, the composite sensor demonstrated stable and reversible sensing behavior, excellent repeatability over 100 cycles, and long-term operational stability. Notably, improved humidity tolerance was achieved, with approximately 77% of the initial response retained at 80% relative humidity. The enhanced sensing performance is attributed to the combined effects of heterojunction formation between ZnO and In2O3 and Ce-induced lattice distortion, which promote oxygen adsorption and facilitate charge transfer during gas reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed the improved discrimination of ethanol against interfering gases. These results underscore the synergistic effects of Ce and ZnO incorporation in tailoring electronic structures and surface chemistry, thereby emphasizing the potential of this strategy for reliable ethanol detection in environmental and industrial applications. Full article
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31 pages, 39120 KB  
Article
Investigation of the Use of In Situ Material by Geopolymerization Method in Stabilization of Ordinary Clay Soils
by Süleyman Gücek, Gökhan Kürklü, Bojan Žlender and Tamara Bračko
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4290; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094290 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Certain clayey soils are susceptible to swelling and shrinkage due to moisture variations, which can lead to ground deformation and structural damage. Although traditional stabilization methods using lime and cement are effective, they involve high energy consumption and significant CO2 emissions. In [...] Read more.
Certain clayey soils are susceptible to swelling and shrinkage due to moisture variations, which can lead to ground deformation and structural damage. Although traditional stabilization methods using lime and cement are effective, they involve high energy consumption and significant CO2 emissions. In response to sustainability concerns, this study investigates the potential of in situ geopolymer stabilization of clay soils using industrial by-products as eco-friendly binders. Experimental studies were conducted on clay specimens stabilized with geopolymer binders produced from fly ash and waste brick powder activated by alkaline solutions. The selected clay exhibited stiff to very stiff behavior and was used as a reference material to ensure reliable evaluation without the influence of severe initial degradation. Reference samples with identical water content but without alkaline activation were also prepared. The primary objective was to assess geopolymers as a sustainable alternative to conventional binders, focusing on moisture sensitivity and long-term mechanical performance. Laboratory strength tests demonstrated that geopolymer-treated specimens exhibited significantly higher strength compared to untreated samples, indicating substantial improvement in engineering properties. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that the combination of dual activators (NS+NH) and thermal curing at 85 °C transformed the weak clay matrix into a dense, fibrous geopolymer network. However, the high curing temperature was primarily used to study the reaction mechanisms; the practical applicability of the method should be evaluated based on results obtained at ambient temperature. This structure enhanced particle bonding and mechanical interlocking by filling voids within the matrix. Overall, the findings confirm that geopolymer stabilization using industrial waste materials is an effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional soil stabilization techniques, contributing to reduced carbon emissions in geotechnical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advancements in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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41 pages, 23754 KB  
Review
Carbon Dot-Based Electrochemical and Optical Sensors for Pharmaceutical Analysis and Point-of-Care Diagnostics
by Ganesh Gollavelli, Chiranjib Patra, Chiranjeevi Korupalli, Manuri Brahmayya and Yong-Chen Ling
Biosensors 2026, 16(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16050246 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Because of their special optical and electrochemical characteristics, superior biocompatibility, adjustable surface chemistry, and inexpensive, scalable synthesis, carbon dots (CDs), including carbon quantum dots and graphene quantum dots, have become powerful and adaptable nanomaterials for advanced pharmaceutical analysis and other toxicants. The sensitive [...] Read more.
Because of their special optical and electrochemical characteristics, superior biocompatibility, adjustable surface chemistry, and inexpensive, scalable synthesis, carbon dots (CDs), including carbon quantum dots and graphene quantum dots, have become powerful and adaptable nanomaterials for advanced pharmaceutical analysis and other toxicants. The sensitive and selective detection of active pharmaceutical substances, degradation products, contaminants, biomarkers, and therapeutic medication levels in complex matrices has shown great promise in recent years with CD-based nanobiosensors. The development of various sensing platforms, such as electrochemical, optical, and dual-mode biosensors, as well as integration into microfluidic, paper-based, and wearable point-of-care (POC) devices, is made possible by their intrinsic fluorescence, effective electron transfer capacity, and ease of functionalization. With an emphasis on sensing mechanisms, biorecognition techniques, and analytical performance, this study critically reviews current developments in CD-based nanobio/chemosensors for pharmaceutical analysis. It includes a thorough discussion of important applications in drug development, stability research, therapeutic drug monitoring, and drug quality control. Along with new developments like green synthesis, AI-assisted signal processing, and smart sensing platforms, current issues with reproducibility, standardization, biocompatibility, and regulatory validation are highlighted. Lastly, prospects for the industrial application and clinical translation of CD-based nanobiosensors are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biosensors for Pharmaceutical Analysis)
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25 pages, 5405 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Selective Laser Melting of Cobalt-Free Eutectic High-Entropy Alloys: Design, Microstructure, and Performance Control
by Xiaojun Tan, Xuyun Peng, Wei Tan, Jian Huang, Chaojun Ding, Yushan Yang, Jieshun Yang, Haitao Chen, Liang Guo and Qingmao Zhang
Micromachines 2026, 17(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17050536 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
With the strategic shift toward reducing reliance on critical raw materials, Cobalt-free eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) have emerged as a pivotal frontier for high-performance structural applications. This review systematically elucidates the synergistic relationship between Co-free alloy design and the non-equilibrium solidification mechanisms of [...] Read more.
With the strategic shift toward reducing reliance on critical raw materials, Cobalt-free eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) have emerged as a pivotal frontier for high-performance structural applications. This review systematically elucidates the synergistic relationship between Co-free alloy design and the non-equilibrium solidification mechanisms of Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The ultra-high cooling rates (105–108 K/s) inherent in SLM are shown to refine eutectic lamellae to the sub-micron scale (typically <300 nm), effectively suppressing the macro-segregation common in conventional casting. We evaluate the design principles of Al-Cr-Fe-Ni and related systems, noting that SLM-processed Co-free EHEAs frequently achieve yield strengths exceeding 1000 MPa and ultimate tensile strengths (UTSs) surpassing 1300 MPa, while maintaining tensile elongations above 10%—a significant improvement over the coarse-grained structures produced by traditional methods. Furthermore, the study identifies critical processing windows, such as laser energy densities (60–120 J/mm3), required to mitigate micro-cracking and achieve near-full density (>99.5%). By synthesizing recent experimental breakthroughs and AI-driven modeling, this review provides a quantitative roadmap for the precision manufacturing of cost-effective, high-performance EHEAs, bridging the gap between theoretical alloy design and industrial additive manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical and Laser Material Processing, 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 4530 KB  
Article
AI-Powered Computer Vision for Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Musculoskeletal Symptom Prevalence in Industrial Metal Polishing Operators
by Joel Alves, Tânia M. Lima and Pedro D. Gaspar
Eng 2026, 7(5), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7050204 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Manufacturing polishing tasks involve repetitive movements and sustained postures that increase exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study presents an intersectoral validation of the ergonomic assessment methodology applied to industrial metal polishing operators that considered sociodemographic, anthropometric, and health variables. This study [...] Read more.
Manufacturing polishing tasks involve repetitive movements and sustained postures that increase exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study presents an intersectoral validation of the ergonomic assessment methodology applied to industrial metal polishing operators that considered sociodemographic, anthropometric, and health variables. This study surveyed 41 workers using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and assessed a subsample of 27 workers using the REBA method through AI-based computer vision. Symptom prevalence was highest in the neck (82.9%), shoulders (70.8%), lower back (68.3%), and wrists/hands (65.9%). Using a computer-vision AI-based tool to analyse posture, the REBA method identified moderate (70.3%), high (26.0%) and very high (3.7%) WRMSD risks for the upper arms, neck, and trunk, respectively, with women showing greater susceptibility. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant associations between age, gender, health perception, and musculoskeletal risks. The findings confirm the ergonomic assessment method’s applicability and reliability for ergonomic risk assessment in industrial polishing tasks, emphasising the need for targeted interventions adapted to gender and age profiles to mitigate occupational hazards. The results support a non-intrusive assessment approach suitable for industrial deployment and for prioritising targeted, worker-stratified ergonomic interventions. Full article
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14 pages, 3061 KB  
Article
Comparative Biodegradation of Agro-Industrial and Recycled Fiber-Based Facestocks for Pressure-Sensitive Labels Under Aerobic Soil Conditions
by Ana Marošević Dolovski, Katarina Itrić Ivanda, Rahela Kulčar and Marina Vukoje Bezjak
Sci 2026, 8(5), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8050099 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
The increasing use of pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs), driven by growth in the packaging sector, raises concerns regarding material consumption and end-of-life management under evolving European packaging regulations. This study investigates the biodegradation potential of sustainable PSL facestocks produced from 15% agro-industrial by-products, 40% [...] Read more.
The increasing use of pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs), driven by growth in the packaging sector, raises concerns regarding material consumption and end-of-life management under evolving European packaging regulations. This study investigates the biodegradation potential of sustainable PSL facestocks produced from 15% agro-industrial by-products, 40% post-consumer recycled fibers, and 45% virgin wood pulp. Their biodegradation behavior was compared with bio-based polyethylene (PE) facestocks using laboratory-scale aerobic soil burial tests conducted for up to 28 days. Biodegradation was assessed through weight loss measurements, visual evaluation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and fluorescence analysis. Fiber-based facestocks exhibited significant degradation, reaching approximately 50–55% weight loss after 28 days, accompanied by structural changes in the cellulose matrix and reduced fluorescence intensity. In contrast, bio-based polyethylene facestocks showed negligible weight loss and only minor spectroscopic changes, indicating high stability under the tested conditions. The results demonstrate that fiber-based samples derived from agro-industrial and recycled sources possess substantially higher biodegradation potential than bio-based polymeric alternatives. These findings support the use of fiber-based PSL facestocks in applications requiring improved environmental compatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)
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18 pages, 2504 KB  
Article
Influence of Cutting Parameters on Exit-Side Defects in Abrasive Waterjet Machining of UNS A92024 Aluminum Alloy
by Pedro F. Mayuet Ares, Lucía Rodríguez-Parada, Sergio de la Rosa and Moises Batista
Metals 2026, 16(5), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16050475 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is widely used for cutting aerospace aluminum alloys, but exit-side defects associated with jet lag can degrade surface integrity and dimensional accuracy. This work investigates the influence of water pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, and traverse feed rate on [...] Read more.
Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is widely used for cutting aerospace aluminum alloys, but exit-side defects associated with jet lag can degrade surface integrity and dimensional accuracy. This work investigates the influence of water pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, and traverse feed rate on the formation of jet-lag defects at the exit side of cuts in UNS A92024 aluminum alloy plates of 10 mm thickness. A full factorial 33 experimental design was implemented to manufacture 27 square samples (20 × 20 mm), which were subsequently characterized by optical microscopy at 20× magnification. The semicircular jet-lag defects were quantified using Imaging processing techniques to determine their projected area, and the resulting data were analyzed with multifactor ANOVA and multiple linear regression. The results show that traverse feed rate and water pressure have a statistically significant effect on defect area, with traverse feed rate being the most influential factor, whereas the abrasive mass flow rate plays a secondary role within the investigated range. Combinations of high water pressure and low traverse feed rate led to cleaner cuts with reduced exit-side damage, and contour plots allowed the identification of operational windows that minimize defect formation. The proposed methodology provides a systematic framework for characterizing jet-lag defects in AWJM and can be extended to other alloys, thicknesses, and advanced characterization techniques to support process optimization in industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Manufacturing and Mechanics of Materials)
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20 pages, 7849 KB  
Review
Update and Development Trend of Mobile Thermal Energy Storage: Bridge Between Waste Heat and Distributed Heating
by Yichen Yang, Chunsheng Hu, Aoyang Zhang and Dongfang Li
Energies 2026, 19(9), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092112 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Mobile thermal energy storage (M-TES) demonstrates significant commercialization potential in industrial waste heat recovery, distributed heating, and clean heating applications, which is primarily based on three technical pathways: sensible heat storage, latent heat storage using phase change materials (PCMs), and thermochemical heat storage. [...] Read more.
Mobile thermal energy storage (M-TES) demonstrates significant commercialization potential in industrial waste heat recovery, distributed heating, and clean heating applications, which is primarily based on three technical pathways: sensible heat storage, latent heat storage using phase change materials (PCMs), and thermochemical heat storage. The updated status of M-TES, mainly on PCMs and thermochemical ones, and the challenges facing application were reviewed, and potential development trends were discussed in the present study. Sensible heat storage is relatively mature and cost-effective; however, it suffers from low energy density and comparatively high heat loss during storage and transport. Latent heat storage utilizes the phase transition enthalpy of PCMs to store thermal energy, offering higher energy density and near-isothermal heat release, making it a focal point of current academic and industrial research. Nevertheless, latent heat storage still faces technical bottlenecks, including low thermal conductivity, phase separation, and supercooling of PCMs. Thermochemical heat storage relies on reversible chemical reactions to convert and store thermal energy as chemical energy, theoretically achieving the highest energy density and minimal heat loss. However, due to its technical complexity and high system cost, thermochemical storage remains largely in the early stages of research and demonstration. Overall, as a bridge between heat supply and demand, the development trend emphasizes the design of high-performance composite PCMs, enhanced system integration, and intelligent operational management. However, its large-scale deployment is still constrained by challenges related to energy density, heat transfer enhancement, long-term material stability, and techno-economic feasibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrical Power System Combination with Energy Storage)
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