Abstract. This article presents the results of a case study on the implementation of robotic process automation (RPA) in sales logistics and the shipping of finished products to customers at a company in the aerospace and defense industries. The RPA implementation encompassed the automation of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) tasks, including issuing finished products from stock, generating Certificates of Conformity (CofC), and archiving and printing the generated certificates. The study was conducted to assess the impact of RPA on process efficiency and to evaluate the involvement of logistics staff during weekly shipments [1-3]. An analysis of data extracted from the ERP system revealed that although the use of RPA did not shorten the time required to sell and validate a single finished product set, it nonetheless significantly reduced the amount of human labor involved in the process. Based on historical data, before the RPA implementation, logistics employees processed a certain average number of sets per day while also performing other duties. After implementation, finished-product sets could be processed automatically one after another throughout the day without interruption, which enabled nearly twice as many sets to be sold in a single day, while also eliminating the need for employee involvement in monotonous tasks related to sales and certificate generation. The findings confirm that implementing RPA in sales and shipping logistics significantly contributed to increased productivity and the effective use of human resources. The example analyzed constitutes an important element of enterprises’ digital transformation and Industry 4.0.

Abstract. The evolution of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing has encouraged hobbyists to transition into entrepreneurs, creating small-scale businesses in resource-limited environments. This study investigates Romanian 3D printing producers, analyzing their activity models, technical capabilities, challenges, achievements and market positioning through survey data and interviews. Findings reveal that most producers operate as self-taught professionals, leveraging affordable printers (BambuLab, Creality, Prusa), PLA/ABS/PETG materials and social media marketing. Key challenges include unrealistic customer expectations, market saturation and financial barriers, yet some overcome these through niche specialization and hybrid manufacturing approaches. This research highlights factors influencing business sustainability, offering insights into growth potential and resilience of Romania’s decentralized 3D printing sector.

Abstract. In recent years, the manufacturing industry has undertaken several initiatives to enhance the monitoring of product life cycles by incorporating special markings directly during production. This is particularly important in today’s global market, where unambiguous identification of genuine products is essential. Such monitoring is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in ensuring the reliable traceability of products and related services that manufacturers, retailers, and end-users can access. As a result, databases maintained by component manufacturers, which enable the storage of information about an individual product throughout its entire life cycle, now play a crucial role. In this context, the growing popularity, advantages, and ease of use of permanent product marking encourage its application in manufacturing technologies, including foundry processes, as well as in other industrial areas. Introducing a permanent imprint into the casting, without the need for laser processing or the use of non-durable self-adhesive labels, enables the unambiguous identification of each manufactured part, as highlighted in this article. The paper analyses the types and methods of producing permanent impressions in the mold, resulting in a negative imprint on the casting, as well as the techniques for reading the markings obtained in this way.

Abstract. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) has high organic content or extremely polluted waste water. Electrocoagulation is advanced alternative technology to treat POME. This study aims to investigate the effects of applied voltage and residence time on chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total dissolved solid (TDS) removal. Aluminum electrodes were used and applied voltage was varied between 5, 7, and 9 volts. The sampling time was conducted at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The results showed that the removal of COD, BOD, and TDS increased with the increasing applied voltage. The optimum applied voltage at 9 volts and pH 7.7, achieving the highest removal efficiencies: 96.7% for COD, 98.8% for BOD, and 99.8% for TDS at 120 min of processing time. This research found that electrocoagulation process is very effective to treat highly polluted wastewater such as palm oil mill effluent.

Abstract. This study presents a comparative analysis of two shafts on which material feeder discs were mounted. In the first configuration, a bronze sleeve bushing was used, whereas in the second one, two needle roller bearings (SKF, 40×47×16 mm) were applied. Both shafts operated under identical service conditions on equivalent machines positioned side by side, in a two-shift system over a period of five years, corresponding to approximately 15,000 operating hours. Both maintenance and service of the systems were carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which ensured comparable operating conditions. The conducted study aimed to determine the differences in wear, reliability, and maintenance costs between the shaft equipped with a bronze bushing and the one fitted with needle roller bearings, as illustrated by the condition of the components shown in Fig.1. The obtained results may serve as a basis for optimizing design solutions in similar drive systems used in industrial applications [1-3].

Abstract. Cadmium (Cd) contamination in water poses serious environmental risks due to its high toxicity, making effective removal strategies essential. Among various methods, reactive extraction has emerged as a promising and greener approach for Cd removal from wastewater. The use of a single extractant has shown potential in Cd removal from wastewater. However, its efficiency remains limited, highlighting the need for improved formulations. In this study, the effects of extractant type, concentration, and synergistic combinations were investigated to determine the most effective system for Cd extraction. The results revealed that the synergistic pairing of phosphinothioic acid (Cyanex 302) as the base extractant, with tributyl phosphate (TBP) as a synergist, using palm oil as diluent, achieved high efficiency. At the optimized conditions of 0.03 M Cyanex 302 and 0.001 M TBP, Cd extraction reached 99.47%. Stoichiometric analysis conducted indicated that 0.5 mole of Cyanex 302 interacted with one mole of Cd during complex formation, confirming the extraction mechanism. For Cd stripping, 0.15 M H2SO4 exhibited the highest stripping efficiency, with 96.73% Cd successfully stripped from the organic phase. Stoichiometric analysis revealed that 1.5 moles of H2SO4 are required to complex with one mole of Cd, validating the stripping mechanism.

Abstract. This article presents the role of laser technology in modern military defense systems, with particular emphasis on its applications as direct energy weapons. The current uses of lasers in targeting, rangefinding, and communication are discussed alongside the prospects for deploying laser systems capable of neutralizing targets such as drones and missiles. The paper analyzes key technological challenges, including power management, thermal regulation, and the impact of atmospheric conditions on laser effectiveness. It also outlines applications of lasers in LiDAR, target designation, dazzling systems, and auxiliary operations such as cutting, welding, and repairs. The further development of advanced materials and optical solutions will be crucial for the successful integration of laser weapons into dynamic combat scenarios of the 21st century.

Abstract. This work presents the synthesis of new biodegradable alginate-zirconia (AG-ZR) hybrid aerogels as a potential thermal insulator material. The effect of the alginate-to-zirconia ratio on their physical and chemical characteristics is investigated. Hybrid gels containing 3–5 wt% alginate and 0.05–0.2 wt% zirconia were prepared via solvent casting, followed by supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO₂) drying to obtain lightweight aerogels. The physical and chemical properties were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Results showed that the chemical interaction between alginate and zirconia was identified by the characteristic Zr−O and −COO− stretching vibrations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated considerable thermal stability up to 350°C, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested that degradation commenced at approximately 270°C. Mechanical testing revealed that the aerogel formulation composed of 5 wt.% alginate and 0.2 wt.% zirconia exhibited a notable tensile strength of approximately 1.8 MPa and improved flexibility, as indicated by elongation at break. The synthesized AG-ZR hybrid aerogels showed strong chemical crosslinking, excellent thermal stability, and superior mechanical strength, particularly in AG 5:ZR 0.2 formulation. The findings demonstrate the potential of the material as a lightweight, biodegradable, and thermally stable insulation solution for advanced engineering applications.

Abstract. This research focused on the synthesis and study the iron oxide formation on stainless steel 304L (SS304L) by anodizing method for hydrogen production. The study is carried out in AC anodizing, optimization of AC anodizing parameters such as such as anodizing voltage, concentration of ammonium fluoride (NH4F), anodizing time, and the temperature of the electrolyte solution by using L9 Taguchi orthogonal arrays with including ANOM analysis and repetition of the experiment for the optimum parameters and lastly is the hydrogen application. The anodizing electrolyte used are ethylene glycol solution with ammonium fluoride and distilled water. Surface morphology of the anodized films were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optimization via the Taguchi method identified the best combination of parameters such as 30 V of anodizing voltage, 0.3 M of NH4F concentration, 15 ℃ of electrolyte temperature and 20 minutes of anodizing time, enhancing the electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Under optimal conditions, the AC anodized SS304L exhibited significantly improved performance, with increased stability and efficiency in water splitting applications, compared to as-received specimen. These findings suggest that by carefully controlling the anodizing parameters, it is possible to produce AC anodized SS304L with superior electrocatalytic properties, making it a viable and cost-effective option for renewable hydrogen production.

Abstract. The construction industry is one of the most vicious contributors to global GHG emissions, and the sector has a pivotal role to play in mitigating environmental degradation. This study examines the use of corn cob ash (CCA) as a partial substitute for cement in the production of concrete blocks. The study addresses the urgent need to identify and adopt sustainable alternative materials in the construction industry to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote environmental sustainability. CCA was used to partially replace OPC at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass. The EDXRF, mechanical properties, embodied energy, global warming potential, and sustainability index of the composite materials were evaluated for each mix. The study found that the optimum mix of 15% CCA led to a 14.43% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the control sample. The study reveals a complex relationship between compressive strength and carbon footprint in concrete composites. The research provides empirical evidence supporting the valorization of CCA as a viable pozzolan in concrete block production. The adoption of CCA as a partial cement replacement leads to lower embodied energy, enhanced waste management benefits, and a reduced carbon footprint for masonry units.