Artiles
Open Access
Review
14 May 2026A Review on the Role of Fuzzy Logic in Simulation, Planning and Control of Drones
In this paper, we offer an overview of the published works dealing with fuzzy logic applied in drones, considering both theoretical works and applications in diverse areas, such as simulation, planning, and control of drones. The analysis was done considering all types of available publications, such as journal papers, chapters, and conference papers. The data were obtained by searching the Scopus database from Elsevier, which contains most of the world’s indexed publications across all areas of knowledge. Based on the obtained data, some conclusions were elaborated about the advances of fuzzy logic and its applications in drones, as well as interesting future trends for this area were delineated. In particular, as fuzzy logic has been evolving from type-1 to type-2 and more recently to type-3, the role of fuzzy systems in the area of drones is following the same evolution. We have to say this evolution has already happened in the area of controlling autonomous mobile robots, and we expect that this will also happen in the area of drones, as the navigation problem is similar to some extent. A limitation of the study is that we are only considering the evolution of fuzzy logic types, rather than other alternatives, such as intuitionistic or hesitant fuzzy theories, which could become more useful in the near future. Also, we are not studying hybrid approaches with fuzzy, like neuro-fuzzy or evolving fuzzy systems, which can be an interesting subject from the point of view of making a fuzzy system to become dynamic or adaptive.
Open Access
Article
14 May 2026Investigation into the Role of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Quality in the Behavior of Geopolymer Recycled Pervious Concrete
Geopolymer recycled pervious concrete (GRPC) provides a promising solution for low-carbon construction through the utilization of industrial by-products and recycled coarse aggregates (RCA). However, the influence of RCA quality on the durability performance of GRPC remains insufficiently understood. In this study, GRPC was prepared using RCA of high, medium, and low quality, denoted as H-GRPC, M-GRPC, and L-GRPC, respectively. The mechanical properties, permeability, fatigue resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, and microstructural characteristics were systematically investigated. The results showed that RCA quality had a limited effect on permeability, whereas the mechanical performance and durability of GRPC were strongly dependent on RCA quality. The initial compressive strengths of H-GRPC, M-GRPC, and L-GRPC were 79.2, 75.3, and 60.0 MPa, respectively, with corresponding flexural strengths of 7.3, 6.7, and 6.2 MPa. After 100,000 fatigue cycles, compressive strength increased by 3.7%, 4.4%, and 3.0%, respectively. After 200 freeze-thaw cycles, the overall freeze-thaw durability followed the order H-GRPC > M-GRPC > L-GRPC. Microstructural analysis revealed that higher RCA quality promoted a denser matrix, a more intact interfacial transition zone, and a higher degree of geopolymerization. These findings provide guidance on selecting appropriate RCA quality for durable GRPC design.
Open Access
Review
14 May 2026The Diverse Landscape of Cancer Genomics in Africa
Africa harbors unparalleled genetic and cultural diversity. Yet, despite cancer being a major global non-communicable disease, African populations, particularly Indigenous groups, remain remarkably underrepresented in cancer genomics research. This review examines the current landscape of cancer genomics studies across Africa, with emphasis on population diversity and the extent to which Indigenous populations have been included. The genetic heterogeneity across African populations is discussed, and how it can influence cancer susceptibility, tumor biology, and therapeutic response, underscoring the fact that findings from non-African cohorts may not have the same significance in African cohorts. A substantial knowledge gap persists, and expanding studies in Africa could significantly provide valuable insights for global cancer biology. These factors emphasize the urgency of an African-based and African-owned biobanking infrastructure to support equitable research, strengthen local capacity and ethical stewardship of genomic resources towards the promotion of precision oncology and health equity on the continent.
Health equity
Open Access
Article
13 May 2026Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Optimal Operation of PV-ES-EV Microgrids
Aiming at the difficulty in balancing economic efficiency and islanding autonomy security during grid-connected operation of microgrids, as well as the limitation of fixed weights in traditional multi-objective optimization, this paper proposes a grid-connected interactive optimization strategy considering dynamic autonomy weights. A microgrid autonomy index is defined to quantify islanding preparedness, and a lightweight prediction network is designed to generate online weights for the three objectives of economy, security, and autonomy, so as to realize adaptive adjustment of the optimization focus. Furthermore, the Multi-Agent Proximal Policy Optimization (MAPPO) algorithm is adopted to coordinate photovoltaics, energy storage, electric vehicle chargers, various loads, as well as power purchasing and selling, enabling decentralized decision-making. Results show that the proposed strategy achieves economic performance close to that of economic-only optimization (i.e., disregarding islanding preparedness) under grid-connected conditions without external faults, while shortening the interruption duration of critical loads by more than 72% during islanding transition caused by external grid faults. Meanwhile, the state of charge (SOC) remains strictly within the operational safety band of 20–90% throughout all dispatch cycles, complying with industry norms for battery cycle life preservation. The dynamic weights for economy, security, and autonomy are generated online by a lightweight neural network based solely on real-time system states rather than being fixed a priori, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism in achieving a context-aware trade-off among conflicting objectives.
Open Access
Article
13 May 2026Exploration of Management Systems for Characteristic and Endemic Regional Food Resources in China
China, with its vast territory, harbors abundant regional food resources with multiple values in nutrition, ecology, and anthropology. However, simply adopting the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Geographical Indication (GI) system for classifying and managing these agricultural products fails to fully reflect their authentic natural and anthropological attributes, which cannot support the development of local characteristic economies and food cultural ecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a hierarchical classification standard system for regional food resources tailored to China’s national conditions. This paper proposed a new definition for China’s endemic and characteristic food resources and summarizes interdisciplinary research methods for exploring their biological and cultural attributes. Additionally, the economic and sociological values of these resources were discussed. The proposed classification standards provide guidance for the industrialization of regional food resources in China and offer new ideas for transforming biodiversity into novel productive forces in characteristic industries.
Open Access
Communication
12 May 2026Synthesis, Characterization and Thermochemical Energy Storage Potential of Tetraamminecopper(II) Sulfate Monohydrate
Tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate monohydrate, [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O, can be used as a thermochemical energy storage material. When heated, [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O releases ammonia gas and water, leaving behind CuSO4. When CuSO4 is cooled and exposed to ammonia, the reverse reaction occurs, forming [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 and releasing the stored heat. The reaction occurs at medium temperatures, can store a significant amount of thermal energy, and is highly reversible, allowing repeated cycles of heat storage and release without significant material degradation. This type of thermochemical energy storage can be used in various applications, particularly industrial waste heat recovery and solar thermal energy storage. In this study, tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate monohydrate was synthesized by chemical precipitation and thoroughly characterized via various techniques. Phase identification was performed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of the sample was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its chemical composition and elemental distribution were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Thermal properties were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of the solid sample revealed a broad absorption band characteristic of [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O, consistent with its dark blue color. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed that the obtained sample is [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O. SEM investigation showed that the prepared material consists of agglomerated particles of varying sizes. The process of thermal decomposition of the examined tetraamine copper(II) sulfate monohydrate takes place in three steps below 350 °C, followed by two additional steps at higher temperatures. Thermochemical energy storage potential of the prepared material is assessed on the basis of operating temperature range (20–200 °C), water elimination during the initial cycle, and volume changes in the course of charging/discharging process, yielding volumetric energy storage density estimation of 382 MJ·m−3.
Open Access
Article
12 May 2026Detecting and Mapping Stoebe vulgaris Post Herbicide Control, Using UAV Imagery and Machine Learning
Stoebe vulgaris is a declared indigenous bush encroacher species in South Africa. It has invaded over 11 million ha of grasslands. It is commonly called bankrupt bush due to its ability to outcompete other indigenous forb and grass species, decreasing grazing capacity, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning, eventually leading to financial ruin for farmers. Landowners are legally required to control the plant. A herbicide trial was set up in a severely encroached camp at Dundee Research Station in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to test the effectiveness of metsulfuron-methyl (50 g active ingredient ha−1) in controlling S. vulgaris. Applying metsulfuron-methyl provided a significant long-term reduction in S. vulgaris cover over six years. However, effective monitoring and management strategies depend on knowledge of the spatial distribution and expansion patterns of invasive species. We evaluated the ability of UAV-based imagery and machine learning, using Picterra, to detect and map S. vulgaris, while determining the optimal parameters to maximise detection accuracy. The best season for image acquisition was late summer when vegetation was at peak growth and maturity, providing the best spectral distinction between species, under light overcast and mild wind conditions. We recommend careful consideration of the flight orientation to the solar angle. We achieved 92% detector accuracy, with multispectral imagery enhancing the discrimination of similarly coloured plants. Plants smaller than 10 cm were not detected by the model. Our approach, using high-resolution drone imagery and AI, is capable of individual plant detection suited to a farm scale. This opens the way for using advances in drone technology for targeted, spot-application of herbicide.
Open Access
Article
12 May 2026Impact of a Government Ban on Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) Availability: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Suicidal Poisoning Cases in Bahawalpur, Pakistan (2016–2024)
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), locally known as “Kala Pathar”, has historically been a major agent of suicidal self poisoning in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In response to escalating morbidity and mortality, the Government of Punjab implemented a policy prohibiting the commercial scale distribution of raw PPD at the end of 2017. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the impact of this policy on the incidence of PPD-related suicidal poisoning in Bahawalpur using an interrupted time series design. A quasi-experimental, retrospective interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted using hospital records from the emergency department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from January 2016 to March 2024. Annual counts of confirmed PPD poisoning cases were analyzed. The intervention point was defined as January 2018. Segmented regression analysis was performed to estimate changes in both the level and the trend following policy implementation. A total of 4455 PPD poisoning cases were recorded during the study period. Prior to the intervention, cases increased from 832 in 2016 to a peak of 1243 in 2017. Following the prohibition, cases declined sharply to 407 in 2019 and further to 155 in 2023. Segmented regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant immediate reduction in case level after the intervention (β2 < 0, p < 0.05), along with a significant negative change in post intervention trend (β3 < 0, p < 0.05), indicating a sustained decline in PPD poisoning incidence. The majority of cases occurred among males (72%) and individuals aged 21–40 years (48%). The prohibition of commercial scale PPD distribution was associated with a significant and sustained reduction in PPD-related suicidal poisoning in Bahawalpur. These findings support targeted means restriction policies as an effective suicide prevention strategy in resource limited settings.
Open Access
Article
12 May 2026Low-Carbon Economic Dispatch for Offshore Wind-Solar Grid-Connected Systems Considering Source-Load Uncertainty and Carbon Emission Flow
Marine are endowed with abundant renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. The rational utilization of these resources through offshore wind turbines and photovoltaic plays a vital role in achieving energy conservation and emission reduction for marine energy systems. However, the challenges of grid integration and prominent uncertainties caused by large-scale penetration of offshore wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy into marine power systems severely threaten power balance, operational stability, and reserve allocation. To pursue low-carbon economic operation and collaboratively address source-load uncertainties in marine energy systems, this paper proposes a low-carbon economic dispatch model for offshore wind-PV grid-connected systems that considers source-load uncertainties and carbon emission flow (CEF). A bi-level optimization framework is adopted. The upper level establishes a unit output optimization model to handle source-load uncertainties via fuzzy chance-constrained programming, which converts the uncertain problem into a deterministic equivalent under a predefined confidence level, with the objective of minimizing the total operation cost and carbon cost. The lower level constructs a load response model incorporating CEF theory and carbon trading mechanisms to optimize load allocation, thereby achieving coordinated reductions in carbon emissions and carbon-related costs. Finally, the modified IEEE 57-node system is employed for case studies, and the proposed model is solved and validated using the CPLEX solver. The results demonstrate that the presented method can effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of offshore renewable energy fluctuations, enhance the stability and low-carbon economy of marine power systems, and provide a feasible dispatch solution for large-scale grid integration of offshore wind and PV energy.
Open Access
Article
12 May 2026Critical Conservation Gaps for Microendemic Axolotls Reveal Inadequate Protection in Central Mexico
Salamanders of the genus Ambystoma in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt are experiencing severe population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This study evaluated critical protection gaps for four Critically Endangered microendemic species: A. amblycephalum, A. andersoni, A. dumerilii and A. mexicanum. We compiled and cleaned 89 validated presence records from databases and the literature. Refined areas of occupancy were calculated using minimum convex polygons adjusted with elevation masks, hydrographic network filters, and species-specific buffer zones (50–100 m). Bioclimatic variables (temperature and precipitation-based) were derived from MexHiResClimDB, and overlap with protected areas, and the Ecosystem Integrity Index (EII) was quantified. The resulting areas of occupancy (0.38–108.19 km2) were larger than previous IUCN estimates for A. amblycephalum and A. dumerilii, yet showed null or minimal overlap with protected areas for these two species (4.79% and 0%, respectively). Ecosystem integrity was low across all species (EII 0.05–0.43), indicating severe degradation. Climatic niches were narrow, differentiated, and associated with restricted altitudinal ranges. These results reveal a crisis of effective protection, where expanded distribution knowledge does not translate into improved conservation status, demanding urgent expansion of active conservation strategies to counteract severe habitat degradation caused by urbanization, intensive agriculture, pollution, and invasive species.
