This paper reports results of the transient modeling of thermoelectric cooling/heating modules as power generators with the aim to select preferable ones for use in thermal energy harvesting wireless sensor network nodes. A study is conducted using the selected commercial thermoelectric generators within the node of a compact design with aluminum PCBs. Their equivalent electro-thermal models suitable for SPICE-like simulators are presented. Model components are extracted from the geometrical, physical and thermo-electrical parameters and/or experimentally. SPICE simulation results mismatch within 7% in comparison with the experimental measurements. The presented model is used for the characterization of different thermoelectric generators within the wireless sensor network node from the aspects of harvesting efficiency, cold boot time, node dimensions and compactness, and maximum applicable temperature. The choice of the preferred generator is determined by its electrical resistance, the number of thermoelectric pairs, external area and thermoelectric legs length, depending on the primary design goal and imposed thermal operating conditions. The node can provide load power of 1.3 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{W}$ and the cold boot time of 66 s for generator with 31 thermoelectric pairs at a temperature difference of 15 $°\mathrm{C}$ with respect to the ambient, and 7.6 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{W}$ of load power and the cold boot time of 40 s for generator with 71 thermoelectric pairs at a temperature difference of 25 $°\mathrm{C}$ .

For almost fifty years, the concept of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on triangular fuzzy numbers, supplied with various types of membership functions has experienced a wide variety of Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, z-Numbers, and Spherical fuzzy numbers. This paper aims to upgrade the concept of Spherical Fuzzy Sets considering the hesitancy, its third coordinate, as a function instead of constant. This broads the decision-makers "spectrum" allowing them to describe the fuzzy part of data more comprehensively. As a path distance between two fuzzy sets, we used geodesic lines in place of great circles, connecting Fuzzy logic with Differential geometry. Also, we proved some algebraic properties concerning associativity and neutral elements for operations ? and ?, for the defined Surface Fuzzy Sets. Additionally, the application of Surface Fuzzy Sets to within AHP is used for ranking Security, Privacy, and Authority sub-criteria affecting B2C e-commerce websites.

Polymers and polymer matrix composites are commonly used materials with applications extending from packaging materials to delicate electronic devices. Epoxy resins and fiber-reinforced epoxy-based composites have been used as adhesives and construction parts. Fractal analysis has been recognized in materials science as a valuable tool for the microstructural characterization of composites by connecting fractal characteristics with composites’ functional properties. In this study, fractal reconstructions of different microstructural shapes in an epoxy-based composite were performed on field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. These images were of glass fiber reinforced epoxy as well as a hybrid composite containing both glass and electrospun polystyrene fibers in an epoxy matrix. Fractal reconstruction enables the identification of self-similarity in the fractal structure, which represents a novelty in analyzing the fractal properties of materials. Fractal Real Finder software, based on the mathematical affine fractal regression model, was employed to reconstruct different microstructure shapes and calculate fractal dimensions to develop a method of predicting the optimal structure–property relations in composite materials in the future.

In a hyperproductive interactive environment, where speed and cost-effectiveness often overshadow accuracy, the media’s role is increasingly shifting towards an educational function, beyond its traditional informative and entertaining roles. This shift, particularly through the promotion of science and education, aims to bridge the gap between educational institutions and the labor market. In this context, the importance of 21st-century competencies—encompassing a broad range of knowledge and skills—becomes increasingly clear. Educational institutions are now expected to equip students with relevant, universally applicable, and market-competitive competencies. This paper proposes using a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to rank 21st-century competencies developed throughout the educational process to improve the system. The highest-ranked competency identified is the ability to manage information—specifically, gathering and analyzing information from diverse sources. It has been shown that respondents who developed “soft skills” and media literacy during their studies are better able to critically assess content on social networks and distinguish between credible and false information. The significance of this work lies in its focus on the damaged credibility of online media caused by user-generated content and the rapid spread of unverified and fake news. Denying such discourse or erasing digital traces is therefore futile. Developing a critical approach to information is essential for consistently identifying fake news, doctored images, and recordings taken out of context, as well as preventing their spread.

Consolidation parameters have influence and can be used to control structure of BaTiO₃ based materials. Microstructure and dielectric properties of Yb₂O₃ doped BaTiO₃-ceramics, sintered from 1320 °C to 1380 °C have been investigated. The correlation between microstructure, capacity and dielectric properties of doped BaTiO₃-ceramics, based on fractal geometry and micro-contact surfaces, has been developed. Using the fractal descriptors of the grains contact surface, the microstructure reconstruction constituents, as grains and pores shapes or intergranular contacts, has been successfully done. Obtained results indicated that fractal analysis contact surfaces descriptors of different shapes are very important for the prognosis of BaTiO₃-ceramics microstructure and capacity and dielectric properties. The morphology of ceramics grains pointed out the validity of developing new structure analytical methods, based on different grains’ shape geometries. The grains contact structure based on Minkowski hull is presented as a new tool for BaTiO₃-ceramics materials structure research. The materials properties prognosis are determined according to the correlations synthesis–structure–property, within Minkowski hull fractal frame.