Efficient Resource Utilization Research Articles

Exploring key metrics of sterilization services using cost analysis

ABSTRACT Sterilization services not only impact service delivery processes directly but also account for a substantial portion of total costs. Therefore, accurate resource measurement becomes imperative for efficient resource utilization. This research aims to draw a framework for calculating the package and autoclave unit cost within a sterilization unit and to pinpoint sterilization unit-specific findings distinct from those of other service provider departments. To achieve this, we collected and analyzed cost data from a public hospital in Trabzon, Türkiye, for 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, the unit cost of the package and autoclave of the sterilization unit was calculated based on the collected data. Our analysis considered various cost components, such as equipment maintenance, personnel salaries, and utility expenses. Through our research, we identified key factors influencing the sterilization process. The findings guided decision-makers in prioritizing areas for efficient and sustainable service provision. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of our developed framework in cost analysis, highlighting its potential impact on resource management practices in healthcare settings. Additionally, insights into decision-making processes regarding in-house versus outsourced provision of sterilization services can inform managerial decisions and resource allocation strategies more effectively.

Advances and Challenges in Pest Management for Protected Cultivation in India: Integrative Approaches and Future Prospects

Poly house farming in India has transformed agriculture by enabling year-round crop production and protecting crops from adverse weather. However, the controlled environment of poly houses represents unique challenges in pest management, making it crucial to implement effective strategies to maintain crop health and yield. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a comprehensive approach that combines cultural, biological and chemical practices to control pests while minimizing environmental impact. The advantages of protected cultivation include increased productivity, improved produce quality and efficient resource utilization. Despite these benefits, poly house farming faces limitations such as high initial costs, the need for meticulous planning and ongoing crop protection requirements. Pest identification is vital for effective management, as misidentification can lead to inappropriate control measures. Common pests in poly houses include insects, slugs, mites, nematodes, pathogens and weeds. Pest monitoring strategies such as scouting, using monitoring tools and record-keeping are essential for timely and effective management interventions. Management strategies encompass physical, biological and chemical methods. Physical approaches include the use of sticky and pheromone traps, while biological control involves the release of natural predators and entomopathogens. Chemical management involves both biorational pesticides and conventional chemicals, with IPM emphasizing the integration of these methods to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Preventive measures like insect-proof screens and soil solarization, along with curative measures and advanced technologies like video camera networks and decision support systems, are pivotal for effective pest control. Future prospects include improving technology standards, enhancing computerized control systems, and fostering research and government support to advance protected cultivation in India.

Experimental investigation on sustainable machining of Monel using vegetable oils as cutting fluids and machine learning-based surface roughness prediction

Abstract The material processing industry is anticipated to mitigate environmental degradation. The protocols established by the International Organisation for Standardisation were adhered to. As a result, it would be prudent to investigate the feasibility of removing cutting fluids from the machining process. This study discusses an environmentally-friendly machining technique for turning nickel-based alloy Monel-500, which evaluates four different cooling conditions: dry machining, flood machining, Co-MQL (coconut oil), and Rb-MQL (Rice Bran Oil). These conditions were tested by experimenting with various machining parameters to investigate four aspects of the turning process: surface finish,cutting temperature, tool wear and chip morphology. Rice bran oil is considered eco-friendly compared to synthetic cutting fluids, and employing it in minimum quantity is economical and helps improve the machined workpiece's surface finish. The investigation has been further extended by applying machine learning algorithms to predict surface roughness, utilising two logical regressions implemented in Python. Among the two machine learning approaches, the random forest regression technique has demonstrated superior results, achieving a prediction accuracy of 99.8%. Consequently, a decision tree has been developed using this regression model to predict the surface roughness. The structured analysis of the decision tree provides more accurate conclusions, offering flexibility in adjusting parameters and expanding options for operation. As a result, the decision tree approach enables the efficient utilisation of production resources and enhances production capacity by making informed choices about cooling methods during the turning process. Rb-MQL has performed better in all aspects than the other three cooling conditions. When comparing machining under dry conditions, flood cooling, Co-MQL, and Rb-MQL (rice bran oil) reduce the tooltip temperature by 39.5%,25.45 and 24.11 %, respectively. Rb-MQL reduced surface roughness by 28.23%,43.59 and 60.49 % in contrast with machining under dry, flood, and Co-MQL.

Improving biodegradability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in old landfill leachate by electrochemical pretreatment: The effect mechanism of polarity

Enhancing the biodegradability of old landfill leachate is vital for the efficient treatment or resource utilization of municipal solid waste. Electrochemical pretreatment emerges as a promising technology for transformation of refractory dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, the specific impact of polarity on improving biodegradability of DOM remains unclear. In this study, a divided electrolyzer was used to explore the changes in the biodegradability of DOM in old landfill leachate during electrolysis. Meanwhile, the correlation mechanism between BOD5 variation and DOM evolution was explored by spectroscopy and Maldi-TOF-MS analysis. Results shown that different polarities all have positive effect on enhancing the biodegradability of DOM, while the structural changes related with BOD5 are depending on the polarity. In the anode chamber, electrochemical oxidation (EO) generates and eliminates carboxyl groups. Additionally, EO concurrently eliminates humic-like substances, which are challenging for microorganisms to degrade, and protein-like substances, which are easily degradable by microorganisms. This creates a competitive mechanism that coexist the promotion and inhibition for biodegradability. In the cathode chamber, electrochemical reduction (ER) transforms DOM components, accumulating easily useable protein components for microorganisms. Kinetic studies show that EO related BOD5 changes are aptly described by a competition model, considering both generation and removal of bioavailable components. ER related BOD5 changes suit a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. These insights into the transformation of old leachate DOM support the development of methods predicting BOD5 evolution, crucial for future process optimization.

Optimal agronomic measures combined with biochar increased rice yield through enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in soda saline-alkali fields

Soda saline-alkali stress severely hampers rice growth, nitrogen use efficiency, and yield formation. Biochar addition has been recognized as a potential solution to mitigate the adverse effects of saline-alkali stress on crops. Similarly, optimal agronomic measures are known to optimize crop growth conditions and enhance yield formation and resource utilization efficiency. Despite this knowledge, there is limited understanding of the combined effects of optimizing agronomic measures and biochar addition on ionic accumulation, nitrogen use efficiency, and rice yield in soda saline-alkali paddy fields. In this study, a 3-year field experiment was undertaken to evaluate the combined effects of optimal agronomic measures and biochar application on rice physiological properties, nitrogen use efficiency, and yield under five agronomic treatments: zero-fertilizer control (CK), farmers’ practice (FP), high-yield and high-efficiency management (OPT1), super-high-yield management (OPT2), high-yield and high-efficiency management combined with biochar (OPT1+B), and super-high-yield management combined with biochar (OPT2+B). The results demonstrate that treatments of optimal agronomic practices combined with biochar application (OPT2+B and OPT1+B) effectively reduced leaf Na+ concentration, Na+/K+ ratio, abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, while enhancing leaf K+ concentration, improving leaf water status, and reducing relative electrical leakage over three years. Furthermore, these combined treatments positively influenced the enzyme activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and leaf nitrogen content (LN), as well as SPAD values. Additionally, the average nitrogen agronomic use efficiency (AEn) increased by 154.71 %, 109.81 %, 50.67 %, and 32.60 % in OPT1+B, OPT2+B, OPT1, and OPT2, respectively, compared to FP, while nitrogen physiological use efficiency (PEn) decreased by 64.03 %, 58.56 %, 29.46 %, and 21.81 %. The average grain yield (GY) increased by 311.42 %, 302.86 %, 196.57 %, 178.86 %, and 133.72 % in OPT2+B, OPT1+B, OPT2, and OPT1, respectively, compared to FP. AEn exhibited positive correlations with K+, leaf water status (LWS), NR, GS, GOGAT, LN, SPAD, and GY. These findings will offer new insights into the sustainable development and utilization of soda saline-alkali lands.

Development and validation of a 5K low-density SNP chip for Hainan cattle

BackgroundThis study aimed to design and develop a 5K low-density liquid chip for Hainan cattle utilizing targeted capture sequencing technology. The chip incorporates a substantial number of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci derived from public literature, including SNP loci significantly associated with immunity, heat stress, meat quality, reproduction, and other traits. Additionally, SNPs located in the coding regions of immune-related genes from the Bovine Genome Variation Database (BGVD) and Hainan cattle-specific SNP loci were included.ResultsA total of 5,293 SNPs were selected, resulting in 9,837 DNA probes with a coverage rate of 85.69%, thereby creating a Hainan cattle-specific 5K Genotyping by Target Sequencing (GBTS) liquid chip. Evaluation with 152 cattle samples demonstrated excellent clustering performance and a detection rate ranging from 96.60 to 99.07%, with 94.5% of SNP sites exhibiting polymorphism. The chip achieved 100% gender coverage and displayed a heterozygosity rate between 14.20% and 29.65%, with a repeatability rate of 99.65–99.85%. Analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed the potential regulatory roles of exonic SNPs in immune response pathways.ConclusionThe development and validation of the 5K GBTS liquid chip for Hainan cattle represent a valuable tool for genome analysis and genetic diversity assessment. Furthermore, it facilitates breed identification, gender determination, and kinship analysis, providing a foundation for the efficient utilization and development of local cattle genetic resources.

Integrated Farming System: A Sustainable Approach towards Modern Agriculture

Integrated farming system (IFS) is an integrated approach towards sustainable agriculture in this modern era. It is the integration of various agricultural enterprises or practices such as crops, livestock, Poultry, fish, agroforestry, horticulture, vermicomposting, Mushroom cultivation and beekeeping, in a single farming system. IFS is considered as the efficient tool for enhancing the profitability of farming systems especially for small and marginal farmers. The purposes or objectives of the IFS are: It enhances the productivity per unit area; Agriculture waste management; Soil health management and soil conservation; Generation of diversified income round the year; less use of chemicals; Increasing the yield of all integrated components and food security. IFS include various components or enterprises. These enterprises not only increase the farmer’s income but also increase employment generation of a family. The juadicious integration of these agricultural enterprises improves the socio-economic status of the farmers. The crop production component of IFS includes the cultivation of various economically important crops such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. To maintain the soil health & fertility and management of Plant diseases and pests, various cultural methods such as intercropping, crop rotation, soil solarisation, organic amendment, Mulching, etc. Mushroom cultivation is also one of the important enterprises in IFS that contribute towards increase in farmer’s income. Another important component of IFS includes the rearing of different types of livsestock such as cows, goats, sheep, Duckery, Piggery, Apiary, and poultry. Livestock provides a source of income and produces manure, which can be used as fertilizer for crops. Biogas is another enterprise which is the use of agricultural and animal waste to produce energy. This Bioenergy helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and provide a source of income for farmers. There are various models that can be used in IFS like Horticulture+ Piggery+ Fisheries+ Plantation crops and Agriculture+ Horticulture+ Poultry+ Fishery+ Mushroom. Hence, Integrated Farming System is a promising approach for increasing productivity, increasing farmer’s income by utilizing the agricultural and animal waste, recycling farm by-products and efficient utilization of available resources.

Nitrogen reduction enhances crop productivity, decreases soil nitrogen loss and optimize its balance in wheat-maize cropping area of the Loess Plateau, China

In winter wheat-summer maize double cropping, fertilization changes the nitrogen (N) balance in the soil N pool, grain N uptake, N loss, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), ultimately impacting crop productivity and environmental health. For agricultural systems to maintain yields at lower environmental costs, N budgets must be balanced. Still, there is a deficiency in the reporting of N budgets of farming systems that incorporate all N flows. We evaluated the effects of various N fertilizer application rates on soil N balance and crop productivity in the 2017–2021 winter wheat-summer maize growing seasons. These rates included non-N fertilization (N0), 75 kg·N·ha−1 (N75), 150 kg·N·ha−1 (N150), 225 kg·N·ha−1 (N225), and conventional N fertilizer application rate, 300 kg·N·ha−1 (N300). Our analysis was based on a long-term field fertilization experiment and in-situ observation (established in 2010). The results show that fertilization significantly increased crop yields (wheat: 29.2 %–97.6 %; maize:25.4 %–98.1 %; annal: 27.0 %–96.7 %), among which N225 showed the highest increase value, compared with N0. Moreover, the N225 maximized grain N uptake by 201.0 %, reducing N losses and increasing N sequestration compared to the conventional N application rate of N300. N balance changes from negative to positive as the N application rate increases (wheat: −63.78–85.24 kg·ha−1; maize: −55.77–82.25 kg·ha−1; annal: −119.58–167.46 kg·ha−1·yr−1). Combining years of N inputs and outputs, the N225 is more balanced. Therefore, our study shows that an appropriate reduction of N fertilizer (N225) can help maintain agricultural productivity and promote N sequestration in farmland by reducing environmental N loss. Maintaining the virtuous cycle of N in the farmland ecosystem is beneficial and essential for the efficient utilization, high yield, and sustainable development of farmland resources.

Blessings or curses? Exploring the impact of digital technology innovation on natural resource utilization efficiency in China

With the increasing resource and environmental constraints and pollution, China urgently needs to improve the condition of resource utilization. Digital technology innovation is a powerful tool for resource optimization. Therefore, this paper explores the impact of digital technology innovation on natural resource utilization efficiency (NRUE) in China from 2006 to 2019 with the system-generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM). Besides, we investigate the mechanism and heterogeneity. The main conclusions show that: (1) Digital technology innovation can significantly improve NRUE. Every 1% rise in digital technology innovation causes a 0.024% increase in NRUE; (2) digital technology innovation can indirectly improve NRUE by promoting industrial structure optimization, strengthening pollution control, and promoting green credit; and (3) heterogeneity exists in the digital technology innovation-NRUE nexus, and the effects are more obvious in digital product manufacturing and northern China. The findings enrich the existing literature and provide enlightenment for the use of digital technology to improve NRUE in China.

An eco-friendly strategy of cell wall stapling: In situ crosslinking of acrylic acid emulsion impregnated in thermally treated poplar wood

Traditional wood modification methods often result in the release of harmful substances and energy wastage. This study proposes an efficient and environmentally friendly modification strategy for fast-growing poplar wood. The approach involves polymerizing organic linear molecules within the cell wall to form stitches, thereby enhancing the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of wood and increasing its ability to withstand various environments. Poplar wood specimens were treated via a method that combines heat treatment with acrylic emulsion impregnation. The research findings indicated an improvement in the mechanical properties of poplar wood following the combined treatment. Moreover, poplar wood subjected to this treatment approach exhibited a 35.24 % lower water absorption rate after a 7-day water immersion test, and tangential and radial swelling rates of the wood were reduced by 29.66 % and 45.68 %, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed excellent penetration of acrylic emulsion into wood cells; the emulsion infiltrated the wood and adhered to the cell walls, forming a crosslinked network structure. Analysis of the modification mechanism through X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the successful infusion of acrylic emulsion compensated for the lower mechanical properties of thermally treated wood, thus improving the utilization value of poplar. The acrylic emulsion is an environmentally friendly and harmless modifier, making the modified wood suitable for various applications, including indoor furniture, logistics, and outdoor facilities. This modification strategy enables efficient resource utilization and provides valuable insights for the sustainable development of the timber industry.

Farmers’ Willingness and Adoption of Water-Saving Agriculture in Arid Areas: Evidence from China

Enhancing water resource utilization efficiency is crucial for achieving sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. In promoting water-saving agriculture technologies, there is often a phenomenon of “willingness without behavior”. Therefore, investigating how willingness translates into behavior is of significant importance for improving water resource utilization. This study utilized data from a survey of 494 households in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, and employed Probit models to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ willingness towards water-saving technologies and their adoption. Prospect theory and mental accounting theory were introduced to understand the mechanism of transformation from farmers’ willingness to adoption. The study found that farmers’ willingness is a crucial prerequisite for their adoption. Farmers’ income perception towards adopting water-saving technologies can facilitate the transformation from willingness to adoption, while cost perception can inhibit this transformation. Both small and large-scale farmers’ perception of the benefits of water-saving technologies significantly increased their likelihood of translating their willingness to adopt into actual action. Compared with large-scale farmers, small-scale farmers are more sensitive to the perception of economic costs in the decision-making process. For both types of farmers, the perception of learning cost inhibits their willingness to adopt water-saving technologies to a certain extent. Farmers’ perception of the prospects of adopting water-saving technologies leads to a psychological segmentation effect, and the ultimate adoption depends on the psychological game between farmers’ income and cost perception.

Adaptive load balancing in distributed cloud environment: Hybrid Kookaburra-Osprey optimization algorithm

A distributed cloud environment is characterized by the dispersion of computing resources, services, and applications across multiple locations or data centres. This distribution enhances scalability, redundancy, and resource utilization efficiency. To optimize performance and prevent any single node from becoming a bottleneck, it is imperative to implement effective load-balancing strategies, particularly as user demands vary and certain nodes experience increased processing requirements. This research introduces an Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB) approach aimed at maximizing the efficiency and reliability of distributed cloud environments. The approach employs a three-step process: Chunk Creation, Task Allocation, and Load Balancing. In the Chunk Creation step, a novel Improved Fuzzy C-means clustering (IFCMC) clustering method categorizes similar tasks into clusters for assignment to Physical Machines (PMs). Subsequently, a hybrid optimization algorithm called the Kookaburra-Osprey Updated Optimization Algorithm (KOU), incorporating the Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm (KOA) and Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA), allocates tasks assigned to PMs to Virtual Machines (VMs) in the Task Allocation step, considering various constraints. The Load Balancing step ensures even distribution of tasks among VMs, considering migration cost and efficiency. This systematic approach, by efficiently distributing tasks across VMs within the distributed cloud environment, contributes to enhanced efficiency and scalability. Further, the contribution of the ALB approach in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of distributed cloud environments is evaluated through analyses. The KBA is 1189.279, BES is 629.240, ACO is 1017.889, Osprey is 1147.300, SMO is 1215.148, APDPSO is 1191.014, and DGWO is 1095.405, respectively. The resource utilization attained by the KOU method is 1224.433 at task 1000.

Simultaneous preparation of lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals and lignin nanoparticles from wood sawdust by mixed organic acid hydrolysis

In the global search for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, the efficient utilization of biomass resources has become a hot research topic. Due to the high specific surface area, nanocellulose crystals (CNCs) have attracted considerable attention. However, CNC preparation often requires the separation of lignin and hemicellulose, which wastes resources. In this study, lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNCs) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared from p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH)/formic acid (FA) pretreated poplar wood in one-step. The process was performed in a mixed acid system with a mass ratio of p-TsOH, FA, and deionized water (DI) of 3:5:2, and mechanical stirring at 80 ºC for 3 h. Under these conditions, the lignin removal rate was about 70 %, and the LCNCs yield was more than 40 %. The p-TsOH is regained by vacuum distillation and recrystallization, and the recovery rate can reach 60 %. The prepared LCNCs were then carbonized and used as an electrode for electrochemical testing. The electrode obtained by carbonizing LCNC exhibits an areal capacitance of 156.4 F g−1 (0.5 A g−1). The study provided a new prospect for the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic nanomaterials.

Green innovation and natural resource efficiency: The role of environmental regulations and resource endowment in Chinese cities

Achieving natural resource utilization efficiency (NRUE) is a critical objective in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and the risks associated with the finite availability of mineral resources. Enhancing NRUE can mitigate environmental impacts and support sustainable development for future generations. In this context, green innovation emerges as a pivotal driver of environmental sustainability and resource conservation. However, its potential role in advancing the NRUE has not been fully explored. To fill this gap, this study conducts an empirical analysis of 268 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2022, examining the impact of green innovation on NRUE. This study also incorporates the mediating role of environmental regulations in shaping this impact. The findings demonstrate that green innovation significantly enhances NRUE, primarily by facilitating industrial structural upgrading and reducing resource dependence. Additionally, environmental regulations strengthen the positive effects of green innovation, further amplifying its contribution to NRUE. Moreover, geographical location and differences in resource endowments among cities lead to variations in the effectiveness of green innovation on NRUE. These findings underscore the complex interplay between green technological progress, proactive government policies, and NRUE, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike.

Multi-polar group cationic collector HTTPD: Mechanistic insights into selective flotation of bastnaesite

To address the challenge of separating bastnaesite rare earth minerals from gangue minerals, this study independently synthesized a novel multi-polar group cationic surfactant,2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-N1,N1,N3,N3-tetramethyl-N1,N3-bis(3-tridecanamidopropyl)propane-1,3-diaminium bromide (HTTPD), as a collector. The flotation results showed that HTTPD could obtain REO grade of 69.71% and recovery of 89.33%, significantly outperforming conventional collectors and proving to be an excellent collector. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation displayed that two quaternary ammonium groups and –NH/OH polar groups were main active sites with strong reactivity. The quaternary ammonium groups of HTTPD strongly adsorbed on the bastnaesite surface through electrostatic attraction, thereby enhancing the flotation selectivity from calcite. The –NH/–OH polar groups adsorbed with bastnaesite by hydrogen bonding interaction. Multi-polar group synergistic adsorption, formed through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding interaction, was the primary mechanism for the efficient separation of bastnaesite and calcite. This research not only provided new insight and theoretical guidance for the design and application of novel collectors but also promoted the efficient development and utilization of rare earth mineral resources.

Enhanced removal of organic dyes by piezoelectric-Fenton-like treatment with Fe-MOF@MoS2 catalysts

The risks associated with dye wastewater to the ecological environment are becoming increasingly significant. The efficient utilization and effective protection of water resources have become a persistent challenge. Employing coupling technologies to enhance the wastewater treatment process is an effective strategy for achieving sustainable water resource utilization. Herein, composite catalysts with iron-based metal-organic frameworks loaded with molybdenum disulfide (Fe-MOF@MoS₂) were prepared by a hydrothermal approach. The Fe-MOF@MoS2 composite catalysts demonstrated superior degradation efficiencies towards various organic dyes like methylene blue, rhodamine B, and Congo red, especially in conditions of low hydrogen peroxide concentration and ultrasonic vibration. Results indicated that after 30 minutes of piezoelectric-Fenton-like treatment, the removal efficiency of the above organic dyes exceeded 90 %. The piezoelectric effect led to efficient cyclic conversion of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions, while the inclusion of MoS2 enhanced H2O2 activation efficiency. Moreover, the Fe-MOF@MoS2 catalyst displayed remarkable recycling capabilities, retaining 90 % of its initial catalytic activity even after six degradation cycles. Thus, the development of composite catalysts with combined piezoelectric and Fenton-like functions holds great promise for improving organic dye wastewater treatment and safeguarding environmental and water resources.

A comprehensive IDA and SWATH-DIA Lipidomics and Metabolomics dataset: SARS-CoV-2 case control study

A significant hurdle in untargeted lipid/metabolomics research lies in the absence of reliable, cross-validated spectral libraries, leading to a considerable portion of LC-MS features being labeled as unknowns. Despite continuous advancement in annotation tools and libraries, it is important to safeguard, publish and share acquired data through public repositories. Embracing this trend of data sharing not only promotes efficient resource utilization but also paves the way for future repurposing and in-depth analysis; ultimately advancing our comprehension of Covid-19 and other diseases. In this work, we generated an extensive MS-dataset of 39 Covid-19 infected patients versus age- and gender-matched 39 healthy controls. We implemented state of the art acquisition techniques including IDA and SWATH-DIA to ensure a thorough insight in the lipidome and metabolome, ensuring a repurposable dataset.

Optimizing Ridge–Furrow Ratio to Improve Water Resource Utilization for Wheat in the North China Plain

The shortage of water resources seriously limits sustainable production in agriculture, and the ridge–furrow planting pattern is an effective water-saving cultivation pattern. However, the mechanism of the ridge–furrow planting pattern that drives the efficient utilization of field water resources in the North China Plain (NCP) is still unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the NCP from 2021 to 2023. The ridge–furrow planting patterns followed a randomized block design as follows: ridge–furrow ratios of 50 cm:50 cm (M2), 75 cm:50 cm (M3), and 100 cm:50 cm (M4). A traditional planting pattern was used as the control (M1). These were used to investigate the effects of different treatments on water use and roots. The results showed that M3 reduced the amount of irrigation, improved water distribution after irrigation, increased water use efficiency (WUE), and promoted root growth. Compared with other treatments, M3 increased soil water consumption at a 0–100 cm soil depth by 6.76–21.34% (average values over two years), root length density by 8.46–20.77%, and root surface area density by 7.87–22.13%. On average, M3 increased grain yields by 3.96–9.80%, biomass yields by 5.32–10.94%, and WUE by 4.5–9.87%. In conclusion, M3 is an effective planting pattern for improving the yield and WUE of wheat in the NCP.

Spatial spillover effects and correlation network analysis of green construction development efficiency in China

Green construction has been implemented globally to address resource depletion and environmental degradation. The effectiveness of green construction development depends on the efficiency of resource utilization and the common progress of all regions. However, existing studies have paid limited attention to green construction development efficiency (GCDE) and its spatial correlation. This study uses the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (Super-SBM) model, spatial econometric models, and social network analysis (SNA) method to reveal the spatial distribution, spatial spillover effects, and spatial correlation of GCDE across 30 provinces in China. The results indicate significant disparities in GCDE among regions, with the eastern region exhibiting considerably higher GCDE than the western and northeastern regions. There is evidence of spatial spillover effects, and the spatial correlation of GCDE is strengthening. Provinces with high GCDE occupy central positions in the GCDE network and exert spillover effects on other provinces, while underdeveloped provinces have opportunities to benefit from regional cooperation. The findings provide policy insights for the implementation and enhancement of green construction development actions. Moreover, they provide Chinese experience for green construction practices in other areas of the world.

Reporting on the establishment of a Privacy Preserving Record Linkage to Facilitate an Ongoing Crosswalk Between Research and Health Administrative Databases

IntroductionThe Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially funded, not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation, benefiting both patients and the economy (Stuss, 2014). OBI has established a large-scale neuroinformatics platform - Brain-CODE - to support the collection, storage, federation, sharing, and analysis of different data types across several brain disorders (Behan et al., 2023; Vaccarino et al., 2018). A privacy preserving record linkage protocol was developed to allow for the linkage of research data at Brain-CODE with health administrative data holdings at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) (Gee et al., 2018). Objective and ApproachThe methodology related to an ongoing crosswalk linkage between OBI and ICES, to allow for more seamless integration between the respective data holdings, has been previously presented (Behan et al., 2020). This methodology has since been operationalized leading to the establishment of an ongoing crosswalk linkage that is updated on an annual basis. ResultsSince the initial development of this ongoing crosswalk, two updates have been successfully completed leading to the linkage of over 7,000 study participants between the two platforms. This has led to a more efficient utilization of human and computational resources, compared to earlier data linkage projects completed on a project-by-project basis. Analysis projects in the areas of neurodegeneration, concussion, and neurodevelopmental disorders have already leveraged this crosswalk linkage process. Conclusions/ImplicationsThe establishment of this ongoing crosswalk linkage has supported a more streamlined approach of data linkage activities between OBI and ICES allowing for enhanced neuroscience-focused research activities.