bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate-Based In Situ Gel Comprising Doxycycline Hyclate and Metronidazole
Authors: Khaing Ei Mon , Lertsuphotvanit Nutdanai , Thammasut Warakon , Rojviriya Catleya , Chansatidkosol Siraprapa , Phattarateera Supanut , Pichayakorn Wiwat , Phaechamud Thawatchai
Published: December 2024

Cellulose acetate butyrate is a biodegradable cellulose ester bioplastic produced from plentiful natural plant-based resources. Solvent-exchange-induced in situ gels are particularly promising for periodontitis therapy, as this dosage form allows for the direct delivery of high concentrations of antimicrobial agents to the localized periodontal pocket. This study developed an in situ gel for periodontitis treatment, incorporating a combination of metronidazole and doxycycline hyclate, with cellulose acetate butyrate serving as the matrix-forming agent. Consequently, assessments were conducted on the physicochemical properties, gel formation, drug permeation, drug release, morphological topography, and antimicrobial activities of the formulation. The formulation demonstrated an increased slope characteristic of Newtonian flow at higher bioplastic concentrations. The adequate polymer concentration facilitated swift phase inversion, resulting in robust, solid-like matrices. The mechanical characteristics of the transformed in situ gel typically exhibit an upward trend as the polymer concentration increased. The utilization of sodium fluorescein and Nile red as fluorescent probes effectively tracked the interfacial solvent–aqueous movement during the phase inversion of in situ gels, confirming that the cellulose acetate butyrate matrix delayed the solvent exchange process. The initial burst release of metronidazole and doxycycline hyclate was minimized, achieving a sustained release profile over 7 days in in situ gels containing 25% and 40% cellulose acetate butyrate, primarily governed by a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Metronidazole showed higher permeation through the porcine buccal membrane, while doxycycline hyclate exhibited greater tissue accumulation, both influenced by polymer concentration. The more highly concentrated polymeric in situ gel formed a uniformly porous structure. Metronidazole and doxycycline hyclate-loaded in situ gels showed synergistic antibacterial effects against S. aureus and P. gingivalis. Over time, the more highly concentrated polymeric in situ gel showed superior retention of antibacterial efficacy due to its denser cellulose acetate butyrate matrix, which modulated drug release and enhanced synergistic effects, making it a promising injectable treatment for periodontitis, particularly against P. gingivalis.
The Effect of Textile Structure Reinforcement on Polymer Composite Material Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Risteska Svetlana , Srebrenkoska Vineta , Zhezhova Silvana , Srebrenkoska Sara , Risteski Sanja , Jordeva Sonja , Golomeova Longurova Saska
Published: December 2024

Investigating the impact of textile structure reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites produced by the compression molding technique was the goal of this work. An epoxy resin system served as the matrix, and various woven (plain, twill, basket), nonwoven (mat), and unidirectional (UD) textile structures made from E-glass fibers were employed as reinforcement elements. Compression molding of pre-impregnated textile materials (prepregs) was used to create the composites. The well-impregnated textile structures with resin into prepreg and the good interface between layers of the composites were verified during the manufacture of the polymer–textile composites using DSC thermal analysis and an SEM microscope. For the mechanical behavior, flexural properties were determined. The composite samples with unidirectional prepreg reinforcement have the highest longitudinal flexural strengths at roughly 900 MPa. The woven prepreg-based composite laminates show balanced flexural properties in both directions. Composites based on plane and basket prepregs have a flexural strength of about 450 MPa. Their flexural strength is over 20% lower than that of the samples made using twill prepreg. In both directions, nonwoven prepreg-reinforced composite samples show the least amount of resistance to bending stresses (flexural strength of roughly 150 MPa).
Flexible PAN/P25 Multi-Porous Nanotubular Electrospun Membrane Constructed by a Facile Ethylene Glycol Solvothermal Induction with Excellent Photocatalytic Degradation and Sterilization Performance
Authors: Miao Yiwen , Zhang Chenghao , Sun Ya , Wang Chunlei , Yan Juntao , Deng Sunhua , Chi Ruan
Published: December 2024

A series of flexible polyacrylonitrile/TiO2 (PAN/P25) multi-porous nanotubular membranes were successfully constructed by facile electrospinning combined with an ethylene glycol solvothermal induce strategy. The effects of P25 dosage and solvothermal time on the morphology of samples were systematically investigated, which were characterized in terms of surface morphology, microstructure, specific surface area, thermal analysis, wettability, photoelectrochemical and fluorescence spectra. Rhodamine B (RhB) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were employed as simulated pollutants to evaluate photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial properties of the PAN/P25-3 multi-porous nanotubular membrane. The PAN/P25-3 membrane exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency, with 96.1% degradation of RhB within 120 min under a xenon lamp light source and a photocatalytic inactivation rate of 95.8% for E. coli under 365 nm monochromatic light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the PAN/P25-3 multi-porous nanotubular membrane for RhB was deduced from the results of 3D-EEM fluorescence and scavenger experiments of reactive species. Additionally, the cyclic photodegradation experiments demonstrated that the PAN/P25-3 membrane maintained excellent stability and photocatalytic performance after multiple degradation cycles, confirming its potential for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Non-Thermal Technologies in Food Science”
Authors: Fernandes Fabiano A. N. , Rodrigues Sueli , Ozuna César
Published: December 2024

Driven by the rising consumer demand for healthy, clean-label foods, the food industry is transitioning towards innovative conservation and quality control methods [...]
Development of a Smart Wastewater Valve to Optimize Reverse-Osmosis Membrane-Cleaning Cycles for Enhanced Water Purification Efficiency
Authors: Ma Mei , Xing Ke , Mei Lingling , Dai Juan , Ji Jie , Zhang Yewei , Liao Lida , Huang Bin
Published: December 2024

Freshwater scarcity, intensified by global population growth and climate change, poses a significant challenge to sustainable development by increasing the demand for clean water. Advancements in water purification technologies are therefore essential. Reverse-osmosis systems are widely used for drinking water purification, but their core component, the reverse-osmosis membrane, is prone to contamination. This contamination reduces system efficiency and shortens membrane lifespan, creating operational challenges. This study introduces a smart wastewater valve designed to optimize the cleaning cycles of reverse-osmosis membranes, enhancing both system performance and sustainability. The valve integrates a total dissolved solid sensor and a microcontroller, enabling real-time cleaning strategies based on wastewater solid levels and the duration of purification cycles. Testing on a water purification system demonstrates that the smart valve increases desalination rates, reduces membrane fouling, and extends membrane lifespan by approximately 33%. As a result, it significantly reduces water waste while maintaining high water quality, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. These findings contribute to the advancement of efficient water purification technologies, addressing critical economic and environmental challenges associated with water resource management. By enhancing the sustainability and performance of reverse-osmosis systems, the smart wastewater valve presents a viable approach to mitigating freshwater scarcity and supporting sustainable development goals.
A Bidirectional Isolated DC-to-DC Converter with Hybrid Control of Pulse Width Modulation and Pulse Frequency Modulation
Authors: Hua Chih-Chiang , Lai Jian-Bin
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a modified bidirectional isolated DC/DC converter with hybrid control, which can be applied to bidirectional power transfer between energy storage systems and DC microgrids. Batteries are usually applied to energy storage systems. The battery lifespan may be shortened if the converter has large current ripple during the battery charging process. The proposed topology consists of a CLLC converter and an interleaved buck converter. The first stage is an isolated full bridge CLLC converter, and the second stage is an interleaved buck converter with hybrid control of pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Additionally, the proposed topology achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS) for all switches and reduces the output current ripple. The operational principles of bidirectional power flow in both directions are described in detail. Finally, a 1.5 kW experimental prototype, rated with a high side voltage of 380 V and low side voltage range of 40–58 V, was constructed and tested to investigate the system performance. The measured highest efficiency for the proposed converter is 90% in charging mode, and 94% in discharging mode.
Jesuit Missionary Aleni’s Argumentation Strategy on the Concept of Common Sense: Focusing on the Analysis of Xingxue Cushu
Authors: Zhao Qi
Published: December 2024

In the late Ming Dynasty, Jesuit missionary Giulio Aleni introduced Western classical psychology to China, with the theory of the sensitive soul being his core focus. Scholars have conducted in-depth analyses of the textual sources, fundamental theories and pivotal influences of Xingxue cushu concerning Aleni’s theory of the sensitive soul. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research in academia on the essence of common sense. In Aleni’s Xingxue cushu, common sense not only determines the essence of a sensitive soul but also builds a bridge between a sensitive soul and rational soul. Consequently, common sense is a crux in Aleni’s soul theory. As far as the purpose is concerned, this article combines macro and micro perspectives, exploring Aleni’s argumentation strategy on the concept of common sense. Although Aleni regards common sense as the internal sense of human beings, he starts from the principle of wholeness in Xingxue cushu and regards common sense as the whole of the five external senses, indicating that the principle of wholeness is not contradictory to the principle of internality in the category of common sense.
An Integrated Drought Index (Vapor Pressure Deficit–Soil Moisture–Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Dryness Index, VMFDI) Based on Multisource Data and Its Applications in Agricultural Drought Management
Authors: Deng Caiyun , Zhang Li , Xu Tianhe , Yang Siqi , Guo Jian , Si Lulu , Kang Ran , Kaufmann Hermann Josef
Published: December 2024

To more precisely monitor drought, a new remote sensing-based drought index, the Vapor Pressure Deficit–Soil Moisture–Sun-Induced Chlorophyll fluorescence Dryness Index (VMFDI), with a spatial resolution of 1 km based on vapor pressure deficit (VPD), soil moisture (SM), and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) data was constructed via a three-dimensional spatial distance model, and it was used to monitor dryness in the Yellow River Basin during 2003–2020. The spatiotemporal variations in and main factors of the VMFDI and agroecosystem responses were analyzed via the Theil–Sen median and Mann–Kendall tests and Liang–Kleeman information flow. The results revealed the following: (1) The VMFDI effectively monitors regional drought and is more sensitive than other indices like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and GRACE drought severity index and single variables. (2) VMFDI values fluctuated seasonally in the Yellow River Basin, peaking in August and reaching their lowest in March. The basin becomes drier in winter but wetter in spring, summer, and autumn, with the middle and lower reaches, particularly Shaanxi and Gansu, being drought-prone. The VMFDI values in the agroecosystem were lower. (3) SM and VPD dominated drought at the watershed and agroecosystem scales, respectively. Key agroecosystem indicators, including greenness (NDVI), gross primary productivity (GPP), water use efficiency (WUE), and leaf area index (LAI), were negatively correlated with drought (p < 0.05). When VPD exceeded a threshold range of 7.11–7.17 ha, the relationships between these indicators and VPD shifted from positive to negative. The specific VPD thresholds in maize and wheat systems were 8.03–8.57 ha and 7.15 ha, respectively. Suggestions for drought risk management were also provided. This study provides a new method and high-resolution data for accurately monitoring drought, which can aid in mitigating agricultural drought risks and promoting high-quality agricultural development.
The Impact of Digital Economic Development and Government Intervention on China’s Pension Insurance Fund Income: Moderated Chain Mediation Effects
Authors: Han Wenshuo , Yao Xiwen , Gao Huijun , Gao Zheng
Published: December 2024

As a new driving force for economic growth, the digital economy has had a profound impact on the labor market. While the existing research has explored the role of the digital economy in job substitution, creation, and polarization effects, the research on the impact on the social insurance fund income is relatively scarce. In view of this, based on the provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020, this paper analyzes the effect and mechanism of the digital economy on the pension income by using the moderated chain intermediary model and random forest regression. The results show that: (1) the employment scale, labor income, industrial structure, and government intervention are the important factors affecting the income of urban pension insurance; (2) the development of the digital economy has a negative impact on the income of the basic pension insurance fund for urban employees, and the chain intermediary effect that indirectly affects the employment scale and labor income through promoting the upgrading of the industrial structure has a negative impact on the income of the pension insurance fund. The employment scale and employment income of the industries with high and low substitution rates have a significant impact; (3) government intervention can regulate the negative impact of the digital economy development on the pension fund income. Furthermore, taking the transformation and reform of social security collection and payment institutions in July 2018 as an opportunity, the analysis using the event study method found that the average level of the pension income in the regions where the tax department was fully responsible increased significantly compared with the regions where the social security department collected it. Therefore, in order to maintain the sustainability of the pension fund income and effectively prevent the problem of old-age poverty caused by the “silver wave” and the lack of protection of workers’ rights and interests, institutional innovation should be promoted, the current tax policy should be adjusted, and the inclusiveness and flexibility of the pension security system should be improved. Digital technology should be used to improve the government’s intervention capacity and management level, and promote the positive interaction between the digital economy and the pension insurance system.
Association of Social Media Addiction, Weight Perception, and Lifestyle in Mexican Nursing Students
Authors: Patiño-Jaimes Vanessa , Giraldo-Suarez María Camila , Mendoza-Catalán Geu S. , Angel-Garcia Julieta , Estrada-Luna Diego , Jiménez-Osorio Angélica Saraí
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been a reported significative increase in social media addiction (SMA), associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits. To analyze the association between SMA, lifestyle, and weight perception among Mexican nursing students, a cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students over 18 years old. The survey was administered via Google Forms and distributed through Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram from June to August 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a multiple linear regression model with SPSS. A total of 255 students participated, 80.0% of whom were women, and 86.2% were undergraduate students. The average social media addiction score was 25.6 (SD = 14.0). Of the participants, 49.8% reported a dangerous-to-fair lifestyle, while 50.2% reported a good-to-excellent lifestyle. Social media addiction was negatively correlated with lifestyle (rs = −0.496, p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression model, social media addiction, perception of body weight, and students who work explained 32.5% of the lifestyle variance. Students who reported higher levels of social media addiction tended to have less healthy lifestyles. It is important to consider the detection of social media addiction and its potential long-term health implications for nursing students.
Enhanced Early Childhood Placement Program to Facilitate Family Involvement for Future Teachers
Authors: Bussey Katherine
Published: December 2024

Navigating family involvement is commonly a cause of concern for pre-service teachers who will soon be early childhood teacher graduates in Australia. This paper uses a Research by Design methodology to analyse the interview and focus group data from 108 pre-service and 135 mentor teachers involved in an enhanced early childhood professional placement partnerships program. This program was used to advance professional relationships through shared professional learning and making time for collegial discussions. The findings show that the program interventions have enabled pre-service teachers to focus on family involvement while on placements, with some sharing their own documentation of children’s learning directly with families.
Effects of a Short-Term Soccer Training Intervention on Skill Course Performance in Youth Players: A Randomized Study
Authors: Sørensen Arne , Dalen Terje , Lagestad Pål
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 11 additional soccer training sessions among youth soccer players according to their performance in a skill course. A total of 90 participants, aged 9 to 12, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) (n = 54) or a control group (CG) (n = 36) and have validated data. The trainings focused upon enhancing ball mastery and decision-making and included a combination of one vs. one situations and small-sided games (SSGs). Pre- and post-tests measured passing and dribbling skills through a skill course. The best time with additional time penalties for each dribbling and passing error was used for further analysis. An independent t-test revealed no significant differences in improvement between the two groups. However, paired t-tests revealed significant improvements for both the IG and the CG from pre- to post-test (7.9 and 3.9 s, respectively). Furthermore, no significant differences in the development of track time, cone touches, or passing errors between the groups were detected. These findings suggest that soccer players aged 9 to 12 improve their performance in a skill course through increased familiarity with the course and natural development of technical skills based on participation in soccer training and recreational soccer play. We argue that the lack of significant differences between the groups’ performances can be attributed to the short duration and few sessions of the intervention, and a somehow low similarity between the skill course and the activities in the sessions.
Investigation and Analysis of Interrelationships Among Safety Managerial Aspects Affecting Safety Climate Using Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Approach
Authors: Bafail Omer , Alamoudi Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Safety climates are a crucial factor in determining the safety performance of organizations. One of the most influential factors that affect safety climates is safety management, which consists of several aspects. None of the previous research has investigated the relationship between these managerial aspects. Consequently, the main goal of the current research is to apply the DEMATEL technique in order to determine the interrelationships among the managerial aspects that affect safety climates. This study highlights the critical role of management expertise, including technical knowledge and effective leadership, in driving safety cultures. Adherence to safety rules and a strong commitment to these rules across an organization are equally important. Additionally, responding to safety concerns by taking prompt action toward correcting a situation is essential for ensuring the safety of a workplace. When these factors are applied effectively, they play a significant role in preventing injuries, accidents, and risks in the workplace. Recognizing the most important causal factors of the study’s findings, it presents useful information to both policymakers and industrial leaders in ranking their priorities toward improving safety.
The Impact of Thermal Energy Storage on the Emission of Particulate Pollutants into the Atmosphere
Authors: Zwierzchowski Ryszard , Ziomacka Marlena , Niemyjski Olgierd
Published: December 2024

To improve the energy, operational, and ecological efficiency of a district heating system (DHS) powered by a combined heat and power (CHP) plant or a heating plant, thermal energy storage (TES) should be used. The presented paper examines the impact of the use and operation of TES built in a CHP plant supplying a large DHS, based on the amount of particulates emitted into the atmosphere. Detailed research was carried out for the Siekierki–Warsaw and Białystok CHP plants in Poland. The analysis helped to determine the factors affecting the reduction in pollutant emissions and the volume of the energy effect of using TES in the CHP plant. In order to objectify the results of the comparative analysis of the impact of TES in the CHP plant on the emission of particulates, the so-called comparative index (CI) was introduced. The CI takes into account the volume of electricity and heat production and climatic conditions in the analyzed time periods. The CI for the analyzed years should have a similar value so that the results of the comparative analysis are fully representative. This condition is met for the CHP plant and DHS of Białystok, so the detailed results of the analysis are presented for this facility. As a result of the application of TES in the Białystok CHP plant, significant environmental effects related to the reduction in particulate emissions have been achieved; for example, the total amount of annual particulate matter (PM) emission (PM10 and PM2.5) has been reduced by 27% and the maximum emission by 29%. On the other hand, the average decrease in particulate emissions in the heating season varied in the range of 10–50%, while in the summer season, the values of particulate emissions were at a comparable level. A significant decrease in annual and one-hour average concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5 and particulate fallout for these two analyzed years was also found. The use of TES to reduce the occurrence and nuisance of the smog phenomenon, the main components of which are PM, is proposed, and selected models of forecasting concentrations of pollutants in the air, including particulate emissions, are presented in order to implement this type of activity.
Exploring the Key Factors for Purchasing Forest-Certified Products in the Context of Sustainable Forest Consumption
Authors: Lu Hongliang , Liu Zhaohong
Published: December 2024

Based on social cognitive theory and the theory of planned behaviour, this study explores the influence of green self-efficacy on consumers’ willingness to buy forest-certified products. Despite extensive research being conducted on forest-certified products, there has been limited investigation into the personal characteristics and intrinsic decision-making factors of consumers. Therefore, this study focuses on the mediating role of consumers’ perceived behavioural control and perceived scarcity, as well as the moderating roles of product involvement. To examine these effects, a total of 560 questionnaires were distributed, and 511 valid responses were collected, resulting in a valid response rate of 91.25%. The data were analysed using SPSS 26.0 and the Process macro to test the mediating and moderating effects. The results indicate that green self-efficacy has a significant positive effect on purchasing intention through direct influence and a significant indirect positive effect on purchasing intention through perceived behavioural control and perceived scarcity. Furthermore, the positive effects of perceived behavioural control and perceived scarcity on purchase intention were more pronounced in high-product-involvement contexts. Based on these findings, it is advised that both enterprises and the government collaborate in conducting green consumption educational initiatives to boost consumers’ green self-efficacy. Businesses can adopt marketing strategies such as limited sales and time-limited offers to create a sense of product scarcity. In addition, enterprises should focus on product design and brand building to increase product engagement and take multiple initiatives to promote green consumption.
Sustainable Development of the Infrastructure of the City of Astana Since the Establishment of the Capital as a Factor of Tourism Development
Authors: Berdenov Zharas , Kakimzhanov Yersin , Arykbayeva Kamshat , Assylbekov Kalibek , Wendt Jan Andrzej , Kaimuldinova Kulyash D. , Beketova Aidana , Ataeva Gulshat , Kara Tolga
Published: December 2024

The underdevelopment of tourism infrastructure remains a critical barrier to the growth of the tourism sector in both the capital and regional areas. This article examines the concept and structure of tourism infrastructure, synthesizes methodological approaches for its evaluation, and identifies the strengths and limitations of these approaches. The study introduces a novel methodology for assessing the development of tourism infrastructure in the capital city. Based on the assessment, the city’s regions are categorized into four levels of infrastructure development: high, above average, average, and below average. The findings highlight the key factors driving tourism development and the obstacles limiting infrastructure progress, while also proposing strategic directions for its enhancement. Achieving optimal levels of infrastructure provision is identified as a crucial condition for advancing the tourism sector. The development of tourism infrastructure should be prioritized in regional economic policy. In line with the state’s “Concept for the Development of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2029”, this study emphasizes the need for a streamlined and precise classification of tourism infrastructure components based on a comprehensive framework. The evaluation is conducted using an integrated indicator that captures the development level of key elements: accommodation infrastructure, international event venues, and access to leisure and entertainment. Additionally, the article provides a comparative analysis of the current state of tourism infrastructure relative to the early stages of the capital’s development and tracks the dynamics of tourism indicators from 2010 to 2024. Several interrelated challenges affecting infrastructure growth have been identified. Notably, the study reveals that hosting international events and forums has significantly boosted inbound tourism compared to regional averages in Kazakhstan, although it has also constrained the potential for tourism business growth in other regions. The practical insights derived from this study offer a comprehensive understanding of the state of tourism infrastructure in Astana, which can inform future research and policy development for tourism infrastructure in major urban areas.
Short-Term Output Scenario Generation of Renewable Energy Using Transformer–Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Nets-Gradient Penalty
Authors: Gu Liuqing , Xu Jian , Ke Deping , Deng Youhan , Hua Xiaojun , Yu Yi
Published: December 2024

As renewable energy sources are becoming more widely integrated into the modern power system, the uncertainties within this system are becoming increasingly prominent. It is crucial to accurately describe the uncertainties in renewable energy output for the effective planning, scheduling, and control of power systems. For this purpose, the aim of this paper is to introduce a method for generating short-term output scenarios for renewable energy sources based on an improved Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Nets-Gradient Penalty. First, a Deep Neural Network structure inspired by the Transformer algorithm is developed to capture the temporal characteristics of renewable energy outputs. Then, combined with the advantage of the data generation of the Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Nets-Gradient Penalty, the Transformer–Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Nets-Gradient Penalty is proposed to generate short-term renewable energy output scenarios. Finally, experimental validation is conducted on open-source wind and photovoltaic datasets from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where the performance of the proposed model in generating renewable energy output scenarios across various aspects (i.e., individual sample representation, expectation and variance, probability density function, cumulative distribution function, power spectral density, autocorrelation coefficient, and pinball loss) is assessed. The results show that our method outperforms the Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Nets-Gradient Penalty, Variational Autoencoder, Copula function, and Latin Hypercube Sampling models in the abovementioned evaluation indicators, providing a more precise probability distribution representation of realistic short-term renewable energy outputs.
Investor–Firm Interactions and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Wang Zhi , Ren Shichi
Published: December 2024

Drawing from a dataset of companies listed on the A-share market from 2010 to 2022 in China, this study explores how investor–firm interactions on Hudongyi and E-hudong affect corporate ESG performance. The findings demonstrate that interactions between investors and companies significantly enhance the ESG performance of corporations. The impact is particularly pronounced for firms with greater institutional investment, heightened media scrutiny, and those operating in more polluting sectors. We also confirm that ESG-related interactions enhance firms’ ESG performance more significantly than non-ESG-related interactions. Potential mechanisms encompass the “oversight and governance” mechanism and the “reputational compensation” mechanism. Further analysis reveals that investor–firm interactions have a greater positive effect on the S- and G-aspects of ESG. Additionally, we also rule out the “pandering hypothesis”, “noise hypothesis”, and “surplus manipulation hypothesis”, thus ensuring the robustness of the conclusions. The core findings remain consistent, even after conducting various tests for endogeneity and robustness.
Research on the Tourism-Promoting Rural Revitalisation Model Based on Grounded Theory: The Case of Shibadong Village in Huayuan County, Hunan Province
Authors: Wang Huizhan , Wang Huimin
Published: December 2024

In villages with certain foundations and conditions for tourism development, tourism plays an important role in rural revitalisation, and the effect of tourism on promoting rural revitalisation is closely related to its model of tourism development. Taking Shibadong Village in Huayuan County, Hunan Province, as a typical case site, a model of tourism promoting rural revitalisation was constructed through grounded research, and its characteristics were analysed in depth. The study found that at the present stage, tourism in Shibadong Village to promote rural revitalisation belongs to the typical government-led model, in which the government plays a leading role in the initiation and initial development of tourism in Shibadong Village with the participation of cooperatives, villagers, tourism enterprises, and NGOs, which jointly contribute to the development of the countryside. However, with the further development of rural tourism, the drawbacks of the insufficient endogenous power of this model have begun to appear, and gradually changing the role of the government and strengthening the participation of multiple subjects is necessary to promote the sustainable development of rural tourism and enhance the effect of tourism to promote rural revitalisation.
The Concept of Utilizing Waste Generated During the Production of Crispbread for the Production of Corn-Based Snacks
Authors: Gondek Ewa , Kamińska-Dwórznicka Anna , Stasiak Mateusz , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa
Published: December 2024

During the production of crispbread, waste is generated, which, from its nutritional point of view, is a full-value food product. These are mechanically damaged slices that are not commercially available and are rejected at the sorting stage. The concept of its development was to use it to produce extruded corn snacks. Waste pieces of whole meal wheat crispbread were used for this research, and the final snack was produced using an extrusion method. The investigation of the final snack included the determination of water activity, geometric density, pycnometric density determined in a helium pycnometer, porosity, the water solubility index, WSI, the water adsorption index, WAI, sorption properties, and instrumental texture, as well as a sensory analysis. It was shown that the addition of ground crispbread caused a slight increase in density and a decrease in open porosity. A decrease in water content and water absorption coefficients (WAI) and water solubility (WSI) was observed. Texture studies including mechanical and acoustic texture determinants showed that a small addition of ground crispbread improves the texture features (the most beneficial was found with an addition of 25%). It has been shown that it is possible to rationally manage waste generated during the production of crispbread. A product with favorable physical properties and high sensory acceptability was obtained. The technology described in the paper makes bread production more sustainable and generates less waste.
Sustainable Management of Pollutant Transport in Defective Composite Liners of Landfills: A Semi-Analytical Model
Authors: Zhao Shan , Sun Botao , Su Xinjia
Published: December 2024

This study presents an analytical model for two-dimensional pollutant transport within a three-layer composite liner system, which comprises a geomembrane (GM), a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and a soil liner (SL), with particular attention to defects in the geomembrane. The model integrates key processes such as convection, diffusion, adsorption, and degradation, offering a more accurate prediction of pollutant behavior. Through Laplace and Fourier transforms, pollutant concentration distributions are derived, providing a comprehensive view of pollutant migration in landfill settings. Verification against COMSOL 6.0 simulations underscores the model’s robustness. Results show that there is an optimal thickness for the SL that balances the effectiveness of pollutant containment and material usage, while higher diffusion coefficients and advection velocity accelerate migration. The degradation of organic pollutants reduces concentrations over time, especially with shorter half-lives. These findings not only improve the design of landfill liners but also support more sustainable waste management practices by reducing the risk of environmental contamination. This research contributes to the development of more effective, long-lasting landfill containment systems, enhancing sustainability in waste management infrastructure.
Enriching Value of Big Data Cooperative Assets from a Time-Horizon Perspective
Authors: Ren Shaobo , Fong Patrick S. W. , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2024

Driven by the rise of big data, enterprises urgently need to accurately utilize users’ real-time and accumulated information to realize present value and establish long-term advantages, then achieving the sustainable development. Previous works identified value co-created through big data as “big data cooperative assets”. However, while the mainstream research on this concept has primarily focused on analyzing its features, formation conditions, and influencing factors, particularly from the perspective of time-horizon value, an equally important area—the formation mechanism—has been neglected. To address this gap, this article constructs a classification framework of big data cooperative assets by combining time-horizon aspects with interaction dominators. It then examines the formation mechanisms of data link and data insight value through multi-case analysis. Overall, this research not only provides new perspectives for enriching the theoretical understanding of big data cooperative assets but also suggests useful practical guidelines for innovative interaction between enterprises and users in the age of data competition. In addition, improving the efficiency of realizing the value of big data cooperative assets helps the enterprise to better cope with external risks, such as market changes and policy adjustments, and maintain sound operations, further contributing to build a harmonious society and promote the construction of an ecological civilization.
Effects of Primary Energy Consumption and Alternative Energy Patents on CO2 Emissions in China
Authors: Lai Lina , Qiao Yongzhong
Published: December 2024

China’s significant carbon emissions have attracted global attention, and the country has committed to reaching a peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. It is crucial to achieve this goal by effectively controlling the combustion of primary fuels and developing alternative energy technologies. The existing literature has studied the effects of primary energy consumption on CO2 emissions, alternative energy technology on CO2 emissions, and energy patents on CO2 emissions. However, there are few studies on the effects of the relationship between primary energy consumption and alternative energy technology patents. This study analyzes the effects of primary energy consumption and alternative energy patents on CO2 emission intensity and CO2 emissions per capita, and their relationship using canonical correlation analysis. Our results are as follows. First, CO2 emissions from natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas have positive effects (correlation coefficients of 0.102 and 0.275, respectively), while CO2 emissions from gasoline, fuel oil, diesel, and kerosene have negative effects on CO2 emission intensity (correlation coefficients of −0.767, −0.420, −0.138, and −0.035, respectively). Second, patents for devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy have large positive effects on total CO2 emissions (correlation coefficient of 0.533). Finally, the more the patents utilize waste heat, geothermal energy, hydro energy, and wind energy, the higher the CO2 emissions from liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and crude oil, and the lower the CO2 emissions from diesel, which are conducive to controlling CO2 emissions. Therefore, energy policies will be more effective, improve the living environment, and promote sustainable development based on the CO2 emissions level from primary energy consumption and the control degree of CO2 emissions by alternative energy.
Integrating Technology and Urban Resilience: A Comprehensive Analysis of Smart City Initiatives in Sydney
Authors: Varzeshi Shabnam , Fien John , Irajifar Leila
Published: December 2024

This study explores the integration of smart city and resilience strategies in Sydney, focusing on the relationship between technological advancements and urban resilience. By analysing strategic documents and key projects—specifically the NSW Spatial Digital Twin, Land iQ, and SIMPaCT—this research identifies important synergies and gaps in Sydney’s urban planning efforts. The findings indicate that these projects improve urban functionality through real-time data integration, predictive planning, and adaptive infrastructure. However, there are inconsistencies between strategic objectives and actual implementation, particularly concerning stakeholder inclusivity and equity considerations. The study concludes that utilising technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), along with equitable stakeholder engagement, has the potential to significantly enhance Sydney’s ability to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. These insights offer practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners who aim to balance innovation with inclusivity in smart city development.
Data Integrity Verification for Edge Computing Environments
Authors: Ye Jun , Jiang Yu
Published: December 2024

Mobile edge computing (MEC), is a technology that extends the power of cloud computing to the edge of the end device, with the primary goal of providing faster response times and an optimized quality of service. Given that edge devices are often used by smaller organizations with less computing power, data on the edge are more susceptible to data corruption, which is closely related to uneven resource allocation and uneven security protection. It is therefore particularly important to check the integrity of the MEC to ensure that it is intact, which in turn serves the symmetry of data security protection and facilitates the realization and optimization of symmetry in resource allocation. An integrity verification protocol MEC-P is proposed. MEC-P allows a third-party auditor (TPA) to check data integrity on the edge without violating users’ data privacy and query pattern privacy. We rigorously demonstrate the security and privacy guarantees of the protocol. In addition, this protocol carefully considers the scenarios of single edge node and multiple edge nodes, as well as the complexity of dynamic modifications. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed protocol is effective.
Unraveling the Complex Barriers to and Policies for Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Strategic Analysis for Sustainable Urban Mobility
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Zheng Jianfeng , Ullah Salamat , Bhattarai Krishna , Almujibah Hamad , Alawad Hamad
Published: December 2024

Integrating shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) in urban transportation systems holds transformative potential but is accompanied by notable challenges. This study, conducted in Saudi Arabia (KSA), aims to address these challenges by identifying and prioritizing the key barriers and policies that are necessary if we are to successfully adopt SAVs. A comprehensive analysis was performed through a literature review and expert consultations, revealing 24 critical barriers and 10 policies for solving them. The research employed a three-phase methodology to evaluate and rank the policies proposed to overcome these barriers. Initially, the study assessed the specific barriers and policies related to SAVs. Subsequently, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was employed to evaluate the relative importance of these barriers. Finally, the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS) was applied to rank the policies; the process identified government-backed investment, urban planning integration, and funding for research and development in sensor and hardware technologies as the most effective policies. The study underscores the importance of targeted policies in addressing technical and infrastructural challenges. Emphasizing system reliability, cybersecurity, and effective integration of SAVs into urban planning, the findings advocate for robust government support and continued technological innovation. These insights offer a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders in the KSA to foster a more sustainable and resilient urban transportation future.
Monitoring Critical Health Conditions in the Elderly: A Deep Learning-Based Abnormal Vital Sign Detection Model
Authors: Rassam Murad A. , Al-Shargabi Amal A.
Published: December 2024

Global population aging creates distinct healthcare needs, particularly for older adults and those with serious illnesses. There are several gaps in current models for monitoring elderly individuals. These include the limited application of advanced deep learning techniques in elderly health monitoring, the lack of real-time anomaly detection for vital signs, the absence of robust evaluations using real-world data, and the failure to tailor monitoring systems specifically for the unique needs of elderly individuals. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a Hierarchical Attention-based Temporal Convolutional Network (HATCN) model, which enhances anomaly detection accuracy and validates effectiveness using real-world datasets. While the HATCN approach has been used in other fields, it has not yet been applied to elderly healthcare monitoring, making this contribution novel. Specifically, this study introduces a Hierarchical Attention-based Temporal Convolutional Network with Anomaly Detection (HATCN-AD) model, based on the real-world MIMIC-II dataset. The model was validated using two subjects from the MIMIC-II dataset: Subject 330 (Dataset 1) and Subject 441 (Dataset 2). For Dataset 1 (Subject 330), the model achieved an accuracy of 99.15% and precision of 99.47%, with stable recall (99.45%) and F1-score (99.46%). Similarly, for Dataset 2 (Subject 441), the model achieved 99.11% accuracy, 99.35% precision, and an F1-score of 99.44% at 100 epochs. The results show that the HATCN-AD model outperformed similar models, achieving high recall and precision with low false positives and negatives. This ensures accurate anomaly detection for real-time healthcare monitoring. By combining Temporal Convolutional Networks and attention mechanisms, the HATCN-AD model effectively monitors elderly patients’ vital signs.
Integration of Copper Toxicity Mechanisms in Raphidocelis subcapitata: Advancing Insights at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Machado Manuela D. , Soares Eduardo V.
Published: December 2024

This work aimed to characterize the impact of copper (Cu), at environmentally relevant concentrations, using the freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Algae were incubated with 33 or 53 µg/L Cu, in OECD medium, and toxic impacts were evaluated over 72 h, using different cellular and biochemical biomarkers. The exposure to 33 µg/L Cu had an algistatic effect: slowing growth and reducing algal population (53%, at 72 h) without compromising the cell membrane. This Cu concentration promoted a transient reduction in chlorophyll a (chla) content and typical markers of oxidative stress: increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), augmented catalase (CAT) activity, and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA). Algae exposed to 53 µg/L Cu, suffered a severe effect with a 93% reduction in the number of cells, 50% decrease in chla content, and diminished (17%) maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm). This population also presented increased levels of ROS and MDA, 33 and 20 times higher than the control, respectively, at 72 h, augmented CAT activity, and permeabilized cell membrane (5%, at 72 h). These findings provide valuable insights into Cu toxicity in aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the biochemical and physiological impacts at environmentally relevant concentrations.