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17 pages, 5773 KB  
Article
Geotechnical Design of Barrier Pillar Between Boxcut and Underground Mining for Shallow Dipping Orebodies: A Case Study
by Benedict Ncube, Hideki Shimada, Takashi Sasaoka, Akihiro Hamanaka, Koki Kawano and Joan Atieno Onyango
Mining 2025, 5(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5030056 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
A barrier pillar between the surface and underground mining sections provides a critical buffer zone in the transition from the boxcut highwall to underground sections by isolating stress fields from underground sections and preventing them from affecting the boxcut highwall slope. In this [...] Read more.
A barrier pillar between the surface and underground mining sections provides a critical buffer zone in the transition from the boxcut highwall to underground sections by isolating stress fields from underground sections and preventing them from affecting the boxcut highwall slope. In this study, an empirical scaled span method and Rocscience RS2 software were used to conduct parametric studies on key parameters for designing barrier pillars and analyzing the room and pillar design for a planned underground mine on the Great Dyke, Zimbabwe. The approach included analyzing the effect of barrier pillar width, assuming a 10° dipping angle of the orebody, with room and pillar dimensions of 7 m and 6 m, respectively. The impact on boxcut slope stability and the roof of the first stope was monitored. The stability of the barrier pillar was analyzed for varying widths (6 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 40 m) and orebody dipping angles (0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°). The effect of deteriorated rock mass conditions, represented by Geological Strength Index (GSI) values from 30 to 50, was assessed. The optimum room and pillar design was evaluated against the planned 6 m pillar sizes. This comprehensive study aims to support the integrity and longevity of the critical structures of the mining operation. Full article
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33 pages, 3171 KB  
Review
Advances in Energy Storage, AI Optimisation, and Cybersecurity for Electric Vehicle Grid Integration
by Muhammed Cavus, Huseyin Ayan, Margaret Bell and Dilum Dissanayake
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4599; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174599 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 802
Abstract
The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids (SGs) is reshaping both energy systems and mobility infrastructures. This review presents a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary synthesis of current technologies, methodologies, and challenges associated with EV–SG interaction. Unlike prior reviews that address these aspects [...] Read more.
The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids (SGs) is reshaping both energy systems and mobility infrastructures. This review presents a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary synthesis of current technologies, methodologies, and challenges associated with EV–SG interaction. Unlike prior reviews that address these aspects in isolation, this work uniquely connects three critical pillars: (i) the evolution of energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion, second-life, and hybrid systems; (ii) optimisation and predictive control techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time energy management and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) coordination; and (iii) cybersecurity risks and post-quantum solutions required to safeguard increasingly decentralised and data-intensive grid environments. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated perspective, highlighting how emerging innovations, such as federated AI models, blockchain-secured V2G transactions, digital twin simulations, and quantum-safe cryptography, are converging to overcome existing limitations in scalability, resilience, and interoperability. Furthermore, we identify underexplored research gaps, such as standardisation of bidirectional communication protocols, regulatory inertia in V2G market participation, and the lack of unified privacy-preserving data architectures. By mapping current advancements and outlining a strategic research roadmap, this article provides a forward-looking foundation for the development of secure, flexible, and grid-responsive EV ecosystems. The findings support policymakers, engineers, and researchers in advancing the technical and regulatory landscape necessary to scale EV–SG integration within sustainable smart cities. Full article
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26 pages, 2138 KB  
Systematic Review
Towards a Sustainable Halal Tourism Model: A Systematic Review of the Integration of Islamic Principles with Global Sustainability Goals
by Samrena Jabeen, Nohman Khan, Sabeen Hussain Bhatti, Mohammad Falahat and Muhammad Imran Qureshi
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090335 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1326
Abstract
This systematic literature review examines the scholarly discourse and research trends on the integration of Islamic principles with global sustainability goals in halal tourism, addressing research gaps in understanding how this growing market sector contributes to sustainable development. The study analyzes halal certification [...] Read more.
This systematic literature review examines the scholarly discourse and research trends on the integration of Islamic principles with global sustainability goals in halal tourism, addressing research gaps in understanding how this growing market sector contributes to sustainable development. The study analyzes halal certification frameworks, evaluates government support mechanisms, and assesses the role of digital technologies in enhancing halal tourism operations and sustainability. Following the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a comprehensive search of the Scopus database using a structured three-component Boolean strategy that yielded 78 documents. After applying inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed publications from 2015 to 2025 addressing halal tourism and sustainability) and exclusion criteria (studies examining concepts in isolation or lacking theoretical contributions), 62 publications were systematically analyzed using bibliometric analysis and Structural Topic Modeling. The analysis identified three distinct research clusters: Sustainable Tourism and Development (51.72%), Halal Tourism and Entrepreneurship (37.93%), and Technology and Digitalization (17.24%). A significant temporal shift in research priorities was observed, with entrepreneurship studies declining while sustainability integration and technological applications gained momentum, particularly post-pandemic. This review develops an integrated conceptual framework connecting religious principles, sustainability imperatives, and technological innovation—three domains previously examined in isolation—through nine interrelated variables across three theoretical pillars: Halal Principles Integration, Sustainability Implementation, and Digital Transformation. The framework provides destination managers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs with a foundation for developing strategies that simultaneously satisfy religious requirements, achieve sustainability outcomes, and leverage digital innovations, advancing a more inclusive understanding of tourism that respects diverse cultural values while addressing global sustainability challenges. Full article
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24 pages, 1647 KB  
Review
Exploring Exopolysaccharides Produced in Indigenous Mexican Fermented Beverages and Their Biotechnological Applications
by Julián Fernando Oviedo-León, Abril Ramírez Higuera, Jorge Yáñez-Fernández, Humberto Hernández-Sánchez and Diana C. Castro-Rodríguez
Fermentation 2025, 11(8), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11080463 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1205
Abstract
Indigenous Mexican fermented beverages, such as pulque, colonche, tepache, and water kefir, are pillars of the country’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. Their sensory attributes and health-promoting properties arise from complex microbial consortia, in which lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mainly Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc, [...] Read more.
Indigenous Mexican fermented beverages, such as pulque, colonche, tepache, and water kefir, are pillars of the country’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. Their sensory attributes and health-promoting properties arise from complex microbial consortia, in which lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mainly Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc, acetic acid bacteria (AAB), primarily Acetobacter, and yeasts such as Saccharomyces and Candida interact and secrete exopolysaccharides (EPSs). Dextran, levan, and heteropolysaccharides rich in glucose, galactose, and rhamnose have been consistently isolated from these beverages. EPSs produced by LAB enhance the viscosity and mouthfeel, extend the shelf life, and exhibit prebiotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities that support gut and immune health. Beyond food, certain EPSs promote plant growth, function as biocontrol agents against phytopathogens, and facilitate biofilm-based bioremediation, underscoring their biotechnological potential. This review integrates recent advances in the composition, biosynthetic pathways, and functional properties of microbial EPSs from Mexican fermented beverages. We compare reported titers, outline key enzymes, including dextransucrase, levansucrase, and glycosyltransferases, and examine how fermentation variables (the substrate, pH, and temperature) influence the polymer yield and structure. Finally, we highlight emerging applications that position these naturally occurring biopolymers as sustainable ingredients for food and agricultural innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health-Boosting Power of Fermented Foods and Their By-Products)
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19 pages, 6228 KB  
Article
Research on Optimization of Orebody Mining Sequence Under Isolation Layer of Filling Body Based on FLAC3D Software
by Yu Wang and Aibing Jin
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072296 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
This study investigates the stability risks associated with a substandard-thickness (42 m) backfill isolation layer in the open-underground coordinated mining system of the Yongping Copper Mine’s eastern panel at the −150 m level. A numerical simulation based on FLAC3D 3.00 was conducted to [...] Read more.
This study investigates the stability risks associated with a substandard-thickness (42 m) backfill isolation layer in the open-underground coordinated mining system of the Yongping Copper Mine’s eastern panel at the −150 m level. A numerical simulation based on FLAC3D 3.00 was conducted to evaluate the impacts of four mining sequences (south-to-north, north-to-south, center-to-flank, and flank-to-center) on stress redistribution and displacement evolution. A three-dimensional geomechanical model incorporating lithological parameters was established, with 23 monitoring points tracking stress and displacement dynamics. Results indicate that the mining sequence significantly influences the stability of both the isolation layer and the slope. No abrupt displacement occurred during mining, with incremental isolation layer settlement controlled within 3 mm. Post-mining maximum displacement increased to 10–12 mm. The “north-to-south” sequence emerged as the theoretically optimal solution, reducing cumulative displacements in pillars and stopes by 9.1% and 7.8%, respectively, compared to the suboptimal scheme. However, considering the engineering continuity of the existing “south-to-north” sequence at the −100 m level, maintaining consistent directional mining at the −150 m level is recommended to ensure synergistic disturbance control, ventilation system stability, and operational management coherence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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32 pages, 1015 KB  
Systematic Review
Telework for a Sustainable Future: Systematic Review of Its Contribution to Global Corporate Sustainability (2020–2024)
by Mauro Adriel Ríos Villacorta, Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán, Roger Ernesto Alarcón García, Gabriela Lizeth Castro Ijiri, Jessie Leila Bravo-Jaico, Angélica María Minchola Vásquez, Lucila María Ganoza-Ubillús, José Fernando Escobedo Gálvez, Verónica Raquel Ríos Yovera and Esteban Joaquín Durand Gonzales
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135737 - 22 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1320
Abstract
The COVID-19 crisis has turned teleworking from a minority option into an imposed and generalized way of life and has called into question its contribution to corporate sustainability. The present review is the first systematic review of the effects of telework on the [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 crisis has turned teleworking from a minority option into an imposed and generalized way of life and has called into question its contribution to corporate sustainability. The present review is the first systematic review of the effects of telework on the environmental, social, and economic pillars of corporate sustainability in the scholarly literature published from 2020 to 2024. A total of 50 studies from three databases (Scopus, Science Direct, and Taylor and Francis) were reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines by both a data bibliometric analysis and narrative synthesis. The findings show that telework has the potential to improve environmental sustainability by decreasing commuting emissions (29–54% depending on its deployment intensity), but rebound effects such as increased residential energy use work against this (in part) positive regard. From a social point of view, telework is double-edged between helping balance personal and work life and possessing the potential to lead to greater isolation and aggravate existing inequalities, particularly in developing countries. Economically, it drives operational costs down and expands the talent pool, with micro-, meso-, and macroeconomic impacts. The possibility of telework as a tool of sustainable development is substantially moderated by organizational culture, digital infrastructure, sociodemographic reality, and even the physical environment. We argue that telework is a potentially transformative driver of corporate sustainability if deployed strategically within a given context; however, disciplinary fragmentation and methodological lacunae in common metrics remain, especially with regard to long-term effects and implementation in developing economies. Full article
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16 pages, 5732 KB  
Article
Research on the Deformation and Failure Mechanism of Flexible Formwork Walls in Gob-Side-Entry Retaining of Ultra-Long Isolated Mining Faces and Pressure Relief-Control Technology via Roof Cutting
by Heng Wang and Junqing Guo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5833; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115833 - 22 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 589
Abstract
To resolve the critical issues of severe deformation, structural failure, and maintenance difficulties in the advanced reuse zone of gob-side-entry retaining roadways under pillarless mining conditions in ultra-long fully mechanized top-coal caving isolated mining faces, this study proposes a surrounding rock control technology [...] Read more.
To resolve the critical issues of severe deformation, structural failure, and maintenance difficulties in the advanced reuse zone of gob-side-entry retaining roadways under pillarless mining conditions in ultra-long fully mechanized top-coal caving isolated mining faces, this study proposes a surrounding rock control technology incorporating pressure relief through roof cutting. Taking the 3203 ultra-long isolated mining face at Nanyang Coal Industry as the engineering case, an integrated methodology combining laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and industrial-scale field trials was implemented. The deformation and failure mechanism of flexible formwork walls in gob-side-entry retaining and the fundamental principles of pressure relief via roof cutting were systematically examined. The vertical stress variations in the advanced reuse zone of the retained roadway before and after roof cutting were investigated, with specific focus on the strata pressure behavior of roadways and face-end hydraulic supports on both the wide coal-pillar side and the pillarless side following roof cutting. The key findings are as follows: ① Blast-induced roof cutting reduces the cantilever beam length adjacent to the flexible formwork wall, thereby decreasing the load per unit area on the flexible concrete wall. This reduction consequently alleviates lateral abutment stress and loading in the floor heave-affected zone, achieving effective control of roadway surrounding rock stability. ② Compared with non-roof cutting, the plastic zone damage area of surrounding rock in the gob-side entry retained by flexible formwork concrete wall is significantly reduced after roof cutting, and the vertical stress on the flexible formwork wall is also significantly decreased. ③ Distinct differences exist in the distribution patterns and magnitudes of working resistance for face-end hydraulic supports between the wide coal-pillar side and the pillarless gob-side-entry retaining side after roof cutting. As the interval resistance increases, the average working resistance of hydraulic supports on the wide pillar side demonstrates uniform distribution, whereas the pillarless side exhibits a declining frequency trend in average working resistance, with an average reduction of 30% compared to non-cutting conditions. ④ After roof cutting, the surrounding rock deformation control effectiveness of the track gateway on the gob-side-entry retaining side is comparable to that of the haulage gateway on the 50 m wide coal-pillar side, ensuring safe mining of the working face. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)
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26 pages, 2141 KB  
Review
Intelligent Maritime Shipping: A Bibliometric Analysis of Internet Technologies and Automated Port Infrastructure Applications
by Yangqiong Zou, Guangnian Xiao, Qingjun Li and Salvatore Antonio Biancardo
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050979 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2918
Abstract
Amid the dual imperatives of global trade expansion and low-carbon transition, intelligent maritime shipping has emerged as a central driver for the innovation of international logistics systems, now entering a critical window period for the deep integration of Internet technologies and automated port [...] Read more.
Amid the dual imperatives of global trade expansion and low-carbon transition, intelligent maritime shipping has emerged as a central driver for the innovation of international logistics systems, now entering a critical window period for the deep integration of Internet technologies and automated port infrastructure. While existing research predominantly focuses on isolated applications of intelligent technologies, systematic evaluations of the synergistic effects of technological integration on maritime ecosystems, policy compatibility, and contributions to global carbon emission governance remain under-explored. Leveraging bibliometric analysis, this study systematically examines 488 publications from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection (2000–2024), yielding three pivotal findings: firstly, China dominates the research landscape, with a 38.5% contribution share, where Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and port automation constitute the technological pillars. However, critical gaps persist in cross-system protocol standardization and climate-adaptive modeling, accounting for only 2.7% and 4.2% of the literature, respectively. Secondly, international collaboration networks exhibit pronounced “Islamization”, characterized by an inter-team collaboration rate of 17.3%, while the misalignment between rapid technological iteration and existing maritime regulations exacerbates industry risks. Thirdly, a dual-track pathway integrating Cyber–Physical System (CPS)-based digital twin ports and open-source vertical domain-specific large language models is proposed. Empirical evidence demonstrates its efficacy in reducing cargo-handling energy consumption by 15% and decision-making latency by 40%. This research proposes a novel tripartite framework, encompassing technological, institutional, and data sovereignty dimensions, to resolve critical challenges in integrating multi-source maritime data and managing cross-border governance. The model provides academically validated and industry-compatible strategies for advancing sustainable maritime intelligence. Subsequent investigations should expand data sources to include regional repositories and integrate interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring the adaptability of both technical systems and international policy coordination mechanisms across diverse maritime ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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12 pages, 3147 KB  
Article
Thermally Induced Displacements and Rotations of Pillars for Precise Geodetic Measurements
by Robert Močnik, Dejan Zupan, Andrej Pal and Tomaž Ambrožič
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4678; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094678 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze the displacements of a geodetic reference pillar due to thermal loading, which typically occurs when the sunlit side of the pillar heats up more than the shaded side. This temperature differential induces bending of the pillar, resulting in [...] Read more.
In this paper, we analyze the displacements of a geodetic reference pillar due to thermal loading, which typically occurs when the sunlit side of the pillar heats up more than the shaded side. This temperature differential induces bending of the pillar, resulting in the horizontal displacement of the screw used for forced centering of the instrument. Measuring displacement in the field is challenging, as it is difficult to thermally isolate the displacement sensor mount from the environment, whereas measuring rotations is much easier. Under controlled laboratory conditions, we measured the inclination of the plate with the forced-centering screw and simultaneously recorded the displacements near the top of a test pillar during a heating and cooling cycle totaling 10 h. During the heating phase, the heated side of the pillar recorded a temperature rise of 25.4 K, which led to a lateral displacement at the top of the pillar of approximately 1 mm. We found excellent agreement between the displacements calculated from the inclination and the directly measured displacements. The deviation between the calculated and measured displacements was less than 0.1 mm, which confirms the precision of the indirect method. Our results demonstrate that using an isolated inclinometer and converting the measured inclination values into displacements provides a representative characterization of the behavior of a pillar for precise geodetic measurements. Full article
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17 pages, 16119 KB  
Article
Stability Analysis of Isolated Roof in Overlapping Goaf Based on Strength Reduction
by Chang Liu, Kui Zhao, Peng Zeng and Cong Gong
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063067 - 12 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 580
Abstract
An isolated roof is an indispensable component of overlapping goaf. Focusing on the influence of dislocated width and width ratio on the stability of the isolated roof, this study analyzes the change rule of the safety factor of the roof supported by misaligned [...] Read more.
An isolated roof is an indispensable component of overlapping goaf. Focusing on the influence of dislocated width and width ratio on the stability of the isolated roof, this study analyzes the change rule of the safety factor of the roof supported by misaligned pillars and reveals the evolution characteristics of it by integrating numerical simulation into the strength reduction method. Firstly, with the increase of the dislocated width, the safety factor experienced three stages of sharp decrease, change from decrease to increase, and rapid increase. Secondly, the width ratio λ = 2 can be determined as the critical value of the safety reserve of the roof. In the interval λ ˂ 2, F decreases sharply with the increase of λ, but when λ ˃ 2, F decreases slowly and tends to 0. Thirdly, the overlap rate of pillars is a determinant of the type of damage but not of the safety factor of the roof. When η = 0, the safety factor is independent of the overlap rate. Furthermore, increasing the dislocated width can make the failure units accumulate continuously and then promote the plastic zone to expand gradually, resulting in roof collapse due to the penetration of the failure units. In this process, the tensile failure zone evolves from a single fold line to a wavy line, and the shear failure zone changes from a diagonal strip to a square strip. The study provides a new method to improve the stability of the roof, which is helpful to significantly reduce the collapse risk of overlapping goaf. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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25 pages, 27856 KB  
Article
Analysis of Surrounding Rock Stability Based on Refined Geological and Mechanical Parameter Modeling—A Case Study
by Guangzhi Chai, Yong Zhao, Tianhong Yang, Qianbai Zhao, Shihui Jiao and Jinduo Li
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031465 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 965
Abstract
Metallic ore deposits are generally formed through magmatic intrusions, followed by metamorphism. The geological structures in such regions are often complex, with mechanical parameters exhibiting significant variability. These characteristics dictate the need for refined geological modeling and heterogeneous mechanical parameters for rock mass [...] Read more.
Metallic ore deposits are generally formed through magmatic intrusions, followed by metamorphism. The geological structures in such regions are often complex, with mechanical parameters exhibiting significant variability. These characteristics dictate the need for refined geological modeling and heterogeneous mechanical parameters for rock mass stability analysis to ensure reliability. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel method for rock mass stability analysis. The method fully leverages high-density drilling data from the mine and introduces an intelligent rock quality designation (RQD) identification technique, facilitating characterization of the spatial heterogeneity of rock mass RQD. Building on this, laboratory experiment data and in situ measurements are integrated, and the Hoek–Brown criterion is employed to achieve a refined characterization of heterogeneous rock mass mechanical parameters. This method allows for a realistic inversion of in situ rock mass mechanical conditions, overcoming the limitations inherent in assigning uniform parameters. Finally, the computed rock mass mechanical parameters are assigned to the refined computational model to conduct rock mass stability analysis. Taking the Jiangfeng Iron Mine, with its complex geological conditions, as an example, this method enables the accurate evaluation of the rock mass stability, determines the feasibility of joint mining, and calculates the appropriate thickness of the isolation pillars, effectively mitigating safety risks in mining operations. This method provides a valuable reference for the rock mass stability analysis of underground joint mining operations for similar mines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tunneling and Underground Engineering)
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33 pages, 2389 KB  
Article
Investigating the Underpinning Criteria of Employees’ Social Sustainability and Their Impact on Job Satisfaction in the U.A.E. Construction Sector
by Sara Saboor and Vian Ahmed
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11307; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411307 - 23 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
The construction sector holds a paramount position in the economic landscape of any country, serving as its foundational pillar. This sector, characterized by its diverse and dynamic environment, is crucial in job creation across various domains, including transportation, real estate, manufacturing, trade, warehousing, [...] Read more.
The construction sector holds a paramount position in the economic landscape of any country, serving as its foundational pillar. This sector, characterized by its diverse and dynamic environment, is crucial in job creation across various domains, including transportation, real estate, manufacturing, trade, warehousing, wholesale, and leasing services. Employing about one quarter of the global workforce, its significance is undeniable. Despite its pivotal role, the construction sector grapples with significant mental health and social sustainability challenges. Reports in recent years indicate that approximately one in four individuals worldwide experiences various forms of mental disorders. A study by the Global Burden of Disease in 2010 revealed that around 400 million people globally suffer from depression with projections suggesting that depression could be the leading cause of employee mortality by 2030. This underscores the critical need to address mental health and well-being issues in this sector. While the existing literature has presented numerous studies and reliable scales linking employee mental health and well-being to factors such as job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism, and low turnover rates, these studies often operate in isolation, concentrating on specific aspects of mental health. This study views mental health and well-being as essential parts of defining social sustainability as a comprehensive concept. Moreover, limited research has been conducted to assist organizations in decision making and facilitate efforts to enhance the social sustainability of employees in the construction sector, highlighting a noticeable research gap. To address this gap, our study adopted a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews, surveys, and structural equation modeling to identify the underpinning criteria that define the social sustainability of employees. This study accordingly incorporated the identified criteria to evaluate the relationship and impact of these factors on employees’ job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the assurance of social sustainability for employees within the construction sector in the UAE. This holistic approach seeks to establish the intricate relationship between employees’ job satisfaction and their mental health, providing valuable insights for guiding organizational decisions and fostering improvements in employee social sustainability in the construction sector generally and the UAE construction sector in particular. Full article
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16 pages, 5532 KB  
Brief Report
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Peribacillus frigoritolerans Strain d21.2 Isolated in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia
by Maria N. Romanenko, Anton E. Shikov, Iuliia A. Savina, Anton A. Nizhnikov and Kirill S. Antonets
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122410 - 24 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2137
Abstract
Pesticide-free agriculture is a fundamental pillar of environmentally friendly agriculture. To this end, there is an active search for new bacterial strains capable of synthesizing secondary metabolites and toxins that protect crops from pathogens and pests. In this study, we isolated a novel [...] Read more.
Pesticide-free agriculture is a fundamental pillar of environmentally friendly agriculture. To this end, there is an active search for new bacterial strains capable of synthesizing secondary metabolites and toxins that protect crops from pathogens and pests. In this study, we isolated a novel strain d21.2 of Peribacillus frigoritolerans from a soil sample collected in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. Leveraging several bioinformatic approaches on Illumina-based whole-genome assembly, we revealed that the strain harbors certain insecticidal loci (coding for putative homologs of Bmp and Vpa) and also contains multiple BGCs (biosynthetic gene clusters), including paeninodin, koranimine, schizokinen, and fengycin. In total, 21 BGCs were predicted as synthesizing metabolites with bactericidal and/or fungicidal effects. Importantly, by applying a re-scaffolding pipeline, we managed to robustly predict MGEs (mobile genetic elements) associated with BGCs, implying high genetic plasticity. In addition, the d21.2’s genome was free from genes encoding for enteric toxins, implying its safety in use. A comparison with available genomes of the Peribacillus frigoritolerans strain revealed that the strain described here contains more functionally important loci than other members of the species. Therefore, strain d21.2 holds potential for use in agriculture due to the probable manifestation of bactericidal, fungicidal, growth-stimulating, and other useful properties. The assembled genome is available in the NCBI GeneBank under ASM4106054v1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture-Related Microorganisms and Carbon Cycle)
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10 pages, 4742 KB  
Article
Tellurium Photonic Crystal-Based Terahertz Polarization Splitter Using a Diamond-Shaped Ferrite Pillar Array
by Haiping Zhang, Zhifeng Zeng and Yong Wang
Crystals 2024, 14(12), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121015 - 23 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1162
Abstract
A T-shaped photonic crystal waveguide was designed with square lattice tellurium photonic crystals. A diamond-shaped ferrite pillar array was inserted in the junction of the waveguide to make a novel terahertz polarization splitter. Both transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes were numerically investigated [...] Read more.
A T-shaped photonic crystal waveguide was designed with square lattice tellurium photonic crystals. A diamond-shaped ferrite pillar array was inserted in the junction of the waveguide to make a novel terahertz polarization splitter. Both transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes were numerically investigated by the plane wave expansion method, which used complete photonic band gaps covering from 0.138 THz to 0.144 THz. In this frequency domain of the fully polarized band gaps, the transmission efficiency of the photonic crystal waveguide was up to −0.21 dB and −1.67 dB for the transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes, respectively. Under the action of a DC magnetic field, the THz waves were rotated 90 degrees by the diamond-shaped ferrite pillar array. Transverse electric waves or transverse magnetic waves can be separated by a polarization isolator (six smaller tellurium rods) from the fixed waves. The characteristics of the designed polarization splitter were analyzed by the finite element method, and its transmission efficiency was optimized to 95 percent by fine-tuning the radii of the thirteen ferrite pillars. A future integrated communication network of sky–earth–space will require fully polarized devices in the millimeter and terahertz wavebands. The envisaged polarization splitter has a unique function and provides a promising method for the realization of fully polarized 6G devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metamaterials and Their Devices)
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17 pages, 11465 KB  
Article
The Catastrophic Failure Mechanisms and the Prevention of Dynamic Pressure-Related Hazards During Mining Under an Interval Goaf Through an Isolated Coal Pillar in Shallow and Closely Spaced Coal Seams
by Bin Wang, Jie Zhang, Haifei Lin, Hui Liu, Shoushi Gao and Yifeng He
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10554; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210554 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1086
Abstract
Given the potential for dynamic load-induced support crushing that may occur during mining under an interval goaf through an isolated coal pillar (ICP) in shallow closely spaced coal seams, this paper systematically explored this issue through a case study of the 30,103 working [...] Read more.
Given the potential for dynamic load-induced support crushing that may occur during mining under an interval goaf through an isolated coal pillar (ICP) in shallow closely spaced coal seams, this paper systematically explored this issue through a case study of the 30,103 working face at the Nanliang Coal Mine. We employed a combined approach of similarity simulations, theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and field measurements to investigate the catastrophic failure mechanisms and prevention strategies for dynamic pressure-related hazards encountered when mining a lower coal seam that passes through an ICP. The findings indicated that the synchronous cutting instability of the interlayer effective bearing stratum (IEBS) and double-arch bridge structure of the ICP roof were the primary causes of dynamic load-induced support crushing at the working face. A mechanical model was developed to characterize the IEBS instability during mining under an interval goaf. The sources and transmission pathways of dynamic mining pressure during mining passing through the ICP were clarified. The linked instability of the double-arch bridge structure of the ICP roof was induced by IEBS failure. The UDEC numerical model was utilized to elucidate the instability of the IEBS during mining in the lower coal seam and to analyze the vertical stress distribution patterns in the floor rock strata of the interval goaf. A comprehensive prevention and control strategy for roof dynamic pressure, which includes pre-releasing concentrated stress in the ICP, strengthening the support strength of the working face, and accelerating the advancement speed was proposed. The effectiveness of this prevention and control strategy was validated through actually monitoring the characteristics of mining pressure data from the 30,103 working face following pressure relief. The findings provide valuable insights for rock stratum control of shallow and closely spaced coal seam mining under similar conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)
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