Advances in deep learning (DL) models and next-generation edge devices enable real-time image classification, driving a transition from the traditional, purely cloud-centric IoT approach to edge-based AIoT, with cloud resources reserved for long-term data storage and in-depth analysis. This innovation is transformative for agriculture, enabling autonomous monitoring, localized decision making, early emergency detection, and precise chemical application, thereby reducing costs and minimizing environmental and health impacts. The workflow of an edge-based AIoT system for agricultural monitoring involves two main steps: optimal training and tuning of DL models through extensive experiments on high-performance AI-specialized computers, followed by effective customization for deployment on advanced edge devices. This review highlights key challenges in practical applications, including: (i) the limited availability of agricultural data, particularly due to seasonality, addressed through public datasets and synthetic image generation; (ii) the selection of state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms that balance high accuracy with compatibility for resource-constrained devices; (iii) the deployment of models through algorithm optimization and integration of next-generation hardware accelerators for DL inference; and (iv) recent advancements in AI models for image classification that, while not yet fully deployable, offer promising near-term improvements in performance and functionality.

Continuous crop monitoring enables the early detection of field emergencies such as pests, diseases, and nutritional deficits, allowing for less invasive interventions and yielding economic, environmental, and health benefits. The work organization of modern agriculture, however, is not compatible with continuous human monitoring. ICT can facilitate this process using autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to navigate crops, detect issues, georeference them, and report to human experts in real time. This review evaluates the current state of ICT technology to determine if it supports autonomous, continuous crop monitoring. The focus is on shifting from traditional cloud-based approaches, where data are sent to remote computers for deferred processing, to a hybrid design emphasizing edge computing for real-time analysis in the field. Key aspects considered include algorithms for in-field navigation, AIoT models for detecting agricultural emergencies, and advanced edge devices that are capable of managing sensors, collecting data, performing real-time deep learning inference, ensuring precise mapping and navigation, and sending alert reports with minimal human intervention. State-of-the-art research and development in this field suggest that general, not necessarily crop-specific, prototypes of fully autonomous UGVs for continuous monitoring are now at hand. Additionally, the demand for low-power consumption and affordable solutions can be practically addressed.

The short-term scenarios of High Throughput Satellite (HTS) systems foresee the exploitation of (currently commercially unused) Extremely High Frequency (EHF) bands in the feeder-link to support broadband user access services. In this context, spatial diversity plays a key role, considering that this is the only technique that can allow high link availability at frequency bands higher than the Ka-band without requiring very high link margins which results in a waste of system resources. In this framework, the most promising spatial diversity technique is the so-called Smart Gateway (SG) diversity. This paper focuses on the optimization of the SG technique following operator perspectives and needs. In particular, a design approach for the optimization of the SG architecture is proposed which allows to select the best SG configuration (spare capacity, number of gateway groups, number of gateways in each group, geographical position of gateways in each group) given a set of constraints (geographical position of all available gateways, longitude of the GEO satellite, characteristics of satellite/ground terminals, system availability). Moreover, a practical case of SG diversity optimization is presented as a reference to guide the reader in the SG optimization process.

We discuss the application of the spectral element method to the monodomain and bidomain equations describing propagation of cardiac action potential. Models of cardiac electrophysiology consist of a system of partial differential equations coupled with a system of ordinary differential equations representing cell membrane dynamics. The solution of these equations requires solving multiple length scales due to the ratio of advection to diffusion that varies among the different equations. High order approximation of spectral elements provides greater flexibility in resolving multiple length scales. Furthermore, spectral elements are extremely efficient to model propagation phenomena on complex shapes using fewer degrees of freedom than its finite element equivalent (for the same level of accuracy). We illustrate a fully unstructured all-hexahedra approach implementation of the method and we apply it to the solution of full 3D monodomain and bidomain test cases. We discuss some key elements of the proposed approach on some selected benchmarks and on an anatomically based whole heart human computational model.

The prediction and monitoring of plant diseases and pests are key activities in agriculture. These activities enable growers to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of diseases and harmful insects. Consequently, they reduce crop loss, make pesticide and resource use more efficient, and preserve plant health, contributing to environmental sustainability. We illustrate the SMARTerra decision support system, which processes daily measured and predicted weather data, spatially interpolating them at high resolution across the entire Sardinia region. From these data, SMARTerra generates risk predictions for plant pests and diseases. Currently, models for predicting the risk of rice blast disease and the hatching of locust eggs are implemented in the infrastructure. The web interface of the SMARTerra platform allows users to visualize detailed risk maps and promptly take preventive measures. A simple notification system is also implemented to directly alert emergency responders. Model outputs by the SMARTerra infrastructure are comparable with results from in-field observations produced by the LAORE Regional Agency. The infrastructure provides a database for storing the time series and risk maps generated, which can be used by agencies and researchers to conduct further analysis.