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With burgeoning interest in the low-altitude economy, applications of long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (LE-UAVs) have increased in remote logistics distribution. Given LE-UAVs’ advantages of wide coverage, strong versatility and low cost, in addition to logistics distribution, they are widely used in military reconnaissance, communication relay, disaster monitoring and other activities. With limited autonomous intelligence, LE-UAVs require regular periodic and non-periodic control from ground control resources (GCRs) during flights and mission execution. However, the lack of GCRs significantly restricts the applications of LE-UAVs in parallel.

We consider the constraints of GCRs, investigating an integrated optimization problem of multi-LE-UAV mission planning and GCR allocation (Multi-U&G IOP). The problem integrates GCR allocation into traditional multi-UAV cooperative mission planning. The coupling decision of mission planning and GCR allocation enlarges the decision space and adds complexities to the problem’s structure. Through characterizing the problem, this study establishes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the integrated optimization problem. To solve the problem, we develop a three-stage iterative optimization algorithm combining a hybrid genetic algorithm with local search-variable neighborhood decent, heuristic conflict elimination and post-optimization of GCR allocation.

Numerical experimental results show that our developed algorithm can solve the problem efficiently and exceeds the solution performance of the solver CPLEX. For small-scale instances, our algorithm can obtain optimal solutions in less time than CPLEX. For large-scale instances, our algorithm produces better results in one hour than CPLEX does. Implementing our approach allows efficient coordination of multiple UAVs, enabling faster mission completion with a minimal number of GCRs.

Drawing on the interplay between LE-UAVs and GCRs and considering the practical applications of LE-UAVs, we propose the Multi-U&G IOP problem. We formulate this problem as a MILP model aiming to minimize the maximum task completion time (makespan). Furthermore, we present a relaxation model for this problem. To efficiently address the MILP model, we develop a three-stage iterative optimization algorithm. Subsequently, we verify the efficacy of our algorithm through extensive experimentation across various scenarios.

The purpose of this study is to explore how to select a suitable supply chain collaboration paradigm (SCCP) based on the intelligent manufacturing model (IMM) of enterprises.

Given the fit between internal collaboration and external collaboration, we propose a model to select a suitable SCCP based on two-sided matching between SCCPs and IMMs. In this decision problem, we invited five university scholars and seven related consultants to evaluate SCCPs and IMMs based on the regret theory, which is used to obtain the perceived utility and matching results. The evaluation values are comfortably expressed through probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs). Also, we set the lowest acceptance threshold to improve the accuracy of matching results.

The findings indicate that the characteristics of IMMs can significantly influence the selection of SCCPs, and an SCCP is not suitable for all IMMs. Interestingly, the study findings suggest that the selection of SCCP is diverse and multi-optional under the constraints of IMMs.

Existing studies have explored supply chain collaboration (SCC) in Industry 4.0 to improve supply chain performance, but less attention has been paid to the impact of the match between SCCPs and IMMs on supply chain performance. And even fewer studies have addressed how to select a suitable SCCP in different IMMs. This study provides a unique contribution to the practice of SCC and expands the understanding of supply chain management in Industry 4.0.

The purpose of this paper is to combine triboelectric nanogeneration technology with ball bearing structure to achieve energy collection and fault monitoring.

In this paper, according to the rotation mode of ball bearings, the freestanding mode of triboelectric nanogeneration is selected to design and manufacture a novel triboelectric nanogeneration device Rolling Ball Triboelectric Nanogenerator (RB-TENG) which combines rotary energy collection with ball bearing fault self-sensing.

The 10,000s continuous operation experiment of the RB-TENG is carried out to verify its robustness. The accurate feedback relationship between the RB-TENG and rotation velocity can be demonstrated by the fitting comparison between the theoretical and experimental electrical signal periods at a certain time. By comparing the output electrical signals of the normal RB-TENG and the rotor spalling RB-TENG and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) balls with different degrees of wear at 500 r/min, it can be concluded that the RB-TENG has an ideal monitoring effect on the radial clearance distance of bearings. The spalling fault test of the RB-TENG stator inner ring and rotor outer ring is carried out.

Through coupling experiments of rotor spalling fault of the RB-TENG and PTFE balls fault with different degrees of wear, it can be seen that when rotor spalling fault occurs, balls wear has a greater impact on the normal operation of the RB-TENG, and it is easier to identify. The fault self-sensing ability of the RB-TENG can be obtained, which is expected to provide an effective scheme for monitoring the radial wear clearance distance of ball bearings.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0295/

The purpose of this research is to address the challenges of selecting optimal drones for disaster response operations under uncertainties. Traditional static (deterministic) models often fail to capture the complexities and uncertainties of disaster scenarios. This study aims to develop a more resilient and adaptable decision-making framework by integrating the best-worst method (BWM) with stratified multi-criteria decision-making (SMCDM), focusing on various uncertainty scenarios such as weather conditions, communication challenges and navigation and control issues.

The methodology involves identifying seven essential criteria for drone evaluation, guided by contingency theory. The BWM derives optimal weights for each criterion by comparing the best and worst alternatives. The SMCDM incorporates different uncertainty scenarios into the decision-making process. Sensitivity analysis assesses the robustness of decisions under various criterion weightings and operational scenarios. This integrated approach is demonstrated through a practical application to the Kerala flood scenario.

The integrated stratified BWM method proves to be highly effective in adapting to different uncertainty scenarios, enabling decision-makers to consistently identify the optimal drone for disaster response. The method’s ability to account for uncertain conditions such as weather, communication challenges and navigation issues ensures that the optimal drone is selected based on the situation at hand.

The methodology fills critical gaps in the literature by offering a comprehensive model that incorporates various scenarios and criteria for optimal drone selection. However, there are certain limitations. The reliance on expert opinions for criterion weightings introduces subjectivity, potentially affecting the generalizability of the results. In addition, the study’s focus on a single case, the Kerala floods, limits its applicability to other geographic contexts. Integrating real-time data analytics into the decision-making process could also enhance the model’s adaptability to evolving conditions and improve its practical relevance.

This research offers a practical, adaptable framework for selecting optimal drones in disaster scenarios. By integrating BWM with SMCDM, the methodology ensures decision-makers can account for real-time uncertainties, such as weather or communication disruptions, to make more informed choices. This leads to better resource allocation and more efficient disaster response operations, ultimately enhancing the speed and effectiveness of relief efforts in various contexts. The method’s ability to adjust based on scenario-specific factors ensures that drones are optimally deployed according to the unique demands of each disaster.

By incorporating SMCDM, the proposed methodology assists decision-makers in appropriately choosing drones based on their characteristics crucial for specific scenarios, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of relief operations.

This study presents a unique integration of the BWM with SMCDM, creating a dynamic framework for drone selection that addresses the challenges posed by uncertain disaster environments. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows decision-makers to adjust criteria based on evolving disaster conditions, resulting in more reliable and responsive drone deployment. The method bridges the gap in existing literature by offering a comprehensive tool for disaster response, providing new insights and practical applications for optimizing drone operations in complex, real-world scenarios.

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into the logistics management field.

Rooting their analytical categories in the LMD literature, the authors performed a deductive, theory refinement SLR on 307 interdisciplinary journal articles published during 2015–2022 to integrate this emergent phenomenon into the field.

The authors derived the potentials, challenges and solutions of drone deliveries in relation to 12 LMD criteria dispersed across four stakeholder groups: senders, receivers, regulators and societies. Relationships between these criteria were also identified.

This review contributes to logistics management by offering a current, nuanced and multifaceted discussion of drones' potential to improve the LMD process together with the challenges and solutions involved.

The authors provide logistics managers with a holistic roadmap to help them make informed decisions about adopting drones in their delivery systems. Regulators and society members also gain insights into the prospects, requirements and repercussions of drone deliveries.

This is one of the first SLRs on drone applications in LMD from a logistics management perspective.