Fuel cell electric long-haul truck evaluation for sustainable transport via a novel Pythagorean fuzzy sets-driven tool

Fossil fuel-powered trucks and vehicles used in road freight transportation play a notable role in the emission of greenhouse gases. Although the road vehicle industry's use of renewable energy is promising in terms of sustainability, the vehicle manufacturing industry's initiatives are still in their infancy. Moreover, existing studies on using electric and renewable energies in transportation have primarily focused on electric automobiles. Considering these research and practice gaps, this work investigates the selection of the most proper fuel cell electric long-haul trucks (FCETs) to restructure the Turkish fleet of long-haul trucks operating nationwide concerning sustainability. However, assessing these vehicles is challenging, as they are produced based on new and advanced technology, with severe and highly complicated uncertainties. Thus, this paper suggests a Pythagorean fuzzy distance measure-based weighted integrated sum product (WISP) with the integration of the symmetry point of criteria (SPC) and relative closeness coefficient (RCC)-based weighting methods. Surprisingly, and unlike the findings of earlier works, the acquired conclusions indicate that refueling time (0.1161) is the most influential factor for FCET selection, followed by range (0.0837) and torque (0.0785) among the 14 criteria. Besides, the first alternative (R1) outperforms the other options, followed by R5 and R7. Finally, robustness and validity checks ensured the consistency, stability, and practicality of the conclusions. The research can guide manufacturers who produce FCETs and aim to enhance the quality and desirability of their products. Furthermore, practitioners and researchers can utilize the proposed model to solve challenging decision-making problems

Experimental analysis of the combustion and performance of using n-butanol/n-heptane blends at different compression ratios in a SI-HCCI engine

In this study, the use of n-butanol at different compression ratios and different lambda values in a single cylinder homogeneous charge compression ignition engine was investigated experimentally. A spark ignited-mode converted Ricardo Hydra with variable compression ratio was used as the test engine. The findings are presented as a working map. In this study, imep maps, in-cylinder pressure and rate of heat release change, start of combustion, combustion duration, indicated thermal efficiency, maximum pressure rise rate and emissions were explained in detail. The addition of n-butanol to high reactivity n-heptane allowed the control of the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion phase. The oxidation reactions were slowed down and most of the combustion took place around the top dead center. This allowed the achievement of an indicated thermal efficiency in the range of 35% to 44% and simultaneous reduction of carbonmonoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. Although the widest operating range was obtained with the reference neat n-heptane, by increasing compression ratio, the operating range of n-butanol-containing blend fuels could also be extended. Low reactivity n-butanol also partially reduced knocking, which is a major problem of homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion. Compared to the reference neat n-heptane, hydrocarbon emissions could be reduced by an average of 50% when using B60 fuel. This study clearly demonstrated that n-butanol is an ideal fuel type for homogeneous charge compression ignition engines.Scientific Research Projects Coor-dination Unit of Afyon Kocatepe University [22, FEN.BI bull; L.47]This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coor-dination Unit of Afyon Kocatepe University under project number 22. FEN.BI center dot L.47. The authors express their sincere gratitude for the support provided by this institution

Targeted and cost-efficient solar cleaning: A novel RTVA approach to robotic path planning

The efficiency of photovoltaic systems can be significantly compromised by surface soiling, leading to substantial energy losses. While autonomous cleaning systems are increasingly deployed, most existing approaches rely on uniform surface cleaning or time-based scheduling, often ignoring the uneven distribution of contaminants. In this study, a contamination-aware robotic cleaning system is developed, integrating real-time image processing, environmental sensing, and energy-efficient path planning. The system identifies soiled regions through vision-based analysis and schedules cleaning actions according to environmental conditions. A novel routing algorithm, the Recursive Tabular Validation Algorithm, is introduced to solve the Traveling Salesman Problem in the context of partial and targeted cleaning. Unlike conventional heuristics that optimize the visit order, this algorithm prioritizes edge selection and employs a recursive table validation mechanism combined with path-intersection analysis to eliminate suboptimal routes. The prototype comprises four 25 W photovoltaic panels, and scalability simulations were conducted to evaluate algorithmic performance under larger problem sizes. Experimental results demonstrate a 19 % reduction in cleaning energy consumption, with the proposed algorithm outperforming the Nearest Neighbor and the Nearest Neighbor +2-Opt combinations by 17 % and 15 %, respectively. By prioritizing energy-aware route planning and condition-based cleaning, this study introduces a novel contribution to the field of autonomous PV maintenance systems and offers a scalable solution for enhancing the operational efficiency of solar farms.Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Commission [22.FEN.BIL.27]This study was supported by Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Commission within the scope of project number 22.FEN.BIL.27

A novel three-segment solar radiation forecasting model

The alteration of solar radiation data is dependent to stochastic and deterministic internal features. Deterministic feature is caused by solar geometry and movements in the nature whereas, the stochastic features are composed from random atmospheric events. It is considered that, focusing on these features separately will increase the accuracy of forecasting. Therefore, in this study, a new solar radiation estimation model was developed by considering these intrinsic features separately. While dealing the deterministic part, the hours without sunlight were determined using corresponding extraterrestrial solar information of region. On the other hand, the sudden changes in sun set and rise times are considered separately. Finally, a similar pattern-based approach was developed to capture stochastic changes. In this way a three-segmented prediction model is proposed. The accuracy of the proposed model has been tested and the accuracy results have been compared with other models in the literature in terms of different benchmarks. The results indicate that, proposed model can predict data quite accurately.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Trkiye (TUBITAK) [123E624]; TUBITAKThis study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK) with project number 123E624. We would like to thank TUBITAK for its support to the project. We would also like to thank them for providing the data used in the study from the 5th Regional Directorate of Meteorology

Evaluating zero-carbon measures through a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy LOPCOW and WISP approach

Climate change is a pressing issue globally, and countries are implementing zero-carbon measures (ZCMs) to combat it. The ranking of such measures is essential, as it facilitates policymakers in preparing action plans for sustainability. As a variant of the hesitant fuzzy set (HFS), the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set (PHFS) is utilized, which considers both hesitancy during rating and the associated confidence level for each value. Logarithmic percentage change-driven objective weighting (LOPCOW) and simple weighted sum product (WISP) are cuttingedge weighting and ranking methods for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), respectively. This study aims to rank ZCMs to achieve SDG13 via a novel integrated LOPCOW-WISP multi-criteria method with PHFSs. So far, there has been no work on developing LOPCOW and WISP methods under PHFSs, and no PHFS-driven research has evaluated ZCMs. Regarding the findings, sustainable agriculture is the foremost measure, followed by research and innovation and decarbonizing industry. Sensitivity and comparison analyses are further conducted to realize the method's robustness. The findings can also help to shape the practical and future end-use vision for energy resources, allowing for significant advantages while incurring zero-carbon emissions costs. Policymakers can readily use this framework in logical decision-making processes. Furthermore, the study proposes an ideal measurement method that prioritizes technological, agricultural, and research and development factors, along with concerns like energy efficiency, to achieve the goal of zero-carbon emissions

A lossless floating capacitance multiplier based on the single DDCC-

In this paper, a new lossless floating capacitance multiplier (FCM) using a single inverting type differential difference current conveyor (DDCC-) is proposed. Only 16 MOS transistors are used in the internal structure of the DDCC-. The proposed FCM includes a canonical number of passive components. Passive element matching requirements are unnecessary for the proposed FCM. The proposed FCM exhibits low power dissipation, and for a multiplication factor of 500, its operating frequency range extends from approximately 22 mHz to 500 kHz. Simulation results indicate that the operating frequency range remains unaffected with the temperature variations. The proposed FCM is tested in the application example and experimentally with AD844s. All simulations by using the SPICE program are accomplished.Scientific Research Projects at Pamukkale University in Turkiye [2023UBDIP001]This work was supported in part by the Scientific Research Projects at Pamukkale University in Turkiye under Grant number 2023UBDIP001

Effect of graphite based solid lubricant on noise and braking performance in polymer composite brake friction materials

PurposeThis study aims to investigate and evaluate the effects of graphite, used at different ratios as a solid lubricant in brake pads, on both braking/wear performance, a traditional focus, and braking noise, a crucial comfort criterion.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, brake pad samples containing graphite at different weight ratios (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) were developed. The physical properties of these samples were determined. Tribological performance (friction coefficient and wear loss) was determined following the ASTM G99 standard at 50 N load and 10,800 m sliding distance. Sound levels generated during braking were measured in decibels (dB). To investigate the wear mechanisms and surface morphology, the worn surfaces of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.FindingsAccording to the research results, increasing graphite addition decreased the coefficient of friction. However, it was observed that the coefficient of friction exhibited a more stable behavior as the graphite content increased. One of the most significant findings was the consistent decrease in average noise level as the graphite content increased. The best performance in terms of wear resistance was observed in the sample containing 5% graphite.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive approach that examines the effect of graphite used in brake pad formulations on tribological properties and correlates it with noise performance. The findings reveal that a higher graphite content can provide significantly quieter braking at the expense of an acceptable coefficient of friction and wear loss. This provides critical information for brake pad designers to optimize the balance between performance and comfort (noise) and adds value to the literature review

Quantile-frequency dependence between US sector stock indices and macro-financial indicators: A quantile coherence approach

This study explores the quantile-frequency linkages between U.S. sectoral stock indices and four macro-financial indicators: market volatility (VIX), geopolitical risk (GPR), inflation expectations (T5YIE), and the yield curve (T10Y3M), using the Quantile Coherence (QC) framework. The method captures nonlinear and asymmetric interactions across quantiles and horizons. The dataset covers daily observations from January 2016 to July 2025, encompassing episodes such as Brexit, the China-U.S. trade war, and recent geopolitical conflicts. Results reveal strong sectoral heterogeneity: dependence on VIX is predominantly negative in the short term during bullish phases, with reversals at longer horizons; the influence of GPR is asymmetric and forwardlooking; inflation expectations, captured by T5YIE, show a stable long-run positive association with all sectors; while the yield curve (T10Y3M) generates systematic long-term co-movements, with leadership alternating between financial indicators and sector indices across regimes. These findings demonstrate uneven sectoral responses to macro-financial drivers and provide guidance for risk management and portfolio design in uncertain environments

Interfacial interactions in electrospun PVA-MC/MXene nanofibers: A route to enhanced dielectric and antimicrobial properties

This study comprehensively investigates the structural, electrical, biological, and functional properties of electrospun PVA-MC/MXene fiber nanocomposites prepared by incorporating MXene into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-methyl cellulose (MC) matrix. The inclusion of MXene notably refined the fiber morphology, reducing the average diameter from 214 nm to 86 nm at a 5 wt% MXene concentration. EDX-MAP analyses confirmed homogeneous elemental distribution at 5 wt%, while Ti clustering was observed at 10 wt%. Surface characterization revealed enhanced hydrophilicity, with the contact angle decreasing from 55.2 degrees to 49.2 degrees and total surface free energy increasing from 59.02 mN/m to 64.33 mN/m. Thermal analyses indicated improved stability, as the onset degradation temperature rose from 290 degrees C to 315 degrees C and the glass transition temperature from 110 degrees C to 121 degrees C. The dielectric constant (epsilon') increased to 10.5 with 10 wt% MXene, consistent with interfacial polarization governed by the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars mechanism. AC conductivity improved from 10(-8) S/cm at 10(3) Hz to 10(-5) S/cm at 10(6) Hz. Biologically, DPPH radical scavenging efficiency reached 53 %, showing a similar to 20 % enhancement over pristine PVA-MC. Antimicrobial activity also increased, with inhibition zones expanding from 12 mm to 15 mm for E. coli and from 9 mm to 14 mm for C. albicans. Overall, PVA-MC/MXene nanocomposites exhibit superior dielectric, thermal, and biological characteristics, making them promising candidates for applications in energy storage, biomedical coatings, wound dressings, smart sensors, and filtration systems.Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitThis study has been supported by the Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. The Project Number is 25.FENED.05

A study on transhumanism in terms of Islamic faith principles

Bu çalışmada, transhümanizm düşüncesinin İslam inanç esaslarıyla ne ölçüde uyuştuğu veya çeliştiği sorusu ele alınmıştır. Günümüzde hızla gelişen teknoloji ile birlikte genetik mühendislik, yapay zekâ, biyoteknoloji ve nörobilim gibi alanlar aracılığıyla insanın geliştirilmesi ve "dönüştürülmesi" düşüncesi ön plana çıkarılmıştır. Bu gelişmelerin, insanın yaratılış amacı, ilahi irade ve ahiret anlayışı gibi temel inanç esaslarıyla nasıl bir ilişki kurduğu problem olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın amacı; transhümanizm düşüncesinin temel yaklaşımlarının İslam inanç esasları çerçevesinde değerlendirilmesidir. Bu doğrultuda transhümanizmin Tanrı, insan, ölüm ve öte dünya anlayışıyla, İslam'ın tevhid, nübüvvet, ahiret ve kader gibi temel inanç esasları arasındaki uyum ve çatışma noktaları analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada betimsel ve nitel analiz yöntemleri kullanılmış; konuyla ilgili literatür taranmış, felsefi ve teolojik metinler karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenmiş ve ayet, hadis ve klasik İslami kaynaklar ışığında değerlendirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda, transhümanizmin bazı yönlerinin İslam'ın temel inanç esaslarıyla açıkça çeliştiği, özellikle insanın mutlak anlamda dönüştürülmesinin ilahi iradeye müdahale anlamı taşıdığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Ancak insan yaşamını kolaylaştıran ve hastalıkları tedavi etmeyi hedefleyen teknolojik gelişmelerin, belirli sınırlar içinde kaldığı sürece İslam dini ilkeleriyle çelişmediği tespit edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, teknoloji kullanımında etik ve inanç temelli sınırlamaların dikkate alınması gerektiği önerilmiştir.This study addresses the question of to what extent the transhumanist idea is compatible or contradictory with the principles of Islamic belief. With the rapidly developing technology today, the idea of developing and "transforming" humans through fields such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and neuroscience has been highlighted. The problem of how these developments relate to fundamental principles of belief such as the purpose of human creation, divine will and the understanding of the afterlife has been determined. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the fundamental approaches of the transhumanist idea within the framework of the principles of Islamic belief. In this context, the points of harmony and conflict between the understanding of God, man, death and the afterlife of transhumanism and the fundamental principles of belief such as monotheism, prophethood, the afterlife and destiny of Islam have been analyzed. Descriptive and qualitative analysis methods were used in the study; the relevant literature was scanned, philosophical and theological texts were examined comparatively and evaluated in the light of verses, hadith and classical Islamic sources. In line with the data obtained, it was concluded that some aspects of transhumanism clearly contradict the fundamental principles of Islam, and in particular, the absolute transformation of man means intervening in the divine will. However, it was determined that technological developments that facilitate human life and aim to treat diseases do not contradict the principles of Islam as long as they remain within certain limits. In this context, it was suggested that ethical and faith-based limitations should be taken into consideration in the use of technology