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Hydraulic fracturing is a critical technology for developing shale gas reservoirs, which are typical natural nanoporous media. However, the complex two−phase flow induced by fracturing fluid retention and the strong interference among hydraulic fractures introduce significant uncertainties to productivity forecasting. To address these challenges, this study proposes a transient productivity forecasting method to characterize fluid transport in fractured nanoporous media. This method introduces a gas−water two−phase pseudo−pressure function to reconstruct the flow equations, utilizing micro−segment discretization and the principle of superposition to accurately characterize pressure drop interference among fractures, enabling rapid dynamic productivity forecasting under realistic well trajectory conditions. The investigation reveals that while increasing fracture count, half−length, and permeability enhances productivity, these improvements exhibit significant diminishing marginal returns, indicating the existence of optimal economic thresholds for these engineering parameters. Conversely, elevated water saturation, skin factor, and stress sensitivity lead to a decline in productivity. Analysis of flow interference demonstrates that fractures at the wellbore extremities contribute significantly higher production than those in the central section due to reduced interference, while deviations in the wellbore trajectory further exacerbate production heterogeneity. Field application confirms that the proposed method achieves reliable production history matching under realistic well trajectories and accurately captures the typical three−stage production characteristics of shale gas wells, providing a robust basis for Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) assessment and fracturing design optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Analysis and Numerical Simulations of Porous Media or Fluid Flowing at Nanoscale)

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17 pages, 2759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Aggregate Type and Gradation on Rolling Resistance and Functional Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt

by Judita Škulteckė, Ovidijus Šernas, Rita Kleizienė and Rafal Mickevič

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042054 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Reducing the environmental impact of road transport requires pavements that contribute to lower fuel consumption of vehicles and greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle. Rolling resistance plays a key role in this context, while warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies offer additional benefits by reducing energy use and emissions during production and construction. This study investigates the combined influence of aggregate type and aggregate gradation on the rolling resistance and functional performance of WMA wearing course mixtures. Ten laboratory-produced mixtures were designed, including dense-graded asphalt concrete (AC 11 VS) and stone mastic asphalt (SMA 8 S) with granite or dolomite aggregates, produced at reduced temperatures using a chemical WMA additive and polymer-modified bitumen PMB 45/80-65. Rolling resistance was evaluated using a laboratory energy loss method with two different tyres, along with assessments of volumetric properties, moisture resistance, surface macrotexture, and resistance to scuffing. The results indicate that aggregate gradation is the primary factor governing rolling resistance, and dense-graded mixtures exhibit lower energy loss due to their smoother surface texture. The aggregate type showed a secondary but consistent effect, with granite mixtures generally demonstrating slightly lower rolling resistance and improved resistance to surface degradation. In general, the findings confirm that WMA technologies can be effectively integrated into low-rolling-resistance asphalt mixtures, achieving reduced rolling resistance without compromising durability and thus supporting energy-efficient and sustainable pavement solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Through Utilization of Optimization Tools and Experimental Methods: 2nd Edition)

26 pages, 4846 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Estimation Technology of Fuel Cell Internal State Based on Single Frequency Impedance Phase Angle Measurement: A Case Study

by Wei Nie, Kai Li, Wang Zhang, Renkang Wang and Hao Tang

Energies 2026, 19(4), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19041049 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Improper internal states in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), such as insufficient reactant concentration, lower membrane water content, and excessive liquid water, will lead to significant reductions in durability and reliability, which is a bottleneck restricting the large-scale commercial application of the PEMFC system. Closed-loop management with internal state feedback is regarded as a promising strategy for prolonging its lifespan and enhancing its reliability. The key issue for the closed-loop management strategy is how to estimate the internal operating state of the PEMFC stack accurately and quickly. Consequently, an estimation method of stack internal operating states based on the medium frequency impedance phase angle measurement, which has the characteristics of short acquisition time, small measurement error, and high resolution, is proposed in this paper. The sensitivity, monotonicity, correlation analysis in the steady state, and response characteristics analysis in the dynamic state show that the proposed method is effective, competent, and qualified for internal state estimation. Then, the estimated internal state is applied to the system’s closed-loop management as feedback. The experiment results show that the PEMFC can be maintained at the expected state and that improper states will be avoided. The proposed estimation technology will significantly facilitate the system’s closed-loop management, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of PEMFCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Integration and Storage Technology of Hydrogen Energy: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Finance, the Digital Economy and Energy Consumption in the MENA Region: Toward a Sustainable Carbon Economy

by Abdalbasat H. A. Alrifadi, Ponle Henry Kareem, Aysem Iyikal Celebi and Serdal Isiktas

Energies 2026, 19(4), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19041050 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

The research delves into the connection between green finance, the digital economy, and energy consumption in ten (10) MENA region countries over a 40-year period, from 1983 to 2023. The research used panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) estimators to get rid of cross-sectional dependence and heteroscedasticity. According to the findings, the digital economy mainly contributes to cutting energy consumption, whereas green finance has a positive association which is likely due to the rebound effects and the embedded energy costs of green infrastructures. The control variables such as trade openness, technological innovation, and industrial structure are linked in a positive way to higher energy consumption. The findings imply a policy approach that has these two sectors as its main focus, in addition to emphases on digitalization for more efficient operation and green finance for the fostering of the transition of energy sources in the region. Full article

24 pages, 2307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalizing Co-Design in Exercise Interventions with Indigenous Peoples in Australia: Development and Cultural Adaptation of the PrIDE Tools

by Morwenna Kirwan, Connie Henson, Blade Bancroft-Duroux, Kerri Colegate, Cheryl Taylor, David Meharg, Neale Cohen and Kylie Gwynne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020252 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Indigenous Australians experience a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. While clinician-led, community-based exercise programs are effective in general populations, limited peer-reviewed evidence is available describing culturally adapted exercise interventions with Indigenous Australians that transparently reports governance, cultural adaptation, and theoretical design. This paper reports the co-design and development of tools for the Preventing Indigenous Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes through Exercise (PrIDE) study, an adaptation of the Beat It program that incorporates wearable technology. Using the Co-design Health Research and Innovation Model, four tools were developed with Indigenous governance through a Consumer Advisory Group and a project-specific Consumer User Panel. Three tools were culturally adapted—the PrIDE Exercise Program, the Strong Spirit Strong Self self-efficacy assessment, and Keep Your Heart Strong educational materials—and a newly developed tool, the Success Plan. Cultural adaptations were prospectively documented using the Model for Adaptation Design and Impact, and all tools were assessed using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. Behavior change mechanisms were mapped using the COM-B model. This paper provides transparent documentation of culturally adapted theory-informed tool development to support reproducibility and knowledge translation. The evaluation of effectiveness, acceptability, and psychometric properties will be reported following PrIDE implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaling Up Physical Activity Interventions in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases)

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23 pages, 1997 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Neuroinflammation and Pain with a Functional Sourdough Bread Enriched with Legumes and Ancient Cereals in a Mouse Model of LPS-Induced Inflammation

by Giada Amodeo, Silvia Franchi, Giulia Galimberti, Angela Pignatelli, Chiara Giacomoni, Eleonora Solari, Giorgia Moschetti, Stefania Ceruti, Paola Sacerdote and Vittorio Vellani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1932; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041932 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Nutritional strategies based on sourdough fermented breads with wholemeal ancient grains and legumes are emerging as promising modulators of (neuro)immune processes. This study investigated whether prolonged consumption of a sourdough bread enriched with a mixture of ancient cereals and legumes, commercially available in Italy (Primus^® bread, P^®B), modulates neuroimmune systemic responses to repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in mice. For this study, male C57BL/6J mice were fed for 14 days with either a standard diet (SD) or P^®B. Animals then received intraperitoneal LPS (3 mg/kg/day for 3 days) or vehicle. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout. Pain-like behaviours were assessed by von Frey, plantar and tail flick tests, and plasma cytokine (32-plex panel), splenocyte and peritoneal macrophage cytokine expression, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in sciatic nerves, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord were analyzed by Reverse Transcription–quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). P^®B prevented LPS-induced body weight loss and reduced splenomegaly. Unlike SD mice, which exhibited widespread plasmatic cytokine upregulation, P^®B-fed mice displayed only limited increases Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12p40 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)α. Ex vivo cultures of splenocytes and macrophages confirmed attenuated cytokine overexpression. LPS-induced hypersensitivity to mechanical, thermal and nociceptive stimuli was significantly reduced in P^®B mice. Molecular analyses revealed that the P^®B diet blunted the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression present after LPS challenge in the sciatic nerves and DRG, with partial attenuation in the spinal cord. Our findings highlight the great potential of functional foods as affordable dietary strategies to mitigate systemic immune and neuroimmune dysregulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Natural Products as Sources of Bioactive Molecules, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 620 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Driven Cultural Storytelling and Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions: Understanding the Mediation of Authenticity and Destination Image

by Ahmed Mohamed Hasanein, Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy, Hazem Ahmed Khairy and Abdulaziz M. Al Thani

Heritage 2026, 9(2), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9020078 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Grounded in Narrative Transportation Theory, this study examines how AI-enabled cultural storytelling influences tourists’ visit intentions through the mediating roles of perceived authenticity and destination image. Drawing on a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 415 tourists who had experienced AI-driven storytelling. PLS-SEM was employed to examine the relationships among AI-enabled cultural storytelling, perceived authenticity, destination image, and visit intention. The results indicate that AI-enabled cultural storytelling significantly enhances tourists’ perceived authenticity, destination image, and intention to visit. Both perceived authenticity and destination image were found to positively influence visit intention and act as significant mediators in the relationship between AI-enabled cultural storytelling and visit intention. These findings suggest that AI-driven narrative experiences not only enrich tourists’ perception of authenticity and overall image of the destination but also play a crucial role in shaping their future behavioral intentions. The study contributes to the understanding of technology-mediated cultural tourism experiences and provides practical insights for destination marketers seeking to leverage AI storytelling to attract and engage visitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue World Heritage and Tourism)

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37 pages, 3240 KB

Open AccessReview

Developments in Winery Wastewater Treatment and Management

by Wipa Charles, Raymond Fielden, Parisa A. Bahri, Goen Ho and Dan Li

Water 2026, 18(4), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18040504 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Wine processing industries require a substantial amount of water and generate considerable volumes of wastewater. Winery wastewater (WWW) is notable for its high concentrations of biodegradable organic matter, while containing relatively low levels of nutrients. Due to seasonal variability in wastewater generation, treatment processes must be both efficient and adaptable. A range of wastewater treatment technologies are currently implemented at pilot and full scales, and ongoing research continues to yield innovative solutions in laboratory settings. This paper provides a comprehensive review of advancements in WWW treatment technologies, pinpoints gaps, and highlights future research directions. The treatment methods discussed include aerobic reactors, anaerobic systems, constructed wetlands (CWs) and biosand filters (BSFs), as well as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The advantages and limitations of these techniques, along with key factors affecting their performance, are examined. CWs are regarded as cost-effective and efficient solutions for small to medium wineries, whereas activated sludge and anaerobic digestion processes, which require a smaller footprint, are suitable for managing higher loads at large wineries. While anaerobic processes offer reduced operating costs, they often produce effluents of lower quality compared to aerobic processes, necessitating subsequent polishing prior to discharge. Advances in AOPs present promising alternatives for pre/post-treatment, facilitating the breakdown of persistent organics and achieving acceptable chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels. Nevertheless, further research is required to address operational optimization and reduce associated costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)

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24 pages, 3136 KB

Open AccessArticle

Building Climate-Resilient Solar–Wind Hybrid Energy Systems Across Monsoon-Affected Regions of Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia

by Guozu Hao, Lihong Wu, Xinfa Tang, Yujia Zhang and Musa Dirane Nubea

Processes 2026, 14(4), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14040682 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Climate change-induced monsoon variability increasingly threatens the economic viability of renewable energy systems in Southeast Asia. While solar–wind hybrid systems are considered a promising solution, their economic resilience under dynamic monsoon conditions remains poorly understood—a critical research gap for climate-adaptive energy planning in monsoon-affected regions. This study aims to develop an integrated climate–technology–economics framework to assess the economic resilience of solar–wind hybrid systems under projected monsoon variability. The framework combines ERA5 reanalysis data, CMIP6 climate projections, techno-economic optimization via HOMER Pro, and a quantitative resilience assessment covering resistance (ΔLCOE%), robustness (CV~NPV~), and adaptive potential. The methodology is applied to representative ASEAN regions—Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia—to evaluate how monsoon-induced changes in solar and wind resources affect system performance. Results indicate that intensified monsoon variability reduces photovoltaic output during the rainy season by up to 15%, increases the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by an average of 12.5%, and extends project payback periods by 2–4 years. Inland areas exhibit significantly higher vulnerability than coastal regions. However, optimized system configurations—particularly adjustments to the solar–wind capacity ratio and integration of battery energy storage—improve economic resilience by more than 20%. These findings provide quantitative evidence and actionable guidance for climate-resilient renewable energy planning in monsoon-affected ASEAN countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Processes)

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35 pages, 4980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of a 4-DOF Flexible Laparoscopic Instrument for Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

by Calin Vaida, Ionut Zima, Florin Graur, Bogdan Gherman, Vasile Bulbucan, Paul Tucan, Alexandru Pusca, Florin Zaharie, Pierre Mougenot, Adrian Pisla, Damien Chablat, Nadim Al Hajjar and Doina Pisla

Robotics 2026, 15(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics15020046 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Flexible surgical instruments for Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RAMIS) face a critical limitation: the inability to rotate the distal head while the instrument is in a bent configuration, which restricts the maneuverability in narrow surgical workspaces. Methods: This paper presents a novel 4-degree-of-freedom (DOF) flexible laparoscopic instrument with a 10 mm diameter, incorporating a 3D-printed flexible element. The design enables independent bending (0–90°), continuous distal head rotation (360°), gripper actuation (0–60°), and rod rotation (180°). A constant-curvature kinematic model was developed. The instrument was manufactured using PolyJet 3D printing technology and integrated with the ATHENA parallel robot for proof-of-concept experimental validation. Results: Experimental tests demonstrated successful independent 360° distal head rotation across the full bending range (0–90°), validated through simulated surgical procedures including stomach retraction. Quantitative characterization using optical motion capture revealed a maximum angular deflection of 79.85° at 670 g applied load, with tip displacements of 74.95 mm (X) and 91.18 mm (Y). The measured grasping force was approximately 2 N, tip position repeatability was ±2.86 mm, and fatigue testing demonstrated no degradation after 500 bending cycles, confirmed by digital microscope inspection. The instrument performed multiple manipulation tasks, including elastic band transfer, wire path navigation, spring manipulation, and tissue grasping. Conclusions: The proposed instrument addresses a significant white spot in surgical robotics by adding an additional functional capability enabling grasper reorientation without repositioning the entire instrument. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from MESROB2025: 9th IFToMM International Workshop on New Trends in Medical and Service Robotics)

23 pages, 1945 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Net-Zero Settlements: Barriers, Enablers and Case Studies’ Lessons Learnt from the Annex 83

by Andrea Gabaldon-Moreno, David Bjelland, Giovanna Pallotta, Alberto Belda-González, Danijela Šijačić, Silvia Soutullo, Emanuela Giancola, Saeed Ranjbar, Beril Alpagut and Ursula Eicker

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042050 - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Decarbonisation of urban areas is essential to reaching climate neutrality, as cities house half the global population and account for over 70% of carbon emissions. However, applying innovative approaches, such as establishing positive energy districts (PEDs), remains challenging due to stakeholder engagement and funding constraints, largely driven by knowledge gaps and a lack of best practices. This study examines barriers, facilitators and lessons learnt from six case studies in Europe, Canada and Singapore through a mixed-methods approach, including stakeholder interviews, grey literature analysis and a semi-structured review. Findings highlight district heating networks, heat pumps and photovoltaics as key technologies, with regional variations. While Mediterranean regions prioritise solar energy, northern climates employ a diverse range of solutions, including geothermal and seasonal storage. Political commitment and funding enable progress, whereas regulatory gaps and stakeholder misalignment hinder it. The study underscores the need for sharing best practices to enable PED implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2025))

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35 pages, 1306 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Powered Social Engineering: Emerging Attack Vectors, Vulnerabilities, and Multi-Layered Defense Strategies

by Kely Gonzaga, Sérgio Serra, Marco Gomes and Silvestre Malta

Computers 2026, 15(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers15020128 - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

In the past decade, a growing number of cyberattacks have been reported, enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, automation, and deception. For instance, recent industry surveys have reported sharp increases in unique social engineering attacks within a single month of 2023, coinciding with the public release of ChatGPT-3.5. This trend highlights how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered phishing campaigns have become a significant threat to digital ecosystems. The present study provides an integrative analysis of how generative and deepfake technologies have reshaped the landscape of a Social Engineering (SE) attack, categorizing the main attack strategies and examining their psychological, technological, and ethical implications. In addition, to reviewing enabling technologies, our study conducts a comparative analysis of frameworks and analytical models across technical, empirical, and quantitative perspectives that model AI-driven SE operations and their defensive countermeasures. The convergence of these frameworks reveals three core capabilities—realism, personalization, and automation—that systematically amplify attack efficiency. Building on these insights, the study proposes the Unified Model for AI-Driven Social Engineering (UM-AISE), a conceptual framework that integrates these dimensions across the attack lifecycle and employs a theoretical Markov Decision Process (MDP) analysis. This formalization demonstrates how these capabilities can shift the attacker’s optimal strategy, offering a formal economic perspective distinct from empirical validation. Finally, the study discusses emerging ethical and regulatory challenges associated with AI-mediated deception, highlighting risks related to opacity, accountability, and large-scale manipulation. Taken together, these elements inform evolving approaches for detection, defense, and governance relevant to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Full article

21 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water Activity Effect on Microbial Behavior During Hyperbaric Storage at Room Temperature of Watermelon Juice as a Case Study

by Vasco Lima, Carlos A. Pinto and Jorge A. Saraiva

Foods 2026, 15(4), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15040741 - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Hyperbaric storage (HS) is a novel technology for storing foods under mild pressures that, when used at room temperature (RT), offers much lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions than conventional refrigeration (RF). Watermelon juice (WJ), with interesting associated health benefits, is highly perishable due to its pH (5.20–6.70) and water activity (a_W, 0.97–0.99). This work investigated a_W’s impact on WJ’s preservation by HS/RT, studying the behavior of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculated in WJ at a_W 0.930–0.971 stored at 25–75 MPa for up to 28 days, along with RT and RF atmospheric pressure controls. The results showed that HS could control microbial growth, and, during storage, inactivation was also observed, and that HS’s impact depended on the a_W level, microorganism, and storage pressure. Inactivation was often increased at 50–75 MPa and at a_W 0.930–0.950, while growth mostly occurred at a_W 0.971. The inactivation curves were mathematically described by the first-order and Weibull kinetic models, with the Weibull model frequently obtaining better fits. These findings support HS’s potential for food preservation, showing better overall WJ growth control and inactivation effects than RF, without temperature control, making HS environmentally friendlier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Technologies for Preventing Microbial Contamination in the Food Industry)

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40 pages, 1297 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Corporate Digital Transformation on Green Total Factor Productivity—The Role of Environmental Regulation

by Qiong Zhang and Zhihong Mao

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042048 - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Drawing on data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2011 and 2020, this paper explores how corporate digital transformation shapes Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) and its underlying components. The findings suggest that digital transformation promotes GTFP by enhancing innovation capability and accounting transparency, while simultaneously reducing financing frictions. However, stricter environmental regulation attenuates these positive effects, particularly with respect to Green Technological Efficiency Change (GTEC). Non-state-owned enterprises, industrial firms, and high-carbon emitters can more effectively leverage digital transformation to enhance their GTFP; however, the negative impact of environmental regulations is also more pronounced among these entities. The interaction between digital transformation and GTFP elevates corporate market value, with this value effect primarily stemming from improvements in GTEC. By decomposing GTFP into Green Technological Change (GTC) and GTEC, this study clarifies the operational pathways of digital transformation and environmental regulations, enriching the theoretical framework for green productivity research. It reveals the channel-specific effects of environmental regulations—namely, their primary modulation of digital transformation’s green enabling role through influencing GTEC rather than GTC—and systematically integrates multiple pathways for enhancing green productivity via digital transformation, green innovation, information transparency, and financing mechanisms. This provides mechanistic guidance for corporate green development strategies. The research highlights digital transformation’s pivotal role in advancing corporate green development, offering practical insights for policymakers and business managers in promoting sustainable development and formulating environmental policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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30 pages, 11796 KB

Open AccessReview

Development Status and Trend Analysis of Kelp Harvesting Devices in China

by Yang Hong, Longfei Lu, Zhihao Zhang, Ye Zhu, Meng Yang, Tao Jiang and Zhixin Chen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(4), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040381 - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

China has assumed a leadership position in global kelp cultivation and export. However, the kelp harvesting process in China still relies primarily on manual labor, with only limited adoption of semi-mechanized devices. This dependence results in suboptimal efficiency and elevated labor intensity. The industry now faces an acute labor shortage driven by an aging workforce and rising labor costs, highlighting the urgent need for a fully mechanized harvesting solution. This paper comprehensively reviews current research on mechanized kelp harvesting devices for raft cultivation systems in China. It compares domestic and international practices in kelp seedling cultivation, cultivation models, and harvesting devices, with particular emphasis on the technical challenges hindering harvesting device development in China. Based on this analysis, we propose several recommendations, including the simultaneous advancement of cultivation model optimization and harvesting device innovation, the development of harvesting technologies aligned with specific downstream processing requirements, and the design of modular and multifunctional kelp harvesting vessels. Looking ahead, future research should prioritize integrating automation and intelligent systems, reflecting evolving trends in China’s marine aquaculture. Furthermore, to support China’s “dual carbon” goals, future harvesting systems should incorporate carbon-reduction features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Aquaculture)

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