Maintaining wheat moisture content within a safe range is of critical importance for ensuring the quality and safety of wheat. High-precision, rapid detection of wheat moisture content is a key factor in enabling effective control processes. A microwave detection system based on metasurface lens antennas was proposed in this study, which facilitates accurate, non-invasive, and contactless measurement of wheat moisture content. The system measures the attenuation characteristics of wheat with varying moisture content from 23.5 GHz to 24.5 GHz in the frequency range. A linear regression equation (coefficient of determination $\mathrm{R}^2$=0.9946) was established by using the measured actual moisture content obtained through the standard drying method, and was used as the prediction model for wheat moisture. Totally, 72 wheat samples were selected for moisture content prediction, yielding a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.193%, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.16%, and maximum relative error (MRE) of 5.25%. The results indicate that the proposed microwave detection system, based on metasurface lens antennas, provides an effective method for detecting wheat moisture content.

Accurately predicting whether bank users will opt for time deposit products is critical for optimizing marketing strategies and enhancing user engagement, ultimately improving a bank’s profitability. Traditional predictive models, such as linear regression and Logistic Regression (LR), are often limited in their ability to capture the complex, time-dependent patterns in user behavior. In this study, a hybrid approach that combines Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks and a stacked ensemble learning framework is proposed to address these limitations. Initially, LSTM models were employed to extract temporal features from two distinct bank marketing datasets, thereby capturing the sequential nature of user interactions. These extracted features were subsequently input into several base classifiers, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), to conduct initial classifications. The outputs of these classifiers were then integrated using a LR model for final decision-making through a stacking ensemble method. The experimental evaluation demonstrates that the proposed LSTM-stacked model outperforms traditional models in predicting user time deposits on both datasets, providing robust predictive performance. The results suggest that leveraging temporal feature extraction with LSTM and combining it with ensemble techniques yields superior prediction accuracy, thereby offering a more sophisticated solution for banks aiming to enhance their marketing efficiency.

Electricity remains one of the most vital resources for industrial, domestic, and agricultural applications. However, electricity theft has emerged as a significant challenge, contributing to substantial power losses and severe economic repercussions for utility companies. This study examines the role of smart meters (SMs) in minimizing electricity theft and reducing energy losses by transitioning from traditional analogue meters to advanced SMs equipped with automated billing and metering systems. Data collected from the SM system in the Akre energy distribution network reveal that, following the implementation of SMs, overall electrical power losses were reduced by 17.1%, while theft incidents decreased by 96.4%. These results demonstrate that the deployment of SMs significantly contributes to lowering total power losses and yields considerable financial benefits for both utility providers (UPs) and consumers. Moreover, the system enhances the ability to remotely monitor and control customer meters, allowing continuous oversight of meter readings without requiring physical visits. This remote functionality strengthens theft prevention measures, improves grid reliability, and reduces operational costs. The findings highlight the potential of the SM system in advancing power efficiency and promoting a more secure and cost-effective energy distribution network.

The incorporation of fractional calculus into nanofluid models has proven effective in capturing the complex dynamics of nanofluid flow and heat transfer, thereby enhancing the precision of predictions in this intricate field. In this study, the dynamics of a viscoelastic second-grade nanofluid model are examined through the application of the Laplace transform technique on a vertical plate. Initially, the model is formulated as coupled partial differential equations to describe the second-grade nanofluid system. The governing equations are then rendered dimensionless using appropriate dimensionless parameters. The non-dimensional model is subsequently generalized by introducing a modified Caputo fractional derivative operator. To model a homogenous nanofluid, nanoparticles of $\mathrm{Al}_2 \mathrm{O}_3$ in nanometer-sized form are suspended in mineral transformer oil. The Laplace transform is employed to solve the momentum, energy, and mass diffusion equations, providing analytical solutions. Graphical and tabular analyses are conducted to assess the influence of various physical parameters—including the fractional order, nanoparticle volume fraction, and time parameter—on the velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles. The results indicate that increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction, fractional order, and time parameter significantly enhances the rate of heat transfer. Additionally, it is observed that the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are notably affected by increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles. The accuracy and reliability of the obtained solutions are validated through comparisons with existing literature. This work advances the understanding of nanofluid dynamics and presents valuable insights for industrial applications, particularly in enhancing heat transfer performance.

This study investigates the structural performance and mass optimization of traditional walkers by comparing aluminum alloy and polymer matrix composites (PMCs) through advanced finite element analysis (FEA) using the ANSYS simulation platform. The FEA results reveal that peak stress, reaching 251.9 MPa, is concentrated at the front wheel support region, highlighting a critical area prone to structural vulnerability. Special attention is required to address potential mechanical limitations in key zones, such as the rear suspension, to prevent premature failure. Comparative analysis demonstrates that walkers fabricated from carbon-epoxy PMCs offer superior stiffness, reduced weight, and enhanced resistance to deformation compared to aluminum alloy counterparts. Notably, under descent conditions, the maximum elastic strain in the carbon-epoxy walker reaches 0.00399 mm/mm, localized in the front wheel support area, as indicated by the simulation results. These findings underscore the significant role of material selection in improving structural integrity and performance across varying operational conditions. The equivalence of stress and strain energy distributions further substantiates the advantages of composite materials over conventional alloys, suggesting that PMCs enable enhanced durability without compromising weight efficiency. The research emphasizes a human-centred approach, aligning material performance with user needs to develop mobility aids that offer long-term structural reliability. Beyond addressing immediate structural concerns, the findings lay the groundwork for future studies involving optimization algorithms and the exploration of alternative composites for assistive devices. The study provides valuable insights into stress distribution, deformation behaviour, and mechanical response, promoting continuous innovation in the design and development of mobility aids.

Laser additive manufacturing, a pivotal technology in advanced manufacturing, is extensively applied in the restoration industry. However, its development has been hindered by challenges such as residual stress and excessive grain size during the manufacturing process. The integration of ultrasonic enhancement technology with laser cladding has emerged as a prominent research direction, offering significant improvements in the quality and performance of the cladding layer. This review focuses on two primary approaches: ultrasonic-enhanced synchronous laser cladding and ultrasonic strengthening as a post-processing method. The ultrasonic processes discussed include ultrasonic vibration, ultrasonic rolling, ultrasonic impact, and their composite variants. Each method is evaluated for its ability to modify the microstructure, alleviate defects, and enhance the mechanical properties of the cladding layer. While ultrasonic enhancement during synchronous laser cladding primarily facilitates greater molten pool agitation, post-processing techniques induce severe plastic deformation on the surface of the cladding layer. Both approaches have been shown to reduce residual stress, refine grain structure, and improve surface hardness. The underlying mechanisms governing these improvements, particularly microstructural evolution and grain refinement, are examined in detail. Additionally, the potential advantages and limitations of each ultrasonic introduction method are discussed. Finally, the application prospects and future development trends of ultrasonic-enhanced laser cladding are explored, with particular attention to the role of ultrasonic technology in enhancing the durability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of cladding layers. The synergy between ultrasonic techniques and laser cladding promises to expand the potential of additive manufacturing in both industrial and repair applications.