Journals
2025 EN
Kulathunga Geesara · Yilmaz Abdurrahman · Huang Zhuoling
+6 more
ABSTRACT In autonomous navigation, trajectory replanning, refinement, and control command generation are essential for effective motion planning. This paper presents a resilient approach to trajectory replanning addressing scenarios where the initial planner's solution becomes infeasible. The proposed method incorporates a hybrid A* algorithm to generate feasible trajectories when the primary planner fails and applies a soft constraints‐based smoothing technique to refine these trajectories, ensuring continuity, obstacle avoidance, and kinematic feasibility. Obstacle constraints are modeled using a dynamic Voronoi map to improve navigation through narrow passages. This approach enhances the consistency of trajectory planning, speeds up convergence, and meets real‐time computational requirements. In environments with around 30% or higher obstacle density, the ratio of free space before and after placing new obstacles, the RESILIENT TIMED ELASTIC BAND (RTEB) planner achieves approximately 20% reduction in traverse distance, traverse time, and control effort compared to the timed elastic band (TEB) planner and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) planner. These improvements demonstrate the RTEB planner's potential for application in field robotics, particularly in agricultural and industrial environments, where efficient and resilient navigation is crucial.
Journals
2025 EN
Gokul Elamurugu Alias · Raitsos Dionysios E. · Brewin Robert J. W.
+3 more
Abstract Coral bleaching, often triggered by oceanic warming, has a devastating impact on coral reef systems, resulting in substantial alterations to biodiversity and ecosystem services. For conservation management, an effective technique is needed to not only detect and monitor coral bleaching events but also to predict their severity levels. By combining high‐resolution satellite measurements (Sentinel‐2 Multispectral Instrument) and a bottom reflectance model within a least‐squares approach, we developed a new ocean color remote‐sensing model specifically designed to detect, map, and predict severity levels (low to high) of coral bleaching events at a high spatial resolution of 10 m. The proposed algorithm was implemented and tested within the Red Sea and compared remarkably well with concurrent and independent in situ data. We also applied the algorithm to investigate the response of corals during and after a bleaching event in the Wadi El‐Gemal region (Egypt) from July to December 2020. Our results show that coral bleaching severity levels and sea surface temperature (SST) were unusually high during August–September 2020. After the event, the coral bleaching signal decreased concurrently with SST during October–November 2020, aligned with a recovery of bleached coral reefs by December 2020. The proposed algorithm offers a cost‐effective approach toward developing a near‐real‐time remote‐sensing system for monitoring coral bleaching events and recovery at multi‐reef scales. Such remote‐sensing tools would aid policymakers and managers in developing and implementing integrated management strategies for coral reef conservation, as well as in supporting reactive management plans, including the identification of priority areas for intervention.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Oz · Nejat Yumusak
ABSTRACT This study introduces a novel method for repositioning multi‐steerable antennas on inclined geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites to enhance signal quality by mitigating signal degradation caused by coverage shifts due to satellite inclination. The innovation of this research lies in the real‐time tracking of target ground stations (boresights) by spaceborne satellite antennas to maintain stable coverage footprints, marking a first in inclined geostationary satellite operations. Orbit simulations and analyses were conducted on the operational satellite Sat‐A to evaluate the proposed onboard satellite antenna repositioning (OSAR) method. Various inclination angles (1°, 2°, 4°, and 6°) were considered, focusing on two coverage areas, BR1 and BR2. The method was validated through simulations by comparing Sat‐A's zero‐inclination baseline values with the repositioning results when pointing towards ground stations. The repositioned spaceborne antennas (S1 and S2) achieved remarkable pointing accuracy, with maximum errors of only 0.0165° in latitude and 0.0023° in longitude. Corresponding link performance metrics further confirmed the method's reliability, showing an equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) deviation of 10 −13 dB and an energy per bit to noise density ratio (E b /N 0 ) variation of just 0.0795 dB. This performance is particularly critical for regions affected by beam shifts due to inclination. The simulation results demonstrate that the OSAR method is both accurate and cost‐effective, making it suitable for various satellite services. By ensuring signal quality during inclined operations, the OSAR method offers a robust solution for satellite operators, enabling the delivery of reliable and high‐quality services to customers.
Journals
2025 EN
Sharma Gagan Deep · Shah Muhammad Ibrahim · Chopra Ritika
+2 more
Abstract Regardless of major advancements in food production, Asia continues to confront severe food security challenges. Sustainable agriculture presents entirely new prospects by prioritizing the productive worth of human, social, and natural capital—all of which are abundant in Asian nations or can be replenished at a relatively low financial expense. This paper sets out to explore the role of technological innovation, renewable energy use, financial development, globalization, and institutional quality on the environmental sustainability of agriculture, measured by the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector for top 10 agricultural economies of Asia from 1990 to 2019. To attain the above objective, we employ a variety of econometric models capable of accounting for cross‐sectional dependence, including the CS‐ARDL model and the Dumitrescu‐Hurlin Panel Granger Causality tests. The result indicates that technological innovation as well as the use of renewable energy can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector and thus contribute towards enhancing environmental performance of this sector in short and long run. Although globalization result is revealed to be positive, it turns out to be insignificant in both short and long run. Financial development exerts positive and significant effects on agricultural emissions while the institutional quality is found to be increasing the agricultural environmental performance. Finally, we provide policy recommendations based on the results of the study.
Journals
2025 EN
Xie Xin · Alnafrah Ibrahim · Dagestani Abd Alwahed
ABSTRACT This study examines patenting patterns to identify inefficiencies in innovation systems and proposes a blockchain‐based solution to advance sustainable development goals (SDGs) 4, 8, 9, and 17. Using a dataset of 13,910 patent documents, the research employs a multi‐step methodology: a patent landscape analysis, network analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Our findings indicate that patents linked to non‐competitive technologies and low originality scores are more likely to become inactive. Furthermore, the study identifies several factors contributing to the low efficiency of the innovation system, including closed technology transfer processes and weak collaborative synergies among stakeholders. To address these challenges, a blockchain‐based rewards system is proposed to foster beneficial relationships among innovation stakeholders, supporting sustainable innovation practices. This study enhances our understanding of innovation theory and provides insights for policymakers, linking the proposed solution to achieving SDGs 4, 8, 9, and 17 through sustainable innovation.
Journals
2025 EN
Shen Jiahao · Liu Yujing · Lanre Ibrahim Ridwan
ABSTRACT This research examines the extent to which the growth and environmental dimensions of sustainable development are influenced by the diversity of financial development, encompassing the financial development index, the financial institution index, and the financial market index. The analysis covers a selection of 30 African countries from 1996 to 2021. The study contributes to the financial development‐sustainable development literature by evaluating the moderating influences of digitalization and regulatory quality alongside various control variables, including technological innovation, government spending, trade openness, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and foreign direct investment. Empirical evidence is derived using estimators such as the system generalized method of moments and the common correlated effects mean group approach for the short‐ and long‐term nexuses, respectively. The results of the research suggest that although financial development promotes sustainable economic growth, it incurs environmental costs. Nevertheless, when the beneficial impacts of digitalization and regulatory quality are taken into account, the negative consequences linked to growth‐focused financial development are mitigated. Elements such as technological innovation, renewable energy, and foreign direct investment not only stimulate growth but also contribute to reducing environmental harm. In contrast, factors that boost economic growth while compromising ecological integrity include trade openness, government spending, and nonrenewable energy. To address these conflicting priorities, the report provides policy suggestions.
Journals
2025 EN
Ajii Ochanya · Damak Obadiah Ibrahim
ABSTRACT This study examines Nigeria's ecological footprint, addressing a significant gap in comprehensive research on how poverty, public‐private partnerships (PPPs), GDP (economic growth), and renewable energy use impact environment. Using data from 1990 to 2023, the analysis explores the relationship between these economic indicators and Nigeria's ecological footprint. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, with FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR robustness tests, were employed to ensure reliability. Key findings from the ARDL approach indicate that: (i) Poverty and GDP increase the ecological footprint; (ii) PPPs eventually lessen the ecological footprint; (iii) Using renewable energy reduces short‐term ecological imprint. The long‐term ARDL results are in line with those from FMOLS, DOLS, as well as CCR tests, reinforcing the need for coordinated policymaking to address Nigeria's environmental degradation. The study emphasizes the importance of leveraging PPPs to promote sustainable energy use and effective waste disposal practices. It underscores the need for grassroots conscientization and environmental media campaigns to enhance overall environmental quality.
Journals
2025 EN
Cutcu Ibrahim · Erdem Azad · Cil Dilek
+1 more
ABSTRACT Overexploitation of natural resources poses significant challenges to the global ecosystem. Because the world's natural resources are finite, maintaining ecological balance is essential to ensuring their sustainable production, consumption, and efficient use. Furthermore, one of the most essential elements in achieving sustainable development goals is the protection of natural resources. Therefore, knowing what influences and sustains natural resources offers essential information to help shape sustainable resource management practices. In this regard, the study investigates the effects of environmental protection expenditures, urbanization, fossil fuel consumption, and economic growth on the depletion of natural resources in 10 countries with the lowest natural depletion between 1995 and 2021 through causality testing. Moreover, because they may impact natural resources, population, globalization, and population density were included as control variables in the study's model. The important aim of the study is to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, 9, and 12. The test findings of the study show that these policies have a positive effect on the protection of natural resources and indicate a causal relationship supporting this finding. Governments should allocate affordable and easily accessible funds for initiatives that will reduce the negative consequences of processes that ensure the sustainability of natural resources. Additionally, the study highlights its contribution to the literature by proposing several concrete conclusions that determine the factors affecting the sustainability of natural resources.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Abdelazim · Zayed Tarek
ABSTRACT The circular economy (CE) is a transformative approach to achieving sustainability in mega‐construction initiatives, yet its adoption remains limited. This study develops a framework to identify critical success factors (CSFs) driving CE adoption and their impact on sustainability in large‐scale construction projects, focusing on developing countries. Using a systematic, multi‐stage methodology, the research includes a literature review to establish theoretical foundations, expert interviews to refine key factors, a survey to collect empirical data, and analysis via Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to categorize the factors. The framework is quantitatively validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM) to test relationships between constructs and sustainability outcomes. EFA reveals 27 CSFs grouped into three primary constructs: Digital Lifecycle Systems (DLS), Policy‐Driven Capacity (PDC), and Economic‐Market Enablers (EME) as key drivers of CE integration. PLS‐SEM analysis revealed that these 27 CSFs across the three constructs explain 57.3% variance (R 2 = 0.573) in the sustainable pillars of megaprojects. The proposed model, tested through PLS‐SEM, highlights the significance of DLS in optimizing resource management and material reuse. PDC highlights the critical role of regulations and institutional frameworks, while EME underscores financial incentives and market demand as key enablers. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, emphasizing the need to integrate digital tools, enforce supportive policies, and foster economic enablers to drive CE adoption. By addressing these critical factors, the research offers a replicable framework to embed CE principles in construction megaprojects, accelerating progress toward sustainability goals and resource efficiency.
Journals
2025 EN
Björk Mikael T. · Heurlin Magnus · Berg Martin
+4 more
We present a bottom‐up technology for producing dislocation‐free, strain‐relaxed InGaN microLEDs in the form of sub‐micron scale hexagonal platelets. The use of InGaN barrier material enables high indium‐content quantum wells with peak emission tunable from blue to deep red (> 670 nm). These platelets do not suffer from plasma induced damage and exhibit internal quantum efficiency values up to 60% for deep red emitting quantum wells. We further show red microLEDs exhibiting dominant wavelengths above 630 nm for drive currents up to 50 A/cm2, which is well suited for wide color gamut, and ultra‐high brightness displays.