Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action (64684)

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- Trends in Temperature, Precipitation, Potential Evapotranspiration, and Water Availability across the Teesta River Basin under 1.5 and 2 °C Temperature Rise Scenarios of CMIP6

Read our publications within SDG 13 scope published in 2015–2023.

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12 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Copepod Lipidomics: Fatty Acid Substituents of Structural Lipids in Labidocerca aestiva, a Dominant Species in the Food Chain of the Apalachicola Estuary of the Gulf of Mexico
by Paul L. Wood and Stan C. Kunigelis
Life 2025, 15(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010043 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Zooplanktonic copepods represent a major biological mass in the marine food chain that can be affected by climate change. Monitoring the health of this critical biomass is essential for increasing our understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine environments. Since the [...] Read more.
Zooplanktonic copepods represent a major biological mass in the marine food chain that can be affected by climate change. Monitoring the health of this critical biomass is essential for increasing our understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine environments. Since the lipidomes of marine organisms are known to adapt to alterations in pH, temperature, and availability of metabolic precursors, lipidomics is one technology that can be used for monitoring copepod adaptations. Among the key lipid parameters that can be monitored are the fatty acid substituents of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. We utilized high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (≤2 ppm mass error) to characterize the fatty acid substituents of triacylglycerols, glycerophosphocholines, ceramides, and sphingomyelins of Labidocerca aestiva. This included monitoring for furan fatty acid substituents, a family of fatty acids unique to marine organisms. These data will contribute to establishing a lipid database of the fatty acid substituents of essential structural lipids. The key findings were that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were only major substituents in glycerophosphocholines with 36 to 44 carbons. Triacylglycerols, ceramides, and sphingomyelins contained minimal PUFA substituents. Furan fatty acids were limited to mono- and di-acylglycerols. In summary, we have built a baseline database of the fatty acid substituents of key structural lipids in Labidocerca aestiva. With this database, we will next evaluate potential seasonal changes in these lipid substituents and long-term effects of climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)
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21 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
Exploring Clean Energy Technology Diffusion and Development in the Yellow River Basin Amid Water Resource Constraints
by Hai Jin and Lianyan Xu
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010240 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 600
Abstract
Clean energy serves as a crucial means to alleviate water resource shortages and ensure power production safety. This study delves into clean energy diffusion and development within the confines of the Yellow River Basin, considering water resource constraints. It examines the dynamic evolution [...] Read more.
Clean energy serves as a crucial means to alleviate water resource shortages and ensure power production safety. This study delves into clean energy diffusion and development within the confines of the Yellow River Basin, considering water resource constraints. It examines the dynamic evolution of the strategic choices made by local governments and the expansion of clean energy businesses among power generation groups using an evolutionary game model. Additionally, the study employs the L-V model to elucidate the diffusion and competition dynamics between fossil fuel power generation technology (FFGT) and clean energy generation technology (CEGT). To provide a more scientific elucidation of this process, actual values are utilized for simulation. The findings indicate that: (1) The strategic decisions of power generation groups are influenced not only by local government guidance but also by advancement in clean energy technology and cost reduction efforts; (2) the implementation of water resource tax guidance strategies yields noticeable effects, with higher taxes correlating to increased willingness among power generation groups to expand clean energy businesses; (3) in contrast to diffusion speed, the final state of equilibrium attained by the two technologies is more closely tied to the competition coefficient. A higher competition coefficient leads clean energy generation technology to gain a competitive advantage in the market, potentially dominating it entirely. Based on these conclusions, pertinent policy suggestions are proposed to drive the advancement of clean energy and facilitate energy structure transformation in the Yellow River Basin. Full article
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26 pages, 546 KiB  
Article
Human-Centered AI for Migrant Integration Through LLM and RAG Optimization
by Dagoberto Castellanos-Nieves and Luis García-Forte
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010325 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 819
Abstract
The enhancement of mechanisms to protect the rights of migrants and refugees within the European Union represents a critical area for human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI). Traditionally, the focus on algorithms alone has shifted toward a more comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential to shape [...] Read more.
The enhancement of mechanisms to protect the rights of migrants and refugees within the European Union represents a critical area for human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI). Traditionally, the focus on algorithms alone has shifted toward a more comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential to shape technology in ways which better serve human needs, particularly for disadvantaged groups. Large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) offer significant potential to bridging gaps for vulnerable populations, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. Implementing solutions based on these technologies involves critical factors which influence the pursuit of approaches aligning with humanitarian interests. This study presents a proof of concept utilizing the open LLM model LLAMA 3 and a linguistic corpus comprising legislative, regulatory, and assistance information from various European Union agencies concerning migrants. We evaluate generative metrics, energy efficiency metrics, and metrics for assessing contextually appropriate and non-discriminatory responses. Our proposal involves the optimal tuning of key hyperparameters for LLMs and RAG through multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to ensure the solutions are fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory. The optimal configurations resulted in a 20.1% reduction in carbon emissions, along with an 11.3% decrease in the metrics associated with bias. The findings suggest that by employing the appropriate methodologies and techniques, it is feasible to implement HCAI systems based on LLMs and RAG without undermining the social integration of vulnerable populations. Full article
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23 pages, 9911 KiB  
Article
Evolution and Future Challenges of Hydrological Elements in the Qinglongshan Irrigation Area: A Study on the Impact of Climate Change and Land Use Based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool for the Qinglongshan Irrigation Area Model
by Ziwen Yin, Yan Liu, Zhenjiang Si, Longfei Wang, Tienan Li and Yan Meng
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010239 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 657
Abstract
In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was first initialized for the Qinglongshan Irrigation Area (QLS). We aimed to assess the impacts of climate and land use (LULC) changes between 1980 and 2020 on several hydrological parameters in the [...] Read more.
In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was first initialized for the Qinglongshan Irrigation Area (QLS). We aimed to assess the impacts of climate and land use (LULC) changes between 1980 and 2020 on several hydrological parameters in the QLS, including actual evapotranspiration (ET), soil water (SW), soil recharge to groundwater (PERC), surface runoff (SURQ), groundwater runoff (GWQ), and lateral runoff (LATQ). We predicted the trends in hydrological factors from 2021 to 2050. Based on the S1 scenario, the precipitation and the paddy field area decreased by 42.28 mm and 1717.65 km2, respectively; hydrological factors increased by 91.53, 104.28, 50.66, 21.86, 55.93, and 0.79 mm, respectively, in the QLS. Climate changes contributed 6.10%, −7.58%, −54.11%, 26.90%, −121.17%, and −31.66% to changes in hydrological factors, respectively; LULC changes contributed −2.19%, 3.63%, 11.61%, −2.93%, 25.89%, and 16.86%, respectively; and irrigation water volume changes contributed 96.09%, 103.95%, 142.50%, 76.03%, 195.28%, and 114.80%, respectively. Irrigation and water intake were the main factors affecting the changes in hydrological elements. This was followed by climatic changes and LULC. In natural development scenarios, the QLS is anticipated to face challenges, including increased actual ET, reduced seepage and groundwater contribution, and declining groundwater levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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21 pages, 543 KiB  
Review
Navigating the (Im)mobility–Adaptation Nexus in the Context of Climate and Environmental Change: A Typological Discussion
by Chiara Bernasconi
Climate 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13010006 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Since the 1990s, the academic discourse on climate change, migration, and adaptation has undergone significant shift. Individuals previously characterized as “climate refugees” are now cast as adaptable agents. Against this backdrop, academic explorations of the nexus between mobility and adaptation within the context [...] Read more.
Since the 1990s, the academic discourse on climate change, migration, and adaptation has undergone significant shift. Individuals previously characterized as “climate refugees” are now cast as adaptable agents. Against this backdrop, academic explorations of the nexus between mobility and adaptation within the context of climate change have burgeoned, particularly in the latter half of the 2000s. The objective of this paper is to identify linkages between adaptation and different forms of (im)mobility situated on the spectrum of movement that has been conceptualized and discussed in theoretical and empirical material. To accomplish this, I undertake an exhaustive review of the extant literature on the subject of climate change-induced (im)mobility and adaptation. This paper suggests three possible types of relationships between (im)mobility and adaptation in the context of climate and environmental change: adaptation in situ, relocation, and migration as an adaptation strategy. These dimensions have so far been treated separately by scholars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climate Adaptation and Mitigation)
21 pages, 848 KiB  
Article
Framing Energy Sufficiency in a Swiss Mountain Resort
by Ivan Minguez and Tristan Loloum
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010238 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 663
Abstract
This article analyses how energy sufficiency can be applied in tourism destinations. It begins by highlighting the importance of decarbonizing tourism for climate action, given the sector’s high CO2 emissions. Energy sufficiency, a key pillar of the energy transition, is defined as [...] Read more.
This article analyses how energy sufficiency can be applied in tourism destinations. It begins by highlighting the importance of decarbonizing tourism for climate action, given the sector’s high CO2 emissions. Energy sufficiency, a key pillar of the energy transition, is defined as the voluntary reduction in energy demand within climate and CO2 emission constraints. The study investigates how stakeholders interpret and frame this concept, by focusing on strategies that align with the public image of the resort to reduce its energy requirements. The methodology includes semi-structured interviews with key players in Verbier—Val de Bagnes, focus groups with cooperation partners, participant observations at local meetings and events, and analysis of local documentation. Research was undertaken using living lab methods. The results reveal five main categories and eleven subcategories in which local stakeholders frame sufficiency, including oppositional framings, off-framings, selective framings, institutional framings, and disempowering framings. The article concludes with recommendations to reframe sufficiency in order to align with the destination’s strategy and representations. While energy sufficiency is often overshadowed by narratives of economic growth, technological innovation, and material abundance, it appears crucial to reframe these narratives and integrate post-growth strategies that prioritize sustainability in tourism planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Travel Development)
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5 pages, 155 KiB  
Editorial
Climate Change and Vegetation Evolution During the Holocene: Editorial
by James B. Innes
Quaternary 2025, 8(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8010001 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 443
Abstract
The study of plant micro- and macrofossil evidence as proxy indicators of past environmental conditions and the influence of factors such as climate change has a long history, originally in Europe but subsequently much more widely [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Vegetation Evolution during the Holocene)
15 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Okara as a Culture Medium by Membrane Concentration Process for High Oil Production by Oleaginous Yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi
by Hiroya Taki, Kentaro Mine, Mana Miyamoto, Jiro Seto, Shinji Matsuo, Kazuo Kumagai and Hideto Matsuyama
Fermentation 2025, 11(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11010007 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Palm oil, widely used in various products, poses environmental and climate change risks. “Yeast oil” produced by Lipomyces starkeyi, an oil-producing yeast, is one of the sustainable alternatives for palm oil and was successfully produced as an edible substitute for palm oil. [...] Read more.
Palm oil, widely used in various products, poses environmental and climate change risks. “Yeast oil” produced by Lipomyces starkeyi, an oil-producing yeast, is one of the sustainable alternatives for palm oil and was successfully produced as an edible substitute for palm oil. However, the high cost of the culture medium for oil production remains a challenge for practical applications. Okara is a by-product of tofu and soymilk production. Because yeast extract contributes to the high cost of the culture medium, we considered using okara, a cheap and nitrogen-rich substitute, to reduce costs. In the initial study with okara, the production of yeast oil was confirmed, but its productivity was low due to the high viscosity caused by its insoluble solids. To overcome this, we extracted and concentrated nitrogen components in okara using the membrane concentration process. Using NF (nanofiltration) membrane concentration, oil production increased 1.69 and 1.44 times compared to the unconcentrated extract solution (added 90% (v/v) in the culture medium) and yeast extract (added 5% (w/v) in the culture medium), respectively. These findings indicate the potential for a significant cost reduction in the culture medium and high oil yield in yeast oil production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Wastes: Feedstock for Value-Added Products: 5th Edition)
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22 pages, 2031 KiB  
Article
Implications of Large-Scale PV Integration on Grid Operation, Costs, and Emissions: Challenges and Proposed Solutions
by Ghassan Zubi, Yael Parag and Shlomo Wald
Energies 2025, 18(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010130 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 689
Abstract
This study examines integrating large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems into the power grid to achieve a 30% PV share, addressing operational and economic challenges such as backup generation, storage, and grid stability. Applying an electricity dispatch model to the test case of Israel, it [...] Read more.
This study examines integrating large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems into the power grid to achieve a 30% PV share, addressing operational and economic challenges such as backup generation, storage, and grid stability. Applying an electricity dispatch model to the test case of Israel, it highlights significant impacts on fuel consumption, cost, and carbon emissions. Key findings include an 8% drop in the capacity factor of natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants, leading to increased starts, stops, and higher fuel consumption. Annual power generation will grow from 81 to 104 TWh, with PV generation increasing from 8.1 to 31.1 TWh. Open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) output will grow from 2.4 to 10.2 TWh, increasing OCGT’s market share from 3% to 10%. NGCC operations’ intermittency will double annual starts from 3721 to 7793, causing a 1.1% efficiency drop and a 2% rise in natural gas consumption. 3.45 GWh of Li-ion battery capacity will be needed. The LCoE is expected to increase from 6.6 to 7.0 c$/kWh without a carbon tax and from 8.7 to 8.8 c$/kWh with a $40/t carbon tax. Annual emissions will rise from 41.8 to 46.5 Mt. This study provides insights for sunny Mediterranean countries with similar renewable energy goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decarbonization and Sustainability in Industrial and Tertiary Sectors)
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15 pages, 4834 KiB  
Article
Intensified Drought Threatens Future Food Security in Major Food-Producing Countries
by Zihao Liu, Aifeng Lv and Taohui Li
Atmosphere 2025, 16(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16010034 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Drought is one of the most severe natural disasters globally, with its frequency and intensity escalating due to climate change, posing significant threats to agricultural production. This is particularly critical in major food-producing regions, where drought profoundly impacts crop yields. Such impacts can [...] Read more.
Drought is one of the most severe natural disasters globally, with its frequency and intensity escalating due to climate change, posing significant threats to agricultural production. This is particularly critical in major food-producing regions, where drought profoundly impacts crop yields. Such impacts can trigger food crises in affected regions and disrupt global food trade patterns, thereby posing substantial risks to global food security. Based on historical data, this study examines the yield response characteristics of key crops—maize, rice, soybean, spring wheat, and winter wheat—under drought conditions during their growth cycles, highlighting variations in drought sensitivity among major food-producing countries. The findings reveal that maize and soybean yield in China, the United States, and Brazil are among the most sensitive and severely affected by drought. Furthermore, using precipitation simulation data from CMIP6 climate models, the study evaluates drought trends and associated crop yield risks under different future emission scenarios. Results indicate that under high-emission scenarios, crops face heightened drought risks during their growth cycles, with China and the United States particularly vulnerable to yield reductions. Additionally, employing copula functions, the study analyzes the probability of simultaneous drought occurrences across multiple countries, shedding light on the evolving trends of multicountry drought events in major food-producing regions. These findings provide a scientific basis for assessing global food security risks and offer policy recommendations to address uncertainties in food supply under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Regional Sustainability in Arid Lands)
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14 pages, 4195 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Molten Salt Composition on Carbon Structure: Preparation of High Value-Added Nano-Carbon Materials by Electrolysis of Carbon Dioxide
by Yi Cheng, Liangxing Li, Lirong Xue, Jiahang Wu, Jingsong Wang, Xilin Huang and Chunfa Liao
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010053 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 705
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into high value-added carbon materials by molten salt electrolysis offers a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This study focuses on investigating the influence of molten salt composition on the structure of CO2 direct electroreduction [...] Read more.
The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into high value-added carbon materials by molten salt electrolysis offers a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This study focuses on investigating the influence of molten salt composition on the structure of CO2 direct electroreduction carbon products in chloride molten salt systems. Using CaO as a CO2 absorber, the adsorption principle of CO2 in LiCl-CaCl2, LiCl-CaCl2-NaCl and LiCl-CaCl2-KCl molten salts was discussed, and the reasons for the different morphologies and structures of carbon products were analyzed, and it was found that the electrolytic efficiency of the whole process exceeded 85%. Furthermore, cathode products are analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Raman Spectra and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques with a focus on the content and morphology of carbon elements. It was observed that the carbon content in the carbon powder produced by molten salt electrochemical method exceeded 99%, with most carbon products obtained from electrolysis in the Li-Ca chloride molten salt system being in the form of carbon nanotubes. In contrast, the Li-Ca-K chloride system yielded carbon nanospheres, while a mixture was found in the Li-Ca-Na chloride system. Therefore, experimental results demonstrate that altering the composition of the system allows for obtaining the desired product size and morphology. This research presents a pathway to convert atmospheric CO2 into high value-added carbon products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Sustainable Green Energy)
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24 pages, 4904 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning-Based Home Energy Management Incorporating Vehicle-to-Home and Home-to-Vehicle Technologies for Renewable Integration
by Marwan Mahmoud and Sami Ben Slama
Energies 2025, 18(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010129 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 511
Abstract
Smart cities embody a transformative approach to modernizing urban infrastructure and harness the power of deep learning (DL) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology to redefine home energy management. Neural network-based Q-learning algorithms optimize the scheduling of household appliances and the management of energy storage [...] Read more.
Smart cities embody a transformative approach to modernizing urban infrastructure and harness the power of deep learning (DL) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology to redefine home energy management. Neural network-based Q-learning algorithms optimize the scheduling of household appliances and the management of energy storage systems, including batteries, to maximize energy efficiency. Data preprocessing techniques, such as normalization, standardization, and missing value imputation, are applied to ensure that the data used for decision making are accurate and reliable. V2H technology allows for efficient energy exchange between electric vehicles (EVs) and homes, enabling EVs to act as both energy storage and supply sources, thus improving overall energy consumption and reducing reliance on the grid. Real-time data from photovoltaic (PV) systems are integrated, providing valuable inputs that further refine energy management decisions and align them with current solar energy availability. The system also incorporates battery storage (BS), which is critical in optimizing energy usage during peak demand periods and providing backup power during grid outages, enhancing energy reliability and sustainability. By utilizing data from a Tunisian weather database, smart cities significantly reduce electricity costs compared to traditional energy management methods, such as Dynamic Programming (DP), Rule-Based Systems, and Genetic Algorithms. The system’s performance is validated through robust AI models, performance metrics, and simulation scenarios, which test the system’s effectiveness under various energy demand patterns and changing weather conditions. These simulations demonstrate the system’s ability to adapt to different operational environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Optimization of Electric Energy System—2nd Edition)
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35 pages, 4772 KiB  
Article
Optimised Sizing and Control of Non-Invasive Retrofit Options for More Sustainable Heat and Power Supply to Multi-Storey Apartment Buildings
by Jevgenijs Kozadajevs, Ivars Zalitis, Anna Mutule and Lubova Petrichenko
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010236 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 607
Abstract
Considering the ambitious climate goals defined by the European Union, the significant share of energy demand represented by buildings, the slow process of their renovation due to challenges such as a need for majority consent from residents and limited available space in dense [...] Read more.
Considering the ambitious climate goals defined by the European Union, the significant share of energy demand represented by buildings, the slow process of their renovation due to challenges such as a need for majority consent from residents and limited available space in dense urban areas, this study aims to foster retrofitting of energy supply systems of multi-storey apartment buildings, improving their sustainability. This entails making the transition to sustainable energy systems more socially acceptable and practical in urban contexts by proposition and demonstration of the potential of a power and heat supply system retrofit that minimises disruptions felt by residents. It integrates rooftop renewable power sources, heat storage with an electric heater, heat pumps, and existing connections to public utility networks. Furthermore, simulation results of both single- and multi-objective optimisation (performed by the genetic algorithm) for equipment selection, as well as conventional and smart control (implemented as a gradient-based optimisation) for daily scheduling, are compared, defining the main scientific contribution of the study. It is found possible to achieve a net present value of up to almost twice the annual energy expenses of the unrenovated building or self-sufficiency rate of up to 41.6% while using conventional control. These benefits can reach 2.6 times or 49.8% if the smart control is applied, demonstrating both the profitability and improved self-sufficiency achievable with the proposed approach in Latvian conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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15 pages, 3506 KiB  
Article
Molecular Signatures of Aeroallergen Sensitization in Respiratory Allergy: A Comparative Study Across Climate-Matched Populations
by Ruperto González-Pérez, César Alberto Galván-Calle, Tania Galán, Paloma Poza-Guedes, Inmaculada Sánchez-Machín, Oscar Manuel Enrique-Calderón and Fernando Pineda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010284 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 652
Abstract
Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru—two regions with similar climates but [...] Read more.
Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru—two regions with similar climates but distinct socio-economic conditions. Our findings reveal that Spanish individuals, particularly those with asthma, demonstrate higher sensitization levels to a broader range of allergens, especially mites, with 85% of participants reacting to at least one mite allergen. In contrast, Peruvian patients exhibit a narrower spectrum of sensitization. These results highlight the influence of environmental factors, such as pollution and socio-economic disparities, on allergen exposure and immune responses. Moreover, this study underscores the necessity for region-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively address these variations. By elucidating the intricate relationship between climate change, environmental factors, and allergen sensitization, this research offers insights into respiratory allergic conditions, advocating for tailored interventions to mitigate their impact across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome)
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34 pages, 5374 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Green Energy Technologies: Towards Sustainable Clean Energy Transition and Global Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
by Vinod Kumar Sharma, Giulia Monteleone, Giacobbe Braccio, Cosmas N. Anyanwu and Nneoma N. Aneke
Processes 2025, 13(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010069 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1673
Abstract
The present paper seeks to showcase the significant potential of alternative energy technologies in driving clean energy transition. Renewable energy sources, including hydro, geothermal, biomass, solar, and wind energy, are developed and marketed as low- or non-carbon alternatives to conventional energy sources. However, [...] Read more.
The present paper seeks to showcase the significant potential of alternative energy technologies in driving clean energy transition. Renewable energy sources, including hydro, geothermal, biomass, solar, and wind energy, are developed and marketed as low- or non-carbon alternatives to conventional energy sources. However, the high upfront costs of these energy resources, coupled with their intermittency, are demerits that must be dealt with. Since certain nuclear technologies generate significantly less waste than coal and oil, nuclear energy is occasionally regarded as a green energy source, though the primary source of nuclear energy, namely uranium, is a finite resource. The main goal of developing green energy technologies is to provide energy in a sustainable manner while cutting down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of energy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass to Renewable Energy Processes, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2455 KiB  
Article
Machine-Learning-Driven Identification of Electrical Phases in Low-Sampling-Rate Consumer Data
by Dilan C. Hangawatta, Ameen Gargoom and Abbas Z. Kouzani
Energies 2025, 18(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010128 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Accurate electrical phase identification (PI) is essential for efficient grid management, yet existing research predominantly focuses on high-frequency smart meter data, not adequately addressing phase identification with low sampling rates using energy consumption data. This study addresses this gap by proposing a novel [...] Read more.
Accurate electrical phase identification (PI) is essential for efficient grid management, yet existing research predominantly focuses on high-frequency smart meter data, not adequately addressing phase identification with low sampling rates using energy consumption data. This study addresses this gap by proposing a novel method that employs a fully connected neural network (FCNN) to predict household phases from energy consumption data. The research utilizes the IEEE European Low Voltage Testing Feeder dataset, which includes one-minute energy consumption readings for 55 households over a full day. The methodology involves data cleaning, preprocessing, and feature extraction through recursive feature elimination (RFE), along with splitting the data into training and testing sets. To enhance performance, training data are augmented using a generative adversarial network (GAN), achieving an accuracy of 91.81% via 10-fold cross-validation. Additional experiments assess the model’s performance across extended sampling intervals of 5, 10, 15, and 30 min. The proposed model demonstrates superior performance compared to existing classification, clustering, and AI methods, highlighting its robustness and adaptability to varying sampling durations and providing valuable insights for improving grid management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Quality and Hosting Capacity in the Microgrids)
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15 pages, 5921 KiB  
Article
Bioaccumulation Study of Cadmium and Lead in Cyprinus carpio from the Colorado River, Using Automated Electrochemical Detection
by Federico Danilo Vallese, Sofia Stupniki, Mariano Trillini, Federico Belén, María Susana Di Nezio, Alfredo Juan and Marcelo Fabian Pistonesi
Water 2025, 17(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010077 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 500
Abstract
The monitoring of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems is of critical importance due to the toxic effects that these elements can have on wildlife and the potential risks that they pose to human health. Rivers situated in close proximity to agricultural regions are [...] Read more.
The monitoring of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems is of critical importance due to the toxic effects that these elements can have on wildlife and the potential risks that they pose to human health. Rivers situated in close proximity to agricultural regions are particularly susceptible to contamination from a combination of natural and anthropogenic sources. The study of bioaccumulation is of great importance for the early detection of environmental stressors. The combination of electrochemical techniques, such as square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), with automated flow-batch systems represents an efficient and cost-effective approach for the detection of trace metals in environmental samples. This study examines the bioaccumulation of cadmium and lead in Cyprinus carpio, a bioindicator of contamination in the Colorado River, Argentina. The fish were exposed to sublethal metal concentrations for 24, 48, and 96 h. Metal quantification was conducted using a novel automatic flow-batch system with SWASV and a bismuth film electrode. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first application of this methodology on aquatic bioindicators for the assessment of metal accumulation in a natural environment. The technique demonstrated enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of trace metals. The bioaccumulation results demonstrated an increase in cadmium and lead concentrations in fish liver tissue after 96 h, reaching 10.5 µg g−1 and 11.9 µg g−1, respectively. Validation with inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) demonstrated a satisfactory correlation, confirming the reliability of the method. This novel electrochemical approach offers enhanced accuracy and efficiency, making it a promising tool for environmental monitoring. The results indicate that Colorado River water is within safe levels for aquatic life regarding these metals. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to detect changes in contamination levels and protect ecosystem health, especially during water crises and under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Environmental Factors on Aquatic Ecosystem)
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33 pages, 30699 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scale Spatial Structure Impacts on Carbon Emission in Cold Region: Case Study in Changchun, China
by Bingxin Li, Qiang Zheng, Xue Jiang and Chennan He
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010228 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 827
Abstract
Cities in cold regions face significant challenges, including high carbon emissions, intense energy use, and outdated energy structures, making them critical areas for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development. While studies have explored the impact of spatial structures on urban carbon emissions, the [...] Read more.
Cities in cold regions face significant challenges, including high carbon emissions, intense energy use, and outdated energy structures, making them critical areas for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development. While studies have explored the impact of spatial structures on urban carbon emissions, the effects of multi-scale spatial structures remain insufficiently understood, limiting effective spatial planning strategies. This research examines Changchun, a city in a severe cold region, using data from 2012 to 2021, including road networks, land use, nighttime light, and energy statistics. Employing spatial syntax, landscape pattern indices, random forests, and segmented linear regression, this research establishes a carbon emission translation pathway to analyze the nonlinear effects of multi-scale spatial structures. Findings reveal a 26.70% annual decrease in carbon emissions, with winter emissions 1.84 times higher than summer ones. High-emission zones have shifted from industrial areas to transportation, commercial, and residential zones, reflecting growing seasonal variability and structural changes. Spatial complexity increased while connectivity declined. Multi-scale analysis identified a “decrease–increase–decrease” pattern, with macro-scale centrality declining and micro-scale hierarchy rising. These results provide both theoretical and practical guidance for urban planning in cold regions, supporting early carbon neutrality and long-term sustainable development goals. Full article
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16 pages, 9841 KiB  
Article
MEMS Smart Glass with Larger Angular Tuning Range and 2D Actuation
by Md Kamrul Hasan, Mustaqim Siddi Que Iskhandar, Steffen Liebermann, Shilby Baby, Jiahao Chen, Muhammad Hasnain Qasim, Dennis Löber, Roland Donatiello, Guilin Xu and Hartmut Hillmer
Micromachines 2025, 16(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16010056 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Millions of electrostatically actuatable micromirror arrays have been arranged in between windowpanes in inert gas environments, enabling active daylighting in buildings for illumination and climatization. MEMS smart windows can reduce energy consumption significantly. However, to allow personalized light steering for arbitrary user positions [...] Read more.
Millions of electrostatically actuatable micromirror arrays have been arranged in between windowpanes in inert gas environments, enabling active daylighting in buildings for illumination and climatization. MEMS smart windows can reduce energy consumption significantly. However, to allow personalized light steering for arbitrary user positions with high flexibility, two main limitations must be overcome: first, limited tuning angle spans by MEMS pull-in effects; and second, the lack of a second orthogonal tuning angle, which is highly required. Firstly, design improvements of electrostatically actuatable micromirror arrays are reported by utilizing tailored bottom electrode structures for enlarging the tilt angle (Φ). Considerably larger tuning ranges are presented, significantly improving daylight steering into buildings. Secondly, 2D actuation means free movement of micromirrors via two angles—tilt (Φ) and torsion angle (θ)—while applying two corresponding voltages between the metallic micromirrors and corresponding FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) counters bottom electrode pads. In addition, a solution for a notorious problem in MEMS actuation is presented. Micromirror design modifications are necessary to eliminate possible crack formation on metallic structure due to stress concentration during the free movement of 2D actuatable micromirror arrays. The concept, design of micromirror arrays and bottom electrodes, as well as technological fabrication and experimental results are presented and discussed. Full article
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12 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Modeling Energetic Effectiveness and Breakage Intensity in Mining and Processing Circuits on Limestone Crushing in HPGR
by Agnieszka Saramak and Daniel Saramak
Energies 2025, 18(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010122 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 422
Abstract
This article refers to the aspects of energy consumption and comminution effectiveness in the mineral processing sector through the evaluation of limestone crushing in a high-pressure grinding roll. The investigative program included a series of crushing tests on limestone samples in a laboratory [...] Read more.
This article refers to the aspects of energy consumption and comminution effectiveness in the mineral processing sector through the evaluation of limestone crushing in a high-pressure grinding roll. The investigative program included a series of crushing tests on limestone samples in a laboratory High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) press device. The tests were carried out in the scheme of factorial experiment with three levels of pressure (Fsp) and three levels of material moisture (M). The major finding was to determine energetic models referring to consumption of energy and reduction in Bond work index Wi, designed as a function of operational pressure in HPGR and material moisture. The other investigative results encompassed models on fineness effectiveness and throughput. The models appeared statistically significant and showed relationships both with pressure and moisture. The results of the investigations showed that Bond work index Wi decreases when the Fsp increases, but Wi increases as the moisture content decreases. The calculated models also showed an increase in unit energy consumption in the press together with increasing of Fsp and moisture. The models for throughput and finest particle content in HPGR product showed in turn that increasing of Fsp and M results in decreasing of the productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption at Production Stages in Mining)
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16 pages, 6789 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment of Mine Water Resource Utilization in China: A Case Study of Xiegou Coal Mine in Shanxi Province
by Xuan Wang, Chi Zhang, Jin Yuan, Xin Sui, Shijing Di and Haoyu Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010229 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
Climate change and water scarcity are two global challenges. Coal mining is the main source of carbon emissions. The utilization of mine water resources and its carbon footprint calculation are of paramount significance in promoting water conservation and carbon reduction in mining areas. [...] Read more.
Climate change and water scarcity are two global challenges. Coal mining is the main source of carbon emissions. The utilization of mine water resources and its carbon footprint calculation are of paramount significance in promoting water conservation and carbon reduction in mining areas. However, research on the carbon footprint and other environmental indicators across the life cycle of mine water in developing countries, such as China, remains limited. This study focuses on a representative mine water resource utilization system in China and describes the method used to calculate carbon emissions associated with mine water resource utilization throughout its life cycle. Based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and using on-site investigations and analysis of environmental indicators, the study evaluates the environmental impacts at different stages of mine water resource utilization, identifies key processes, and provides some improvement suggestions. The research results indicate that the life cycle carbon emissions of mine water amount to 2.35 kg CO2 eq per 1 m3. The water extraction stage highlights the potential environmental impact, including water use (WU) and ozone depletion potential (ODP). By substituting traditional power generation methods and incorporating intelligent dosing equipment to optimize chemical usage, the global warming potential (GWP) has been decreased by over 90%, and the GWP of chemical consumption has also witnessed respective reductions of 21.5% and 10.1%. This study can serve as a basis for calculating carbon emissions in mining areas and formulating strategies to reduce their environmental impact. Full article
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25 pages, 3175 KiB  
Article
Mapping Groundwater Vulnerability in Arid Regions: A Comparative Risk Assessment Using Modified DRASTIC Models, Land Use, and Climate Change Factors
by Simone A. Williams, Sharon B. Megdal, Adriana A. Zuniga-Teran, David M. Quanrud and Gary Christopherson
Land 2025, 14(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010058 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 992
Abstract
Groundwater vulnerability in arid regions is increasingly influenced by land use changes and climate variability. This study evaluates groundwater vulnerability and contamination risk in the arid/semi-arid Verde River Basin and Prescott Active Management Area using four models: DRASTIC, DRASTIC-LUCC, DRASTIC-LUCC-AHP2, and DRASTIC-LUCC-AHP4. Modifications [...] Read more.
Groundwater vulnerability in arid regions is increasingly influenced by land use changes and climate variability. This study evaluates groundwater vulnerability and contamination risk in the arid/semi-arid Verde River Basin and Prescott Active Management Area using four models: DRASTIC, DRASTIC-LUCC, DRASTIC-LUCC-AHP2, and DRASTIC-LUCC-AHP4. Modifications to the traditional DRASTIC model, including the integration of land use and climate factors and the application of AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) to refine variable weighting, significantly enhanced predictive accuracy. Results demonstrate that models incorporating land use and climate data outperform the traditional approach. The DRASTIC-LUCC model identified elevated nitrate concentrations in high-vulnerability areas, while DRASTIC-LUCC-AHP2 exhibited the greatest sensitivity in classifying vulnerability. Karst aquifers were particularly susceptible due to their high permeability and rapid contaminant transport. Recommendations include routinely integrating land use and climate data into vulnerability assessments, enforcing land use controls in high-risk zones, promoting adaptive management practices, and raising public awareness to mitigate contamination risks. This framework offers actionable strategies for improving groundwater protection and sustainable management in arid and semi-arid regions facing water security challenges. Full article
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22 pages, 5784 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Interactions of Urban Land Use Efficiency, Industrial Structure, and Carbon Emissions Intensity in Chinese Cities: A Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) Approach
by Guihong Yang, Xuxi Wang, Li Peng and Xinyue Zhang
Land 2025, 14(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010057 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 570
Abstract
Climatic and environmental issues have attracted considerable attention worldwide. Clarifying the interactions between urban land use efficiency (ULUE), industrial structure (IS), and carbon emissions intensity (CEI) is of considerable importance in promoting resource–economy–environment coordination. The temporal and spatial characteristics of ULUE, IS, and [...] Read more.
Climatic and environmental issues have attracted considerable attention worldwide. Clarifying the interactions between urban land use efficiency (ULUE), industrial structure (IS), and carbon emissions intensity (CEI) is of considerable importance in promoting resource–economy–environment coordination. The temporal and spatial characteristics of ULUE, IS, and CEI were analyzed based on panel data from 309 cities in China from 2006 to 2021. A PVAR model was established to analyze the long-term and short-term dynamic and causal relationships among the three variables. ULUE, IS, and CEI showed an upward trend, but significant spatial heterogeneity existed. The three variables had a long-term cointegration relationship. Overall, ULUE had a positive effect on IS, and IS had a promotional effect on ULUE. ULUE and IS had bidirectional inhibitory effects on CEI. This indicates that improving ULUE, upgrading IS, improving energy efficiency, and reducing CEI may be necessary measures to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities. These research results can provide theoretical and policy support for promoting the coordination of resources, the economy, and the environment, and for achieving the promotion of urban high-quality green and sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Ecological Sustainability)
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16 pages, 4728 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Variation of Drought Patterns over Saudi Arabia
by Saleh H. Alhathloul and Ali O. Alnahit
Water 2025, 17(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010072 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
Understanding the historical patterns of drought changes is important to effectively manage and mitigate drought. This paper aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal drought patterns in Saudi Arabia from 1985 to 2022. The study used the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) [...] Read more.
Understanding the historical patterns of drought changes is important to effectively manage and mitigate drought. This paper aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal drought patterns in Saudi Arabia from 1985 to 2022. The study used the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to examine drought patterns on both monthly and yearly timescales. The findings indicate a significant trend of increasing drought conditions in certain regions of the Kingdom from 1985 to 2022. The average rates of change for SPI-03, SPI-06, and SPI-12 were found to be −0.003 yr−1, −0.0034 yr−1, and −0.0099 yr−1, respectively. Droughts were more frequent and persistent in the northern regions of the country, while the western region experienced severe and intense droughts. There were fewer drought occurrences before 2000, but droughts became more frequent after 2000, with large-scale impacts occurring during 2007–2008 and 2013–2014. These findings have important implications for water management strategies and can help mitigate the effects of drought, as they identify hotspot regions across Saudi Arabia at different timescales. Overall, it is important to implement province-specific efforts to reduce environmental vulnerabilities to droughts. Full article
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22 pages, 5970 KiB  
Article
Search of Reflectance Indices for Estimating Photosynthetic Activity of Wheat Plants Under Drought Stress
by Firuz Abdullaev, Daria Churikova, Polina Pirogova, Maxim Lysov, Vladimir Vodeneev and Oksana Sherstneva
Plants 2025, 14(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010091 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Global climate change and the associated increasing impact of droughts on crops challenges researchers to rapidly assess plant health on a large scale. Photosynthetic activity is one of the key physiological parameters related to future crop yield. The present study focuses on the [...] Read more.
Global climate change and the associated increasing impact of droughts on crops challenges researchers to rapidly assess plant health on a large scale. Photosynthetic activity is one of the key physiological parameters related to future crop yield. The present study focuses on the search for reflectance parameters for rapid screening of wheat genotypes with respect to photosynthetic activity under drought conditions. The development of drought stress modelled in laboratory conditions by stopping irrigation caused changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters that corresponded to a decrease in photosynthetic activity. In particular, a decrease in the photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), which characterizes the rate of linear electron transport in the photosynthetic electron transport chain and is one of the most sensitive parameters responding at the early stages of drought stress, was observed. Along with the measurement of the photosynthetic activity, spectral characteristics of wheat plants were recorded using hyperspectral imaging. Normalized difference indices (NDIs) were calculated using the reflectance intensity of wheat shoots in the range from 400 to 1000 nm. Four NDIs that showed a strong correlation with the level of photosynthetic activity estimated by ΦPSII were selected from different wavelength ranges (NDI610/450, NDI572/545, NDI740/700, and NDI820/630). The indices NDI572/545 and NDI820/630 showed the best combination of sensitivity to soil moisture deficit and strong relationship with photosynthetic activity under drought stress. Possible molecular and physiological causes of this relationship are discussed. The use of the proposed indices will allow to monitor in detail the specific features of wheat plant response and can serve as one of the criteria for selection of the most promising genotypes in breeding of drought-tolerant cultivars. Full article
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14 pages, 779 KiB  
Article
How Gender Influences the Motivation and Action Towards Climate Change: A Qualitative Study of Participants from a UK Construction Company
by Fenella Ross, Campbell Middleton and Olivia Remes
Challenges 2025, 16(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010003 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 853
Abstract
Climate change will lead to widespread adverse global impacts on nature, people and economies. The importance of gender in tackling climate change is becoming increasingly evident, with the Paris Agreement highlighting this. According to the evidence base, women typically show higher levels of [...] Read more.
Climate change will lead to widespread adverse global impacts on nature, people and economies. The importance of gender in tackling climate change is becoming increasingly evident, with the Paris Agreement highlighting this. According to the evidence base, women typically show higher levels of concern and action towards climate change within the general public, within politics and on company boards. However, few studies have investigated the influence of gender on climate concerns and action within the workforce. The construction industry is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases; therefore, this is a key sector to focus on with respect to decarbonisation. Simultaneously, construction is dominated by men and has significant gender inequity issues. Given the importance of including women in climate change decisions, it is important to assess construction employees’ knowledge and awareness regarding this key issue. Quota and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit UK-based participants (n = 30) from a large engineering/construction company to explore the perceived concern, importance and action towards climate change, and qualitative analysis using NVivo 14 software was employed to identify key themes. This qualitative work provides initial important insights for an industry with one of the largest carbon footprints in the world and that also reports significant gender inequities. Full article
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24 pages, 6371 KiB  
Article
A Metaheuristic Approach to Analyze the Techno-Economical Impact of Energy Storage Systems on Grid-Connected Microgrid Systems Adapting Load-Shifting Policies
by Bishwajit Dey, Senthil Krishnamurthy, Nande Fose, Mukovhe Ratshitanga and Prathaban Moodley
Processes 2025, 13(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010065 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are essential for microgrid operations to be financially viable. PHEVs can serve as mobile storage devices, storing excess energy during times of low demand and delivering it during times of high demand. [...] Read more.
Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are essential for microgrid operations to be financially viable. PHEVs can serve as mobile storage devices, storing excess energy during times of low demand and delivering it during times of high demand. By offering reliable on-site energy storage, BESSs improve cost efficiency by allowing the microgrid to store cheap, off-peak electricity and release it when prices increase. To minimize generation costs and alleviate grid stress during periods of high demand, load-shifting policies shift inelastic loads to off-peak hours when energy prices are lower. When combined, these tactics support dependable, affordable, and effective microgrid management. A recently developed RIME algorithm is used as the optimization tool to reduce the total operating cost (TOC) of an MG system for three cases and three situations. The cases emphasize a modified load demand style influenced by the optimal load-shifting method (OLSM) and order characteristics load-shifting policy (OCLSP), whereas the situations refer to the inclusion of ESS in the MG system. The TOC decreased from $2624 without ESS to $2611 and $2331 with PHEVs and BESSs, respectively. These costs were further reduced to $1192, $1162, and $1147, respectively, when OLSM was implemented to restructure the base load demand. Additionally, a balance between a minimal TOC and carbon emission was obtained when an OLSM-based load demand model was used with BESSs. The RIME algorithm outperformed many recently developed algorithms and is consistent and robust, yielding better quality solutions. Full article
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19 pages, 21061 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Rooftop Photovoltaic Segmentation Using Spatial Feature Reconstruction and Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation
by Yu Xiao, Long Lin, Jun Ma and Maoqiang Bi
Energies 2025, 18(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010119 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Amidst the dual challenges of energy shortages and global warming, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has emerged as a critical technology due to its efficient utilization of solar energy. Rooftops, as underutilized spaces, are ideal locations for installing solar panels, avoiding the need for [...] Read more.
Amidst the dual challenges of energy shortages and global warming, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has emerged as a critical technology due to its efficient utilization of solar energy. Rooftops, as underutilized spaces, are ideal locations for installing solar panels, avoiding the need for additional land. However, the accurate and generalized segmentation of large-scale PV panel images remains a technical challenge, primarily due to varying image resolutions, large image scales, and the significant imbalance between foreground and background categories. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel model based on the Res2Net architecture, an enhanced version of the classic ResNet optimized for multi-scale feature extraction. The model integrates Spatial Feature Reconstruction and multi-scale feature aggregation modules, enabling effective extraction of multi-scale data features and precise reconstruction of spatial features. These improvements are particularly designed to handle the small proportion of PV panels in images, effectively distinguishing target features from redundant ones and improving recognition accuracy. Comparative experiments conducted on a publicly available rooftop PV dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior performance compared to mainstream techniques, showcasing its effectiveness in precise PV panel segmentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)
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28 pages, 4702 KiB  
Review
Thematic and Bibliometric Review of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System-Based Flood Disaster Studies in South Asia During 2004–2024
by Jathun Arachchige Thilini Madushani, Neel Chaminda Withanage, Prabuddh Kumar Mishra, Gowhar Meraj, Caxton Griffith Kibebe and Pankaj Kumar
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010217 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1062
Abstract
Floods have catastrophic effects worldwide, particularly in monsoonal Asia. This systematic review investigates the literature from the past two decades, focusing on the use of remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and technologies for flood disaster management in South Asia, and addresses [...] Read more.
Floods have catastrophic effects worldwide, particularly in monsoonal Asia. This systematic review investigates the literature from the past two decades, focusing on the use of remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and technologies for flood disaster management in South Asia, and addresses the urgent need for effective strategies in the face of escalating flood disasters. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored GIS- and RS-based flood disaster studies inspired by diverse research, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Our dataset comprises 94 research articles from Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The analysis revealed an upward trend after 2014, with a peak in 2023 for publications on flood-related topics, primarily within the scope of RS and GIS, flood-risk monitoring, and flood-risk assessment. Keyword analysis using VOSviewer revealed that out of 6402, the most used keyword was “climate change”, with 360 occurrences. Bibliometric analysis shows that 1104 authors from 52 countries meet the five minimum document requirements. Indian and Pakistani researchers published the most number of papers, whereas Elsevier, Springer, and MDPI were the three largest publishers. Thematic analysis has identified several major research areas, including flood risk assessment, flood monitoring, early flood warning, RS and GIS, hydrological modeling, and urban planning. RS and GIS technologies have been shown to have transformative effects on early detection, accurate mapping, vulnerability assessment, decision support, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Future research directions include integrating advanced technologies, fine-tuning spatial resolution, multisensor data fusion, social–environmental integration, climate change adaptation strategies, community-centric early warning systems, policy integration, ethics and privacy protocols, and capacity-building initiatives. This systematic review provides extensive knowledge and offers valuable insights to help researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities address the intricate problems of flood management in the dynamic landscapes of South Asia. Full article
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20 pages, 5922 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Straw Return Methods on Farmland Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint
by Lu Hua, Yang Gao, Dingyang Li, Zhenxing Yang and Zhiping Liu
Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010073 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 656
Abstract
Straw return is an effective agricultural measure that influences the ecological environment. In the context of global climate change and the need for sustainable development, it is essential to explore how straw return methods affect the environment. This study conducted a two-year field [...] Read more.
Straw return is an effective agricultural measure that influences the ecological environment. In the context of global climate change and the need for sustainable development, it is essential to explore how straw return methods affect the environment. This study conducted a two-year field experiment comparing different straw return treatments: no straw return (CK), straw return directly (SR), and straw returned in deep ditches (ISR). The results showed that SR treatment increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (21.7~25.8%) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) (8.5~43.8%) compared to CK. The ISR treatment significantly enhanced DOC (13.1~33.0%) and DON (14.2~50.8%). Both SR and ISR treatments also improved maize growth indicators, such as leaf area index (LAI), stem biomass, leaf biomass, and grain biomass. In terms of environmental effects, the ISR measure reduced N2O emissions and significantly lowered the carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF). Specifically, the yield-scale carbon footprint (CFy) and yield-scale water footprint (WFy) of ISR were reduced by 12.0% and 9.1%, respectively, in 2023. Correlation analysis revealed that soil DON and DOC were key factors in these environmental benefits. Furthermore, the reduction in WF and CF was closely linked to the increased SWC and higher biomass in all maize organs. Therefore, we demonstrated that the ISR measure not only promotes maize biomass accumulation but also effectively mitigates carbon emissions and water consumption on farmland. It may be related to the boosting soil DON and DOC levels. Overall, the ISR method holds promise for supporting sustainable farming practices. Full article
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19 pages, 9258 KiB  
Article
Climate Warming Controls Vegetation Growth with Increasing Importance of Permafrost Degradation in the Northern Hemisphere During 1982–2022
by Yadong Liu, Xiaodong Wu, Tonghua Wu, Guojie Hu, Defu Zou, Yongping Qiao, Xianhua Wei, Xiaoying Fan and Xuchun Yan
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17010104 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 613
Abstract
In permafrost regions, vegetation growth is influenced by both climate conditions and the effects of permafrost degradation. Climate factors affect multiple aspects of the environment, while permafrost degradation has a significant impact on soil moisture and nutrient availability, both of which are crucial [...] Read more.
In permafrost regions, vegetation growth is influenced by both climate conditions and the effects of permafrost degradation. Climate factors affect multiple aspects of the environment, while permafrost degradation has a significant impact on soil moisture and nutrient availability, both of which are crucial for ecosystem health and vegetation growth. However, the quantitative analysis of climate and permafrost remains largely unknown, hindering our ability to predict future vegetation changes in permafrost regions. Here, we used statistical methods to analyze the NDVI change in the permafrost region from 1982 to 2022. We employed correlation analysis, multiple regression residual analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methods to examine the impacts of different environmental factors on NDVI changes. The results show that the average NDVI in the study area from 1982 to 2022 is 0.39, with NDVI values in 80% of the area remaining stable or exhibiting an increasing trend. NDVI had the highest correlation with air temperature, averaging 0.32, with active layer thickness coming in second at 0.25. Climate change plays a dominant role in NDVI variations, with a relative contribution rate of 89.6%. The changes in NDVI are positively influenced by air temperature, with correlation coefficients of 0.92. Although the active layer thickness accounted for only 7% of the NDVI changes, its influence demonstrated an increasing trend from 1982 to 2022. Overall, our results suggest that temperature is the primary factor influencing NDVI variations in this region. Full article
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22 pages, 4867 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Precipitation, Streamflow, and Sediment Transport of the Hangman Creek in the Pacific Northwest, USA: Implication for Agricultural Conservation Practice Implementation
by Yongping Yuan and Sean Kanyuk
Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010003 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change and changes to land use and land management practices can have significant impacts on streamflow and sediment transport. In this study, we investigated long-term precipitation, streamflow, and suspended sediment load patterns within the Hangman Creek watershed, draining from the Rocky [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic climate change and changes to land use and land management practices can have significant impacts on streamflow and sediment transport. In this study, we investigated long-term precipitation, streamflow, and suspended sediment load patterns within the Hangman Creek watershed, draining from the Rocky Mountains in Idaho to Washington, to identify the magnitude of changes with the goal of better understanding the links between these processes and the potential effects of agricultural conservation practices (ACPs) implemented since the 1990s. Comparing the study periods of 1991 to 2020 with 1961 to 1990, 1991 to 2020 had lower streamflow/precipitation ratios in the highest flow months such as February and March. Most streamflow occurred during winter and spring, so did suspended sediment. In addition, 2018 had much lower suspended sediment load compared to earlier years (1999 and 2000) during high flow seasons (January to April) given that streamflow was higher in 2018 than in 1999 and 2000. These changes may be attributed to the adoption of agricultural conservation practices because land cover remained almost unchanged from 2001 to 2021 and ACP adoption increased. Finally, the flow frequency analysis showed a strong linkage between higher streamflow events and increased suspended sediment load, with between 81% and 96% of total annual suspended sediment loads transported during the highest 10% of flows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Watersheds)
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15 pages, 1807 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Indonesian Empty Palm Fruit Bunches: Biochar Synthesis via Temperatures Dependent Pyrolysis
by Fairuz Gianirfan Nugroho, Abu Saad Ansari, Nurul Taufiqu Rochman, Shubhangi Satish Khadtare, Vijaya Gopalan Sree, Nabeen K. Shrestha, Afina Faza Hafiyyan, Hyunsik Im and Abu Talha Aqueel Ahmed
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010050 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 915
Abstract
Biomass, though a major energy source, remains underutilized. Biochar from biomass pyrolysis, with its high porosity and surface area, is especially useful as catalyst support, enhancing catalytic activity and reducing electron recombination in photocatalysis. Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, generated around [...] Read more.
Biomass, though a major energy source, remains underutilized. Biochar from biomass pyrolysis, with its high porosity and surface area, is especially useful as catalyst support, enhancing catalytic activity and reducing electron recombination in photocatalysis. Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, generated around 12 million tons of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) in 2023, making EFBs a promising biochar source. This study synthesizes biochar from leftover EFB fibers at 500, 800, and 1000 °C, analyzing structural changes via infrared and Raman spectroscopy, along with particle size and surface area analysis, laying the groundwork for future biochar research. The smallest particle size and highest surface area gained was 71.1 nm and 10.6 × 102 m2/g. Spectroscopic analysis indicates that biochar produced at 1000 °C has produced nano-crystalline graphite with a crystallite size of approximately 5.47 nm. This provides higher defect density, although with lower conductivity. Other studies indicate that our biochar can be used as catalyst support for various green energy-related applications, i.e., counter electrodes, electrocatalysts, and photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon Materials and Nano-Interface Modification)
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1 pages, 125 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Yang et al. Use Efficiency, Reduction Potential, and Effects of Fertilizers on Carbon Emissions in China’s Major Citrus Regions. Agriculture 2024, 14, 1971
by Yueyuan Yang, Chunjie Qi, Yumeng Gu and Guozhu Fang
Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010072 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 295
Abstract
There was an error in the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Productivity and Efficiency of Agricultural and Livestock Systems)
27 pages, 18595 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Ecological Carrying Capacity in Western Jilin Province from the Perspective of “Production–Living–Ecological Spaces” Coupling Coordination
by Jiarong Xu, Zhijun Tong, Xingpeng Liu and Jiquan Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010211 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Under the combined influences of climate change and human activities, the western Jilin (WJ) Province, as a typical ecologically fragile area, has experienced ecological degradation and resource depletion. Therefore, it is urgently needed to assess its ecological carrying capacity (ECC) to provide scientific [...] Read more.
Under the combined influences of climate change and human activities, the western Jilin (WJ) Province, as a typical ecologically fragile area, has experienced ecological degradation and resource depletion. Therefore, it is urgently needed to assess its ecological carrying capacity (ECC) to provide scientific support for regional ecological protection and resource management. This study integrated the “Pressure-State-Response” (P-S-R) model with the “production, living, and ecological spaces” (PLES) conceptual model to construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for ECC. The indicator weights were calculated using a Bayesian BWM-CRITIC-CWDF linear combination method, and the spatial–temporal distribution of ECC was then assessed using an improved TOPSIS and gray relational analysis (GRA). This evaluation model overcomes the limitations of traditional methods in weight allocation, indicator correlation, and non-linear effects, providing a more accurate, reliable, and objective assessment of ECC. Furthermore, a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model was applied to reveal the interaction between the “coupling coordination degree (CCD) of PLES” and ECC. The results indicate that the ECC value was divided into a period of decline (2000–2010) and a period of growth (2010–2020); spatially, the ECC level transitioned from a high-west, low-east to a high-east, low-west pattern. This change was primarily driven by factors such as fertilizer usage, per capita GDP, and per capita output. The “CCD of PLES” and ECC indicated positive spatial correlation, primarily forming “high-high” and “high-low” clusters. This study provides a reliable evaluation index system and an evaluation model for evaluating ECC in WJ. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for the region’s sustainable development and offer valuable insights for ecological carrying capacity research. Full article
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18 pages, 7581 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Potential Habitat Distributions and Climate Change Impacts on the Rare Species Woonyoungia septentrionalis (Magnoliaceae) in China Based on MaxEnt
by Weihao Yao, Zenghui Wang, Yu Fan, Danyang Liu, Zeyang Ding, Yumei Zhou, Shuyue Hu, Wei Zhang and Jing Ou
Plants 2025, 14(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010086 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 671
Abstract
Changes in species’ habitats provide important insights into the effects of climate change. Woonyoungia septentrionalis, a critically endangered species endemic to karst ecosystems, has a highly restricted distribution and is a key biological resource. Despite its ecological importance, the factors influencing its [...] Read more.
Changes in species’ habitats provide important insights into the effects of climate change. Woonyoungia septentrionalis, a critically endangered species endemic to karst ecosystems, has a highly restricted distribution and is a key biological resource. Despite its ecological importance, the factors influencing its habitat suitability and distribution remain poorly understood. This study employed ecological niche modeling to predict the potential distribution of Woonyoungia septentrionalis across China and analyzed shifts in centroid location to explore migration pathways under current and future climate scenarios. The model exhibited high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.988), indicating its robustness in assessing habitat suitability. Under current climatic conditions, Woonyoungia septentrionalis is predominantly found in the Guizhou–Guangxi border region, southeastern Yunnan, eastern Sichuan, southeastern Tibet, and parts of Chongqing, Hunan, and Hubei. Among these, the Guizhou-Guangxi border represents the primary suitable habitat. Temperature factors, particularly bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual temperature range), were the most significant determinants of habitat suitability, contributing 43.29% and 12.65%, respectively. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) accounted for 15.82%, while precipitation had a relatively minor impact. Under future climate scenarios, suitable habitats for Woonyoungia septentrionalis are projected to shrink and shift toward higher altitudes and latitudes, increasing the risk of extinction due to the “mountain trap” effect, where migration is constrained by limited habitat at higher elevations. Stable habitats, particularly in Libo (Guizhou) and Huanjiang (Guangxi), are identified as critical refugia. We recommend prioritizing shrinking and stable habitats in Guizhou, Guangxi, and Yunnan for in situ conservation. Ex situ conservation efforts should focus on areas identified based on key environmental factors and predicted migration pathways to ensure the species’ long-term survival. This study provides both theoretical and practical guidance for the conservation of this species and its vulnerable habitat. Full article
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17 pages, 9362 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Three-Phase Shunt Active Power Filter Utilizing an Adaptive Frequency Proportional-Integral–Resonant Controller and a Sensorless Voltage Method
by Haneen Ghanayem, Mohammad Alathamneh, Xingyu Yang, Sangwon Seo and R. M. Nelms
Energies 2025, 18(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010116 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 768
Abstract
This article introduces a frequency-adaptive control strategy for a three-phase shunt active power filter, aimed at improving energy efficiency and ensuring high power quality in consumer-oriented power systems. The proposed control system utilizes real-time frequency estimation to dynamically adjust the gain of a [...] Read more.
This article introduces a frequency-adaptive control strategy for a three-phase shunt active power filter, aimed at improving energy efficiency and ensuring high power quality in consumer-oriented power systems. The proposed control system utilizes real-time frequency estimation to dynamically adjust the gain of a proportional-integral–resonant (PIR) controller, facilitating precise harmonic compensation under challenging unbalanced grid conditions, such as unbalanced three-phase loads, grid impedance variations, and diverse nonlinear loads like three-phase rectifiers and induction motors. These scenarios often increase total harmonic distortion (THD) at the point of common coupling (PCC), degrading the performance of connected loads and reducing the efficiency of induction motors. The PIR controller integrates both proportional-integral (PI) and proportional-resonant (PR) control features, achieving improved stability and reduced overshoot. A novel voltage sensorless control method is proposed, requiring only current measurements to determine reference currents for the inverter, thereby simplifying the implementation. Validation of the frequency adaptive control scheme through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and real-time experiments on a dSPACE (DS1202) platform demonstrates significant improvements in harmonic compensation, energy efficiency, and system stability across varying grid frequencies. This approach offers a robust consumer-oriented solution for managing power quality, positioning the SAPF as a key technology for advancing sustainable energy management in smart applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Electronics and Power Quality 2024)
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15 pages, 2124 KiB  
Article
Impact of Climate Change on Snowmelt Erosion Risk
by Jana Podhrázská, Jan Szturc, Josef Kučera and Filip Chuchma
Land 2025, 14(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010055 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Climate change affects all sectors of human activity. Agricultural management is influenced by changes in temperature and precipitation distribution both during the growing season and in the non-growing period. The contribution of snowmelt erosion to the total annual loss of arable soil has [...] Read more.
Climate change affects all sectors of human activity. Agricultural management is influenced by changes in temperature and precipitation distribution both during the growing season and in the non-growing period. The contribution of snowmelt erosion to the total annual loss of arable soil has not yet been sufficiently emphasized. Based on the USLE principle, an equation for soil loss caused by snowmelt was derived, and the erosion potential of snow was determined for the conditions in the Czech Republic. In the foothill area of Větřkovice, an analysis of changes in selected climatic characteristics in the years 1961–2020 was elaborated. It was shown that the area is warming and the number of days with temperatures below 0 °C is decreasing. The total annual precipitation decreased by 18 mm. Furthermore, the erosion potential was compared in two referential periods for both the entire Czech Republic and the Větřkovice area, and a case study of soil loss due to snowmelt erosion was prepared. Despite a slight reduction in the erosion potential in the model area, the erosion shear from snowmelt reaches values higher than the permissible limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Land Degradation Processes and Control)
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40 pages, 7137 KiB  
Article
Heterojunction Technology vs. Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact Photovoltaic Panels: Evaluating Efficiency and Profitability Under Challenging Summer Conditions in Lisbon Using Extensive Field Data
by André Sapina and Paulo Branco
Energies 2025, 18(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010114 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Renewable energy is essential for reducing fossil fuel dependence and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This study compares the widely used passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells with advanced heterojunction technology (HJT) cells. Conducted in Lisbon during August 2022, this research evaluates [...] Read more.
Renewable energy is essential for reducing fossil fuel dependence and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This study compares the widely used passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells with advanced heterojunction technology (HJT) cells. Conducted in Lisbon during August 2022, this research evaluates the energy yield of PV installations over 400 W under challenging summer conditions. HJT cells, which combine monocrystalline silicon and amorphous layers, showed a 1.88% higher efficiency and a 3% to 6% increase in energy yield compared to PERC cells. This study also examines the effects of irradiance and temperature on performance using experiment field data. HJT modules are ideal for limited space or power constraints, offering long-term profitability, while PERC modules are more cost-effective for budget-limited projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy System Technologies: 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 6327 KiB  
Article
Detecting the Lake Area Seasonal Variations in the Tibetan Plateau from Multi-Sensor Satellite Data Using Deep Learning
by Xingyu Chen, Xiuyu Zhang, Changwei Zhuang and Xibang Hu
Water 2025, 17(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010068 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Monitoring lake area changes with a higher spatial and temporal resolution can facilitate a more detailed analysis of climate-related changes in the Tibetan Plateau. In the Landsat era, optical remote sensing observation with water body index-based methods mainly contributed to alpine lake investigation. [...] Read more.
Monitoring lake area changes with a higher spatial and temporal resolution can facilitate a more detailed analysis of climate-related changes in the Tibetan Plateau. In the Landsat era, optical remote sensing observation with water body index-based methods mainly contributed to alpine lake investigation. However, monitoring the seasonal or monthly change of a lake area is challenging since optical data are easily contaminated by the high cloud cover in the Tibetan Plateau. To cope with this, we generated new time series datasets including Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and the Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) observations. Meanwhile, we presented an improved deep learning model with spatial and channel attention mechanisms. Based on these datasets, we compared several deep learning models and found that the CloudNet+ had better performance. Taking this architecture as a baseline, we added spatial and channel attention mechanisms to generate our AttCloudNet+ for extracting the lake area. The results revealed that AttCloudNet+ had a better performance compared with the CloudNet+ and other CNNs (e.g., DeepLabv3+, UNet). For the accuracy of the lakeshore prediction, results from AttCloudNet+ demonstrated closer distance to the truth-value than other models. The obtained mean RMSE and MAE were 21.6 and 16.6 m, respectively. In contrast, the mean RMSE and MAE of the DeepLabv3+ were 99.5 and 76.0 m, while the corresponding RMSE and MAE for UNet were 91.1 and 64.9 m. In addition, we found our AttCloudNet+ was more robust than UNet and DeepLabv3+ because AttCloudNet+ is less influenced by the input optical images compared with DeepLabv3+ and UNet. By combining the results from different seasons and satellite sensors, we are capable of generating the complete lake area seasonal dynamics of the 15 largest lakes. The mean correlation coefficient (R2) between our seasonal lake area time series and the water level of LEGOS is 0.81, which is much better than the previous study (0.25). This indicates that our method can be used to monitor lake area seasonal variation, which is important for understanding regional climate change in the Tibetan Plateau and other similar areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Technology in Water Mapping and Change Analysis)
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19 pages, 1385 KiB  
Article
Geological Influences on Wine Quality: Analyzing Nebbiolo Grapes from Northern Italy
by Laura Santagostini and Vittoria Guglielmi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010258 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 546
Abstract
This study investigates the critical relationship between soil characteristics, trace element concentrations in Nebbiolo grapes, and the resulting wine quality, emphasizing the importance of terroir in winemaking. Italy, particularly the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Aosta Valley, is home to Nebbiolo, a [...] Read more.
This study investigates the critical relationship between soil characteristics, trace element concentrations in Nebbiolo grapes, and the resulting wine quality, emphasizing the importance of terroir in winemaking. Italy, particularly the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Aosta Valley, is home to Nebbiolo, a prestigious grape variety known for its depth and aging potential in wines like Barolo and Barbaresco. The research focuses on seventeen grape and wine samples, highlighting how soil mineral composition could affect grape composition and wine characteristics. The analysis employed ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry) to measure trace elements such as Al, Ba, and Mn, linking their concentrations to the soil’s geological properties. Elements were categorized into three groups based on their origins—natural soil contributions (Al, Ba, Li, Mn, Mo, Sr, Ti), those influenced by production cycles (Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Zn, Fe), and artificial sources (Co, Cr, Ni, V)—asserting that the first group serves as the most reliable indicators for tracing wines back to their vineyard origins. By establishing a chemical fingerprint for Nebbiolo wines, this research aims to enhance their authenticity and market value while providing insights into the intricate interplay between soil, grape varietals, and winemaking practices and contemporary challenges like climate change and evolving market demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Techniques and Applications)
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32 pages, 16861 KiB  
Article
Selecting Energy-Efficient LED Retrofits with Optimal Color Qualities for New and Refurbished Buildings
by Irena Fryc, Maciej Listowski, Robert Supronowicz and Christophe Martinsons
Energies 2025, 18(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010112 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 665
Abstract
This study carried out a literature search and selection in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 protocol to conduct a complete review of the literature describing the electrical, photometrical, and colorimetric parameters of LEDs. Based on it, a significant research gap was found in [...] Read more.
This study carried out a literature search and selection in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 protocol to conduct a complete review of the literature describing the electrical, photometrical, and colorimetric parameters of LEDs. Based on it, a significant research gap was found in the field of LED-based lighting retrofits. We prove that there is a lack of publications indicating the relationship between the energy consumption of LED retrofits and user preferences concerning the quality of lighting. This article presents an effective new method for selecting LEDs to retrofit typical 3000, 4000, and 6500 K fluorescent lighting installations in buildings. It is shown that when selecting an LED replacement for a fluorescent source, consideration of the classically used parameters in the field of lighting technology to describe the quality of white light, specifically correlated color temperature and the color rendering index, is insufficient. We demonstrate that energy efficiency and the color preference criteria for retrofitted LEDs must be considered and balanced with the potential impact on circadian rhythms as assessed by the melanopic daylight efficacy ratio. This research proves that LED replacements with the best color preference properties (P1 class in the CPC classification of ANSI/IES TM30-20 method) correspond to the least energy-efficient light sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Building Energy and Environment 2024)
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18 pages, 30213 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Full-Frequency Deep-Sea Noise Based on Sea Surface Wind Speed and Real-Time Noise Data
by Bo Yuan, Licheng Lu, Zhenzhu Wang, Guoli Song, Li Ma and Wenbo Wang
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17010101 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 456
Abstract
The prediction of ocean ambient noise is crucial for protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring communication and navigation safety, especially under extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and strong winds. Ocean ambient noise is primarily caused by ship activities, wind waves, and other [...] Read more.
The prediction of ocean ambient noise is crucial for protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring communication and navigation safety, especially under extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and strong winds. Ocean ambient noise is primarily caused by ship activities, wind waves, and other factors, and its complexity makes it a significant challenge to effectively utilize limited data to observe future changes in noise energy. To address this issue, we have designed a multi-modal linear model based on a “decomposition-prediction-modal trend fusion-total fusion” framework. This model simultaneously decomposes wind speed data and ocean ambient noise data into trend and residual components, enabling the wind speed information to effectively extract key trend features of ocean ambient noise. Compared to polynomial fitting methods, single-modal models, and LSTM multi-modal models, the average error of the relative sound pressure level was reduced by 1.3 dB, 0.5 dB, and 0.3 dB, respectively. Our approach demonstrates significant improvements in predicting future trends and detailed fittings of the data. Full article
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23 pages, 2444 KiB  
Article
Measurement of Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Sustainable Intensification of Farmland Use in China’s Provincial Areas
by Song Yu, Lulu Yang, Wenbo Li and Bin Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010204 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Sustainable intensification can defuse conflict arising from the limited availability of farmland resources and the inflexible growth of material demand, thereby establishing itself as an effective strategy for nations to ensure food security and promote sustainable development. Considering that research on sustainable intensification [...] Read more.
Sustainable intensification can defuse conflict arising from the limited availability of farmland resources and the inflexible growth of material demand, thereby establishing itself as an effective strategy for nations to ensure food security and promote sustainable development. Considering that research on sustainable intensification focuses primarily on regions with flat and highly consolidated land parcels, there is relatively little exploration in areas with high land fragmentation. However, in regions with significant land fragmentation, the cultivated area per capita is smaller and the human–land contradiction is more pronounced. This makes it all the more worthwhile to investigate the sustainable intensification of these areas. This study focused on a Chinese provincial area and aimed to investigate the operational laws and influencing mechanisms for the sustainable intensification of farmland use. Emergy analyses were conducted to measure the spatial and temporal development patterns of sustainable farmland use intensification in Jiangxi Province during 2007–2021, and to provide a reference for farmland use optimization in other regions of China and worldwide. (1) Compared with in 2007, in 2021, the emergy input of the ecological–economic cultivated area systems in Jiangxi Province decreased by 19.76%, and the emergy output increased by 18.39%. (2) In the past fifteen years, the emergy productivity (EPR) of the ecological and economic system of cultivated land in Jiangxi Province has shown a fluctuating upward trend; compared with in 2007, the EPR in Jiangxi Province in 2021 rose by 58.09%, spatial characteristics from the center to the north and south were reduced, and the gap widened. The emergy yield rate (EYR) of the ecological and economic system of cultivated land in Jiangxi Province has shown an overall upward trend; compared with in 2007, the EYR in Jiangxi Province in 2021 rose by 43.39%, spatial characteristics from the north to the south were reduced, and the gap widened. The Jiangxi Province cultivated land ecological and economic system environmental loading rate (ELR) showed an overall downward trend; compared with in 2007, the ELR in Jiangxi Province in 2021 fell by 30%, spatial characteristics from the north to the south were reduced, and the difference narrowed. The economic efficiency (EE) of Jiangxi Province’s cultivated land ecological and economic system showed a fluctuating downward trend; compared with in 2007, EE in Jiangxi Province in 2021 fell by 29.97%, the spatial characteristics decreased from north to south, and the difference narrowed. Conclusion of this study: The degree of sustainable intensification of farmland use is influenced by climate change, the use of agricultural machinery and equipment, the amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used, and cultivation methods. Therefore, the use of farmland requires a rational allocation of emergy inputs within the socio-economic system, coupled with the scientific maximization of outputs while maintaining the ecological and economic integrity of farmland. This approach is of great importance as a reference for the efficient use of farmland resources in China and thus for national food security. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights that can serve as a useful reference for other regions worldwide. Full article
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17 pages, 2853 KiB  
Article
BiOI-MIL Binary Composite for Synergistic Azo Dye AR14 Discoloration
by Mahmoud Shams, Samane Abd Mojiri, Masoomeh Shafaee, Najmaldin Ezaldin Hassan, Aliakbar Dehghan, Mansour Baziar, Elaheh K. Goharshadi and Shahabaldin Rezania
Catalysts 2025, 15(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15010026 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 515
Abstract
Acid red 14 (AR14) is a widely used azo dye that belongs to a major family of commercial dyes employed extensively in the textile industry. The present study aimed to investigate the photocatalytic discoloration of AR14 using a visible-light-responsive catalyst. The composite catalyst [...] Read more.
Acid red 14 (AR14) is a widely used azo dye that belongs to a major family of commercial dyes employed extensively in the textile industry. The present study aimed to investigate the photocatalytic discoloration of AR14 using a visible-light-responsive catalyst. The composite catalyst was synthesized by integrating thermally modified MIL-101 (M-MIL) integrated into bismuth oxide. Thermal modification of MIL-101 produced octahedral α-Fe2O3 particles with a size of 1–2 μm, which were incorporated into bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) featuring a nanosheet structure. BiOI@M-MIL composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The bandgap energy, Eg, of BiOI was reduced from 1.95 eV to 1.73 eV in the composite. Photocatalytic reactions were performed under visible-light irradiation using a 5 W cold LED lamp. The AR14 discoloration tests demonstrated that BiOI@M-MIL was 1.81-fold more efficient compared to pristine BiOI. Key parameters affecting AR14 discoloration —such as catalyst dosage, pH, dye concentration, and contact time, were investigated. The composite achieved almost a complete dye removal efficiency of 94.26% under experimental conditions. Radical trapping tests highlighted the crucial role of superoxide radicals, O2., in the dye discoloration process. BiOI@M-MIL takes advantage of simultaneous adsorption and photocatalysis with the highest adsorption capacity of 45.32 mg g−1 and 32.2 mg g−1, based on Sips and Langmuir models, respectively. The catalyst also showed good reusability and ~14% loss in removal efficiency after five consecutive cycles. In conclusion, the BiOI@M-MIL composite demonstrates excellent photocatalytic performance, combining low energy consumption with material stability, making it a promising candidate for AR14 discoloration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis towards a Sustainable Future)
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16 pages, 7877 KiB  
Article
Effect of Extensive Solar Ultra-Violet Irradiation on the Durability of High-Density Polyethylene- and Polypropylene-Based Wood–Plastic Composites
by Mohammad N. Siddiqui, Halim H. Redhwi, Anthony L. Andrady, Sarfaraz A. Furquan and Syed Hussain
Polymers 2025, 17(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010074 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 509
Abstract
The natural and laboratory-accelerated weathering of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics was investigated in this study. Injection molded samples of WPCs with different loadings of wood fiber ranging from 0 to 36 wt.% of wood were [...] Read more.
The natural and laboratory-accelerated weathering of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics was investigated in this study. Injection molded samples of WPCs with different loadings of wood fiber ranging from 0 to 36 wt.% of wood were subjected to laboratory-accelerated weathering and natural weathering. The integrity of samples weathered to different extents was tested using a standard tensile test and surface hardness test to investigate the dependence of these properties on the duration of weathering exposure. Tensile data were used to identify the loading of wood fibers in either plastic matrix that afforded superior ultra-violet (UV) stability. Tensile measurements under uniaxial strain yielded average values of tensile strength (TS), low-extension modulus (E), and elongation at break (EB). Both natural weathering outdoors and accelerated weathering in the laboratory showed that the TS and EB decreased while the E increased with the duration of exposure for all samples tested. The change in the average TS of composites with the duration of exposure offers valuable insights. The correlation between the tensile and hardness data for the WPC samples was explored. After naturally weathering at two exposure sites, the hardness of the WPCs was found to decrease between 8% to 12.5%, depending on the composition and exposure location parameters. Furthermore, no marked difference in performance with increasing wood fiber beyond 18 wt.% was observed. WPCs can be a key parameter in environmental sustainability by being used in the building and packaging industries, which reduces carbon emissions and waste generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)
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29 pages, 10028 KiB  
Article
Research on Response Postures of Subway Train in Straight Line Collision
by Shuhao Liu, Yiqun Yu, Yi Li, Rongqiang Liu and Rong Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010252 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 545
Abstract
A six-car subway train finite element model was developed to investigate possible response postures under impact accidents. Considering the plastic deformation of carriages and weak points of the train front, the simulation included two conditions: train–train collision and collision with an obstacle. Comprehensive [...] Read more.
A six-car subway train finite element model was developed to investigate possible response postures under impact accidents. Considering the plastic deformation of carriages and weak points of the train front, the simulation included two conditions: train–train collision and collision with an obstacle. Comprehensive response postures were obtained. A one-dimensional dynamic theory model was established to verify the rationality of the FEM model. The influence of impact speed, impact angle, and impact position on the energy consumption and response postures were discussed. The results show that one accident condition is accompanied by a variety of response postures. The main factors of climbing are asynchronism of yaw and pitch motions of adjacent carriages and plastic deformation of carriage ends, which leads to vertical arch. In oblique and front-side collision, the lateral force and the deviation of train front cause rapid derailment, and large lateral movement of the front and lateral buckling happen subsequently. Full article
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19 pages, 2253 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Research on the Design and Use of an Archimedes Screw Turbine: A Review
by Piotr Sołowiej and Krzysztof Łapiński
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010201 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 773
Abstract
Due to the ever-increasing demand for clean energy derived from renewable sources, new options for obtaining it are being sought. The energy of water streams, compared to wind energy or solar energy, has the advantage that it can be supplied continuously. A relatively [...] Read more.
Due to the ever-increasing demand for clean energy derived from renewable sources, new options for obtaining it are being sought. The energy of water streams, compared to wind energy or solar energy, has the advantage that it can be supplied continuously. A relatively new solution used in hydro power plants is the AST (Archimedes screw turbine), which perfectly complements the possibilities of energy use of water courses. This solution can be used at lower heads and lower flows than is the case with power plants using Kaplan, Francis, or similar turbines. An AST power plant is cheaper to build and operate and has less negative environmental impact than traditional solutions. Accordingly, research is being conducted to improve the efficiency of the AST in terms of its environmental impact, efficiency, length, angle of inclination, and others. These studies revealed sources of losses, optimal operating conditions, and turbine design methods. They also showed the much lower environmental impact of Archimedes screw turbines compared to the others. In the course of compiling this review, the authors noticed some differences regarding the description proposed by different authors of the characteristic geometric dimensions of turbines and other quantities. Full article
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17 pages, 11078 KiB  
Article
Variations in Water Stress and Its Driving Factors in the Yellow River Basin
by Haodong Lyu, Jianmin Qiao, Gonghuan Fang, Wenting Liang, Zidong Tang, Furong Lv, Qin Zhang, Zewei Qiu and Gengning Huang
Land 2025, 14(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010053 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 487
Abstract
As one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in China, the Yellow River Basin faces a significant water resource shortage, which severely restricts sustainable economic development in the region and has become the most prominent issue in the basin. In response [...] Read more.
As one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in China, the Yellow River Basin faces a significant water resource shortage, which severely restricts sustainable economic development in the region and has become the most prominent issue in the basin. In response to the national strategy of ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin, as well as Sustainable Development Goal 6.4 (SDG 6.4), we applied the water stress index (WSI) to measure water stress in the basin. This analysis utilized land use datasets, socio-economic datasets, irrigation datasets, water withdrawal/consumption datasets, and runoff datasets from 2000 to 2020. We also identified the driving factors of the WSI using a partial least squares regression (PLSR) and assessed spatial clustering with global and local Moran’s indices. The results indicate that water stress in the Yellow River Basin has been alleviated, as indicated by the decreasing WSI due to increased precipitation. However, rising domestic water withdrawals have led to an overall increase in total water withdrawal, with agricultural water use accounting for the largest proportion of total water consumption. Precipitation is the most significant factor influencing water stress, affecting 46.25% of the basin area, followed by air temperature, which affects 12.64% of the area. Other factors account for less than 10% each. Furthermore, the global Moran’s index values for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were 0.172, 0.280, 0.284, 0.305, and 0.302, respectively, indicating a strong positive spatial autocorrelation within the basin. The local Moran’s index revealed that the WSI of 446 catchments was predominantly characterized by high–high and low–low clusters, suggesting a strong positive correlation in the WSI among these catchments. This study provides a reference framework for developing a water resources assessment index system in the Yellow River Basin and supports regional water resources management and industrial structure planning. Full article
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24 pages, 10995 KiB  
Article
Using RES Surpluses to Remove Overburden from Lignite Mines Can Improve the Nation’s Energy Security
by Leszek Jurdziak, Witold Kawalec, Zbigniew Kasztelewicz and Pawel Parczyk
Energies 2025, 18(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010104 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 638
Abstract
The increasing use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, presents challenges to the stability and efficiency of other energy sources due to their intermittent and unpredictable surpluses. The unintended consequence of stabilizing the power supply system is an increase [...] Read more.
The increasing use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, presents challenges to the stability and efficiency of other energy sources due to their intermittent and unpredictable surpluses. The unintended consequence of stabilizing the power supply system is an increase in emissions and external costs from the suboptimal use of coal power plants. The rising number of RES curtailments needs to be addressed by either the adjusting energy supply from fossil fuel or the flexible energy consumption. In Poland’s energy mix, coal-fired power plants are a critical component in ensuring energy security for the foreseeable future. Using domestic lignite to generate a total power of 8.5 GW can stabilize the national power supply, as it is currently done in Germany, where 15 GW of lignite-fueled power units provide the power supply base for the country. The leading Belchatów power plant comprises 10 retrofitted units and one new unit, with a total rating of 5.5 GW. Access to the new coal deposit, Zloczew, is necessary to ensure its longer operation. The other domestic lignite power plants are located in Central Poland at Patnów (0.47 GW from the new unit and 0.6 GW from its three retrofitted counterparts) and located in the Lusatian lignite basin at Turów (operating a brand new unit rated at 0.5 GW and retrofitted units with a total rating of 1.5 GW). The use of this fuel is currently being penalized as a result of increasing carbon costs. However, the continuous surface mining technology that is used in lignite mines is fully electrified, and large amounts of electric energy are required to remove and dump overburden and mining coal and its conveying to power units (the transport of coal from the new lignite mine Zloczew to the Belchatów power plant would be a long-distance operation). A possible solution to this problem is to focus on the lignite fuel supply operations of these power plants, with extensive simulations of the entire supply chain. A modern lignite mine is operated by one control room, and it can balance the dynamic consumption of surplus renewable energy sources (RESs) and reduce the need for reduction. When a lignite supply chain is operated this way, a high-capacity power bank can be created with energy storage in the form of an open brown coal seam. This would enable an almost emission-free supply of cheap and domestic fossil fuel, making it insensitive to changes in the world prices of energy resources for power units operating at the base of the system. Furthermore, extending the life of relatively new and efficient lignite-fired units in Poland would facilitate the decommissioning of older and exhausted hard coal-fired units. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section H: Geo-Energy)
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