Advances in Research

A Boundary-Adapted Crank–Nicolson-Induced Mamadu–Njoseh Basis Functions for the Solution of Parabolic Partial Differential Equations

Ebimene James Mamadu — 2026-10-15

A boundary-adapted Crank–Nicolson-induced Mamadu–Njoseh basis-functions (CN-MNBF) framework is developed for the numerical solution of one-dimensional parabolic partial differential equations. The method combines a weighted Mamadu–Njoseh polynomial approximation in space with Crank–Nicolson time discretization. To enforce homogeneous Dirichlet conditions exactly, the numerical implementation uses boundary-adapted trial functions obtained by multiplying each Mamadu–Njoseh polynomial (MNP) by the boundary factor (1 - x²) on the transformed interval [-1,1]. The resulting mass and spatial-operator matrices are assembled directly in this constrained space. For the diffusion problem, a weighted energy argument establishes dissipativity and the associated Crank–Nicolson update is contractive in the mass-matrix norm. The fully discrete error splits into spatial approximation and temporal discretization components, with the temporal component second-order under standard smoothness assumptions. Numerical illustrations show decreasing spatial error and, for a sufficiently rich spatial approximation, approximately second-order temporal convergence. We interpret the induced basis as an operator-adapted representation of the Crank–Nicolson evolution rather than a new finite-dimensional spatial span.

Automated Genetic Algorithm-Based Impedance Bandwidth Optimization of a Triangular U-Slotted Microstrip Patch Antenna Using Python and HFSS

Mitesh Upreti — 2026-10-15

Microstrip patch antenna optimisation using full-wave electromagnetic simulations can become computationally expensive when multiple geometrical parameters are involved. This paper presents a Python–PyAEDT-based automated optimisation framework for enhancing the impedance bandwidth of a compact triangular U-slotted microstrip patch antenna. The antenna was initially designed for operation around 5 GHz on a 40 mm × 40 mm substrate and was subsequently modified to a compact 24 mm × 30 mm FR-4 substrate. The final configuration incorporates additional triangular and circular patch elements, a U-shaped slot, and a modified ground structure. Following the initial antenna modelling and parameterisation in Ansys High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), the framework automatically updates six geometrical parameters, executes electromagnetic simulations, extracts the reflection coefficient (S₁₁), and calculates the continuous −10 dB impedance bandwidth. Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimisation and script-based random search were each evaluated using 100 HFSS simulations. The GA achieved an impedance bandwidth of 2357.65 MHz over approximately 3.202–5.559 GHz, with a minimum S₁₁ of −24.128 dB. In comparison, random search achieved a bandwidth of 2260.37 MHz over approximately 3.459–5.720 GHz, with a minimum S₁₁ of −25.852 dB. The GA-based solution provided an impedance bandwidth 4.30% greater than that of the random-search solution in the recorded runs, whereas random search produced a more negative minimum S₁₁. The recorded total wall-clock times were 32.42 minutes for GA and 50.34 minutes for random search. These results demonstrate the feasibility of automating antenna optimisation and comparing alternative search strategies under an equal simulation budget. However, because each method was evaluated in a single run and employed a different candidate-selection criterion, repeated trials are required to establish the robustness of the observed performance difference.

Assessment of Groundwater Potential and Artificial Recharge Zones Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Naseer Agha Shirzad — 2026-10-19

Background: Groundwater is the primary source of water supply in Kabul City, Afghanistan, but rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, excessive groundwater abstraction, and climate variability have contributed to declining groundwater levels. Despite increasing groundwater stress, spatially explicit information on groundwater potential and suitable artificial recharge areas remains limited, creating a need for integrated and cost-effective groundwater assessment approaches.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of groundwater potential and identify suitable areas for artificial groundwater recharge in Kabul City using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques.

Methods: An integrated GIS–RS framework was applied using thematic layers representing major hydro-environmental factors, including topography, slope, drainage density, geology, lithology, soil characteristics, land use/land cover (LULC), river networks, and surface water bodies. The thematic layers were standardised and assigned appropriate weights before being integrated through a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis to delineate groundwater potential and artificial recharge suitability zones.

Results: The groundwater potential assessment revealed considerable spatial variation across Kabul City and classified the study area into three categories: Good, Moderate, and Low groundwater potential zones. A substantial proportion of the study area was classified as a Good potential zone, indicating favourable conditions for groundwater recharge and storage. These areas were generally associated with gentle slopes, lower elevations, permeable geological formations, suitable soil characteristics, and relatively low drainage density. Moderate-potential areas showed intermediate recharge and groundwater occurrence conditions, while Low-potential areas were mainly associated with mountainous terrain, steep slopes, and densely urbanized areas characterised by increased surface runoff and limited infiltration.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that groundwater occurrence in Kabul City is controlled by the combined effects of topographic, geological, hydrological, soil, and land-use characteristics. The integrated GIS–RS and weighted overlay approach provides an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective tool for groundwater potential assessment in data-limited environments. The resulting groundwater potential and artificial recharge suitability maps provide practical scientific support for prioritizing recharge zones, regulating groundwater abstraction, planning groundwater development, and implementing sustainable groundwater conservation strategies in Kabul City. The methodology can also be adapted for groundwater-stressed and semi-arid regions elsewhere in Afghanistan.

Drivers of Sustainable Procurement Practices and Their Effect on Organisational Performance in the Northern Region of Ghana

Williams Kwame Boateng — 2026-10-23

Sustainable procurement integrates economic, environmental and social considerations into purchasing decisions and may contribute to organisational performance. This study examined the drivers of sustainable procurement practices and their relationship with organisational performance among selected public-sector organisations in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. It focused on organisational and external factors, including management support, funding, supplier availability and relationships, environmental regulation, government enforcement, supplier resistance, expertise and training. A quantitative survey approach was used, with data collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings indicated that sustainable procurement practices were positively associated with organisational performance. The overall regression model showed that sustainable procurement practices explained 73.1% of the variance in organisational performance. Among the dimensions examined, green purchasing, ethical sourcing and supplier involvement accounted for 57.5%, 49.0% and 61.5% of the variance in organisational performance, respectively. Respondents also identified adequate funding, lower implementation costs, access to sustainable suppliers, appropriate environmental regulation, strong supplier relationships, effective government regulation and enforcement, top-management support, and expertise and training as relevant implementation drivers. The study indicates that effective sustainable procurement depends on the interaction of internal organisational capacity and external institutional conditions and that stronger implementation is associated with improved organisational outcomes within the study setting.

Estimation of Production Efficiency of Irrigated and Rainfed Cotton in Amravati District, Maharashtra, India

Pragati S. Khodke — 2026-10-26

Cotton cultivation is an important component of the agricultural economy of Amravati district, Maharashtra, where production takes place under irrigated and rainfed conditions. This study compared the technical, economic and allocative efficiencies of cotton cultivation under these two production systems and identified the constraints reported by growers. Primary data for the agricultural year 2025–26 were collected from 120 farmers, comprising 60 irrigated and 60 rainfed cotton growers selected from six villages in Morshi and Bhatkuli tehsils. Data Envelopment Analysis was used to estimate input- and output-oriented efficiency under constant returns to scale (CRS) and variable returns to scale (VRS) assumptions, while Garrett's ranking technique was applied to prioritise production constraints. Mean input-oriented technical efficiency was higher among irrigated growers under CRS (0.926) and VRS (0.958) than among rainfed growers (0.748 and 0.882, respectively). Mean economic efficiency was 0.829 for irrigated cotton and 0.604 for rainfed cotton, while mean allocative efficiency was 0.897 and 0.819, respectively. The main constraints identified by irrigated growers were the unavailability of labour during peak periods, high wage rates and high seed costs. Rainfed growers prioritised uneven rainfall distribution, insufficient irrigation facilities and low seed cotton productivity. The findings indicate higher relative efficiency among the sampled irrigated farms and demonstrate that reported production constraints differ between the two cultivation systems.

Effect of Cooked Unripe Plantain Incorporation on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Meat Patties

M. Anna Anandh — 2026-10-27

Background: Incorporating plant-derived ingredients into chicken meat patties may alter their technological, compositional and sensory properties. The effects of cooked shredded unripe plantain used to replace part of the meat remain insufficiently characterised.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of cooked unripe plantain incorporation on the quality characteristics of chicken meat patties.

Methods: Cooked unripe plantain replaced chicken meat at 0% (control), 5% (T1), 7.5% (T2) and 10% (T3). The study was conducted in six replicates. Emulsion and product pH, emulsion stability, cooking yield, moisture and fat retention, proximate composition and sensory characteristics were assessed.

Results: Increasing plantain incorporation reduced emulsion pH from 6.20 ± 0.01 to 5.99 ± 0.01 and product pH from 6.29 ± 0.01 to 6.04 ± 0.01. Emulsion stability increased from 94.70 ± 0.40% to 97.20 ± 0.24%, cooking yield from 94.70 ± 0.50% to 97.05 ± 0.25%, and moisture retention from 58.24 ± 0.49% to 63.33 ± 0.32%. Dietary fibre increased from 0.48 ± 0.02% in the control to 2.45 ± 0.04%, 3.85 ± 0.04% and 4.90 ± 0.05% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Moisture and ash contents increased, whereas protein and fat contents decreased. Sensory scores generally declined with higher incorporation, although tenderness did not differ significantly.

Conclusion: Incorporating 5% cooked unripe plantain increased dietary fibre while maintaining overall acceptability comparable with the control.

Economic Feasibility of a CAET Developed Vacuum Assisted Osmotic Dehydration Unit for Pineapple Slices

Rinkesh A. Gosavi — 2026-10-28

The economic feasibility of a vacuum osmotic dehydration (VOD)-based processing system for pineapple slices was evaluated for potential small-scale application. The developed VOD unit had a batch capacity of 8 kg and a fabrication cost of ₹66,700. Economic assessment was undertaken for the complete processing system, including the VOD unit, vacuum dryer, packaging equipment, utensils and associated infrastructure. The estimated fixed capital investment was ₹3,87,700, while the annual working capital requirement was ₹10,94,100. Based on an operating schedule of 8 h per day and 25 working days per month, the annual production cost was estimated at ₹11,63,816. At the assumed selling price of ₹610 kg⁻¹, the estimated annual revenue was ₹16,46,194.8, resulting in an annual net return of ₹4,82,378.8. The corresponding benefit–cost ratio was 1.40 and the return on revenue was 29.30%. The estimated break-even point was 27.58%, while the payback period was 0.74 years under the assumptions used in the analysis. The calculated production cost of vacuum osmotically dehydrated and vacuum-dried pineapple slices was approximately ₹431 kg⁻¹. These results indicate that the proposed processing system may have potential for small-scale pineapple value addition under the stated production, cost and selling-price assumptions. Further evaluation under varying raw-material, energy, product-recovery and market-price conditions would be useful for assessing the robustness of the projected economic performance.

Monitoring and Management of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) in pear (Pyrus communis L.) in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu

M. Senthil Kumar — 2026-10-29

A field experiment was conducted during 2024–25 in a farmer’s pear orchard at Manjakuttai, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, to monitor the seasonal abundance of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) in pear (Pyrus communis L., Var. Local) and compare an integrated pest management (IPM) module with the farmer’s chemical control practice and an untreated control. The experiment followed a randomised block design with three treatments and seven replications. Adult activity was monitored weekly with ten methyl eugenol–baited parapheromone traps during standard weeks (SW) 7–16 (12 February–22 April 2025). Trap catches increased from 13 to 22 flies/10 traps during SW 7–11, stabilised at 18–19 during SW 12–13, declined to 11 and 9 during SW 14–15, and increased to 28 during SW 16. Minimum humidity showed the strongest association with trap catches (r = 0.7989, p = 0.0056), explaining 63.83% of the variation in the simple regression. Maximum humidity, rainfall, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature showed positive but non-significant correlations over the full monitoring period. The five-variable regression explained 97.79% of the observed variation, although the estimate is based on only ten weekly observations. Cumulative rainfall of 63.2 mm during SW 14–16 coincided with the final population resurgence. The findings indicate that adult B. dorsalis is present before pear fruiting and support early monitoring and timely IPM intervention. Harvest-stage fruit damage, yield, and benefit–cost data were still pending during the reported monitoring period.

Buckwheat and Sago Exploration for Developing Multigrain Bread

Lalita Prakash Masih — 2026-10-29

Foods made from sustainable resources are gaining momentum because of their high nutritional value and potential health benefits in the global market. The study explored buckwheat and sago as raw materials for developing multigrain bread. Data were statistically assessed using one-way analysis of variance, and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to compare treatments. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the physico-functional characteristics of refined wheat, buckwheat, and sago flours, except for the expansion ratio of different composite flour bread loaves. The maximum bulk density (0.68 g/mL), oil absorption capacity (170.47%), and foaming capacity (14.00%) were recorded with buckwheat flour; in contrast, water absorption capacity (155.32%) was higher with refined wheat flour, and only tapped density (0.86 g/mL) as well as swelling capacity (14.28 mL) were higher with sago flour. The refined wheat flour bulk density and swelling capacity, sago flour water, oil, and foaming capacity, and buckwheat tapped density were the lowest among the flours. Buckwheat grains’ and sago pearls’ physical and functional characteristics viz., bulk density (0.42 and 0.68 g/mL), true density (1.18 and 0.76 g/mL), porosity (64.40 and 13.15%), 100 grains weight (2.27 and 6.83 g), 100 grains volume (4.51 and 10.12 mL), hydration capacity (0.0120 and 0.1005 g/grain), hydration index (0.5313 and 0.01005), swelling capacity (0.0224 and 0.1165 mL/grain), and swelling index (0.3945 and 0.0116) were, respectively, acceptable for food processing operations and developing multigrain bread. Buckwheat and sago flours may be used in composite flour at 26.08% and 13.04%, respectively, to develop a gluten-free, fortified multigrain bread as a functional food, which may reduce dependence on a few food crops.

A Multi-Host Deterministic Model with Optimal Control Strategies for Marburg Virus Disease

Marcus Ifeanyi Ossaiugbo — 2026-10-31

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fever that presents continuing challenges for outbreak prevention and control. This study develops a deterministic compartmental model to examine transmission among humans, bats and monkeys, together with the contribution of environmental viral contamination. The human population is represented by susceptible, exposed, infectious, quarantined and recovered compartments, while susceptible and infected classes are considered for the animal hosts. The model incorporates direct and indirect transmission, quarantine, recovery, loss of immunity, and environmental viral shedding and decay. Non-negativity, boundedness, equilibria and reproduction-number thresholds are analysed. Latin hypercube sampling and sensitivity indices are used to examine parameter effects, while an optimal-control formulation evaluates quarantine and environmental interventions alongside behavioural responses. Under the assumed baseline parameters, model simulations indicate that environment-to-human exposure accounts for at least 99.3% of the human force of infection over the 50-day period. Environmental controls alone reduce the simulated infectious peak from 6.03 to 1.15 and the cumulative infectious burden by 85%. The combined intervention scenario produces the lowest reported objective value, although its infection trajectory is similar to that of environmental control alone. Increasing quarantine rates reduces simulated infectious peaks, whereas social distancing has limited influence in the environmentally dominated baseline scenario. These results underscore the importance of assessing multiple transmission routes when selecting interventions, while recognising that the findings depend on model structure and assumed parameter values.

Backyard Poultry Farming among Selected Households in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu: Socioeconomic Characteristics, Production Constraints and Farm-level Economics

S. Paulpandi — 2026-11-04

This descriptive survey examines backyard poultry activities among selected households in three villages of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. The survey dataset comprised 120 households, with 40 each from Sambamed, Kalkurchi and Naraikinar. Household characteristics and perceived production constraints were summarized as counts and percentages. Three first-year account schedules, each describing a 50-bird backyard poultry unit, were evaluated separately using recorded costs and quantities of eggs and birds sold. Women constituted 64.17% (77/120) of the respondents, and agriculture was the principal occupation of 60.83% (73/120). The most frequently reported constraints were inadequate year-round availability of improved chicks (92.50%), predator-related losses (89.17%) and limited technical knowledge (79.17%). In the three illustrative units, egg sales ranged from 960 to 1,600 eggs; the corresponding gross sales receipts from eggs and birds were ₹19,800, ₹18,327 and ₹23,500. Recorded production costs were ₹10,071.35, ₹11,570 and ₹11,280, giving sales-based net margins of ₹9,728.65, ₹6,757 and ₹12,220, respectively. These accounts exclude the initial housing outlay as a direct expense and do not value eggs consumed at home. The findings identify practical constraints and potentially positive unit-level sales margins, but do not establish a population-average profit, a change in household income or nutritional adequacy.

Resistance Profiling of IIOR Castor Parental Lines against Major Insect Pests under Natural Infestation

M. Senthil Kumar — 2026-11-05

Fifteen parental lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.) maintained by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) were evaluated under natural field infestation at TCRS, Yethapur, during Kharif 2015 to characterise their reaction to major insect pests. The test entries were assessed for leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens), thrips (Retithrips syriacus/Scirtothrips dorsalis), castor semilooper (Achaea janata), tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) and capsule borer (Conogethes punctiferalis). Leafhopper injury was classified using a 0–4 hopper-burn scale. DCS 110, DCS 118, DCS 123 and M 574 showed grade 0 reactions, with leafhopper populations of 6.33–9.83 per three leaves per plant. In contrast, DCS 109 and DPC 9 were grade 4, recording 69.35 and 73.32 leafhoppers per three leaves per plant, respectively. Thrips infestation ranged from 3.66 to 7.50 thrips per spike, while semilooper incidence remained low at 0.00–0.67 larvae per plant. M 571 recorded 12.17 S. litura larvae per plant, whereas most other lines had negligible or no infestation. DCS 118, DCS 123, M 571, M 574 and DCH 519 had no capsule-borer damage; DCS 110 recorded the highest damage at 9.21%. Considering the combined pest profile, DCS 118 and DCS 123 were the most promising lines for use as donor parents in breeding programmes targeting multiple-pest resistance.

Households’ Preference for Payment Vehicles for Freshwater Lake Conservation: Evidence from Vellayani Lake, Kerala

G. Neeraja Giri — 2026-11-05

Background: Payment mechanisms shape how households consider contributing to freshwater conservation, but a preference for a collection channel is distinct from the amount respondents are willing to pay. This study examined stated preferences for two proposed payment vehicles for Vellayani Lake, Kerala.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 200 households in Kalliyoor and Venganoor grama panchayats and Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation was conducted in February–March 2026. A pre-tested structured interview schedule elicited socioeconomic information, lake-related perceptions and respondents’ preferences for payment through either a regular water bill or a separate Lake conservation fund. Frequencies, cross-tabulations and Pearson chi-square tests were used to examine unadjusted associations.

Results: Payment through the water bill was selected by 129 respondents (64.5%; exact 95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.4–71.1%), and the conservation fund by 71 (35.5%). Among respondents reporting domestic water supply from the lake, 123/169 (72.8%) preferred the water bill, compared with 6/31 (19.4%) of those reporting no lake-derived domestic supply (χ²[1] = 32.65, p < .001; exact conditional odds ratio = 10.99, 95% CI: 4.07–34.91). Gender (p = .025) and age (p = .028) showed unadjusted associations, but neither met a conservative seven-test multiplicity threshold; income, perceived quality, importance of protection and study location showed no statistically significant associations.

Conclusion: The water bill was the more frequently selected payment vehicle in this geographically restricted sample, especially among households reporting lake-derived domestic supply. These findings describe an unpriced stated choice and neither estimate willingness-to-pay amounts nor establish practical feasibility or future payment behaviour.

Numerical Study of Phase Change Material Melting in a Square Enclosure under Constant Wall Heat Flux

A. Haldar — 2026-11-06

Background: Phase change materials (PCMs) can store thermal energy through solid–liquid transitions, but their melting behaviour depends on material properties and heat-transfer conditions.

Aims: The study aims to compare the transient melting response of paraffin wax, lauric acid and capric acid in a square enclosure under constant wall heat flux and to examine an idealized PCM building-envelope application.

Study Design: Two-dimensional transient computational fluid dynamics using the enthalpy–porosity method.

Place of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Technology, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. Study dates: [1.7.2023 to 30.9.2024].

Methodology: A 20 mm × 20 mm PCM enclosure coupled to a 2 mm aluminium wall was heated at 1500 W/m², with the other external boundaries adiabatic. The reported calculations used 88,000 elements and a 0.1 s time step. Mass and applied energy are expressed per metre of out-of-plane depth. A separate capric acid building-envelope model was subjected to 200 W/m² for 1 h.

Results: For the reported material-property set, the simulations predicted complete melting at approximately 50 min for capric acid, 80 min for paraffin wax and 120 min for lauric acid. The corresponding applied energies were 90, 144 and 216 kJ/m, respectively. These values describe energy supplied to the PCM–aluminium system, rather than PCM storage capacity. The idealized building model predicted an inner concrete-surface temperature of 305.48 K, a reduction of 9.52 K relative to the reference configuration.

Conclusion: The reported simulations indicate an evolving contribution of buoyancy-driven flow during melting. The material ranking is conditional on the reported properties, particularly the paraffin viscosity. The building calculation illustrates surface-temperature buffering under the specified conditions but does not establish annual cooling-energy savings.

Growth Performance and Protein-Nutritional Status of Wistar Rats Given Aqueous Justicia carnea Leaf Extract for 14 Days

Esievo, Elizabeth O. — 2026-11-06

Background: The aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea is consumed in Nigeria as a nutritive blood tonic, but its growth and protein-nutritional effects in growing animals remain insufficiently characterised.

Aim: To evaluate body-weight gain, growth rate, serum total protein and albumin in young male Wistar rats given the aqueous leaf extract for 14 days.

Methods: Twenty-four rats received distilled water (control, n = 4) or extract at 200, 400, 600 or 800 mg/kg (n = 5 per group) by daily oral gavage. Body weight was recorded at three-time points. Serum total protein and albumin were determined in 14 rats after treatment. Analyses included one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA adjusting for initial body weight.

Results: All rats survived. Final body weight did not differ between groups (144.0–165.0 g; p = 0.375). Unadjusted percentage weight gain was highest in controls (61.8 ± 26.2%) and showed a negative correlation with dose (ρ = −0.46; p = 0.029). Rats receiving 800 mg/kg had higher initial weight than controls (126.0 ± 18.2 versus 102.5 ± 5.0 g; p = 0.013). Initial weight was negatively correlated with proportional gain (r = −0.61; p = 0.002). After adjustment, percentage weight gain did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.338). Serum total protein (p = 0.499) and albumin (p = 0.836) were also comparable.

Conclusion: These findings showed no statistically significant difference in baseline-adjusted growth or measured serum protein indices over 14 days, despite the unadjusted association between dose and weight gain.

Thermal Management, Packaging, and Electro-thermal Co-design of Wide- and Ultra-Wide-Bandgap Power Devices

Neha Singh — 2026-10-14

Background: Wide- and ultra-wide-bandgap (WBG/UWBG) power devices offer higher blocking-field capabilities and faster switching, but increasing power density presents significant thermal management and packaging challenges. Heat dissipation depends on semiconductor properties, thermal interfaces, package geometry and cooling conditions. However, translating material- and interface-level thermal improvements into reliable device and converter performance remains challenging because of differences in operating conditions and electro-thermal constraints.

Aims: To assess thermal transport, packaging and electro-thermal co-design constraints in WBG/UWBG power devices.

Study Design: Focused narrative review.

Methodology: Thirty journal articles were compared by structure, measurement or modelling methods, operating conditions and evidence limitations. The search was updated on 7 August 2026.

Findings: Interfaces, anisotropy, package geometry and duty cycle can outweigh bulk conductivity advantages. Thermal improvements can coexist with electrical degradation. Interface measurements, simulations and pulsed demonstrations do not establish continuous converter performance or service life.

Conclusion: Coupled thermal, electrical and packaging assessment is essential. The priority gaps are matched-condition comparisons, manufacturing variability and durability under representative converter operation.

Predictive Sentiment Analysis and Proactive Service Intelligence: Implications for Long-Term Customer Loyalty and Retention-A Scoping Review

Rahmat Kofoworola Sanusi — 2026-10-15

Background: Predictive sentiment analysis and proactive service intelligence are increasingly used to identify deteriorating customer relationships and support targeted service responses, yet evidence is distributed across marketing, customer relationship management, service research and business analytics.

Objective: This scoping review maps the evidence linking sentiment analysis, predictive customer analytics and proactive service with customer loyalty and retention and develops an integrated conceptual synthesis.

Methods: The review was guided by established scoping-review methodology and PRISMA-ScR. Nine multidisciplinary databases were searched, supplemented by backward citation searching and citation tracking. Evidence was charted by study design, industry, technology, data type, analytical method, customer-intelligence construct, service mechanism and relationship outcome.

Results: A total of 515 records were identified, 60 full-text reports were assessed and 32 sources were included. The mapped evidence indicates that textual sentiment signals can add predictive value when combined with behavioural and transactional data; AI-enabled customer analytics can support churn-risk identification and personalised service; and proactive service may translate customer intelligence into timely interventions. However, prediction accuracy should not be equated with intervention effectiveness, and direct longitudinal evidence for durable loyalty and retention remains limited. Trust, privacy, explainability, human oversight and responsible data use emerged as important boundary conditions.

Conclusions: The literature supports a conceptual pathway from customer data to sentiment intelligence, predictive risk assessment, proactive intervention and relationship outcomes, but the pathway should be interpreted as an evidence-informed synthesis rather than a validated causal model. Future research should prioritise longitudinal and experimental evaluations of intervention effects and heterogeneous treatment response.

Green Construction Technologies and Applications for Transportation Infrastructure: A Narrative Review

Wenjing Zhang — 2026-10-17

Transportation infrastructure provides long-term connectivity but generates environmental burdens through material production, construction, operation, maintenance and end-of-life management. This narrative review examines green construction technologies for roads, bridges and tunnels, focusing on recycled pavement materials, warm-mix asphalt, low-carbon concrete, alternative binders, construction machinery, ecological interventions, digital technologies and circular resource use. The review organises the literature around infrastructure life-cycle stages and considers engineering applicability, potential environmental benefits and trade-offs involving durability, cost, constructability and local supply conditions. The evidence indicates that reclaimed asphalt pavement, recycled aggregates, warm-mix asphalt and supplementary cementitious materials have established or emerging practical applications, whereas wider implementation of some alternative binders and digitally integrated systems requires further field evidence and institutional capacity. Environmental outcomes depend on mixture quality, transport distances, production energy, electricity carbon intensity and future maintenance rather than on recycled content or any individual technology alone. Differences in functional units, system boundaries, background data and recycling assumptions limit direct comparison among life-cycle assessments. Implementation is also influenced by technical standards, contractor capabilities, procurement arrangements and local recovery infrastructure. The review identifies priorities for long-term field validation, regional life-cycle inventories, integrated environmental and economic assessment, and stronger connections between digital monitoring and measurable resource and emissions outcomes. These findings support context-sensitive selection of green technologies that maintains required infrastructure performance while addressing cumulative environmental impacts.

Upcycling Agricultural Byproducts into High-performance Adsorbents for Water Remediation

Nisha Bagotia — 2026-10-22

Agricultural by-products are generated in substantial quantities, and their disposal or burning can contribute to environmental pollution. This review examines the potential of agricultural residues as raw or modified biosorbents for removing contaminants from water and wastewater. It considers representative materials derived from fruit stones, husks, shells and plant residues, together with their reported performance in removing metal ions, dyes and selected organic pollutants. The reviewed studies describe adsorption processes involving surface functional groups and mechanisms such as electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, complexation and physical adsorption. Material composition, porosity, surface modification, solution pH, initial pollutant concentration and contact time influence reported adsorption performance. Chemical and physical treatments can improve sorption properties, although their effectiveness depends on the biomass source and target contaminant. The reported findings also show that pollutant removal may differ between controlled laboratory solutions and complex wastewater matrices, where coexisting substances can affect adsorption. Consequently, performance estimates obtained under different experimental conditions require cautious interpretation. The review identifies regeneration, treatment of pollutant-loaded adsorbents, application to real wastewater and integration with other treatment technologies as important considerations for practical use. Overall, agricultural by-products offer potential feedstocks for wastewater-treatment adsorbents while providing an opportunity to reuse solid residues. Further evaluation under representative operating conditions is needed before broader application can be established.

From Digital Representation to Cooperative Control: A Review of Smart Highways Enabled by Digital Twins and Vehicle–Road–Cloud Integration

Chuang Zhang — 2026-10-27

Smart highways increasingly integrate smart cameras, IoT sensors, connected vehicles, edge–cloud computing, and digital twins to enhance traffic management and infrastructure services. However, existing research often emphasises technological capabilities rather than verified operational benefits, leaving gaps in system integration, performance evaluation, and practical deployment. This integrative critical review examines how digital twins and vehicle–road–cloud (VRC) integration can support reliable and coordinated highway operations. Drawing on relevant research, technical standards, and documented deployment programmes, the study proposes a four-plane architecture comprising measurement, interoperable communications, analytics and digital twin, and assured services. It clarifies the interactions among vehicles, roadside edge nodes, and regional cloud platforms, emphasising validated data exchange, predictive analysis, and safety-governed feedback. Applications in incident response, corridor traffic management, and infrastructure maintenance are critically examined in terms of technical capabilities, operational evidence, and deployment constraints. Comparative assessments of the Wyoming and Tampa connected-vehicle pilots and the C-Roads deployment indicate that demonstrated technical feasibility and service availability do not necessarily establish measurable improvements in corridor-level safety, mobility, or environmental performance. To address this gap, the review presents a four-tier evidence hierarchy covering component performance, service effectiveness, corridor outcomes, and lifecycle value, together with a safety-gated deployment framework progressing from reliable data infrastructure to supervised analytics, bounded control, and cross-corridor validation. The findings highlight data quality, model reliability, communication interoperability, cybersecurity, and operational governance as critical challenges. The review concludes that successful smart-highway deployment requires validated virtual–physical feedback, independently assessed operational benefits, and phased implementation under clearly defined safety and institutional constraints.