Search Results (2,936)

Monitoring sediment concentration in water bodies is crucial for assessing water quality, ecosystems, and environmental health. However, physical sampling and sensor-based approaches are labor-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale, continuous monitoring. This study employs machine learning models to estimate suspended sediment concentration using images captured in natural light, named RGB, and near-infrared (NIR) conditions. A controlled dataset of approximately 1300 images with SSC values ranging from 1000 mg/L to 150,000 mg/L was developed, incorporating temperature, time of image capture, and solar irradiance as additional features. Random forest regression and gradient boosting regression were trained on mean RGB values, red reflectance, time of captured, and temperature for natural light images, achieving up to 72.96% accuracy within a 30% relative error. In contrast, NIR images leveraged gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture features and temperature, reaching 83.08% accuracy. Comparative analysis showed that ensemble models outperformed deep learning models like Convolutional Neural Networks and Multi-Layer Perceptrons, which struggled with high-dimensional feature extraction. These findings suggest that using machine learning models and RGB and NIR imagery offers a scalable, non-invasive, and cost-effective way of sediment monitoring in support of water quality assessment and environmental management. Full article

With the growing severity of environmental pollution, people are paying increasing attention to their health. However, naturally occurring wood with health benefits and applications in human healthcare is still scarce. Natural wood exhibits a limited negative oxygen ion release capacity, and this release has a short duration, failing to meet practical application requirements. This study innovatively developed a humidity-responsive, healthy wood material with a high negative oxygen ion release capacity based on fast-growing poplar. Through vacuum cyclic impregnation technology, hexagonal stone powder was infused into the pores of poplar wood, endowing it with the ability to continuously release negative oxygen ions. The healthy wood demonstrated a static average negative oxygen ion release rate of 537 ions/cm³ (peaking at 617 ions/cm³) and a dynamic average release rate of 3,170 ions/cm³ (peaking at 10,590 ions/cm³). The results showed that the particle size of hexagonal stone powder in suspension was influenced by the dispersants and dispersion processes. The composite dispersion process demonstrated optimal performance when using 0.5 wt% silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), achieving the smallest particle size of 8.93 μm. The healthy wood demonstrated excellent impregnation performance, with a weight gain exceeding 14.61% and a liquid absorption rate surpassing 165.18%. The optimal impregnation cycle for vacuum circulation technology was determined to be six cycles, regardless of the type of dispersant. Compared with poplar wood, the hygroscopic swelling rate of healthy wood was lower, especially in PEG-treated samples, where the tangential, radial, longitudinal, and volumetric swelling rates decreased by 70.93%, 71.67%, 69.41%, and 71.35%, respectively. Combining hexagonal stone powder with fast-growing poplar wood can effectively enhance the release of negative oxygen ions. The static average release of negative oxygen ions from healthy wood is 1.44 times that of untreated hexagonal stone powder, and the dynamic release reaches 2 to 3 times the concentration of negative oxygen ions specified by national fresh air standards. The water-responsive mechanism revealed that negative oxygen ion release surged when ambient humidity exceeded 70%. This work proposes a sustainable and effective method to prepare healthy wood with permanent negative oxygen ion release capability. It demonstrates great potential for improving indoor air quality and enhancing human health. Full article

pH is a critical parameter requiring precise monitoring across scientific, industrial, and biological domains. Fluorescent pH probes offer a powerful alternative to traditional methods (e.g., electrodes, indicators), overcoming limitations in miniaturization, long-term stability, and electromagnetic interference. By utilizing photophysical mechanisms—including intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)—these probes enable high-sensitivity, reusable, and biocompatible sensing. This review systematically details recent advances, categorizing probes by operational pH range: strongly acidic (0–3), weakly acidic (3–7), strongly alkaline (>12), weakly alkaline (7–11), near-neutral (6–8), and wide-dynamic range. Innovations such as ratiometric detection, organelle-specific targeting (lysosomes, mitochondria), smartphone colorimetry, and dual-analyte response (e.g., pH + Al³⁺/CN⁻) are highlighted. Applications span real-time cellular imaging (HeLa cells, zebrafish, mice), food quality assessment, environmental monitoring, and industrial diagnostics (e.g., concrete pH). Persistent challenges include extreme-pH sensing (notably alkalinity), photobleaching, dye leakage, and environmental resilience. Future research should prioritize broadening functional pH ranges, enhancing probe stability, and developing wide-range sensing strategies to advance deployment in commercial and industrial online monitoring platforms. Full article

China’s economy is shifting from an era of rapid expansion to one focused on high-quality development, making it imperative to tackle environmental degradation linked to energy use. Understanding how New Quality Productive Forces (NQPF) interact with energy efficiency, along with the mechanisms driving this relationship, is essential for economic transformation and long-term sustainability. This study establishes an evaluation framework for NQPF, integrating technological, green, and digital dimensions. We apply fixed-effects models, the spatial Durbin model (SDM), a moderation model, and a threshold model to analyze the influence of NQPF on Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency (GTFEE) and its spatial implications. This underscores the necessity of distinguishing it from traditional productivity frameworks and adopting a new analytical perspective. Furthermore, by considering dimensions such as input, application, innovation capability, and market efficiency, we reveal the moderating role and heterogeneous effects of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings are as follows: The development of NQPF significantly enhances GTFEE, and the conclusion remains robust after tail reduction and endogeneity tests. NQPF has a positive spatial spillover effect on GTFEE; that is, while improving the local GTFEE, it also improves neighboring regions GTFEE. The advancement of AI significantly strengthens the positive impact of NQPF on GTFEE. AI exhibits a significant U-shaped threshold effect: as AI levels increase, its moderating effect transitions from suppression to facilitation, with marginal benefits gradually increasing over time. Full article

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, presents a sustainable solution to several pressing challenges in U.S. agriculture, including soil degradation, carbon emissions, and waste management. Despite global advancements, the U.S. biochar market remains underexplored in terms of economic viability, adoption potential, and sector-specific applications. This narrative review synthesizes two decades of literature to examine biochar’s applications, production methods, and market dynamics, with a focus on its economic and environmental role within the United States. The review identifies biochar’s multifunctional benefits: enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity, sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving water quality. Recent empirical studies also highlight biochar’s economic feasibility across global contexts, with yield increases of up to 294% and net returns exceeding USD 5000 per hectare in optimized systems. Economically, the global biochar market grew from USD 156.4 million in 2021 to USD 610.3 million in 2023, with U.S. production reaching ~50,000 metric tons annually and a market value of USD 203.4 million in 2022. Forecasts project U.S. market growth at a CAGR of 11.3%, reaching USD 478.5 million by 2030. California leads domestic adoption due to favorable policy and biomass availability. However, barriers such as inconsistent quality standards, limited awareness, high costs, and policy gaps constrain growth. This study goes beyond the existing literature by integrating market analysis, SWOT assessment, cost–benefit findings, and production technologies to highlight strategies for scaling biochar adoption. It concludes that with supportive legislation, investment in research, and enhanced supply chain transparency, biochar could become a pivotal tool for sustainable development in the U.S. agricultural and environmental sectors. Full article

The growth of urban and industrial areas is accompanied by an increase in vehicle traffic, resulting in rising concentrations of various air pollutants. This is a global issue that causes environmental damage and risks to human health. The dataset presented in this research contains records with measurements of the air pollutants ozone (O₃) and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as meteorological parameters such as temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and barometric pressure (BP). This dataset was collected using a set of low-cost sensors over a four-month study period (March to June) in 2024. The monitoring of air pollutants and meteorological parameters was conducted in a city with high industrial activity, heavy traffic, and close proximity to a petrochemical refinery plant. The data were subjected to a series of statistical analyses for visualization using plots that allow for the identification of their behavior. Finally, the dataset can be utilized for air quality studies, public health research, and the development of prediction models based on mathematical approaches or artificial intelligence algorithms. Full article

Recent theoretical and empirical studies highlight that information asymmetry and owner–manager conflict of interest can distort corporate investment decisions. Building on this premise, we hypothesize that superior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance mitigates these frictions by (H1) alleviating financing constraints and (H2) intensifying external analyst scrutiny. To test these hypotheses, we examine all Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share non-financial firms from 2009 to 2023. Using panel fixed-effects and two-stage least squares with an industry–province–year instrument, we find that higher ESG performance significantly reduces investment inefficiency; the effect operates through both lower financing constraints and greater analyst coverage. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the improvement is pronounced in small non-state-owned, non-high-carbon firms but absent in large state-owned high-carbon emitters. These findings enrich the literature on ESG and corporate performance and offer actionable insights for regulators and investors seeking high-quality development. Full article

To achieve the goals of productivity and sustainability across diverse livestock systems, reproductive factors play a pivotal role. Historically, reproductive research has primarily focused on females, as they are responsible for maintaining pregnancy and delivering offspring following oocyte fertilization. However, since the early 2000s, the biological significance of sperm RNAs has been increasingly recognized in various livestock species. These RNAs contribute both genetically and epigenetically at the time of fertilization and during early embryonic development. Multiple types of sperm RNA have been identified in bovine, porcine, ovine, buffalo, and caprine spermatozoa. Notably, transcriptomic profiling has shown potential to differentiate between high- and low-fertility males, even when conventional semen quality values appear normal in both groups. This opens the possibility for more accurate identification of highly fertile sires. Nevertheless, a definitive marker or set of markers has yet to be established, likely due to the transcriptome’s sensitivity to environmental conditions and to the variability in evaluation methodologies. Therefore, global scientific efforts should aim to establish standardized, robust protocols, as sperm RNA represents a promising avenue for enhancing the sustainability of animal production systems. Full article

In recent decades, the rapid expansion of the food processing industry has led to significant losses and waste, with the fruit and vegetable sector among the most affected. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), losses in this category can reach up to 60%. Vegetable waste includes edible parts discarded during processing, packaging, distribution, and consumption, often comprising by-products rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and enzymes. The underutilization of these resources constitutes both an economic drawback and an environmental and ethical concern. Current recovery practices, including their use in animal feed or bioenergy production, contribute to a circular economy but are often limited by high operational costs. In this context, fermentation has emerged as a promising, sustainable approach for converting vegetable by-products into value-added food ingredients. This process improves digestibility, reduces undesirable compounds, and introduces probiotics beneficial to human health. The present review examines how fermentation can improve the nutritional, sensory, and functional properties of plant-based foods. By presenting several case studies, it illustrates how fermentation can effectively valorize vegetable processing by-products, supporting the development of novel, health-promoting food products with improved technological qualities. Full article

A literature review about polymer composites reveals that natural fibers have been widely used as a reinforcement phase in recent years. In this framework, the lignocellulosic fibers have received marked attention because of their environmental, thermomechanical, and economic advantages for many industrial sectors. This research aims to identify the impact behavior of ramie reinforced epoxy composites with medium- and high-volume fractions of fibers in intact (nonaged) and aged conditions as well as to analyze if the influence of interface quality on the impact fracture energy can be described by a novel mathematical model. To reach these objectives, the study is designed with three groups (40%, 50%, and 60% of fiber theoretical volume fractions) of intact specimens and three groups of aged samples by condensation and ultraviolet radiation (C-UV) simulation containing the same fiber percentages. Consecutively, impact strength and fracture surface analyses are done to expand the comprehension of the damage mechanisms suffered by the biocomposites and to support the development of the mathematical relation. Certainly, this novel model can contribute to more sustainable and greener industries in the near future. Full article

As the fundamental physical carrier for human production and socio-economic endeavors, enhancing urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) is crucial for realizing sustainable development. To effectively enhance urban land green use efficiency, this study systematically examines the intrinsic relationship between industrial policies and ULGUE based on panel data from 286 Chinese cities (2010–2022), employing an integrated methodology that combines the Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, Super-Efficiency Slacks-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis model, and ArcGIS spatial analysis techniques. The findings clearly demonstrate that the establishment of the “Made in China 2025” pilot policy significantly improves urban land green use efficiency in pilot cities, a conclusion that endures following a succession of stringent evaluations. Moreover, studying its mechanisms suggests that the pilot policy primarily enhances urban land green use efficiency by promoting industrial upgrading, accelerating technological innovation, and strengthening environmental regulations. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the policy effects are more significant in urban areas characterized by high manufacturing agglomeration, non-provincial capital/non-municipal status, high industrial intelligence levels, and less sophisticated industrial structure. This research not only provides valuable policy insights for China to enhance urban land green use efficiency and promote high-quality regional sustainable development but also offers meaningful references for global efforts toward advancing urban sustainability. Full article

Enhancing market integration levels is crucial for advancing sustainable regional collaborative development and achieving ecological protection and high-quality development goals within the Yellow River Basin, fostering a balance between economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental resilience. This study analyzed the retail price data of goods from prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2022, employing the relative price method to measure the market integration index. Additionally, it examined the temporal and spatial evolution patterns and driving factors using the Dagum Gini coefficient and panel regression models. The results indicate the following. (1) The market integration index of the Yellow River Basin shows a fluctuating upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The spatial pattern generally reflects a situation where the east is relatively high and the west is relatively low, as well as the south being higher than the north. (2) Regional disparities are gradually diminishing, with the overall Gini coefficient decreasing from 0.153 to 0.104. However, internal differences within the downstream and midstream areas have become prominent, and contribution rate analysis reveals that super-variable density has replaced between-group disparities as the primary source. (3) Upgrading the industrial structure and enhancing the level of economic development are the core driving forces, while financial support and digital infrastructure significantly accelerate the integration process. Conversely, the level of openness exhibits a phase-specific negative impact. We propose policy emphasizing the need to strengthen development in the upper reach of the Yellow River Basin, further improve interregional collaborative innovation mechanisms, and enhance cross-regional coordination among multicenter network nodes. Full article

Dark skies, a vital natural and cultural resource, have been increasingly threatened by light pollution due to rapid urbanization, leading to ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. As a key strategy for sustainable regional development, dark sky parks (DSPs) not only preserve nocturnal environments but also enhance livability by balancing urban expansion and ecological conservation. This study develops a novel framework for evaluating DSP suitability, integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, including the resource base (e.g., nighttime light levels, meteorological conditions, and air quality) and development conditions (e.g., population density, transportation accessibility, and tourism infrastructure). Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we employ Delphi expert consultation, GIS spatial analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making to identify optimal DSP locations and prioritize conservation zones. Our key findings reveal the following: (1) spatial heterogeneity in suitability, with high-potential zones being concentrated in the GBA’s northeastern, central–western, and southern regions; (2) ecosystem advantages of forests, wetlands, and high-elevation areas for minimizing light pollution; (3) coastal and island regions as ideal DSP sites due to the low light interference and high ecotourism potential. By bridging environmental assessments and spatial planning, this study provides a replicable model for DSP site selection, offering policymakers actionable insights to integrate dark sky preservation into sustainable urban–regional development strategies. Our results underscore the importance of DSPs in fostering ecological resilience, nighttime tourism, and regional livability, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable landscape planning in high-urbanization contexts. Full article

Antimicrobial food packaging with natural antimicrobials and biodegradable polymers presents an innovative solution to mitigate microbial contamination, prolong freshness, reduce food waste, and alleviate environmental burden. This study developed antimicrobial hemicellulose-based films by incorporating carvacrol (1% and 2%) as a natural antimicrobial agent through micro-emulsification produced by high-pressure homogenization (M-films). For comparison, films with the same formula were constructed using coarse emulsions (C-films) without high-pressure homogenization. These films were investigated for their antimicrobial efficacy, mechanical and barrier properties, and physicochemical attributes to explore their potential as sustainable antimicrobial packaging solutions. The M-films demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, achieving reductions exceeding 4 Log CFU/mL against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, compared to the C-films. High-pressure homogenization significantly reduced the emulsion’s particle size, from 11.59 to 2.55 μm, and considerably enhanced the M-film’s uniformity, hydrophobicity, and structural quality. Most importantly, the M-films exhibited lower oxygen transmission (35.14 cc/m²/day) and water vapor transmission rates (52.12 g/m²/day) than the C-films at 45.1 and 65.5 cc/m²/day, respectively, indicating superior protection against gas and moisture diffusion. Markedly improved mechanical properties, including foldability, toughness, and bubble-free surfaces, were also observed, making the M-films suitable for practical applications. This study highlights the potential of high-pressure homogenization as a method for enhancing the functional properties of hemicellulose-based films (i.e., M-films). The fabricated films offer a viable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, paving the way for safer and greener solutions tailored to modern industry needs. Full article

The applicability of the in-situ pyrolysis of oil-rich coal is highly dependent on regional geological conditions. In this study, six major geological factors and 19 key parameters influencing the in-situ pyrolysis of oil-rich coal were systematically identified. An analytic hierarchy process incorporating index classification and quantification was employed in combination with the geological features of the Tiaohu mining area to establish a feasibility evaluation index system suitable for in-situ development in the study region. Among these factors, coal quality parameters (e.g., coal type, moisture content, volatile matter, ash yield), coal seam occurrence characteristics (e.g., seam thickness, burial depth, interburden frequency), and hydrogeological conditions (e.g., relative water inflow) primarily govern pyrolysis process stability. Surrounding rock properties (e.g., roof/floor lithology) and structural features (e.g., fault proximity) directly impact pyrolysis furnace sealing integrity, while environmental geological factors (e.g., hazardous element content in coal) determine environmental risk control effectiveness. Based on actual geological data from the Tiaohu mining area, the comprehensive weight of each index was determined. After calculation, the southwestern, central, and southeastern subregions of the mining area were identified as favorable zones for pyrolysis development. A constraint condition analysis was then conducted, accompanied by a one-vote veto index system, in which the thresholds were defined for coal seam thickness (≥1.5 m), burial depth (≥500 m), thickness variation coefficient (≤15%), fault proximity (≥200 m), tar yield (≥7%), high-pressure permeability (≥10 mD), and high-pressure porosity (≥15%). Following the exclusion of unqualified boreholes, three target zones for pyrolysis furnace deployment were ultimately selected. Full article