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Open Access

Review

19 August 2026

Drone-Assisted Vision for Offshore Wind Turbine Inspection and Maintenance: A Systematic Review

Offshore wind turbines are exposed to harsh marine conditions that accelerate degradation and make inspection costly, hazardous, and weather-dependent. Early fault detection is needed to reduce downtime and prevent structural failure. This review investigates offshore wind turbine failure mechanisms, inspection technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotic systems, computer-vision-based defect detection, infrared thermography, and drone-assisted maintenance. A structured literature review methodology was used to synthesise studies across offshore engineering, robotics, sensing, and machine learning. The findings show that autonomous offshore fault detection remains limited by a lack of real-world experimentation and data. UAV inspection systems offer strong remote inspection capability but often lack real-time perception and adaptive autonomy, while deep learning models remain highly dependent on controlled datasets and are vulnerable to offshore environmental noise. The literature is disconnected, with few studies integrating autonomous navigation, multimodal sensing, and onboard intelligence into a unified offshore inspection framework. These findings demonstrate the need for robust drone-based systems capable of reliable visual and thermal fault detection in real offshore environments.

Open Access

Article

18 August 2026

Optimization Design and Characteristics Research of Linear Generator Based on Harmonic Analysis

In the superconducting electrodynamics suspension (EDS) maglev, using the harmonic magnetic field of the 8-shaped coil to generate power is an effective way to address the vehicle power supply problem. This article proposes an analytical calculation model that comprehensively accounts for the magnetic field coupling among superconducting coils, 8-shaped coils, and collector coils in the topology of linear generators for EDS maglev. Firstly, by introducing the pole distance ratio k between the superconducting coil and the 8-shaped coil, the magnetic flux density distributions of the superconducting coil and the 8-shaped coil were obtained using harmonic analysis. Secondly, the mathematical expression for the maximum output power of the linear generator was derived. Furthermore, based on the principle of virtual work, an analytical model for the suspension and guiding forces of the EDS maglev, accounting for the influence of the linear generator, is constructed. Finally, linear generators corresponding to different 8-shaped coil structures were established, and the air-gap magnetic field distribution, power-generation characteristics, and dynamic performance of the EDS maglev were compared and analyzed. The analytical model proposed in this article can provide theoretical support for parameter optimization and system dynamic design of linear generators in EDS maglev.

Adv. Mat. Sustain. Manuf.
2026,
3
(3), 10014; 
Open Access

Review

14 August 2026

In Search of Evidence for Impact on De-Institutionalization: A Systematic Review of the Current Status, Gaps and Future Directions of Translatable Mental Health Research on Alternative Care

The transition from institutionalized care to alternative family-based care arrangements for children and youth without available parents is an important policy aim around the world. To document evidence on de-institutionalization (DI) and identify gaps that are stalling the translation of DI findings into policy or practice, we conducted a systematic scoping review of studies on de-institutionalization published in the last five years. Our systematic search identified 221 pertinent studies covering 67 countries across most continents. The majority of the studies were qualitative, used some type of ‘convenience’ sampling, and had a modest number of participants (but with a broad range, 1–5351). Remarkably few studies included children under 6 years of age. Despite small samples and relatively weak designs, the majority of the studies suggested policy implications of their results. We discuss the gaps in DI research, stressing the need for transparency and replicability, paying attention to the specific circumstances of performing DI research. To overcome these gaps, we suggt that DI studies create more replicable evidence with translatable impact for governments, policymakers, sponsors, and practitioners. Vulnerable children and their (alternative) parents deserve family-based DI reform that is sustainable and successful in improving their lives.

Open Access

Editorial

14 August 2026
Open Access

Review

14 August 2026

Biopolymer and Cellulose-Based Aerogels: The Next-Generation Porous Materials for Sustainable Applications

Recent advances in nanostructured biopolymers have positioned cellulose-based aerogels as potential alternatives in the next generation of lightweight porous materials, given their ultralow density, hierarchical porosity, and extremely high surface area. These materials provide a renewable platform for a range of applications such as advanced energy storage, water purification, energy efficient insulation, and biomedical scaffolds. Unlike traditional silica or polymeric aerogels, cellulose derived systems provide a unique combination of mechanical toughness and biodegradability. These systems provide an environmentally safe approach to high-performance architectures. This research critically reviews the design and manufacturing techniques of biopolymer aerogels, including the choice of precursors, sol-gel chemistry, and drying techniques such as freeze-drying and supercritical CO2 extraction that control the structural stability and tunability. Special attention is beneficial to the programmable surface chemistry of cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals, which allows for precise control over pore shape, wettability, and hybrid assembly with nanoparticles or bioactive substances. Functionalization, particularly cross-linking, ionic interactions, and the inclusion of conductive fillers, is identified as an important control for improving performance under demanding conditions. Furthermore, life-cycle assessments show that their carbon footprint and embodied energy are much lower than those of their fossil-based counterparts. In the context of the circular economy, cellulose-based aerogels still need to overcome challenges related to cost competitiveness, moisture sensitivity, and large-scale manufacturability. Hybrid architectures and processes that are industrially viable are needed to realise their full potential.

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