Landscape Evolution
Landscape Evolution: Landforms, Ecosystems and Soils asks us to think holistically, to look for the interactions between the Earth's component surface systems, to consider how universal laws and historical and geographical contingency work together, and to ponder the implications of nonlinear dynamics in landscapes, ecosystems, and soils. Development, evolution, landforms, topography, soils, ecosystems, and hydrological systems are inextricably intertwined. While empirical studies increasingly incorporate these interactions, theories and conceptual frameworks addressing landforms, soils, and ecosystems are pursued largely independently. This is partly due to different academic disciplines, traditions, and lexicons involved, and partly due to the disparate time scales sometimes encountered. Landscape Evolution explicitly synthesizes and integrates these theories and threads of inquiry, arguing that all are guided by a general principle of efficiency selection. A key theme is that evolutionary trends are probabilistic, emergent outcomes of efficiency selection rather than purported goal functions. This interdisciplinary reference will be useful for academic and research scientists across the Earth sciences.
The God Equation
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The epic story of the greatest quest in all of science--the holy grail of physics that would explain the creation of the universe--from renowned theoretical physicist and author of The Future of the Mind and The Future of Humanity.When Newton discovered the law of gravity, he unified the rules governing the heavens and the Earth. Since then, physicists have been placing new forces into ever-grander theories. But perhaps the ultimate challenge is achieving a monumental synthesis of the two remaining theories--relativity and the quantum theory. This would be the crowning achievement of science, a profound merging of all the forces of nature into one beautiful, magnificent equation to unlock the deepest mysteries in science: What happened before the Big Bang? What lies on the other side of a black hole? Are there other universes and dimensions? Is time travel possible? Why are we here? Kaku also explains the intense controversy swirling around this theory, with Nobel laureates taking opposite sides on this vital question. It is a captivating, gripping story; what's at stake is nothing less than our conception of the universe. Written with Kaku's trademark enthusiasm and clarity, this epic and engaging journey is the story of The God Equation.
Advances in Unconventional Reservoirs and Enhanced Oil Recovery
Native Gold as a Specific Indicator Mineral for Gold Deposits, 2nd Edition
Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production
Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production
Advanced Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Technologies and Applications
The Breakthrough of Traditional Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption
Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators
Transformation Process and Toxic Effects of Pollutants in Agricultural Environment
Innovative Approaches in Asphalt Binder Modification and Performance
Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys, 3rd Volume
Field Guide to Illinois Mammals
The new edition of the Field Guide to Illinois Mammals is a pocket-sized handbook on the state's sixty-one species. Joyce Hofmann provides entries with extensive physical descriptions, and information on lookalike species, behaviors, habitats, tracks and scat, and population status, and range. More than 200 color photos, drawings, and illustrations aid at-a-glance identification while distribution maps show where each species is known to occur in the state. Designed to use in the field or the backyard, Field Guide to Illinois Mammals updates a singular reference for wildlife biologists, ecologists, hikers, armchair adventurers, and anyone else fascinated by the state's wildlife.
Skin Anti-Aging Strategies
The pursuit of youthful, healthy skin remains one of the most compelling drivers in the cosmetics industry. Anti-aging claims dominate consumer expectations, and scientific research continues to evolve to meet these demands. This Special Issue of Cosmetics, titled, "Skin Anti-Aging Strategies", brings together novel insights, innovative technologies, and modern approaches to address the multifaceted nature of skin aging. Beyond scientific evidence, this Special Issue foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving progress toward effective and sustainable anti-aging solutions.We invite researchers, formulators, and specialists in the field to explore these contributions and join the dialogue shaping next-generation anti-aging strategies.
Recent Advances in Medicinal Plants and Natural Products
This reprint presents a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies originally published within the Special Issue on Recent Advances in Medicinal Plants and Natural Products. Together, these contributions offer a technically rigorous overview of the molecular, biochemical, and mechanistic dimensions that define contemporary research in natural product science. This reprint emphasizes the characterization of bioactive metabolites, including phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and volatile constituents, through advanced analytical strategies such as chromatographic separation, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Several works examine structure-activity relationships, focusing on the influence of extraction parameters, compound stability, and synergistic interactions on biological efficacy. Across the collected articles, researchers investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties using in vitro biochemical assays and cellular models designed to elucidate pathways related to oxidative stress, membrane integrity, and molecular signaling. As the Special Issue is now closed, this reprint serves as a consolidated technical resource capturing the state of progress achieved during its publication window. It provides an integrated reference for scientists working at the intersection of natural product chemistry, molecular biology, and therapeutic innovation.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Obesity
Obesity is a pressing public health issue, closely linked to metabolic comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Excessive or inappropriate nutrient intake triggers chronic inflammation, disrupts metabolic pathways, and leads to insulin resistance and systemic dysfunction. Nutritional interventions are increasingly recognized as effective tools for managing obesity and related disorders. This Special Issue of Biomolecules explores the molecular roles of macro- and micro-nutrients, alongside current dietary guidelines. We delve into the key metabolic pathways and mechanisms by which nutrients influence obesity and metabolic diseases, including the role of the gut microbiota in modulating metabolic responses to nutrition, offering insights into how diet and microbial interactions shape human metabolic health. This Reprint aims to advance understanding of the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease, cardiometabolic disorders, and malnutrition. We collected original research and reviews on innovative nutritional strategies, molecular mechanisms, and preclinical discoveries.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Honey Bee Products
Honey bees produce several products that humans have used for centuries for various purposes: royal jelly, venom, wax, processed honey, propolis, and pollen. The beneficial effects of honey bee products have been recognized and utilized as they have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. The main focus of this Special Issue Reprint is to unravel old findings, present novel discoveries, and align these with current global needs, not only as remedies but also as agents with the potential to promote health and reduce the risk of developing many diseases. Specifically, oxidative stress underlies many "modern" diseases, and honey bee products may serve as supportive means due to their antioxidant capacity. In studies of complex mixtures of natural products, the characterization of chemicals using analytical methodologies, such as HPLC, MS, LC-MS, HPLC-MS, and NMR, should be included. In addition, antioxidant power is important for antibacterial efficacy, and thus, in the present issue, we aim to unravel a plethora of features interconnected in honey bee products. We discuss the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of these complex products, which vary in composition, and the need for standardization of their quality parameters.
Space Telescopes & Payloads
This Special Issue showcases the latest developments in Space Telescopes and Payloads with a collection of seventeen papers. Hamish Reid et al present the SPARK solar space mission concept. Daniel F. Ryan et al present LISSAN, a next generation γ-ray spectroscopic imaging instrument. Ariadna Calcines Rosario et al present the first integral field spectrograph for the Extreme-Ultraviolet, SISA, and a miniaturised solar magnetograph for space. Ellen L. Sirks et al present the data downloaded via parachute from a NASA Super-Pressure Balloon. Othman I. Younus et al present an overview of ALIGN, the Autonomous Laser Inter-Satellite Gigabit Network. Miguel Lim籀n-Gonz獺lez et al present on flight data for a LEO CubeSat. Chris Graham et al describe a steering mirror system with closed-loop feedback for free-space optical communication. David Orozco Su獺rez et al introduce CMAG. Lin Yang et al explain structural flexibility effect on spaceborn solar observation system's micro-vibration response. Ben Campbell et al describe a new approach to satellite constellation deployment. Illia Zymak et al contribute with a high resolution mass spectrometer. Rachel Dunwoody et al present the ground-based characterisation for γ-ray burst detection on a CubeSat. Cyril Bourgenot et al contribute with topology optimisation of a single-point diamond-turning fixture for a deployable primary mirror telescope. Shawn M. Usman et al introduce the Spitzer Resurrector Mission. Uxia Garcia-Luis et al optimise space telescopes' thermal performance and Guo-Cheng Xu et al present an on-board image enhancement technique for remote sensing payloads.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment
Cancer affects a large proportion of the global population and remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, ranking second according to the World Health Organization. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, major challenges, such as drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and limited tumor selectivity, continue to drive the search for more effective therapies and improved drug delivery strategies.This Special Issue brings together original research and review articles highlighting recent progress in cancer treatment. Contributions cover diverse approaches, including novel small-molecule anticancer agents, epigenetic modulators, nanotechnology-based and combination therapies, externally activated targeted treatments, drug repurposing, and immunotherapy. The collection reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern oncology, spanning mechanistic insights and translational applications. The Issue also presents emerging experimental platforms and enabling technologies, including 3D in vitro cancer models, organoid-based drug testing, and machine learning-supported preclinical research. Novel therapeutic modalities-such as photothermal and photoimmunotherapy, nanovesicle drug delivery, dual-action treatments, and natural compounds-are also explored. Overall, this collection highlights innovative strategies aimed at improving the efficacy, selectivity, and safety of cancer therapies and advancing more personalized treatment approaches.
Practice and Application of Artificial Intelligence in Built Environment
This Special Issue is titled "Practice and Application of Artificial Intelligence in Built Environment". It focuses on the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology with the entire life cycle of human settlements, including buildings, cities, and infrastructure, exploring the paths and value of technology implementation. The built environment encompasses multiple dimensions, including architectural design, construction, operations and maintenance, and urban planning. This Special Issue brings together research findings from scholars in South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, the UK, and China, primarily covering real-world case studies from South Korea and China, including specific urban studies in Seoul, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, and Shantou. These studies encompass both data-driven urban perception and street-quality assessment centered on street view/remote sensing (e.g., Zhengzhou and Tianjin) and interpretable analyses of age-friendly public spaces (e.g., Tapgol Park in Seoul). This collection provides a re-usable methodological framework and case studies for empirical analysis of AI-assisted evaluation, optimization, and renewal decisions in built environments at different scales.
Traditional Construction Wisdom in Developing Regions
In developing regions, traditional architecture embodies centuries of human ingenuity, reflecting a profound understanding of local environmental dynamics, cultural traditions, and community needs through dwellings and settlements that harmonize with their natural surroundings. Yet, as rapid urbanization and modernization reshape these landscapes, such time-honored practices face unprecedented challenges-often neglected or abandoned in favor of modernity, distancing communities from their architectural heritage while intensifying issues like environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and social inequality. Against this backdrop, this Special Issue reassesses the role of traditional architecture in advancing sustainable urbanization and ecological adaptation, drawing on indigenous building knowledge to uncover innovative responses to contemporary challenges. By bridging ancestral wisdom with emerging concepts such as smart technologies, regionalism, and ecological resilience-with a particular emphasis on rural, remote, and underserved areas-the collected works demonstrate how revitalizing these traditions not only supports ecological goals but also reinforces cultural identity, social cohesion, and local empowerment. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, the lessons of the past inform the design, planning, and governance of resilient, culturally vibrant communities, embracing the principles of traditional architecture to pave the way toward a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious future.
Featured Papers in Inorganic Materials 2025
Due to the success of the first edition of this Special Issue, entitled "Featured Papers in Inorganic Materials 2024", published in 2025, and the high level of interest in this topic, the Editors decided to launch the second edition of this Special Issue, entitled "Featured Papers in Inorganic Materials 2025". This edition forms a part of a series aimed at continuing the discussion on recent advancements in the field of functional inorganic materials for a "green" and sustainable future. It places a specific focus on describing the production of inorganic materials following alternative eco-friendly methods, new protocols and strategies for the reuse of inorganic materials, and newly emerging areas of interest involving the sustainable use of inorganic materials.
Advances in Mapping Land Cover and Land Use Based on Remotely Sensed Data
Land cover and land use (LCLU) is an important component of the Earth system. It affects ecosystem services, water conservation, infectious disease outbreaks, food security, the climate system, urban forms, etc. In the last few decades, remote sensing technology has evolved dramatically for better radiometric, spatial, and spectral resolution image products. Such advances in remote sensing, together with a variety of machine- and deep learning algorithms and multiple high-performance cloud computing platforms, further provide the potential and opportunities for fine-resolution, global-scale, and dynamic LCLU mapping. In addition, along with the development of drone technology, the (near) real-time monitoring of land surface in different sectors, such as forestry and agriculture, has attracted much attention in recent years. The improved documenting of LCLU leads the scientific community to further explore the driving factors of LCLU changes and reveal the underlying mechanisms for better land use planning. This Reprint synthesizes recent advances in LCLU mapping, change detection, accuracy assessment, and driver analysis, providing important insights into the remote sensing of LCLU.
Hydration of Ions in Aqueous Solution
The hydration of ions is of significant importance in understanding the properties of electrolyte solutions. Techniques such as Raman, infrared, dielectric relaxation, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; X-ray and neutron diffraction; ultrasonic absorption; and ab initio, density functional, and molecular dynamics calculations have all contributed to the understanding of the hydration of ions over the years. In addition, mass spectrometry of sequentially hydrated ions helps us bridge the gap between gas-phase and solution phase, in the same way that crystal structure determination of aqua complexes bridges the gap between solid phase and solution phase. This collection, consisting of two reviews and eight original research articles, further advances our understanding of ions in water.
Complexity Characteristics of Natural Language
This Reprint presents recent advances in the study of natural language as a complex adaptive system analyzed through the methodologies of complexity science, information theory, and statistical physics. The collected papers show how linguistic structure and dynamics emerge from interacting constraints across multiple scales, including characters, words, syntax, discourse, and language families. Contributions examine scaling laws, long-range correlations, and multifractal properties in diverse data sources such as literary texts, social media, and large comparative corpora. Several studies demonstrate that features often viewed as secondary, including punctuation and sentence-length variability, play a key role in organizing linguistic dependencies. Other works explore spatial, temporal, grammatical, and genealogical dimensions of language, revealing both universal regularities and context-specific patterns.A central theme of the Reprint is the move beyond correlation toward causal analysis, combining information-theoretic measures with causal inference to clarify directional relationships between linguistic subsystems. The Reprint also critically engages with large language models, showing that despite surface fluency, machine-generated texts often lack essential complexity signatures found in human language.
Two-Dimensional Materials
Building on the success of the first edition, "Two-Dimensional Materials: From Synthesis to Applications, 2nd Edition" presents a focused collection of recent advances in the science and engineering of low-dimensional materials. This reprint brings together original research and reviews that span fundamental electronic and magnetic properties, controlled synthesis, heterostructure design, energy storage, optoelectronics, catalysis, environmental remediation, and advanced characterization techniques. The volume highlights how atomic-scale structure, defects, interfaces, and dimensional confinement can be exploited to tailor transport, optical response, electrochemical activity, and surface reactivity. By integrating theoretical modeling with experimental realization and device-level demonstrations, this collection illustrates the rapid transition of two-dimensional materials from laboratory concepts to functional components in electronics, sensing, energy, and environmental technologies. Intended for researchers, graduate students, and engineers working in materials science, physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology, this reprint offers both a snapshot of the current state of the field and a guide to emerging directions shaping future applications of two-dimensional materials.
Biological Activity of Metal Complexes
This Reprint assembles research and review articles examining the biological activity of metal complexes through integrated synthetic, structural, and mechanistic approaches. The contributions highlight how coordination environment, ligand architecture, and electronic structure govern interactions with biomolecular targets, cellular systems, and complex biological media. Across diverse platforms-including rhenium, manganese, chromium, palladium, zinc, and gallium complexes-the studies emphasize quantitative structure-activity relationships, DNA and protein binding behavior, photodynamic performance, imaging capabilities, and chemical fate under physiological conditions.By combining rigorous physicochemical characterization with biological evaluation, this Reprint underscores the central role played by coordination chemistry in advancing therapeutic, diagnostic, and mechanistic understanding of metal-based systems in biology.
Recent Advances in Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials
This Reprint spans a broad and interdisciplinary spectrum of topics in graphene and two-dimensional materials science, while naturally converging into four coherent thematic areas that reflect the current frontiers of the field. The first theme focuses on the development of graphene nanoribbons, ranging from advanced modeling approaches to the realization of functional devices with tailored electronic and transport properties. The second area addresses the properties and applications of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, highlighting their structural, chemical, and functional versatility across diverse technological domains. The third theme explores graphene-based silicon heterostructures, with particular emphasis on optoelectronic applications and interface-driven phenomena. Finally, this Reprint extends beyond graphene to encompass emerging two-dimensional materials, offering new perspectives on novel physical properties and device concepts.
