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Applied Sciences

Applied Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published semimonthly online by MDPI.

Quartile Ranking JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary)

All Articles (85,040)

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a coal utilization technology that has attracted extensive attention over the years. In order to study the distribution and evolution law of the growth boundary of a coal gasification cavity under UCG, COMSOL numerical simulation software was used to conduct a multi-physical field-coupling numerical simulation of its growth process. In this study, we established a gasification reaction model of the cavity, and after simulation calculation, the growth boundary of the gasification cavity was obtained. Multiple data points were taken from the growth boundary of the gasification cavity for the fitting calculation, and the fitting function y=Fx of the gasification boundary growth was obtained. The core insight from this study is that a gasification boundary growth fitting function y=Fx was cross-fitted based on seven different gasification times t (5 d, 20 d, 40 d, 60 d, 80 d, 110 d, 150 d) and 10 different gasification agent inflow velocities v (0.1 m/s, 0.3 m/s, 0.5 m/s, 0.7 m/s, 1 m/s, 2 m/s, 4 m/s, 6 m/s, 8 m/s, 10 m/s) as orthogonal independent variables. An innovative multi-parameter fitting equation was constructed, y=Fx,t,v, with the gasification time t and the gasification agent inflow velocity v as independent variables. This fitting equation, y=Fx,t,v, can dynamically depict the gasification cavity boundary during the UCG process when different gasification times t and gasification agent inflow velocities v are inputted. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it breaks through the limitations of traditional numerical simulation models that rely on a single variable, have limited adaptability, and focus on gasification cavities that lie mostly in the side-view direction. Moreover, through a multi-physics field-coupling numerical simulation in the top-view direction of the gasification cavity, we have improved the construction of the UCG numerical simulation model and cross-fitted the gasification boundary with respect to the gasification time t and gasification agent inflow velocity v to construct a fitting equation, achieving the quantitative representation of the nonlinear relationship between variables.

6 February 2026

Geometric illustration and mesh division diagram of the numerical model.
  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access

Aerogels and Oleogels as Functional Fat Replacers in Spreads—A Systematic Review

  • Andrea Karlović,
  • Marija Banožić and
  • Drago Šubarić
  • + 2 authors

The growing demand for healthier food options has accelerated the development of innovative fat-replacement strategies in spreadable products. Oleogels are semi-solid systems formed by structuring edible oils. Recently, these systems have emerged as a promising solution for reducing saturated fat content without compromising product quality, texture, or sensory attributes. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, supplemented by a bibliometric analysis. Research was identified through searches in Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, Springer, MDPI, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2020 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on original research articles in English involving food-sector applications of oleogels and aerogels in sweet spreads. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed by two independent reviewers based on methodological relevance and data integrity. Results were synthesized through a narrative approach and bibliometric mapping. After screening 490 records, 34 original research articles were included. Bibliometric data highlighted a clear trend shifting from foundational lipid structuring research in 2020 toward complex, product-specific functional applications by 2024. Overall, the results suggest that these structured systems are viable replacements for traditional saturated fats, providing comparable spreadability and stability. Funding: This work was supported by the Croatian Science Foundation under the project IP-2022-10-1960. This systematic review was not registered in a public database.

6 February 2026

PRISMA flowchart of screened and included studies.

The early mechanical properties of a cement sheath are not good when the temperature of the oil and gas wells is low, and it is easily damaged. The rice husk-derived graphene-like (RCG) materials were used to improve the mechanical properties of oil well cement-based composite materials. The rice husk-derived graphene-like materials were prepared using agricultural waste rice husks with a lower cost. The rice husk-derived graphene-like materials were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the rice husk-derived graphene-like materials on the mechanical properties and microstructure of oil well cement was studied. The results show that the prepared graphene-like materials are a type of multi-layer graphene with certain defects. The compressive strength of the cement sample after curing for 28 days increases by 35.58%; its flexural strength increases by 25.33%, and its impact strength increases by 40.94% with 0.06 wt% of the graphene-like materials. The graphene-like materials derived from rice husks do not lead to the generation of a new hydration product in oil well cement. It mainly enhances the mechanical properties of cement paste by affecting hydration crystallization. This article provides a reference for studying the improvement of mechanical properties of oil well cement-based composites using eco-friendly materials.

6 February 2026

Synthesis of graphene-like materials derived from rice husks.

Objectives: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and precision of static computer-guided, flapless implant surgery in partially edentulous patients, comparing the virtually planned and clinically achieved implant positions. Materials and Methods: From 2017 to 2022, 40 patients (20 males and 20 females) received a total of 129 implants across 59 partial rehabilitations, with 62 implants placed in the maxilla and 67 in the mandible. All interventions were performed by a single experienced operator using dental-supported stereolithographic guides and a flapless protocol. The discrepancy between planned and actual implant positions was measured using reverse engineering software, assessing linear deviations at the implant Platform (coronal) and apex, as well as angular deviations. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the jaw (maxilla vs. mandible) and the type of surgical guide support (Kennedy classes I–IV). Results: The mean linear deviation was 1.16 ± 0.58 mm at the apex and 0.80 ± 0.41 mm at the implant Platform (coronal). The mean angular deviation was 3.23° ± 1.86°. Slightly higher deviations were observed in the mandible than in the maxilla. Group-wise analysis showed minor variations depending on the type of guide support. Conclusions: Static computer-guided surgery demonstrated measurable linear and angular deviations between planned and achieved implant positions. These discrepancies should be considered during treatment planning, especially in narrow ridges or Class I configurations.

6 February 2026

STROBE Participant Flow Diagram depicting the process to include the analyzed implants.

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Feature Paper Collection in the Section ‘Energy Science and Technology’
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Feature Paper Collection in the Section ‘Energy Science and Technology’

Editors: Demis Pandelidis, Katrzyna Wartalska, Martyna Grzegorzek
Cosmetics Ingredients Research
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Cosmetics Ingredients Research

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Appl. Sci. - ISSN 2076-3417