Search Results (20,914)

Digital Twin (DT) technology has emerged as a transformative approach in pipeline engineering, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and enhanced decision-making across the asset lifecycle. This review critically examines recent advancements in the application of digital twins for pipeline systems, with a particular focus on condition monitoring, leak detection, corrosion assessment, and predictive maintenance. The study synthesizes findings from a wide range of literature to identify key enabling technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data-driven modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and machine learning algorithms. Special attention is given to the integration of physics-based and data-driven models for improving the accuracy and reliability of digital twin frameworks. In addition, this paper proposes a unified reference architecture for pipeline digital twins, supported by a mathematical formulation of synchronization and a comparative synthesis of existing approaches. The review highlights how digital twins facilitate early fault detection and operational optimization by continuously synchronizing physical assets with their virtual counterparts. The review also emphasizes the importance of uncertainty-aware and reliability-informed digital twin frameworks for robust decision-making in safety-critical pipeline applications. Applications in subsea, oil and gas, and water distribution pipelines are explored, demonstrating the versatility of DT systems under different environmental and operational conditions. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in data integration, model validation, scalability, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the lack of standardized architectures and interoperability frameworks limits widespread adoption. This paper concludes by outlining future research directions, including the development of hybrid modeling techniques, edge computing integration, and AI-driven autonomous decision systems. Overall, digital twin technology represents a paradigm shift in pipeline engineering, offering substantial potential to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in complex infrastructure systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burnout among healthcare professionals has emerged as a major occupational and organizational challenge with important implications for workforce sustainability, patient safety, and healthcare system performance. Although the scientific literature on burnout has expanded substantially, an integrated understanding of its global development, research structure, and scientific impact remains limited. This study aimed to examine the evolution, thematic development, and citation dynamics of burnout research among healthcare professionals through an integrated bibliometric approach combining science mapping, multilevel citation modelling, and critical literature synthesis. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1987 and 2024. Science mapping techniques were applied using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer to evaluate publication trends, collaboration networks, thematic development, and citation patterns. In addition, a multilevel negative binomial regression model was used to identify publication characteristics associated with citation impact. Results: A total of 1232 publications were included in the analysis. Scientific production increased markedly after 2020, temporally coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and growing scientific interest in healthcare workforce wellbeing. Research output was concentrated in high-income countries, particularly the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Physicians and nurses dominated the literature, while non-clinical healthcare workers remained underrepresented. The thematic analysis indicated an increasing emphasis on organizational and system-level determinants of burnout alongside the continued presence of individual-centered perspectives. The multilevel negative binomial model identified longer title length and a greater number of author-provided keywords as being associated with lower expected citation counts, whereas a greater number of Keywords Plus terms was associated with higher expected citation counts. Conclusions: Burnout research has evolved into a rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary field. However, important gaps persist regarding geographic representation, workforce diversity, methodological standardization, and organizational intervention research. Future studies should move beyond descriptive approaches and further evaluate organizational interventions and workforce-related strategies to strengthen the evidence base that may inform healthcare policy and organizational practice. Full article

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of zeolite in concrete was conducted using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.21). The database was obtained from Scopus by searching for zeolite in concrete. A filter for the years 2000 to 2025 was applied. A total of 1001 documents related to zeolite concrete fulfilled the criteria and were downloaded. The co-occurrence networks and overlay technique were utilized to illustrate relationships. The publication trends, publication area, document types, and country-wise publications were considered for analysis. Also, the top universities/institutions and funding sources that supported zeolite in concrete-related research were considered. Furthermore, keyword analysis was used to find the past, current, and future research trends. The findings highlight the increasing importance of zeolite-based concrete, particularly from 2015 to 2024. Engineering accounted for the largest publication base, with 614 articles. Research articles represented the predominant document type, with a total of 664 publications. In contrast, only 40 of the 1001 articles are full-length review papers. The country-wise analysis indicates that Iran (163) and China (146) are at the top in scientific contributions. The keyword analysis indicates that most researchers focus on “Zeolite,” “Concrete,” “Compressive Strength,” and “Durability”. The bibliometric analysis further reveals a clear shift in zeolite-concrete research toward sustainability applications focused on durability, geopolymer, and self-compacting concrete. In addition, the study identifies several underexplored research themes, including shrinkage, creep, life-cycle assessment, and artificial intelligence-based mix optimization. The findings provide a research roadmap for advancing the next generation of sustainable zeolite-based concrete. Full article

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Typhimurium, largely spread through poultry products, increasingly resists antibiotic treatment. We evaluated dietary pomegranate peel extract-loaded nano-emulsions (PomNEs) on performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and S. Typhimurium resistance in laying hens. A total of 250 15-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens received a basal diet or diets supplemented with PomNEs at 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 g/kg, and then were challenged with S. Typhimurium at 34 weeks. Hens fed PomNEs, especially PomNEs1.2, showed improved egg production and feed efficiency before challenge and restored normal output afterward. Supplementation reduced Salmonella colonization in the ovaries, liver, and eggs, with considerable reduction in eggs and ovaries at the highest dose by ten weeks, and down-regulated bacterial virulence genes (hilA, invA). Immune function improved through higher phagocytic activity, intracellular killing, and lysozyme levels, lower nitric oxide, up-regulated IgA and β-defensins (AvBD6, AvBD12), and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Intestinal and ovarian redox balance improved via reduced COX2 and elevated GPX-1, HO-1, NQO1, SOD-1, and CAT expression. These benefits support PomNEs as promising natural feed additives to enhance laying performance, antioxidant defense, and immunity against salmonellosis, offering a sustainable strategy for supporting disease control in poultry production. Full article

With increasing meat demand and global warming, the sustainability of broiler chicken production has become a “hot topic” for the conventional industry. We conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental impact of supplementing broiler chicken diets with postbiotics derived from the yeast cell wall (YCW). Supplementation with S. cerevisiae reduced the carbon footprint of climate change (8.4%), land use (8.7%), water use (7.7%), resource use (7.9%), acidification (12.5%), marine eutrophication (9.5%), freshwater eutrophication (8.6%), terrestrial eutrophication (12.6%), and particulate matter (11.4%). The positive effects on the environmental impact were associated with improvement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR: −7.6%), body weight gain (BWG: +5.7%) and a reduction in mortality of around 44.1%. Overall, the environmental benefit was similar in chickens exposed to heat stress (−8.7%) or challenged with Clostridium perfringens (−8.2%), two stressful situations commonly encountered on poultry farms. This LCA study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is a food additive that can help the poultry industry cope with stress caused by various factors and reduce its overall environmental impact. Full article

The growing interest in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) within the baking sector is driven by their ability to improve both the technological performance and nutritional quality of bakery products. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the use of conventional and unconventional LAB in breadmaking, with particular emphasis on their influence on dough properties, shelf life, sensory characteristics, nutritional value, stress tolerance, and sustainability and their interactions with unconventional yeast. The available evidence indicates that LAB contributes significantly to dough development through acidification, proteolytic activity, and exopolysaccharide production, leading to improvements in viscosity, elasticity, extensibility, water absorption, and gluten network formation. Their metabolic activity also promotes the production of organic acids, bacteriocins, and other antimicrobial compounds that help delay microbial spoilage and extend product shelf life. In addition, LAB fermentation enhances flavor and aroma complexity while increasing mineral bioavailability, vitamin content, and the formation of beneficial bioactive compounds. Attention has been given to the capacity of selected LAB strains to tolerate thermal, osmotic, acidic, and oxidative stress conditions, highlighting their suitability for industrial applications. Furthermore, combinations of LAB with unconventional yeast have shown potential for improving nutritional quality, sensory acceptance, texture, and shelf life and reducing the glycemic impact of bakery products. Overall, LAB represents a versatile group of microorganisms capable of supporting the development of innovative, high-quality, and more sustainable bakery products. The synthesis of current research highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with their application and emphasizes the need for further studies focused on strain selection, fermentation optimization, and large-scale implementation. Full article

Magnetic polymer nanocomposites (MPNCs) have attracted considerable attention as advanced multifunctional materials for water purification due to their high adsorption capacity, magnetic recoverability, and excellent reusability. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the synthesis, characterization, and environmental applications of MPNCs for wastewater treatment. Particular emphasis is placed on the principal synthesis strategies, including in situ and ex situ approaches, and their influence on nanoparticle dispersion, interfacial interactions, and the physicochemical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. The review covers the most widely investigated magnetic nanomaterials, such as Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃, CoFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄, and other ferrites, incorporated into natural and synthetic polymer matrices including chitosan, cellulose, alginate, polyaniline, polypyrrole, poly(vinyl alcohol), and polystyrene. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements, are discussed to evaluate the structural, chemical, thermal, and magnetic properties of these hybrid materials. The adsorption performance and underlying mechanisms of MPNCs for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, organic pollutants, and oil contaminants are critically analyzed, highlighting the roles of polymer functionalization, nanocomposite architecture, and magnetic separation in enhancing treatment efficiency and reusability. In addition, the contribution of density functional theory (DFT) to understanding adsorption mechanisms and guiding the rational design of high-performance adsorbents is reviewed. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives, including green synthesis, multifunctional and stimuli-responsive materials, scalable manufacturing, and industrial implementation, are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive framework for the design and development of next-generation magnetic polymer nanocomposites for sustainable water remediation applications. Full article

Green collaborative innovation is a complex socio-technical system involving interactions among governments, universities, enterprises, and financial institutions. However, existing studies often examine these actors separately or focus on bilateral relationships, limiting the understanding of how multi-agent strategies jointly evolve toward sustainable innovation. This study develops a four-player evolutionary game model incorporating regional governments, universities, local enterprises, and green financial institutions to investigate the dynamic evolution of green collaborative innovation under bounded rationality. The model integrates fiscal incentives, technology commercialization returns, financial constraints, reputation effects, and social advocacy mechanisms to explore the conditions under which collaborative strategies emerge and stabilize. Theoretical analysis identifies the evolutionary conditions of different strategic combinations, while numerical simulations examine how key factors influence the evolution process. The results reveal that enterprise deep green transformation plays a central role in shaping the evolution of the entire collaborative innovation system. Government subsidies and financial constraints jointly influence enterprises’ transformation decisions, while technology commercialization returns and research support determine universities’ incentives for green R&D. Green financial institutions contribute not only through capital provision, but also through environmental risk assessment and market-based governance. In addition, social advocacy indirectly affects the evolutionary process by influencing reputation-related incentives and strengthening institutional accountability. This study contributes to green innovation and systems science research by providing a multi-agent evolutionary framework that explains the interactions among policy, technology, finance, and institutional factors. The findings suggest that effective green collaborative innovation requires coordinated governance mechanisms that integrate fiscal support, financial regulation, technology transfer, and social supervision. Full article

Urban forests play a crucial role in sustaining habitable urban environments, and tree canopy height (TCH) is a key parameter for characterizing urban forest structure and ecological functions. However, accurate TCH retrieval using spaceborne lidar remains challenging in urban built-up areas because of the high spatial heterogeneity of urban land cover. This study proposes an urban-oriented method for ICESat-2 data processing and TCH extraction and evaluates it in Peoria, Illinois, USA. By integrating spectral constraints with photon spatial distribution patterns, the method further separates non-ground photons into vegetation photons and building photons. Individual tree crown polygons are then introduced as spatial constraints for TCH extraction, helping to overcome the limitations of regular grids in representing both the laser footprint scale and fine urban landscape detail. In addition, a non-exclusive photon-to-crown assignment strategy based on energy weighting allowed each photon to contribute to multiple crowns in proportion to the footprint energy intercepted by each crown. Among the 1391 crowns associated with vegetation photons, 286 met the thresholds for both total and high-weight photon counts and were retained for accuracy assessment. Validation against canopy heights derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) reference data shows that the proposed method achieves an R² of 0.55 and an RMSE of 2.71 m. Further analysis indicates that retrieval accuracy is primarily controlled by beam strength: strong beams yield higher accuracy (R² ≈ 0.60), whereas daytime and nighttime observations differ only slightly. Overall, after targeted processing, ICESat-2 can provide a set of individual tree canopy height samples in urban built-up areas, which may support local calibration and serve as potential labels for subsequent regional canopy height mapping. Full article

The assimilation capacity of the biosphere and the sustainability of the living resources are enhanced by the efficient and continued contribution of the vegetation from all ecoregions of the Earth. The urban greenery fulfills many regulatory ecosystem services (RES) as well. In this regard, the importance of urban green spaces (UGS) in helping to reduce the adverse impacts of overcrowding and changing climate is of pertinence. Lack of quantitative information from urban settings in different climatic regions seriously constrains the recognition of the important role UGS play in carbon storage and sequestration. To assess how the UGS is aiding the retention of carbon, which is photosynthetically assimilated into biomass and/or sequestered, relevant field parameters were collected from 4010 trees belonging to 34 different species, different hedge plants, and groundcover grasses spread in 24,991 m² area in three parks of Panaji city, India. Standard methods were followed to derive carbon stock and sequestration rates by trees, hedge plants, and groundcover. Notwithstanding wide differences between tree species, the weighted mean of CO₂ sequestered per tree averaged 55 kg y⁻¹ (ca. 78.82 tons ha⁻¹) in Panaji city. Accordingly, the CO₂ sequestration potential of trees, in the UGS of Panaji (by 76,751 trees) and Tumkur (with an estimated 38,152 trees) cities, respectively, was 4221.31 tons y⁻¹ ha⁻¹ and 2098 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ @ 55 kg tree⁻¹ y⁻¹. It is apparent from this first-time study that calculated tree carbon biomass and species-wise yearly carbon sequestration rates (CSRs) of 78.82 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ and that of carbon production rates of 31.77 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ are far higher than the previously reported CSR estimates variously from 1 to 8 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ and carbon production rates 3.23 to 6.55 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. The hedge row carbon biomass averaged 13.18 tons ha⁻¹ and sequestration of 48.38 tons ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ CO₂. Similarly, occupying over 42% of the UGS, the groundcover carbon biomass averaged 14.69 tons ha⁻¹ with sequestration of 53.92 tons CO₂ ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. Combined CSP of existing trees, groundcover, and hedge plants in Panaji and Tumkur city UGS apparently neutralize carbon footprint of over 4550 and 2200 Indians at an annual per capita emission of 1.94-ton. It is thus undeniable that in our global fight against climate change, the addition of inputs and data from studies like these can aid in planning mitigation measure as well as in fulfilling local/regional sustainability plans and needs. Full article

This study explores the direct synthesis of carbon nanostructures on AISI 1018 low-carbon steel via spray pyrolysis, using α-pinene—a turpentine-derived terpene—as a sustainable carbon source. Two synthesis routes were evaluated: a catalyst-aided approach using ferrocene and a catalyst-free approach. Both methods yielded homogeneous coatings; however, the addition of ferrocene produced carbon nanotube (CNT) films (~70 μm), while the catalyst-free method resulted in carbon nanofiber (CNF) films (~50 μm). Tribological testing revealed that CNF coatings maintained a consistently low friction coefficient of ~0.12. In contrast, CNT coatings exhibited higher friction, increasing from 0.15 to 0.35 under loads of 2–5 N. SEM and Raman spectroscopy of the wear tracks suggest that CNFs retain their crystalline structure during friction, whereas CNTs become increasingly defective, leading to higher friction levels. Full article

The rapid growth of e-commerce has intensified last-mile delivery activities in urban areas, creating challenges for city logistics systems related to operational efficiency, congestion, and environmental impacts. In this context, understanding the factors that influence customer satisfaction with logistics operators is increasingly important, as mismatches between customer expectations and delivery service characteristics may lead to operational inefficiencies such as failed delivery attempts and repeated delivery rounds. This study proposes a machine learning framework for predicting customer satisfaction with postal and logistics operators in urban delivery systems using survey data on customer characteristics, preferences, and service perceptions. Several machine learning algorithms were developed and evaluated to identify the key determinants of customer satisfaction and assess their predictive performance. Beyond predictive accuracy, the study interprets customer satisfaction as an indicator of the alignment between customer expectations and delivery service configurations. Improved alignment may support service configurations that reduce delivery mismatches and repeated delivery attempts, which are recognized as a significant source of additional transport activity in urban freight systems. By identifying customer segments whose expectations are not adequately addressed by existing delivery services, the proposed framework can support more informed service design and operational decision-making. From a city logistics perspective, the potential reduction in failed deliveries and repeated delivery rounds may contribute to lower vehicle kilometers travelled, congestion, energy consumption, and emissions associated with urban freight transport, although these operational and environmental indicators were not directly measured in this study. The proposed approach therefore provides a data-driven decision-support tool that can help operators improve service quality and serve as a basis for future integration with operational and environmental indicators in sustainable last-mile delivery planning. Full article

Nano- and pico-bubble water (NPB), containing hydrogen or ozone, is widely used as a cleaning agent due to its bactericidal and antiviral properties. However, some products—such as certain hydrogen waters—contain only large bubbles or have an extremely low bubble count, making them sometimes indistinguishable from ordinary drinking water. To accurately evaluate NPB activity, we developed a method for producing ultra-nano–pico-bubble water (NanoGAS water [NGW]), an ultra-fine bubble water that is stable and non-volatile over extended periods. By combining a mixed gas–liquid fluid rotary mixer and a shear filter, we produced ultra-fine bubbles that could be sealed in water. This method produced bubbles that remained stable in water even after 10 years since production. NGW has been clinically evaluated as a solvent for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and has been demonstrated to be effective at improving bacterial engraftment in the intestinal tract in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, encapsulating specific gases (hydrogen and ozone) can achieve more diverse effects. In this study, we evaluated the aroma-encapsulating effects, as well as the strength and persistence of the antimicrobial activity, of novel NGW formulations (Air-NGW, H₂-NGW, S-O₃-NGW, and L-O₃-NGW). Both H₂-NGW and O₃-NGW generated in this study demonstrated slight inclusion activity with volatile aromatic compounds (citral). Furthermore, both H₂-NGW (at ≥10% dilution) and O₃-NGW (even at a 1% dilution) exhibited sustained antibacterial efficacy against general viable bacteria for 24 weeks. Moreover, additive effects were observed when combined with antibacterial and antiviral compounds (polyoxometalates) developed by the authors. While further consideration, including cost-effectiveness, is needed to translate these findings into practical applications, they provide a fundamental framework for future research. Full article

Managing polymer waste, primarily polyolefins—low- and high-density polyethylene and polypropylene—is a critical challenge in the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy. Traditional approaches (landfilling and incineration) are inconsistent with sustainable development principles and increasingly stringent extended producer responsibility regulations, while chemical recycling, particularly catalytic pyrolysis, is considered a key technology for returning hydrocarbon feedstocks to the production cycle. This mini-review systematizes and analyzes current advances in the catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene and polypropylene. An algorithm for selecting a recycling route for polyolefin-containing waste based on its composition, degree of degradation, and the presence of hazardous additives is proposed. Existing and planned industrial projects in the field of chemical recycling of polyolefins are assessed, and challenges and prospects for technology commercialization are outlined. It is demonstrated that catalytic pyrolysis has the potential to become a key element of a circular economy for plastics, ensuring decarbonization and resource conservation with further optimization of catalysts and process flowsheets. Full article

Amomum villosum is an evergreen perennial herb widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with significant economic and medicinal importance. Throughout the cultivation process, it faces severe fungal disease problems that significantly impact its yield and quality. In July 2025, leaf spot disease with a 56% incidence was observed on A. villosum in Wenshan, Yunnan, China. Affected leaves initially developed irregular grayish-white lesions surrounded by brown margins. As symptom development progressed, semi-submerged black spots formed on the lesion surfaces. Severe infections resulted in premature leaf abscission and, ultimately, death of the entire plant. To identify the pathogen responsible, we conducted isolation and pathogenicity studies. Through morphological characterization, phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, and TUB), and pathogenicity tests, Pestalotiopsis microspora was determined as a pathogen. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled on attached leaves. After 15 days, typical necrotic lesions appeared on inoculated leaves, while controls remained symptom-free. This is the first report of A. villosum leaf spot caused by P. microspora in China. Biocontrol assays revealed that Trichoderma harzianum T15 and T. asperellum T16 exhibited significant antagonistic activity against P. microspora, with inhibition rates of 44.77% and 50.70%, respectively. In addition, Bacillus velezensis SWFU41, isolated from healthy A. villosum leaves, showed superior disease suppression, achieving a control efficacy of 60.52%. Compared with the fungal biocontrol agents, B. velezensis demonstrated greater inhibitory activity against the pathogen, suggesting that bacterial antagonists may provide a more effective biological control strategy for managing A. villosum leaf spot disease. This is the first report of P. microspora-caused leaf spot disease on A. villosum. Furthermore, the comparative evaluation of fungal and bacterial antagonists demonstrated that B. velezensis SWFU41 outperformed T. harzianum and T. asperellum in disease suppression, highlighting its potential as a promising biocontrol agent for sustainable disease management. These findings provide a scientific basis for pathogen monitoring, epidemiological studies, and the development of integrated biological control strategies for A. villosum cultivation. Full article