This Special Issue book contains selected papers from works presented at the 10th EASN (European Aeronautics Science Network) International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space, which was held from the 2nd until the 4th of September, 2020. About 350 remote participants contributed to a high-level scientific gathering providing some of the latest research results on the topic, as well as some of the latest relevant technological advancements. Eleven interesting articles, which cover a wide range of topics including characterization, analysis and design, as well as numerical simulation, are contained in this Special Issue.

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This Special Issue contains selected papers from works presented at the 12th EASN (European Aeronautics Science Network) International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space for Opening New Horizons, which was held from the 18th until the 21st of October 2022, in Barcelona, with physical participation. About 470 participants contributed to a high-level scientific gathering providing some of the latest research results on the topic, as well as some of the latest relevant technological advancements. Twenty interesting papers, which cover a wide range of topics including characterization, analysis and design, as well as numerical simulation, are contained in this Special Issue.

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Building on concepts from Science & Technology Studies, Simon David Hirsbrunner investigates practices and infrastructures of computer modeling and science communication in climate impact research. The book characterizes how scientists calculate future climate risks in computer models and scenarios, but also how they circulate their insights and make them accessible and comprehensible to others. By discussing elements such as infrastructures, visualizations, models, software and data, the chapters show how computational modeling practices are currently changing in light of digital transformations and expectations for an open science. A number of inventive research devices are proposed to capture both the fluidity and viscosity of contemporary digital technology.

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River catchments and reservoirs play a central role in water security, food supply, flood risk management, hydropower generation, and ecosystem services; however, they are now under increasing pressure from population growth, economic activities, and changing climate means and extremes in many parts of the world. Adaptive management of river catchments and reservoirs requires an in-depth understanding of the impacts of future uncertainties and thus the development of robust, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of various stakeholders and the environment. To tackle the huge challenges in moving towards adaptive catchment management, this book presents the latest developments in cutting-edge knowledge, novel methodologies, innovative management strategies, and case studies, focusing on the following themes: reservoir dynamics and impact analysis of dam construction, optimal reservoir operation, climate change impacts on hydrological processes and water management, and integrated catchment management.

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Additive manufacturing (AM), as an advanced manufacturing technology, has overturned the traditional concept of subtractive manufacturing. It has revolutionized advanced integrated structural design, high-performance material preparation, and the manufacturing of complex components. AM technology is changing the way products are developed, produced, and commercialized, leading to disruptive changes in the economy and society. AM technology has received extensive attention and research from the research community since its inception, and it is leading manufacturing technology and continues to be used with great effectiveness in the aerospace industry, automotive industry, medical plant applications, and many other fields. However, the development of additive manufacturing still faces demanding technical challenges; for example, due to insufficient process planning and inadequate process control, many defects are often observed in the products of AM processes, reducing production efficiency and deteriorating product quality. To promote AM technology toward high efficiency, high precision, high performance, and low cost in a green and intelligent direction, many advanced design and manufacturing technologies are in urgent need of further breakthroughs, such as numerical and analytical models for structural design, experimental methods, performance prediction, and process optimization.

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Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the manufacturing processes that warrants the attention of industrialists, researchers and scientists, because of its ability to produce materials with a complex shape without theoretical restrictions and with added functionalities. There are several advantages to employing additive manufacturing as the primary additive manufacturing process. However, there exist several challenges that need to be addressed systematically. A couple such issues are alloy design and process development. Traditionally alloys designed for conventional cast/powder metallurgical processes were fabricated using advanced AM processes. This is the wrong approach considering that the alloys should be coined based on the process characteristics and meta-stable nature of the process. Hence, we must focus on alloy design and development for AM that suits the AM processes. The AM processes, however, improve almost every day, either in terms of processing capabilities or processing conditions. Hence, the processing part warrants a section that is devoted to these advancements and innovations. Accordingly, the present Special Issue (book) focuses on two aspects of alloy development and process innovations. Here, 45 articles are presented covering different AM processes including selective laser melting, electron beam melting, laser cladding, direct metal laser sintering, ultrasonic consolidation, wire arc additive manufacturing, and hybrid manufacturing. I believe that this Special Issue bears is vital to the field of AM and will be a valuable addition.

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Corrosion is a significant issue in many industrial fields. Among other strategies, coatings are by far the most important technology for corrosion protection of metallic surfaces. The Special Issue “Advanced Coatings for Corrosion Protection” has been launched as a means to present recent developments in any type of advanced coating for corrosion protection. This book compiles 15 contributions on metallic, inorganic, polymeric and nanoparticle enhanced coatings that provide corrosion protection as well as other functionalities.

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According to the National Research Council, the use of embedded systems throughout society could well overtake previous milestones in the information revolution. Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of electronic, mechanical engineering, controls, software and systems engineering in the design of processes and products. Mechatronic systems put “intelligence” into physical systems. Embedded sensors/actuators/processors are integral parts of mechatronic systems. The implementation of mechatronic systems is consistently on the rise. However, manufacturers are working hard to reduce the implementation cost of these systems while trying avoid compromising product quality. One way of addressing these conflicting objectives is through new automatic control methods, virtual sensing/estimation, and new innovative hardware topologies.

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Hydrologic modeling at the watershed scale is a key topic in the field of hydrology. The hydrological model is an important tool in understanding the impact of climate change and human activities on rainfall–runoff processes, and especially on water resources for human beings in a changing environment. In the last two decades, with the development of satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence, many new datasets and methods have been introduced into hydrological modeling.Hydrologic modeling at the watershed scale is an important and fundamental research field in hydrology. Therefore, we proposed a Special Issue entitled "Advanced Hydrologic Modeling in Watershed Scales" in Water to publish results regarding the recent progress in hydrological modeling at the watershed scale against global changes. Before the deadline for the submission of manuscripts to this Special Issue, we received many manuscripts regarding hydrological modeling at the watershed scale. In total, ten articles have been published in this Special Issue. Researchers interested in hydrological modeling and the impacts of environmental changes on water resources may be interested in this reprint.

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Advanced intelligent control is a rapidly developing, complex and challenging field with significant practical importance and potential applications. The authors aim to stimulate advancements in science and technology by addressing this field and presenting new trends in the design, control and applications of real-time intelligent sensor system control using advanced intelligent control methods and techniques. The purpose of the Special Issue is to promote in-depth research and communication regarding these topics. The authors focus on innovative multi-sensor fusion techniques integrated into robots, which are combined with computer vision, virtual and augmented reality (VR&AR) and intelligent communication including remote control, adaptive sensor networks and human–robot (H2R) interaction systems. Special attention is given to advancements in sensors, actuators, computation technology and communication networks that provide the necessary tools for implementing intelligent control hardware. These advancements are targeted toward various scientific research fields, including machine learning (such as deep learning), bio-inspired algorithms, recurrent neural networks, neuro-fuzzy control and artificial intelligence in general. The Special Issue includes original research papers that report on the recent advancements in intelligent control using intelligent sensors. It serves as a further extension of the previously successful Special Issue, “Advanced Intelligent Control through Versatile Intelligent Portable Platforms”.

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The climate changes that are becoming visible today are a challenge for the global research community. In this context, renewable energy sources, fuel cell systems and other energy generating sources must be optimally combined and connected to the grid system using advanced energy transaction methods. As this reprint presents the latest solutions in the implementation of fuel cell and renewable energy in mobile and stationary applications such as hybrid and microgrid power systems based on the Energy Internet, blockchain technology and smart contracts, we hope that they will be of interest to readers working in the related fields mentioned above.

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The relentless demand for energy efficiency in our carbon-constrained world has exposed a critical challenge: nearly a quarter of all industrial energy is dissipated through friction and wear. This silent crisis finds its solution in the atomic-scale world of advanced coatings, where materials science meets tribological innovation. Coating technology thus emerges as a critical solution, offering transformative potential for addressing friction- and wear-induced energy losses. Advanced coatings are revolutionizing mechanical systems by fundamentally transforming surface interactions. Through innovative material engineering, these cutting-edge solutions simultaneously achieve self-lubricating functionality, dramatically reduce dependence on traditional lubricants, and push wear resistance to unprecedented levels. In the context of a global shift towards more efficient and sustainable technologies, continuous engagement with the latest developments in hard coating research is imperative. This Special Issue unveils the next frontier: coatings that do not just resist wear, but actively participate in energy systems. The frontier of coating technology now extends beyond traditional tribological applications, with promising developments in areas as diverse as biomedical implants and space exploration hardware. This Special Issue also brings together pioneering research and insightful critical reviews on the newest innovations, boldest ideas, and most promising real-world applications of hard coatings across all systems. Get ready to explore the future of surface engineering!

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This reprint is comprised of eleven articles that are screened by our hard-working peer reviewers. It mainly focuses on the recent advances in electric motors and drives, to adapt to the ongoing trends of electrification in both transportation and industry. New structural motors, such as the axial flux machine and the multi-phase machine, are introduced because of their enhanced reliability for use in next-generation electrified transportation. Special attention is also given to the micro PM motor, which has a broad use in many areas. In addition, advanced control techniques, such as position sensorless control and fault-tolerant control, are also incorporated to fulfill the demand for safe crucial applications, and the modeling of the bearing voltage and a line-start permanent magnet motor can be of particular interest to the industrial sectors. Through this reprint, we hope to provide a new perspective for the readers to manage their encountered problems, as well as stimulate innovative ideas for the electrified transportation of the next generation.

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Polymer-processing techniques are of the utmost importance for producing polymeric parts. They must produce parts with the desired qualities, which are usually related to mechanical performance, dimensional conformity, and appearance. Aiming to maximize the overall efficiency of the polymer-processing techniques, advanced modeling codes along with experimental measurements are needed to simulate and optimize the processes. Thus, this reprint exploits the digital transformation of the plastics industry, both through the creation of more robust and accurate modeling tools and the development of cutting-edge experimental techniques. Furthermore, it addresses advanced topics, such as crystallization during the solidification processes, prediction of fiber orientation in the cases of short and long fiber composites, prediction of the foaming process (such as microcellular foaming), and flow instabilities by including viscoelastic constitutive equations.

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Polymer-processing techniques are of the utmost importance for producing polymeric parts. They must produce parts with the desired qualities, which are usually related to mechanical performance, dimensional conformity, and appearance. Aiming to maximize the overall efficiency of the polymer-processing techniques, advanced modeling codes along with experimental measurements are needed to simulate and optimize the processes. Thus, this reprint exploits the digital transformation of the plastics industry, both through the creation of more robust and accurate modeling tools and the development of cutting-edge experimental techniques. Furthermore, it addresses advanced topics, such as crystallization during the solidification processes, prediction of fiber orientation in the cases of short and long fiber composites, prediction of the foaming process (such as microcellular foaming), and flow instabilities by including viscoelastic constitutive equations.

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Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are a transformative technology that is expected to change and improve the safety and efficiency of mobility. As the main functional components of CAVs, advanced sensing technologies and control algorithms, which gather environmental information, process data, and control vehicle motion, are of great importance. The development of novel sensing technologies for CAVs has become a hotspot in recent years. Thanks to improved sensing technologies, CAVs are able to interpret sensory information to further detect obstacles, localize their positions, navigate themselves, and interact with other surrounding vehicles in the dynamic environment. Furthermore, leveraging computer vision and other sensing methods, in-cabin humans’ body activities, facial emotions, and even mental states can also be recognized. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue has been to gather contributions that illustrate the interest in the sensing and control of CAVs.

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This Special Issue on advanced sensor technologies contains contributions on the latest developments in mobile robotic systems and related research. Various topics with different ideas and applications from mobile robotics have found their place. New ideas are presented for mobile robots that specialise in cleaning floors, power lines and HVAC systems. We also find innovative approaches for navigation path planning using local minima-free potential fields, novel path primitives and/or their parameterisation for minimum-time planning, and various control approaches ranging from visual serving to model predictive and adaptive trajectory tracking, applied to wheeled robots, humanoid manipulators and flying robots. Localisation approaches using LiDAR, motion capture systems, fingerprint-based and biomechanical gait systems are also discussed. In addition to advances in methodology, applications in healthcare, mining tunnels, cleaning, warehouses and other areas are mentioned.

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Our era confronts a pivotal juncture, demanding the radical reimagining of urban and regional planning. Amid global climate change, energy resource depletion, escalating greenhouse gas emissions, and the intricate demands of sustainable development within historic urban contexts, the imperative to redefine planning paradigms grows urgent. There is a mounting consensus on the necessity of adopting energy-efficient, ecologically responsible, and socially sustainable practices that harmonize environmental stewardship with cultural preservation—from smart city innovations to heritage conservation. Emerging technologies—green building techniques, artificial intelligence, and digital twins—are redefining sustainable architecture and planning. These tools enable unprecedented precision in designing low-carbon cities, optimizing transportation networks, and simulating climate resilience, while simultaneously revitalizing vernacular construction methods and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. They bridge tradition with innovation, allowing for eco-friendly urban design, community-led regeneration, and adaptive governance frameworks that balance development with cultural continuity. These challenges necessitate interdisciplinary collaboration and visionary solutions. Addressing them offers a unique opportunity to propel urban and regional planning toward a regenerative future—one that transcends environmental imperatives to encompass social equity, cultural vibrancy, and the exploration of uncharted frontiers in sustainable design.

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In the last decade, design and material innovations for manufacturing composites have reached new heights. Thermoplastic polymers and their composites have become the most in-demand materials in recent times as they provide numerous advantages over thermoset composites. Thermoplastic polymers have a high damage tolerance, high impact resistance, recyclability, formability, weldability, repairability, and cost-effectiveness compared with thermoset composites. Thermoplastic polymers and composites are widely used in automotive, aerospace, electrical and electronics, industrial, and medical applications. Thermoplastic composites are estimated to grow from USD 28.0 billion in 2019 to USD 36.0 billion by 2024. High-performance thermoplastic materials are used in conjunction with a multitude of manufacturing processes like injection moulding, thermoforming, prepreg, liquid injection processes, automated tape placement, filament winding, pultrusion, additive manufacturing, and other processes. The material limits, design, and assembly requirements, as well as the processing constraints, are significantly important for the realisation of novel product development using a manufacturing process by simultaneously optimising reliability, safety, and other performance-related issues. The current thermoplastic material systems and manufacturing techniques still have plenty of room for optimisation and advancement. This reprint presents the latest scientific and technical advances in thermoplastic materials and their composites, processing, characterisation, product development, and manufacturing process parameter optimisations.

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The relationship between individuality and aggregation is an important topic in Complex Systems Science, as both aspects are facets of emergence. This problem has generally been addressed by adopting a classical individual- versus population-level approach, in which boundaries emerge in segregated communities. More specifically, boundaries delimiting and interconnecting aggregates are at play. It is, therefore, crucial to define the properties of complex systems correctly, such as generic agent-based models, with which to simulate communities situated in grid- and scale-free network environments. To do this, complexities may be resolved through simulation, modeling and analysis techniques, which help provide confidence regarding the behavior of such systems, especially of those operating in dynamic environments or under unexpected constraints. Moreover, modeling and simulation help reduce the risks and costs involved in the design and development of validation tests.

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