bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution and Latest Trends in Cooling and Lubrication Techniques for Sustainable Machining: A Systematic Review
Authors: Polo Samuel , Rubio Eva María , Marín Marta María , Sáenz de Pipaón José Manuel
Published: February 2025

This document presents a review on cooling and lubrication methods in machining. A systematic search of information related to these methods was carried out based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. The importance of the sustainability of machining processes is highlighted, as they represent between 10 and 17% of the total manufacturing cost of the final part and have negative environmental and health impacts. Although dry machining completely eliminates the use of cutting fluids, in many cases it produces unsatisfactory results due to the increase in temperature inside the tool, which requires prior analysis to ensure its viability compared to conventional techniques. On the other hand, semi-dry machining, which significantly reduces the volume of cutting fluids, is a more competitive alternative, with results similar to those of conventional machining. Other sustainable cooling and lubrication methods are also being investigated, such as cryogenic and high-pressure cooling, which offer better machining results than conventional processes. However, they have a high initial cost and further research is needed to integrate them into industry. While the combination of these cooling and lubrication methods could lead to improved results, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies on the subject.
Occurrence, Transport, and Risk Assessment of Brominated Flame Retardants in Northern Wetland Multimedia
Authors: Meng Bo , Lu Xi-Mei , Jia Jing-Wen , Chen Fei , Zhang Zhi-Zhong , Jia Shan-Shan , Wu Ming-Song , Zhang Zi-Feng , Li Yi-Fan
Published: February 2025

Current studies have paid extensive attention to the occurrence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in aquatic environments; however, there is a lack of exploration of BFRs in ice media in freshwater environments, and there are fewer studies on the distribution patterns and ecological risks of BFRs in different media. In order to fill this gap in the current research status, this study conducted four seasonal samplings in the Songhua River wetland in Northeast China. The distribution and risk of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 22 new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in water, ice, sediment, and soil were analyzed using liquid–liquid extraction sample pretreatment and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry instrumentation. A total of 18, 5, 8, 19, and 18 BFRs were detected in non-ice-covered water, ice-covered water, ice, sediment, and soil, respectively. NBFRs dominated contaminant concentrations in each medium. Significant correlations were found between BFRs in ice and subglacial water, suggesting that the sources of BFRs in these two media are similar and there is an exchange between them. The ice enrichment factor (IEF) revealed the water–ice distribution mechanism of BFRs, indicating that wetland ice acts as a temporary sink for 2-(Allyloxy)-1,3,5-tribromobenzene (ATE), 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane (α-TBECH), 1,2,5,6-Tetrabromocyclooctane (TBCO), and 2-Bromoallyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (BATE). In order to achieve dynamic equilibrium, the exchange profile of BFRs between water and sediment requires the release of BFRs into water. The risk quotient (RQ) indicated that TBCO in water and ice poses a moderate risk to aquatic organisms, and its potential impact on wetland ecology cannot be ignored.
Analyzing Organic Electrolyte Solvents from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Basis for Distillative Value Component Recovery
Authors: Wolke Martin , Schröder Kai , Arnold Konstantin , Mozumder Pamina , Beuerle Till , Jasch Katharina , Scholl Stephan
Published: February 2025

The rapid expansion of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), largely driven by the rising demand for electric vehicles, will lead to a significant increase in end-of-life (EOL) batteries, necessitating efficient recycling processes, which must be accompanied by equally efficient purification steps. This study addresses the challenge of reusing organic electrolyte solvents from spent LIBs, a key component often overlooked in existing recycling strategies. To address this issue, we developed a gas chromatography (GC) method. A variety of spent electrolyte samples of different origin, including mechanical-thermal pretreatment or direct cell recovery, were analyzed by quantification of common solvents and identified organic impurities. Results demonstrated that the composition of the recovered electrolytes was highly variable, with concentrations fluctuating. Impurities were identified, which may originate from various sources throughout the lifespan of an LIB and have the potential to reduce the performance of second-life LIBs by reusing the electrolyte without any purification. The findings highlight the necessity for advanced purification methods like a distillation process to remove these impurities and ensure the viability of recycled electrolytes in maintaining the performance and safety standards required for LIBs. This research contributes to the broader goal of enhancing the sustainability and reuse of battery materials.
European Post-Consumer Steel Scrap in 2050: A Review of Estimates and Modeling Assumptions
Authors: Hundt Carolin , Pothen Frank
Published: February 2025

This review studies the availability of post-consumer steel scrap in Europe until 2050. We introduce the indicator potentially available domestic post-consumer scrap (PADPS), which measures the amount of (steel) scrap from obsolete products available for recycling prior to trade in scrap. We analyze material flow studies from the academic literature and international organizations to quantify this indicator. The studies suggest a rising trend of post-consumer scrap amounts until a saturation level is reached and the expected yearly steel product obsolescence of the system stabilizes. Between 2010 and 2050, PADPS is expected to rise by approximately 1.6% per year. We identify in-use steel stocks, recycling rates, and product lifetimes as the three commonly gauged factors determining PADPS. While recycling rates and product lifetimes range comparatively close in the studies, the estimation of in-use stocks displays much greater variation and introduces an element of uncertainty in the estimation of post-consumer scrap amounts that can be expected in the coming decades.
Introduction to “Eve’s Curse: Redemptive Readings of Genesis 3:16”
Authors: Doukhan Abi
Published: February 2025

Genesis 3:16 has traditionally been interpreted as proof of woman’s inferiority, of her nefarious powers of seduction, and as a license for men to rule and master her [...]
Introduction to “Protestant Christianity in South Korea: The Dynamic Relationship Between Church and State”
Authors: Kļaviņš Kaspars , Šķestere Ildze
Published: February 2025

The study of Korean Protestantism can be traced back to the writings of missionaries in the late 19th century [...]
Sacral Architecture of Czestochowa—The “Spiritual Capital of Poland” over the Centuries and Nowadays
Authors: Repelewicz Aleksandra , Mamyan Zaruhi
Published: February 2025

Częstochowa is a city known as the “spiritual capital of Poland”. The reason behind this name is the sanctuary of Our Lady—”Jasna Góra” monastery—around which a settlement was established, giving rise to the city today. The first parish was established in the 14th century. The next two parishes in Częstochowa were only established at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries: St Barbara’s in 1891 and St Joseph’s in 1910. Today, Częstochowa has a population of almost 200,000, is an industrial and academic center, and has 53 parish churches. In comparison, Warsaw, Poland’s capital, with a population of 1,861,599, has 86 parishes. The vast majority of Częstochowa’s churches were built in the 1980s and 1990s. This paper presents a short history of the city’s development with particular reference to its sacred architecture. It also attempts to present the influence of church buildings on the urban layout and religious atmosphere of the city. The paper is an attempt to present the phenomenon of Częstochowa, which attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Poland and all over the world every year.
Taking Laozi’s Dao as the Energy God: Dialogue with Laozi’s Dao in the Frameworks of Philosophy and Religion
Authors: Tan Jing , Bao Xiangfei
Published: February 2025

This article seeks to introduce a novel perspective on understanding Laozi’s Dao as the “Energy God” by engaging with existing philosophical and religious frameworks. Conceptualizing Laozi’s Dao within a philosophical framework fails to capture the fluidity, simplicity, liveliness, and directness inherent in the Daodejing. Conversely, the personification and deification of Laozi within the religious framework do not sufficiently address the formlessness and namelessness of the Dao. Retaining its original characteristics, Laozi’s Dao transcends both philosophical conceptualization and religious deification. Inspired by the term “Energy God”, two fundamental attributes of Laozi’s Dao emerge. First, Laozi’s Dao reflects a specific value judgment that consistently regards the lowly and the simple as virtuous, while perceiving the high and complex as detrimental. Second, as the Energy God, Laozi’s Dao possesses a profound power that animates and propels all things, yet resists being reduced to a mere tool. In its role as the Energy God, the Dao eludes conceptualization and objectification; it is fundamentally omnipresent throughout the universe.
Vine Pruning Residues and Wine Fermentation By-Products: A Non-Exploited Source of Sustainable Agriculture, Albania Case
Authors: Topi Dritan , Arapi Dritan , Seiti Bujar
Published: February 2025

Albania, situated in southeastern Europe, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is well-suited for grape cultivation. The vineyard area totals 7.202 million hectares. Since the 1990s, the country has experienced a resurgence in its rich winemaking traditions, which have gained considerable attention over the last decade. Alongside its significant wine production, large amounts of vine pruning waste and fermentation by-products are generated, estimated at over 50,000 t of prunings and 35,900 t of grape pomace annually. This waste is often burned, and the ash is used as fertilizer, releasing considerable CO2 emissions, and contributing to greenhouse gas levels. However, recycling these prunings into fertilizer by chipping and grinding them in the vineyard presents a sustainable choice, providing key minerals, nitrogen, phosphorus, and various micronutrients, thereby reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers in farming. Characterized by small plantations, the vine pruning issue needs site-specific, economically feasible solutions for the farmer. Additionally, there is unexplored potential for applying wine fermentation pressing residues as fertilizer for agricultural land or vineyards. The Albanian wine sector has significant untapped opportunities, such as employing vine pruning ash as a mineral fertilizer to help achieve sustainability goals.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Mechanism of Aboveground Biomass Across Three Alpine Grasslands in Central Asia over the Past 20 Years Using Three Algorithms
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Yansong , Gong Yanming , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Jin , Li Kaihui
Published: February 2025

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a sensitive indicator of grassland resource quality and ecological degradation. However, accurately estimating AGB at large scales to reveal long-term trends remains challenging. Here, single-factor parametric models, multi-factor parametric models, and multi-factor non-parametric models (Random Forest) were developed for three grassland types (alpine meadow, alpine grassland, and swampy meadow) in the Bayanbuluk Grassland using MODIS satellite data and environmental factors, including climate and topography. A 10-fold cross-validation method was employed to assess the accuracy and stability of these models, and an AGB remote sensing inversion model was established to estimate the AGB of the Bayanbuluk Grassland from 2005 to 2024. Moreover, the BEAST mutation test, Theil–Sen median trend analysis, and Mann–Kendall test were used to analyse the temporal trends of AGB, identify the years of mutation points, and explore the changes in AGB across the entire study period (2005–2024) and at 5-year intervals, considering the influence of climatic factors. The results indicated that the machine learning (RF) model outperformed both multi-factor parametric and single-factor parametric models, with specific improvements in R2 and RMSE across all grassland types. For instance, the RF model achieved an R2 of 0.802 in alpine grasslands, outperforming the multi-factor parametric model with an R2 of 0.531. The overall spatial distribution of AGB exhibited heterogeneity, with a gradual increase from northwest to southeast over the study period. Interannual AGB changes fluctuated significantly, with an overall increasing trend. Notably, from 2015 to 2019, 78% of the Bayanbuluk Grassland area showed a nonsignificant increase in AGB. Specifically, 46.7% of the alpine meadow AGB, 23% of the alpine grassland AGB, and 8.3% of the swampy meadow AGB showed non-significant increases. Further, temperature was found to be the dominant driver of AGB, with a stronger effect on alpine meadows and alpine grasslands than on swampy meadows. This is likely due to the relatively constant moisture levels in the swampy meadows, where precipitation plays a more prominent role. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of AGB trends, including both spatial and temporal analyses, which will inform future grassland resource management.
Transform Dual-Branch Attention Net: Efficient Semantic Segmentation of Ultra-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Du Bingyun , Shan Lianlei , Shao Xiaoyu , Zhang Dongyou , Wang Xinrui , Wu Jiaxi
Published: February 2025

With the advancement of remote sensing technology, the acquisition of ultra-high-resolution remote sensing imagery has become a reality, opening up new possibilities for detailed research and applications of Earth’s surface. These ultra-high-resolution images, with spatial resolutions at the meter or sub-meter level and pixel counts exceeding 4 million, contain rich geometric and attribute details of surface objects. Their use significantly improves the accuracy of surface feature analysis. However, this also increases the computational resource demands of deep learning-driven semantic segmentation tasks. Therefore, we propose the Transform Dual-Branch Attention Net (TDBAN), which effectively integrates global and local information through a dual-branch design, enhancing image segmentation performance and reducing memory consumption. TDBAN leverages a cross-collaborative module (CCM) based on the Transform mechanism and a data-related learnable fusion module (DRLF) to achieve adaptive content processing. Experimental results show that TDBAN achieves mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 73.6% and 72.7% on DeepGlobe and Inria Aerial datasets, respectively, and surpasses existing models in memory efficiency, highlighting its superiority in handling ultra-high-resolution remote sensing images. This study not only advances the development of ultra-high-resolution remote sensing image segmentation technology, but also lays a solid foundation for further research in this field.
Application of Reinforcement Learning Methods Combining Graph Neural Networks and Self-Attention Mechanisms in Supply Chain Route Optimization
Authors: Wang Yang , Liang Xiaoxiang
Published: February 2025

Optimizing transportation routes to improve delivery efficiency and resource utilization in dynamic supply chain scenarios is a challenging task. Traditional route optimization methods often struggle with complex supply chain network structures and dynamic changes, which require a more efficient and flexible solution. This study proposes a method that integrates Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), self-attention mechanisms, and meta-reinforcement learning (Meta-RL) in order to address route optimization in supply chains. The goal is to develop a path planning method that excels in both static and dynamic environments. First, GNNs model the supply chain network, converting node and edge features into high-dimensional graph representations in order to capture local and global network information. Next, a Transformer-based strategy network captures global dependencies, optimizing path planning. Finally, Meta-RL enables rapid strategy adaptation to dynamic changes (e.g., new demand points or route disruptions) with minimal sample support. Experiments on multiple supply chain datasets show that our method improves path planning quality by about 7%, compared to traditional methods, achieving a path coverage of 92.29%. Ablation studies reveal that the on-time delivery rate improves by nearly 30% over the baseline model. These results demonstrate that the proposed method not only optimizes routes but also significantly enhances the overall efficiency and robustness of supply chain networks. This research provides an efficient route optimization framework applicable to complex supply chain management and other scheduling fields, offering new insights and technical solutions for future research and applications.
Risk Perception and Mitigation in Hand Tool Use: A Comparative Study of Industrial Safety Perspectives from Ecuador and Hungary
Authors: Arciniega-Rocha Ricardo P. , Tick Andrea , Erazo-Chamorro Vanessa C. , Szabó Gyula
Published: February 2025

There is an increasing trend to develop innovative information technologies that empower industrial companies and tool suppliers to pioneer new production methods and technologies. This study aims to support innovation in industrial practices by using information technologies to enable companies and tool suppliers to adopt advanced production methods. By focusing on the usability of hand tools, the research seeks to establish essential parameters and focuses on analyzing the perception of risk and its associated benefits when using hand tools. To examine risk perception and risk benefits when using hand tools, the analysis data were collected from workers in two countries and included studies processed by Domain-Specific Risk-Taking (DOSPERT). As a result, it is identified as risk-seeking in the sphere of workers who are very confident in their ability and capacity to perform the determined tasks and carry out risk aversion with other external parameters related to hand tools and environmental characteristics. In addition, the risk perception and worker behavior to deal with it are delineated, giving parameters to help managers avoid workers’ injuries or illnesses, identifying the main risk domains for using hand tools use in specific industrial tasks.
Neuromuscular Control in Postural Stability: Insights into Myoelectric Activity Involved in Postural Sway During Bipedal Balance Tasks
Authors: Promsri Arunee
Published: February 2025

Examining the dynamic interplay of muscle contributions to postural stability enhances our understanding of the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying balance control. This study examined the similarity in shape (using cross-correlation analysis) between seven individual lower limb electromyographic (EMG) signals and center-of-pressure (COP) displacements (i.e., EMG–COP correlation) in 20 young adults (25.2 ± 4.0 years) performing bipedal balance tasks on both stable and multi-axially unstable surfaces, testing the effects of four factors—leg dominance, surface stability, sway direction, and foot position—on individual EMG–COP correlations. The results revealed significant effects of leg dominance (p = 0.004), surface stability (p ≤ 0.001), and sway direction (p ≤ 0.001) on specific muscles. Notably, balancing on the non-dominant leg resulted in a stronger correlation between tibialis anterior activity and postural sway compared to the dominant leg. On a stable surface, postural sway showed stronger correlations with the rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and soleus muscles than on an unstable surface. Additionally, anteroposterior postural sway exhibited a greater correlation with semitendinosus and tibialis anterior activity compared to mediolateral sway. These findings underscore the importance of specific muscles in maintaining bipedal balance, with implications for improving balance performance across various populations.
‘Learning and Unlearning’: Core Leadership Competencies for Driving Success in Special Economic Zones in South Africa
Authors: Muringa Tigere P. , Shava Elvin
Published: February 2025

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are instrumental in promoting industrialisation and economic growth in many countries, especially within the developing world. While various SEZs established in South Africa are expected to drive local economic development processes, their performance has been erratic due to various governance, regulatory, and infrastructure issues. This study explores the core leadership competencies required to enhance the success of SEZs. It emphasises the importance of continuous learning and unlearning outdated practices. The paper draws on Peter Senge’s Continuous Learning Theory to explain how SEZ leaders could adapt to dynamic environments and provide sustainable growth. The study addresses two key research questions: (1) What leadership competencies are necessary to efficiently govern SEZs? (2) How do continuous learning and unlearning by SEZ leaders make a difference in inducing sustainable growth? This systematic review applied the PRISMA methodology to source the data from databases like Google Scholar and Scopus, among others, for sources published between 2010 and 2024. Findings revealed that the core leadership competencies required for effective SEZs include innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking. This paper argues that continuous learning is imperative for leaders to keep pace with the complexity of shifting global economic circuits while unlearning is critical to avoid common pitfalls. This study contributes to the literature by recommending that leadership development inside SEZs be more contributory toward economic outcomes and encourages further research into what part leadership will play in regional economic development.
EEG Signal Analysis for Numerical Digit Classification: Methodologies and Challenges
Authors: Tsamourgelis Augoustos , Adamopoulos Adam
Published: February 2025

Electroencephalography (EEG) has existed since the early 20th century. It has proven to be a vital tool for electrophysiological studies of conditions like epilepsy. Recently, it has been revitalized as the field of machine learning has been developing, widening its usefulness among a plethora of neurological conditions and in brain–computer interface (BCI) applications. This study delves into the intricate process of classifying EEG signals elicited by the visual stimuli of subjects viewing the digits 0 and 1 and a blank screen. We focus on developing a comprehensive workflow for EEG preprocessing, as well as feature extraction and signal classification. We achieve strong differentiation capabilities between digit and non-digit values in all classification algorithms. However, our study also highlights the profound neurological challenges encountered in distinguishing between the digit values, as our model, inspired by the related bibliography, was unable to differentiate between digit values 0 and 1. These findings underscore the complexity of numerical processing in the brain, revealing critical insights into the limitations and potential of EEG-based digit classification and the need for clarity in the bioinformatics community.
Lonely Beetles Lose Weight: Absence of Conspecific Sounds Negatively Impacts Body Mass in Larval and Adult Passalus Beetles
Authors: Davis Andrew K.
Published: February 2025

For animals that typically live in groups or family units, being isolated from their conspecifics can be stressful. Horned passalus beetles (genus Odontotaenius), inhabit decaying logs in forests in the eastern United States. While not a truly social insect, they do coinhabit logs and maintain family units, and they are known to communicate with each other using stridulations that produce varying types of “chirps”. This project investigated if the auditory environment within these logs affects the beetles, specifically by exposing larval or adult beetles in a lab to sounds of (1) other beetles chirping, (2) no sound, or (3) the sounds of crickets, for varying time periods. Beetles were weighed before and after the exposures to determine changes in body mass. Beetle larvae experienced the slowest growth rates when listening to crickets or no sound, and the highest growth rates when hearing adult chirps. Adult beetles experienced mass losses in the treatments without beetle sounds, and this finding was replicated in three different experiments. The mass loss was greatest in the experiment that had the longest duration. The fact that the mass losses were observed in both the silent treatment, plus the treatment of cricket sounds, indicates that the lack of conspecific sounds (of other passalus beetles) was driving the effect. Surprisingly, there was no added effect of nematode parasitism on adult weight loss. Also, there was no evidence that the beetles were foraging less in the treatments without beetle sound, which suggest those beetles were experiencing elevated metabolism. The reduced growth rates and lost mass are signs that the beetles experienced chronic stress when deprived of the sounds of their kin. Combined, these experiments demonstrate how the acoustic environment, and especially the sounds of other beetles, is important to the lives of these insects, perhaps owing to the fact that they live in dark tunnels.
Circular Economy in the European Union: A Prisma-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Vovk Viktoriia , Taşdöken Öznur , Bölük Gülden , Stratan Alexandru , Polcyn Jan
Published: February 2025

The most significant impact of the industrial production process is the environmental damage caused by the waste generated during production. European Union countries aim to reduce environmental harm by reintegrating waste, production inputs, and materials generated during production and consumption activities back into the production process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the studies related to the circular economy in the context of European Union countries within the circular economy literature. For this evaluation, the authors used the studies from the circular economy literature available in the SCOPUS database for the period between 2004 and 2024. The analysis of the obtained dataset was conducted using the PRISMA (2015) approach. According to the findings, although many studies exist, most focus on implementing circular economy regulations and laws. Upon reviewing these publications, many were found unrelated to the circular economy. Furthermore, there is a significant gap in studies employing econometric models to analyze the circular economy, and no research has been found that performs a literature review using meta-synthesis methods specifically on the circular economy within the context of EU countries. These findings aim to fill this gap and guide academics and policymakers researching the topic.
Sustainable Livelihood Options Adopted by Rural Communities in Response to Climate Change Dynamics: A Case Study Approach in Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Netshisaulu Khathutshelo Hildah , Chikoore Hector , Chakwizira James , Kom Zongho
Published: February 2025

The Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause extreme losses in agricultural productivity, increasing the level of vulnerability among rural subsistence farmers. The study examines the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in response to climate change dynamics in the Vhembe district. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, both primary and secondary data from 365 rural community members were employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling and employed statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity at 30%, while vendor activity is common in Ṱhohoyanḓou at 29%. The findings indicated that the highest establishment of water tanks was in the Madimbo area, with 51% as a form of livelihood resilience. Further, 70% of respondents demonstrated livelihood sustainability activities such as agricultural forums, conferences, and the practice of indigenous activities. The proposed strategies can be used by policymakers to effectively consider the most vulnerable groups and articulate unique local vulnerabilities.
Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance: The Impacts on Financial Returns, Business Model Innovation, and Social Transformation
Authors: Shmelev Stanislav Edward , Gilardi Elisa
Published: February 2025

Corporate sustainability performance becomes the central element in many current business developments: the total value of ESG investment grows, more and more clients want to invest in projects that deliver more than the pure financial return, companies are innovating and transforming their business models, and adopting the B-Corp values. Environmental and wider societal impact becomes the central focus of the businesses that want to become the force for good. This article adopts an empirical approach and builds an ESG index of corporate performance based on eight critical metrics representing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions under varying policy priorities. Furthermore, it investigates correlations between these aggregate ESG indices and share prices as well as return on investment, or ROE, of companies. The article goes on to investigate empirically the correlation between employees/turnover, diversity, CO2 emissions, waste generation, and water use of companies and share prices and ROE metrics, respectively. The reasons for divergence between correlations of sustainability performance indicators with share prices, ROE, and profits/turnover are discussed in detail, with particular attention drawn to the reasons why diversity might matter more for the share prices than ROE and why waste generation, water use, and CO2 emissions might still be poorly reflected in the ROE while some of these metrics have a significant connection with the profit/turnover ratio. The article will undoubtedly be of interest to ESG fund managers, investors, corporate sustainability officers, and policymakers.
Current State of Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste: A Focus on the Italian Experience
Authors: Cafiero Lorenzo Maria , De Angelis Doina , Tuccinardi Letizia , Tuffi Riccardo
Published: February 2025

With a value of 400.3 Mt, the global plastics production increased in 2022 with a plus of 2.5 wt% compared to the previous years. Unfortunately, plastic waste is often disposed of inappropriately, causing environmental problems and an avoidable waste of resources. In 2019, the European Circular Economy Action Plan was issued to encourage plastic recycling. Nevertheless, at the end of 2022, post-consumer mechanically recycled plastics in Europe accounted only for 13.2 wt% of the European plastic production (58.8 Mt). Mechanical recycling fails to recycle mixed, partially degraded, or contaminated plastic waste. Then, there is an acute demand for new, efficient, and cost-effective recycling technologies to fill the gap left by mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling is considered a complementary alternative because it can process waste streams composed of heterogenous and difficult plastics. Currently in Europe, around 58.8 kt (0.1 wt%) of plastic production was obtained by chemically recycled plastics, but the road is marked. The Plastic Europe association announces that its members are going to produce 2.8 Mt of chemically recycled plastics by 2030. Mixed plastic waste is the main target, and pyrolysis and gasification, identified as the suitable technologies for its treatment, represent 80 wt% of the planned capacities.
Attitudes, Time Pressure, and Behavior Change Techniques Affect Route Journey Planning Decisions: Evidence from an RCT
Authors: Maier Emma , Turner-Brown Lewis , Broadbent Andrew , Freeman Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Transport emissions are a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, requiring interventions to promote sustainable travel behaviors. This study examines how behavior change techniques (BCTs), attitudinal and behavioral segmentation, and time pressure influence green route selection in a simulated journey-planning app. Using a randomized 2 × 3 × 3 factorial design, 600 UK participants completed travel booking tasks under three time-pressure scenarios (low, moderate, high) using either a control app or a BCT-enhanced intervention app. Participants were segmented based on environmental attitudes, public transport preferences, and travel needs. Multilevel logistic regression showed significant main effects for condition, segment, and time pressure. Participants using the intervention app were more likely to select green routes (5.39, p < 0.001). Segments with a more positive attitude to public transport demonstrated higher baseline green route selection compared to those with low public transport attitudes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, p = 0.020). Moderate time pressure facilitated the highest likelihood of green route selection, while low (OR = 0.16, p < 0.001) and high (OR = 0.48, p < 0.001) time pressures reduced green bookings. Interaction effects were non-significant, potentially reflecting the sample size. The findings highlight the potential of BCT-enhanced apps to promote sustainable travel, particularly when tailored to user segments and designed to address time pressure. Future research should explore real-world applications and intervention durability.
Fundamental Oscillation Modes in Neutron Stars with Hyperons and Delta Baryons
Authors: Jyothilakshmi O. P. , Krishnan P. E. Sravan , Sreekanth V. , Chandrakar Harsh , Jha Tarun Kumar
Published: February 2025

For a new parameterization of the modified effective chiral model, developed primarily to regulate the density content of the symmetry energy and its higher order terms, equations of state (EoSs) for hyperon-rich matter (H) and delta baryon matter (Δ) were obtained. The models were used to investigate the emission of gravitational waves (GWs) through f-mode oscillations in the corresponding neutron stars. We obtained the stellar structure, f-mode frequency and tidal deformability Λ for our models. We report that the Δ EoS is stiffer compared to the H EoS. We also analyzed the velocity of sound in these media. The corresponding mass–radius relationships were obtained and compared with various observations. We studied the dependence of f-mode frequencies on the stellar mass, redshift and tidal deformability. We employed the well known Cowling approximation to obtain the f-mode frequencies for l=2,3 and 4 modes of oscillation. We found that the f-mode frequencies of the H and Δ EoSs were almost the same in the lower mass region, while we observed a substantial difference between them in the high-mass region. We also obtained an empirical relation for the EoSs considered. The various attributes obtained for our models showed close agreement with various observational constraints from pulsars and GW events.
The Acute Toxicity and Cardiotoxic Effects of Levofloxacin on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Wu Yixiao , Yu Wenjing , Song Zhenyan , He Jiawei , Li Ze , Chen Qi , Wang Shiwei , Li Ping , Cheng Shaowu
Published: February 2025

Emerging contaminants refer to chemical substances that have not been widely regulated but possess the potential to cause adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Antibiotics, as emerging contaminants, pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment. Levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is commonly employed in the treatment of bacterial infections, and has been frequently detected in environmental matrices and freshwater systems. In this study, we assessed the effects of levofloxacin on hatchability, mortality rates, malformations, behavioral changes, and cardiac development in zebrafish embryos by exposing them to varying concentrations of levofloxacin (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mM). Our results demonstrate that levofloxacin exposure significantly impaired the growth and development of zebrafish larvae, particularly at higher concentrations. Notable effects included reduced body length, abnormal yolk sac and swim bladder development, pericardial edema, prolonged distances between the sinus venosus and arteriolar bulb (SV-BA), and disruptions in heart rate. Quantitative PCR analysis further revealed that levofloxacin exposure significantly upregulated the expression of key cardiac development genes in zebrafish larvae, including nppa, myh6, cacna1ab, myl7, gata4, nkx2.5, tbx2b, and tbx5b. These findings indicate that levofloxacin exposure exerts significant toxic effects on both embryonic and larval growth as well as heart development and gene expression in zebrafish. This study provides critical insights into the potential ecological risks posed by levofloxacin along with other antibiotics while laying a foundation for further investigation into their toxicological mechanisms.
Brown Spider Venom Phospholipases D: From Potent Molecules Involved in Pathogenesis of Brown Spider Bites to Molecular Tools for Studying Ectosomes, Ectocytosis, and Its Applications
Authors: Wille Ana Carolina Martins , Machado Mariana Izabele , Souza Samira Hajjar , Justa Hanna Câmara da , Fraga-Ferreira Maria Eduarda de , Mello Eloise de Souza , Gremski Luiza Helena , Veiga Silvio Sanches
Published: February 2025

Accidents caused by Loxosceles spiders, commonly known as brown spiders, are frequent in warm and temperate regions worldwide, with a higher prevalence in South America and the southern United States. In the venoms of species clinically associated with accidents, phospholipases D (PLDs) are the most expressed toxins. This classification is based on the toxins’ ability to cleave various phospholipids, with a preference for sphingomyelin. Studies using purified PLDs have demonstrated that these enzymes cleave phospholipids from cells, producing derivatives that can activate leukocytes. A dysregulated inflammatory response is the primary effect following envenomation, leading to dermonecrosis, which is histopathologically characterized by aseptic coagulative necrosis—a key feature of envenomation. Although advances in understanding the structure–function relationship of enzymes have been achieved through molecular biology, heterologous expression, site-directed mutations, crystallography, and bioinformatic analyses—describing PLDs in the venoms of various species and highlighting the conservation of amino acid residues involved in catalysis, substrate binding, and magnesium stabilization—little is known about the cellular biology of these PLDs. Studies have shown that the treatment of various cells with recombinant PLDs stimulates the formation of ectosomes and ectocytosis, events that initiate a cascade of intracellular signaling in PLD-binding cells and lead to the release of extracellular microvesicles. These microvesicles may act as signalosomes for other target cells, thereby triggering an inflammatory response and dermonecrosis. In this review, we will discuss the biochemical properties of PLDs, the target cells that bind to them, and the ectocytosis-dependent pathophysiology of envenoming.
Single-Center 5-Year Observational Study of Thrice-Weekly Single-Strength Sulfamethoxazole–Trimethoprim as Adequate Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Patients with Heart Transplants
Authors: Lor Kevin , Le Catherine , Kransdorf Evan , Kittleson Michelle
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with solid organ transplants. Sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim prophylaxis has greatly reduced the incidence of this deadly fungal infection. Traditional prophylactic dosing includes single strength (400–80 mg) daily or double strength (800–160 mg) thrice weekly, but is limited by side effects. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of a sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim single-strength thrice-weekly prophylactic dosing strategy. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of 421 patients with 423 total heart transplants at Cedars Sinai Medical Center between July 2016 and June 2020.A total of 361 patients (363 heart transplants) were started on single-strength sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim thrice weekly for 1 year, based on institutional guidelines. Results: Patients were followed for a median of 3.86 years (range 0.17 to 6.57). Sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim was started at a median of 7 days (range 0 to 132) for median duration of 11.5 months (range 0.25 to 22). There were no documented Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia cases during the study period. At 1 year, 36% of patients had discontinued sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim. The most common causes for discontinuation were leucopenia (30.8%) and hyperkalemia (2.2%). Conclusions: In our experience, single-strength sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim thrice weekly for 1 year effectively prevents Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after heart transplant. Further multicenter studies with other patient populations will need to be performed to explore this well-tolerated strategy.
“Time to Change”: To What Extent Could Non-Sputum Sampling Accelerate the Fight Against Tuberculosis—A Qualitative Study Among End-Users
Authors: Fargnoli Vanessa , Hanh Hoang Thi My , Hoang Ly Na , Mahesh Ananya , Mqedlana-Ntombela Nasiphi , Xavier Jovitta , Kohli Mikashmi , Velen Kavindhran , Shilton Sonjelle
Published: February 2025

Inadequate access to timely diagnosis and linkage to treatment are major barriers to tuberculosis (TB) care. New point-of-care diagnostics that do not rely solely on sputum samples are needed to make up for lost time, bringing TB testing closer to service recipients and addressing current sputum sampling limitations. Urine-based TB lipoarabinomannan tests and tongue dorsum swabs have demonstrated potential as alternatives to sputum-based molecular testing. We conducted a study to ascertain the perceived value of these non-sputum-based TB tests among stakeholders from the TB community, including TB service recipients and healthcare providers, in India, South Africa, and Viet Nam. Our results showed that there was a high degree of enthusiasm among various end-users for both novel sample types. It is important to generate both qualitative and quantitative evidence to support optimal uptake and implementation of these potential new sample types for TB testing.
Links Between Two Duckweed Species (Lemna minor L. and Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid.), Light Intensity, and Organic Matter Removal from the Water—An Experimental Study
Authors: Pęczuła Wojciech
Published: February 2025

Duckweeds—a group of floating leaf macrophytes from the family of Lemnaceae—have become a major area of interest in the fields of basic and applied aquatic sciences in recent decades, including their use in water purification. Aiming to fulfill one of the gaps in the role of light intensity in duckweed efficiency in organic matter removal, we carried out a laboratory experiment with the use of two duckweed species: Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza. Our main finding was that the intensity of light has a positive effect on the process of water purification from organic compounds by Lemna minor. However, this was not applicable to Spirodela polyrhiza due to the fact that the growth of the species was inhibited by high light intensities.
An Overview of Historical Development, Current Situation, and Future Prospects of Managed Aquifer Recharge in Türkiye
Authors: Korkut Mehmet , Hartog Niels , Yavuz Vural
Published: February 2025

Climate change, rapid population growth, and unsustainable water use in industry and agriculture have all significantly harmed the quantity and quality of groundwater resources. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) offers a solution to these challenges, encompassing a variety of methods and strategies for protecting and improving groundwater systems. This article provides a complete overview of MAR in Türkiye, concentrating on its historical development, current situation, and future prospects. MAR has been increasingly used to combat water scarcity since the 1960s, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions in Türkiye with significant groundwater depletion. The majority of completed managed aquifer recharge (MAR) projects in Türkiye employ in-channel modifications, accounting for 77%. This is followed by well recharge techniques and surface spreading methods, with values of 16% and 4%, respectively. Future projects are expected to focus on the southeastern and central regions, with in-channel modifications increasing to 90%. In comparison, methods such as well recharge (6%), surface spreading (3%), and other methods are limited. Despite the growing application of MAR, Turkey requires strong regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and successful implementation of these methods, including groundwater quality, source water regulations, and geological concerns regionally. MAR can promote sustainable water management by minimizing the effects of population growth and climate change on groundwater resources.