Due to scheduled maintenance work on our servers, there may be short service disruptions on this website between 11:00 and 12:00 CEST on March 28th.
Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (4,567)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = spatial and temporal variations

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
17 pages, 1445 KB  
Article
Experimental Study on Fiber Optic Monitoring of Settlement Deformation During Water Injection in Deep Unconsolidated Strata
by Dingding Zhang, Wenxuan Liu, Yanyan Duan, Jing Chai and Chenyang Ma
Water 2026, 18(7), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070804 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
Ground subsidence and shaft lining deformation caused by compressed dewatered bottom aquifers in deep unconsolidated strata mining areas are critical engineering challenges, making the study of the seepage–soil deformation coupling mechanism during groundwater injection remediation vital. This study built a visual cylindrical model [...] Read more.
Ground subsidence and shaft lining deformation caused by compressed dewatered bottom aquifers in deep unconsolidated strata mining areas are critical engineering challenges, making the study of the seepage–soil deformation coupling mechanism during groundwater injection remediation vital. This study built a visual cylindrical model (1025 mm × 150 mm); formulated well-graded analogous materials based on the D20 principle to simulate sandy gravel layers; embedded FBG sensors at 200/400/600 mm depths, combined with a dial indicator on the model top; and conducted two water injection–dewatering cycles. Results indicate: water injection generates excess pore water pressure, placing the entire model in a tensile stress state with top rebound; post-injection vertical stress redistributes (tension above the injection point, compression below, and an interlaced transitional band), validating the necessity of full-section injection; during the second injection–dewatering cycle, tensile strain at the upper monitoring point reaches 597.77 με, while compressive strain at lower depths reaches −253.90 με, internal deformation stabilizes within 6.5–10.0 days, injection improves the in situ stress state by reducing effective stress, and the deformation of the field strata remains in a stabilization period, with the stabilization time decreasing as the depth of the strata increases. This study clarifies the temporal evolution and representative spatial variation in internal strain at monitored depths during injection, providing theoretical and design references for optimizing water injection schemes to mitigate coal mine shaft damage. Full article
16 pages, 2024 KB  
Article
Residue of Organophosphate Esters (OPEs) in the Crustacean from Southeast China and Its Dietary Exposure Risk Assessment
by Hai-Tao Shen, Jian-Long Han, Xiao-Min Xu and Xiao-Dong Pan
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020058 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive investigation of OPE residues, distribution patterns, and dietary exposure risks in crustaceans from southeast China. OPEs were detected in over 90% of samples, with mean total concentrations (ΣOPEs) of 5.80 μg/kg wet weight (ww) in freshwater shrimp, 6.52 [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive investigation of OPE residues, distribution patterns, and dietary exposure risks in crustaceans from southeast China. OPEs were detected in over 90% of samples, with mean total concentrations (ΣOPEs) of 5.80 μg/kg wet weight (ww) in freshwater shrimp, 6.52 μg/kg ww in marine prawn, and 1.25 μg/kg ww in marine crab. Tributyl phosphate (TiBP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) emerged as the dominant congeners, accounting for 68.1% of ΣOPEs, which indicates inputs from industrial emissions, plastic waste leaching, and aquaculture equipment. Spatial analysis revealed striking regional differences: coastal industrial cities (Zhoushan, Taizhou) exhibited ΣOPE levels up to 12-fold higher than inland mountainous areas (Quzhou, Lishui), while no significant temporal variations were observed. Human health risk evaluation, based on estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ), demonstrated negligible non-carcinogenic risks for the general population (HI < 1), though children and frequent seafood consumers have slightly elevated exposure. These findings indicate the value of crustaceans as bioindicators for OPE contamination and require long-term monitoring of emerging OPEs and their synergistic effects with co-occurring pollutants. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 6937 KB  
Article
Impact Pathways of Environmental Factors on the Spatiotemporal Variations in Surface Soil Moisture in Tianshan Mountains, China
by Dong Liu, Farong Huang, Wenyu Wei, Zhiwei Yang, Lanhai Li, Yongqiang Liu and Muhirwa Fabien
Agriculture 2026, 16(7), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16070736 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Soil moisture (SM) in the mountains is critical for agropastoral productivity, and it is subject to both large-scale climate gradients and fine-scale effects of terrain, vegetation and soil. However, how the climate, topography, soil and vegetation factors impact surface SM spatiotemporal dynamics remains [...] Read more.
Soil moisture (SM) in the mountains is critical for agropastoral productivity, and it is subject to both large-scale climate gradients and fine-scale effects of terrain, vegetation and soil. However, how the climate, topography, soil and vegetation factors impact surface SM spatiotemporal dynamics remains elusive in mountainous terrains, due to their complex interactions. Based on multi-source datasets, this study employs the structural equation model to investigate the impact pathways of climate and vegetation factors on annual surface SM dynamics from the year 2000 to 2022 in the Tianshan Mountains of China (TS). We also utilize the factor and interaction detectors of Geographical Detector to explore the individual and interactive effects of climate, topography, soil and vegetation factors on the spatial pattern of the annual surface SM. Moreover, their integrated impacts on the spatiotemporal dynamics of annual surface SM were investigated based on the explanatory power from the factor detector and total effects from structural equation modeling. The results showed that the multi-year average surface SM was 0.21 m3·m−3 for the whole region, with greater values in areas with dense vegetation and high elevation. Annual surface SM exhibited significant increasing trends across different land cover classifications and elevation zones, which was directly influenced by vegetation greenness enhancement. Precipitation (PRE) and relative humidity (RH) also significantly influenced the temporal variations in surface SM through their indirect effect on vegetation greenness, while these indirect effects were much lower than the direct effect of vegetation greenness. RH, PRE and surface net solar radiation (SSR) showed strong individual and interactive effects on the spatial distribution of surface SM, particularly the interactive effects of RH and PRE with wind speed (WS). Surface SM was highly sensitive to RH and PRE in the central TS. Overall, vegetation greenness, PRE and RH were the main drivers of surface SM variations across both temporal and spatial scales, while SSR, total evaporation and WS primarily shaped its spatial distribution. These insights enhance our understanding of land–atmosphere interactions in mountainous areas and provide scientific references for sustainable agropastoral water resource management under global warming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 707 KB  
Article
Nicotine in Fine Particles in Shanghai: Temporal Variations and Influencing Factors
by Jialiang Feng, Yinggao Deng, Zhijie Zhou, Zhuowei Xie, Min Hu and Shunyao Wang
Atmosphere 2026, 17(4), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17040336 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
To investigate the temporal and spatial variations in smoking activities in Shanghai, atmospheric fine particles (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) were collected at four sites in different functional zones, a central urban site (XJH), an urban site (PD), a suburban site (BS), and [...] Read more.
To investigate the temporal and spatial variations in smoking activities in Shanghai, atmospheric fine particles (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) were collected at four sites in different functional zones, a central urban site (XJH), an urban site (PD), a suburban site (BS), and a rural site (QP), between 2012 and 2020 with the concentration of nicotine measured by GC-MS. The results showed that smoking activities in Shanghai decreased significantly from 2012 to 2020. The average concentration of nicotine in fine particles at XJH (2012–2013) was 13.86 ng m−3, while it was 3.39 ng m−3 at BS (2017–2018), and 1.13 ng m−3 and 0.58 ng m−3 at PD and QP during 2018–2020. Nicotine concentration in Shanghai showed strong spatial variability but generally followed a seasonal trend of high in winter and low in summer. At XJH and BS, where higher nicotine concentrations were detected, positive correlations between nicotine and organic carbon in fine particles were observed, but not at PD and QP. A negative correlation between nicotine and ozone was found at QP, suggesting the influence of transported nicotine at the rural site. In general, the concentration of nicotine in atmospheric fine particles is primarily governed by local smoking activities, but is also influenced by meteorological conditions. Full article
15 pages, 2057 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Variation of Dust Retention in the Leaves of Common Greening Tree Species in Urumqi
by Maidina Yiming, Kailibinuer Nuermaimaiti, Aliya Baidourela, Hongguang Bao and Enkaer Shadekebieke
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3240; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073240 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
To investigate the spatiotemporal variations in particulate matter (PM) retention by common urban greening species, six tree species were studied across different functional zones in Urumqi, China, which includes traffic area (TA), residential area (RA), park area (PA), and landscape ecological forest (LA) [...] Read more.
To investigate the spatiotemporal variations in particulate matter (PM) retention by common urban greening species, six tree species were studied across different functional zones in Urumqi, China, which includes traffic area (TA), residential area (RA), park area (PA), and landscape ecological forest (LA) at varying altitudes. We measured the retention of PM0.2–3, PM3–10, PM>10, and PMtotal for Pinus sylvestris, Picea asperata, Ulmus pumila, Ligustrum obtusifolium, Ulmus densa, and Fraxinus rhynchophylla. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among functional zones, with retention capacity following the order that evergreen trees > deciduous shrubs > deciduous trees. Specifically, P. sylvestris and Picea asperata exhibited the highest overall PM retention. Temporally, PM accumulation increased over time, reaching a minimum 3 days after heavy rainfall (>20.4 mm) and a maximum after 23 days. Spatially, retention was highest in the TA and lowest in the PA. On Yamalike Mountain, PM3–10 and PM>10 retention by Ulmus pumila increased significantly with altitude, while other fractions showed no clear trend. These findings suggest that the spatiotemporal differences in PM retention are distinct, and the strategic selection and management of species in specific urban environments can significantly enhance the regulation of atmospheric particulate pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aerosol-Driven Air Pollution: Pathways to Sustainable Mitigation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5779 KB  
Article
Recovery of Petermann Glacier Velocity from SAR Imagery Using a Spatiotemporal Hybrid Neural Network
by Zongze Li, Haimei Mo, Lebao Yang and Jinsong Chong
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3169; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073169 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in monitoring glacier velocity. However, owing to the complex dynamics of glaciers and the variability of their surface features, velocity fields derived from even short-interval SAR image pairs often exhibit missing parts. [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in monitoring glacier velocity. However, owing to the complex dynamics of glaciers and the variability of their surface features, velocity fields derived from even short-interval SAR image pairs often exhibit missing parts. This study proposes a missing glacier velocity recovery method based on a spatiotemporal hybrid neural network to solve the above problem. Considering the spatiotemporal characteristics of glacier velocity fields, a hybrid network combining an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and a Denoising Autoencoder (DAE) is developed. The ANN is first employed to capture spatial correlations associated with missing values, after which it is integrated with the DAE to model temporal variations using a time-aware loss function. An iterative weighting strategy adaptively balances spatial and temporal features during training. The method is applied to SAR–derived velocity fields of Petermann Glacier. Experimental results show that the method significantly improves the performance of glacier velocity recovery compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the study compares and analyzes the velocity of Petermann Glacier in different seasons, and the findings indicate that the glacier exhibits more pronounced seasonal differences in the accumulation zone. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 8176 KB  
Article
Climate and Vegetation Dominate Lake Eutrophication in the Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang Plateau (2000–2024)
by Yuzheng Zhang, Feifei Cao, Yuping Rong, Linglong Wen, Wei Su, Jianjun Wu, Yaling Yin, Zhilin Zi, Shasha Liu and Leizhen Liu
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(7), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18070988 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Lakes on the Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang Plateau (IMXP) are increasingly vulnerable to eutrophication under climate change and human pressure, yet long-term monitoring remains limited by sparse field sampling. Here, we reconstruct multi-decadal trophic dynamics across the IMXP using Landsat time series and temporally transferable [...] Read more.
Lakes on the Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang Plateau (IMXP) are increasingly vulnerable to eutrophication under climate change and human pressure, yet long-term monitoring remains limited by sparse field sampling. Here, we reconstruct multi-decadal trophic dynamics across the IMXP using Landsat time series and temporally transferable machine-learning models and further quantify the underlying natural and anthropogenic drivers. We compiled monthly in situ water-quality observations (chlorophyll-a, Chl-a; total phosphorus, TP; total nitrogen, TN; Secchi depth, SD; and permanganate index, CODMn;) and calculated the trophic level index (TLI). After rigorous quality control and monthly aggregation, we compiled a dataset of 1345 matched lake–month samples spanning 2000–2024, and divided it into a training set (n = 1076; ≤2019) and an independent test set (n = 269; 2020–2024) to evaluate temporal transferability. We utilized Google Earth Engine to generate monthly surface reflectance composites from Landsat 7 ETM+, Landsat 8 OLI, and Landsat 9 OLI-2. Four supervised regression algorithms—ridge regression (RR), support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were trained to estimate TLI. On the independent test period, XGBoost performed best (R2 = 0.780, RMSE = 3.290, MAE = 1.779), followed by RF (R2 = 0.770, RMSE = 3.364), SVR (R2 = 0.700, RMSE = 3.842), and RR (R2 = 0.630, RMSE = 4.267); we then used XGBoost to reconstruct monthly and yearly TLI for 610 perennial grassland lakes from 2000 to 2024. From 2000 to 2024, the annual mean TLI (48–49) across the IMXP exhibited a statistically significant upward trend (slope = 0.0158 TLI yr−1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0050–0.0267; p = 0.006). Meanwhile, spatial heterogeneity was distinct (TLI: 41.51–59.70). High values concentrated in endorheic and desert–oasis basins (e.g., Eastern Inner Mongolia Plateau, >51), whereas lower values characterized high-altitude regions (e.g., Yarkant River, <45). Overall, trends ranged from −0.49 to 0.51 yr−1, increasing in 54% of lakes (15.6% significantly) and decreasing in 46% (15.4% significantly). Attribution analyses identified NDVI (33.92%) and temperature (21.67%) as dominant drivers (55.59% combined), followed by precipitation (13.99%) and human proxies (30.42% combined: population 10.66%, grazing 10.31%, built-up 9.45%). Across 53 sub-basins, NDVI was the primary driver in 28, followed by temperature (11), population (7), precipitation (3), grazing (3), and built-up land (1); notably, the top two drivers explained 56.6–87.1% of variations. TWFE estimates revealed bidirectional NDVI effects (significant in 31/53): positive associations in 22 basins were linked to nutrient retention, contrasting with negative effects in nine basins associated with agricultural return flows. Temperature effects were significant in 15 basins and predominantly negative (14/15), except for the Qiangtang Plateau. Overall, eutrophication risk across the IMXP lake region reflects the combined influences of climatic conditions, vegetation conditions, and human activities, with their relative contributions varying among basins. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 3916 KB  
Article
An Automated Detection Method for Motor Vehicles Encroaching on Non-Motorized Lanes Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery and Civilized Behavior Monitoring
by Zichan Tan, Yin Tan, Peijing Lin, Wenjie Su, Tian He and Weishen Wu
Sensors 2026, 26(7), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26072027 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 45
Abstract
Motor vehicle encroachment into non-motorized lanes is a common but hard-to-verify violation in urban intersections, especially when monitored from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or high-mounted overhead views. Existing rule-based solutions built on horizontal bounding boxes and center-point/line-crossing criteria are sensitive to perspective distortion, [...] Read more.
Motor vehicle encroachment into non-motorized lanes is a common but hard-to-verify violation in urban intersections, especially when monitored from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or high-mounted overhead views. Existing rule-based solutions built on horizontal bounding boxes and center-point/line-crossing criteria are sensitive to perspective distortion, occlusion, and frame-to-frame jitter, resulting in unstable decisions and low evidential value. This paper presents a cascaded UAV-view system that closes the loop from perception to evidence output through detection–segmentation–recognition–decision. First, we adopt a two-stage detection cascade: a lightweight vehicle detector localizes vehicles using axis-aligned bounding boxes, and a dedicated YOLOv5n-based oriented bounding box (OBB) license plate detector, constructed via architecture grafting and weight transfer, is then applied within each vehicle region of interest (ROI) to localize rotated license plates under large pose variation and small-target conditions. Second, a U-Net lane region segmentation module provides pixel-level spatial constraints to define an enforceable lane occupancy region. Third, a perspective rectification step is integrated with the PP-OCRv4 optical character recognition (OCR) framework to improve license plate recognition reliability for tilted plates. Finally, an area ratio criterion and an N-frame temporal counter are used to suppress transient misdetections and stabilize alarms. On a representative 100-sample controlled encroachment benchmark, the proposed system improves detection accuracy from 67.0% to 92.0% and reduces the false positive rate from 32.35% to 5.88% compared with a baseline horizontal bounding box (HBB)-based rule. The system outputs both violation alarms and license plate evidence, supporting practical deployment for multi-view traffic governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vehicular Sensing)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 18341 KB  
Article
Underload or Overload? Unveiling the Contradiction Between the Distribution of Urban Green Spaces and Their Carrying Capacity During Summer Heat Periods
by Guicheng Liu, Zifan Gui and Jie Ding
Land 2026, 15(4), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040524 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 62
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has intensified the mismatch between urban green space (UGS) and urban spatial vitality (USV), hindering sustainable development. To address this, we developed the Urban Green Space Vitality Adaptation Model (UGSVAM) and analyzed 64 subdistricts in central Nanjing. Specifically, this study asks: [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization has intensified the mismatch between urban green space (UGS) and urban spatial vitality (USV), hindering sustainable development. To address this, we developed the Urban Green Space Vitality Adaptation Model (UGSVAM) and analyzed 64 subdistricts in central Nanjing. Specifically, this study asks: Does the mismatch exist? What are its spatiotemporal patterns? What factors drive it? Methodologically, we use the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve to assess overall UGS-USV adaptation, then construct the Urban Green Space Vitality Density (UGVD) indicator to quantify the match level, classifying units as overloaded, underloaded, or balanced. OLS and GWR reveal global and local influencing mechanisms, while quadrant analysis supports differentiated planning. Results show: (1) UGS-USV adaptation in Nanjing is weak, with Gini coefficients of 0.466 (weekday) and 0.456 (weekend). UGVD exhibits a spatial pattern of a primary overload core in the central city, a secondary core in the southwest, and peripheral decline, with the southeast underloaded. Overloaded units also show notable temporal variation. (2) Globally POI density and intersection density promote UGVD, while excessive transport facilities, air pollution, and high temperatures inhibit it—ecological factors have stronger weekend effects. (3) Locally, the northeast is more sensitive to POI density, the southwest to transport and heat, and the Jiangbei New Area could enhance green space carrying capacity through transport optimization and spatial integration. The UGSVAM integrates spatial diagnosis, mechanism analysis, and planning response, offering a transferable framework for refining green space governance in high-density cities. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 17591 KB  
Article
Monitoring of Changes in Desertification in the High Andean Zone of Candarave: Case Study in Tacna, Perú, at the Headwaters of the Atacama Desert
by German Huayna, Jorge Muchica-Huamantuma, Edwin Pino-Vargas, Pablo Franco-León, Eusebio Ingol-Blanco, Fredy Cabrera-Olivera, Carolyn Salazar, Gloria Choque and Edgar Taya-Acosta
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073179 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 61
Abstract
Desertification is one of the main threats to high Andean ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions subject to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluated the spatial-temporal dynamics of desertification in the province of Candarave (Tacna, Peru) by integrating the Remote [...] Read more.
Desertification is one of the main threats to high Andean ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions subject to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluated the spatial-temporal dynamics of desertification in the province of Candarave (Tacna, Peru) by integrating the Remote Sensing-based Desertification Index (RSDI), constructed from a principal component analysis incorporating four biophysical indicators: vegetation greenness, surface moisture, soil grain size, and fraction of solar radiation reflected (albedo), derived from Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images processed in Google Earth Engine. Temporal trends were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall test, while system stability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation, allowing different degrees of stability and environmental degradation to be characterized during the period 2010–2025. The results show that moderate and severe desertification classes predominate in higher altitude areas, covering approximately 92% of the study area, and are characterized by insignificant to weakly significant negative trends associated with high to relatively high temporal volatility. In contrast, stable areas with no significant changes represent 5.3% of the territory, while restoration processes occupy a small proportion, close to 2.7%. The high variability observed in the high Andean sectors is mainly linked to the interaction between reduced water availability, climate variability, and extreme events, as well as anthropogenic pressures, particularly overgrazing and aquifer exploitation. This multitemporal analysis allows us to anticipate the evolution of desertification and highlights the need to strengthen conservation planning in order to reduce the degradation of strategic high Andean ecosystems in the Tacna region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
Show Figures

Figure 1

50 pages, 7244 KB  
Article
Anomaly Detection and Correction for High-Spatiotemporal-Resolution Land Surface Temperature Data: Integrating Spatiotemporal Physical Constraints and Consistency Verification
by Yun Wang, Mengyang Chai, Xiao Zhang, Huairong Kang, Xuanbin Liu, Siwei Zhao, Cancan Cui and Yinnian Liu
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(7), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18070972 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 75
Abstract
High-spatiotemporal-resolution land surface temperature (LST) data are crucial for analyzing surface energy balance, modeling temperature-related processes, and monitoring thermal environments. However, despite advancements in multi-source fusion and reconstruction techniques, high-frequency LST data remain susceptible to anomalies such as abrupt changes and outliers due [...] Read more.
High-spatiotemporal-resolution land surface temperature (LST) data are crucial for analyzing surface energy balance, modeling temperature-related processes, and monitoring thermal environments. However, despite advancements in multi-source fusion and reconstruction techniques, high-frequency LST data remain susceptible to anomalies such as abrupt changes and outliers due to retrieval uncertainties and varying observation conditions. Conventional statistical outlier detection methods risk misidentifying physically plausible rapid weather changes as data errors, introducing systematic biases. To address this, we propose a two-stage anomaly detection framework that follows a “temporal physical pre-screening first, spatial statistical verification later” logic. First, a piecewise empirical model, based on typical diurnal LST variation characteristics, is constructed to identify points violating physical patterns. Subsequently, a spatial consistency test using median absolute deviation (MAD) is introduced to distinguish real weather-driven fluctuations from genuine data anomalies from a spatial synergy perspective. This sequential design effectively reduces the risk of mis-correcting physically reasonable temperature variations. Validated using hourly seamless LST data (2016–2021) and ground observations in the Heihe River Basin, our method outperformed Seasonal-Trend decomposition using Loess (STL), double standardization methods, and robust Holt–Winters. For over 87% of the detected anomalies, the proposed method demonstrated positive improvement rates in RMSE, MAE, R, and R2. The overall average improvement rates reached 23.61%, 18.79%, 16.46%, and 61.33%, respectively, indicating robust performance. The results underscore that explicitly incorporating physical constraints enhances the reliability and interpretability of quality control for high-temporal-resolution remote sensing LST data. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8955 KB  
Article
Language-Guided Contrastive Learning and Difference Enhancement for Semantic Change Detection in Remote Sensing Images
by Yongli Hu, Lintian Ren, Huajie Jiang, Kan Guo, Tengfei Liu, Junbin Gao, Yanfeng Sun and Baocai Yin
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(6), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18060964 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 152
Abstract
Semantic change detection (SCD) in remote sensing images aims not only to localize changed regions but also to identify their specific “from–to” semantic transitions. This task remains challenging due to the inherent semantic ambiguity of spectral changes and the presence of pseudo-change noise. [...] Read more.
Semantic change detection (SCD) in remote sensing images aims not only to localize changed regions but also to identify their specific “from–to” semantic transitions. This task remains challenging due to the inherent semantic ambiguity of spectral changes and the presence of pseudo-change noise. While recent vision–language models have shown promise in remote sensing, existing approaches like RemoteCLIP predominantly focus on static scene classification, lacking the ability to explicitly model dynamic temporal transitions. Other adaptations of foundation models (e.g., AdaptVFMs-RSCD) often rely on heavy backbones, incurring prohibitive computational costs. To address these limitations, this paper proposes LGDENet, a lightweight, end-to-end framework that unifies Language-Guided Temporal Contrastive Learning with a noise-robust difference enhancement mechanism. Specifically, we construct a temporal transition prompt learning strategy that aligns visual difference features with textual descriptions of dynamic processes, thereby resolving directional semantic ambiguities. Furthermore, we introduce a Difference Enhancement Module (DEM) that leverages the channel–spatial decoupling property of depthwise separable convolutions to adaptively isolate and suppress irrelevant variations (e.g., registration errors) before feature fusion. Experiments on the SECOND and Landsat-SCD datasets demonstrate that LGDENet achieves state-of-the-art performance, yielding a semantic F1 score (Fscd) of 87.90% and 88.71%, respectively. Moreover, with a modest parameter count of 33.45 M, it offers a superior trade-off between accuracy and efficiency compared to heavy foundation model-based approaches. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

43 pages, 28604 KB  
Article
A Multi-Method Framework for Assessing Global Research Capacity and Spatial Disparities: Insights from Urban Ecosystem Security
by Zhen Liu, Xiaodan Li, Qi Yang, Shuai Mao, Xiaosai Li and Zhiping Liu
Land 2026, 15(3), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15030512 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Robust and transferable approaches for evaluating research capacity—whose measurable expression is reflected in research output—are essential for evidence-based science policy and strategic research management. This study develops an integrated framework to assess global scholarly capacity and regional disparities by combining semantic-similarity-based literature filtering, [...] Read more.
Robust and transferable approaches for evaluating research capacity—whose measurable expression is reflected in research output—are essential for evidence-based science policy and strategic research management. This study develops an integrated framework to assess global scholarly capacity and regional disparities by combining semantic-similarity-based literature filtering, bibliometric mapping, dynamic performance assessment, and spatial analytical techniques into a coherent and replicable model. A Sentence-BERT model ensures thematic precision and dataset consistency, while CiteSpace 6.1.R3 is used tomap publication trajectories, thematic evolution, and influential contributors. A dynamically weighted TOPSIS model incorporates temporal variation to quantify national research capacity, and spatial analyses—including gravity center analysis, Theil index decomposition, spatial autocorrelation, gray relational analysis, and the Geographical Detector Model—identify disparity patterns and their explanatory associations. Applied to urban ecosystem security research (2001–2023), an emerging interdisciplinary field within sustainability science, the framework shows that China and the United States dominate research output, whereas European journals exert strong academic influence. The field has advanced through three stages, with increasing emphasis on ecosystem services and sustainable development. GDP, environmental pressure, and urbanization rate show the strongest explanatory associations with research capacity, and interactive effects—especially those involving GDP—exceed single-factor explanatory strength. Ecological baseline conditions such as NDVI and climate exhibit only limited associations, functioning mainly as contextual factors. Policy implications highlight four priorities: strengthening interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration in developing regions; promoting equity-oriented research agendas in developed regions; establishing unified definitions and validated evaluation frameworks; and advancing dynamic, systems-based approaches to ecosystem security analysis. By shifting attention from ecological status assessment to the dynamics of scientific knowledge production and research capacity, this study advances methodological foundations for research evaluation and enriches analytical approaches in urban ecosystem security, offering a generalizable framework for identifying capacity differences and supporting evidence-informed policy design. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 791 KB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zones and Green Total Factor Productivity of the Logistics Industry: An Empirical Analysis Based on Double Machine Learning
by Yonggang Ma and Jiagen Zang
Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3092; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063092 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Although digital economic development is often viewed as a catalyst for green transformation, the causal implications of policy-driven AI deployment for low-carbon logistics development remain unclear. To address this gap, this study leverages China’s National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation Development Pilot Zones [...] Read more.
Although digital economic development is often viewed as a catalyst for green transformation, the causal implications of policy-driven AI deployment for low-carbon logistics development remain unclear. To address this gap, this study leverages China’s National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation Development Pilot Zones (AIIDPZs) as a quasi-natural experiment. Using panel data from 30 provincial regions from 2012 to 2022, this research employs a double machine learning framework to rigorously quantify the AIIDPZ policy’s causal effects on the logistics industry’s green total factor productivity (GTFP). We further examine underlying transmission mechanisms and spatial spillover effects. Results show that the AIIDPZ policy significantly enhances logistics GTFP, a finding robust to parallel trend tests, sample adjustments, and algorithm substitutions. Mechanism analysis reveals that the AIIDPZ policy promotes logistics GTFP by alleviating manufacturing agglomeration and collaborative agglomeration. This occurs mainly through the mitigation of environmental externalities and the easing of inter-sectoral resource competition. Heterogeneity analysis highlights substantial regional variation: the policy impact is strongest in East China, Central China, and Southwest China; positive but weaker in Northeast and Northwest China; and statistically insignificant in North and South China. Spatial econometric results confirm significant positive spillovers to neighboring regions. Temporally, the logistics industry’s GTFP shows a sustained upward trajectory, while spatially it follows a spatial pattern of “Eastern leadership, Central rise, and Western catch-up.” Robust empirical evidence is presented to evaluate the environmental outcomes of AI policy implementation, alongside policy-relevant insights for advancing coordinated and spatially differentiated regional development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5954 KB  
Article
Fractal Characteristics of Pore Structure Evolution in Unconsolidated Sandstones Under Prolonged Water Injection
by Hongzhu Li, Haifeng Lyu, Zhaobo Gong, Taotao Song, Weiyao Zhu and Debin Kong
Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(3), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10030204 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Prolonged water injection in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs can induce pore rearrangement and modify flow pathways, thereby affecting reservoir performance. However, quantitative characterization of pore evolution in both temporal and spatial dimensions remains limited. This study investigates the mechanisms of pore-structure evolution during extended [...] Read more.
Prolonged water injection in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs can induce pore rearrangement and modify flow pathways, thereby affecting reservoir performance. However, quantitative characterization of pore evolution in both temporal and spatial dimensions remains limited. This study investigates the mechanisms of pore-structure evolution during extended injection through a series of multi-scale experiments. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses were employed to compare mineral composition and microstructural characteristics before and after injection, while in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) monitoring captured the dynamic evolution process, enabling pore-size classification from T2 spectra and fractal assessment of structural complexity. Segmented NMR measurements at different distances further resolved spatial heterogeneity. The results show that prolonged water injection reduced permeability by 10.4–32.1%, whereas porosity exhibited only minor variation, indicating that the decline in flow capacity is primarily controlled by pore–throat structural adjustment rather than pore volume loss. Mineralogical redistribution and fine-particle migration decreased the median pore radius by 21.5–51.8% and the micropore fractal dimension by 23.8–76.5%, with stronger responses observed at higher permeabilities, while meso- and macropore fractal dimensions remained nearly unchanged, indicating preferential modification of micropores with preservation of the main connected flow framework. Consistently, NMR responses reveal pronounced spatial heterogeneity along the flow direction. The NMR signal changes at the injection end were 11.2–18.4% and 7.7–21.7% during the early and intermediate stages, respectively, both exceeding those at the distal end (2.9–12.4% and 1.9–17.1%). These results indicate a downstream-attenuating structural modification gradient. The findings provide new insights into pore-structure evolution during prolonged water injection and offer a scientific basis for optimizing water-injection strategies in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop