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19 pages, 9135 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Characterization of Asphalt Plant Reclaimed Powder Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
by Hao Wu, Daoan Yu, Wentao Wang, Chuanqi Yan, Rui Xiao, Rong Chen, Peng Zhang and Hengji Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153660 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Asphalt plant reclaimed powder is a common solid waste in road engineering. Reusing reclaimed powder as filler holds significant importance for environmental protection and resource conservation. The key factors affecting the feasibility of reclaimed powder reuse are its acidity/alkalinity and cleanliness. Traditional evaluation [...] Read more.
Asphalt plant reclaimed powder is a common solid waste in road engineering. Reusing reclaimed powder as filler holds significant importance for environmental protection and resource conservation. The key factors affecting the feasibility of reclaimed powder reuse are its acidity/alkalinity and cleanliness. Traditional evaluation methods, such as the methylene blue test and plasticity index, can assess reclaimed powder properties to guide its recycling. However, these methods suffer from inefficiency, strong empirical dependence, and high variability. To address these limitations, this study proposes a rapid and precise evaluation method for reclaimed powder properties based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To do so, five field-collected reclaimed powder samples and four artificial samples were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize their microphase morphology, chemical composition, and crystal structure, respectively. Subsequently, FTIR was used to establish correlations between key acidity/alkalinity, cleanliness, and multiple characteristic peak intensities. Representative infrared characteristic peaks were selected, and a quantitative functional group index (Is) was proposed to simultaneously evaluate acidity/alkalinity and cleanliness. The results indicate that reclaimed powder primarily consists of tiny, crushed stone particles and dust, with significant variations in crystal structure and chemical composition, including calcium carbonate, silicon oxide, iron oxide, and aluminum oxide. Some samples also contained clay, which critically influenced the reclaimed powder properties. Since both filler acidity/alkalinity and cleanliness are affected by clay (silicon/carbon ratio determining acidity/alkalinity and aluminosilicate content affecting cleanliness), this study calculated four functional group indices based on FTIR absorption peaks, namely the Si-O-Si stretching vibration (1000 cm−1) and the CO32− asymmetric stretching vibration (1400 cm−1). These indices were correlated with conventional testing results (XRF for acidity/alkalinity, methylene blue value, and pull-off strength for cleanliness). The results show that the Is index exhibited strong correlations (R2 = 0.89 with XRF, R2 = 0.80 with methylene blue value, and R2 = 0.96 with pull-off strength), demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting both acidity/alkalinity and cleanliness. The developed method enhances reclaimed powder detection efficiency and facilitates high-value recycling in road engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Asphalt Binder Modification and Performance)
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22 pages, 2605 KiB  
Article
Production of Bioadsorbents via Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Exhausted Olive Pomace for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Media
by Safae Chafi, Manuel Cuevas-Aranda, Mª Lourdes Martínez-Cartas and Sebastián Sánchez
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153254 - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this work, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of exhausted olive pomace and evaluated as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The biochar obtained at 400 °C for 1 h, which exhibited the best adsorption performance, was [...] Read more.
In this work, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of exhausted olive pomace and evaluated as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The biochar obtained at 400 °C for 1 h, which exhibited the best adsorption performance, was characterized by FTIR, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, SEM-EDX, and proximate analysis, revealing a mesoporous structure with a relatively low specific surface area but enriched in surface functional groups, likely due to the partial degradation of lignocellulosic components. Adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize operational parameters such as solid particle size (2–3 mm), agitation speed (75 rpm), and bioadsorbent dosage (1 g per 0.05 L of MB solution), which allowed for dye removal efficiencies close to 100%. Kinetic studies showed that MB adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data at 30 °C were best described by the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.999; SE = 4.25%), suggesting monolayer coverage and strong adsorbate–adsorbent affinity. Desorption trials using water, ethanol, and their mixtures resulted in low MB recovery, whereas the addition of 10% acetic acid significantly improved desorption performance. Under optimal conditions, up to 52% of the retained dye was recovered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass Chemicals: Transformation and Valorization)
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22 pages, 3304 KiB  
Article
The Mechanism by Which Colour Patch Characteristics Influence the Visual Landscape Quality of Rhododendron simsii Landscape Recreational Forests
by Yan Liu, Juyang Liao, Yaqi Huang, Qiaoyun Li, Linshi Wu, Xinyu Yi, Ling Wang and Chan Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080898 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Landscape quality and the productivity of Rhododendron simsii are directly related to the maintenance of ecological functions in the alpine region. The specific relationship between the spatial pattern of colour patches and the visual quality of R. simsii landscape recreational forests has been [...] Read more.
Landscape quality and the productivity of Rhododendron simsii are directly related to the maintenance of ecological functions in the alpine region. The specific relationship between the spatial pattern of colour patches and the visual quality of R. simsii landscape recreational forests has been insufficiently explored. In this study, we constructed a model of the relationship between landscape colour patches and the aesthetic value of such a forest, analysing the key factors driving changes in its landscape quality. A total of 1549 participants were asked to assess 16 groups of landscape photographs. The results showed that variations in perceived aesthetic quality were stimulated by colour patch dynamics and spatial heterogeneity. Utilising structural equation modelling (SEM), we identified key indicators synergistically influencing aesthetic quality, including the area percentage, shape, and distribution of colour patches, which demonstrated strong explanatory power (R2 = 0.83). The SEM also revealed that the red patch area, mean perimeter area ratio, and separation index are critical latent variables with standardised coefficients of 0.54, 0.65, and 0.62, respectively. These findings provide actionable design strategies: (1) optimising chromatic contrast through high-saturation patches, (2) controlling geometric complexity, and (3) improving spatial coherence. These results advance the theoretical framework for landscape aesthetic evaluation and offer practical guidance for landscape recreational forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Floriculture, Nursery and Landscape, and Turf)
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24 pages, 1376 KiB  
Article
Smart Agriculture in Ecuador: Adoption of IoT Technologies by Farmers in Guayas to Improve Agricultural Yields
by Ruth Rubí Peña-Holguín, Carlos Andrés Vaca-Coronel, Ruth María Farías-Lema, Sonnia Valeria Zapatier-Castro and Juan Diego Valenzuela-Cobos
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151679 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 47
Abstract
The adoption of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), has emerged as a key strategy to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector, especially in contexts of modernization and digital transformation in developing regions. This study analyzes the [...] Read more.
The adoption of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), has emerged as a key strategy to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector, especially in contexts of modernization and digital transformation in developing regions. This study analyzes the key factors influencing the adoption of IoT technologies by farmers in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, and their impact on agricultural yields. The research is grounded in innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance models, which emphasize the role of perception, usability, training, and economic viability in digital adoption. A total of 250 surveys were administered, with 232 valid responses (92.8% response rate), reflecting strong interest from the agricultural sector in digital transformation and precision agriculture. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results confirm that general perception of IoT (β = 0.514), practical functionality (β = 0.488), and technical training (β = 0.523) positively influence adoption, while high implementation costs negatively affect it (β = −0.651), all of which are statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, adoption has a strong positive effect on agricultural yield (β = 0.795). The model explained a high percentage of variance in both adoption (R2 = 0.771) and performance (R2 = 0.706), supporting its predictive capacity. These findings underscore the need for public and private institutions to implement targeted training and financing strategies to overcome economic barriers and foster the sustainable integration of IoT technologies in Ecuadorian agriculture. Full article
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16 pages, 2858 KiB  
Article
Reactive Aerosol Jet Printing of Ag Nanoparticles: A New Tool for SERS Substrate Preparation
by Eugenio Gibertini, Lydia Federica Gervasini, Jody Albertazzi, Lorenzo Maria Facchetti, Matteo Tommasini, Valentina Busini and Luca Magagnin
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080900 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 82
Abstract
The detection of trace chemicals at low and ultra-low concentrations is critical for applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, food safety and other fields. Conventional detection techniques often lack the required sensitivity, specificity, or cost-effectiveness, making real-time, in situ analysis challenging. Surface-enhanced Raman [...] Read more.
The detection of trace chemicals at low and ultra-low concentrations is critical for applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, food safety and other fields. Conventional detection techniques often lack the required sensitivity, specificity, or cost-effectiveness, making real-time, in situ analysis challenging. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical tool, offering improved sensitivity through the enhancement of Raman scattering by plasmonic nanostructures. While noble metals such as Ag and Au are currently the reference choices for SERS substrates, fabrication methods should balance enhancement efficiency, reproducibility and scalability. In this study, we propose a novel approach for SERS substrate fabrication using reactive Aerosol Jet Printing (r-AJP) as an innovative additive manufacturing technique. The r-AJP process enables in-flight Ag seed reduction and nucleation of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) by mixing silver nitrate and ascorbic acid aerosols before deposition, as suggested by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The resulting coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses, revealing the formation of nanoporous crystalline Ag agglomerates partially covered by residual matter. The as-prepared SERS substrates exhibited remarkable SERS activity, demonstrating a high enhancement factor (106) for rhodamine (R6G) detection. Our findings highlight the potential of r-AJP as a scalable and cost-effective fabrication strategy for next-generation SERS sensors, paving the way for the development of a new additive manufacturing tool for noble metal material deposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
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23 pages, 9108 KiB  
Article
COx-Free Hydrogen Production via CH4 Decomposition on Alkali-Incorporated (Mg, La, Ca, Li) Ni-Al Catalysts
by Morgana Rosset, Yan Resing Dias, Liliana Amaral Féris and Oscar William Perez-Lopez
Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(3), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5030010 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 160
Abstract
The catalytic decomposition of CH4 is a promising method for producing high-purity COx-free hydrogen. A Ni-Al-LDH catalyst synthesized via coprecipitation was modified with alkali metals (Mg, La, Ca, or Li) through reconstruction to enhance catalytic activity and resistance to deactivation [...] Read more.
The catalytic decomposition of CH4 is a promising method for producing high-purity COx-free hydrogen. A Ni-Al-LDH catalyst synthesized via coprecipitation was modified with alkali metals (Mg, La, Ca, or Li) through reconstruction to enhance catalytic activity and resistance to deactivation during catalytic methane decomposition (CMD). The catalysts were evaluated by two activation methods: H2 reduction and direct heating with CH4. The MgNA-R catalyst achieved the highest CH4 conversion (65%) at 600 °C when reduced with H2, attributed to a stronger Ni-Al interaction. Under CH4 activation, LaNA-C achieved a 55% conversion at the same temperature, associated with a smaller crystallite size and higher reducibility due to La incorporation. Although all catalysts deactivated due to carbon deposition and/or sintering, LaNA-C was the only sample that could resist deactivation for a longer period, as La appears to have a protective effect on the active phase. Post-reaction characterizations revealed the formation of graphitic and filamentous carbon. Raman spectroscopy exhibited a higher degree of graphitization and structural order in LaNA-C, whereas SEM showed a more uniform distribution of carbon filaments. TEM confirmed the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with encapsulated Ni particles in La-promoted samples. These results demonstrate that La addition improves the catalytic performance under CH4 activation and carbon structure. This finding offers a practical advantage for CMD processes, as it reduces or eliminates the need to use hydrogen during catalyst activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Energy Materials)
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8 pages, 1008 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Adsorption of Nickel (II) from Aqueous Solution Using Recyclable Three-Dimensional Cellulose Nanocrystal Hydrogel: A Central Composite Design
by Leon Ngwenya, Musamba Banza and Tumisang Seodigeng
Eng. Proc. 2025, 87(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025087099 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 89
Abstract
To remove nickel (II) from an aqueous solution, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were modified as an adsorbent. The FTIR and SEM were used to characterise the properties of CNCs. In addition to how well they predicted reaction (adsorption capacity), the central composite design was [...] Read more.
To remove nickel (II) from an aqueous solution, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were modified as an adsorbent. The FTIR and SEM were used to characterise the properties of CNCs. In addition to how well they predicted reaction (adsorption capacity), the central composite design was used. The response surface model method performs well, according to statistical data. Four operational variables were studied: The initial concentration of the nickel (II) solution in mg/L, the pH, the contact period in minutes, and the adsorbent dose in g/100 mL. The removal percentage (%) was the result. The percentage removal was 98% after 178 min of contact, a starting concentration of 110 mg/L, an adsorbent dosage of 9.3 g, and an initial pH of 3.5. The R2 was 0.996, the adjusted R2 was 0.921, and the predicted R2 was 0.945. The quadratic equation was determined using central composite design. The FTIR examination revealed that the functional groups, hydroxyl groups (OH), peaked around 3300–3500 cm−1, and carboxyl groups (COOH) peaked around 1700 cm−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences)
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16 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Impact of Social, Hedonic, and Promotional Cues on Purchase Intention in Short Video Platforms: A Dual-Path Model for Digital Sustainability
by Aonan Cao, Yannan Li and Ahreum Hong
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156894 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
In the context of eco-friendly e-commerce, understanding the psychological and experiential mechanisms that drive consumers’ online purchasing behavior is essential for promoting sustainable platform development. This study aims to fill a critical gap in the literature by examining how social interaction, entertainment, and [...] Read more.
In the context of eco-friendly e-commerce, understanding the psychological and experiential mechanisms that drive consumers’ online purchasing behavior is essential for promoting sustainable platform development. This study aims to fill a critical gap in the literature by examining how social interaction, entertainment, and sales promotion influence consumers’ purchase intentions through the mediating roles of perceived value and immersive flow experience. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, we developed a structural model and conducted an empirical analysis using survey data collected from 438 online shoppers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS through SEM. The results show that social interaction and sales promotion significantly enhance both perceived value and flow experience, which in turn positively influence consumers’ purchase intentions. However, entertainment exhibits a negative and significant effect on perceived value and does not significantly affect flow experience, indicating that hedonic content may not always translate into perceived usefulness or deep engagement. Moreover, the influence of social interaction on flow experience was also found to be negative and significant, suggesting that not all forms of interaction necessarily lead to immersive experiences. These findings highlight the complex psychological dynamics in digital consumption. This study contributes original insights by integrating psychological engagement mechanisms with the goal of digital sustainability, offering practical implications for online retailers aiming to enhance user engagement and platform longevity through experience-driven strategies. Full article
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24 pages, 5431 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Evaluation of Ulothrix sp. and Spirogyra sp. as Eco-Friendly Biosorbents for Methylene Blue Removal: Mechanistic Insights from Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Analyses
by Meriem Dehbi, Hicham Zeghioud, Dalila Smail and Faouzia Dehbi
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082408 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 403
Abstract
This study investigates two novel algal biosorbents (Ulothrix sp. and Spirogyra sp.) from Djelfa, Algeria, for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. A comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, porosity measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared [...] Read more.
This study investigates two novel algal biosorbents (Ulothrix sp. and Spirogyra sp.) from Djelfa, Algeria, for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. A comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, porosity measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed distinct physicochemical properties. Ulothrix exhibited a surface area of 5.35 m2/g with an average pore diameter of 32.77 nm, whereas Spirogyra showed values of 3.47 m2/g and 20.97 nm for the surface area and average pore diameter, respectively. Despite their modest surface areas, both algae demonstrated effective adsorption capacities (6.94 mg/g for Spirogyra vs. 6.38 mg/g for Ulothrix), with optimal doses of 0.01 g and 0.08 g (for 50 mL of MB solution), respectively. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-second-order adsorption (R2 > 0.97), indicating chemisorption dominance. Isotherm data best fit the Sips model (R2 = 0.94), suggesting heterogeneous monolayer formation. Thermodynamic studies revealed an endothermic (ΔH° > 0), spontaneous (ΔG° < 0), yet favorable adsorption process, highlighting the potential of these naturally abundant algae as sustainable biosorbents for dye wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
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14 pages, 577 KiB  
Article
Social Cognitive Theory and Physical Activity: Examining Gender-Based Prediction Patterns and Theoretical Validity
by Viktoria Sophie Egele and Robin Stark
Sports 2025, 13(8), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080249 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 86
Abstract
This study explored gender-specific nuances in the applicability of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to predict physical activity behavior. This study aimed to determine whether similar or different prediction patterns emerge for men and women, particularly emphasizing the tenability of the SCT model’s theoretical [...] Read more.
This study explored gender-specific nuances in the applicability of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to predict physical activity behavior. This study aimed to determine whether similar or different prediction patterns emerge for men and women, particularly emphasizing the tenability of the SCT model’s theoretical assumptions across gender. Six hundred fifty-four participants (58.1% women, 41.1% men) completed two validated questionnaires at separate time points (t1 = social cognitive and demographic variables; t2 = physical activity behavior). We employed a multigroup Structural Equation Model (SEM) to examine the validity of the theoretical assumptions and the influence of gender. The results suggest that SCT’s theoretical assumptions hold true for men and women, indicated by a highly satisfactory fit of the SEM despite the variance explained being small (R2women = 11.9%, R2men = 7.3%). However, the importance of the specific theoretical paths and the underlying mechanisms of action might differ between genders, and the interplay of the social and cognitive variables to predict physical activity may vary significantly for men and women. The use of SCT can be recommended for explaining and predicting physical activity behavior, although gender-specific differences in the underlying theoretical relationships should be taken into consideration when designing interventions or when being used to explain physical activity behavior. Full article
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13 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
The Correlation of Microscopic Particle Components and Prediction of the Compressive Strength of Fly-Ash-Based Bubble Lightweight Soil
by Yaqiang Shi, Hao Li, Hongzhao Li, Zhiming Yuan, Wenjun Zhang, Like Niu and Xu Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2674; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152674 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
Fly-ash-based bubble lightweight soil is widely used due to its environmental friendliness, load reduction, ease of construction, and low costs. In this study, 41 sets of 28 d compressive strength data on lightweight soils with different water–cement ratios, blowing agent dosages, and fly [...] Read more.
Fly-ash-based bubble lightweight soil is widely used due to its environmental friendliness, load reduction, ease of construction, and low costs. In this study, 41 sets of 28 d compressive strength data on lightweight soils with different water–cement ratios, blowing agent dosages, and fly ash dosages were collected through a literature search and indoor tests. Using the compressive strength index and SEM tests, the correlation between the mix ratio design and the microscopic particle components was investigated. The findings were as follows: carbonation reactions occurred in lightweight soil during the maintenance process, and the particles were spherical; increasing the dosage of blowing agent increased the soil’s porosity and pore diameter, leading to the formation of through-holes and reducing the compressive strength and mobility; increasing the fly ash dosage and water–cement ratio increased the soil’s mobility but reduced its compressive strength; and the strength decreased significantly when the fly ash dosage was more than 16% (e.g., the strength at a 20% dosage was 17.8% lower than that at a 15% dosage). Feature importance analysis showed that the water–cement ratio (57.7%), fly ash dosage (30.9%), and blowing agent dosage (11.1%) had a significant effect on strength. ExtraTrees, LightGBM, and Bayesian-optimized Random Forest models were used for 28d strength prediction with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.695, 0.731, and 0.794, respectively. The Bayesian-optimized Random Forest model performed optimally in terms of the mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE), and the prediction performance was best. The accuracy of the model is expected to be further improved with expansions in the database. A 28 d compressive strength prediction platform for fly-ash-based bubble lightweight soil was ultimately developed, providing a convenient tool for researchers and engineers to predict material properties and mix ratios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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18 pages, 5270 KiB  
Article
Co-Pyrolysis of Bamboo and Rice Straw Biomass with Polyethylene Plastic: Characterization, Kinetic Evaluation, and Synergistic Interaction Analysis
by Munir Hussain, Vikul Vasudev, Shri Ram, Sohail Yasin, Nouraiz Mushtaq, Menahil Saleem, Hafiz Tanveer Ashraf, Yanjun Duan, Muhammad Ali and Yu Bin
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152063 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
This study investigates the co-pyrolysis behavior of two lignocellulosic biomass blends, bamboo (B), and rice straw (R) with a plastic polyethylene (P). A total of 15 samples, including binary and ternary blends, were analyzed. Firstly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to reveal [...] Read more.
This study investigates the co-pyrolysis behavior of two lignocellulosic biomass blends, bamboo (B), and rice straw (R) with a plastic polyethylene (P). A total of 15 samples, including binary and ternary blends, were analyzed. Firstly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to reveal high crystallinity in the B25R75 blend (I/Ic = 13.39). Whereas, the polyethylene samples showed persistent ZrP2O7 and lazurite phases (I/Ic up to 3.12) attributed to additives introduced during the manufacturing of the commercial plastic feedstock. In addition, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy was performed to characterize the surface morphology and elemental composition of the feedstock. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed at temperatures up to 700 °C at three different heating rates (5, 10, and 20 °C/min) under pyrolysis conditions. Kinetic analysis used TGA data to calculate activation energy via Friedman’s isoconversional method, and the blended samples exhibited a decrease in activation energy compared to the individual components. Furthermore, the study evaluated transient interaction effects among the components by assessing the deviation between experimental and theoretical weight loss. This revealed the presence of significant synergistic behavior in certain binary and ternary blends. The results demonstrate that co-pyrolysis of bamboo and rice straw with polyethylene enhances thermal decomposition efficiency and provides a more favorable energy recovery route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass for Energy, Chemicals and Materials)
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24 pages, 10078 KiB  
Article
Satellite Hyperspectral Mapping of Farmland Soil Organic Carbon in Yuncheng Basin Along the Yellow River, China
by Haixia Jin, Rutian Bi, Huiwen Tian, Hongfen Zhu and Yingqiang Jing
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081827 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
This study combined field survey data with Gaofen 5 (GF-5) satellite hyperspectral images of the Yuncheng Basin (China), considering 15 environmental variables. Random forest (RF) was used to select the optimal satellite hyperspectral model, sequentially introducing natural and farmland management factors into the [...] Read more.
This study combined field survey data with Gaofen 5 (GF-5) satellite hyperspectral images of the Yuncheng Basin (China), considering 15 environmental variables. Random forest (RF) was used to select the optimal satellite hyperspectral model, sequentially introducing natural and farmland management factors into the model to analyze the spatial distribution of farmland soil organic carbon (SOC). Furthermore, RF factorial experiments determined the contributions of farmland management, climate, vegetation, soil, and topography to the SOC. Structural equation modeling (SEM) elucidated the driving mechanisms of SOC variations. Integrating satellite hyperspectral data and environmental variables improved the prediction accuracy and SOC-mapping precision of the model. The integration of natural variables significantly improved the RF model performance (R2 = 0.78). The prediction accuracy enhanced with the introduction of crop phenology (R2 = 0.81) and farmland management factors (R2 = 0.87). The model that incorporated all 15 variables demonstrated the highest prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.89) and greatest spatial SOC variability, with minimal uncertainty. Farmland management activities exerted the strongest influence on SOC (0.38). The proposed method can support future investigations on soil carbon sequestration processes in river basins worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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30 pages, 3923 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Key Factors Influencing the Plays’ Continuous Intention of Ancient Architectural Cultural Heritage Serious Games: An SEM–ANN–NCA Approach
by Qian Bao, Siqin Wang, Ken Nah and Wei Guo
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2648; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152648 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Serious games (SGs) have been widely employed in the digital preservation and transmission of architectural heritage. However, the key determinants and underlying mechanisms driving users’ continuance intentions toward ancient-architecture cultural heritage serious games (CH-SGs) have not been thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, a conceptual model [...] Read more.
Serious games (SGs) have been widely employed in the digital preservation and transmission of architectural heritage. However, the key determinants and underlying mechanisms driving users’ continuance intentions toward ancient-architecture cultural heritage serious games (CH-SGs) have not been thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, a conceptual model grounded in the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) framework was developed to elucidate the affective and behavioral effects experienced by CH-SG users. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed to capture both the linear and nonlinear relationships among model constructs. By integrating sufficiency logic (PLS-SEM) and necessity logic (necessary condition analysis, NCA), “must-have” and “should-have” factors were identified. Empirical results indicate that cultural authenticity, knowledge acquisition, perceived enjoyment, and design aesthetics each exert a positive influence—of varying magnitude—on perceived value, cultural identification, and perceived pleasure, thereby shaping users’ continuance intentions. Moreover, cultural authenticity and perceived enjoyment were found to be necessary and sufficient conditions, respectively, for enhancing perceived pleasure and perceived value, which in turn indirectly bolster CH-SG users’ sustained use intentions. By creating an immersive, narratively rich, and engaging cognitive experience, CH-SGs set against ancient architectural backdrops not only stimulate users’ willingness to visit and protect heritage sites but also provide designers and developers with critical insights for optimizing future CH-SG design, development, and dissemination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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17 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
Determination of the Mechanisms of Terbium(III) Biosorption by Bacillus Strains with Adsorption Selectivity for Heavy Rare Earth Elements
by Huihong Huang, Kang Pan, Wenchao Jian, Yuwen She, Comfort O. Esumeh and Wei Dong
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081753 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Bacillus species have shown the potential to recover rare earth elements (REEs), but strains with adsorption selectivity for terbium(III) remain understudied. In this study, six Bacillus strains with the capability for efficient adsorption of Tb(III) were screened from an ionic rare earth mine [...] Read more.
Bacillus species have shown the potential to recover rare earth elements (REEs), but strains with adsorption selectivity for terbium(III) remain understudied. In this study, six Bacillus strains with the capability for efficient adsorption of Tb(III) were screened from an ionic rare earth mine and were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Adsorption experiments showed that Bacillus sp. DW011 exhibited exceptional Tb(III) adsorption efficiency, with an adsorption rate of 90.45% and adsorption selectivity for heavy rare earth elements. Notably, strain DW011 was also found to be tolerant against Tb(III) with the 24 h 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 2.62 mM. The biosorption mechanisms of DW011 were investigated using adsorption kinetics, SEM-EDS, and FTIR. The results indicated that the adsorption of strain DW011 conforms to the second-order kinetic model, and the teichoic acid–peptidoglycan network (phosphate-dominated) serves as the primary site for heavy REE adsorption, while carboxyl/amino groups in the biomembrane matrix provide secondary sites for LREEs. This study provides new information that Bacillus strains isolated from ionic rare earth mine deposits have potential as green adsorbents and have high selectivity for the adsorption of heavy REEs, providing a sustainable strategy for REE recovery from wastewaters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)
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