Search Results (793)

Reducing the application of chemical fertilizers and remediating heavy metal pollution in soil are important directions in current agricultural research. Utilizing the plant-growth-promoting and remediation capabilities of bacteria can provide more environmentally friendly assistance to agricultural production. In this study, the Burkholderia alba YIM B08401 strain was isolated and identified from rhizospheric soil, subjected to whole-genome sequencing and analysis, and its Cd²⁺ adsorption efficiency and characteristics were confirmed using multiple experimental methods, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that the genome of strain YIM B08401 has a total length of 7,322,157 bp, a GC content of 66.39%, and predicts 6504 protein-coding sequences. It contains abundant functional genes related to nutrient conversion (phosphate solubilization, sulfur metabolism, zinc solubilization, siderophore production), plant hormone regulation (indole-3-acetic acid secretion, ACC deaminase production), phenolic acid degradation, root colonization, heavy metal tolerance, pathogen antagonism, and the production of antagonistic secondary metabolites. Additionally, strain YIM B08401 can specifically bind to Cd²⁺ through various functional groups on the cell surface, such as C-O-C, P=O, and O-H, enabling biosorption. In conclusion, strain YIM B08401 is an excellent strain with plant-growth-promoting, disease-resistant, and bioremediation capabilities, warranting further development as a biofertilizer for agricultural applications to promote green and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

This study investigates the mechanisms by which green finance mitigates non-point source pollution. Based on provincial panel data from China spanning 2005 to 2023, this study conducts an empirical analysis that yields several key findings: (1) The development of green finance significantly reduces the intensity of agricultural non-point source pollution. (2) Green finance indirectly contributes to pollution reduction by incentivizing farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable production practices. (3) The pollution control effects of green finance are amplified in regions with advanced digital infrastructure. (4) The impact of green finance on agricultural pollution demonstrates a threshold effect associated with regional innovation capacity—only when innovation capability exceeds a certain threshold does the emission reduction effect of green finance become evident. Theoretically, this study broadens the research dimensions of green finance by integrating farmer behavioral factors and revealing boundary conditions related to technology and innovation. Policy implications include the need to tailor green financial products for agriculture, accelerate the development of rural digital infrastructure, and implement innovation-driven differentiated policies to enhance precision. Full article

Wounds are undeniably important gateways for pathogens to enter the body. In addition to their detrimental local effects, they can also cause adverse systemic effects. For this reason, developing methods for eradicating pathogens from wounds is a challenging medical issue. Polymers, particularly hydrogels, are one of the more essential materials for designing novel drug-delivery systems, thanks to the ease of tuning their structures. This work exploits this property by utilizing copolymerization, microwave modification, and drug-loading processes to obtain antibacterial gels. Synthesized xylitol-modified glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethyl methacrylate ([P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl]) matrices were loaded with bacitracin, gentian violet, furazidine, and brilliant green, used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The hydrophilic properties, API release mechanism, and antibacterial properties of the obtained hydrogels against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis containing [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl] were studied. The hydrogels with the APIs efficiently inhibit bacteria growth with low doses of drugs, and our findings are statistically significant, confirmed with ANOVA analysis at p = 0.05. The results confirmed that the proposed system is hydrophilic and has extended the drug-release capabilities of APIs with a controlled burst effect based on [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl] content in the hydrogel. Hydrogels are characterized by the prolonged release of APIs in a very short time (a few minutes). Although the amount of released APIs is about 10%, it still exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentrations of drugs. Several kinetic models (first-order, second-order, Baker–Lonsdale, and Korsmeyer–Peppas) were applied to fit the API release data from the [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl-based hydrogel. The best fit of the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model to the experimental data was determined, and it was confirmed that a diffusion-controlled release mechanism of the APIs from the studied hydrogels is dominant, which is desirable for applications requiring a consistent, controlled release of therapeutic agents. A statistical analysis of API release using Linear Mixed Model was performed, examining the relationship between % mass of API, sample (hydrogels and control), time, sample–time interaction, and variability between individuals. The model fits the data well, as evidenced by the determination coefficients close to 1. The analyzed interactions in the data are reliable and statistically significant (p < 0.001). The outcome of this study suggests that the presented acrylate-based gel is a promising candidate for developing wound dressings. Full article

Marine algae offer environmentally friendly platforms for green nanoparticle synthesis. This study reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using polysaccharides isolated from the brown alga Chnoospora minima (PAgNPs) and evaluates their therapeutic potential. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed algal polysaccharide functional groups. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis characterized the nanoparticles as spherical (~84 nm average size), stable (zeta potential −18.5 mV), and containing elemental silver without nitrogen. The PAgNPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity (~100% DPPH scavenging) and significant antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. Crucially, PAgNPs displayed potent antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer cells (A549, IC₅₀: 13.59 µg/mL). In contrast, toxicity to normal Vero cells was significantly lower (IC₅₀: 300.2 µg/mL), demonstrating notable cancer cell selectivity (SI 22.1). Moderate activity was observed against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 100.7 µg/mL). These results demonstrate that C. minima polysaccharide facilitates the synthesis of biocompatible AgNPs with promising antimicrobial and selective anticancer capabilities, highlighting their potential for further development as nanotherapeutics. Full article

This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based approach to better manage supply chain uncertainty and improve decision-making flexibility. The developed framework categorizes supply chain activities into procurement, production, distribution and reverse logistics and integrates Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green (LARG) KPIs within a hierarchical structure. The tool was implemented using Microsoft Excel^TM to enhance usability for practitioners. To test its applicability, the model was applied to a real case study. The results show that lean and resilient practices are consistently well-established across all supply chain phases, while agility and green practices vary significantly depending on the operational area—particularly between internal function (i.e., production and reverse logistics) and external ones (i.e., procurement and distribution). These findings help to better understand how the LARG capabilities are distributed across the different operational areas of the supply chain and offer practical guidance for managers seeking targeted performance improvement. Although the numerical results are context-specific, the framework’s adaptability makes it suitable for diverse supply chain environments. Full article

Achieving high-level green technological innovation in heavily polluting enterprises is critical for advancing sustainable development, particularly in the context of both organizational and regional digitalization. This study adopts a configurational perspective grounded in the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework and integrates theoretical insights from resource orchestration, resource dependence, and IT capability theories. It investigates how different types of skilled talent, such as production, technical, sales, and managerial employees, contribute to green innovation under varying digital conditions. By applying fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to a sample of 96 publicly listed firms from China’s heavily polluting industries, this study identifies four distinct talent-based configurations that can lead to high levels of green innovation: production-centric, management-led, technical talent driven, and regionally enabled models. Each configuration reflects a specific system state in which a core group of skilled employees plays a leading role, supported by complementary functions, and shaped by the interaction between internal digital transformation and the external digital environment. This study contributes to the systems literature by elucidating the combinational roles of digital resources and talent deployment within the systemic TOE framework, and offers practical guidance for enterprises aiming to strategically utilize human capital to enhance green innovation performance amid ongoing digital transformations. Full article

Duck egg quality classification is critical in farms, hatcheries, and salted egg processing plants, where cracked eggs must be identified before further processing or distribution. However, duck eggs present a unique challenge due to their white eggshells, which make cracks difficult to detect visually. In current practice, human inspectors use standard white light for crack detection, and many researchers have focused primarily on improving detection algorithms without addressing lighting limitations. Therefore, this paper presents duck egg crack detection using an adaptive convolutional neural network (CNN) model ensemble with multi-light channels. We began by developing a portable crack detection system capable of controlling various light sources to determine the optimal lighting conditions for crack visibility. A total of 23,904 images were collected and evenly distributed across four lighting channels (red, green, blue, and white), with 1494 images per channel. The dataset was then split into 836 images for training, 209 images for validation, and 449 images for testing per lighting condition. To enhance image quality prior to model training, several image pre-processing techniques were applied, including normalization, histogram equalization (HE), and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). The Adaptive MobileNetV2 was employed to evaluate the performance of crack detection under different lighting and pre-processing conditions. The results indicated that, under red lighting, the model achieved 100.00% accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score across almost all pre-processing methods. Under green lighting, the highest accuracy of 99.80% was achieved using the image normalization method. For blue lighting, the model reached 100.00% accuracy with the HE method. Under white lighting, the highest accuracy of 99.83% was achieved using both the original and HE methods. Full article

(1) Background: The provision of monofunctional or inadequately distributed services in urban park green spaces often constrains residents’ opportunities and diversity for outdoor activities, particularly limiting access and participation for specific age groups or activity preferences. However, functional nodes with temporal and spatial flexibility demonstrate high-quality characteristics of resilient and shared services through integrated development. Accurately identifying user demand provides a solid basis for optimizing the functional configuration of urban parks. (2) Methods: This study took the old city area of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, as a case study. By collecting and integrating various types of data, such as geographic spatial data, field investigation data, and behavioral observations, we developed a population demand quantification method and a modular analysis approach for park service functions. This framework enabled correlation analysis between diverse user needs and park services. The study further classified and combined park functions into modular units, quantifying their elastic and shared service capabilities—namely, the adaptive flexibility and shared utilization capacity of park services. Additionally, we established a demand-responsive evaluation system for identifying and diagnosing problem areas in park services based on multi-source data. (3) Results: The demand response index and diagnostic results indicate that the supply of fitness facilities—particularly equipment-based installations—is insufficient within the old urban district of Zhengzhou. Among the three user groups—children, young and middle-aged adults, and the elderly—the elderly population exhibited the lowest demand response index, revealing a significant gap in meeting their specific needs. (4) Conclusions: Based on the research findings, a three-tier optimization strategy is proposed: A. improve green space connectivity to expand the service coverage of parks; B. implement multifunctional overlay and coordinated integration in spatial design based on site characteristics and demand diagnostics; and C. increase the total supply of facilities to enhance spatial efficiency in parks. By integrating the demand assessment data and diagnostic results, this approach enabled a data-driven reorganization of service types and targeted allocation of resources within existing park infrastructure, offering a practical tool and reference for the planning of urban outdoor activity spaces. Full article

Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions. Full article

Achieving the dual carbon goal and addressing escalating environmental challenges requires that manufacturing enterprises in China must pursue sustainability via green innovation strategies. A key rationale for green innovation is to overcome boundaries and acquire knowledge through boundary-spanning search. Additionally, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities provides technical support throughout the innovation process. Thus, both boundary-spanning search and AI capabilities are crucial for achieving sustainability objectives. Drawing on organizational search and knowledge management theories, this paper aims to analyze how dual boundary-spanning search affects sustainability performance and green innovation. It also examines the moderating role of AI capabilities and constructs a moderated mediation model. We analyzed questionnaire data collected from 171 Chinese manufacturing companies over a 13-month period, employing hierarchical regression and bootstrap sampling methods using SPSS 27.0. Our findings reveal that both prospective and responsive boundary-spanning searches significantly enhance corporate sustainability performance. Furthermore, green innovation acts as a positive partial mediator between dual boundary-spanning search and corporate sustainability performance. Notably, AI capabilities positively moderate the relationship between dual boundary-spanning search and green innovation. They also strengthen the mediating effect of green innovation on the link between dual boundary-spanning search and corporate sustainability performance. Based on these findings, more resources should be allocated to boundary-spanning search while encouraging enterprises to pursue green innovation and develop AI capabilities. These efforts will provide robust support for sustainability performance in the manufacturing sector. Full article

Despite the rapid adoption of green buildings as a sustainable development strategy, robust, data-driven approaches for assessing and predicting project risks remain limited. This study proposes an innovative hybrid framework combining the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to quantify and forecast the impact of critical risks on green buildings’ performance. Drawing on structured input from 30 domain experts in Shenzhen, China, ten risk categories were identified and prioritized, with economic, market, and functional risks emerging as the most influential. Using these expert-derived weights, an MLP was trained to predict the effects of the top five risks on four core performance metrics—cost, time, quality, and scope. PSO was applied to optimize the model’s architecture and hyperparameters, improving its predictive accuracy. The optimized framework achieved RMSE values ranging from 0.06 to 0.09 and R² values of up to 0.95 across all outputs, demonstrating strong predictive capability. These results substantiate the framework’s effectiveness in generating actionable, quantitative risk predictions under uncertainty. Full article

Extremophiles are microorganisms capable of living on Earth in ecological niches characterized by peculiar conditions, including extreme temperatures and/or pH, high salt concentrations, and the presence of heavy metals. The development of unique structural and functional adaptation strategies has stimulated an increasing scientific interest since their discovery. The importance of extremophiles lies in their exploitability in significant bioprocesses with several biotechnological applications and their role as a fundamental source of numerous high-value-added biomolecules. This review aims to examine the diversity and specificities of extremophilic archaea and bacteria, with particular emphasis on their potential applications and development in biotechnology and biomedicine. The use of extremophiles and their extremozymes has allowed applications in several fields, such as bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, the recovery of bioactive molecules for use in bioenergy, biomedicine, and nanoparticle production. The comprehension and exploitation of the complex molecular mechanisms that enable life in extreme environments represent a challenge to mitigate current climate change problems and to invest in sustainable development towards a green transition. Full article

The increasing demand for versatile and sustainable propulsion systems has intensified research into green propellants and advanced thrust modulation technologies. This study presents the development and testing of a throttleable rocket engine utilizing 98% hydrogen peroxide by mass as the oxidizer and butyl alcohol (as isomers n-butanol) as the fuel. Combining the environmental benefits of green propellants with variable thrust capabilities, the system addresses the challenges of modern space missions. Butyl alcohol was selected for its low toxicity, safety, storability, and favorable combustion performance, making it a strong candidate for future applications. The engine was designed to deliver a nominal thrust of 6 kN with the capability to throttle down to 1.2 kN. Experiments investigated the effects of pintle injector positions, supply pressures, and combustion chamber parameters on performance. Results demonstrated stable and efficient combustion across a wide operating range, highlighting the critical role of injector design and chamber geometry in ensuring consistent thrust and combustion efficiency. This research validates the potential of hydrogen peroxide and butyl alcohol as a sustainable propellant pair, particularly for planetary landers requiring precise thrust modulation for controlled descent. It marks a significant step in advancing sustainable propulsion technologies, contributing to the future of planetary exploration and interplanetary mission capabilities. Full article

Contemporary urban planning faces the ongoing challenge of developing Green Infrastructure capable of providing vital ecosystem services. Within this framework, the Barcelona metropolitan area has advanced a network of parks that, while serving local neighborhoods, also aim for metropolitan relevance. This study offers a forward-looking analysis of selected parks in the southern Llobregat River basin—an area shaped by historic villages and working-class settlements—to evaluate their contribution to both Green Infrastructure and the region’s polycentric structure. Building on previous landmark studies and multidisciplinary perspectives, the research examines eight parks through four spatial and scalar lenses, assessing their territorial role and accessibility, ecological connectivity, urban integration and permeability, and landscape design with both qualitative and quantitative data. Using a comparative framework alongside research-by-design methods tested in urban design studios, the research links analytical insights to design-based strategies. The outcome is a set of actionable guidelines aimed at enhancing local park performance, with broader implications for over 50 ‘Metropolitan Parks’ spread in more than 30 municipalities. These insights contribute to shaping a more integrated, livable, and resilient metropolitan region. Full article

This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how internal green capabilities and practices drive environmental sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the context of a developing economy. While prior studies have explored green intellectual capital (GIC), green human resource management (GHRM), and green innovation separately, their combined effects and mechanisms have been underexplored. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), this research examines how GIC and GHRM influence environmental performance, considering green innovation as a mediating factor and green transformational leadership as a moderating factor. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 329 manufacturing SMEs in major industrial regions of Pakistan and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate that GIC and GHRM significantly enhance environmental performance both directly and indirectly via green innovation, while green transformational leadership strengthens the effect of GHRM on innovation. These results provide practical insights for managers and policymakers in developing countries to implement integrated green strategies and leadership development to achieve sustainability targets. Given its focus on Pakistani SMEs, the generalizability of the findings may be limited, suggesting directions for future research in other cultural and economic settings. Full article