bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Stamping Process Parameters for Sustainable Manufacturing: Numerical Simulation Based on AutoForm
Authors: Zhang Huiju , Wei Wenbo , Long Sifang , Zhou Manyi , Li Chunhui
Published: January 2025

To address the increasing demand for sustainable manufacturing in the automotive industry, this study focuses on the optimization of stamping process parameters for heavy truck seat reinforcement plates. Finite element analysis software and AutoForm R7 were utilized to develop a numerical simulation model for the stamping process, aiming to enhance material utilization and reduce waste. The research aimed to predict forming defects and explore the effects of blank holder force, friction coefficient, and drawbead resistance coefficient on springback, wrinkles, and strain, with an emphasis on improving production efficiency and minimizing resource consumption. The forming quality was optimized through adjustments in blank holder force, friction coefficient, and drawbead resistance coefficient, demonstrating the potential for eco-friendly manufacturing. Multi-objective optimization was performed to identify the optimal parameter combination, achieving sustainable outcomes with improved forming precision and reduced material waste. Results revealed that the optimal parameter combination (A4B4C2) included a blank holder force of 500 kN, a friction coefficient of 0.18, and a drawbead resistance coefficient of 0.25. These settings minimized material thinning (11.6%), excessive thickening (7.4%), and springback (0.905 mm), aligning with sustainable production standards.
Climate Change and Meteorological Effects on Building Energy Loads in Pearl River Delta
Authors: Chen Sihao , Yang Yi , Li Jiangbo
Published: January 2025

Global climate change is significantly altering the energy consumption patterns and outdoor environments of buildings. The current meteorological data utilized for building design exhibit numerous deficiencies. To effectively address the needs of future building usage in design, it is crucial to establish more refined meteorological parameters that accurately reflect the climate of specific geographical locations. Utilizing 60 years of meteorological data from Guangzhou, this study employs the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) method to define four archetypal meteorological years, providing a robust foundation for subsequent analysis. The findings indicate a significant increase in the frequency of high temperatures and temperature values during the summer months, with an increase of nearly 20% in the cumulative degree hours (CDHs) used for calculating a typical meteorological year (TMY4) over the past 30 years. Additionally, there has been an increase of 0.4–0.7 °C in the air conditioning design daily temperature. The statistics on outdoor calculation parameters for different geographical locations, as well as outdoor design parameters for varying guaranteed rate levels in the Pearl River Delta, reveal a substantial impact on outdoor calculation parameters. The maximum difference in cooling load is approximately 9.3%, with a generally high cooling demand in summer and a relatively low heating demand in winter. Furthermore, the calculation values for different non-guaranteed rates can be applied flexibly to meet the needs of engineering applications. This study provides a valuable reference for updating meteorological parameters in building design. By refining meteorological parameters, this study enables more accurate predictions of energy needs, leading to optimized building designs that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It supports the development of resilient buildings capable of adapting to changing climatic conditions, thus contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.
Feeling the Nature to Foster Sustainability: The Mediating Role of (Self) Compassion
Authors: Ballarotto Giulia , Ghezzi Valerio , Velotti Patrizia
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies have demonstrated that empathy and compassion are significant predictors of pro-environmental and sustainable behaviors. Nevertheless, these studies do not clarify how the relationship between empathy and compassion and consequent pro-social behavior develops. How can feeling the emotion of nature’s suffering move compassion and activate behaviors that support the environment? This study aimed to verify whether self-compassion could act as a mediator in the relationship between empathy with nature and compassion, which in turn is associated with pro-environmental behaviors. A serial mediation model was analyzed on a sample of N = 1213 individuals. The results showed that women had higher levels of empathy with nature, compassion, uncompassionate behaviors toward themselves, and pro-environmental behaviors than males. Furthermore, the serial mediation model was confirmed, demonstrating that our initial hypotheses were supported. Self-compassion and compassion served as partial mediators in the relationship between empathy with nature and pro-environmental behaviors. Additionally, we observed the direct effects of both empathy and self-compassion on pro-environmental behaviors. The findings suggest that fostering self-compassion and compassion through targeted interventions may enhance individuals’ pro-environmental behaviors, especially by leveraging their empathetic connection with nature. Clinicians and educators could integrate self-compassion training into programs aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
Ensuring Sustainability in Preschool Education in Rural Areas During the Pandemic Lockdown Period: Teachers’ Experiences
Authors: Kandemir İbrahim , Akdemir Elif
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disturbed preschool education in Turkey, necessitating a rapid shift to distance learning for over 1.5 million children. The Ministry of National Education has established programs such as the Educational Content Network in Turkey. Also, the Turkish Radio and Television Association has made the TRT Preschool Application available online to support ongoing distance learning for preschool children. Preschool education in rural parts of Turkey was deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While previous research has examined the challenges of distance education broadly, there is a limited exploration of preschool teachers’ experiences during the pandemic lockdown, particularly in rural contexts in Turkey. To ensure sustainability in preschool education during the pandemic lockdown period, this study aimed to examine the experiences of preschool teachers who participated in distance education in rural areas. A qualitative case study was conducted with 10 teachers working in schools located in rural areas with diverse geographical difficulties scattered within the province near the Black Sea to obtain insights into the experiences of preschool teachers during the pandemic. The maximum variation sampling was utilized to select preschool teachers educating children between 45 and 72 months. To promote and facilitate individuals’ participation in the research, the semi-structured interviews were conducted via videoconferencing due to the lockdown. The content analysis was used to discover the meaning of the data. The study revealed that while teachers adapted their teaching methods to prioritize children’s well-being, disparities in digital access and socio-emotional issues within families created significant barriers to learning. The challenges encountered significantly impacted the children’s development in multiple areas. This study emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, providing extensive teacher training, and implementing robust support mechanisms to ensure the comprehensive growth of children in all domains during potential disasters. More research should be conducted to improve teachers’ skills in applying effective teaching strategies in virtual environments.
A Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Searching for Tourism Information Following the Emergence of ChatGPT: Focused on the Uncanny Valley Theory
Authors: Jin Jin-Hee , Han Jin-Seok
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the experience of searching for tourism information through ChatGPT and discover the meaning of it. In order to achieve this purpose, data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and data analysis was conducted according to Giorgi. As a result, eight themes, 27 meaning units, and 226 meaningful statements were derived. First, the participants were found to partially trust tourism information searched through it and perceive it as a personal AI travel agent. In addition, they were found to be satisfied with it as their primary tool of searching for tourism information and perceived it as an AI travel mate in all processes of tourism. On the one hand, they were found to be disappointed that it still felt like a machine. Second, they were found to feel ambivalent about it and experience better moments with it than with humans. Moreover, they were found to feel enjoyment in the process of learning about it. This study discovered the meaning of experience in searching for tourism information through it, laid the foundation for follow-up research related to it, and presented the possibility of expanding the application of it in the tourism industry.
Correcting or Concealing? The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Greenwashing Behavior of Heavily Polluting Enterprises
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Lian Xinrong , Dai Shengli
Published: January 2025

Identifying and governing enterprises’ greenwashing behavior is important for achieving green and low-carbon development. This behavior can be governed via digital transformation. Based on data from listed companies from 2013 to 2021, this article examines the impact of the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises on their greenwashing behavior, with an empirical analysis revealing that it can significantly inhibit this behavior. A mechanism analysis indicates that the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises reduces greenwashing behavior by enhancing the level of enterprise green technological innovation and improving investor attention. A heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of enterprise digital transformation on greenwashing behavior is more significant among the private and highly competitive heavily polluting enterprises located in central China. The research conclusions of this article indicate that digital transformation is important for curbing enterprises’ greenwashing behavior and achieving green and sustainable development.
The Carbon Reduction Mechanism and Adaptive Planning Strategies of TOD Block Form Regulation Oriented to Microclimate Effects
Authors: Dai Peng , Liu Haotian , Han Song , Liu Chuanyan , Fu Guannan , Wang Yanjun
Published: January 2025

Adapting to climate change and controlling carbon emissions have emerged as significant challenges faced by the international community. The high-quality pedestrian space system of TOD blocks, as an important means for carbon reduction and carbon sink increase in cities, showcases the effect of green intensification and low-carbon sustainable urban space development. In this study, by combining the research on low-carbon block creation and urban microclimate, focusing on the technical process of the three stages of pre-treatment, core calculation, and post-treatment, comprehensively considering the three elements of microclimate, namely wind, heat, and carbon, and their influencing parameters, and introducing a CFD simulation method for porous media, a CFD simulation technology framework for microclimate improvement in urban design is constructed. Through the spatial visualization of the software solution calculation results and the correlation and comparative analysis of the measured data, we quantitatively analyze the coupling relationship between the block morphology and the comprehensive environment of wind, heat, and carbon. The research results indicate that by rationally adjusting indicator elements such as the height-to-width ratio of streets and entrance forms, it is possible to effectively facilitate cooling, ventilation, and air circulation within blocks and dilute the CO2 concentration. Finally, from the urban design element systems at the micro, meso, and macro levels, the adaptive planning strategies in the three dimensions of the spatial form, constituent elements, and planning guidelines of TOD blocks are summarized and refined, with the aim of achieving the low-carbon transformation of cities through the creation of a healthy microclimate environment.
Correction: Lian et al. The Relationship between Residential Block Forms and Building Carbon Emissions to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Goals: A Case Study of Wuhan, China. Sustainability 2023, 15, 15751
Authors: Lian Haitao , Zhang Junhan , Li Gaomei , Ren Rui
Published: January 2025

The authors would like to make the following corrections to their published paper [...]
Facilitating or Inhibiting: Digital Transformation and Carbon Emissions of Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: Li Jinke , Zhang Shuang , Ji Luyue , Wang Fang
Published: January 2025

As global attention to the issue of climate change grows, the concepts of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, proposed by China, have increasingly gained traction. In this international context, digital technology and green development are closely interwoven, carving out a distinct path for countries worldwide to achieve carbon emission reduction goals. This study empirically explores the mechanism of how digital transformation impacted the carbon emissions of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing enterprises from 2007 to 2021. The results indicate a significant inverted U-shaped nonlinear connection between digital transformation and carbon emissions within manufacturing enterprises. Green technology innovation, which is among the crucial driving forces for sustainable development, can act as a mediating factor. External environmental regulations positively moderate the relationship between digital transformation and carbon emissions in manufacturing firms. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the nonlinear impact of digital transformation on carbon emissions in manufacturing enterprises is particularly significant in western regions, non-resource-based cities, light industry sectors, and large-scale enterprises. This paper innovatively verifies, at the micro level, the inverted U-shaped impact of digital transformation on carbon emissions in manufacturing enterprises, as well as its underlying mechanism. It provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the effective implementation of carbon emission reduction in the manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, it also offers valuable insights for manufacturing enterprises to formulate strategies that take both digital development and sustainable development into account, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.
Perceptions and Knowledge of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers Regarding Plastic Pollution and Removal
Authors: Mabadahanye Khumbelo , Dalu Mwazvita T. B. , Munyai Linton F. , Dondofema Farai , Dalu Tatenda
Published: January 2025

Plastic pollution is a problem and the world is currently dealing with its impacts on the aquatic environments. This study investigates the perceptions and knowledge of process controllers and managers from twelve water and wastewater treatment plants within two local municipalities (Thulamela and Makhado) in the Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. The perceptions and knowledge of plastic pollution, limited resources and economic difficulties, the effects of plastic pollutants on water systems, a lack of information and training, and a lack of institutional support documents were the five main themes that were identified from semi-structured interviews with workers from the treatment plants. The findings show serious issues regarding plastic waste affecting treatment operations, ineffective methods of removing plastics and inadequate waste collection services in rural areas. Financial and material limits make managing plastic pollution even more difficult, and inconsistent training and a lack of institutional support make it difficult for workers to manage it consistently. The responses highlight the need for improved waste management plans, financial support for advanced filtration systems, and continuous training to provide workers with the skills and knowledge needed to reduce plastic pollution. These measures are crucial for maintaining the water quality and increasing treatment plants’ operational effectiveness.
Research on the Thermal Comfort Experience of Metro Passengers Under Sustainable Transportation: Theory of Stimulus-Organism-Response Integration with a Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Zou Tao , Guan Jiawei , Wang Yuhui , Zheng Fangyuan , Lin Yuwen , Zhao Yifan
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Metro is an important part of urban transportation, carrying huge passenger volume every day. With improvements in people’s living standards, passengers’ demand for a comfortable Metro experience is increasing. In the context of urban development, maintaining a good thermal comfort level of Metro cars is not only conducive to providing a comfortable and healthy environment for passengers, but also has great significance for reducing energy consumption and sustainable urban transportation development. This study provides empirical evidence for Metro design and operation strategies, aiming at creating a safer and more comfortable passenger experience. (2) Methods: By combining passengers’ comfort perception (cognitive value of thermal environment) and rideability perception (confidence in thermal comfort control), this study established a correlation model between thermal comfort and passenger unsafe behavior, namely the integration of SOR (Stimulus-Organism-Response) and TAM (Technology Acceptance Model). This study used methods such as field surveys, structural equation modeling, and reliability and validity analyses to investigate the impact of Metro thermal comfort on passenger behavior safety. (3) Results: This study found that the Metro thermal environment, including temperature, humidity, and airflow velocity, significantly affects passengers’ comfort perception and behavior choices. (4) Conclusions: Passengers may exhibit avoidance behavior in uncomfortable thermal environments, leading to uneven distribution of people in the train car and increasing safety risks. Improving Metro thermal environments can effectively enhance passengers’ perceived comfort and reduce unsafe behavior motivation, which is of great significance for safe Metro operations.
The Influence of pH Environments on the Long-Term Durability of Coir Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Li Liangyong , Wang Juntong , Peng Tianxiang
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of different pH environments on the durability of coir fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites (CFRERCs). The CFRERCs were prepared by combining alkali-treated coir fibers with epoxy resin and exposing them to acidic, alkaline, pure water, and seawater environments for a 12-month corrosion test. The results show that an alkaline environment has the most significant impact on the tensile strength of CFRERCs, with a 55.06% reduction after 12 months. The acidic environment causes a 44.87% decrease in strength. In contrast, tensile strength decreases by 32.98% and 30.03% in pure water and seawater environments, respectively. The greatest reduction in tensile strain occurs in the alkaline environment, with a decrease of 36.45%. In the acidic environment, tensile strain decreases by about 25.56%, while in pure water and seawater, the reductions are 18.78% and 22.65%, respectively. In terms of stiffness, the alkaline environment results in a 49.51% reduction, while the acidic environment causes a 54.56% decrease. Stiffness decreases by 43.39% in pure water and 36.72% in seawater. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis shows that corrosive agents in different pH environments cause varying degrees of damage to the microstructure of CFRERCs. In the acidic environment, corrosive agents erode the fiber–resin interface, leading to delamination and fiber breakage. In the alkaline environment, corrosive agents penetrate the fiber interior, increasing surface roughness and porosity. While pure water and seawater also cause some damage, their effects are relatively mild.
Pricing for Online Food Service Considering Green Awareness of Customers and Green Efforts of Restaurants
Authors: Zhang Tianhua , Li Xin , Zhang Yiwen
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the development of online food service has facilitated consumers’ catering needs, but it also has adverse environmental impacts. To mitigate pollution and attract environmentally conscious customers, restaurants have embarked on making green efforts, such as donating to environmental charities, using organic ingredients, and adopting green packaging. This study investigates the pricing strategies of restaurants that currently engage in green efforts. We develop demand models for online food services, considering customer green awareness and competition among restaurants. Both competitive pricing problems with symmetric and asymmetric information are discussed. The Nash equilibrium and Bayesian Nash equilibrium are derived in these scenarios. Optimal pricing strategies are presented, and the impacts of parameters on the optimal strategies are discussed. Our findings reveal that when the baseline utility derived from a green restaurant is lower than that from a regular restaurant, and customers are not highly concerned about environmental protection, the online food service from the green restaurant may have no market share. If the baseline utility derived from green restaurant services is higher than that from regular restaurant services, the optimal price tends to increase as the green utility increases. However, if the baseline utility derived from the green service falls within a certain range, the optimal price may first increase and then decrease as the green utility rises.
Etching Ceramic Samples with Fast Argon Atoms
Authors: Metel Alexander S. , Grigoriev Sergey N. , Volosova Marina A. , Melnik Yury A. , Mustafaev Enver S.
Published: January 2025

A new approach to stripping surface layers from ceramics with fast atoms is proposed. The existing beam sources do not allow for a stripping rate of more than a few µm/h to be achieved. Usually, an increase in the etching rate is associated with growing flux density and energy of fast atoms, which can heat the parts of the beam source up to an inadmissible temperature. In the present work, the etching rate was significantly increased at permanent flux density and energy due to an increase in the angle of incidence of fast atoms on the product surface. An increase in the angle of incidence from zero to 80° resulted not only in an increase in the etching rate by several times but also in simultaneous polishing of the surface to a high finishing class.
Superhydrophilic Titania Coatings on Glass Substrates via the Hydrosol Approach
Authors: Theodorakopoulos George V. , Arfanis Michalis K. , Mouti Nafsika , Kaidatzis Andreas , Mitterer Christian , Giannakopoulos Konstantinos , Falaras Polycarpos
Published: January 2025

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, focusing on the development of superhydrophilic, self-cleaning titania coatings using the hydrosol approach. Stringent cleaning protocols were accurately followed to ensure the pristine condition of glass surfaces prior to deposition. Various organic precursor solutions were precisely prepared and applied to the glass substrate via dip-coating, followed by subsequent thermal treatment. A range of characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, scanning and atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, were employed to assess the properties of the coatings. The results revealed that the samples were influenced by precursor concentration and withdrawal rate, with slow speed leading to minimal alteration of transmittance. The coatings show superhydrophilic properties, as evidenced by contact angle values below 3 degrees for the thinnest films. Their thickness is approximately 13 nm with very low roughness, indicative of a smooth and uniform surface. Optimization of the deposition conditions permits the fabrication of uniform and transparent TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, offering promising opportunities for the practical use of photoinduced self-cleaning surfaces in real-life applications. Finally, a cost analysis of scaling up the coating and mirror fabrication processes confirmed the economic feasibility of this approach for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications.
An Evolutionary Game Model of a Regional Logistics Service Supply Chain Complex Network in a Blockchain Environment
Authors: Zhang Guangsheng , Zhang Zhaomin
Published: January 2025

Blockchain technology offers a novel solution to address the issue of information silos present in the complex network system of regional logistics service supply chains. Furthermore, enhancing the willingness of participants to engage in this system has emerged as a critical issue requiring urgent resolution. This study assumes bounded rationality and constructs an evolutionary game model to analyze the adoption behaviors of logistics service providers (LSPs) and logistics service integrators (LSIs) in a blockchain environment. The stability theorem of differential equations is employed to elucidate the inherent decision-making mechanisms present in the game. Acknowledging that traditional evolutionary mechanisms often neglect individual heterogeneity and the dynamic changes in the topological structures of complex networks, this study further involves the development of an evolutionary game model tailored for the complex network of a regional logistics service supply chain. After validating the effectiveness of the model, this research investigates how market environmental factors influence the adoption behaviors of LSPs and LSIs. Finally, through case simulations, the effects of key influencing factors on participatory behaviors within the regional logistics service supply chain are analyzed. The findings indicate that, in a blockchain environment, both prior to and following the adoption of complex network technology in the regional logistics service supply chain, the equilibrium stability of the network system is jointly determined by the total revenues of LSPs and LSIs. External factors in the blockchain environment significantly influence technology adoption strategies. Notably, when both the sensitivity coefficients of market demand relative to price and logistics service costs concerning quality enhancement are high, the willingness of supply chain participants to adopt the technology declines rapidly. As the quality elasticity increases, the technology adoption rates of providers and integrators initially stabilize and subsequently increase exponentially. Changes in the revenues of logistics service providers have no significant impact on technology adoption rates within the regional logistics service supply chain.
Advancing Self-Social Engineering in Tourism-Related Environmental Management: Integrating Environmental Psychology, Planned Behavior, and Norm Activation Theories
Authors: Said Laila Refiana , Swandari Fifi , Jikrillah Sufi , Sausan Sausan , Azizah Fathia
Published: January 2025

This study aims to develop the concept of self-social engineering in the context of tourism, focusing on tourists’ pro-environmental behavior. By integrating psychological theories such as Environmental Psychology Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Norm Activation Theory, the purpose of the investigation was to determine the extent of the direct influence of independent variables of perceived environmental quality (PEQ), attitude, subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on self-social engineering (SSE) and their indirect influence through intention to engage in environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). The structural analysis results from a sample of 191 visitors indicated that the unified model demonstrates a satisfactory predictive capability for SSE. This study’s findings highlight significant and insignificant relationships among the research variables, providing insights into the dynamics of pro-environmental behavior. Significant positive relationships were observed between attitude and SSE and between SN and SSE, demonstrating the influence of individual attitudes and social pressures on fostering self-initiated environmental actions. Similarly, PBC was found to significantly impact both SSE and ERB, indicating that individuals who feel capable of taking environmental actions are more likely to do so. Conversely, some relationships were found to be insignificant. The relationship between PEQ and SSE was insignificant, suggesting that positive perceptions of environmental quality alone may not motivate individuals to engage in self-directed environmental behaviors. Additionally, PEQ showed a negative relationship with ERB, indicating that high environmental quality perceptions might reduce the urgency to act, potentially leading to complacency. These findings highlight pro-environmental behavior’s complex and context-dependent characteristics, underscoring the importance of adopting integrated approaches considering individual and situational factors. The limitations of this study include its cross-sectional design, which restricts the ability to analyze behavioral changes over time. Additionally, its relatively localized sample does not fully capture broader tourist populations’ diverse demographic and geographical contexts.
miR-26a-5p/ADAM17-Mediated Proteolysis of TREM2 Regulates Neuroinflammation in Hypertensive Mice Following Lead Exposure
Authors: Wang Yuran , Wang Zeming , Hao Han , Zhao Yuwei , Wang Jian , Wang Weixuan
Published: January 2025

Hypertension is not merely a vascular disorder but a significant risk factor for neural impairment. Moreover, healthcare for the hypertensive population with environmental or occupational pollutants has become an issue of increasing concern in public health. As a traditional neurotoxic heavy metal, Pb exposure results in neuroinflammation as well as neurodegenerative diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in hypertensive mice exposed to Pb. We demonstrated that hypertension exacerbated Pb-induced neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and hypothalamus, as evidenced by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (CD206 and IL-10). Additionally, hypertension enhanced the neuroinflammatory response in microglia, as indicated by similar changes in cytokine expression in an in vitro cell model. Importantly, we found that TREM2, a key regulator of microglial inflammation, was downregulated in hypertensive mice with Pb exposure. This decline in TREM2 expression was associated with increased proteolysis of TREM2 by a disintegrin and metalloproteases 10 (ADAM10) as well as a disintegrin and metalloproteases 17 (ADAM17), in which ADAM17 was verified as the main cleavage enzyme in terms of TREM2 proteolytic cleavage in hypertensive mice following Pb exposure. Furthermore, we identified miR-26a-5p as a potential regulator of ADAM17 expression, suggesting a potential mechanism for the downregulation of TREM2 in this context. Our findings provided new insights into the complex interplay between hypertension, Pb exposure, and neuroinflammation as well as highlight the potential role of TREM2, ADAM17, and miR-26a-5p as therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation in hypertensive populations with Pb exposure.
Effect of Hydration on Viscoelastic Tensile Properties of Sclera
Authors: Hatami-Marbini Hamed
Published: January 2025

The present work characterized the effects of hydration on the viscoelastic tensile properties of the sclera. Scleral strips were dissected from the posterior region near the optic nerve head of porcine eyes in the superior–inferior direction. The samples were divided into four hydration groups and their mechanical response was characterized by conducting uniaxial tensile stress–relaxation experiments. An exponential relation and logarithmic expression were used to numerically represent the experimental measurements during the ramp and relaxation periods, respectively. A nonlinear increase in the tensile stress during the ramp period was observed for all strips. Furthermore, it was found that dehydrated specimens had stiffer tensile properties. In particular, it was observed that the maximum and equilibrium stresses increased significantly with decreasing hydration. Furthermore, it was found that the viscoelastic tensile response of porcine scleral strips at different hydration levels could be collapsed onto a single normalized curve. The findings of the present work showed that hydration had significant effects on the viscoelastic tensile properties of sclera.
Influencing Factors and Calibration of the Direct Vapor Equilibration Method for Measuring Soil Water Isotopes
Authors: Xing Zhenguo , He Ruimin , Fang Jie , Bai Lu , Li Xuejia , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Gang , Zhou Mingjing
Published: January 2025

The direct vapor equilibration-laser spectroscopy (DVE-LS) method can be used to measure the stable isotopes of soil water (δ2H and δ18O), a technique that is easier to operate and quicker for sampling compared to the traditional cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) method. However, the soil water isotope values thus obtained often deviate from the true value, which is affected by the equilibrium temperature during the measurement process. Therefore, this study conducted an indoor experiment on five soil samples of varying textures. The dry soil was wetted by reference water samples to four different soil water content (SWC) values and then equilibrated at five different temperatures. The soil water isotope deviation value (SWIDV) of the DVE-LS method was determined by building a correction equation between SWIDV and the influencing factors (equilibrium temperature, soil clay content (SCC), and SWC, after which the correction equation values were compared to those calculated by the CVD method for the field-collected soil samples to check the accuracy. The results shows that the Δδ2H value increased with increasing equilibrium temperature and soil clay content, but decreased with increasing SWC. The multi-factor variance analysis shows that equilibrium temperature, SCC, and SWC significantly affected the Δδ2H values and deviation values with the DVE-LS method, but insignificantly affected the Δδ18O values and deviation values. The correction equations (3) was built at different equilibrium temperatures, and the RMSE decreased from 4.07‰ to 1.24‰ and from 8.99‰ to 4.14‰, respectively, as calibrated by the isotope values of soil samples collected in Changwu and Suide counties. The correction equations under various equilibrium temperatures increased the accuracy of the DVE-LS method in obtaining soil water isotope values and promoted the application of the DVE-LS method in soil water isotope analysis.
Evaluating the Influence of Extreme Rainfall on Urban Surface Water Quality: A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Wanyi , Zhang Peng , Xu Dong , Hu Jianyong , Yuan Yuan
Published: January 2025

In recent years, climate change has increased the frequency of extreme rainfall events, significantly impacting surface water quality (SWQ). This study focuses on Hangzhou, utilizing rainfall data from June 2021 to May 2024 to calculate a series of rainfall extreme indices (REIs). It explores the spatiotemporal variations in these REIs alongside SWQ parameters, including water temperature (WT), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and turbidity. This research also analyzes the correlations between SWQ parameters and REIs for the first time. The results show that extreme rainfall events primarily occur in July, with increases in both intensity and frequency during the study period. Influenced by human activities, natural conditions, and environmental policies, SWQ parameters in Hangzhou exhibit notable spatiotemporal variability. Correlation analyses reveal significant positive relationships between TP, TN, and turbidity in most areas with REIs. However, the correlations between pH, WT, and turbidity with REIs differ between the eastern and western regions, resulting from variations in land use. These findings will provide a theoretical basis for developing models to predict changes in SWQ based on REIs, contributing to the safeguarding of surface water quality.
Study on the Method of Advanced Water Prediction for Underground Mine Expansion Using the Transient Electromagnetic Method and the Field Test: A Case Study of the Huize Lead–Zinc Mine
Authors: Ren Zhouhong , Liu Dajin , Hu Ticai , Yuan Shichong , Wang Hongliang , Xia Ronghui , Han Lihui
Published: January 2025

Mine water disaster is one of the main natural disasters in underground mining operations, and seriously threatens the safety of mine production and personnel’s life, affecting mine safety and sustainable development. The research on the prevention and control of the disaster of water inrush in fractured rock mass has become a major international frontier issue in the field of underground engineering, and it is also a major national demand. The key to effectively preventing and controlling disasters is to reveal the mechanisms of disasters. Taking the Huize lead–zinc mine as an example, this paper deeply studies the application method of the transient electromagnetic method (TEM) in advance water detection in shaft and roadway development and field test results. In view of the complicated hydrogeological conditions of the mine and the serious threat of water damage, this paper puts forward a kind of advanced water detection technology for the Huize lead–zinc mine based on the mine transient electromagnetic method. The technology uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect the water-bearing structure ahead by placing the transmitting and receiving coils in the shaft. In the field test, the multi-turn small wire frame device is used to detect the direction of the roof, bedding and floor of the roadway head on. In roadway excavation, if the site meets the detection requirements, the abnormal low-resistance area in the test area can be exposed by drilling first. The degree of structural development and the peak value of water gushing in the target area have been mastered. Then, it is determined whether it is necessary to increase borehole exploration in other relatively high-resistance low-risk areas. The experimental results show that the mine transient electromagnetic method can accurately identify the low-resistance water in front, and provide reliable technical support for mine water disaster prevention. The research in this paper not only enriches the application field of the mine transient electromagnetic method, but also provides a useful reference for mine water damage prevention under similar conditions.
Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Pollution Induced by Sand Mining in Poyang Lake Based on the Fuzzy PERI Model
Authors: Liu Yuanbo , Wang Jiafei , Wang Wei , Zhang Tao , Yan Feng
Published: January 2025

Sand mining significantly impacts heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. However, uncertainties in measured heavy metal concentrations in sediments caused by sand mining activities are unavoidable. To address this, a fuzzy potential ecological risk index (PERI) model was developed based on the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) theory. The model incorporates the ecological risk TFN of individual heavy metals, a comprehensive ecological risk TFN, and a transitional PERI model. This approach was applied to sand mining regions of Poyang Lake, with the following results: (i) In the Jiujiang region, the ecological risk TFNs of Cu, Pb, and Cd before sand mining were {11.84, 16.61, 19.45}, {8.58, 11.73, 14.46}, and {32.80, 34.80, 37.20}, respectively, all categorized as “low” grade. (ii) Before sand mining, the comprehensive PERI vectors for the Jiujiang and Shangrao regions were {0.000, 1.000, 0.000, 0.000} and {0.000, 0.344, 0.656, 0.000}, respectively, whereas after sand mining, they changed to {0.184, 0.816, 0.000, 0.000} and {0.000, 0.195, 0.805, 0.000}, respectively. (iii) After sand mining, the probabilities of the transitional TFN for Cu, Pb, and Cd exceeding 0 were 0.566, 0.549, and 0.952, respectively, with the comprehensive transitional TFN of heavy metals showing a probability of 0.626 of exceeding 0 in the Shangrao region. (iv) Compared to the conventional PERI model, the fuzzy PERI model more effectively evaluates ecological risks, including uncertainties and cumulative effects. It reflects variations in ecological risk induced by sand mining and offers insights for heavy metal pollution assessment in sand mining regions and other ecologically sensitive areas.
Soil–Plant Carbon Pool Variations Subjected to Agricultural Drainage in Xingkai Lake Wetlands
Authors: Wang Wei , Sheng Lianxi , Yu Xiaofei , Zhang Jingyao , Su Pengcheng , Zou Yuanchun
Published: January 2025

This study examines the responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and their components to agricultural water drainage in paddy fields, with a focus on the wetland–paddy field ecotone of Xingkai Lake, a transboundary lake shared by China and Russia. Field investigations targeted three representative wetland vegetation types: Glyceria spiculosa (G), Phragmites australis (P), and Typha orientalis (T), across drainage durations ranging from 0 to over 50 years. SOC fractions, including light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), heavy fraction organic carbon (HFOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), were systematically analyzed. The results revealed that SOC components in T and P wetlands steadily increased with drainage duration, whereas those in G wetlands exhibited a fluctuating pattern. SOC dynamics were primarily driven by LFOC, while MBC displayed species-specific variations. Correlation analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that soil physicochemical properties, such as total nitrogen and moisture content, exerted a stronger influence on SOC fractions than microbial biomass. Overall, water drawdown significantly altered SOC dynamics, with distinct responses observed across vegetation types and wetland ages. This study provides critical data and theoretical insights for optimizing carbon sequestration and hydrological management in wetland–paddy field systems.
Efficacy and Adaptation Mechanisms of Algal-Bacterial Granular Sludge Treatment for Phenolic Wastewater
Authors: Yu Aoxue , Ouyang Rui , Wang Shulian , Ji Bin , Cai Lu
Published: January 2025

The ubiquitous presence of phenolic compounds in effluents poses a risk to aquatic organisms and human health. This study investigates the responses of the emerging algal-bacterial granular sludge process in treating phenolic wastewater. The results showed that phenol at 1, 10, and 100 mg/L had little effect on ammonia-N, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phosphate-P removal. At the highest phenol concentration of 100 mg/L, the average removal rates of ammonia-N, COD, and phosphate-P were 94.8%, 72.9%, and 83.7%, respectively. The presence of phenol led to a decline in chlorophyll content of the algal-bacterial granular sludge, concurrently resulting in an increase in the abundance of microbial diversity. Algal-bacterial granular sludge exhibited mechanisms such as elevated extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) production, which may aid in coping with oxidative stress from phenols. This research underscores the algal-bacterial granular sludge’s potential for treating phenolic wastewater, thereby advancing knowledge in the field of phenol degradation with this innovative technology.
A Methodology Based on Random Forest to Estimate Precipitation Return Periods: A Comparative Analysis with Probability Density Functions in Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Anco-Valdivia Johan , Valencia-Félix Sebastián , Espinoza Vigil Alain Jorge , Anco Guido , Booker Julian , Juarez-Quispe Julio , Rojas-Chura Erick
Published: January 2025

Precipitation within specific return periods plays a crucial role in the design of hydraulic infrastructure for water management. Traditional analytical approaches involve collecting annual maximum precipitation data from a station followed by the application of statistical probability distributions and the selection of the best-fit distribution based on goodness-of-fit tests (e.g., Kolmogorov-Smirnov). However, this methodology relies on current data, raising concerns about its suitability for outdated data. This study aims to compare Probability Density Functions (PDFs) with the Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm for estimating precipitation at different return periods. Using data from twenty-six stations located in various parts of the Arequipa department in Peru, the performance of both methods was evaluated using MSE, RMSE, R2 and MAE. The results show that RF outperforms PDFs in most cases, having more precision using the metrics mentioned for precipitation estimates at return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years for the studied stations.
Effects of Calcium Peroxide Dosage on Physicochemical Parameters, Organic Matter Degradation, Humification, and Microbial Community Succession During Food Waste Composting
Authors: Hu Kun , Zhou Guoning , Chen Jia , Wafula Nalume Gerald , Li Guangming
Published: January 2025

To verify the possible roles of calcium peroxide (CaO2) in addressing the key challenges of aerobic composting of food waste, including long composting duration, poor compost product quality, and gas emissions during composting, this study conducted a 38-day composting experiment using artificially blended food waste. Five containers were employed for investigating the effects of five doses of CaO2 (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, w/w) on physicochemical parameters, organic matter (OM) degradation, and humification during composting. Additionally, more evidence from a microbial perspective was provided by analyzing the effects of CaO2 additions on microbial community succession. The results indicated that CaO2 additions increased the relative abundance of mineralization bacteria, accelerated the temperature increase of compost in the early composting stage, and elevated the peak temperature. It also facilitated the decomposition of OM and enhanced the synthesis of humic acid during the early composting stage. However, the addition of CaO2, especially at relatively high doses, impacted the humification process. Compared with the control, only the 5% CaO2 treatment had a significantly greater humification coefficient, reaching 1.73 ± 0.11. Moreover, adding CaO2 reduced the total ammonia emissions from composting by 17.1% to 59.7%. Overall, CaO2 is an effective additive for ameliorating key issues in food waste composting.