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24 pages, 3582 KB  
Article
A Dual-Decomposition Graph-Mamba-Transformer Framework for Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting
by Jinming Gao, Yixin Sun, Kwangheon Song, Kwanyoung Jung and Hoekyung Jung
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010466 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Accurate ultra-short-term wind power forecasting is vital for the secure and economic operation of power systems with high renewable penetration. Conventional models, however, struggle with multi-scale frequency feature extraction, dynamic cross-variable dependencies, and simultaneously capturing local fluctuations and global trends. This study proposes [...] Read more.
Accurate ultra-short-term wind power forecasting is vital for the secure and economic operation of power systems with high renewable penetration. Conventional models, however, struggle with multi-scale frequency feature extraction, dynamic cross-variable dependencies, and simultaneously capturing local fluctuations and global trends. This study proposes a novel hybrid framework termed VMD–ALIF–GraphBlock–MLLA–Transformer. A dual-decomposition strategy combining variational mode decomposition and adaptive local iterative filtering first extracts dominant periodic components while suppressing high-frequency noise. An adaptive GraphBlock with MixHop convolution then models structured and time-varying inter-variable dependencies. Finally, a multi-scale linear attention-enhanced Mamba-like module and Transformer encoder jointly capture short- and long-range temporal dynamics. Experiments on a real wind farm dataset with 10-min resolution demonstrate substantial superiority over State-of-the-Art baselines across 1-, 4-, and 8-step forecasting horizons. SHAP analysis further confirms excellent consistency with underlying physical mechanisms. The proposed framework provides a robust, accurate, and highly interpretable solution for intelligent wind power forecasting. Full article
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23 pages, 6265 KB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Evaluation and Attribution Analysis of Urban Flood Resilience in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region: A Multi-Method Coupling Approach
by Yafeng Yang, Shaohua Wang, Ru Zhang, Fang Wan, Yiyang Li and Zongzhi Wang
Water 2026, 18(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010109 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Urban floods increasingly threaten the mega-regions’ sustainable development, yet the pace and causes of change in urban flood resilience (UFR) remain elusive. This study proposes a new index system for UFR from three dimensions: resistance, recovery, and adaptability. The system includes 18 indicators [...] Read more.
Urban floods increasingly threaten the mega-regions’ sustainable development, yet the pace and causes of change in urban flood resilience (UFR) remain elusive. This study proposes a new index system for UFR from three dimensions: resistance, recovery, and adaptability. The system includes 18 indicators across natural, economic, social, and infrastructure aspects. A comprehensive evaluation model combining entropy weighting, Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC), and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methods is developed and validated for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region of China, covering 2011–2022. Spatial dependence is diagnosed with global and local Moran’s I statistics, while an Extreme Gradient Boosting-Shapley Additive Explanations (XGBoost-SHAP) isolates the contribution of each driver. The results indicate that UFR in the BTH region exhibited a generally increasing but fluctuating trend. Spatially, UFR displays a pronounced gradient, with higher levels concentrated in the northwest and lower levels in the southeast. Significant spatial autocorrelation is observed, spatial autocorrelation strength ranging from 0.330 to 0.404. Key drivers contributing to UFR include urban slope, hydrological station density, per capita park green space area, and population density, all with SHAP importance values exceeding 0.02 (ranging from 0.0012 to 0.1343). These indicators collectively play a dominant role in shaping the region’s resilience dynamics, highlighting their crucial influence on sustainable urban development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Assessment on Reservoirs)
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30 pages, 2051 KB  
Article
Study on the Impact and Mechanism of Cultivated Land Transfer on Grain Green Total Factor Productivity in China
by Pan Zhang, Jiayi Zhang, Suxin Hu, Changjiang Ma, Shasha Lu and Xiankang Li
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010441 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Exploring the impact of cultivated land transfer on grain green total factor productivity is of great significance in promoting efficient and low-carbon utilization of arable land and green and high-quality development of grain production in China. Based on the panel data of 30 [...] Read more.
Exploring the impact of cultivated land transfer on grain green total factor productivity is of great significance in promoting efficient and low-carbon utilization of arable land and green and high-quality development of grain production in China. Based on the panel data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2006 to 2022, this study employed the EBM model, Tobit model and mediation effect model to measure grain green total factor productivity across provinces, analyze its spatiotemporal evolution trends, and explore the influence and mechanisms of cultivated land transfer on the grain green total factor productivity. The findings revealed that: (i) The overall level of China’s grain green total factor productivity was relatively low, though it exhibited some improvement and regional differences during the sample period, with the highest level in grain-producing areas, followed by production-marketing balance areas, and the lowest level in grain-marketing areas. (ii) Cultivated land transfer had a significant positive impact on grain green total factor productivity. However, an excessively large scale of transferred cultivated land may also inhibit efficiency improvements. (iii) The impact of cultivated land transfer on grain green total factor productivity showed notable regional heterogeneity. In terms of coefficient magnitude, the impact was greater in production-marketing balance areas than in grain-producing areas, while it was not significant in major grain-marketing areas. The effect was stronger in the western region compared to the eastern and central regions. (iv) Cultivated land transfer could improve grain green total factor productivity through large-scale management of cultivated land, large-scale management of services and green production technology. Further analysis indicated a synergistic interaction between scale management and technological progress in green production within these pathways. To enhance grain green total factor productivity, it is essential to implement region-specific policies for cultivated land transfer and scale operations that account for local geographical and agricultural conditions. Specifically, policymakers should facilitate the integration of land scale management with service scale operation, while simultaneously promoting the coordinated advancement of scale operation and green production technology. Full article
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27 pages, 14340 KB  
Article
Gradient Characteristics and Nonlinear Driving Mechanisms of “Production–Living–Ecological” Space Evolution in Mountainous Villages: A Case from Taiji Town, Chongqing
by Fanwei Meng, Zhongde Wang, Guanzheng Tan and Ling Yang
Land 2026, 15(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010090 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
The evolution of “Production–Living–Ecological” spaces (PLESs) in mountainous rural areas is shaped by complex interactions between terrain gradients and socio-economic factors. However, existing research lacks a targeted exploration of their evolution and driving mechanisms at the town scale. This study takes Taiji Town [...] Read more.
The evolution of “Production–Living–Ecological” spaces (PLESs) in mountainous rural areas is shaped by complex interactions between terrain gradients and socio-economic factors. However, existing research lacks a targeted exploration of their evolution and driving mechanisms at the town scale. This study takes Taiji Town in Chongqing, China, as a case study and identifies land use data for mountainous rural areas. Based on this, “Production–Living–Ecological” attributes are assigned to each land use class, terrain gradients are delineated using the Terrain Niche Index, and the gradient-specific characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution patterns of PLES evolution in mountainous rural areas are analyzed. Additionally, the nonlinear driving mechanisms of PLES evolution are explored by incorporating variables such as terrain gradient, geographical location, social development, and ecological landscape. The results show that the evolution of PLES in Taiji Town generally follows a trend of decreasing production space, expanding living space, and steadily increasing ecological space. Furthermore, topographic constraints form a bottleneck in the evolution of production space in mountainous rural areas, with some production space boundaries extending into higher-gradient areas. Analysis of the driving mechanisms reveals that the interactions between land use degree evolution and elevation, as well as between land use degree evolution and slope, are key factors influencing the evolution of PLES, with significant differences across villages with varying topographic conditions. This study provides a scientific basis and methodological reference for observing spatial evolution and optimizing spatial planning at the town scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)
14 pages, 2993 KB  
Article
Leaf-Fruit Trait Decoupling Along Environmental Gradients in Tropical Cryptocaryeae (Lauraceae)
by Wendi Zhao, Lifang Wang, Yu Song, Honglei Jiang and Xiali Guo
Plants 2026, 15(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010126 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Cryptocaryeae, as a significant tribe within the Lauraceae family with important economic and ecological value, comprises over 850 species. Its common ancestor dates back to approximately 123 million years ago, in the early Cretaceous, originating in tropical Africa and Asia. Understanding how leaf [...] Read more.
Cryptocaryeae, as a significant tribe within the Lauraceae family with important economic and ecological value, comprises over 850 species. Its common ancestor dates back to approximately 123 million years ago, in the early Cretaceous, originating in tropical Africa and Asia. Understanding how leaf and fruit functional traits of Cryptocaryeae trees (Lauraceae) respond to environmental fluctuations is crucial for protecting the structure and function of forest ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the influence of environmental factors on leaf and fruit morphological traits in the tropical tribe Cryptocaryeae. Based on an established phylogenetic framework for Cryptocaryeae, we compiled a dataset containing 17,117 morphological observations across 369 species. The analyzed traits included leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit size. Through analyzing trends of leaves and fruits morphological traits across the latitude and longitude and their relationship with environmental factors, and by quantifying the relative contributions of environmental factors to these traits, we demonstrated that leaf morphology exhibited distinct latitudinal and longitudinal zonation and was sensitive to environmental fluctuations, especially to temperature changes. In contrast, the change of fruit morphological traits was comparatively conservative in their variation, mainly affected by precipitation. These findings suggest that different plant traits may employ different trade-off strategies during environmental adaptation. Highlighting the importance of integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives on leaf and fruit morphological traits of tropical Cryptocaryeae trees could provide insights into understanding plant environmental adaptation. Full article
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18 pages, 7115 KB  
Article
Multi-Temporal Shoreline Monitoring and Analysis in Bangkok Bay, Thailand, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
by Yan Wang, Adisorn Sirikham, Jessada Konpang and Chunguang Li
J. Imaging 2026, 12(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12010021 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Drastic alterations have been observed in the coastline of Bangkok Bay, Thailand, over the past three decades. Understanding how coastlines change plays a key role in developing strategies for coastal protection and sustainable resource utilization. This study investigates the temporal and spatial changes [...] Read more.
Drastic alterations have been observed in the coastline of Bangkok Bay, Thailand, over the past three decades. Understanding how coastlines change plays a key role in developing strategies for coastal protection and sustainable resource utilization. This study investigates the temporal and spatial changes in the Bangkok Bay coastline, Thailand, using remote sensing and GIS techniques from 1989 to 2024. The historical rate of coastline change for a typical segment was analyzed using the EPR method, and the underlying causes of these changes were discussed. Finally, the variation trend of the total shoreline length and the characteristics of erosion and sedimentation for a typical shoreline in Bangkok Bay, Thailand, over the past 35 years were obtained. An overall increase in coastline length was observed in Bangkok Bay, Thailand, over the 35-year period from 1989 to 2024, with a net gain from 507.23 km to 571.38 km. The rate of growth has transitioned from rapid to slow, with the most significant changes occurring during the period 1989–1994. Additionally, the average and maximum erosion rates for the typical shoreline segment were notably high during 1989–1994, with values of −21.61 m/a and −55.49 m/a, respectively. The maximum sedimentation rate along the coastline was relatively high from 2014 to 2024, reaching 10.57 m/a. Overall, the entire coastline of the Samut Sakhon–Bangkok–Samut Prakan Provinces underwent net erosion from 1989 to 2024, driven by a confluence of natural and anthropogenic factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Image and Video Processing)
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34 pages, 2087 KB  
Review
Titanium Alloys at the Interface of Electronics and Biomedicine: A Review of Functional Properties and Applications
by Alex-Barna Kacsó, Ladislau Matekovits and Ildiko Peter
Electron. Mater. 2026, 7(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronicmat7010001 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Recent studies show that titanium (Ti)-based alloys combine established mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility with emerging electrical and electrochemical properties relevant to bioelectronics. The main goal of the present manuscript is to give a wide-ranging overview on the use of Ti-alloys in [...] Read more.
Recent studies show that titanium (Ti)-based alloys combine established mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility with emerging electrical and electrochemical properties relevant to bioelectronics. The main goal of the present manuscript is to give a wide-ranging overview on the use of Ti-alloys in electronics and biomedicine, focusing on a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the existing literature to identify gaps and future directions. Concurrently, the identification of possible correlations between the effects of the manufacturing process, alloying elements, and other degrees of freedom influencing the material characteristics are put in evidence, aiming to establish a global view on efficient interdisciplinary efforts to realize high-added-value smart devices useful in the field of biomedicine, such as, for example, implantable apparatuses. This review mostly summarizes advances in surface modification approaches—including anodization, conductive coatings, and nanostructuring that improve conductivity while maintaining biological compatibility. Trends in applications demonstrate how these alloys support smart implants, biosensors, and neural interfaces by enabling reliable signal transmission and long-term integration with tissue. Key challenges remain in balancing electrical performance with biological response and in scaling laboratory modifications for clinical use. Perspectives for future work include optimizing alloy composition, refining surface treatments, and developing multifunctional designs that integrate mechanical, biological, and electronic requirements. Together, these directions highlight the potential of titanium alloys to serve as foundational materials for next-generation bioelectronic medical technologies. Full article
16 pages, 28041 KB  
Article
Renewable Energy Technology: Transient 3D CFD and Experimental Electrical Evaluation of a Cycloidal-Enhanced Rotor Versus a Savonius and Gorlov-Savonius Rotor with Blade Rotation Angle
by María Angélica Luján Vega, José Eli Eduardo González-Duran, Juan Manuel Olivares-Ramírez, Leonel Estrada Rojo, Jesus Alejandro Franco and Juvenal Rodríguez Reséndiz
Technologies 2026, 14(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010027 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study presents a numerical and experimental analysis of vertical-axis Cycloidal rotors (RC) versus Savonius rotors (RS), with and without coupling to a Gorlov rotor (RG), designed to operate under low wind speed conditions [...] Read more.
This study presents a numerical and experimental analysis of vertical-axis Cycloidal rotors (RC) versus Savonius rotors (RS), with and without coupling to a Gorlov rotor (RG), designed to operate under low wind speed conditions of 2.5 m/s. Using transient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), numerical mesh stability was evaluated as a function of rotor power, achieving convergence with 8,199,923 nodes and a stable angular momentum after 10 s. In the experimental phase, electrical characterization was conducted by coupling the rotors to a direct current generator, allowing for the determination of the optimal electrical load as a function of rotational speed (RPM). The results show that electrical power output and power coefficient (Cp) increased with rotational speed, reaching a maximum of 39.22 mW and Cp = 0.126 for the Cycloidal rotor (RCθR45), which exhibited the best overall performance. When coupling a Gorlov rotor with a torsion angle of 90° (RGθG90), maximum power of 52.45 mW and Cp = 0.168 were obtained for the hybrid configuration RC,θR0- RGθG90, confirming the aerodynamic and electrical performance improvement due to geometric coupling compared to a standalone Savonius rotor. The comparison between the numerical and experimental results showed consistent trends in Cp values, with slight deviations attributed to friction and alignment effects during physical testing. This study proposes an integrated methodology in renewable energy technologies that combines 3D transient CFD simulation with experimental characterization under variable electrical load conditions to determine the optimal operating power of novel Cycloidal rotors for low-wind-speed applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering 2025)
22 pages, 4038 KB  
Article
Age and Origin of Mafic Dykes in the Mianhuakeng Uranium Deposit, South China: Tectonic and Metallogenic Implications
by Jing Lai, Fujun Zhong, Liang Qiu, Gongjian Li, Wenquan Liu, Haiyang Wang and Fei Xia
Minerals 2026, 16(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010054 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
The Mianhuakeng deposit, located within the Zhuguangshan batholith in the Nanling area, is currently recognized as the largest granite-related uranium deposit in China. A portion of the uranium ore bodies is spatially associated with NE-trending mafic veins within the granite. In this study, [...] Read more.
The Mianhuakeng deposit, located within the Zhuguangshan batholith in the Nanling area, is currently recognized as the largest granite-related uranium deposit in China. A portion of the uranium ore bodies is spatially associated with NE-trending mafic veins within the granite. In this study, the field investigation, zircon U-Pb dating, S and Pb isotope analysis, and whole-rock geochemical analysis were conducted on these mafic veins to explore their crystallization age, petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and relationships with uranium mineralization. The weighted mean result of zircon U-Pb is 189 ± 3 Ma, suggesting that the mafic dyke was crystallized during the Early Jurassic. The whole-rock geochemistry and isotopes exhibit characteristics of intraplate basalts, suggesting that the mafic dykes originate from an enriched mantle source consisting of garnet–spinel lherzolite, with an estimated partial melting of 1%–5%. Mafic magmas underwent low-degree contamination from the lower crust during upwelling, induced by the extension of the lithosphere during the Early Jurassic. The analyses of pyrite sulfur isotopes in mafic samples vary between −2.9‰ and 1.8‰, significantly different from that of pyrite (−14.4‰ to −7.8‰) formed during the uranium mineralization. Furthermore, the ages of the pitchblende of 127–54 Ma are much younger than the crystallization ages of mafic dykes, indicating that the mafic magmas did not contribute to the uranium mineralization of Mianhuakeng deposit during magmatism. However, the abundant reducing minerals (e.g., pyrite, hornblende, and Fe2+-bearing minerals) in the mafic dykes can act as a redox barrier, reducing mobile U6+ to immobile U4+ during fluid–rock interaction, thereby facilitating uranium precipitation from the hydrothermal ore-forming fluids. The secondary fractures created by the intrusion of mafic magma probably provided favorable pathways for the movement of hydrothermal fluids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
22 pages, 2589 KB  
Review
Light Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transport in Urban Areas: A Bibliometric Review
by Eric Mogire
World Electr. Veh. J. 2026, 17(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17010023 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
The use of light electric vehicles (LEVs), such as electric bikes and electric scooters, is being increasingly adopted as a sustainable transportation solution in urban areas. This is driven by the need for cleaner, faster, and space-efficient mobility solutions in urban areas. Although [...] Read more.
The use of light electric vehicles (LEVs), such as electric bikes and electric scooters, is being increasingly adopted as a sustainable transportation solution in urban areas. This is driven by the need for cleaner, faster, and space-efficient mobility solutions in urban areas. Although research on LEVs has grown over time, it remains fragmented across disciplines, creating a need for an integrated study on how LEVs contribute to sustainable transport in urban areas. This study conducted a bibliometric review to identify key themes in LEVs and sustainable transport in urban areas, and proposed future research agendas based on conceptual patterns and research gaps. The Scopus database was utilised, with a focus on 552 publications covering the period from 2000 to 2025, retrieved on 30 September 2025. The Biblioshiny application (version 5.0) was used to perform bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping techniques. Results revealed that the publication trend steadily rose from 2015, with a significant upsurge after 2020, with an annual growth rate of 18.69%. Three dominant themes were identified, namely sustainability, integration with public transport, and technological innovations, alongside underexplored areas such as shared electric micromobility, freight delivery, and policy and governance. Research gaps remain in lifecycle impacts, social equity, and governance frameworks, highlighting the need for inclusive and sustainable LEV adoption. Future research should capture full lifecycle impacts, expand access to LEVs beyond current user groups, and align rapid technological advances with inclusive governance frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vehicle and Transportation Systems)
26 pages, 3943 KB  
Review
Review of Numerical Simulation of Overburden Grouting in Foundation Improvement
by Pengfei Guo, Weiquan Zhao, Linxiu Qu, Xifeng Li, Yahui Ma and Pan Li
Geotechnics 2026, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics6010003 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Overburden layers, composed of unconsolidated sediments, are widely distributed in construction, transportation, and water conservancy projects, but their inherent defects (e.g., developed pores, low strength) easily induce engineering disasters. Grouting is a core reinforcement technology, yet traditional design relying on empirical formulas and [...] Read more.
Overburden layers, composed of unconsolidated sediments, are widely distributed in construction, transportation, and water conservancy projects, but their inherent defects (e.g., developed pores, low strength) easily induce engineering disasters. Grouting is a core reinforcement technology, yet traditional design relying on empirical formulas and on-site trials suffers from high costs and low prediction accuracy. Numerical simulation has become a key bridge connecting grouting theory and practice. This study systematically reviews the numerical simulation of overburden grouting based on 82 core articles screened via the PRISMA framework. First, the theoretical system is clarified: core governing equations for seepage, stress, grout diffusion, and chemical fields, as well as their coupling mechanisms (e.g., HM coupling via effective stress principle), are sorted out, and the advantages/disadvantages of different equations are quantified. The material parameter characterization focuses on grout rheological models (Newtonian, power-law, Bingham) and overburden heterogeneity modeling. Second, numerical methods and engineering applications are analyzed: discrete (DEM) and continuous (FEM/FDM) methods, as well as their coupling modes, are compared; the simulation advantages (visualization of diffusion mechanisms, parameter controllability, low-cost risk prediction) are verified by typical cases. Third, current challenges and trends are identified: bottlenecks include the poor adaptability of models in heterogeneous strata, unbalanced accuracy–efficiency, insufficient rheological models for complex grouts, and theoretical limitations of multi-field coupling. Future directions involve AI-driven parameter optimization, cross-scale simulation, HPC-enhanced computing efficiency, and targeted models for environmentally friendly grouts. The study concludes that overburden grouting simulation has formed a complete “theory–parameter–method–application” system, evolving from a “theoretical tool” to the “core of engineering decision-making”. The core contradiction lies in the conflict between refinement requirements and technical limitations, and breakthroughs rely on the interdisciplinary integration of AI, multi-scale simulation, and HPC. This review provides a clear technical context for researchers and practical reference for engineering technicians. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Geotechnical Engineering (3rd Edition))
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22 pages, 4723 KB  
Article
Effect of Paraffin Microcapsule and Carbon Nanotube Content on the Thermal Behavior of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites with Thermal Energy Storage Capability
by Daniele Rigotti, Andrea Dorigato and Alessandro Pegoretti
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10010010 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
The development of multifunctional polymer composites capable of both heat conduction and latent heat storage is of great interest for advanced thermal management applications. In this work, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites containing microencapsulated paraffin-based phase change materials (PCMs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) [...] Read more.
The development of multifunctional polymer composites capable of both heat conduction and latent heat storage is of great interest for advanced thermal management applications. In this work, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites containing microencapsulated paraffin-based phase change materials (PCMs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were systematically investigated. The microstructure, thermal stability, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity and conductivity of these composites were analyzed as a function of the PCM and MWCNTs content. SEM observations revealed the homogeneous dispersion of PCM microcapsules and the presence of localized MWCNT aggregates in PCM-rich domains. Thermal diffusivity measurements indicated a monotonic decrease with increasing temperature for all compositions, from 0.097 mm2·s−1 at 5 °C to 0.091 mm2·s−1 at 25 °C for neat TPU, and from 0.186 mm2·s−1 to 0.173 mm2·s−1 for TPU with 5 vol.% MWCNTs. Distinct non-linear behavior was observed around 25 °C, i.e., in correspondence to the paraffin melting, where the apparent diffusivity temporarily decreased due to latent heat absorption. The trend of the thermal conductivity (λ) was determined by the competing effects of PCM and MWCNTs: PCM addition reduced λ at 25 °C from 0.162 W·m−1·K−1 (neat TPU) to 0.128 W·m−1·K−1 at 30 vol.% PCM, whereas the incorporation of 5 vol.% of MWCNTs increased λ up to 0.309 W·m−1·K−1. In PCM-containing nanocomposites, MWCNT networks efficiently bridged the polymer–microcapsule interfaces, creating continuous conductive pathways that mitigated the insulating effect of the encapsulated paraffin and ensured stable heat transfer even across the solid–liquid transition. A one-dimensional transient heat-transfer model confirmed that increasing the matrix thermal conductivity accelerates the melting of the PCM, improving the dynamic thermal buffering capacity of these materials. Therefore, these results underlined the potential of TPU/MWCNT/PCM composites as versatile materials for applications requiring both rapid heat dissipation and effective thermal management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2025)
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26 pages, 904 KB  
Review
The Role of Silver and Silver-Based Products in Wound Management: A Review of Advances and Current Landscape
by Yiyao Du, Jianyu Lu, Xinya Guo, Zhaofan Xia and Shizhao Ji
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010027 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
The urgent need for silver-based antibacterial agents in clinical settings has driven the diversification of their delivery systems, evolving from traditional silver salt preparations to new silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-based composite functional materials. Research and application of various carrier systems have established [...] Read more.
The urgent need for silver-based antibacterial agents in clinical settings has driven the diversification of their delivery systems, evolving from traditional silver salt preparations to new silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-based composite functional materials. Research and application of various carrier systems have established a solid foundation for the clinical translation of silver. However, it is important to recognize that the clinical use of silver-based materials still faces several key challenges: one is the potential risk of cytotoxicity, another is the growing trend of bacterial resistance to silver, and the third is the heterogeneity of antibacterial properties in different wound microenvironments. Additionally, this study thoroughly examines the significant gap between basic research and clinical application of silver-based materials, highlighting that the lack of standardized clinical endpoint indicators and high-quality clinical research evidence are the main barriers to its standardized use. Future research should focus on four key areas: developing precise targeted delivery systems, creating combined treatments with silver and other antibacterial agents, enhancing biosafety through material engineering, and establishing a unified framework for clinical efficacy evaluation. Through systematic innovation and evidence-based clinical implementation, silver-based technologies hold broad potential and significant clinical value for addressing complex wound infections and alleviating the global antibiotic resistance crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Biomaterials for Medical Applications)
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16 pages, 3090 KB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Flexural Behavior of CFRP–Strengthened Timber Beams
by Milot Muhaxheri, Enes Krasniqi, Naser Kabashi, Ylli Murati and Ridvan Mahmuti
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010134 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
Glued laminated timber (glulam) is increasingly adopted as a sustainable structural material; however, its performance under bending can be limited by brittle tensile failures and variability caused by natural defects. This study examines the flexural behavior of glulam beams strengthened with externally bonded [...] Read more.
Glued laminated timber (glulam) is increasingly adopted as a sustainable structural material; however, its performance under bending can be limited by brittle tensile failures and variability caused by natural defects. This study examines the flexural behavior of glulam beams strengthened with externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. A four-point bending experimental program was carried out on glulam beams with varying CFRP bonded lengths, including unreinforced control beams. The results demonstrate that CFRP reinforcement enhanced load–carrying capacity by up to 48%, increased stiffness, and shifted failure modes from brittle tension–side ruptures to more favorable compression–controlled mechanisms. A nonlinear finite element (FE) model was developed using DIANA software 10.5 to simulate the structural response of both unreinforced and CFRP–strengthened beams. The numerical model accurately reproduced the experimental load–deflection behavior, stress redistribution, and failure trends, with deviations in ultimate load prediction generally within ±16% across all reinforcement configurations. The simulations further revealed the critical influence of CFRP bonded length on stress transfer efficiency and failure mode transition, mimicking experimental observations. By integrating experimental findings with numerical simulations and simplified analytical predictions, the study demonstrates that reinforcement length and bond activation govern the effectiveness of CFRP strengthening. The proposed combined methodology provides a reliable framework for evaluating and designing CFRP strengthened glulam beams. Full article
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15 pages, 673 KB  
Article
Advancing Sustainable Mining: A Comparative Analysis of Research Trends and Knowledge Spillover in Critical Mineral Exploration
by Junhee Bae and Sangpil Yoon
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010424 (registering DOI) - 1 Jan 2026
Abstract
As global demand for critical minerals intensifies with the expansion of energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing, developing sustainable and efficient exploration strategies has become a national priority. In this shift, AI-driven exploration technologies are emerging as a transformative force, reshaping how mineral [...] Read more.
As global demand for critical minerals intensifies with the expansion of energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing, developing sustainable and efficient exploration strategies has become a national priority. In this shift, AI-driven exploration technologies are emerging as a transformative force, reshaping how mineral resources are discovered, assessed, and managed. This study analyzes the global research landscape in critical mineral exploration by examining patent and scientific publication data to evaluate both research efficiency and knowledge spillover capacity. Using data envelopment analysis and super-efficiency modeling, we compare national R&D performance, identify leading countries, and quantify diffusion dynamics. The results reveal significant disparities: countries such as the United States, South Korea, and Canada demonstrate high research efficiency and strong spillover effects, supported by active innovation ecosystems and technological adoption. In contrast, resource-rich nations including China, Australia, and Russia show limited diffusion due to weaker AI-based innovation incentives and insufficient industry–academia collaboration. Italy stands out as an effective model of policy-driven R&D utilization and technological diffusion. These findings highlight the strategic importance of combining AI-enabled exploration, qualitative research impact, and international cooperation. The study offers policy implications for countries seeking to strengthen resource security and enhance competitiveness through sustainable and innovation-driven mineral exploration. Full article
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