This study presents the design and development of a 2D auxetic filtering medium with programmable geometric features specifically designed to vary under in-plane tensile strain. This feature empowers the filtering medium to control the particles separation. A novel design and optimisation algorithm developed in Matlab^® determines the final optimized geometry of the filtering medium based on the desired particle size input. Upon thorough numerical investigation, an empirical relationship between the linear elastic in-plane tensile strain and aperture size of the proposed metamaterial is revealed. This empirical relation can be used in mechatronic and control systems to steer the proposed filtering medium. A prototype of such filtering medium capable of classification of particles of size 4 mm to 4.5 mm, when subjected to linear strain, is fabricated through fused deposition modelling process. The developed geometry configurations in this research are scalable, providing a potential cost-effective and efficient solution for industrial applications including reconfigurable filtration and segregation systems.

There has been significant interest in additively manufactured lattice structures in recent years due to their enhanced mechanical and multi-physics properties, making them suitable candidates for various applications. This study presents a multi-parameter implicit equation model for designing body-centred cubic (BCC) lattice structures. The model is used in conjunction with a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) approach to maximise the stiffness of the BCC lattice structure while minimising von-Mises stress within the structure under a specific loading condition. The selected design from the MOGA at a specific lattice density is compared with the classical BCC lattice structure and the designs generated by a single-objective genetic algorithm, which focuses on maximising stiffness or minimising von-Mises stress alone. By conducting a finite element analysis on the optimised samples and performing mechanical testing on the corresponding 3D-printed specimens, it was observed that the optimised lattice structures exhibited a substantial improvement in mechanical performance compared to the classical BCC model. The suitability of multi-objective and single-objective optimisation approaches for designing lattice structures was further investigated by comparing the corresponding designs in terms of their stiffness and maximum von-Mises stress values. The results from the numerical analysis and experimental testing demonstrate the significance of the application of an appropriate optimisation strategy for designing lattice structures for additive manufacturing.

The high energy consumption in the building sector and the increasing impacts of climate change have necessitated the transition to net-zero-energy buildings (NZEBs), in which energy retrofit strategies play a key role. However, neglecting moisture transport and climatic design while improving energy efficiency often leads to reduced building performance, material deterioration, worse occupant health, and indoor environmental problems. This review examines in detail the basic mechanisms of moisture transport, including diffusion, capillary action, and airborne moisture transport, and illustrates how poor moisture control affects thermal performance and resident health. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the impact of retrofit strategies implemented in different climatic regions on energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, moisture-related failures and net-zero goals is conducted. At the same time, the need exists to incorporate awareness regarding the adverse effects on the health of occupants. This systematic review analyzed 120 peer-reviewed studies published from 1994 to 2026, covering different climatic regions (e.g., cold, temperate, warm–humid, etc.). The analysis found that the energy savings rates were reported to range from 18% to 45%, while the moisture-related failures in inappropriately retrofitted buildings were observed to increase by up to 32% in some cold regions. This research review provides a comprehensive advisory framework for domestic residents to take remedial steps until retrofit experts gain access in order to prevent health risks from mold and moisture ingress, which can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and a net-zero-energy building.

Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, particularly in arid and fog-rich regions where conventional resources are limited. Fog water harvesting has emerged as a low-energy alternative; however, the performance of traditional collectors (typically 3–10 L m⁻² day⁻¹) remains constrained by inefficient droplet capture and transport. This review provides a systematic and critical analysis of recent advances in membrane-based fog harvesting technologies, focusing on material design, surface engineering, and structural optimization. The analysis shows that nanostructured and electrospun membrane systems can enhance water collection rates to ~20–60 L m⁻² day⁻¹, representing up to a 5–6 times improvement over conventional meshes. Furthermore, biomimetic and Janus wettability designs significantly improve droplet nucleation and directional transport, while hierarchical micro/nanostructures accelerate coalescence and runoff dynamics. At the structural level, optimized collector geometries (vertical harp designs) demonstrate ~3–4 times higher collection efficiency compared to traditional Raschel mesh due to reduced clogging and enhanced drainage. Despite these advances, key challenges remain, including material durability, fouling resistance, lack of standardized testing protocols, and limited large-scale validation. This review identifies critical design–performance relationships and proposes a framework linking surface wettability, morphology, and environmental parameters to harvesting efficiency. Future directions emphasize the development of durable, scalable membrane systems and the integration of fog harvesting with hybrid water supply technologies.

Sports e-textiles have emerged as a key component of wearable technology, enabling real-time physiological monitoring and enhanced athletic performance. However, the integration of conventional batteries into sportswear is constrained by their rigidity, weight, limited flexibility, and safety concerns. Textile-integrated supercapacitors have therefore attracted considerable attention as a promising energy storage solution owing to their lightweight design, rapid charge–discharge capability, long cycle life, and excellent mechanical flexibility. This review critically examines recent advances in supercapacitor-based energy storage for sports e-textiles, with emphasis on electrode materials, textile substrates, fabrication and integration strategies, electrochemical performance, and practical applications in sportswear. Particular attention is given to the effects of textile architecture, flexibility, washability, mechanical durability, sweat resistance, and long-term operational stability on device performance. The review also discusses the major challenges limiting commercial adoption, including durability, scalable manufacturing, user comfort, and environmental sustainability. Finally, future research directions are proposed to accelerate the development of high-performance, sustainable, and commercially viable textile energy storage systems for next-generation intelligent sportswear. This review provides a comprehensive reference for researchers, textile engineers, and wearable technology developers working on advanced energy storage solutions for smart sports apparel.