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Search Results (23,018)

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23 pages, 412 KB  
Article
Uncovering Gender and Temporal Dynamics: Career Resources Impacting Career Success
by Wika Malkowska, Vicki Elsey, Laura Longstaff and John Arnold
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010036 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026
Abstract
(1) Background/Purpose: Talent management research has typically focused on early-career entrants or high-potential employees, leaving mid-career professionals underexplored despite their pivotal role in organisational continuity and leadership pipelines. This study examines whether the principles of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory apply to careers, [...] Read more.
(1) Background/Purpose: Talent management research has typically focused on early-career entrants or high-potential employees, leaving mid-career professionals underexplored despite their pivotal role in organisational continuity and leadership pipelines. This study examines whether the principles of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory apply to careers, testing whether career resources predict objective and subjective career success, and whether gender differences emerge. (2) Study Design/Methodology/Approach: A three-wave survey of 543 individuals employed in the United Kingdom (UK) (mean age 39) was analysed using Latent Growth Modelling and hierarchical regression to capture the temporal dynamics of career resources and their links to success. (3) Findings: Subjective career success declined overall, but increased among participants with high human capital, environmental resources, career self-management behaviours, and baseline motivation. Gender differences were found: human capital and self-management were stronger predictors for men, while environmental resources were more important for women. Objective success was predicted by human capital only for women, while private-sector employment and subjective success were the strongest predictors for men. (4) Originality/Value: Our unique contribution advances understanding of mid-career dynamics among women and men, highlighting critical implications for talent management. Some, but not all, predictions of COR theory are supported. Women and men experience the benefits of resources differently. Whilst career resources were critical for career success, caring responsibilities were not, irrespective of gender. Organisations must recognise that subjective career success needs resources to sustain it and move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches by tailoring development, mobility, and support systems to gendered and career-stage-specific needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Talent Management for Sustainable Organizations)
30 pages, 4603 KB  
Article
Joint Optimization of Storage Assignment and Order Batching for Efficient Heterogeneous Robot G2P Systems
by Li Li, Yan Wei, Yanjie Liang and Jin Ren
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020743 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Currently, with the widespread popularization of e-commerce systems, enterprises have increasingly high requirements for the timeliness of order fulfillment. It has become particularly critical to enhance the operational efficiency of heterogeneous robotic “goods-to-person” (G2P) systems in book e-commerce fulfillment, reduce enterprise operational costs, [...] Read more.
Currently, with the widespread popularization of e-commerce systems, enterprises have increasingly high requirements for the timeliness of order fulfillment. It has become particularly critical to enhance the operational efficiency of heterogeneous robotic “goods-to-person” (G2P) systems in book e-commerce fulfillment, reduce enterprise operational costs, and achieve highly efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable warehouse management. Therefore, this study focuses on determining the optimal storage location assignment strategy and order batching method. By comprehensively considering the characteristics of book e-commerce, such as small-batch, high-frequency orders and diverse SKU requirements, as well as existing system issues including uncoordinated storage assignment and order processing, and differences in the operational efficiency of heterogeneous robots, this study proposes a joint optimization framework for storage location assignment and order batching centered on a multi-objective model. The framework integrates the time costs of robot picking operations, SKU turnover rates, and inter-commodity correlations, introduces the STCSPBC storage strategy to optimize storage location assignment, and designs the SA-ANS algorithm to solve the storage assignment problem. Meanwhile, order batching optimization is based on dynamic inventory data, and the S-O Greedy algorithm is adopted to find solutions with lower picking costs. This achieves the joint optimization of storage location assignment and order batching, improves the system’s picking efficiency, reduces operational costs, and realizes green and sustainable management. Finally, validation via a spatiotemporal network model shows that the proposed joint optimization framework outperforms existing benchmark methods, achieving a 45.73% improvement in average order hit rate, a 48.79% reduction in total movement distance, a 46.59% decrease in operation time, and a 24.04% reduction in conflict frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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23 pages, 3772 KB  
Article
Fatigue Performance Enhancement of Open-Hole Steel Plates Under Alternating Tension–Compression Loading via Hotspot-Targeted CFRP Reinforcement
by Zhenpeng Jian, Byeong Hwa Kim, Jinlei Gai, Yunlong Zhao and Xujiao Yang
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020313 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Steel plates with open holes are common in engineering structures such as bridges and towers for pipeline penetrations and connections. These openings, however, induce significant stress concentration under alternating tension–compression loading (stress ratio R = −1), drastically accelerating fatigue crack initiation and threatening [...] Read more.
Steel plates with open holes are common in engineering structures such as bridges and towers for pipeline penetrations and connections. These openings, however, induce significant stress concentration under alternating tension–compression loading (stress ratio R = −1), drastically accelerating fatigue crack initiation and threatening structural integrity. Effective identification and mitigation of such stress concentrations is crucial for enhancing the fatigue resistance of perforated components. This study proposes a closed-loop methodology integrating theoretical weak zone identification, targeted CFRP reinforcement, and experimental validation to improve the fatigue performance of open-hole steel plates. Analytical solutions for dynamic stresses around the hole were derived using complex function theory and conformal mapping, identifying critical stress concentration angles. Experimental tests compared unreinforced and CFRP-reinforced specimens in terms of circumferential strain distribution, dynamic stress concentration behavior, and fatigue life. Results indicate that Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement significantly reduces stress concentration near 90°, smooths polar strain distributions, and slows strain decay. The S–N curves shift upward, indicating extended fatigue life under identical stress amplitude and increased allowable stress at identical life cycles. Comparison with standardized design curves confirms that reinforced specimens meet higher fatigue categories, providing practical design guidance for perforated plates under alternating loads. This work establishes a systematic framework from theoretical prediction to experimental verification, offering a reliable reference for engineering applications. Full article
24 pages, 6343 KB  
Review
Fe-Based Catalysts in MgH2 Hydrogen Storage: Mechanistic Insights, Stability Challenges, and a Roadmap for Scalable Design
by Quanhui Hou, Qianyang Wang, Xue Du, Zhihao Xu, Xiao Xu, Yunxuan Zhou and Zhao Ding
Coatings 2026, 16(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010092 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is a promising solid-state hydrogen storage material owing to its high hydrogen capacity and low cost, yet its practical application is limited by sluggish kinetics, high operating temperatures, and poor cycling stability. Among various catalytic approaches, Fe-based catalysts [...] Read more.
Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is a promising solid-state hydrogen storage material owing to its high hydrogen capacity and low cost, yet its practical application is limited by sluggish kinetics, high operating temperatures, and poor cycling stability. Among various catalytic approaches, Fe-based catalysts have emerged as attractive candidates due to their abundance, compositional tunability, and effective promotion of hydrogen sorption reactions in MgH2 systems. This review critically summarizes recent progress in Fe-based catalysts for MgH2 hydrogen storage, encompassing elemental Fe, iron oxides, Fe-based alloys, and advanced composite catalysts with nanostructured and multicomponent architectures. Mechanistic insights into catalytic enhancement are discussed, with particular emphasis on interfacial electron transfer, catalytic phase evolution, hydrogen diffusion pathways, and synergistic effects between Fe-containing species and MgH2, supported by experimental and theoretical studies. In addition to catalytic activity, key stability challenges—including catalyst agglomeration, phase segregation, interfacial degradation, and performance decay during cycling—are analyzed in relation to structural evolution and kinetic–thermodynamic trade-offs. Finally, a roadmap for the scalable design of Fe-based catalysts is proposed, highlighting rational catalyst selection, interface engineering, and compatibility with large-scale synthesis. This review aims to bridge fundamental mechanisms with practical design considerations for developing durable and high-performance MgH2-based hydrogen storage materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Research of Change: Catalysts for a Sustainable Future)
16 pages, 8246 KB  
Article
Measurement and Study of Electric Field Radiation from a High Voltage Pseudospark Switch
by Junou Wang, Lei Chen, Xiao Yu, Jingkun Yang, Fuxing Li and Wanqing Jing
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020482 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
The pulsed power switch serves as a critical component in pulsed power systems. The electric radiation generated by switching operations threatens the miniaturization of pulsed power systems, causing significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) to nearby signal circuits. The pseudospark switch’s (PSS) exceptionally fast transient [...] Read more.
The pulsed power switch serves as a critical component in pulsed power systems. The electric radiation generated by switching operations threatens the miniaturization of pulsed power systems, causing significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) to nearby signal circuits. The pseudospark switch’s (PSS) exceptionally fast transient response, a key enabler for sophisticated pulsed power systems, is also a major source of severe EMI. This study investigated the electric field radiation from a high voltage PSS within a capacitor discharge unit (CDU), using a near-field scanning system based on an electro-optic probe. The time-frequency distribution of the radiation was characterized, identifying contributions from three sequential stages: the application of the trigger voltage, the main gap breakdown, and the subsequent oscillating high voltage. During the high-frequency oscillation stage, the distribution of the peak electric field radiation aligns with the predictions of the dipole model, with a maximum value of 43.99 kV/m measured near the PSS. The spectral composition extended to 60 MHz, featuring a primary component at 1.24 MHz and distinct harmonics at 20.14 MHz and 32.33 MHz. Additionally, the impacts of circuit parameters and trigger current on the radiated fields were discussed. These results provided essential guidance for the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design of highly-integrated pulsed power systems, facilitating more reliable PSS applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Sensors)
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27 pages, 5157 KB  
Article
A Demand-Oriented Study on Residential Pilotis Satisfaction in Hefei Using the KANO-IPA Model
by Zichen Wang, Cheng Huang and Zhuoyue Diao
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020311 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Under high-density urban development, Residential Pilotis have been widely constructed in Chinese cities as a critical measure to mitigate public space shortages. However, a mismatch between spatial supply and residents’ needs remains prevalent. This study develops a resident satisfaction evaluation framework comprising 23 [...] Read more.
Under high-density urban development, Residential Pilotis have been widely constructed in Chinese cities as a critical measure to mitigate public space shortages. However, a mismatch between spatial supply and residents’ needs remains prevalent. This study develops a resident satisfaction evaluation framework comprising 23 indicators across four dimensions: Spatial Usability and Sociality, Landscape and Visual Experience, Physical Environment Comfort, and Governance and Operational Maintenance. Using the Integrated KANO-IPA Model, 553 questionnaires from Hefei were analyzed to classify the quality attributes and improvement priorities of the indicators. Results suggest a structural supply–demand mismatch, with the Governance and Operational Maintenance dimension emerging as a particularly prominent area of concern. Satisfaction with Must-be and One-dimensional attributes, especially cleanliness and facility maintenance, age-friendly design, and resting facilities, all of which are highly valued by residents, is generally low. Conversely, landscape-related attributes receive higher satisfaction and have a lower priority for improvement. Based on these findings, a phased optimization strategy is proposed, encompassing short-term priority improvements, medium-term gradual enhancements, and long-term maintenance or flexible adjustments. This research provides an operable methodological framework for supply–demand diagnosis and optimization in similar spatial contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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20 pages, 4708 KB  
Article
CM-EffNet: A Direction-Aware and Detail-Preserving Network for Wood Species Identification Based on Microscopic Anatomical Patterns
by Changwei Gu and Lei Zhao
Forests 2026, 17(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010096 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
The authentication of wood species is of paramount significance to market regulation and product quality control in the construction industry. While classification based on microscopic wood cell structures serves as a critical reference for this task, the high inter-class similarity of cell structures [...] Read more.
The authentication of wood species is of paramount significance to market regulation and product quality control in the construction industry. While classification based on microscopic wood cell structures serves as a critical reference for this task, the high inter-class similarity of cell structures and the inherent biological anisotropy of fine textures pose significant challenges to existing methods. Due to their generic design, standard deep learning models often struggle to capture these fine-grained directional features and suffer from catastrophic feature loss during global pooling, particularly under limited sample conditions. To bridge this gap between general-purpose architectures and the specific demands of wood texture analysis, this paper proposes CM-EffNet, a lightweight fine-grained classification framework based on an improved EfficientNetV2 architecture. Firstly, a data augmentation strategy is employed to expand a collected dataset of 226 wood species from 3673 to 29,384 images, effectively mitigating overfitting caused by small sample sizes. Secondly, a Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism is integrated to embed positional information into channel attention. This allows the network to precisely capture long-range dependencies between cell walls and vessels cavities, successfully decoding the challenge of textural anisotropy. Thirdly, a MixPooling strategy is introduced to replace traditional global average pooling, enabling the collaborative extraction of background context and salient fine-grained details to prevent the loss of critical micro-features. Systematic experiments demonstrate that CM-EffNet achieves a recognition accuracy of 96.72% and a training accuracy of 98.18%. Comparative results confirm that the proposed model offers superior learning efficiency and classification precision with a compact parameter size. This makes it highly suitable for deployment on mobile terminals connected to portable microscopes, providing a rapid and accurate solution for on-site timber market regulation and industrial quality control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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25 pages, 730 KB  
Systematic Review
Clinical Outcomes of the Magnetic Mallet in Oral and Implant Surgery: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies
by Domenico Baldi, Camilla Canepa, Francesco Bagnasco, Adrien Naveau, Francesca Baldi, Paolo Pesce and Maria Menini
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020749 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Traditional surgical techniques are based on the manual application of force using mallets and osteotomes, which often result in uncontrolled impact forces, procedural inconsistencies, and patient discomfort. Magnetic mallets (MMs), magnetodynamic devices, provide a controlled application of force using electromagnetism, aiming to achieve [...] Read more.
Traditional surgical techniques are based on the manual application of force using mallets and osteotomes, which often result in uncontrolled impact forces, procedural inconsistencies, and patient discomfort. Magnetic mallets (MMs), magnetodynamic devices, provide a controlled application of force using electromagnetism, aiming to achieve greater precision, reduced operating time, and improved surgical outcomes. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of MMs compared to conventional surgical techniques in oral and implant surgery. The focused question was as follows: “Do magnetic mallets improve clinical outcomes in oral and implant surgery compared to traditional instruments?” Only clinical studies comparing the use of MMs with traditional techniques in oral surgery were included. The following databases were searched up to 27 November 2025: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science. For quality assessment, the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool was applied for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for non-randomized studies. Data were screened and synthesized by two reviewers. The systematic review was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. In total, 347 studies were initially found and 6 matched the inclusion criteria and were included in the review, for a total of 282 patients. Five RCTs were included, as well as one retrospective study. The studies investigated were as follows: implant site preparation (two studies with a total of 86 patients), sinus lift and contextual implant insertion (three studies, total: 102 patients), dental extraction (two studies, total: 70 patients), and split-crest (one study with 46 patients). The outcomes suggest that MMs may serve as a potential alternative to traditional techniques, exhibiting promising although preliminary outcomes. The studies included reported a lower incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with the use of MMs compared to hand osteotomes. Regarding quality assessment, RCTs raised some concerns, while the retrospective study had a moderate risk of bias. Despite the promising results, the paucity of high-quality controlled trials limits definitive conclusions on the superiority of MM over conventional techniques. Further well-designed comparative trials are needed to confirm the clinical benefits, optimize protocols across different indications, and evaluate MMs’ potential role in the management of critical bone conditions and complex surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences)
20 pages, 3400 KB  
Article
A Prospective Method for the Dynamic Transformation of Structural Balance in Fully Signed Networks
by Zhanyong Jiao, Jiarui Fan, Ruochen Zhang and Dinghan Duan
Entropy 2026, 28(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010085 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Structural balance in fully signed networks, integrating both individual attributes and relationships, represents a critical challenge in social computing; however, its dynamic transformation remains underexplored. This study extends structural balance theory by incorporating node attributes and formulating a mathematical framework for optimizing balance [...] Read more.
Structural balance in fully signed networks, integrating both individual attributes and relationships, represents a critical challenge in social computing; however, its dynamic transformation remains underexplored. This study extends structural balance theory by incorporating node attributes and formulating a mathematical framework for optimizing balance dynamics in fully signed networks. A memetic algorithm is designed to achieve structural balance with minimal cost. Evaluations on both synthetic and real-world networks demonstrate the proposed method’s effectiveness, efficiency, and social interpretability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Statistical Approaches for Modeling Human Social Systems)
17 pages, 3288 KB  
Article
Biological Feasibility of a Novel Island-Type Fishway Inspired by the Tesla Valve
by Mengxue Dong, Bokai Fan, Maosen Xu, Ziheng Tang, Yunqing Gu and Jiegang Mou
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020744 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026
Abstract
Inspired by the Tesla valve, the island-type fishway is a novel design whose biological performance remains unelucidated. This study integrated hydraulic experiments, CFD modeling, and 3D computer vision to investigate the passage performance and swimming behavior of juvenile silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix [...] Read more.
Inspired by the Tesla valve, the island-type fishway is a novel design whose biological performance remains unelucidated. This study integrated hydraulic experiments, CFD modeling, and 3D computer vision to investigate the passage performance and swimming behavior of juvenile silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). The results confirmed high biological feasibility, with upstream success rates exceeding 70%. The island and arc-baffle configuration create a heterogeneous flow field with an S-shaped main flow and low-velocity zones; each island unit contributes 8.9% to total energy dissipation. Critically, fish utilize a multi-dimensional navigation strategy to avoid high-velocity cores: temporally adopting an intermittent “rest-burst” pattern for energetic recovery; horizontally following an “Ω”-shaped bypass trajectory; and vertically preferring the bottom boundary layer. Passage failure was primarily linked to suboptimal path selection near the high-velocity main flow. These findings demonstrate that fishway effectiveness depends less on bulk hydraulic parameters and more on the spatial connectivity of hydraulic refugia aligning with fish behavioral traits. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing eco-friendly hydraulic structures. Full article
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27 pages, 6671 KB  
Article
A Rock-on-a-Chip Approach to Investigate Flow Behavior for Underground Gas Storage Applications
by Marialuna Loffredo, Cristina Serazio, Nicolò Santi Vasile, Eloisa Salina Borello, Matteo Scapolo, Donatella Barbieri, Andrea Mantegazzi, Fabrizio Candido Pirri, Francesca Verga, Christian Coti and Dario Viberti
Energies 2026, 19(2), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020348 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026
Abstract
Large-scale storage solutions play a critical role in the ongoing energy transition, with Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) emerging as a possible option. UHS can benefit from existing natural gas storage expertise; however, key differences in hydrogen’s behavior compared to CH4 must be [...] Read more.
Large-scale storage solutions play a critical role in the ongoing energy transition, with Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) emerging as a possible option. UHS can benefit from existing natural gas storage expertise; however, key differences in hydrogen’s behavior compared to CH4 must be characterized at the pore scale to optimize the design and the management of these systems. This work investigates two-phase (gas–water) flow behavior using microfluidic devices mimicking reservoir rocks’ pore structure. Microfluidic tests provide a systematic side-by-side comparison of H2–water and CH4–water displacement under the same pore-network geometries, wettability, and flow conditions, focusing on the drainage phase. While all experiments fall within the transitional flow regime between capillary and viscous fingering, clear quantitative differences between H2 and CH4 emerge. Indeed, the results show that hydrogen’s lower viscosity enhances capillary fingering and snap-off events, while methane exhibits more stable viscous-dominated behavior. Both gases show rapid breakthrough; however, H2’s flow instability—especially at low capillary numbers (Ca)—leads to spontaneous water imbibition, suggesting stronger capillary forces. Relative permeability endpoints are evaluated when steady state conditions are reached: they show dependence on Ca, not just saturation, aligning with recent scaling laws. Despite H2 showing a different displacement regime, closer to capillary fingering, H2 mobility remains comparable to CH4. These findings highlight differences in flow behavior between H2 and CH4, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies for UHS to manage trapping and optimize recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Underground Energy Storage Technologies)
28 pages, 2105 KB  
Article
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Reusable Packaging Systems Under Alternative Logistic Configurations
by Giovanni Marmora, Carmen Ferrara, Vittorio Roselli and Giovanni De Feo
Recycling 2026, 11(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling11010013 - 10 Jan 2026
Abstract
Packaging plays a crucial role in product preservation and distribution but also constitutes a major source of environmental burden. In the beverage sector, where unit value is low, secondary and tertiary packaging significantly influence the environmental profile of the final product. This study [...] Read more.
Packaging plays a crucial role in product preservation and distribution but also constitutes a major source of environmental burden. In the beverage sector, where unit value is low, secondary and tertiary packaging significantly influence the environmental profile of the final product. This study quantifies the environmental trade-offs between conventional single-use and reusable packaging systems for aluminum cans, identifying the operational thresholds that justify a transition to circular models. A standardized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach is applied to five packaging configurations: three current market scenarios and two alternative solutions based on reusable plastic crates (RPCs). System boundaries include production, distribution, end-of-life, and, where applicable, reverse logistics. A functional unit of one fully packaged 0.33 L aluminum can is adopted. Results reveal that while single-use cardboard solutions achieve favorable performance under certain impact categories, reusable systems outperform them when a sufficient number of reuse cycles is achieved and reverse logistics are efficiently managed. Sensitivity analyses highlight the critical influence of transport distances and reuse frequency on overall impacts, with performance deteriorating for reusable systems beyond 200 km or below 50 reuse cycles. These findings offer concrete, evidence-based guidance for supply-chain and logistics decision-makers to optimize packaging choices and distribution network design. The study also provides robust quantitative insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders by defining the precise operational conditions under which reusable systems deliver real environmental benefits. By presenting a comprehensive, system-level comparison of complete packaging systems, this research closes a critical gap in LCA studies and sets out a practical pathway for implementing circular, low-impact packaging strategies consistent with emerging EU regulations. Full article
25 pages, 1514 KB  
Article
Policy Transmission Mechanisms and Effectiveness Evaluation of Territorial Spatial Planning in China
by Luge Wen, Yucheng Sun, Tianjiao Zhang and Tiyan Shen
Land 2026, 15(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010145 - 10 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study is situated at the critical stage of comprehensive implementation of China’s territorial spatial planning system, addressing the strategic need for planning evaluation and optimization. We innovatively construct a Computable General Equilibrium Model for China’s Territorial Spatial Planning (CTSPM-CHN) that integrates dual [...] Read more.
This study is situated at the critical stage of comprehensive implementation of China’s territorial spatial planning system, addressing the strategic need for planning evaluation and optimization. We innovatively construct a Computable General Equilibrium Model for China’s Territorial Spatial Planning (CTSPM-CHN) that integrates dual factors of construction land costs and energy consumption costs. Through designing two policy scenarios of rigid constraints and structural optimization, we systematically simulate and evaluate the dynamic impacts of different territorial spatial governance strategies on macroeconomic indicators, residents’ welfare, and carbon emissions, revealing the multidimensional effects and operational mechanisms of territorial spatial planning policies. The findings demonstrate the following: First, strict implementation of land use scale control from the National Territorial Planning Outline (2016–2030) could reduce carbon emission growth rate by 12.3% but would decrease annual GDP growth rate by 0.8%, reflecting the trade-off between environmental benefits and economic growth. Second, industrial land structure optimization generates significant synergistic effects, with simulation results showing that by 2035, total GDP under this scenario would increase by 4.8% compared to the rigid constraint scenario, while carbon emission intensity per unit GDP would decrease by 18.6%, confirming the crucial role of structural optimization in promoting high-quality development. Third, manufacturing land adjustment exhibits policy thresholds: moderate reduction could lower carbon emission peak by 9.5% without affecting economic stability, but excessive cuts would lead to a 2.3 percentage point decline in industrial added value. Based on systematic multi-scenario analysis, this study proposes optimized pathways for territorial spatial governance: the planning system should transition from scale control to a structural optimization paradigm, establishing a flexible governance mechanism incorporating anticipatory constraint indicators; simultaneously advance efficiency improvement in key sector land allocation and energy structure decarbonization, constructing a coordinated “space–energy” governance framework. These findings provide quantitative decision-making support for improving territorial spatial governance systems and advancing ecological civilization construction. Full article
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22 pages, 2690 KB  
Article
Integrating Nighttime Light and Household Survey Data to Monitor Income Inequality: Implications for China’s Socioeconomic Sustainability
by Li Zhuo, Qiuying Wu and Siying Guo
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020734 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026
Abstract
Accurate monitoring of income inequality is critical for sustainable socioeconomic development and realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, assessing inequality for counties continues to be challenging because of the high cost of household surveys and the limited accuracy of traditional [...] Read more.
Accurate monitoring of income inequality is critical for sustainable socioeconomic development and realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, assessing inequality for counties continues to be challenging because of the high cost of household surveys and the limited accuracy of traditional nighttime light (NTL) proxies. To address this gap, we develop the Distribution Matching-based Individual Income Inequality Estimation Model (DM-I3EM), which integrates NTL data with household surveys. The model employs a three-stage workflow: logarithmic transformation of NTL data, estimation of Gini coefficients through Weibull distribution fitting, and selection of region-specific regression models, enabling high-resolution mapping and spatiotemporal analysis of county-level income inequality across China. Results show that DM-I3EM achieves superior performance, with an R2 of 0.76 in China’s Eastern region (outperforming conventional NTL-based methods, R ≈ 0.5). By overcoming the spatiotemporal gaps of survey data, the model enables full-coverage estimation, revealing a regional divergence in income inequality across China from 2013 to 2022: inequality is intensifying in northern and western counties while stabilizing in the developed southern coastal regions. Furthermore, spatial agglomeration of inequality has strengthened, particularly in coastal urban clusters. These findings highlight emerging risks to socioeconomic sustainability. This study provides a robust, replicable framework for estimating inequality in data-scarce regions, offering policymakers actionable evidence to identify high-risk areas and design targeted strategies for advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Full article
35 pages, 7707 KB  
Review
Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks Integrated with Plasmonic Nanoparticles: From Synthesis to Applications
by Songsong Huang, Qian Chen, Yanjun Li, Liyang Duan, Xuexing Zhao, Yanli Lu and Zetao Chen
Biosensors 2026, 16(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16010053 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026
Abstract
Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional optical and electromagnetic (EM) properties that are, however, confined to their near–field region, limiting effective interactions with non-adsorbed species. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), renowned for their high surface area and tunable pores, provide an ideal complement through surface enrichment [...] Read more.
Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional optical and electromagnetic (EM) properties that are, however, confined to their near–field region, limiting effective interactions with non-adsorbed species. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), renowned for their high surface area and tunable pores, provide an ideal complement through surface enrichment and subsequent molecular enrichment within their pores. The integration of plasmonic NPs with MOFs into nanohybrids overcomes this spatial constraint. This architectural synergy creates a synergistic effect, yielding properties superior to either component alone. This review summarizes recent advances in NP–MOF nanohybrids, with a focus on synthesis strategies for diverse architectures and their emergent functionalities. We highlight how this synergistic effect enables breakthrough applications in chemical sensing, cancer therapy, and catalysis. Finally, we conclude our discussion and present a critical outlook that explores the challenges and future opportunities in the design and applications of NP–MOF nanohybrids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Based Biosensors and Biosensing Strategies)
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Figure 1

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