bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Sustainability Reporting Requirements—Digitalisation Path
Authors: Novicka Jekaterina , Volkova Tatjana
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we identify the synergic link between the organisational elements sustainability and digitalisation by implementing digital sustainability reporting (DSR) in the context of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Founded on bibliometric analyses and a literature-based scientific discussion, this conceptual paper provides modern definitions of sustainability, digitalisation, and digitainability. Additionally, based on analyses of the CSRD regulatory framework, a definition of DSR is suggested. Our findings align with those of other scholars who highlight the crucial role of digitainability in successfully executing organisational changes. Furthermore, the CSRD’s role in providing a digital framework for sustainability reporting (SR) and shaping organisational digitainability is outlined. This study uncovers a novel collection of emerging digitainability concepts compliant with the DSR requirements under which organisations can pursue organisational transformation. This paper also provides DSR-related recommendations to top management for adopting organisational systems to comply with CSRD reporting requirements.
Dewatering of Sludge Through Vibratory Sieving
Authors: Farcas-Flamaropol Dana-Claudia , Iatan Radu , Cardei Petru , Durbaca Ion , Surdu Elena , Sporea Nicoleta
Published: December 2024

The article describes the results obtained by the authors in sludge dewatering through new processes and evaluating their performance. The research is part of sustainable development by valorizing the sludge and agricultural waste in composite materials with applicability in the constructions from rural areas. The main method of sludge dewatering tested in this research is vibratory sieving dewatering. The experimental research examined three variable parameters: initial sludge moisture, sieve angle, and the engine speed causing sieve vibration. A three-factorial experiment was performed with four values for each of the three parameters considered, and the results were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Absolute and relative dewatering depend the most on the initial sludge moisture and sieve tilt angle. In conclusion, it was found that dewatering by vibrating sieving can achieve an almost double range of values for absolute performance, compared to pressing dewatering. However, the efficiency of dewatering by pressing is superior to dewatering by vibratory sieving. As a matter of absolute values, the two dewatering processes that were studied and described in this article perform below the values achieved by the classical processes: natural, thermal, and mechanical.
Microplastics Can Alter Plant Parameters Without Affecting the Soil Enzymatic Activity in White Lupine
Authors: Sobarzo-Palma Carla , López-Belchí María Dolores , Noriega Felipe Andrés , Zornoza Raúl , Tortella Gonzalo , Schoebitz Mauricio
Published: December 2024

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils raises concerns regarding their impact on crop health and productivity, particularly in legumes, which are known to have soil-enhancing properties. This study investigated the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) MPs on white lupine (Lupinus albus L.). Plants were cultivated for 110 days in glass pots containing 700 g of volcanic soil mixed with 2% w/w MPs, with four treatments (control, LDPE, PP, and PA) and five replicates each. The results indicated that PP increased soil ammonium and available nitrogen by 71% and 60%, respectively, compared to the control. LDPE increased root length by 3% and decreased chlorophyll content by 2.7%, whereas PA increased chlorophyll levels by 3.5%. Oxidative stress markers were significantly elevated in the LDPE and PA treatments, with 12% and 5.4% increases, respectively, compared with the control. However, no significant differences were observed in enzyme activity or basal soil respiration. These findings contribute to the understanding of how short-term exposure to MPs affects agricultural soils and emphasize the necessity for long-term studies to elucidate their potential effects.
Probabilistic Embodied Carbon Assessments for Alkali-Activated Concrete Materials
Authors: Almonayea Nouf , Garcia-Troncoso Natividad , Xu Bowen , Bompa Dan V.
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the environmental impact of alkali-activated concrete materials (AACMs) as alternatives to conventional concrete. The influence of binder and activator content and type, along with other mix parameters, is analysed using a probabilistic embodied carbon assessment on a large dataset that includes 580 mixes. Using a cradle-to-gate approach with region-specific life-cycle inventory data, emissions are analysed against binder intensity, activator-to-binder and water-to-binder ratios, and fresh/mechanical properties. A multicriteria assessment quantifies the best-performing mix in terms of embodied carbon, compressive strength, and slump. AACM environmental impact is compared to conventional concrete through existing classification schemes and literature. AACM emissions vary between 41 and 261 kgCO2eq/m3, with activators contributing the most (3–198 kgCO2eq/m3). Uncertainty in transport-related emissions could shift these values by ±38%. AACMs can achieve up to four-fold less emissions for high-strength materials compared to conventional concrete, although this benefit decreases with lower mechanical properties. AACM environmental sustainability depends on activator characteristics, curing, mix design, and transportation.
A Comprehensive Review of Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment for Buildings: Exploring Key Processes and Methodologies
Authors: Salati Maryam , Costa António Aguiar , Silvestre José Dinis
Published: December 2024

Climate change presents a worldwide challenge, with buildings significantly contributing to carbon emissions throughout their life cycles. Numerous assessments have been conducted to measure buildings’ global warming potential (GWP). However, the significance of the environmental impacts at different times is affected by varying external conditions, and their magnitude also changes over time, a factor often overlooked in conventional LCA studies. Dynamic LCA, emerging in the past decade, incorporates temporal variations in parameters (e.g., energy mix) and processes (e.g., technological advancement) that influence the results and interpretation of the assessed systems. Influential factors, functional pathways, and assessment outcomes vary across locations, underscoring the need for a comprehensive dynamic LCA framework encompassing diverse, dynamic properties. This review paper aims to pinpoint common dynamic parameters, processes, and methodologies used in building modelling to enhance understanding of the latest trends in predicting associated dynamics of LCA. From the Google Scholar database, this study collected 50 papers. The results were categorised into eight typical dynamic processes and eight common approaches for predicting the dynamic evolution of LCA. Finally, we discuss the limitations and formulate some recommendations in this scope.
Executive Accountability Pressure and Green Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Li , Deng Xiankun
Published: December 2024

This study explores the influence of the accountability system on corporate green innovation. Using data on Chinese A-share-listed companies from 2013 to 2022, we found that the accountability system significantly promotes green innovations in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Furthermore, the promoting effect is stronger in central SOEs as opposed to local SOEs. A mechanism analysis suggested that its positive effect may stem from improving corporate internal controls, curbing managerial myopia, and providing sufficient resources. In addition, heterogeneity tests suggested that the promoting effect of the accountability system on green innovation is more pronounced when the CEO is close to retirement or subject to high accountability pressure, in heavily polluting firms, and in regions with intense environmental regulations. Further analyses suggested that the accountability system also improves green innovation quality, persistence, and environmental performance. Our findings indicate that the accountability system has unexpected real effects on promoting corporate green innovation and sustainable development.
Promoting Industrial Symbiosis: Does the Synergistic Drive of Innovation and Domestic Demand Work? Evidence from Listed Enterprises in China
Authors: Qiu Wei , Zhang Yunfei , Kong Lingzhang
Published: December 2024

Driving the coexistence of manufacturing and producer services by enhancing the synergistic effect of innovation and domestic demand has important practical significance for China in building a new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay and dual circulation as a complement. Based on the time-series input–output tables and using data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022, this paper selects manufacturing and producer services as research objects to empirically test the driving role of innovation, domestic demand, and their synergy in the co-development of these two industries. The results indicate that innovation, domestic demand, and their synergy positively drive the coexistence and development of the two industries. After addressing endogeneity issues and conducting multiple robustness checks, the results remain robust. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the synergistic effect of innovation and domestic demand on the coexistence of manufacturing and producer services is more pronounced in emerging enterprises, high-tech enterprises, small-sized enterprises, highly competitive enterprises, and enterprises with a high labor income share. This study provides reliable empirical evidence for the coordinated development of enterprise innovation and domestic demand, as well as its economic consequences. They have practical significance for China in forming an industrial symbiosis model, promoting the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and breaking the low-end lock-in in the value chain.
Towards a More Sustainable Water Treatment: Design of a Hydrodynamic Test Rig and Testing of a Novel Microplastic Filter Using Biomimetics
Authors: Blanco-Gómez Pablo , Fernández-Martínez Luis , Martínez-Pedro María V. , Machancoses-Folch Claudio , Durá-Pastor Víctor , Montoya Tatiana , Baeza-Serrano Ángela , Fajardo Vicente , García-March José Rafael , Tena-Medialdea José , Tena-Gascó Víctor , Vicente-Morell Bernardo , Martínez Ceniceros Mario , Ruiz-Tormo Benjamín
Published: December 2024

Microplastics are plastic particles ranging in size from 1 μm to 5 mm, emitted at the source or resulting from the degradation of larger objects. Today, their global distribution is one of the major environmental problems recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, polluting aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems and requiring avant-garde solutions. Solid–liquid filtration is widely used in both industrial and biological systems, where some aquatic species are examined using very specialized filter-feeding apparatus, and when applied to industrial processes, microparticles can be separated from the water while minimizing maintenance costs, as they require less backwashing or additional energy consumption. The REMOURE project uses the Mediterranean species Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) as a reference for the testing and optimization of low-cost microplastic filters applied to wastewater. For this purpose, a hydrodynamic test rig was designed and constructed by considering the hydraulic feeding conditions of the marine species, with a scale factor of 6. This paper presents the design conditions and the evaluation of the test results for the combination of three different variables: (1) flap disposition (two different models were considered); (2) inclination with respect to the flow direction; and (3) flow velocity. The models were printed in polyamide and videos were recorded to evaluate the behaviour of dye injection through the lobes. The videos were processed, and the results were statistically treated and used to calibrate a CFD model to optimize the filter design to be studied in a prototype wastewater treatment plant.
Performance Evaluation of Photovoltaic Panels in Extreme Environments: A Machine Learning Approach on Horseshoe Island, Antarctica
Authors: Das Mehmet , Arslan Erhan , Kaya Sule , Alatas Bilal , Akpinar Ebru , Özsoy Burcu
Published: December 2024

Due to the supply problems of fossil-based energy sources, the tendency towards alternative energy sources is relatively high. For this reason, the use of solar energy systems is increasing today. This study combines experimental data and machine learning algorithms to evaluate the energy performance of four different photovoltaic (PV) panel designs (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, flexible, and transparent) under harsh environmental conditions on Horseshoe Island (Antarctica). In this research, the effects of environmental factors, such as solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed, on the panels were analyzed. Electrical power output of the PV panels are analyzed using six machine learning models. Random forest (RF) and CatBoost (CB) models showed the highest accuracy and reliability among these models. According to the experimental results, Monocrystalline PV provided the highest electrical power (20.5 Watts on average), and Flexible PV provided the highest energy efficiency (19.67%). However, Flexible PV was observed to have higher surface temperatures compared to the other panel types. Furthermore, using Monocrystalline PV resulted in an average reduction of 4.1 tons of CO2 emissions per year, demonstrating the positive environmental impact of renewable energy systems. Thanks to this study, renewable energy research for temporary stations in Antarctica will focus on explainable and interpretable artificial intelligence models that will provide an understanding of the factors affecting the energy performance of PV panels. The research results will be an important guide for optimizing energy consumption, management, and demand forecasting in temporary research stations in Antarctica.
Impact of the Fire Protection Requirements on the Cultural Heritage of the Polish Old Towns—Selected Problems
Authors: Furmanek Aleksander Filip
Published: December 2024

The article examines the complex and not yet extensively researched problem of the impact of fire safety regulations in Poland, including associated methods and devices, on cultural heritage, with a focus on historical architecture and its surroundings in Polish historical urban centers. It addresses a broad interdisciplinary field, summarizing issues from architecture and urban planning, the conservation of monuments, and fire safety, as well as structural safety, safety engineering, and axiology. The core question is how fire protection methods and measures affect the values of architectural heritage, including historical buildings, their immediate neighborhoods, and the broader cultural landscape. The study employs the historical–interpretive research method, which primarily based on an analysis of the literature, technical and construction regulations, standards, and materials provided by suppliers of specialized solutions, which are supplemented by observational and critical analysis methods. The main findings indicate that the rigorous application of fire safety regulations can both safeguard human life and property and, at the same time, pose risks to the authenticity and integrity of historical architecture. These findings highlight the importance of tailored solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration to balance safety with the preservation of cultural heritage.
Experimental Study on the Movement of Boulders in Debris Flow: Influence of Boulder Size and Initial Orientation
Authors: Liu Rendong , Wang Fei , Wang Jiading , Chen Xiaoqing , Qiu Haijun , Lou Canyun
Published: December 2024

In debris-flow disasters, boulders moving at high velocities cause significant damage to houses and other facilities. Through a flume model test, this study explored the influences of the length/width ratio of the boulders, the angle between the long axis of the boulders and the flow direction, and the density of the mudflow on their starting movement. The experimental results indicate that in the process of a mudflow impacting the boulders, the angle between the long axis and the flow direction influences the magnitude of the component forces of the dragging force in the long- and short-axis directions, thus causing the boulders to deviate. Deflection changes the area of action of the debris-flow drag force on the boulder. Once the boulder gains a certain velocity, it deviates toward a state in which the long axis is parallel to the flow direction to reduce the resistance in the movement process. When the long axis of the boulder is parallel to the flow direction, as the mass of the boulder decreases, the efficiency of the mudflow in transferring the velocity of the boulder increases. When there is an angle between the long axis of the boulder and the flow direction, as the angle increases, the area of the drag force and efficiency of the velocity transfer increase. The movement laws of boulders in mudflows are crucial for engineering construction and sustainable development in mountainous areas.
The Role of AI Implementation in Higher Education in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study from Slovenia
Authors: Ferk Savec Vesna , Jedrinović Sanja
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to drive sustainable development by enabling progress toward the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. This potential is emphasized by the concept of twin transitions, where the digital and green transformations reinforce each other. This study examines the integration of AI in 26 study courses at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, focusing on its sustainable impact. Using an exploratory case study and a comprehensive content analysis framework, the study identifies the enabling and inhibiting factors in the interplay of digital and green transitions in education. The results reveal that the integration of AI in higher education can facilitate progress toward achieving 11 SDGs and 28 targets by promoting innovation, equality, and digital literacy. At the same time, however, it also harbors risks that can hinder 7 SDGs and 11 targets, particularly in terms of data protection and equal access. By highlighting the synergies between digital and green transformations, this case study provides actionable insights for educators and policy makers who want to harness the transformative potential of AI while addressing its challenges and calls for future research in a broader educational landscape.
Evolution Trends and Future Prospects in Artificial Marine Reef Research: A 28-Year Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Bao Haoran , Nikolaeva Anna , Xia Jun , Ma Feng
Published: December 2024

Under growing recognition of the need to restore marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources, this research delves into an analysis of studies on artificial reefs in the marine environment spanning from 1996 to 2024 to explore how they have evolved in supporting biodiversity growth and fishery management while also promoting ecosystem sustainability over time. Using tools like CiteSpace 6.3. R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.18, a total of 586 research publications were examined to pinpoint authors, current trends in research, and emerging focal points. This study highlights the roles played by countries such as the United States, China, and Australia, as well as esteemed institutions, like NOAA and the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences leading the field. In this field of study, there are topics like restoring the environment to its natural state and making fisheries more sustainable by creating habitats with diverse structures and elements; this shows how artificial reef research involves different areas of expertise working together for a common goal. The findings suggest a trend towards using tools such as ecofriendly materials and 3D printing to improve the design and ecological functionality of reefs. However, some challenges still exist, such as conducting assessments on the long-term effects on the environment and finding a balance between promoting biodiversity and meeting the needs of people in terms of economic aspects. This research highlights the importance of countries working together and adapting their strategies to ensure that artificial reefs play a role in protecting marine life and using ocean resources in a sustainable way. By charting out the existing knowledge landscape, this study lays the groundwork for research endeavors focused on tackling these obstacles and propelling the field forward.
Analysis of Carbon Reduction Benefits of Ecological Plastic Film Promotion and Use in Qingcheng Town, Shanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Fang Xiaomeng , Ge Zhongliang , Zhang Qi , Xu Jiayu , Zhao Jiaxing , Zhai Wanying , Lv Jing
Published: December 2024

This study applied a life cycle assessment (LCA) and SimaPro software to calculate the carbon footprint of ecological plastic film in Qingcheng Town. The results indicate that the carbon reduction efficiency of ecological plastic film compared to 0.01 mm PE film ranged from 30.8% to 40.0%, without accounting for the substitution of humus for chemical fertilizers. When humus substitution was considered, the range increased to 70.2% to 74.2%. Ecological plastic film achieved the greatest emission reduction in the final treatment stage, accounting for 54.1% of total CO2 reduction, followed by the production stage at 44.8%, while the transportation phase contributed only 1.1%. Projecting to 2030, if half of the cultivated land in Shanxi Province uses ecological plastic film instead of 0.01 mm PE film, a 19.7% reduction in carbon emissions is expected. Full coverage with ecological plastic film could raise this to 39.4%. To encourage its adoption, the study suggests that the government offers financial subsidies to enterprises or farmers, promotes agricultural carbon taxes, or supports carbon trading. With a carbon price or tax exceeding 67.1 CNY/t, ecological plastic film achieves cost parity with 0.01 mm PE plastic film.
Influence of Selected Geopolitical Factors on Municipal Waste Management
Authors: Kozłowski Edward , Borucka Anna , Cholewa-Wiktor Marta , Jałowiec Tomasz
Published: December 2024

The collection and transportation of municipal solid waste create a significant energy and carbon footprint, resulting in a significant environmental impact. Proper waste management organization is necessary to minimize this impact. This research aims to identify differences and similarities in waste collection sectors, distinguish affiliation clusters for different waste types, and determine the impact of geopolitical factors on waste production in the analyzed region. Therefore, the similarities of waste production in the separated sectors for different waste types were analyzed. Instead of using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance between distributions of waste production, the statistics have been calculated based on L1 and L2 norm because they give the scale of differences. The multidimensional scaling method (MDS) and cluster analysis with a Gaussian mixed model (GMM) were used to identify changes in waste production. This technique makes it possible to detect changes between sectors in the analyzed region. Significant differences in cluster membership of sectors by waste type were observed. Geopolitical factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have caused changes in the sector affiliations of the waste clusters under analysis. The pandemic caused changes in the affiliation of non-segregated waste, plastics, and glass, while no change in waste generation preferences was observed for paper and cardboard waste. The war in Ukraine caused changes in the generation preferences of all waste types in the analyzed region.
Conservation Implications of Vegetation Characteristics and Soil Properties in Endangered Mangrove Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Bai He , Sun Song , Zheng Bingjie , Zhu Luoqing , Li Hongke , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2024

Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea is an endangered mangrove species in China. Over-exploitation and coastal development have drastically reduced its distribution and population, now limited to the Qingmei Port (Sanya) and the Qinglan Port (Wenchang). Despite its critical status, research on its ecological roles remains limited. This study examines the characteristics of S. hydrophyllacea communities and their relationship with soil properties. A total of 17 species from 11 families and 14 genera were recorded. TWINSPAN classification identified two distinct community types: the Qinglan Port community and the Qingmei Port community. Significant biodiversity differences were found only in the tree layer, with no differences in shrub or herbaceous layers. The importance value of S. hydrophyllacea within the arbor layer exhibited variability across the two communities, serving as an associated species in the Qinglan Port community and as a dominant species in the Qingmei Port community, suggesting potential barriers to its natural regeneration. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that key soil factors influencing S. hydrophyllacea’s distribution include electrical conductivity (EC), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), soil organic content (SOC), and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N). We propose that high soil salinity and nitrogen deficiency may act as key factors limiting the natural regeneration of S. hydrophyllacea.
Building a Sustainable Digital Infrastructure for Higher Education: A Blockchain-Based Solution for Cross-Institutional Enrollment
Authors: Alammary Ali Saleh
Published: December 2024

Educational cooperation in higher education offers valuable opportunities for students and institutions alike. However, it also introduces significant challenges, particularly regarding student enrollment processes. Traditional centralized systems for managing this task can pose issues around authority, transparency, accountability, security, and cost, often hindering scalability and sustainable growth. This paper introduces the Cross-Institutional Blockchain Enrollment System (BCHEEN), a novel decentralized platform designed to streamline and enhance cross-institutional enrollment processes. Un-like existing solutions, BCHEEN employs a unique hybrid architecture that leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security while maintaining scalability through innovative off-chain data management using the “replicate when used” approach. The platform was prototyped as a permissioned blockchain platform using the Hyperledger Composer framework and evaluated through functional, performance, and security analyses using tools such as Cucumber and Hyperledger Caliper. Evaluation results show that BCHEEN achieved a peak throughput of 18 tps at a send rate of 47 tps, with an average latency of 4.32 s under the same conditions, demonstrating its scalability and reliability. Furthermore, a computational cost analysis highlights the efficiency of the “replicate when used” approach in reducing storage overhead while preserving data integrity. BCHEEN’s practical impact includes streamlining enrollment processes, reducing administrative costs, and fostering secure, scalable, and transparent inter-institutional collaboration. These contributions position BCHEEN as a transformative tool for higher education, supporting policy advancements and promoting resilience and sustainability in educational practices.
Sustainable Charging of Electric Transportation Based on Power Modes Model—A Practical Case of an Integrated Factory Grid with RES
Authors: Bober Dariusz , Miller Piotr , Pijarski Paweł , Mroczek Bartłomiej
Published: December 2024

The possibility of charging and possibly discharging electric cars can influence not only the balancing of power demand profiles in the grid and the stabilization of voltage profiles but also the appropriate management of electricity within the grid of an industrial plant equipped with its own RES resources. For this purpose, the concept of “power supply modes” can be introduced, which involves intelligent demand-side management. Each technological process in an industrial plant should be assigned a specific level of importance and priority. These priorities can be numbered according to their importance (weights) and marked with appropriate colors. One thus obtains a qualitative assessment of energy consumption within the plant (demand side) through the lens of power modes. With respect to the ability to charge electric vehicles within the plant grid, such priorities can also be assigned to individual charging options. If a given RES has sufficient generation capacity during a particular time period, the cost of charging is low. However, if the RESs are not operational during a given period (e.g., nighttime in the case of photovoltaics or during calm weather in the case of wind turbines), vehicles can still be charged but according to a different priority, which, of course, involves higher costs. By having access to data on the generation capacity of distributed RESs and knowing the preferences of employees, including the number of electric cars and the expected periods of vehicle charging, it is possible to predict the degree of use of available green energy and manage it efficiently. The analyses presented in the article represent an original approach to the flexibility of operation not only of the electricity grid but also of the internal energy system of industrial plants. It offers a novel perspective aimed at maximizing the share of RESs in the overall energy balance and minimizing the costs associated with the operation of RESs. The theoretical opportunity of sustainable sharing with employees a dedicated charging mode named “free charging”, powered by RESs, could represent an appropriate solution for CO2 emission reduction within Scope 3, Category 3, “employee commuting”, according to the GHG Protocol requirements. The original methodology proposed in the article aligns with activities related to the energy transition.
Evaluation of the Degree of Synergy in High-Quality Development Among Inter-Provincial Adjacent Districts and Planning Recommendations: The Case Study of Anhui Province and Its Surrounding Provinces
Authors: Li Qiguo , Zhang Yafei , Zhu Linfeng , Geng Xiaohan , Liu Jia
Published: December 2024

As China’s economy accelerates its transition toward high-quality development, various regions are actively tapping into their distinctive resources to unlock economic potential and exploring pathways to achieve high-quality collaborative development with neighboring areas. This study endeavors to provide both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for the actual development of Anhui Province and its adjacent regions, through an in-depth analysis of their collaborative pursuit of high-quality growth. Employing the entropy weight method and the coupled coordination degree model, this research rigorously evaluates the extent of coordinated high-quality development between Anhui Province and its neighboring provinces, and offers effective planning suggestions grounded in the evaluation results. The findings reveal that (1) coastal cities generally demonstrate a higher level of comprehensive development compared to those located further inland; (2) cities with superior comprehensive development also tend to excel in economic growth, scientific and technological innovation, ecological advancement, and coupling coordination; (3) nevertheless, a higher level of comprehensive development does not necessarily imply better social service provision.
Recent Progress in Research on the Design and Use of an Archimedes Screw Turbine: A Review
Authors: Sołowiej Piotr , Łapiński Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Due to the ever-increasing demand for clean energy derived from renewable sources, new options for obtaining it are being sought. The energy of water streams, compared to wind energy or solar energy, has the advantage that it can be supplied continuously. A relatively new solution used in hydro power plants is the AST (Archimedes screw turbine), which perfectly complements the possibilities of energy use of water courses. This solution can be used at lower heads and lower flows than is the case with power plants using Kaplan, Francis, or similar turbines. An AST power plant is cheaper to build and operate and has less negative environmental impact than traditional solutions. Accordingly, research is being conducted to improve the efficiency of the AST in terms of its environmental impact, efficiency, length, angle of inclination, and others. These studies revealed sources of losses, optimal operating conditions, and turbine design methods. They also showed the much lower environmental impact of Archimedes screw turbines compared to the others. In the course of compiling this review, the authors noticed some differences regarding the description proposed by different authors of the characteristic geometric dimensions of turbines and other quantities.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Obstacle Factors of the Disaster Resilience in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Zhang Yongling , Cai Zijie , Zhou Xiaobing
Published: December 2024

With the accelerating process of global urbanization, the disaster risks faced by urban agglomerations are becoming more and more complex and diversified, and strengthening the research of disaster resilience is crucial to achieving the sustainable economic and social development of urban agglomerations. Taking 30 cities in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) between 2012 and 2022 as research objects, this paper innovatively fixed a common disaster resilience assessment index system; then, the disaster resilience index was calculated and significance was detected by a paired t-test. Finally, the spatial evolution and obstacle factors of CPUA were explored by Moran’s I and SDM Model. The results show that the disaster resilience of CPUA in 2012–2022 shows significant growth (p < 0.01), and the growth rate in the early period is greater than that in the late period. In terms of spatial distribution, the disaster resilience showed a pattern of high in the northwest and low in the southeast, which obviously evolved over time, presenting obvious regional asynchrony and incoherence. The spatial heterogeneity of disaster resilience was strong, and the cities with significant agglomeration account for only 30%, mainly belonging to the L-L agglomeration type. The spatial spillover effects of resistance, recovery, and adaptability were significant (p < 0.01), among which the resistance dimension was the main obstacle factor. This study contributes to the existing literature in two ways. It explores the significance of temporal evolution as well as the spillover effect of spatial evolution, which were seldom seen. The research results can provide a reference for the construction and governance of disaster resilience both in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration and other cities.
The Sedimentary Characteristics and Resource Potential of a Lacustrine Shallow-Water Delta on a Hanging-Wall Ramp in a Rift Basin: A Case Study from the Paleogene of the Raoyang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhu Xiaomin , Mountney Nigel P. , Xie Shuanghui , Zhang Renhao , Colombera Luca
Published: December 2024

The hanging-wall ramps of rift basins are prone to the accumulation of large sedimentary bodies and are potential areas for the presence of large subsurface geological reservoir volumes. This paper comprehensively utilizes data from sedimentology, seismic reflection, geochemistry, and palynology to study the paleotopography, water conditions, paleoclimate, and sediment supply of the fourth member (Mbr 4) of the Shahejie Formation in the Raoyang Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin, China. The sedimentary characteristics, evolution, and preserved stratigraphic architectures of shallow-water deltaic successions are analyzed. Multiple indicators—such as sporopollen, ostracoda, fossil algae, major elements, and trace elements—suggest that when Mbr 4 was deposited, the climate became progressively more humid, and the lake underwent deepening followed by shallowing. During rift expansion, the lake level began to rise with supplied sediment progressively filling available accommodation; sand delivery to the inner delta front was higher than in other parts of the delta, and highly active distributary channels formed a reticular drainage network on the delta plain, which was conducive to the formation of sandstone up-dip pinch-out traps. In the post-rift period, the lake water level dropped, and the rate and volume of sediment supply decreased, leading to the formation of a stable dendritic network of distributary channels. At channel mouths, sediments were easily reworked into sandsheets. The distribution of sandstone and mudstone volumes is characterized by up-dip pinch-out traps and sandstone lens traps. The network of channel body elements of the shallow-water deltaic successions is expected to act as an effective carbon dioxide storage reservoir. This study reveals the influence of multiple factors on the sedimentary characteristics, evolution, and internal network of shallow-water deltas at different stages of rift basin evolution. This knowledge helps improve resource utilization and the sustainable development of comparable subsurface successions.
Bibliometric-Based Research Status and Development Trends of Dam Breach Studies
Authors: Wang Pengtao , Guo Wei , Liang Chunling , She Bingyi , Li Donghu
Published: December 2024

Dam breach can trigger severe flood disasters, threatening life and property safety, and having long-term impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. Dam breach floods also contaminate water bodies, degrading water quality and its sustainability. This study analyzes the characteristics and trends of dam breach research using research findings included in the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Beijing, China) database and the Web of Science (WoS) core database. Bibliometric methods, including word frequency analysis, co-citation analysis, and clustering analysis, were applied to the retrieved data. Using the CiteSpace (v6.3.R2) visualization tool, the study conducted statistical analyses and generated maps for publication trends, research institutions, and research hotspots. The findings indicate the following. (1) From 2000 to 2023, the number of research outcomes has been continuously growing both domestically and internationally with significantly more foreign-language publications than Chinese ones. (2) Chinese research institutions, notably the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, have substantial international influence. (3) In terms of research hotspots, Chinese studies focus on the failure mechanisms of earth-rock dams, while foreign studies emphasize dam breach flood flows. (4) Establishing numerical models has emerged as a common trend in both Chinese and foreign research. These insights help identify deficiencies in current methods and technologies, allowing for the proposal of more scientific strategies for dam safety assessment. Based on these conclusions, some insights are proposed with the aim of reducing the risk of dam breaches, ensuring sustainable water resource management and utilization, promoting environmental protection, and fostering harmonious socio-economic development.
Development and Application of a Winter Weather Traffic Imputation Model: A Comparative Study Against Machine Learning Techniques During the Winter Season
Authors: Roh Hyuk-Jae
Published: December 2024

This study examines how winter weather conditions influence traffic patterns for both passenger vehicles and trucks, using data collected from weigh-in-motion (WIM) stations and nearby weather monitoring sites along Alberta’s Highways 2 and 2A. To explore how snowfall and temperature affect traffic volumes, we developed Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLSR) models. The findings indicate that passenger car volumes drop more sharply than truck volumes under increased snowfall, with the decline being particularly notable on Highway 2, a rural stretch. In contrast, Highway 2A showed an uptick in truck traffic, likely due to detours from adjacent routes with less winter maintenance. For estimating missing traffic data during severe weather, we employed both OLSR and a machine learning technique, k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN). In comparing the two approaches, OLSR demonstrated superior accuracy and consistency, making it more effective for filling in missing traffic data throughout the winter season. The performance of the OLSR model underscores its reliability in addressing data gaps during adverse winter conditions. Additionally, this study contributes to sustainable transportation by improving data accuracy, which aids in better resource allocation and enhances road safety during adverse weather. The findings support more efficient traffic management and maintenance strategies, including optimizing winter road maintenance and improving sustainable infrastructure planning, thereby aligning with the goals of sustainable infrastructure development.
Unveiling Patterns in Forecasting Errors: A Case Study of 3PL Logistics in Pharmaceutical and Appliance Sectors
Authors: Wolny Maciej , Kmiecik Mariusz
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The study aims to analyze forecast errors for various time series generated by a 3PL logistics operator across 10 distribution channels managed by the operator. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines forecasting errors across 10 distribution channels managed by a 3PL operator using Google Cloud AI forecasting. The R environment was used in the study. The research centered on analyzing forecast error series, particularly decomposition analysis of the series, to identify trends and seasonality in forecast errors. Findings: The analysis of forecast errors reveals diverse patterns and characteristics of errors across individual channels. A systematic component was observed in all analyzed household appliance channels (seasonality in all channels, and no significant trend identified only in Channel 10). In contrast, significant trends were identified in one pharmaceutical channel (Channel 02), while no systematic components were detected in the remaining channels within this group. Research limitations: Logistics operations typically depend on numerous variables, which may affect forecast accuracy. Additionally, the lack of information on the forecasting models, mechanisms (black box), and input data limits a comprehensive understanding of the sources of errors. Value of the paper: The study highlights the valuable insights that can be derived from analyzing forecast errors in the time series within the context of logistics operations. The findings underscore the need for a tailored forecasting approach for each channel, the importance of enhancing the forecasting tool, and the potential for improving forecast accuracy by focusing on trends and seasonality. The findings also emphasize that customized forecasting tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency by improving demand planning accuracy and reducing resource misallocation. This analysis makes a significant contribution to the theory and practice of demand forecasting by logistics operators in distribution networks. The research offers valuable contributions to ongoing efforts in demand forecasting by logistics operators.
Provincial Sustainable Development in China from a Multidimensional Perspective: Regional Differences, Dynamic Evolution, Spatial Effects, and Convergence
Authors: Zhou Decai , Dai Haoyu
Published: December 2024

Sustainable development (SD) is vital for the progress of Chinese provinces, especially in the face of emerging challenges. This study constructs an index system for SD based on five dimensions: economic, social, ecological, political, and cultural aspects, aligning with scientific connotations and contemporary requirements. We employ an improved entropy-weight-TOPSIS method to assess the SD of 30 provinces from 2012 to 2022. Our analysis explores the dynamic evolution, regional disparities, coupling coordination, long-term trends, and convergence of provincial SD. The findings include: (1) Provincial SD in China has shown consistent growth, but significant regional disparities remain, forming a gradient distribution from high to low in the order of “East-Central-Northeast-West.” (2) While both intra-regional and inter-regional SD differences have decreased over time, inter-regional disparities continue to be significant, serving as the primary source of regional differences. (3) Coupling and coordination across the five dimensions of SD have improved; however, an imbalance persists, with uncoordinated development remaining a prominent issue. (4) A clear “club convergence” phenomenon is observed, indicating that the SD of neighboring provinces influences one another. Higher SD in adjacent regions increases the likelihood of upward shifts, while lower SD tends to lead to downward shifts. (5) Evidence of both σ-convergence and β-convergence in provincial SD development suggests that SD is ultimately converging toward a stable state. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance sustainable development across China’s provinces.
From Concept to Reality: The Practical Implementation of a Laboratory-Based Smart Water Campus Model
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Cai Qiupeng , Li Dandan , Hong Lei , Ma Zhenkun , Zhu Wenhan , Qian Long , Sun Jianhao , Fan Ziwu , Xie Chen
Published: December 2024

The emergence of smart campuses marks a pivotal advancement in educational pedagogy, environmental quality, resource allocation, and administrative services. This study presents the conceptualization and implementation of the Nanxun Campus of Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power (ZJWEU), which serves as an exemplary smart water initiative. Adhering to the philosophy of integrating educational facilities within the campus infrastructure, the campus incorporates several specialized zones: a key protection area, the water conservation area, the ecological stability area, the living water spirit area, and the teaching and practice area. This study clarifies the unique attributes, design philosophies, and operational mechanisms of these distinct zones. Central to the campus’s identity is a water culture-centric strategy, with each building reflecting water-themed concepts and providing extensive real-world engineering teaching and practice environments. Since its opening in 2022, the campus has been admitting approximately 5000 students annually and has been a model of water culture campuses that integrate ecology, intelligence, humanism, and synergy. The insights and infrastructure provide a valuable reference and foundational support for the evolution of smart campuses, underscoring the potential to merge water culture with avant-garde educational practices.