bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Carbon 21 Steroidal Glycoside with Pregnane Skeleton from Cynanchum atratum Bunge Promotes Megakaryocytic and Erythroid Differentiation in Erythroleukemia HEL Cells through Regulating Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta and JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Yang Jue , Pan Chaolan , Pan Yang , Hu Anlin , Zhao Peng , Chen Meijun , Song Hui , Li Yanmei , Hao Xiaojiang
Published: May 2024

Erythroleukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its molecular pathogenesis remains vague, and this disease has no specific therapeutic treatments. Previously, our group isolated a series of Carbon 21 (C-21) steroidal glycosides with pregnane skeleton from the root of Cynanchum atratum Bunge. Among them, we found that a compound, named BW18, can induce S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. However, its anti-tumor activity against erythroleukemia remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-erythroleukemia activity of BW18 and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that BW18 exhibited a good anti-erythroleukemia activity in the human erythroleukemia cell line HEL and an in vivo xenograft mouse model. In addition, BW18 induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and promoted megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation in HEL cells. Furthermore, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and rescue assay demonstrated that overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) reversed BW18-induced megakaryocytic differentiation in HEL cells, but not erythroid differentiation. In addition, the network pharmacology analysis, the molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) revealed that BW18 could inactivate Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, which might mediate BW18-induced erythroid differentiation. Taken together, our findings elucidated a novel role of PDGFRB in regulating erythroleukemia differentiation and highlighted BW18 as an attractive lead compound for erythroleukemia treatment.
Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sandhu Zeshan Ali , Raza Muhammad Asam , Alqurashi Abdulmajeed , Sajid Samavia , Ashraf Sufyan , Imtiaz Kainat , Aman Farhana , Alessa Abdulrahman H. , Shamsi Monis Bilal , Latif Muhammad
Published: May 2024

In recent years, nanotechnology has achieved a remarkable status in shaping the future of biological applications, especially in combating fungal diseases. Owing to excellence in nanotechnology, iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) have gained enormous attention in recent years. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of Fe NPs covering key synthesis approaches and underlying working principles, the factors that influence their properties, essential characterization techniques, and the optimization of their antifungal potential. In addition, the diverse kinds of Fe NP delivery platforms that command highly effective release, with fewer toxic effects on patients, are of great significance in the medical field. The issues of biocompatibility, toxicity profiles, and applications of optimized Fe NPs in the field of biomedicine have also been described because these are the most significant factors determining their inclusion in clinical use. Besides this, the difficulties and regulations that exist in the transition from laboratory to experimental clinical studies (toxicity, specific standards, and safety concerns) of Fe NPs-based antifungal agents have been also summarized.
Identification of a Unique Genomic Region in Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) That Controls Resistance to Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu
Authors: Gaudet Muriel , Pollegioni Paola , Ciolfi Marco , Mattioni Claudia , Cherubini Marcello , Beritognolo Isacco
Published: May 2024

The Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) (Hymenoptera Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu) is a severe pest of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) with a strong impact on growth and nut production. A comparative field trial in Central Italy, including provenances from Spain, Italy, and Greece, was screened for ACGW infestation over consecutive years. The Greek provenance Hortiatis expressed a high proportion of immune plants and was used to perform a genome-wide association study based on DNA pool sequencing (Pool-GWAS) by comparing two DNA pools from 25 susceptible and 25 resistant plants. DNA pools were sequenced with 50X coverage depth. Sequence reads were aligned to a C. mollissima reference genome and the pools were compared to identify SNPs associated with resistance. Twenty-one significant SNPs were identified and highlighted a small genomic region on pseudochromosome 3 (Chr 3), containing 12 candidate genes of three gene families: Cytochrome P450, UDP-glycosyltransferase, and Rac-like GTP-binding protein. Functional analyses revealed a putative metabolic gene cluster related to saccharide biosynthesis in the genomic regions associated with resistance that could be involved in the production of a toxic metabolite against parasites. The comparison with previous genetic studies confirmed the involvement of Chr 3 in the control of resistance to ACGW.
Long-Term Straw Incorporation under Controlled Irrigation Improves Soil Quality of Paddy Field and Rice Yield in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Peng , Nie Tangzhe , Zhang Zhongxue , Li Tiecheng , Dai Changlei , Jiang Lili , Wu Yu , Sun Zhongyi , Yin Shuai
Published: May 2024

Soil quality is an indicator of the ability to ensure ecological security and sustainable soil usage. The effects of long-term straw incorporation and different irrigation regimes on the yield and soil quality of paddy fields in cold regions remain unclear. This study established four treatments: controlled irrigation + continuous straw incorporation for 3 years (C3), controlled irrigation + continuous straw incorporation for 7 years (C7), flooded irrigation + continuous straw incorporation for 3 years (F3), and flooded irrigation + continuous straw incorporation for 7 years (F7). Analysis was conducted on the impact of various irrigation regimes and straw incorporation years on the physicochemical characteristics and quality of the soil. The soil quality index (SQI) for rice fields was computed using separate datasets for each treatment. The soil nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, and soil organic matter contents of the C7 were 93.51%, 5.80%, 8.90%, and 8.26% higher compared to C3, respectively. In addition, the yield of the C7 treatment was 5.18%, 4.89%, and 10.32% higher than those of F3, C3, and F7, respectively. The validity of the minimum data set (MDS) was verified by correlation, Ef and ER, which indicated that the MDS of all treatments were able to provide a valid evaluation of soil quality. The MDS based SQI of C7 was 11.05%, 11.97%, and 27.71% higher than that of F3, C3, and F7, respectively. Overall, long-term straw incorporation combined with controlled irrigation increases yield and soil quality in paddy fields in cold regions. This study provides a thorough assessment of soil quality concerning irrigation regimes and straw incorporation years to preserve food security and the sustainability of agricultural output. Additionally, it offers a basis for soil quality diagnosis of paddy fields in the Northeast China.
Screening of Endophytic Antagonistic Bacteria in Wheat and Evaluation of Biocontrol Potential against Wheat Stripe Rust
Authors: Saimi Ainisai , Zhang Qiqi , Liu Qi , Li Guangkuo , Gao Haifeng , Chen Jing
Published: May 2024

Wheat stripe rust is globally one of the most important diseases affecting wheat. There is an urgent need to develop environmentally safe and durable biological control options to supplement the control that is achieved with breeding and fungicides. In this study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from healthy wheat through the tissue separation method. Antagonistic endophytic bacteria were screened based on the control effect of urediniospore germination and wheat stripe rust (WSR). The taxonomic status of antagonistic strains was determined based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and molecular biological identification (16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequence analysis). Finally, the potential growth-promoting effect of different concentrations of antagonists on wheat seedlings and the biological control effect of WSR were studied. A total of 136 strains of endophytic bacteria belonging to 38 genera were isolated. Pseudomonas was the most common bacterial genus, with 29 isolates (21%). The biological control effect of different isolates was assessed using an urediniospore germination assay. The isolate XD29-G1 of Paenibacillus polymyxa had the best performance, with 85% inhibition of spore germination during primary screening. In the deep screening, the control effect of XD29-G1 on wheat stripe rust was 60%. The antagonist XD29-G1 promoted the germination of wheat seeds and the growth of wheat seedlings at a solution dilution of 10−7 cfu/mL. The pot experiment results showed that different dilution concentrations of the strain had different levels of antibacterial activity against WSR, with the concentration of 10−1 cfu/mL having the best control effect and a control efficiency of 61.19%. XD29-G1 has better biological control potential against wheat stripe rust.
Science-Engaged Thomism
Authors: Kopf Simon Maria
Published: May 2024

This article discusses a form of Thomism that has emerged in the field of science and theology, which is termed “Science-Engaged Thomism” (SETh), following the recent and growing movement of Science-Engaged Theology (SET). After a brief introduction of SET, various definitions and essential features of SET and SETh are introduced and discussed, highlighting their similarities and differences. To showcase the latter, the article presents recent examples of SETh. The objective is to suggest that SETh is a form of Thomism, although not necessarily a new form of Thomism. As such, SETh might be considered a complementary approach to SET.
Esclavos Indios and the School of Salamanca after the New Laws of 1542
Authors: Méndez Alonzo Manuel
Published: May 2024

In 1542, with the promulgation of the New Laws, Spanish authorities made a greater effort to eliminate indigenous slavery in America, after the doubts expressed by various missionaries about the treatment given to the indigenous people by Spanish settlers. However, legally sanctioned slavery among indigenous people continued in the border regions of the Spanish Empire. My interest is to demonstrate that the persistence of this practice did not result in a legal contradiction, but rather was a means of sanctioning rebellious indigenous groups, using arguments of Francisco de Vitoria and other School of Salamanca scholars, especially in places where control of sovereignty was in question. Methodologically, I will use original texts from various sources, such as the minutes of the Cabildo of the Audiencia of Guadalajara, as well as reports on the Chichimeca War by various clerics and jurists who witnessed the conflict, such as Guillermo de Santa María, Jean Focher, and Fulgencia Vique. Temporally, I will focus on the discussion of war and slavery against the nomadic peoples of northern New Spain, known as the Chichimecas. The result was that, for many New Spanish clerics, slavery would serve to punish the supposed crimes of these peoples against peace, and also to change their archaic customs and teach them sedentary and civil life. Finally, I argue that the establishment of indigenous slavery in the northern frontier of New Spain demonstrates the limitations of the Spanish Empire in maintaining its most remote borders, especially when faced with peoples who did not have a civil political life with definable centers and hierarchies.
The Church Museums’ Evolution of the Idea and Methods of Missionary Work in China: A Study of Tsinanfu Institute
Authors: Li Taiheng , Zhang Yingyi , Wei Jun
Published: May 2024

This study explores the role of church museums represented by the Tsinanfu Institute in the spread of Christianity in modern China. Established in 1887, Tsinanfu Institute, formerly Tsingchowfu Museum, stands as an early pioneer of church museums in China with the mission of spreading Christianity. It has taken exhibition and knowledge dissemination and social education as its core functions, indirect evangelization and expansion of religious influence as its fundamental purpose, and the Chinese way of localization and the promotion of harmonious relations with the community as its important working guidelines. It has established a new operational concept as a “public cultural museum”, realizing the transformation of the church museum from a missionary venue for the intellectuals to a new type of missionary venue for the general public. The development stages of the church museum operational concept represented by Tsinanfu Institute are mainly socialization, education, localization, and the popularization of higher education, which is a microcosm of the development trend of the Christian Endeavour Movement, Social Gospel, and vernacularization thought. Tsinanfu Institute shows significant research value in studying new missionary concepts and exploring the new way of missionary work in the church during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Correction: Huijs et al. (2024). Spirituality as a Predictor of Well-Being, Mental Distress or Both: A Four-Week Follow-Up Study in a Sample of Dutch and Belgian Adults. Religions 15: 179
Authors: Huijs Thijs , Braam Arjan W. , Kruizinga Renske , Jacobs Nele , Reijnders Jennifer , Simons Marianne
Published: May 2024

In the original publication (Huijs et al [...]
Seamline Optimization Based on Triangulated Irregular Network of Tiepoints for Fast UAV Image Mosaicking
Authors: Yoon Sung-Joo , Kim Taejung
Published: May 2024

UAV remote sensing is suitable for urgent image monitoring and periodic observation of an area of interest. To observe a target area using UAVs, many images must be acquired because of the narrow image coverage of UAVs. To increase the efficiency of UAV remote sensing, UAV mosaicking is used to create a single image from multiple UAV images. In order to maintain the strength of rapid UAV deployment, UAV mosaicked images have to be quickly generated through image-based mosaicking techniques. In addition, it is necessary to improve the mosaic errors of image-based techniques that often occur in contrast to terrain-based techniques. Relief displacement is a major source of mosaic error and can be detected by utilizing a terrain model. We have proposed an image-based mosaicking technique utilizing TIN, which is a model that can represent terrain with discontinuously acquired height information of ground points. Although the TIN is less accurate than DSM, it is simpler and faster to utilize for image mosaicking. In our previous work, we demonstrated fast processing speed of mosaicking using TIN-based image tiepoints. In this study, we improve the quality of image-based mosaicking techniques by optimizing seamline-based TIN geometry. Three datasets containing buildings with large relief displacement were used in this study. The experiment results showed that the TIN based on the proposed method improved the mosaic error caused by relief displacement significantly.
Algal Bed Region Segmentation Based on a ViT Adapter Using Aerial Images for Estimating CO2 Absorption Capacity
Authors: Li Guang , Togo Ren , Maeda Keisuke , Sako Akinori , Yamauchi Isao , Hayakawa Tetsuya , Nakamae Shigeyuki , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki
Published: May 2024

In this study, we propose a novel method for algal bed region segmentation using aerial images. Accurately determining the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of coastal algae requires measurements of algal bed regions. However, conventional manual measurement methods are resource-intensive and time-consuming, which hinders the advancement of the field. To solve these problems, we propose a novel method for automatic algal bed region segmentation using aerial images. In our method, we use an advanced semantic segmentation model, a ViT adapter, and adapt it to aerial images for algal bed region segmentation. Our method demonstrates high accuracy in identifying algal bed regions in an aerial image dataset collected from Hokkaido, Japan. The experimental results for five different ecological regions show that the mean intersection over union (mIoU) and mean F-score of our method in the validation set reach 0.787 and 0.870, the IoU and F-score for the background region are 0.957 and 0.978, and the IoU and F-score for the algal bed region are 0.616 and 0.762, respectively. In particular, the mean recognition area compared with the ground truth area annotated manually is 0.861. Our study contributes to the advancement of blue carbon assessment by introducing a novel semantic segmentation-based method for identifying algal bed regions using aerial images.
Burnout among Retail Workers in Spain: The Role of Gender, Personality and Psychosocial Risk Factors
Authors: Rubio-Valdehita Susana , Díaz-Ramiro Eva María , Rodríguez-López Ana María , Wang Wei
Published: May 2024

This study examines the direct and interaction relationships between personality traits, psychosocial risk factors, and burnout among male and female workers in the retail sector in Spain. Through a cross sectional design involving 667 participants (241 men, 426 women), it employs self report questionnaires to measure these variables. In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MBI (burnout), NEO-FFI (personality), CarMen-Q (cognitive, temporal, emotional, and performance demands), and DECORE (support, control, and rewards) were administered. Results indicate that women exhibit higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Results from stepwise multiple regression confirmed that personality traits directly impact burnout dimensions and psychosocial risk factors. Specifically, neuroticism and emotional job demands significantly influence emotional exhaustion, while depersonalization correlates with neuroticism, agreeableness, temporal demands, and organizational support. Personal accomplishment links with extraversion, interacting with temporal demands in men and cognitive demands in women. Individuals high in neuroticism and low in extraversion tend to perceive elevated emotional job demands, leading to intensified emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The study confirms that personality traits and working conditions affect burnout differently for men and women.
The Significance of CSR in the Pursuit of Business Excellence and Competitiveness: Evidence from the Greek Supermarket Industry
Authors: Masouti Zafeiria , Tsiotras George , Gotzamani Katerina
Published: May 2024

A primary management concern when CSR is used as a tool to build business excellence is whether it will result in a discernible influence on the competitiveness of firms. This concern is more pronounced in the hypercompetitive, customer-centric grocery industry. Despite the existing body of research, no study has combined CSR’s effects on competitiveness and business excellence into a model. The current study proposes and validates a data-driven conceptual model that aims to assess whether the integration of CSR into supermarkets’ (S/Ms’) business excellence practices can enhance their competitiveness. Relationships among the validated constructs were examined using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that the competitiveness of supermarkets can be enhanced by incorporating CSR into the process of pursuing business excellence, but CSR may be deprioritized in favor of more pressing performance-related issues. Large S/M firms could mentor and advocate for smaller stores and encourage CSR integration through government initiatives.
Exploring the Aesthetic and Functional Aspects of Recycled Furniture in Promoting Sustainable Development: An Applied Approach for Interior Design Students
Authors: Al-Saud Khaled , AlAli Rommel , Al saud Adab , Abouelela Amira , Shehab Rami , Moneim Dalia , Hamid Alaa
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to explore the sustainable aesthetic and functional dimensions of environmental waste in the context of interior design applications by students. Employing both descriptive and applied methodologies, a series of artistic works derived from environmental waste, specifically metal and wood, were conceptualized and executed by art education students. These works, totaling 11 artistic models in interior design, underwent chemical treatment as part of the process. An evaluation card, assessed by arbitrators, was utilized to gauge the standards of aesthetic and functional sustainability inherent in the artworks. Technical data were collected and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software, which facilitated the calculation of arithmetic averages, standard deviations, and t-tests to ascertain the extent to which sustainability standards were met within the aesthetic and functional dimensions of the works. The study findings indicated that the average response scores for the aesthetic and functional dimensions, pertaining to the achievement of sustainability for wood and metal waste, were notably high. This underscores the potential of producing artful works suitable for interior design applications within the spaces of the College of Education. With an average score of 3.984, students exhibited positive engagement with the aesthetic and functional aspects of their artistic products, indicative of their considerable ethical significance. This augurs well for the feasibility of attaining sustainability through the recycling of wood and metal waste. Furthermore, this research underscores the necessity of integrating aesthetic, environmental, and social values in achieving sustainable aesthetic and functional environmental values within the interior design curriculum. This integration demands a comprehensive understanding of user expectations, technological advancements, and the cultural background, customs, and traditions of both users and society at large.
Passive Buildings—Big Opportunities or Big Risks? Quantitative Risk Assessment for Passive Buildings Projects
Authors: Krechowicz Maria , Krechowicz Adam
Published: May 2024

The building sector contributes significantly to global final energy consumption and energy-related CO2 emissions. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient passive buildings with a minimal ecological footprint has increased due to the global energy crisis, climate change, and environmental concerns. This need can be met by constructing passive buildings. However, to develop a building that is truly passive, it is required to meet many passive house conditions, negligible for typical buildings, which increase the project complexity and pose challenges and risks threatening its successful completion. The aim of this work is to present the findings from a quantitative risk analysis in passive construction based on the results of expert surveys that were carried out using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview. Feedback from expert surveys covering the experience of 748 passive buildings projects from seven countries (Poland, Germany, Great Britain, the United States, Australia, Spain, and Austria) allowed us to access the frequency of occurrence, severity, detectability, and Risk Priority Numbers of the 32 risk factors identified in passive buildings projects. Those risk factors were identified based on literature research, risk interviews, scenario analysis, brainstorm sessions with passive buildings specialists, and our own observations of passive buildings projects. This study revealed that incorrect costing was the most frequent issue; complicated, non-compact building shapes with an unfavorable area-to-volume ratio had the highest severity of effects; the wrong interpretation of correctly prepared drawings and details obtained from the designer had the lowest detectability; and incorrect costing had the highest Risk Priority Number. In addition, this study allowed us to identify a narrow group of critical risk factors that are the most significant (have the highest RPN) and to which special attention should be paid in the risk-management process.
Competition between New Energy and Fuel Vehicles with Behavior-Based Pricing Strategies When Considering Environmental Concerns and Green Innovation
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Li Guomin
Published: May 2024

Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This paper focuses on behavior-based pricing (BBP) strategies between energy vehicles and fuel vehicles in a two-echelon supply chain wherein consumers are environmentally conscious. A two-period game-theoretic model is built to examine the effect of consumers’ environmental concerns on competition between fuel and energy vehicles, behavior-based pricing strategies, supply chain efficiency, and social welfare. The analytical results indicate that consumers’ environmental concerns facilitate the market share competition by new energy vehicle firms in the second period. If consumers care more about the environment, supply chain efficiency is improved in cases of retail as well as wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies. Wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies benefit all members of the supply chain, but this is not the case for retail behavior-based pricing strategies. If consumers are sufficiently concerned about the environment and new energy vehicle firms are more efficient, a win–win–win scenario for firms, consumers, and social welfare occurs in the two behavior-based pricing strategies. Counterintuitively, green innovation improves new energy vehicle, fuel vehicle as well as overall supply chain efficiency, in three cases.
Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Garcia-Gonzalez Hector , Hernández Zenaida , Sanmiquel Lluís
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the environmental and occupational health risks associated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination in a specific industrial site: a mercury mine site that contains a metallurgical plant within its premises. Utilising a comprehensive sampling and analysis approach, As and Hg concentrations in the soil and air across various zones within the site were assessed. The results revealed elevated levels of both contaminants, particularly in areas proximal to industrial processes such as metal smelting and waste disposal. Risk assessment using the Cancer Risk (CR) and Hazard Index (HI) indices demonstrated significant health hazards that exceed regulatory thresholds, indicating potential carcinogenic effects from As exposure and risks of non-cancerous occupational diseases. Three distinct risk areas were identified based on the CR and HI indices, guiding the formulation of tailored risk management strategies. While some zones may permit limited industrial activities under specific conditions, others require stringent safety measures and specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) due to exceptionally high contaminant concentrations. Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for robust safety protocols and regulatory compliance to mitigate the health risks associated with As and Hg exposure in industrial settings, ensuring the protection of worker health, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices.
Microplastics in Water: A Review of Characterization and Removal Methods
Authors: Li Yun , Chen Ping , Tang Yalan , Yang Yanjing , Zhou Chengyun , Bu Jiaqi , Zhong Shian
Published: May 2024

Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging persistent pollutant, exist and accumulate in the environment, which has garnered them considerable global attention. While the origin, dispersion, distribution, and impact of MPs have been extensively documented, the characterization and removal strategies for MPs present ongoing challenges. In this literature review, we introduce in detail the advantages and disadvantages of seven characterization methods, from macroscopic to microscopic, from visual observation to microscopic characterization, and discuss their scope of application. In addition, 12 treatment schemes were summarized from the three treatment directions of physics, chemistry, and biology, including filtration, adsorption, extraction, magnetic separation, oil film separation, Fenton oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, persulfate advanced oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, coagulation, electrocoagulation, foam flotation, anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic activated sludge, enzymatic degradation, bacterial degradation, and fungal degradation. Additionally, we present a critical assessment of the advantages and drawbacks associated with these removal strategies. Building upon the findings of our research team, we propose a novel approach to degrade MPs, which combines three-dimensional electrocatalytic oxidation technology with persulfate advanced oxidation technology. This advanced oxidation technology achieves 100% degradation of antibiotics in water, can degrade large molecules into environmentally harmless small molecules, and should also be a very good strategy for the degradation of MPs. Compared with two-dimensional electrocatalytic technology, the degradation efficiency is higher and the degradation cost is lower This review intends to propel further advancements for addressing the issue of MP pollution.
Review on Dust Control Technologies in Coal Mines of China
Authors: Huang Rongting , Tao Yichun , Chen Jianglin , Li Shihang , Wang Shiyuan
Published: May 2024

China faces a challenge in the sustainable development of the coal industry due to pneumoconiosis problems. Dust control technologies are crucial for safe production and miners’ health, ensuring the industry’s longevity. This article reviews the development process of dust prevention and control in underground coal mines in China, summarizes various technologies, and divides them into dust suppression, open-space dust reduction, and mine dust collectors according to different stages and environments of use. In dust suppression technologies, coal-seam water injection can reduce total dust generation by 60%, wet rock drilling can reduce drilling dust in the presence of stable water sources and high-pressure bearing equipment, and water-seal blasting can reduce blasting dust by 50–70%. In open-space dust reduction technologies, spray dust suppression can remove total dust by 50–95% and the removal efficiencies of foam dedusting for total and respirable dust are reported to reach 95% and 85% under the right conditions, respectively. In dust collector technologies, dry collectors can remove 80–95% of total dust. Wet collectors achieve up to 90% efficiency, dependent on water supply and waste processing. This article also discusses vapor heterogeneous condensation technology as a promising method for improving respirable dust removal in humid mine environments.
Derivation of Landslide Rainfall Thresholds by Geostatistical Methods in Southwest China
Authors: Xu Zhongyuan , Xiao Zhilin , Zhao Xiaoyan , Ma Zhigang , Zhang Qun , Zeng Pu , Zhang Xiaoqiong
Published: May 2024

Deriving rainfall thresholds is one of the most convenient and effective empirical methods for formulating landslide warnings. The previous rainfall threshold models only considered the threshold values for areas with landslide data. This study focuses on obtaining a threshold for each single landslide via the geostatistical interpolation of historical landslide–rainfall data. We collect the occurrence times and locations of landslides, along with the hourly rainfall data, for Dazhou. We integrate the short-term and long-term rainfall data preceding the landslide occurrences, categorizing them into four groups for analysis: 1 h–7 days (H1–7), 12 h–7 days (H12–D7), 24 h–7 days (H24–D7), and 72 h–7 days (H72–D7). Then, we construct a rainfall threshold distribution map based on the 2014–2020 data by means of Kriging interpolation. This process involves applying different splitting coefficients to distinguish the landslides triggered by short-term versus long-term rainfall. Subsequently, we validate these thresholds and splitting coefficients using the dataset for 2021. The results show that the best splitting coefficients for H1–D7, H12–D7, H24–D7, and H72–D7 are around 0.19, 0.52, 0.55, and 0.80, respectively. The accuracy of the predictions increases with the duration of the short-term rainfall, from 48% for H1–D7 to 67% for H72–D7. The performance of these threshold models indicates their potential for practical application in the sustainable development of geo-hazard prevention. Finally, we discuss the reliability and applicability of this method by considering various factors, including the influence of the interpolation techniques, data quality, weather forecast, and human activities.
Mining Heritage Reuse Risks: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guo Shuangyan , Yang Shan , Liu Canjiao
Published: May 2024

Mining heritage reuse refers to the practice of repurposing former mining sites and their associated structures, landscapes, and communities for new uses, which plays a critical role in the green transformation of countries that are heavily reliant on mining resources. Nonetheless, repurposing closed mining sites comes with its own set of risks. Given these complexities, conducting a comprehensive risk analysis is imperative. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, this study established a systematic review for assessing risks in mining heritage reuse. We meticulously screened literature from Web of Science (WoS), Engineer Village (EI), and Wiley, ultimately focusing on 12 pertinent articles. Our findings categorize the repurposing of mining heritage into six distinct sectors: renewable energy, agriculture, residential developments, tourism, forestry, and underground laboratories. Analysis of the extant literature reveals a predominant focus on the environmental and technical aspects of risks, with less attention paid to the social dimensions of risks. A key contribution of this review is the introduction of the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model and a multi-hazard approach to examining risks associated with mining heritage reuse. Consequently, future research on the risks of repurposing mining heritage is recommended to incorporate assessments of social-level risks and the interplay among various risk factors.
Study on Carbon Stock and Sequestration Potential of Typical Grasslands in Northern China: A Case Study of Wuchuan County
Authors: Gao Fan , Tian Zhen , Wang Yanzhe , Yang Zhiheng , Ding Guodong
Published: May 2024

Grasslands in China cover an extensive area and rank second globally. They constitute the second-largest carbon reservoir in China after forests, holding about 8% of the total carbon stock of the world’s grassland ecosystems. This study focuses on the grasslands of Wuchuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of Northern China. This study compares the carbon stock and density characteristics across different communities based on plot survey and GIS vector data. It also anticipates the region’s carbon sequestration potential using biomass-to-carbon conversion and extrapolation methods. The findings indicate that (1) the total carbon stock in the study area is 1805.65 × 104 tons with an average carbon density of 77.50 t/ha. The distribution of carbon density and stock follows a pattern: soil layer > herbaceous layer > litter layer; (2) the Stipa krylovii + Leymus chinensis community exhibits the highest carbon stock and density; (3) there is a positive correlation between herbaceous carbon density and NPP (Net Primary Productivity) values in the study area; and (4) the overall carbon stock in the region is projected to increase, with growth rates accelerating annually. These results contribute to our understanding of the formation, turnover, stability maintenance, and regulation mechanisms of grassland soil organic carbon. Furthermore, they hold significant implications for enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems.
Forecasting Hydrogen Vehicle Refuelling for Sustainable Transportation: A Light Gradient-Boosting Machine Model
Authors: Isaac Nithin , Saha Akshay K.
Published: May 2024

Efficiently predicting and understanding refuelling patterns in the context of HFVs is paramount for optimising fuelling processes, infrastructure planning, and facilitating vehicle operation. This study evaluates several supervised machine learning methodologies for predicting the refuelling behaviour of HFVs. The LightGBM model emerged as the most effective predictive model due to its ability to handle time series and seasonal data. The selected model integrates various input variables, encompassing refuelling metrics, day of the week, and weather conditions (e.g., temperature, precipitation), to capture intricate patterns and relationships within the data set. Empirical testing and validation against real-world refuelling data underscore the efficacy of the LightGBM model, demonstrating a minimal deviation from actual data given limited data and thereby showcasing its potential to offer valuable insights to fuelling station operators, vehicle manufacturers, and policymakers. Overall, this study highlights the potential of sustainable predictive modelling for optimising fuelling processes, infrastructure planning, and facilitating vehicle operation in the context of HFVs.
A Novel Method for the Highly Effective Removal of Binary Dyes from Colored Dyeing Wastewater by Periodic Reversal/Direct Current-Activated Persulfate
Authors: Sun Zhaonan , Ren Wenjie , Shi Ke , Kou Wei , Feng Yujie
Published: May 2024

In recent years, electrochemical synergistic activation of persulfate (PDS) degradation technology has demonstrated significant potential in wastewater treatment applications. Given the challenges posed by the complex water quality, high COD content, and recalcitrant degradation of dyeing wastewater, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of iron/aluminum dual-electrode electrochemical activation of PDS for degrading simulated dyeing wastewater. The results showed that under optimal conditions, utilizing both periodic reversal and direct current electrochemical activation of PDS achieved removal rates of 99.2% and 98.3% for Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Red X-3B (RRX-3B), respectively, demonstrating promising removal efficiency. Notably, the removal efficiency of RB5 surpassed that of RRX-3B, suggesting a dependence on initial concentration influencing reaction kinetics. Furthermore, full-spectrum scanning and quenching experiments revealed that RB5 and RRX-3B were primarily degraded through the potent oxidation action of SO4−· and ·OH, with a small number of intermediates present in the solution. Periodic reversal proved effective in mitigating electrode passivation and enhancing electrode longevity. This study provides a highly effective removal method of binary dyes from dyeing wastewater by periodic reversal Fe-Al dual-electrode electrochemical activation of PDS technology, offering valuable insights for sustainable treatment of dyeing wastewater with binary components.
Systematic Review on Internet of Things in Smart Livestock Management Systems
Authors: Terence Sebastian , Immaculate Jude , Raj Anishin , Nadarajan Jeba
Published: May 2024

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has sparked the creation of numerous improved and new applications across numerous industries. Data collection from remote locations and remote object control are made possible by Internet of Things technology. The IoT has numerous applications in fields such as education, healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, and smart homes. Numerous studies have recently employed IoT technology to automate livestock farm operations. We looked at IoT-based livestock farm management systems in this study. To select the publications for this investigation, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) that complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The selected articles were divided into different categories according to their applications. Sensors, actuators, the main controller (gateway), communication protocols, storage, energy consumption, the use of renewable energy sources, scalability, security, and prediction techniques applied to the data collected for future prediction were all examined in this study as IoT technologies used to monitor animals. In this study, we found that only 22% of the articles addressed security concerns, 24% discussed scalability, 16% discussed renewable energy, 18% attempted energy consumption, and 33% employed prediction techniques based on the collected data. The challenges and future directions of intelligent livestock farming are emphasized.
Global Development and Readiness of Nuclear Fusion Technology as the Alternative Source for Clean Energy Supply
Authors: Mohamed Mustakimah , Zakuan Nur Diyana , Tengku Hassan Tengku Nur Adibah , Lock Serene Sow Mun , Mohd Shariff Azmi
Published: May 2024

Nuclear fusion is understood as an energy reaction that does not emit greenhouse gases, and it has been considered as a long-term source of low-carbon electricity that is favourable to curtail rapid climate change. Fusion offers a pathway to resolve energy security and the unequal distribution of energy resources since seawater is its ultimate fuel source and a few grams of fuel can generate mega kilowatts of power. The development and testing of new materials and technologies are unceasing to achieve the net fusion energy through national and international collaboration as well as private partnerships. The ever-growing number of research works report various designs and magnet-based fusion devices, such as stellarators, lasers, and tokamaks. This article provides an overview on the utilization of nuclear energy as a clean energy source, as well as the strategies and progress towards establishing successful commercial fusion energy to the grid and transition to a reliable clean energy source. The overview focuses on the fusion nuclear development in five major countries, UK, US, China, Japan, and Russia. Identified technical and financial challenges are also described at the end of this article. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has been an international reference program for fusion energy development and most developed countries with nuclear development capacity are aiming to complete their in-house fusion energy facilities in parallel to ITER. Many fusion programs are finishing the conceptual design and shifting into the phase of engineering design for the planned DEMO fusion facilities. The significant challenges were identified from the perspective of device efficiency and robustness, sustainable funding, and facility maintenance and safety, which must be addressed diligently to realize fusion energy as alternative clean energy that mitigates climate change and supports the goals of energy security.
The Potential of Youth and Older People’s Inclusion in the Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy
Authors: Khussainova Zhibek , Kankulov Margulan , Petrova Mariana , Assanova Maral , Zhartay Zhanibek , Atabayeva Assiya , Bektleyeva Dina
Published: May 2024

The modern information society is marked by the predominant role of the knowledge-based economy, which is based on the synergy of intellectual and creative assets, new ideas and concepts, knowledge, and innovative discoveries. Simultaneously, emerging trends in sustainable growth are primarily manifested in the creative economy. Concurrently, the development of the information society in the context of the digital revolution, being the driver of the growth of the modern economic system, creates specific risks of social inequality due to the presence of digital parity. This article fills the gap by highlighting the significance of the potential for participation of youth and older people in the creative sector in the context of overcoming the risks of social exclusion in the context of the development of the information society. The hypotheses posed in the study were confirmed based on the use of economic and mathematical modeling. The information transformation of society with the strengthening of factors for the development of the creative economy creates new opportunities and new solidarities for sustainable development, making it possible to mitigate the risks of social exclusion of young people and older people.
State Reliability of Wind Turbines Based on XGBoost–LSTM and Their Application in Northeast China
Authors: Gou Liming , Zhang Jian , Wen Lihao , Fan Yu
Published: May 2024

The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, has received more attention in China, and wind turbine system reliability has become more important. Based on existing research, this study proposes a state reliability prediction model for wind turbine systems based on XGBoost–LSTM. By considering the dynamic variability of the weight fused by the algorithm, under the irregular fluctuation of the same parameter with time in nonlinear systems, it reduces the algorithm defects in the prediction process. The improved algorithm is validated by arithmetic examples, and the results show that the root mean square error value (hereinafter abbreviated as RMSE) and the mean absolute error value (hereinafter abbreviated as MAPE) of the improved XGBoost–LSTM algorithm are decreased compared with those for the LSTM and XGBoost algorithms, among which the RMSE is reduced by 8.26% and 4.15% and the MAPE is reduced by 24.56% and 27.99%, respectively; its goodness-of-fit R2 value is closer to 1. This indicates that the algorithm proposed in this paper reduces the existing defects present in some current algorithms, and the prediction accuracy is effectively improved, which is of great value in improving the reliability of the system.
Effect of Physico-Chemical Properties Induced by N, P Co-Doped Biomass Porous Carbon on Nitrous Oxide Adsorption Performance
Authors: Gong Xiyue , Liu Zheng , Mou Jingxian , Wang Jiaying
Published: May 2024

The adsorption and enrichment of greenhouse gases on biomass porous carbon is a promising approach. Herein, a simple type of nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped biomass porous carbon (NPPC), which was derived from fast-growing eucalyptus bark, was reported via one-step method of carbonization and activation, and the nitrous oxide (N2O) adsorption performance and the adsorption mechanism of the NPPCs were also investigated. The results showed that NPPC-800-2 demonstrated a high specific surface area (1038.48 m2∙g−1), abundant micropores (0.31 cm3∙g−1), and enriched content of N and P (4.17 wt.% and 0.62 wt.%), which also exhibited a high N2O adsorption capacity of 0.839 mmol∙g−1. Moreover, the addition of N enhanced the surface polarity of carbon, thereby altering its pore structure. And P doping induced changes in the structural orientation of carbon, resulting in an increased presence of N-P functional groups. This finding reveals that the eucalyptus bark-based N and P co-doped porous carbon shows great potential for wide applications in N2O capture and provides effective guidance for the design and development of waste biomass adsorbent.