Found 400 results
Open Access
Article
08 May 2026Daily Variability of Climatic Projection Extremes Indices of Precipitation and Temperature in the Koliba-Corubal Watershed (Guinea and Guinea-Bissau)
Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events in West Africa, threatening water resources and livelihoods. The Koliba-Corubal transboundary basin (Guinea-Guinea-Bissau), located primarily outside the Sahel region, constitutes a major freshwater resource for the area. This study analyzes the future daily variability of extreme rainfall and temperatures in this basin using CMIP6 projections. Four climate models (GFDL-ESM4, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, UKESM1-0-LL, IPSL-CM6A-LR) under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios were used. Six extreme precipitation indices (R99p, Rx3day, Rx5day, SDII, CWD, R20mm) and four extreme temperature indices (TN90p, TNx, TX90p, TXx) were calculated for three time horizons (2021–2050, 2051–2080, 2071–2100) and compared to the reference period 1985–2014. Extreme precipitation decreases considerably in both scenarios (under SSP1-2.6, −45.4% for R99p and −42.0% for Rx3day compared to the reference period 1985–2014), with a marked downward trend at the beginning of the period followed by an increase around 2100 under SSP5-8.5 (R99p: −37.4%; Rx3day: −20.2%). Concurrently, extreme temperatures are increasing significantly, particularly under SSP5-8.5, where TN90p is projected to increase by 169.7% by 2071–2100. Mann-Kendall tests confirm significant trends for most indices under the highest emissions scenario. The spatial distribution shows marked heterogeneity, with higher values in the central mountain areas. These results underscore the urgent need to adapt water resource management strategies and agricultural policies in this transboundary basin in the face of the projected intensification of climate extremes by the end of the century.
Open Access
Article
07 May 2026Research on Trajectory Generation Method for Multi-Objective Optimization of Thrust Vector Vehicle in Constrained Space
Thrust-vectoring UAVs can realize decoupling of position and attitude compared with conventional quadrotors due to the ability to change thrust direction, and are used to perform various complex indoor and outdoor missions. However, existing trajectory generation frameworks are mostly for quadrotors with fixed thrust direction and a coplanar surface, and do not consider the dynamics of thrust-vectoring UAVs. To address this, this paper proposes a multi-objective trajectory generation method for thrust-vectoring UAVs in constraint space. By parametrically modeling the constraint space, the method considers the effects of environmental boundary constraints and platform dynamics characteristics on the collision constraints and motion decoupling of the trajectory, and comprehensively optimizes the trajectory’s indicators of stability, speed, and safety to plan the states and input actions of the flight trajectory. Meanwhile, a trajectory generation evaluation system is proposed, given that compared with the conventional quadratic objective function, the proposed method is effective in reducing the attitude change of the trajectory, improving the rapidity and safety, in which $$L_{\theta}$$ and $$L_{r i s k}$$ are reduced by 70.4% and 19.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, by comparing with the conventional quadrotor, the advantages of the thrust-vectoring in decoupling motion are quantified, especially in reducing the attitude change during flight, the pitch angle of the generated trajectory is reduced from ±30° to within ±20° degrees, which exerts the motion decoupling advantages of the thrust-vectoring.
Open Access
Perspective
06 May 2026Eyewitness Memory: A Plea for a Detailed Study of Social Influence at Encoding
The evaluation of eyewitness memories has benefited greatly from basic memory research, which has shown that suggestive information or misinformation presented by a social source after an event can create substantial memory biases in participants’ memory, or even completely fabricated false memories. However, possible social influence occurring already at the stage of encoding (during the event) has so far been widely neglected. In basic research, meanwhile, several studies address this issue specifically with regard to incidental encoding of information (non-intentional encoding “along the way”, as it also occurs in eyewitness memories). The studies demonstrate that the social context at encoding influences how stimuli are encoded, and in one case even supports the occurrence of rich and detailed false memories. There are still many differences between the laboratory studies performed so far and any conceivable real-life scenarios of eyewitness situations. However, based on the results, it seems highly promising to evaluate the actual relevance of these initial findings for forensic science by modifying the paradigms to better reflect social encoding contexts that more closely resemble typical real-life eyewitness situations.
Open Access
Review
06 May 2026Recycling of Post-Consumer Cotton Waste
This review aims to address the environmental issues associated with the textile sector and explores innovative and optimal approaches for the zero-waste recycling of post-consumer cotton waste. The textile industry can transition toward a circular economy by implementing various recycling techniques. This will significantly cut the waste and raw material consumption, while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in textile manufacturing and consumption practices. This study focuses on several key techniques, including producing carbon fibres from waste, which provides a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based precursors. In addition, the regeneration of viscose fibres is achieved by chemical recycling of cotton waste and enzymatitc recycling. Method of Gasification and Thermochemical Valorisation, ioncell process is also discussed, emphasizing its potential to encourage resource conservation and lessen dependency on virgin resources. It also explains how cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) can be extracted from post-consumer textiles and utilised to produce high-performance materials. Additionally, despite difficulties in preserving fibre quality, the potential of mechanical recycling techniques to yield viable yarns from recycled fibres is investigated.
Open Access
Communication
30 April 2026Peculiarities of Radiation Synthesis of MeWO4 Ceramics
We report the results of MeWO4 ceramics synthesis by the direct exposure of metal (Mg, Ca, Zn, W) oxides mixture to a high-power flux of high-energy electrons. The oxide powder particle sizes are 1–10 microns. The synthesis occurs with high efficiency in less than 1 s without the use of any additional substances and energy sources. The purpose of this work is to establish the main processes that ensure the effective synthesis of MgWO4, CaWO4, and ZnWO4 ceramics from ZnO, CaO, MgO, and WO4 oxides, which differ significantly in their physical and chemical properties. It has been found that the dependence of synthesis efficiency on the electron beam power density and the power density threshold at which synthesis begins varies significantly for simple metal oxides and is very close for the tungstates of these metals. The most probable explanation for the observed effect is redistribution of absorbed radiation energy. WO3 powder particles have a high absorptance of the incident electron radiation. The result is a cascade multiplication of primary electrons into secondary electrons with much lower energy. Secondary electrons are efficiently absorbed by MgO, CaO, and ZnO particles, leading to their efficient decomposition and the formation of a new phase.
Open Access
Article
30 April 2026Spatial and Temporal Changes in Shifting Cultivation in Mizoram: Drivers and Implications
Shifting cultivation is a way of life and the major source of livelihood in Mizoram, Northeast India. More than 80% of the rural population traditionally practices shifting cultivation. Since production is largely subsistence-oriented, a significant proportion of people live below the poverty line. This study aims to examine the spatial and temporal changes in shifting cultivation, identify the major drivers influencing it, and analyze its implications for the economy and environment. Data were primarily collected from satellite imagery for four years—2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024—during February and March, which is the period of burning Jhum plots. The data were analyzed using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools, and changes in the area under shifting cultivation were calculated using the exponential growth rate. The study reveals that between 2009 and 2024, the area under shifting cultivation declined by more than 80%. The major factors affecting the decline of shifting cultivation were assessed. These factors were climate variability and change, shortened Jhum cycles, reduced production and productivity, increasing population, higher levels of education, inadequate markets, and greater availability of jobs. Land degradation, reduction of biological diversity and gene pool, and food insecurity were also identified as significant implications. Transforming Jhum plots into permanent agricultural land could make farming practices more sustainable and improve livelihoods.
Open Access
Article
29 April 2026Advances in Smart Structures Using Control Algorithms for Sustainable Manufacturing
This paper presents developments in the intelligent control of smart structures for sustainable manufacturing. This study aimed to develop advanced control approaches for the intelligent control of piezoelectric structures and suppression of oscillations. A significant achievement is the development of advanced-control algorithms. Robust control techniques, such as H-infinity control, guarantee system performance and stability in the face of uncertainties and disruptions. The addition of white noise and uncertainty to advanced finite element models is a novel aspect of this study. The outcomes of the analysis were used to present the advances made using this method. This approach is innovative because it employs intelligent control strategies that consider construction optimization by reducing the oscillations and measurement noise. By accounting for modeling uncertainty, these methods optimize construction. Optimizing smart structures makes them more sustainable and ideal for practical applications. The proposed construction is sustainable and creates an innovative design for civil and mechanical engineering applications.
Open Access
Article
29 April 2026Design of an Industrial Facility for Recycled Polymer Granule Production
With the global increase in the production and disposal of polymeric waste, it becomes crucial to develop sustainable solutions that promote the circular economy of recyclable materials. This work presents a technical feasibility study for the implementation of a production unit for recycled polymer pellets, using a mixture of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) as raw material. The proposal aims to map the complete production process, from the collection and receipt of the recycled material to the granulation and sale of the pellets, including the characterization of the materials and the necessary compatibilizers and additives. The definition of production capacity, equipment selection, and industrial layout will also be addressed. The study includes a logistical and financial analysis, even if preliminary, for a hypothetical organization located in the region of São José dos Pinhais—PR, for the processing of recycled PP-PE blend. To carry out this study, basic concepts of industrial engineering design were applied. Information on the process and characteristics of a hypothetical PP-PE formulation was obtained through bibliographic research. The study allowed for important considerations regarding the development of a basic industrial design for processing recycled polymer. Preliminary results indicate existing demand in the metropolitan region of Curitiba (southern Brazil) and potential for job creation, including the use of labor from waste pickers distributed throughout the region.
Open Access
Article
28 April 2026Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Hypothesis Generation in Childhood Asthma: Insights from NHANES
Although large language models (LLMs) have undergone substantial development, their applicability to epidemiological research has not been sufficiently examined. This study aims to develop and evaluate an LLM-based framework for hypothesis generation and testing, demonstrating its application in childhood asthma in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Pilot study was conducted to explore factors associated with childhood asthma in the 2001–2020 NHANES cycles. A modular agent system was developed, including Database Query, Statistic, Paper Search, and Paper Download tools, along with two LLM models (Key Generator and Hypothesis Tester). Multivariable logistic regression was used to test for the association between each variable and current asthma, generating a tentative affirmative claim. The Key Generator module produced keywords for literature search, the Paper Search and Paper Download tools queried PubMed and retrieved relevant studies, and the Hypothesis Tester module synthesized evidence and determined the support for claims for each variable. Keywords and conclusions were reviewed by researchers and validated using multiple LLMs (ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini) to ensure consistency and robustness. 25,839 children with (n = 2928) and without (n = 22,911) current asthma, and 10,359 variables were included in the multivariable analysis, which yielded 100 variables associated with asthma. Of these, 21 were directly related to asthma (supporting published studies), 43 were indirectly related to asthma (based on background knowledge, though not explicitly discussed in the available publications), and 34 were unrelated to asthma. Two variables were excluded due to a lack of discriminative keywords. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of LLM-based models for generating and testing hypotheses about childhood asthma.
Open Access
Review
27 April 2026Engineering High-Performance CIGS Solar Cells: Structural Design and Process Development
The development of high-efficiency copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cells is currently driven by a dual strategy of internal structural refinement and integration into multi-junction tandem architectures. This study aims to systematically analyze the key design and optimization strategies required to overcome the 33.7% Shockley–Queisser limit of single-junction devices. The results demonstrate that bandgap engineering, particularly through double-graded “notch” profiles, significantly enhances charge carrier collection and improves overall device performance, while alkali metal post-deposition treatments effectively reduce interface recombination losses. Furthermore, integrating CIGS with perovskite top cells in two-terminal (2T) and four-terminal (4T) configurations is a promising pathway to achieving efficiencies exceeding 30%. By combining advanced vacuum-based fabrication techniques, such as the three-stage co-evaporation process, with precise optical management, CIGS technology is positioned as a versatile candidate for both high-performance terrestrial and radiation-tolerant space applications.
