Search Results (103)

Electrical insulation systems (EISs) are the principal reliability bottleneck of modern electrical machines (EMs). Among the many stresses acting on insulation, thermal stress is the most pervasive because it accelerates chemical reactions that progressively erode dielectric and mechanical integrity, ultimately dictating service life. As EMs migrate into compact, high-power-density platforms—automotive, aerospace, and industrial drives—designers need lifetime models that are not merely explanatory but actionable, linking operating temperatures and missions to quantified ageing and risk. This review article traces the evolution of thermal-ageing modelling from fundamental chemistry to a practical design tool. The historical empirical lineage of Arrhenius equation, Arrhenius–Dakin model, and Montsinger model is first revisited, clarifying their assumptions, parameter definitions, and the construction of thermal endurance curves. A discussion then follows on extensions that address deviations from first-order kinetics and demonstrate how variable temperature histories can be incorporated through cumulative damage formulations suitable for duty-cycle analysis. Since models are required to be anchored in data, accelerated thermal ageing (ATA) practices on representative specimens are outlined, alongside a description of the Weibull post-processing for deriving percentile lifetimes aligned with design targets. Building upon these foundations, the Physics-of-Failure (PoF) approach is introduced as a reliability-oriented design (ROD) methodology, in which validated lifetime models guide material selection and geometry optimisation while supporting prognostics and health management during operation. The emerging trend towards a hybrid PoF–AI approach is also discussed, which integrates artificial intelligence to identify nonlinear degradation patterns and drifting parameter relationships beyond the reach of empirical models, with physical constraints ensuring that predictions remain consistent with known ageing mechanisms. Such integration enables the learning process to adapt to operational variability and coupled stress effects, thereby improving both the accuracy and physical interpretability of lifetime estimation. The review aims to provide a concise view of models, tests, and workflows that convert thermal-ageing knowledge into robust, design-time decisions. By linking empirical and physics-based insights with modern data-driven learning, these developments support proactive maintenance, sustainable asset management, and extended operational lifetimes for next-generation EMs. Full article

High-voltage (HV) cable systems—particularly those insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)—are increasingly deployed in both AC and DC applications due to their excellent electrical and mechanical performance. However, their long-term reliability is challenged by partial discharges (PD), insulation aging, space charge accumulation, and thermal and electrical stresses. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies across several domains critical to the assessment and enhancement of cable reliability. It covers advanced condition monitoring (CM) techniques, including sensor-based PD detection, signal acquisition, and denoising methods. Aging mechanisms under various stressors and lifetime estimation approaches are analyzed, along with fault detection and localization strategies using time-domain, frequency-domain, and hybrid methods. Physics-based and data-driven models for PD behavior and space charge dynamics are discussed, particularly under DC conditions. The article also reviews the application of numerical tools such as FEM for thermal and field stress analysis. A dedicated focus is given to machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for fault classification and predictive maintenance. Furthermore, standards, testing protocols, and practical issues in sensor deployment and calibration are summarized. The review concludes by evaluating intelligent maintenance approaches—including condition-based and predictive strategies—framed within real-world asset management contexts. The paper aims to bridge theoretical developments with field-level implementation challenges, offering a roadmap for future research and practical deployment in resilient and smart power grids. This review highlights a clear gap in fully integrated AC/DC diagnostic and aging analyses for XLPE cables. We emphasize the need for unified physics-based and ML-driven frameworks to address HVDC space-charge effects and multi-stress degradation. These insights provide concise guidance for advancing reliable and scalable cable assessment. Full article

Background: Asset management has become crucial to organizational performance over the past three decades. Implementing an Asset Management System (AMS) can be pivotal in managing the operation, sustainability, and efficiency of both tangible and intangible organizational assets. However, many organizations still underappreciate AMSs, particularly in healthcare, where poor organization, unclear processes, and a lack of control contribute to long patient waiting times, financial losses, regulatory non-compliance, and diminished credibility. Methods: This study provides a comprehensive review of the existing body of research on AMSs, discusses AMSs in the context of healthcare, and identifies the specific healthcare areas that have most frequently been the focus of AMS research. This study applies bibliometric analysis of 16,667 documents on AMSs, complemented by a focused bibliometric analysis of a subset of 248 publications specifically addressing AMSs in healthcare. All documents, published up to the end of 2024 and indexed in the Scopus database, were analyzed to investigate the evolution of AMS research, with a particular emphasis on its applications within healthcare. The research employs several bibliometric approaches, utilizing the Python and VOSviewer software. Results: The findings highlight the rapid growth of AMS research, evolving from a niche topic into a strategic discipline that enhances predictive maintenance, efficiency, and sustainability. In healthcare, the adoption of AMSs has grown substantially, supported by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Conclusions: The incorporation of these technologies has enabled more effective monitoring of medical equipment, improved oversight of critical infrastructure, and optimized the operational performance of healthcare providers. Nevertheless, significant research gaps remain concerning the direct impact of AMSs on the quality of patient care, provider coordination, and strategic decision-making. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for advancing academic knowledge but also for leveraging the full potential of AMSs to enhance healthcare delivery, improve outcomes, and support the evidence-based management of healthcare systems. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a fundamental driver of digital transformation, reshaping organizational management, leadership behavior, and the sustainability of human work systems. Despite its potential to improve performance, few studies have explored how executives psychologically respond to AI awareness and its implications for sustainable well-being. Drawing upon Knowledge Management (KM) theory and Industrial–Organizational (I–O) Psychology, this study examines how senior executives’ awareness of AI (AIA) affects job burnout, with job insecurity serving as a mediator and self-esteem as a moderator. Data were collected from 615 CEOs and senior managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and analyzed using structural equation modeling (Smart PLS 4). The results reveal that higher AI awareness intensifies burnout primarily through increased perceptions of job insecurity; however, executives with higher self-esteem demonstrate resilience to these effects. By framing AIA within the Knowledge Management (KM) theory, this study contributes to the existing KM literature by revealing how organizations create, maintain, and use knowledge assets in the digital transformation environment. Our findings underscore the necessity for organizations to set up innovative initiatives, flexible organizational structures, targeted training, and mental health support while adopting AI technologies. Overall, this study highlights the critical intersection between digital Knowledge Management and the mental health of executives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Full article

Energy efficiency is widely recognized as a critical strategy for reducing energy consumption in industrial systems. Improving energy efficiency has become a central point in industrial systems aiming to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Industrial air compressors are among the most energy-intensive assets and often operate under static control policies that fail to adapt to real-time dynamics. This paper proposes a cognitive digital twin (CDT) framework that integrates reinforcement learning as, especially, a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) agent into the virtual replica of the air compressor system. CDT learns continuous from multidimensional telemetry which includes power, outlet pressure, air flow, and intake temperature, enabling autonomous decision-making, fault adaptation, and dynamic energy optimization. Simulation results demonstrate that PPO strategy reduces average SEC by 12.4%, yielding annual energy savings of approximately 70,800 kWh and a projected payback period of one year. These findings highlight the CDT potential to transform industrial asset management by bridging intelligent control. Full article

The increasing volume, velocity, and sophistication of cyber threats have placed immense pressure on modern Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Traditional rule-based and manual processes are proving insufficient, leading to alert fatigue, delayed responses, high false-positive rates, analyst dependency, and escalating operational costs. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer new opportunities to transform SOC workflows through automation and augmentation. Large Language Models (LLMs) and autonomous AI agents have shown strong potential in enhancing capabilities such as log summarization, alert triage, threat intelligence, incident response, report generation, asset discovery, and vulnerability management. This paper reviews recent developments in the application of LLMs and AI agents across these SOC functions, introducing a taxonomy that organizes their roles and capabilities within operational pipelines. While these technologies improve detection accuracy, response time, and analyst support, challenges persist, including model interpretability, adversarial robustness, integration with legacy systems, and the risk of hallucinations or data leakage. A detailed capability-maturity model outlines the levels of integration with SOC tasks. This survey synthesizes trends, identifies persistent limitations, and outlines future directions for trustworthy, explainable, and safe AI integration in SOC environments. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming heritage tourism through the incorporation of technological solutions that reconfigure the ways in which cultural heritage is conserved, interpreted, and experienced. This article presents a critical and systematic review of current AI applications in this field, with a special focus on their impact on destination management, the personalization of tourist experiences, universal accessibility, and the preservation of both tangible and intangible assets. Based on an analysis of the scientific literature and international use cases, key technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, generative models, and recommendation systems are identified. These tools enable everything from the virtual reconstruction of historical sites to the development of intelligent cultural assistants and adaptive tours, improving the visitor experience and promoting inclusion. This study also examines the main ethical, technical, and epistemological challenges associated with this transformation, including algorithmic surveillance, data protection, interoperability between platforms, the digital divide, and the reconfiguration of heritage knowledge production processes. In conclusion, this study argues that AI, when implemented in accordance with principles of responsibility, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, can serve as a strategic instrument for ensuring the accessibility, representativeness, and social relevance of cultural heritage in the digital age. However, its effective integration necessitates the development of sector-specific ethical frameworks, inclusive governance models, and sustainable technological implementation strategies that promote equity, community participation, and long-term viability. Furthermore, this article highlights the need for empirical research to assess the actual impact of these technologies and for the creation of indicators to evaluate their effectiveness, fairness, and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Cybersecurity management plays a key role in preserving the operational security of nuclear power plants (NPPs), ensuring service continuity and system resilience. The growing number of sophisticated cyber-attacks against NPPs requires cybersecurity experts to detect, analyze, and defend systems and data from cyber threats in near real time. However, managing a large numbers of attacks in a timely manner is impossible without the support of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This study recognizes the need for a structured and in-depth analysis of the literature in the context of NPPs, referring to the role of AI technology in supporting cyber risk assessment processes. For this reason, a systematic literature review (SLR) is adopted to address the following areas of analysis: (i) critical assets to be preserved from cyber-attacks through AI, (ii) security vulnerabilities and cyber threats managed using AI, (iii) cyber risks and business impacts that can be assessed by AI, and (iv) AI-based security countermeasures to mitigate cyber risks. The SLR procedure follows a macro-step approach that includes review planning, search execution and document selection, and document analysis and results reporting, with the aim of providing an overview of the key dimensions of AI-based cybersecurity in NPPs. The structured analysis of the literature allows for the creation of an original tabular outline of emerging evidence (in the fields of critical assets, security vulnerabilities and cyber threats, cyber risks and business impacts, and AI-based security countermeasures) that can help guide AI-based cybersecurity management in NPPs and future research directions. From an academic perspective, this study lays the foundation for understanding and consciously addressing cybersecurity challenges through the support of AI; from a practical perspective, it aims to assist managers, practitioners, and policymakers in making more informed decisions to improve the resilience of digital infrastructure. Full article

The growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in smart buildings necessitates advanced AI-driven methods for adaptive control and predictive maintenance. This study explores the application of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) to event-driven processing, real-time anomaly detection, and edge computing-based optimization in building automation. In contrast to conventional deep learning models, SNNs provide low-power, high-efficiency computation by mimicking biological neural processes, making them particularly suitable for real-time, edge-deployed decision-making. The proposed SNN based on Reward-Modulated Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP) and Bayesian Optimization (BO) integrates occupancy and ambient condition monitoring to dynamically manage assets such as appliances while simultaneously identifying anomalies for predictive maintenance. Experimental evaluations show that our BO-STDP-SNN framework achieves notable reductions in both energy consumption by 27.8% and power requirements by 70%, while delivering superior accuracy in anomaly detection compared with CNN, RNN, and LSTM based baselines. These results demonstrate the potential of SNNs to enhance the efficiency and resilience of smart building systems, reduce operational costs, and support long-term sustainability through low-latency, event-driven intelligence. Full article

Digital transformation embeds smart cities, e-health, and Industry 4.0 into critical infrastructures, thereby increasing reliance on digital systems and exposure to cyber threats and boosting complexity and dependency. Research involving over 200 executives reveals that under rising complexity, only 15% of cyber risk investments are effective, leaving most organizations misaligned or vulnerable. In this context, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity requires systemic scrutiny. This study analyzes how AI reshapes systemic structures in cyber risk management through a multi-method approach: literature review, expert workshops with practitioners and policymakers, and a structured kill chain analysis of the Colonial Pipeline attack. The findings reveal three new feedback loops: (1) deceptive defense structures that misdirect adversaries while protecting assets, (2) two-step success-to-success attacks that disable defenses before targeting infrastructure, and (3) autonomous proliferation when AI applications go rogue. These dynamics shift cyber risk from linear patterns to adaptive, compounding interactions. The principal conclusion is that AI both amplifies and mitigates systemic risk. The core recommendation is to institutionalize deception in security standards and address drifting AI-powered systems. Deliverables include validated systemic structures, policy options, and a foundation for creating future simulation models to support strategic cyber risk management investment. Full article

The implementation of Digital Twins (DTs) represents a significant advancement for the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry. A DT virtually replicates a physical asset, enabling the monitoring, diagnosis, prediction, and optimization of its outcomes. Since failures are undesirable outcomes, investigations into potential failure modes are often integrated into the development. Traditional methods, such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), are widely used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. However, there is still a lack of specific guidelines for studying potential failures in complex systems. This article introduces a framework for Failure Modes, Mechanisms, and Effects Analysis (FMMEA) as a tool for identifying and assessing failures in early DT development. Exploring failure mechanisms is highlighted as essential for effective prediction and management We also propose adjustments to FMMEA for complex, predictable systems, such as using a DPR (Detectable Priority Risk) instead of RPN (Risk Priority Number) for prioritizing risks. A comprehensive case illustrates the framework’s application in developing a DT for an intelligent completion system in a major O&G company. The approach enables mechanism-oriented failure analysis and more detailed prognostic health management, providing greater transparency in the failure identification process. Full article

The successful integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks (T/NTNs) in 6G is poised to revolutionize demanding domains like Earth Observation (EO) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs). Still, it requires Distributed Machine Learning (DML) frameworks that are scalable, private, and efficient. Existing methods, such as Federated Learning (FL) and Split Learning (SL), face critical limitations in terms of client computation burden and latency. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel hierarchical DML paradigm. We first introduce Federated Split Transfer Learning (FSTL), a foundational framework that synergizes FL, SL, and Transfer Learning (TL) to enable efficient, privacy-preserving learning within a single client group. We then extend this concept to the Generalized FSTL (GFSTL) framework, a scalable, multi-group architecture designed for complex and large-scale networks. GFSTL orchestrates parallel training across multiple client groups managed by intermediate servers (RSUs/HAPs) and aggregates them at a higher-level central server, significantly enhancing performance. We apply this framework to a unified T/NTN architecture that seamlessly integrates vehicular, aerial, and satellite assets, enabling advanced applications in 6G ITS and EO. Comprehensive simulations using the YOLOv5 model on the Cityscapes dataset validate our approach. The results show that GFSTL not only achieves faster convergence and higher detection accuracy but also substantially reduces communication overhead compared to baseline FL, and critically, both detection accuracy and end-to-end latency remain essentially invariant as the number of participating users grows, making GFSTL especially well suited for large-scale heterogeneous 6G ITS deployments. We also provide a formal latency decomposition and analysis that explains this scaling behavior. This work establishes GFSTL as a robust and practical solution for enabling the intelligent, connected, and resilient ecosystems required for next-generation transportation and environmental monitoring. Full article

This article addresses the state of the art of methodologies for bridge inspection with potential for inclusion in Bridge Management Systems (BMS) and within the scope of the IABSE Task Group 5.9 on Remote Inspection of Bridges. The document covers computer vision approaches, including 3D geometric reconstitution (photogrammetry, LiDAR, and hybrid fusion strategies), damage and component identification (based on heuristics and Artificial Intelligence), and non-contact measurement of key structural parameters (displacements, strains, and modal parameters). Additionally, it addresses techniques for handling the large volumes of data generated by bridge inspections (Big Data), the use of Digital Twins for asset maintenance, and dedicated applications of Augmented Reality based on immersive environments for bridge inspection. These methodologies will contribute to safe, automated, and intelligent assessment and maintenance of bridges, enhancing resilience and lifespan of transportation infrastructure under changing climate. Full article

Digital Twins (DTs) have become central to intelligent asset management within Industry 4.0, enabling real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. However, implementing Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) strategies within DT frameworks remains a significant challenge, particularly in systems experiencing multi-component degradation (MCD). MCD occurs when several components degrade simultaneously or in interaction, complicating detection and isolation processes. Traditional data-driven fault detection models often require extensive historical degradation data, which is costly, time-consuming, or difficult to obtain in many real-world scenarios. This paper proposes a model-based, control-driven approach to MCD detection, which reduces the need for large training datasets by leveraging reference tracking performance in closed-loop control systems. We benchmark the accuracy of four control strategies—Proportional-Integral (PI), Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), Model Predictive Control (MPC), and a hybrid model—within a Digital Twin-enabled hydraulic system testbed comprising multiple components, including pumps, valves, nozzles, and filters. The control strategies are evaluated under various MCD scenarios for their ability to accurately detect and isolate degradation events. Simulation results indicate that the hybrid model consistently outperforms the individual control strategies, achieving an average accuracy of 95.76% under simultaneous pump and nozzle degradation scenarios. The LQR model also demonstrated strong predictive performance, especially in identifying degradation in components such as nozzles and pumps. Also, the sequence and interaction of faults were found to influence detection accuracy, highlighting how the complexities of fault sequences affect the performance of diagnostic strategies. This work contributes to PHM and DT research by introducing a scalable, data-efficient methodology for MCD detection that integrates seamlessly into existing DT architectures using containerized RESTful APIs. By shifting from data-dependent to model-informed diagnostics, the proposed approach enhances early fault detection capabilities and reduces deployment timelines for real-world DT-enabled PHM applications. Full article

This study explores how FinTech and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption shape efficiency and financial stability in dual-banking systems. It focuses on 26 listed Islamic and conventional banks across 11 countries in the MENA and Southeast Asia regions between 2020 and 2024. To measure digital adoption, we create a seven-component FinTech Adoption Index. We use fixed-effects regressions to examine its impact on cost efficiency, profitability, solvency stability, and credit risk. This analysis also controls bank size, capitalization, and macroeconomic conditions. The results show a clear adoption gap. Conventional banks consistently score 0.5–0.8 points higher on the FinTech Index compared to Islamic banks. Each additional FinTech component raised operating costs by about 0.8%, but improved profitability slightly by only 0.03%. This suggests that technological integration creates upfront costs before any real efficiency gains are seen. However, the stability benefits are stronger. FinTech adoption increases the Z-score by 3.6 points and lowers the non-performing loan ratio by 0.1%. Islamic banks gain more stability benefits due to their risk-sharing contracts and asset-backed financing structures. Overall, an efficiency–stability trade-off emerges. Conventional banks focus more on profitability, while Islamic banks gain resilience, but face slower efficiency improvements. By combining the Resource-Based View and Financial Stability Theory, this study provides the first multi-country evidence of how governance structures shape digital transformation in dual-banking markets. The findings offer practical guidance for regulators and bank managers around balancing innovation, efficiency, and stability. Full article