bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Industry 4.0 Related Green Concept Integration of Services Component in Commercial Buildings
Authors: Lekan Amusan , Aigbavboa Clinton , Chalya Dashe , Fortune Aigbe
Published: October 2024

The effects of global warming are far-reaching and can affect and threaten every aspect of human existence. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have mainly contributed to the emission of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Construction activities and practices are one such human activity. Building services are the aspects of a building that ensure the occupants are comfortable and secure within the building. However, building services use resources such as energy and water to create such comfort. The 4.0 era of industry has introduced dimensions to Green Building Concepts and practices of creating structures and processes that are environmentally friendly, responsible and resource efficient. This research, therefore, seeks to develop a framework for the integration of Industry 4.0-related green concepts into services in commercial buildings. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this research to provide information concerning integrating green concepts into building services in commercial buildings in Nigeria. Data were collected with questionnaires from 106 built environment professionals who also use commercial buildings in the study area of Abuja. Statistical tools for frequency, percentage, mean score, relative important index (RII), independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test and the factor reduction method based on eigen values were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that quality indoor air conditioning is the most critical satisfaction parameter for users within commercial buildings, with an average mean score of 3.81. The aesthetic effect of installed services on the building façade and high-quality building services components was ranked high, with an average mean score of 3.33 for each. The results also indicated that the lack of relevant technology and inadequate training of service personnel hindered the growth of green building concepts in Nigeria. These factors had a mean score of 4.35 each. Professionals ranked energy efficient/saving bulbs, e.g., CFLs, remote controlled, sensored lights, natural daylight, solar photovoltaic panels and building management systems, as the most effective green components that can be incorporated into commercial buildings. These factors and others were combined to create a framework for integrating green concepts for services into commercial buildings. When the construction industry and government in Nigeria adopt this framework, it can promote more integration of green concepts into commercial building services.
Navigating the Nexus of Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy for the Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Raman Raghu , Gunasekar Sangeetha , Kaliyaperumal Deepa , Nedungadi Prema
Published: October 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into renewable energy and sustainability represents a transformative approach toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study utilized the PRISMA framework to conduct a systematic review, focusing on the role of AI in renewable energy and sustainable development. This research utilized Scopus’s curated AI research area, which employs text mining to refine AI concepts into unique keywords. Further refinement via the All Science Journals Classification system and SDG-mapping filters narrowed the focus to publications relevant to renewable energy and SDGs. By employing the BERTopic modeling approach, our study identifies major topics, such as enhancing wind speed forecasts, performance analysis of fuel cells, energy management in elective vehicles, solar irradiance prediction, optimizing biofuel production, and improving energy efficiency in buildings. AI-driven models offer promising solutions to address the dynamic challenges of sustainable energy. Insights from academia-industry collaborations indicate that such partnerships significantly accelerate sustainable-energy transitions, with a focus on AI-driven energy storage, grid management, and renewable-energy forecasting. A global consensus on the critical role of investing in technology-driven solutions for energy sustainability was underscored by the relationship between funding data and global R&D spending patterns. This study serves as a resource for practitioners to harness AI technologies for renewable energy, where for example, AI’s accurate wind speed predictions can increase wind farm efficiency, highlighting the necessity of innovation and collaboration for sustainable development.
Artificial Intelligence in Logistics Optimization with Sustainable Criteria: A Review
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Men Yangchongyi , Fuster Noelia , Osorio Celia , Juan Angel A.
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into logistics optimization has gained significant attention, particularly concerning sustainability criteria. This article provides an overview of the diverse AI models and algorithms employed in logistics optimization, with a focus on sustainable practices. The discussion covers several techniques, including generative models, machine learning methods, metaheuristic algorithms, and their synergistic combinations with traditional optimization and simulation methods. By employing AI capabilities, logistics stakeholders can enhance decision-making processes, optimize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impacts. Moreover, this paper identifies and analyzes prominent challenges within sustainable logistics, such as reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste generation, and optimizing transportation routes while considering ecological factors. Furthermore, the paper explores emerging trends in AI-driven logistics optimization, such as the integration of real-time data analytics, blockchain technology, and autonomous systems, which hold immense potential for enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Finally, the paper outlines future research directions, emphasizing the need for further exploration of hybrid AI approaches, robust optimization frameworks, and scalable solutions that accommodate dynamic and uncertain logistics environments.
The Isotopic Limit of Recycling
Authors: Lang Eric , Hattar Khalid
Published: October 2024

Despite advances in recycling technologies and practices, the world still mostly operates on a once-through materials use cycle. The once-through approach to the materials supply chain cannot work into perpetuity. The vast majority of current recycling efforts focus on mechanical or chemical separation-based techniques and are often subsequently limited on the number of times a component can be recycled or upcycled. By looking at things from a particle physics and nuclear history perspective, we propose a thought experiment to determine the physical limit of recycling and propose subsequent limits and standards to evaluate all recycling efforts. This uncommon approach to analysis demonstrates that the current limits to recycling are not physical in nature but engineering.
Energy Consumption Trends and Determinants in Polish Hospitals: Implications for Energy Efficiency Strategies
Authors: Cygańska Małgorzata , Kludacz-Alessandri Magdalena
Published: October 2024

In the construction sector, hospitals are the buildings with the highest energy consumption. Due to the high demand for energy, hospitals’ energy efficiency is becoming very important. This study aims to examine the trends and factors that determine energy consumption in Polish hospitals from 2010 to 2019, highlighting the impact of hospital size and medical activities on energy efficiency. The analysis was carried out using data from 3061 hospital reports obtained from the e-Health Center, a state budgetary unit established by the Minister of Health. To measure and compare the efficiency of energy usage in hospitals, we developed eight energy usage efficiency indexes based on hospital size and medical activity. The size of the hospitals was described by the number of beds, operation rooms, doctors, nurses, and fixed assets value. Hospital activity was measured by the number of person-days, patients, and operations. Statistical analysis was carried out using StatSoft Statistica software version 13.3. The results show that larger hospitals are more energy efficient across various measures of energy use than smaller hospitals. The findings revealed also several important relationships between energy usage and factors connected with size and hospital activity, such as the number of beds, patients and person-days, medical staff, operations, and fixed asset values, underscoring the necessity for customizing energy efficiency strategies. This research contributes empirical insights that can guide policymakers and hospital administrators in their endeavors to improve energy efficiency and promote sustainability within healthcare facilities.
Exploring the Spatial-Temporal Patterns, Drivers, and Response Strategies of Desertification in the Mu Us Desert from Multiple Regional Perspectives
Authors: Li Jiaying , Li Yu , Wang Xuhui , Ma Zhongxu
Published: October 2024

Desertification poses a serious threat to the global ecological environment and challenges the achievement of an ecological civilization. Understanding the spatial and temporal evolution of desertification in the Mu Us Desert, a key area in northern China, is crucial for predicting regional trends and analyzing causes. This study employs quantitative methods, including remote sensing data from Landsat satellites (2000–2020), combined with multi-scale analysis and statistical models, to systematically analyze desertification trends. The analysis reveals that desertification improved significantly after 2005 due to effective human intervention and governance efforts. In particular, the eastern regions (Shaanxi Province and Inner Mongolia) showed marked improvement, while the western regions exhibited limited change. The greatest progress was seen in the reduction in high-desertification areas to moderate levels. Quantitatively, human activities contributed to a 17.3% reduction in desertification (p < 0.05), while meteorological factors were responsible for a 45.8% reduction (p < 0.05). Conversely, desertification in Ningxia worsened by 41.8% due to unsustainable land use. Additionally, spatial correlation analysis highlighted that those areas of severe desertification became more uniformly distributed over time. The key drivers influencing desertification were agricultural development, urbanization, climate warming, and vegetation coverage, with human activities playing a substantial role. Initially, agricultural factors had the strongest correlation with desertification, but over time, population growth, rising temperatures, and vegetation cover (NDVI) became more prominent. These findings offer scientific support for desertification control in the Mu Us Desert and provide methodological insights for other severely desertified regions, contributing to sustainable ecological development.
Study on the Deviation Characteristics of Driving Trajectories for Autonomous Vehicles and the Design of Dedicated Lane Widths
Authors: Cao Yuansheng , Liao Yonggang , Lai Jiancong , Shen Tianjie , Wang Xiaofei
Published: October 2024

The vehicular trajectory offset represents a critical controlling element in the design of lane width. In light of the paucity of extant research on the lane widths for dedicated autonomous vehicle lanes, this study deployed the PreScan-Simulink co-simulation platform. Based on the established typical lateral and longitudinal control methods for autonomous vehicles, we initially identified the primary factors influencing trajectory offset through multifactorial coupled analysis. Subsequently, we conducted quantitative research on vehicle trajectory offset using S-shaped curves to elucidate the patterns in geometric elements’ impact on trajectory offset. Following this, we established a model of the relationship between design speed and trajectory offset under different vehicle types. Ultimately, we calculated the lane width values for scenarios involving varying positions and numbers of dedicated lanes. The results demonstrate that vehicle speed significantly impacts the trajectory offsets of autonomous vehicles. For passenger cars, the mean offset at speeds between 60 and 130 km/h is approximately 10 cm. At higher speeds of 140–150 km/h, the offset is more variable. The range of offset exhibited by trucks at speeds between 60 and 100 km/h is [8 cm, 16 cm]. In the case of a single dedicated lane, the width of the inner lanes intended for passenger cars is [2.60 m, 3.00 m], while the outer lanes designed to accommodate trucks have a width of [3.00 m, 3.20 m]. In scenarios with two dedicated lanes, the width of lanes for passenger cars can be reduced further, whereas the required lane width for trucks remains largely unchanged compared to that for single-lane setups. The conclusions show that the width of lanes adapted to autonomous vehicles could be reduced, which could help to optimize the use of road space, thus potentially reducing the occupation of land resources, reducing the environmental impact of road construction, and contributing to sustainable development. This study also provides valuable insights for the design of lanes dedicated to autonomous vehicles.
Indoor Environmental Quality in Portuguese Office Buildings: Influencing Factors and Impact of an Intervention Study
Authors: Felgueiras Fátima , Mourão Zenaida , Moreira André , Gabriel Marta F.
Published: October 2024

Office workers spend a considerable part of their day at the workplace, making it vital to ensure proper indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions in office buildings. This work aimed to identify significant factors influencing IEQ and assess the effectiveness of an environmental intervention program, which included the introduction of indoor plants, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, ventilation, and printer relocation (source control), in six modern office buildings in improving IEQ. Thirty office spaces in Porto, Portugal, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, illuminance, and noise were monitored before and after a 14-day intervention implementation. Occupancy, natural ventilation, floor type, and cleaning time significantly influenced IEQ levels. Biophilic interventions appeared to decrease volatile organic compound concentrations by 30%. Installing CO2 sensors and optimizing ventilation strategies in an office that mainly relies on natural ventilation effectively improved air renewal and resulted in a 28% decrease in CO2 levels. The implementation of a source control intervention led to a decrease in ultrafine particle and ozone concentrations by 14% and 85%, respectively. However, an unexpected increase in airborne particle levels was detected. Overall, for a sample of offices that presented acceptable IEQ levels, the intervention program had only minor or inconsistent impacts. Offices with declared IEQ problems are prime candidates for further research to fully understand the potential of environmental interventions.
Stranded Asset Impairment Estimates of Thermal Power Companies Under Low-Carbon Transition Scenarios
Authors: Wang Chao , Shan Chuyan , Wang Lidong
Published: October 2024

The aspiration to reach the net zero carbon target has initiated new ideas for the sustainable development of the world economy. However, it has also accelerated the formation of stranded assets in high-carbon-emitting companies. Taking a Chinese thermal power company as an example, this paper proposes a model to estimate the degree of impairment loss for thermal power companies by integrating the net present value model with forward-looking carbon emission pathways under different policy intervention scenarios. The results show that under the low-carbon transition scenario with different policy interventions, the percentage of impairment loss of thermal power companies reaches up to 64.09%. Furthermore, impairment losses formed by stranded assets in the thermal power sector impose a severe shock on the national economy, as most of the impairment losses will ultimately be borne by the state treasury. Compared with conventional thermal power generation, new-energy power generation has a weak performance in delaying company bankruptcy caused by stranded assets. Therefore, in the process of a low-carbon transition, governmental departments should focus on the impairment loss of thermal power companies caused by stranded assets and should further integrate “green support” and “brown punishment” policies to effectively promote the low-carbon transition of thermal power companies.
Analyzing the Impact of Vision 2030’s Economic Reforms on Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price Index
Authors: Bilal Muddassar , Alawadh Ammar , Rafi Nosheen , Akhtar Shamim
Published: October 2024

This study examines the relationship between CO2 emissions, labor force participation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia, within the context of Vision 2030’s economic reforms. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, and promote sustainable growth, making it crucial to understand the factors influencing inflation and economic stability. Using annual data from 2001 to 2022 and the nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) bounds testing approach, the study analyzes both short- and long-term effects. The findings reveal that higher CO2 emissions have a deflationary effect, reducing the CPI in both the short and long term, while FDI shows an inflationary impact with a delayed effect. Labor force expansion contributes to lowering the CPI, reflecting its deflationary pressure, especially over the long term. Trade openness is also examined for its dual effects on CPI, In the short run, both positive and negative trade openness reduce consumer prices, while in the long run, positive trade openness increases inflation, and negative trade openness lowers prices. This shows the differing inflationary impacts of trade openness over time. These findings contribute to the policy discourse on balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inflation management, offering strategic insights for policymakers in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Comparative Analysis of AR-HUDs Crash Warning Icon Designs: An Eye-Tracking Study Using 360° Panoramic Driving Simulation
Authors: Wu Zhendong , Liang Ying , Liu Guocui , Ai Xiaoqun
Published: October 2024

Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays (AR-HUDs) enhance driver perception and safety, yet optimal hazard warning design remains unclear. This study examines three AR-HUD crash warning icon types (BD, BR, BW) across various turning scenarios. Using a 360-degree video-based driving simulation with 36 participants, eye-tracking metrics were collected. Results show BW icons, dynamically linked to hazards, significantly improve drivers’ pedestrian risk awareness and visual attention allocation compared to BD and BR systems. BW consistently demonstrated longer gaze duration, higher fixation counts, and shorter time to first fixation across all turns. BD and BR icons were more susceptible to lane changes, potentially diverting attention from hazards. Findings suggest prioritizing dynamic tracking warning icons over fixed-position alternatives to minimize visual competition and distraction, providing crucial insights for AR-HUD optimization in automated vehicles.
PDS-UAV: A Deep Learning-Based Pothole Detection System Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images
Authors: Alzamzami Ohoud , Babour Amal , Baalawi Waad , Al Khuzayem Lama
Published: October 2024

Smart cities utilize advanced technologies to enhance quality of life by improving urban services, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Effective pothole detection and repair strategies are essential for improving quality of life as they directly impact the comfort and safety of road users. In addition to causing serious harm to residents’ lives, potholes can also cause costly vehicle damage. In this study, a pothole detection system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles, called PDS-UAV, is developed. The system aids in automatically detecting potholes using deep learning techniques and managing their status and repairs. In addition, it allows road users to view an overlay of the detected potholes on the maps based on their selected route, enabling them to avoid the potholes and increase their safety on the roads. Two data collection methods were used, an interview and a questionnaire, to gather data from the target system users. Based on the data analysis, the system’s requirements, design, and implementation were completed. For the pothole detection, a deep learning model using YOLOv8 was developed, which achieved an overall performance of 95%, 98%, and 92% for F1 score, precision, and recall, respectively. Different types of testing has been performed on the target users to ensure the system’s validity, effectiveness, and ease of use, including unit testing, integration testing, and usability testing. As a future work, more features will be added to the system in addition to improving the deep learning model accuracy.
Navigating Sustainable Value Creation Through Digital Leadership Under Institutional Pressures: The Moderating Role of Environmental Turbulence
Authors: He Yan , Liu Zhaoshu , Lee Min-Jae
Published: October 2024

This study aims to examine the role of digital leadership in mediating the relationship between institutional pressures (regulatory, normative, and cognitive) and sustainable performance (economic, social, and environmental) from an institutional perspective. It further examines the moderating effect of environmental turbulence as uncertainty rises. Using a sample of 508 Chinese listed firms, this research empirically investigates the mediating role of digital leadership between institutional pressures and sustainable performance. Additionally, it outlines the moderating influence of environmental turbulence between institutional pressure and digital leadership, as well as between digital leadership and sustainable performance. Our findings indicate that enhanced digital leadership under institutional pressures can boost sustainable performance. Moreover, environmental turbulence has been identified as a moderating factor that weakens the relationship between cognitive pressure and digital leadership, and between digital leadership and sustainable performance.
Fully Coupled Analysis of a 10 MW Floating Wind Turbine Integrated with Multiple Wave Energy Converters for Joint Wind and Wave Utilization
Authors: Jiang Wei , Liang Chenyu , Tao Tao , Yang Yi , Liu Shi , Deng Jiang , Chen Mingsheng
Published: October 2024

The study focuses on a semi-submersible wind-wave integrated power-generation platform, which consists of an OO-Star semi-submersible platform equipped with a DTU 10 MW wind turbine and a set of wave energy converters. A hydrodynamic model was established using ANSYS-AQWA (2023 R1), and by incorporating upper wind loads and utilizing the open-source program F2A, a fully coupled time-domain model of the integrated power-generation platform was constructed. The primary objective is to explore the interaction mechanisms between the upper wind turbine and the lower wave energy devices under the combined effects of irregular waves and turbulent wind through a series of operational conditions. Additionally, the safety of the mooring system was assessed. The results indicate that, compared to the wave period, the power generation of the lower wave energy devices is more significantly affected by wave height. Overall, the integrated power-generation platform demonstrates optimal performance under the third operational condition. In survival conditions, the introduction of oscillating buoys can improve the motion responses of the platform in terms of sway, roll, pitch, and yaw to a certain extent, but it also increases the surge and heave motion responses and the associated mooring loads. The mooring system can ensure the safety of the integrated power-generation platform under extreme sea conditions.
Big Data Insights into Coastal Tourism: Analyzing Customer Satisfaction at Egyptian Red Sea Dive Resorts
Authors: Zhong Yinai , Williady Angellie , Handani Narariya Dita , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: October 2024

This research aims to explore the relationship between customer satisfaction and various extracted factors at dive resorts in the Red Sea, Egypt, utilizing a hybrid methodology of descriptive and diagnostic analytics applied to online review data. Employing techniques such as KH coder for text analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and linear regression, this study systematically identifies key elements that influence customer satisfaction. Findings reveal that activities related to diving and marine life markedly enhance guest satisfaction, underscoring the critical role these aspects play in the overall appeal of Egyptian coastal tourism. Conversely, areas such as dining and amenities were identified as needing improvement. The originality of this study lies in its application of big data analytics to dissect and understand customer feedback in a sector-specific context, providing strategic insights for the sustainable advancement of coastal tourism in Egypt. By focusing on dive resorts, this research highlights their integral role in coastal tourism and offers a model for leveraging online customer reviews to enhance service quality and promote sustainable practices within the tourism industry, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of coastal tourism.
An Assessment of Surface Contamination and Dermal Exposure to 5-Fluorouracil in Healthcare Settings by UPLC-MS/MS Using a New Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Source
Authors: Creta Matteo , Verscheure Eline , Tans Birgit , Devriese Herman , Devriendt An , Devolder David , Lebegge Robin , Poels Katrien , Godderis Lode , Duca Radu-Corneliu , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A. J.
Published: October 2024

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-known cytostatic drug, which is often used in cancer treatments. Yet, it is also a very dangerous compound for people who are occupationally exposed to it for a long time, such as pharmacy employees, nurses and cleaning staff. We aimed to improve and implement a LC-MS/MS method for 5-FU quantification on surface contamination samples collected with swabs in a pharmacy department and outpatient nursing station of a university hospital. To improve the existing methods to quantify 5-FU, we compared a LC-MS/MS method using the frequently applied electrospray ionization source (ESI) with a UniSpray ionization source (USI). To determine the contamination of 5-FU in a pharmacy department preparing 5-FU infusion bags, which are then given to patients in the outpatient nursing stations, we collected multiple surface swabs of the laminar flow cabinets and frequently touched objects, before the preparation and administration of 5-FU and afterwards. Furthermore, we sampled the protective gloves and the bare hands of employees of the pharmacy department, involved in the preparation of the infusion bags. Using the USI source, we were able to reach the lowest limit of quantification (LOQ). With this technique, we were able to detect 5-FU contamination on the laminar flow cabinets and frequently used objects in the pharmacy department and the outpatient nursing station in the very low ng/cm2 range. This contamination was mostly higher after preparation or administration than before. While we also found 5-FU on the protective gloves, we almost found no 5-FU on the skin of the pharmacy technicians preparing the 5-FU infusion bags. In conclusion, our method was able to detect very low concentrations of 5-FU contamination, but the contamination we found is very unlikely to result in any issues for the personnel working in these areas.
The Interplay Between the Built Environment, Health, and Well-Being—A Scoping Review
Authors: Andalib Elham , Temeljotov-Salaj Alenka , Steinert Martin , Johansen Agnar , Aalto Pasi , Lohne Jardar
Published: October 2024

Objective: This scoping review aims to investigate the complex interplay between the built environment, health, and well-being and to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge needed for crucial health and well-being enhancement in cities. Method: A scoping review method has been chosen using four databases. The first sample was reduced from 2819 papers to 71 papers by implementing exclusion criteria, snowballing, and direct searches to find a relevant final sample. Results: Built environmental elements such as the neighborhood, urban architecture, activities, public spaces, greenery, lights, safety, aesthetics, and amenities were identified to be impactful on health and well-being outcomes. The two-way association of each environmental factor and its criteria with specific types of health and well-being issues such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stress, etc. was determined to identify solutions and ways for improvement. Conclusions: This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between the built environment, health, and well-being. By synthesizing existing knowledge of the built environmental factors, it explores the basis for evidence-based strategies to enhance health and well-being. By illuminating theoretical knowledge of the built environment on health and well-being, our findings will provide a deeper foundation of sources and practical insights for related fields.
Spatial Distribution, Leaching Characteristics, and Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Potential Toxic Elements in a Typical Open-Pit Iron Mine Along the Yangzi River
Authors: Zeng Yifan , Xu Zuxin , Dong Bin
Published: October 2024

Potential toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in the soil of abandoned open-pit mines can lead to great ecological risk to the areas around the mining districts. This study selected a typical abandoned open-pit iron mine along the Yangzi River in southeast China to investigate the spatial distribution, leaching characteristics, and ecological and health risk of the soil PTEs (As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn). Leaching tests and sequential extraction were applied to study the migration of PTEs under the condition of rainfall. Different risk assessment methods were used to analyze the pollution and ecological risk of PTEs. The contents of As and Cu exceeded the background value of the Chinese soil guideline, with average contents of 50.71 ± 1.59 and 197.47 ± 16.09, respectively. The leaching test and sequential extraction indicated that sites 8 and 9 posed the greatest risk of PTE migration. According to the map of the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), the pollution level of the middle bare area of the study area was the highest, and Cu possessed the highest pollution index (PI) of 3.92. The average geo-accumulation index (Igeo) of As and Cu was between 1 and 2, reaching the pollution level of moderately contaminated. The average potential ecological risk coefficient (Ei) of As was the highest, and the contributions of As, Cu, and Cd to the potential ecological risk of the whole study area were 46.7%, 29.7%, and 14.3%, respectively. The range of the hazard index (HI) and the range of the As carcinogenic risk (CRAs) of all the sampling sites for children were 1.30–3.94 and 2.19 × 10−4–7.20 × 10−4, and As accounted for more than 85% of the total noncarcinogenic risk, indicating that the comprehensive pollution of PTEs in the study area posed great carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks to children. This study can be a proper reference for the subsequent recovery methods and environmental management of the whole mining area.
Kinetic Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Landslides in May 2022 in Wuping, Fujian, SE China
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Ran , Chen Cheng , He Jiangkun , Zhang Chenyuan , Zhang Shuai , Ye Longzhen , Liu Kan , Nam Kounghoon
Published: October 2024

In the context of global climate change, shallow landslides induced by strong typhoons and the ensuing rainstorms have increased significantly in China’s eastern coastal areas. On 27 May 2022, more than 700 liquefied landslides were induced by the rain gush in Wuping County, Longyan City, Fujian Province, SE China. In light of their widespread occurrence and the severe damage caused, detailed field investigations, UAV surveys, trench observations, in situ tests, and numerical simulation are conducted in this work. The cascading landslides are classified as channelized landslides and hillslope landslides. Long-term rainfall, the influence of vegetation roots under wind load, and differences in the strength and structure of surficial soil are the dominant controlling factors. The sliding surface is localized to be the interface at a depth of 1–1.5 m between the fully weathered granite and the strongly weathered granite. Kinetic analysis of a channelized landslide shows that it is characterized by short runout, rapid velocity, and strong impact energy. The maximum velocity, impact energy, and impact force of the Laifu landslide are 29 m/s, 4221.35 J, and 2110 kPa. Effective excavation is usually impossible in this context. This work highlights the escalating issue of shallow landslides in eastern China’s coastal areas, exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events like typhoons. By conducting comprehensive investigations and analyses, the research identifies key factors influencing landslide occurrence, such as rainfall patterns and soil characteristics. Understanding the dynamics and impact of these landslides is vital for improving risk assessment, developing effective early warning systems, and informing land management policies in this region. Further exploration concerning hydro-meteorological hazard early warning should be encouraged in this region.
Peri-Urban Floodscapes: Identifying and Analyzing Flood Risk Areas in North Bhubaneswar in Eastern India
Authors: Mishra Priyanka , Jena Damodar , Thakur Rakesh Ranjan , Chand Sasmita , Javed Babar , Shukla Anoop Kumar
Published: October 2024

Peri-urban catchment areas are increasingly susceptible to floods due to rapid land use transformations and unplanned urban expansion. This study comprehensively examines flood vulnerability in the rapidly developing peri-urban areas of North Bhubaneswar, focusing on significant changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and hydrological dynamics from 2004 to 2024, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis reveals substantial shifts in land use patterns, with the urban footprint expanding by 71.8%, cropland decreasing by 21.7%, and forest areas by 13.6%. These changes have led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge, thereby exacerbating flood risks in the region. The GRID-based vulnerability analysis classifies 90 villages within the catchment area based on their vulnerability levels, identifying 20 villages as high-risk areas requiring urgent attention, 44 villages as medium vulnerable, and 26 villages as low vulnerable. These classifications are based on factors such as proximity to drainage networks, slope, geomorphology, and LULC characteristics, with areas near drainage channels and low-lying regions being prone to flooding. The analysis integrates multiple factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of flood risk, highlighting the need for sustainable land use planning, conservation of vegetated areas, and the implementation of advanced flood prevention strategies in the peri-urban areas. Extending this research to other fringe regions could offer further valuable insights, guiding flood prevention and sustainable development strategies for areas undergoing significant land use transformations to effectively mitigate future flood risks.
Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment Based on Stream Sediments from Coastal Oecusse (Timor)
Authors: Vicente Victor A. S. , Cabral Pinto Marina , Dinis Pedro , Pratas João A. M. S.
Published: October 2024

Timor Island is located in a geologically complex region strongly affected by the collision of the Australian margin with the Banda volcanic arc. In Oecusse, an enclave of East Timor in the western part of Timor, crop out several lithological units of the Banda Terrane that are associated with the obduction of oceanic crust and upper mantle on the Australian continental crust. This study reports the geochemistry of stream sediments from the coastal region of the Oecusse enclave, where the Banda Terrane is best represented, employing statistical analyses to discern the sources of metal(oid)s and assessing ecological and health risks. Arsenic, Cr, and Ni are the elements with higher potential ecological risk factors. The potential ecological risk index (PERI), which combines single indexes of ecological risk factors for multiple elements, is very high in a stream sourced by the Lolotoi-Mutis Complex. Significant risks for human health were found for As (sourced by the Lolotoi-Multis Metamorphic Complex and basalts of the Barique Formation), Mn (sourced by the Maubisse and Barique formations), and V (sourced by the Manamas Formation). The highest values of hazard index (HI), however, were determined with Cr, in particular for children (HI higher than 10 in 12 sediments sourced by ultramafic units and their covering sedimentary units). This investigation shows that high geogenic concentrations of several elements, particularly those derived from the oceanic crust and the upper mantle, raise significant cancer and non-carcinogenic risks.
Mechanisms of Irrigation Water Levels on Nitrogen Transformation and Microbial Activity in Paddy Fields
Authors: Fang Yunqing , Qiu Jiangping , Li Xudong
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for rice growth; however, its inefficient use often results in nutrient loss, environmental degradation, and the emission of greenhouse gases. In this study, a rice paddy simulation was conducted under different water levels (1–4 cm), incorporating a comprehensive analysis of nitrogen dynamics, environmental factors, and microbial communities to evaluate the impact of water levels on nitrogen concentrations and microbial composition. The results indicated that the water level had a greater impact on nitrogen concentrations in surface water than in soil water. Compared to low water level conditions (1 cm), the average concentrations of ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen in surface water under 2–4 cm water levels decreased by approximately 53.8%, 36.7%, and 78.9%, respectively. Water levels also influenced the microbial composition and nitrogen cycling in paddy soil, with lower water levels promoting aerobic processes such as nitrification, while higher water levels facilitated anaerobic processes such as denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. Correspondingly, microbial composition shifted, with aerobic bacteria predominating in shallow water conditions and anaerobic bacteria flourishing under deeper water. These findings suggest that optimized water management, particularly through shallow irrigation, may mitigate nitrogen loss and improve nitrogen use efficiency. Nevertheless, additional field studies are necessary to validate these results and explore their interaction with other agricultural practices.
Mine and Water
Authors: Liu Ruiping , Xu Youning
Published: October 2024

Environmental geology is a specialized field that examines the interaction between natural geological processes and human activities, particularly in the context of mineral resource extraction [...]
The Evolution of Potable Water Security: A Temporal Analysis of Key Indices and Trends
Authors: Bhargavan Jasna , Ayikkara Kizhakkayil Kasthurba
Published: October 2024

Water security is a critical global issue that has gained increasing attention from researchers, policymakers, and practitioners over the past few decades. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of potable water security indices from the 1980s to the 2020s, focusing on the key research themes, trends, and influential factors in the field. We conducted a comprehensive search of the relevant literature and examined the development of water security indices to provide insights into the current state of research and identify future research directions. This paper will explore the historical context, key indicators, sector-specific challenges, climate change implications, governance and policy considerations, technological advancements, community engagement efforts, and future directions for research in this critical field. Researchers and policymakers will find this review valuable as it offers insights into the existing knowledge and the areas that require further exploration to address global water security challenges.
Bibliometric Analysis of Research Status, Hotspots, and Prospects of UV/PS for Environmental Pollutant Removal
Authors: Wang Hanying , Ji Zheng , Liu Ruiqian , Hu Hongfeng , Sun Wanting
Published: October 2024

There are various methods for environmental organic pollutant degradation and removal, among which ultraviolet/persulfate has drawn significant attention due to its excellent oxidizing properties, high maneuverability, and less formation of by-products. To comprehensively assess the development of ultraviolet/persulfate, a bibliometric analysis was conducted based on relevant literature indexed by Web of Science from 2002 to 2024. The findings revealed a growing number of publications, with China, Iran, and the United States being the top three countries with the highest total number of publications. Robust regional collaborations were evident. Additionally, Chinese and American scholars presented more significant activity in this field, and their publications exhibited higher quality. Furthermore, the current research hotspots, as indicated by keywords, primarily focused on the degradation mechanism of ultraviolet/persulfate and the reaction kinetic model simulation. Bibliometric results underscored that ultraviolet/persulfate, as an effective and environmentally friendly disinfection technology, possessed substantial potential for controlling diverse environmental pollutants, such as antibiotics, dyes, natural organic substances, heavy metals, microorganisms, and so on. Future research might concentrate on developing new catalytic composites and optimization of the photoactivation system. The practical application still needs to be investigated due to the complexity of the water matrix. The revival of microorganisms and the variation of toxicity should be considered further.
A National-Scale Study of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Water: Levels, Sources, and Carcinogenic Risk
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yao Xin , Zang Shuying , Wan Luhe , Sun Li
Published: October 2024

Elucidating pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and assessing the associated carcinogenic risks is crucial for improving public health. PAHs in the surface water of seven main river basins across China, compiled from 95 studies from 2004 to 2022, were used to investigate geographic variations of occurrence, source, and carcinogenic risk. Total PAH concentrations exhibited substantial geographic distributions ranging from 300 to 7552 ng·L−1. Low molecular weight PAHs predominated, showing three-ring PAHs abundant in the north, while two-ring PAHs dominated in the south due to distinctions regarding energy consumption. The northern basins exhibited higher concentrations of PAHs than the southern owing to the synergistic impacts of low temperature, increased energy consumption, and higher industrial activities. Coal combustion and industrial emissions were the primary contributors in the northern basins, accounting for 23–44% and 20–38%, respectively, which were associated with pollutants released from heavy industries and space heating during cold periods. In contrast, vehicle exhaust emissions and petroleum leakage from river transport constituted the principal sources in the relatively economically developed southern basins, accounting for 24–35% and 31–57%, respectively. A lifetime carcinogenic risk model revealed that the highest health risks existed in adults, followed by adolescents and children. Toxic concentrations of BaP and the daily intake of water directly enhanced the PAHs’ carcinogenic risks, while body weight featured negative correlations with the risks.
Estimation of Hydraulic and Water Quality Parameters Using Long Short-Term Memory in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Sadiki Nadia , Jang Dong-Woo
Published: October 2024

Predicting essential water quality parameters, such as discharge, pressure, turbidity, temperature, conductivity, residual chlorine, and pH, is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of water supply systems. This study employs long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to address the challenge of capturing temporal dependencies in these complex processes. Our approach, using a robust LSTM-based model, has demonstrated significant predictive accuracy, as evidenced by substantial R-squared values (e.g., 0.86 for discharge and 0.97 for conductivity). These models have proven particularly effective in handling non-linear patterns and time-series data, which are prevalent in water quality metrics. The results indicate the potential for LSTMs not only to enhance the real-time monitoring of water systems but also to aid in the strategic planning and management of water supply systems. This study’s findings can serve as a basis for further research into the integration of AI in environmental engineering, particularly for predictive tasks in complex, dynamic systems.
Analysis of Regional Differences and Convergence of Equalization Level of Marine Public Services in China’s Coastal Areas
Authors: Su Zixiao , Di Qianbin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: October 2024

The equalization of marine public services is an effective way to achieve harmonious coexistence of the sea. In this paper, a variable fuzzy recognition model is used to measure the equalization level of marine public services in 11 provinces and cities in China’s coastal areas from 2006 to 2019. The Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation model, and convergence model are used to study their regional differences, distribution dynamics, and convergence characteristics. The results show that the equalization level of marine public services in China’s coastal areas increased year by year from 2006 to 2019. In terms of spatial distribution, the equalization level of marine public services in coastal areas presents an unbalanced distribution pattern. The overall regional differences in the equalization level of marine public services in China’s coastal areas have narrowed, and the inter-regional differences are the main reasons for the overall differences. The absolute difference in the equalization level of marine public services in China’s coastal areas shows an expanding trend. The equalization level of marine public services in China’s coastal areas has α convergence and β convergence.