bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Continuous Aramid Fiber/PLA Composites
Authors: Kilinc Fidan Bilir , Bozaci Ebru , Kilinc Ahmet Cagri , Turkoglu Turker
Published: February 2025

In this study, an aluminum heating block with two inlets (for the Polylactic acid (PLA) filament and the continuous aramid fiber) was produced and placed onto an extruder, and continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites were fabricated by using the nozzle impregnation method. Layer height values of 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm and hatch spacing values of 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm were used for the investigation of the processing parameters on the properties of composites by differentiating the reinforcement volume fraction. Additionally, atmospheric plasma treatment was used for the surface modification of the reinforcement fiber. The properties of composites reinforced by using surface-modified fibers were also investigated in order to reveal the efficacy of the atmospheric plasma treatment on the properties of composites. The effect of the atmospheric plasma treatment on the fiber properties was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites were characterized mechanically by fiber pull-out, tensile, and flexural testing. The fracture surfaces of composites were analyzed by using SEM. The combination of a reduced layer height and a narrower hatch spacing yielded the best mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 410.25 MPa achieved at a 0.6 mm layer height and a 0.4 mm hatch spacing. This combination minimizes void formation, enhances fiber alignment, and strengthens interlayer adhesion, leading to superior mechanical properties. The FTIR and XPS results showed that atmospheric plasma modification can enhance the interfacial bonding strength by improving the surface morphology and increasing the content of polar groups on the fiber surface. By combining optimized manufacturing conditions with the atmospheric plasma treatment, the mechanical performance of continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites was enhanced.
Microwave-Assisted In-Situ Synthesis of Polyethersulfone–ZnO Nanocomposite Membranes for Dye Removal: Enhanced Antifouling, Self-Cleaning, and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Gzara Lassaad , Ounifi Ibtissem , Organji Hussam , Khlissa Faïçal , Moujdin Iqbal Ahmed , Alsaiari Abdulmohsen Omar , Abdel Salam Mohamed , Hafiane Amor
Published: February 2025

Microwave-assisted synthesis presents a promising method for enhancing the formation of nanocomposites due to its rapid heating and uniform energy distribution. In this study, we successfully fabricated polyethersulfone–zinc-oxide (PES-ZnO) nanocomposite membranes by exposing PES/ZnCl2/DMF dope solutions to microwave radiation. Before synthesizing the membranes, zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were optimized in an organic phase using microwave radiation to ensure effective nanoparticle formation. The synthesis of ZnO-NPs in DMF solvent was validated through UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). We examined the surface morphology and roughness of the PES-ZnO membranes through Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, we assessed the membranes’ hydrophilicity, permeability, and physicochemical properties through contact-angle measurements, pure water flux tests, water uptake assessments, and porosity tests. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified the successful integration of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) into the membrane matrix. The results indicate that including ZnO-NPs significantly improves the membrane’s permeability and hydrophilicity. The nanocomposite membranes exhibited high dye rejection efficiency, with ZnO-NPs facilitating photocatalytic self-cleaning properties. Antibacterial tests also demonstrated a substantial inhibition of common bacteria, suggesting enhanced resistance to biofouling. This research highlights the potential of microwave-assisted PES-ZnO nanocomposite membranes as effective and sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, offering scalable applications along with added benefits of antifouling, self-cleaning, and antibacterial properties.
Implantable Polymer Scaffolds Loaded with Paclitaxel–Cyclodextrin Complexes for Post-Breast Cancer Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Balahura (Stămat) Liliana-Roxana , Dinu Andreea Ioana , Lungu Adriana , Herman Hildegard , Balta Cornel , Hermenean Anca , Șerban Andreea Iren , Dinescu Sorina
Published: February 2025

The side effects associated with the chemotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family (NLR), pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity, are responsible for the treatment failure and high mortality rates. Therefore, advanced delivery systems have been developed to improve the transport and targeted administration of anti-tumor agents at the tumor sites using tissue engineering approaches. Implantable delivery systems based on biodegradable polymers are an effective alternative due high biocompatibility, porosity, and mechanical strength. Moreover, the use of paclitaxel (PTX)-cyclodextrin complexes increases the solubility and permeability of PTX, enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug. All of these properties contribute to the efficient encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, preventing the damage of healthy tissues. In the current study, we detailed the synthesis process and evaluation of 3D scaffolds based on gelatin functionalized with methacryloyl groups (GelMA) and pectin loaded with PTX–cyclodextrin inclusion complexes on TNBC pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Bio-physio-chemical analysis of the proposed scaffolds revealed favorable mechanical and biological properties for the cellular component. To improve the drug solubility, a host–guest interaction was performed by the complexation of PTX with a cyclodextrin derivative prior to scaffold synthesis. The presence of PTX suppressed the growth of breast tumor cells and promoted caspase-1 activity, the release of interleukin (IL)-1β, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), conditioning the expression levels of the genes and proteins associated with breast tumorigenesis and NLRP3 inflammasome. The in vivo experiments suggested the activation of pyroptosis tumor cell death, confirming the in vitro experiments. In conclusion, the bio-mechanical properties of the GelMA and pectin-based scaffolds as well as the addition of the PTX–cyclodextrin complexes allow for the targeted and efficient delivery of PTX, suppressing the viability of the breast tumor cells via pyroptosis cell death initiation.
Enhancing Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers’ Performance and Reparability Through Core–Shell Rubber Modification and Patch Repair Techniques
Authors: Semitekolos Dionisis , Terzopoulou Sofia , Charitidis Costas
Published: February 2025

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in high-performance applications, but their inherent brittleness and susceptibility to impact damage remain critical challenges. This study investigated the effect of core–shell rubber (CSR) particles as impact modifiers on the mechanical properties of CFRPs and evaluated patch repair techniques for damaged CFRP panels. Mechanical tests, including flexural, tensile, short-beam, fracture toughness, and impact tests, were conducted on reference and CSR-modified specimens to assess their structural performance. The CSR-modified samples demonstrated significant improvements in energy absorption and fracture toughness, with a 50% increase in impact strength and up to 181% improvement in absorbed energy during Mode I fracture testing. However, slight reductions in flexural and tensile strengths were observed due to the softening effect of CSR particles. Fracture surface analysis revealed distinct failure mechanisms, with Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging showing consistent fiber pull-out behavior in tensile and flexural tests, but more stable delamination propagation in CSR-modified specimens during short-beam shear tests. Patch repair effectiveness was assessed through drop-weight impact tests on damaged panels repaired with patches containing CSRs of two thicknesses. Patches of equal thickness to the damaged panel successfully restored structural integrity and enhanced energy absorption by 37% compared with the reference samples, while thinner patches (as a suggestion to reduce production costs) failed to withstand impact loads effectively. Non-destructive testing (NDT) via ultrasonic C-scans confirmed reduced delamination and damage depth in CSR-modified repaired panels, validating the toughening effect of CSR particles. These findings demonstrate the potential of CSR-modified resins to improve CFRPs’ performance and provide effective repair solutions for extending the service life of damaged composite structures, rendering them especially suitable for applications demanding high damage tolerance and durability, including aerospace structures, automotive body panels, and energy-absorbing crash components.
Study on Acoustic–Vibration Characteristics and Noise Reduction Methods for Elbows
Authors: Zhang Shi-Wan , Wang Fei , Li Cong , Zhu Si-Min , Lan Hui-Qing
Published: February 2025

Fluid pipelines with large flow changes often result in noise due to multi-physical interactions (fluid–structure and acoustic–vibration interactions) between the pulsating fluid and the pipe wall, especially at the elbows. Therefore, the acoustic–vibration characteristics and noise reduction methods of elbows are studied in this paper. Firstly, a two-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model is established to analyze the vibration characteristics of the elbow under water excitation. Maximum stress occurs at the elbow inlet, with maximum deformation in the elbow. Experimental validation confirms the model’s accuracy. Secondly, the effects of water and structural parameters on elbow vibration are studied, revealing that increased water pressure, pulsating frequency, and flow rate intensify pipe vibration. Finally, an acoustic–vibration coupled model is built; the simulations suggest that increasing wall thickness and elbow radius and reducing elbow angle effectively reduce the noise level of the elbow. Using elastic supports and damping materials can reduce elbow noise by at least 26.3%. This study provides guidance for the noise reduction and structural optimization of elbows by coupled multi-physics.
A Review of Machine Learning in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ahmed Darya Rasul , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F.
Published: February 2025

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are a promising renewable energy technology due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent efficiency and low stability limit their widespread application. Addressing these issues requires extensive experimentation to optimize device performance, a process hindered by the complexity of OSC molecular structures and device architectures. Machine learning (ML) offers a solution by accelerating material discovery and optimizing performance through the analysis of large datasets and prediction of outcomes. This review explores the application of ML in advancing OSC technologies, focusing on predicting critical parameters such as power conversion efficiency (PCE), energy levels, and absorption spectra. It emphasizes the importance of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning techniques in analyzing molecular descriptors, processing data, and streamlining experimental workflows. Concludingly, integrating ML with quantum chemical simulations, alongside high-quality datasets and effective feature engineering, enables accurate predictions that expedite the discovery of efficient and stable OSC materials. By synthesizing advancements in ML-driven OSC research, the gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation can be bridged. ML can viably accelerate the transition of OSCs from laboratory research to commercial adoption, contributing to the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Tricosanthes cucumerina Leaves: Microencapsulation and Characterization
Authors: Vendramini Carlos Felipe , de Campos Talita A. F. , da Silva Natallya M. , Matiucci Marcos Antonio , Alves Eloize S. , dos Santos Patrícia D. S. , Barão Carlos Eduardo , de Oliveira Oscar , Cardozo-Filho Lucio , Feihrmann Andresa Carla
Published: February 2025

This study utilized the ultrasound-assisted extraction method to obtain an extract rich in phenolic compounds from the leaves of Tricosanthes cucumerina. The optimization of the experimental design identified the optimal extraction conditions: a temperature of 40 °C, a duration of 6.25 min, and an amplitude of 40%. Under these conditions, the extraction yielded the highest levels of phenolic compounds, measuring 262.54 mg of GAE (gallic acid equivalent) per gram. Further analysis of these extracts using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) demonstrated that ultrasound extraction increased the availability of bioactive compounds, such as p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. The resulting extract was microencapsulated with sodium alginate as the wall material and then lyophilized to enhance the shelf life and stability of the phenolic compounds. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that the microcapsules exhibited thermal stability, retaining their properties at temperatures up to 250 °C. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses corroborated the effectiveness of the encapsulation process. Consequently, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of T. cucumerina leaves is a promising alternative for incorporating bioactive compounds into food products, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, thus benefiting consumers.
Who Do You Say That I Am? (Matt 16:15; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20): Christology in the Synoptic Gospels
Authors: Meldrum Brian
Published: February 2025

This article investigates Jesus’s identity in the Synoptic Gospels by examining the Gospels’ literary features. I take a narrative approach to determine how the evangelists, in unique and shared ways, reveal to their audiences who Jesus is. Certain literary features in the evangelists’ texts provide an answer to Jesus’s question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt 16:15; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20). For Mark, Jesus is “Christ” and “Son of God” (Mark 1:1); as the plot unfolds, these terms become guideposts suggesting that characters in the Gospel (and by extension the audience, too) come to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. For Matthew, the good news of Jesus commences with the relationship between Jesus and Israel’s past through figures like David and Abraham. By observing how Matthew characterizes Jesus in the Gospel, the audience learns that Jesus stands in continuity with Israel. Finally, Luke starts his account with a focus not on figures from Israel’s history, but rather on its institutions, like the temple and the priesthood (see Luke 1:5, 9). Luke’s audience learns who Jesus is by paying attention to Luke’s use of settings and themes. Thus, the particular literary artistry of each synoptic evangelist provides a way for a contemporary audience to know Jesus.
Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: A Case Report Regarding the Importance of Fast Interdisciplinary Management
Authors: Lișcu Horia-Dan , Ionescu Andreea-Iuliana , Mologani Iman , Verga Nicolae
Published: February 2025

Background and clinical significance: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare stromal neoplasms originating in the connective tissue of the breast, distinct from carcinomas that arise from the ducts or lobules. These tumors exhibit a broad spectrum of morphologic features and are traditionally classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. Case presentation: We present the case of a 71-year-old female diagnosed with a malignant PT and treated at our hospital. The patient noticed a gradually enlarging lump in her right breast over several months. Mammography was inconclusive, but an ultrasound later revealed a lobulated, firm mass, classified as BIRADS 5. Physical examination identified a 20 cm mass, and core needle biopsy suggested a borderline PT. Following lumpectomy, pathology confirmed a malignant tumor with narrow surgical margins (0.1 cm). Although mastectomy was recommended to achieve wider margins, the patient opted for adjuvant radiotherapy. She received 50 Gy in 25 fractions to the whole breast, followed by a 16 Gy boost to the tumor bed in 8 fractions. The treatment was well tolerated and completed successfully. Initially, the patient’s therapeutic management was delayed due to a combination of personal and organizational factors. However, the process was later streamlined through the use of a novel digital tool developed to facilitate the entire patient journey within our hospital system. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic complexities of PTs, the critical need for effective collaboration between specialties, and the importance of timely treatment planning for optimal patient outcomes.
Experimental Validation of Passive Monopedal Hopping Mechanism
Authors: Nagase Jun-ya , Kawase Takuya , Ueno Syunya
Published: February 2025

Passive dynamic locomotion, which relies solely on the interaction between the body and the environment, is being explored as an energy-efficient method of movement. The authors’ laboratory investigates passive hopping mechanisms that do not require actuators or sensors. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that an asymptotically stable limit cycle exists in the leg dynamics of a passive hopping model with constrained torso posture. In this study, a monopedal passive hopping robot with constrained torso posture was constructed to validate the existence of the limit cycle. The leg dynamics were evaluated by comparing the trajectories of the model and robot. The results revealed that the leg dynamics of the simulation model represent those of the physical robot. Furthermore, robustness to step disturbances confirmed the validity of leg dynamics.
A Systematic Review of Urban Flood Susceptibility Mapping: Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Other Modeling Approaches
Authors: Islam Tania , Zeleke Ethiopia B. , Afroz Mahmud , Melesse Assefa M.
Published: February 2025

Climate change has led to an increase in global temperature and frequent intense precipitation, resulting in a rise in severe and intense urban flooding worldwide. This growing threat is exacerbated by rapid urbanization, impervious surface expansion, and overwhelmed drainage systems, particularly in urban regions. As urban flooding becomes more catastrophic and causes significant environmental and property damage, there is an urgent need to understand and address urban flood susceptibility to mitigate future damage. This review aims to evaluate remote sensing datasets and key parameters influencing urban flood susceptibility and provide a comprehensive overview of the flood causative factors utilized in urban flood susceptibility mapping. This review also highlights the evolution of traditional, data-driven, big data, GISs (geographic information systems), and machine learning approaches and discusses the advantages and limitations of different urban flood mapping approaches. By evaluating the challenges associated with current flood mapping practices, this paper offers insights into future directions for improving urban flood management strategies. Understanding urban flood mapping approaches and identifying a foundation for developing more effective and resilient urban flood management practices will be beneficial for mitigating future urban flood damage.
Integrated Water Resources Management for Implementing Sustainable Energy Development—Challenges and Perspectives in Poland
Authors: Bryła Monika , Zdralewicz Iwona , Lejcuś Iwona , Kraj Katarzyna , Dumieński Grzegorz , Tokarczyk Tamara , Walczykiewicz Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Climate change causes a problem for the energy system in Poland, which is based on the availability of water resources throughout the year. In situations of water scarcity resulting from increased demand or due to water deficits caused by the phenomenon of drought, it is necessary to develop efficient management methods that take into account the needs of all stakeholders and obtaining approval for new investments. The principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) enable this efficiency to be achieved. The research used 51 questions in 3 surveys to assess the potential for IWRM implementation in 3 catchments located in an area of southern and south-western Poland with different topography, regional and socio-economic characteristics, i.e., the Białka (tourism domination), the Nysa Kłodzka (potential for hydropower) and the Widawa (lowland character). In order to interpret the results, the author’s method of grouping survey questions from different sources was applied. The results of the study showed that there is considerable social potential and willingness to develop cooperation between different stakeholder groups but there are barriers related to the state of knowledge and its transfer between stakeholders. It is important not to ignore the stakeholders whose resistance can effectively delay investment processes.
Minimizing Rebar Consumption: A Decarbonization Strategy for the Civil and Construction Industry
Authors: Widjaja Daniel Darma , Rachmawati Titi Sari Nurul , Kim Sunkuk
Published: February 2025

The growing demand for reinforced concrete (RC) structures, driven by population growth, significantly contributes to carbon emissions, particularly during the construction phase. Steel rebar production, a major contributor to these emissions, faces challenges due to high material consumption and waste, often stemming from market-length rebar and conventional lap splices, impeding decarbonization efforts. This study introduces a comprehensive strategy to minimize rebar consumption and waste, advancing decarbonization in the civil and construction industry. The strategy integrates a special-length-priority minimization algorithm with lap splice position adjustments or couplers to reduce rebar consumption, waste, and carbon emissions. A case study evaluates distinct scenarios regarding rebar consumption. The study demonstrates that conventional rebar practices, such as market-length rebar and lap splices, lead to excessive consumption and waste, impeding decarbonization. Couplers significantly reduce rebar requirements, though cutting waste remains when combined with market-length rebar. Special-length-priority optimization with lap splice adjustments demonstrates greater efficiency in reducing consumption while minimizing cutting waste, proving effectiveness. The combination of special-length-priority optimization and couplers achieves the greatest reductions in rebar consumption, waste, and carbon emissions, making it the most efficient strategy for future construction projects. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing rebar consumption in advancing decarbonization and promoting sustainable practices in the civil and construction industry.
Establishment and Application of Modern Ecological Governance Systems from the Perspective of Digital Empowerment
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Kun
Published: February 2025

The ecological governance system has made significant progress in information technology construction, and digitization has become an important driving force in the construction of this system. This article delves into the digital construction path of ecosystem governance and elaborates on the practical application effectiveness of digitalization in the ecological governance system through two specific cases: intelligent water management and air pollution warning digital models. Furthermore, we adopt the TOE (Technology–Organization–Environment) model to integrate a collaborative theory with the concept of multi-center governance and innovatively propose a new model for nearshore ecological environment protection management. On this basis, we constructed an evaluation index system and established a theoretical model of the impact of environmental regulations on nearshore ecological efficiency. After empirical analysis, we found that the impact of environmental regulations on ecological efficiency in coastal areas presents a curvilinear characteristic. In the modern ecological governance system, organizational factors and technological factors are the two modules that have the greatest impact on system construction, accounting for 49% and 31% of the weight of the indicator system, respectively, followed by technological advantages and the urgency and feasibility of construction. Gender factors indicate that technology and organization are necessary factors that constrain institutional development.
Impact of Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security on the Sustainable Development of Smart Cities: Insights from Internal Specialists and External Information Security Auditors
Authors: Leroy Iryna , Zolotaryova Iryna , Semenov Serhii
Published: February 2025

This study aims to describe and assess the impact of critical infrastructure (CI) cybersecurity issues on the sustainable development of smart cities. This study highlights the integration of PayTech systems into the broader CI landscape, highlighting their impact on maintaining economic stability and ensuring the smooth operation of city services. Key companies within smart regions, particularly those operating in the payment industries, are essential to maintaining the functionality of critical services. These companies facilitate the processing of services provided to citizens, enabling access to vital municipal services. As key players in the PayTech and online e-commerce sectors, they form a crucial part of modern critical infrastructure, operating within an ever-evolving digital environment. This study examines the recovery processes employed after cyberattacks, focusing on the differing perspectives of internal and external professionals. It identifies significant differences in the perceptions of recovery strategies among internal stakeholders, such as investor relations (IR) teams, reputation management (RM) experts, and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), who represent critical infrastructure companies. Additionally, it explores the roles of external auditors, who provide impartial emergency support and perform specialized recovery tasks. Importantly, this study underscores the current attitudes toward future information security strategies and their influence on the financial recovery and reputation of reliable companies following cyber incidents. This research contributes to the existing knowledge by shedding light on the perspectives of both a company’s internal and external specialists involved in the recovery process and cyber resilience strategies in critical infrastructure sectors.
Visitor Attitudes on Motivational Dimensions in Consuming Local Foods in an Emerging Tourist Destination: The Case of Cali, Colombia
Authors: Castillo-Palacio Marysol , Harrill Rich , Zuñiga-Collazos Alexander , Aguilar-Collazos Paola A.
Published: February 2025

Scientific and practical interest in public and private spheres about motivations in the consumption of local gastronomy is growing globally. In this sense, this research focuses its analysis on the relationship between gastronomic attitude and the motivational dimensions for consuming local foods, based on the gastronomic experience of visitors to the city of Cali, Colombia, an emerging gastronomic tourist destination. This study used a quantitative method; a semi-structured survey was carried out with 362 tourists who visited Cali, Colombia, a gastronomic city in the Délice Global Network. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM Software Version 4.0 via the partial least squares technique (PLS-SEM). The findings show that a visitor’s gastronomic attitude is a predictor of their motivation to consume local food. Furthermore, among the indicators that explain the gastronomic attitude, the influence of the city’s gastronomy on the visit stands out as the most predominant factor in the visitor’s attitude toward gastronomic tourism. Other theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
The Interplay Between Green Finance, Policy Uncertainty and Carbon Market Volatility: A Time Frequency Approach
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Ahmar , Chang Bisharat Hussain , Aldawsari Salem Hamad , Li Ruoyu
Published: February 2025

Climate change and the transition to sustainable development have heightened the global focus on carbon markets and green finance as critical tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the factors driving carbon market volatility has become increasingly important as countries strive to meet climate goals. In this connection, our study investigates the interplay between green finance and carbon market volatility in China. For this purpose, we use monthly data from January 2015 to April 2023. The findings reveal that policy uncertainty significantly influences carbon market volatility, with a positive short-term relationship indicating that heightened policy uncertainty drives carbon market volatility upward due to increased market volatility. Conversely, issuing green finance-related certificates dampens carbon market volatility, suggesting that enhanced green finance reduces the demand for carbon allowances. This study underscores the critical role of stable economic policies and robust green finance initiatives in mitigating carbon market volatility, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster resilient and sustainable carbon markets.
How Climate Risk Affects Enterprise Liquidity: Configuration Effects Based on NCA and fsQCA
Authors: Shi Yong , Liu Junjie
Published: February 2025

Climate risk, within the context of environmental sustainability, is profoundly affecting global development trends. As critical organizations, enterprises play an irreplaceable role in various stages of economic development, with liquidity being a vital capability for their survival, growth, and sustained value creation. This paper innovatively constructs a framework of climate risk, encompassing three levels: macro background, industry environment, and corporate operation. Focusing on publicly listed companies in China’s eight high energy-consuming industries, this paper employs fsQCA and NCA methods to investigate the factors influencing enterprise liquidity in the context of climate risk. Finally, the study finds and concludes with three main patterns: macro-oriented, industry-adaptive, and management-optimized. These findings suggest related policy recommendations and key strategies to enhance economic resilience by adjusting climate policy uncertainty, controlling technical personnel proportion, and improving financial management.
Accessible Non-Invasive Techniques for Museums: Extending Sustainability to Resource-Limited Institutions
Authors: Herrera Cano Anahí N. , Tomasini Clara A. , Córdova Milagros , García Ana Laura , Bernasconi Melina , Iglesias Lucila , Siracusano Gabriela , Tomasini Eugenia
Published: February 2025

This work provides a synthesis of an initial experience in the development of accessible imaging techniques and their implementation on a real case: the analysis of colonial Hispano-American paintings at the Complejo Museográfico Provincial “Enrique Udaondo” (Luján, Buenos Aires). It discusses different aspects related to the possibilities of obtaining, using, and reusing equipment and materials locally, as well as details of the ways of acquiring images for photography on site. It also provides information about the composition and conservation state of selected artworks, complementing image analysis with portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data, and reflects on articulated/collaborative work in situ as a methodology for transferring knowledge and skills. The project aims to contribute to strengthening Latin American sustainability by creating accessible non-invasive tools for heritage conservation institutions, highlighting the value of regional capacities to approach heritage studies from collaborative and ethical proposals that promote sovereignty and reduce dependence on external inputs.
Factors Influencing the Productivity of Direct Energy Inputs in EU Agriculture
Authors: Wicki Ludwik , Dudek Hanna , Parzonko Andrzej , Kusz Dariusz , Naglis-Liepa Kaspars
Published: February 2025

Agriculture is a major energy consumer and a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. As the world’s population grows, increasing food production while reducing energy use presents a critical challenge. This study examined the trends in direct energy input productivity in agriculture across European Union (EU) countries from 2010 to 2021, focusing on the impact of structural factors, including production scale, mechanization, intensity, and output composition. The results showed a gradual decline in energy productivity, averaging a 1.04% annual decrease, reaching EUR 344,000 per terajoule (TJ) in 2021. Higher mechanization and production intensity improved energy productivity, while larger production scales and a greater share of animal farming had negative effects. Given the current trends of production expansion and extensification, further progress in energy productivity in agriculture appears limited. Policy measures should prioritize optimizing animal production’s share and adopting a sustainable use of renewable energy to lower the dependency on non-renewable fossil fuel sources. Future strategies must balance high agricultural output with sustainable energy consumption per food unit.
Can Enterprise Digitalization Promote Green Technological Innovation? Evidence from China’s Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Zang Jinxiang , Teruki Neilson , Ong Sharon Yong Yee , Wang Yan
Published: February 2025

China’s manufacturing industry is characterized by high energy consumption and high pollution, which urgently requires resolution through green technological innovation. This study focuses on China’s A-share listed manufacturing enterprises to explore their development path for green technological innovation. The study primarily employs statistical regression analysis to uncover the causal link between digitalization and green technology innovation. The study’s conclusion indicates that the digitalization of manufacturing enterprises has significantly promoted green technological innovation. This conclusion remains robust after a series of tests, including alternative variable measurements, instrumental variable (IV) estimation, and counterfactual analysis. Mechanism analysis reveals that digitalization can enhance green technological innovation by improving human capital and innovating business models. The results of the heterogeneity analysis show that the effect of digitalization on promoting green technological innovation is more pronounced in enterprises with higher green awareness among senior executives, high green credit, non-heavy pollution industries, a higher level of existing green technological innovation, and larger enterprise scale. The government should increase support for the digital transformation of enterprises and promote green technological innovation by enhancing the green awareness of enterprise senior executives, optimizing green credit policies, formulating transformation policies for heavily polluting enterprises, implementing differentiated policies based on enterprise scale, and promoting digital transformation.
Toward Enhanced Seed Potato Yield: Ultrasonication Techniques for Sustainable Agricultural Development
Authors: Pszczółkowski Piotr , Barbaś Piotr , Sawicka Barbara
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to explore the potential of ultrasonication techniques in seed potato production as a sustainable agricultural innovation. By improving seed potato efficiency and promoting resource optimization, this research aligns with the goals of sustainable agricultural and rural development, addressing challenges such as food security, environmental preservation, and economic viability in rural farming communities. The study was conducted over three years in the central–eastern region of Poland, utilizing a randomized block design with a split-split-plot approach. The main experimental factor was the cultivation technology, which included (a) an innovative ultrasonic pre-sowing treatment method and (b) a traditional cultivation method without such treatment. The secondary factor was the potato varieties. The ultrasonic treatment of tubers was performed using an ultrasonic tub-type device equipped with piezoelectric transducers. Cultivation technology, potato varieties, and weather conditions had a significant impact on the yield of tubers in the seed potato fraction size, the number of tubers in this fraction, and the multiplication coefficient. Additionally, the genetic characteristics of the studied varieties and random environmental factors significantly influenced the weight of a single seed potato tuber and the number of shoots produced by each plant.
Medical Tourism in Malaysia: Community Perspectives on Quality of Life and Healthcare Accessibility
Authors: Islam Faruqul , Sarwar Abdullah , Khan Nasreen
Published: February 2025

This study explores the intricate relationship between the growth of medical tourism in Malaysia and its impacts on the local community, particularly focusing on residents’ quality of life. Malaysia’s status as a competitive destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare services has led to significant economic growth, including increased healthcare revenue, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. However, the influx of foreign patients has raised concerns regarding healthcare accessibility for locals and the strain on local resources. Data from 361 respondents were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that medical tourism positively affects economic performance, with a significant path coefficient (β = 0.434, p < 0.01), showing a strong correlation between economic benefits and perceived improvement from medical tourism development. Similarly, personal benefits from the industry have a positive influence on quality of life (β = 0.202, p < 0.05). However, this study also reveals that attitudes towards medical tourism do not significantly impact residents’ perceptions of quality of life (β = 0.057, p > 0.05), highlighting social disparities in how different groups experience the effects of this industry. The findings suggest that while medical tourism offers economic advantages, challenges such as reduced healthcare access for locals and the growing commercialization of healthcare must be addressed. This study concludes with recommendations for sustainable policy interventions to balance the economic growth of medical tourism with the well-being of local communities.
Measuring Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Transmission Parameters Through Traditionally Constructed Buildings
Authors: Rupčić Slavko , Mandrić Vanja , Kraus Ivan , Kovačić Đurđica
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the potential for shielding against electromagnetic (EM) radiation in traditional buildings. The primary objective is to evaluate how effectively these buildings can reduce the intensity of the electric field from external sources, while also identifying the factors that influence this reduction, such as geometry, structure, and the characteristics of EM waves. Measurements were conducted on the transmission parameter S21, which indicates how EM waves propagate through the walls of residential buildings constructed using traditional methods. The buildings analyzed were made from wood, rammed earth, raw bricks blended with straw (known in Croatian as ćerpič), and baked bricks, which served as the reference material. During the measurements, conditions such as the thickness, humidity, and temperature of both the walls and the surrounding environment were carefully controlled. The buildings represented traditional construction styles typical of Croatia and most of Central and Eastern Europe. The results indicate that structures made from rammed earth and raw bricks with added straw significantly decrease the transmission of EM wave energy compared to those made from wood and baked bricks. It is important to note that the walls of wood buildings were considerably thinner than those made from the other materials tested. Additionally, both the moisture content and thickness of the walls contributed significantly to reducing transmission parameters. These findings support the use of these traditional materials for constructing environmentally friendly buildings, while also suggesting the need for further architectural design and testing. Since this research does not cover all types of traditionally constructed buildings—such as stone houses, wicker structures, and dugouts—future studies will aim to expand this investigation to include a broader variety of traditional building styles.
Lung and Colon Cancer Classification Using Multiscale Deep Features Integration of Compact Convolutional Neural Networks and Feature Selection
Authors: Attallah Omneya
Published: February 2025

The automated and precise classification of lung and colon cancer from histopathological photos continues to pose a significant challenge in medical diagnosis, as current computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems are frequently constrained by their dependence on singular deep learning architectures, elevated computational complexity, and their ineffectiveness in utilising multiscale features. To this end, the present research introduces a CAD system that integrates several lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with dual-layer feature extraction and feature selection to overcome the aforementioned constraints. Initially, it extracts deep attributes from two separate layers (pooling and fully connected) of three pre-trained CNNs (MobileNet, ResNet-18, and EfficientNetB0). Second, the system uses the benefits of canonical correlation analysis for dimensionality reduction in pooling layer attributes to reduce complexity. In addition, it integrates the dual-layer features to encapsulate both high- and low-level representations. Finally, to benefit from multiple deep network architectures while reducing classification complexity, the proposed CAD merges dual deep layer variables of the three CNNs and then applies the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-Squared for the selection of the most discriminative features from the integrated CNN architectures. The CAD is assessed on the LC25000 dataset leveraging eight distinct classifiers, encompassing various Support Vector Machine (SVM) variants, Decision Trees, Linear Discriminant Analysis, and k-nearest neighbours. The experimental results exhibited outstanding performance, attaining 99.8% classification accuracy with cubic SVM classifiers employing merely 50 ANOVA-selected features, exceeding the performance of individual CNNs while markedly diminishing computational complexity. The framework’s capacity to sustain exceptional accuracy with a limited feature set renders it especially advantageous for clinical applications where diagnostic precision and efficiency are critical. These findings confirm the efficacy of the multi-CNN, multi-layer methodology in enhancing cancer classification precision while mitigating the computational constraints of current systems.
Solid-State Kinetic Modeling and Experimental Validation of Cu-Fe Bimetallic Catalyst Synthesis and Its Application to Furfural Hydrogenation
Authors: Lino Galarza Bárbara Jazmín , Rivera De la Rosa Javier , Sánchez Cervantes Eduardo Maximino , Lucio-Ortiz Carlos J. , Garza-Navarro Marco Antonio , Maldonado Carolina Solís , Moreno-Tost Ramón , Cecilia-Buenestado Juan Antonio , Infantes Molina Antonia
Published: February 2025

In this work, combined experimental and modeling techniques were used to understand the bimetallic catalyst formation of Cu and Fe. The first part of this study aims to address this gap by employing analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal and gravimetric (TGA), thermoprogrammed oxidation and reduction. These were used to track the evolution of the different crystalline phases formed for CuFe-Bulk and CuFe/Al2O3 catalysts, as well as hydrogen thermoprogrammed reduction (H2-TPR), to evaluate the reducibility of the oxide phases. Both bulk and supported catalysts were also studied in the hydrogenation of furfural at 170 °C, and 4 MPa of H2. The research provides insights into the thermal events and structural transformations that occur during oxidation and reduction processes, revealing the formation of multiple oxide and metallic phases. The proposed reaction mechanism obtained from XRD analysis and TG-based mathematical modeling provides valuable information about the chemical reaction and the diffusion control mechanisms. Furthermore, a catalytic test using furfural, a biomass-derived molecule, was conducted. This interconnects with the initial section of the study, in which we found that active Cu4Fe sites have superior performance in the CuFe/Al2O3 catalyst in the hydrogenation batch test.
A Review of Academic and Patent Progress on Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies for Enhanced Environmental Solutions
Authors: Govindarajan Usharani Hareesh , Zhang Chuyi , Raut Rakesh D. , Narang Gagan , Galdelli Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Environmental pollution is a pressing global issue, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers transformative potential for its management through its application in advanced real-time monitoring and analytics. However, the heterogeneous and fragmented nature of IoT technologies poses challenges to seamless integration, limiting the efficacy of these solutions in addressing environmental impacts. This paper addresses these challenges by reviewing recent developments in IoT technologies, encompassing sensor networks, computing frameworks, and application layers for enhanced pollution management. A comprehensive analysis of 74,604 academic publications and 35,000 patent documents spanning from 2008 to 2024 is conducted using a textual analysis that combines quantitative bibliometric methods along with a qualitative analysis based on both scholarly research and patent innovations. This approach allows us to identify key challenges in IoT implementation for environmental monitoring—including integration, interoperability, and scalability issues—and to highlight corresponding architectural solutions. Our findings reveal emerging technology trends that aim to overcome a few of these challenges, and we present a scalable IoT architecture as key discussions that enhances system interoperability and efficiency for pollution monitoring. This framework provides targeted solutions for specific tasks in pollution monitoring while guiding decision-makers to adopt solutions effectively.