Search Results (1,368)

Soil heavy metal contamination has emerged as a global environmental and public health challenge. Among them, cadmium (Cd) is of particular concern due to its high mobility and ecotoxicity. To identify the key limiting factors and their nonlinear threshold effects for Cd accumulation in maize grains (Grain-Cd) in heterogeneous soil environments, a coordinated sampling campaign of soil and maize was conducted at the municipal scale in Chongqing, China. A total of 499 paired soil–maize samples were obtained, and the correlations between Grain-Cd concentrations and soil physicochemical properties, as well as soil Cd pollution characteristics, were quantitatively evaluated using the integrated Random Forest (RF) model and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) algorithm instead of traditional linear statistical methods. The results showed that the average Cd content in the soil of maize-growing areas in Chongqing City was 0.30 mg·kg⁻¹, with a variation coefficient (CV) of 53%, and the spatial heterogeneity was significant. The average Cd content in maize grains was 0.03 mg·kg⁻¹, with an exceedance rate of 9.6% over the Chinese National Standard (0.10 mg·kg⁻¹), indicating a certain food safety risk. The RF model achieved a high predictive accuracy for Grain-Cd (R² = 0.815, RMSE = 0.028 mg·kg⁻¹, MAE = 0.013 mg·kg⁻¹), which was significantly superior to the traditional linear regression model (R² = 0.526, RMSE = 0.0459 mg·kg⁻¹). The available Cd (avlCd) in the soil was identified as the core controlling factor for the Grain-Cd content, while total soil Cd (SCd) only showed its positive contribution at contents higher than 0.5 mg·kg⁻¹. Soil pH, CEC (cation exchange capacity), and total phosphorus (TP) exerted significant influences on the Grain-Cd by regulating soil avlCd. The dependence of Grain-Cd on these soil factors was typically nonlinear, and an obvious turning point (threshold) existed for each factor with its occurring level in soil, determined by SHAP analyses as avlCd: 0.29 mg·kg⁻¹, pH: 6.58, CEC: 18.9 cmol (+)/kg, and TP: 0.5 g·kg⁻¹, respectively. This study clarifies the nonlinear regulatory mechanisms of key soil factors on Cd accumulation in maize grains in Chongqing, and the established RF-SHAP framework and identified soil factor thresholds lay a scientific foundation for the interpretable quantification of the soil–maize Cd system, while providing a scientific basis for the precise, targeted remediation of Cd-contaminated dryland farmland and the assurance of regional maize production safety. Full article

Peptaibols, predominantly secreted by Trichoderma species, are a class of linear peptides composed of five to twenty amino acid residues, synthesized non-ribosomally and enriched with α-amino isobutyric acid. These unique peptides appear to be highly effective in mediating the interactions between Trichoderma and plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) technology was used to detect peptaibols profiles of Trichoderma strains during their interactions with the pathogen Fusarium graminearum. MS investigations of crude extracts derived from in vitro confrontations of Trichoderma atroviride T23 and its genetically modified counterparts, dual-culture assays of Mlae1, Mvel1, OElae1, and OEvel1 with F. graminearum were performed to shed light on the regulatory role of the velvet complex composed of LAE1&VEL1 in the synthesis of peptaibols during the microbial interaction. These results revealed intriguing variations in the total peptaibols produced during the interactions, as well as some differences in the specific peptaibol profiles between the confrontation and control tests. The overexpression strains, OElae1 and OEvel1, distinguished themselves by their proficiency in inducing long-residue peptaibols synthesis, attaining an impressive biocontrol index of up to 76%. The crude extracts containing peptaibols of OElae1 and OEvel1 demonstrated a capability to enhance cell membrane permeability and decrease DON toxin production in F. graminearum, and the crude extracts of OElae1 strains exhibited more effectiveness in reducing DON toxin production. In conclusion, the interaction with F. graminearum significantly impacted the peptaibol production in the examined Trichoderma strain, emphasizing the intricate interplay and reciprocal influence of genetic factors and environmental stimuli. Full article

The rapid expansion of China’s livestock husbandry has boosted the supply of meat, eggs, and dairy products, while concurrently giving rise to environmental pollution issues. Research on the effects of various environmental regulations on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of the livestock sector and their underlying mechanisms is still lacking, despite the Chinese government’s implementation of corresponding environmental regulatory policies to address this practical challenge. As a key instrument for fostering green economic transformation, examining the relationship between environmental regulation and the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of animal husbandry is crucial for the sector’s sustainable development. In order to estimate the GTFP of China’s livestock sector for the years 2010–2022, this study uses the super-slack-based measure (Super-SBM) methodology. It conducts an empirical analysis to examine the mechanisms through which different environmental regulations influence livestock GTFP, alongside an investigation of regional heterogeneity. The results show that different environmental regulations have different effects on animal husbandry GTFP, with notable regional differences. Specifically, incentive-based environmental regulations enhance livestock GTFP by facilitating technological innovation; however, the level of regional economic development negatively moderates the association between incentive-based environmental regulations and livestock GTFP. The findings confirm that incentive-based environmental regulations are successful in encouraging livestock GTFP through technical innovation. They further emphasize that regions should formulate context-specific environmental regulatory policies to balance environmental protection and industrial development, thereby supporting the green and sustainable growth of China’s livestock industry. Full article

Livestock production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) originating from enteric fermentation and manure management. This study quantified the GHG emissions and cumulative carbon footprint of four commercial sheep farms (SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4) in the Bursa region of Türkiye, with flock sizes of 200, 500, 150, and 800 adult Merino sheep (mature ewes and breeding rams), respectively. Using the IPCC Tier 2 methodology, the biogenic carbon footprint was estimated at 15.6 kg CO₂-eq per kg of boneless sheep meat. However, when indirect inputs were included, the cumulative carbon footprint reached 28.8 kg CO₂-eq for ewes and 32.3 kg CO₂-eq for breeding rams. These results indicate that indirect emissions from feed production account for the primary environmental load (49.8%), while on-farm energy-related emissions represent a minor portion (0.3%) of the total impact. The results demonstrate that while enteric fermentation (32.5%) remains a critical biological factor, the environmental burden of the feed supply chain is equally significant in intensive systems. These findings highlight that excluding indirect inputs leads to a substantial underestimation of the climate impact, suggesting that mitigation strategies must integrate nutritional optimization with enteric methane reduction to decarbonize sheep production effectively. Full article

Indoor microgreen production systems are becoming increasingly popular because they can achieve high yields and quality, especially in unfavorable climates and urban settings. Light is a critical environmental factor that influences plant development; however, limited information exists on the effects of photoperiod (PP) on the growth of chia and arugula microgreens and on the associated electricity costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different blue LED light (Light-Emitting-Diode) PPs, 24:0, 18:6, 12:12, and 6:18 h of light:dark compared with natural light, on the growth and biomass production of Salvia hispanica (chia) and Eruca sativa (arugula) grown indoors under controlled conditions (25 °C and 189.4 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). In chia, shoot length increased (p ≤ 0.05) with shorter PP, particularly under the 6:18 and 12:12 h·d⁻¹ photoperiods, while arugula showed no significant response. Root length and total plant length were unaffected by photoperiod in either species. Leaf area was the most responsive growth parameter, with larger leaves produced under PP of 18 h or more per day. Total chlorophyll content was highest at 12:12 and 18:6 h light:dark. Fresh biomass reached its maximum at 18:6, with 637.6 g m⁻² in chia and 883.7 g m⁻² in arugula. TOPSIS was used as a multi-criteria decision-making tool for comprehensive treatment evaluation, showing that the 6:18 treatment achieved the highest overall ranking, whereas the 18:6 treatment resulted in the greatest biomass production. Full article

Under the dual strategic imperatives of carbon neutrality and digital transformation, the power industry plays a pivotal role in advancing green and low-carbon development. Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) provides a comprehensive measure of efficiency in the power sector under energy and environmental constraints. Using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces over the period 2012–2023, this study employs a super-efficiency Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model, kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse analysis, the Gini coefficient, and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to systematically examine the spatiotemporal evolution, regional disparities, and digital-driven improvement pathways of power industry GTFP. The results indicate that national power-sector GTFP exhibits a fluctuating upward trend, accompanied by pronounced regional heterogeneity. A distinct spatial pattern has emerged, characterized by rapid improvement in the western region, relative stability in the eastern region, contraction in the central region, and persistent lagging in the northeastern region. Spatially, the distribution has evolved from an initial east–west dual-core structure to a three-tier gradient pattern led by the west, stabilized in the east, and depressed in the central region. Kernel density estimation reveals a clear multi-peak polarization trend, while standard deviation ellipse analysis shows a relatively stable spatial center with continuously expanding dispersion along the northeast–southwest axis. Further analysis demonstrates that interregional differences remain the primary source of overall inequality, with rapidly widening intraregional disparities in the western region. Configurational analysis identifies five digital-economy-driven pathways to high GTFP, highlighting that no single optimal configuration exists. Instead, multiple combinations of technological, organizational, and environmental conditions jointly facilitate GTFP enhancement. These findings provide empirical evidence to support differentiated and precision-oriented policy design for promoting coordinated digital transformation and green development in China’s power industry. Full article

The aim of the current study was to select and test the appropriate model and input parameters for remote sensing retrieval of surface soil moisture (SSM) in the case of bare Chernozems on flat and sloping terrains in northern Bulgaria under different tillage systems. Normalized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements from Sentinel-1 C-band dual-pol products (Gamma-Nought in VV, ratio) were utilized in two ways to delineate SSM from environmental factors that bias determination. The accuracy of the obtained SSM prediction was evaluated against ground-based volumetric water content (VWC) measured in the 0–3.8 cm soil layer at multiple points using a TDR meter. The TDR VWC data were preliminarily calibrated against gravimetric measurements in the 0–5 cm soil layer. The obtained data for soil water retention curves in all studied variants were used to determine the range of soil moisture variation. The measured ground-based data for surface roughness generally correlate with the co-pol Gamma-Nought in VV. The data modeled with the surface soil moisture script in Sentinel Hub (SSM-SH) was calibrated using the ground-based data. Incidence angle normalization of Sentinel-1 products improved the relationship between SAR observables and SSM, when expressed as the ratio of soil moisture to total porosity (rVWC). The modeling indicated the highest importance of the optical indices, together with the temporal differences of radar descriptors sensitive to variations in soil moisture over time. Although the applied Random Forest Regression (RFR) model achieved higher accuracy during training (nRMSE of 7.27%, R² of 0.86), the Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) model provided better generalization performance on the independent validation dataset. The results proved the advantages of the joint utilization of temporal Sentinel-1 SAR measurements with Sentinel-2 optical acquisitions to determine SSM in different bare soil conditions for achieving high accuracy. Full article

This study investigates the spatial implications of formal environmental regulation for urban green development by separating command-and-control tools from market incentive-based approaches and analyzing a 280-city panel dataset from China spanning 2012–2024. A spatial Durbin model is employed to assess the spillover effects of these regulatory tools on GTFP. The estimation results show that command-and-control regulation exerts a significant negative spillover effect on neighboring cities and is also associated with a reduction in local GTFP. In contrast, market-based regulation generates positive spillovers that benefit surrounding cities and is linked to improvements in both local and nearby GTFP. Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that command-and-control regulation produces negative but insignificant spillovers in the eastern and western regions and positive yet insignificant effects in the central and northeastern regions, whereas market-based regulation generates significant positive spillovers across all regions. Mediation analysis suggests that industrial relocation has a significant suppression effect in the relationship between CER and GTFP. When the carbon emissions trading scheme is used as a proxy for market-based regulation, the policy initially appears to suppress GTFP, although its effect tends to become positive over time. Informal environmental regulation is found to enhance local GTFP and to generate favorable spillovers for neighboring cities. Taken together, these findings suggest that policymakers should place greater emphasis on market-based and informal regulatory approaches, while encouraging firms and the public to play a more active role in advancing urban green development. Full article

Sustainable environmental performance (SEP) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has attracted researchers and practitioners’ attention. The achievement of sustainable environmental performance has been largely dependent on the prevailing external ecosystem conditions. Yet in emerging economies such as Ghana, there is limited research and evidence on the extent to which external ecosystem resources influence sustainable environmental performance. This study aims to investigate how external entrepreneurial ecosystem resources including policy, access to finance, market availability, institutional support, human capital and culture influence the sustainable environmental performance (SEP) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using sample data from Ghana. A total of 386 SME manufacturing and service firms were sampled to participate. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) tested a multi-theory framework grounded in the Resource-based View (RBV), Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) and Stakeholder Theory. The results indicate that policy, finance, institutional support, and markets exert significant positive effects on SMEs’ SEP. Culture and human capital were found to have a weaker contribution to SMEs’ SEP. The novelty of this study lies in empirically demonstrating the primacy of ecosystem structural levers over softer ecosystem factors in driving SME sustainable environmental performance, thereby offering a new explanatory hierarchy of ecosystem drivers for sustainability in developing economies. We advance the RBV, RDT and the Stakeholder Theory by showing that external ecosystem resources act as critical environmental enablers for SMEs in developing economies. The findings offer globally relevant policy insights for advancing SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action) through targeted ecosystem interventions. Full article

Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of land-use multifunction (LUMF) is crucial for the preservation and management of large-scale national cultural parks in alleviating potential human-land conflicts. Using 28 multidimensional indicators across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, this study established an LUMF index system for the Long March National Cultural Park of China (CLMNCP). LUMF values for 77 prefecture-level cities were quantified from 2008 to 2023, and their spatiotemporal heterogeneity was examined using a spatial autocorrelation model. Subsequently, the Optimal Parameters-based GeoDetector (OPGD) model was applied to identify key driving factors. The main findings are as follows: (1) From 2008 to 2023, the total, economic (EF), social (SF), and environmental (EnF) functions in the CLMNCP exhibited a consistent upward trend. (2) Significant spatial heterogeneity characterized the trade-offs and synergies among these functions. The EF-EnF interaction displayed a concave synergistic relationship, while the EF-SF and SF-EnF interactions showed convex, fluctuating patterns during their transitions between trade-off and synergy. (3) The primary drivers varied across function pairs. The EF-SF synergy was predominantly influenced by agricultural production, resource supply, and cultural service factors. The EF-EnF interaction was mainly shaped by natural conditions and environmental improvement factors. In contrast, the SF-EnF interaction was primarily driven by economic development, cultural services, and resource supply. These findings support functional zoning and targeted management of large-scale national cultural park to balance development and conservation while reducing human-land conflicts. Full article

Animal poisoning remains an underreported public health and veterinary concern in many low- and middle-income countries where comprehensive surveillance systems are limited. This study was initiated to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of animal poisoning cases reported to a national poison center in Thailand over a 10-year period. We performed a retrospective review of cases recorded in the Ramathibodi Poison Center Toxic Exposure Surveillance System between 2015 and 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize species distribution, exposure categories, clinical signs, treatment, and outcomes, and comparisons were conducted to identify factors associated with mortality. A total of 118 poisoning cases were identified, with annual numbers increasing over time. Companion animals accounted for most exposures (93.2%), particularly dogs. Pesticides were the most common toxic agents, followed by household products, pharmaceuticals, and plant toxins. Neurological signs were the predominant clinical presentation. Respiratory compromise and neurological involvement at presentation were significantly associated with mortality. Overall survival was 88.1%. Fatalities were mainly linked to exposure to highly toxic pesticides or plants, including confirmed cassava-associated cyanide poisoning in elephants. This study highlights preventable environmental toxic risks affecting animals in Thailand and demonstrates the value of centralized poison surveillance. Strengthening pesticide safety practices and integrating veterinary toxicology into broader public health monitoring may reduce avoidable poisonings within shared human–animal environments. Full article

Construction materials are the primary source of embodied carbon in long-span bridge projects, particularly for steel-intensive structures. This study presents an empirical construction-stage carbon footprint assessment of the Anhsin Bridge, an asymmetric cable-stayed steel truss bridge in Taiwan. Using the emission factor method in accordance with ISO 14067 and Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration guidelines, a cradle-to-gate (A1–A5 equivalent) system boundary was applied, covering material production, transportation, and on-site construction activities. Total construction-stage emissions were estimated at 55,349 tCO₂e, dominated by structural steel (51.8%), followed by reinforcing steel, concrete, and cement. Material-related emissions accounted for over 90% of the total, highlighting the critical role of material selection in embodied carbon reduction. Three practical mitigation strategies were evaluated using verified project data, as follows: 40% cement substitution with supplementary cementitious materials, optimized steel erection methods, and enhanced reuse of formwork and temporary works. The combined scenario achieved a 7.3% reduction in construction-stage emissions without compromising constructability. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of material-oriented, constructability-aware strategies for reducing embodied carbon in steel-intensive bridge construction. Full article

The aim of the paper was to analyse the genesis of the idea of carbon footprint (CF) reporting, the current EU regulations in force in this regard, and to provide a concrete example of practical measures in poultry production. The CF is the total sum of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly or indirectly by an organisation, product, service, event or human activity, expressed as a CO₂ equivalent. Livestock production accounts for 12% to 14.5% of global methane and nitrous oxide emissions. GHG emissions from livestock production are closely linked to the species of animals; the highest CF values apply to products derived from ruminants, but poultry is also considered an environmental threat, inter alia due to the production scale. The CF of poultry production is not uniform and depends on many factors, including the farm location and climatic conditions of the region, the profile of production, its stage, the birds feeding and CF method of analysis. Industrial development is a continuous process that must align with the principles of sustainability and EU climate policy; therefore, it is necessary to look for and implement solutions to reduce its emissions in line with evolving European legal standards. Full article

With the evolution from Industry 4.0 to 5.0, flexible assembly scheduling must simultaneously address production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and human factors, while remaining adaptive to real-time disruptions. This study investigates the dynamic green scheduling problem in dual-resource Flexible Assembly Job Shops with worker learning and forgetting, aiming to minimize makespan and total energy consumption. To tackle this problem, a Hierarchical Dual-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm (HAD-DRL) is proposed. The framework integrates a Heterogeneous Graph Neural Network to extract real-time workshop states and employs two collaborative agents, i.e., a high-level preference decision agent and a low-level scheduling execution agent. The upper agent dynamically adjusts the preference weights between economic and environmental objectives, while the lower agent generates corresponding scheduling actions. Unlike existing multi-agent methods that optimize a single objective at each step, HAD-DRL achieves adaptive coordination and balanced trade-offs among conflicting goals. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms heuristic and baseline DRL approaches in both objectives, validating its effectiveness and practical applicability for intelligent and sustainable manufacturing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in goat-derived E. coli within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remain limited, and are largely restricted to studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with no published reports from Qatar. This study provides the first baseline characterization of AMR and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) profiles of E. coli isolated from goats in Qatar. Methods: A total of 280 fecal samples were collected from goats across nine locations in Qatar (140 healthy and 140 diseased goats; 12 samples did not yield E. coli cultures). A selective agar medium was used to isolate E. coli, and the isolates were subsequently confirmed using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to determine resistance profiles, and PCR assays were used to detect ESBL-associated genes. Results: 268 E. coli isolates were recovered from 280 samples. AMR analysis revealed a high prevalence of tetracycline resistance among E. coli isolates (53%), consistently observed across all nine sampling locations. Ampicillin resistance was also widespread. AMR was detected in isolates from both healthy and diseased goats; however, gentamicin resistance was found exclusively in the isolates from diseased animals. Overall, 44 isolates (16%) were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), while nine isolates (3%) demonstrated ESBL production based on cefotaxime resistance. MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli were detected across all nine locations and in both healthy and diseased animals, with MDR strains occurring more frequently than ESBL producers. PCR analysis identified ESBL-associated genes, namely, bla_CTX-M in nine isolates and bla_TEM in three isolates. Conclusions: Goats in Qatar harbor multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli, highlighting their role as AMR reservoirs within a One Health framework. The high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and ampicillin, across health statuses and geographic locations suggest potential influences of local management practices and environmental factors. The detection of ESBL genes, notably bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM, underscores the need for prudent antimicrobial use and the implementation of integrated One Health surveillance programs to mitigate potential public health risks and to support national AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the region. Full article