Environmental Science Research Articles

Environmental and patient safety: Advances in radiological techniques to reduce radiation exposure

The growing concern for environmental and patient safety in medical imaging has driven significant advancements in radiological techniques aimed at reducing radiation exposure. This review explores these developments, emphasizing the dual focus on minimizing harm to patients and addressing the broader environmental impact of radiological practices. Recent innovations include the optimization of imaging protocols, the introduction of low-dose imaging technologies, and the integration of advanced software algorithms that enhance image quality while reducing the need for higher radiation doses. The implementation of iterative reconstruction techniques, for instance, has allowed for significant dose reductions in computed tomography (CT) scans without compromising diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the use of alternative imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, which do not involve ionizing radiation, is increasingly recommended where clinically appropriate, further mitigating radiation risks. Furthermore, the shift towards personalized imaging protocols, where radiation doses are adjusted based on individual patient characteristics, marks a critical advance in patient safety. This approach not only reduces unnecessary exposure but also enhances the overall effectiveness of diagnostic procedures. Environmental safety considerations have also led to the development of more sustainable radiological practices, including the safe disposal of radioactive materials and the reduction of energy consumption in imaging facilities. These efforts are aligned with broader healthcare initiatives to lower the carbon footprint of medical practices. The advancements in radiological techniques to reduce radiation exposure reflect a growing commitment to patient-centered care and environmental stewardship in healthcare. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing research and collaboration between medical professionals, physicists, and environmental scientists will be crucial in furthering these goals. By continuing to innovate and implement safer radiological practices, the medical community can significantly mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure, ensuring better health outcomes for patients and reducing the environmental impact of radiological services.

THE ROLE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL DISCOURSE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGETRAINING OF ENGINEERS

In this article the content analysis of the concept “scientific and technical discourse” is carried out and various aspects of this concept are systematized. Based on foreign and domestic practices, the main components that characterize scientific and technical discourse as a separate category have been revealed. The key characteristics and properties of scientific and technical discourse are identified, the knowledge and use of which will ensure successful communication in the scientific and technical environment. The specific influence of the identified characteristics on the effectiveness of scientific training has been clarified, since their correct use can significantly increase the quality of language education and training of technical specialists as a whole, improve their professional knowledge and language skills, as well as make them more competitive in the labor market.This scientific work is the result of research obtained in the process of project implementation “Intensification of scientific and professional language training of technical specialists in the context of digital transformation of education” (IRN AP19678460) by the grant funding of Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Modernizing agricultural workflows using artificial intelligence and deep learning: Enhancing plant species identification

Modernizing agricultural processes is imperative due to the labor-intensive nature that impedes crop production. Despite the steps of farm technologies, the manual tasks of identifying plants and weeds remain very time-consuming. The current paper asserts that Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), a type of Artificial Intelligence, can enhance plant species recognition efficiency. The paper focuses explicitly on how CNNs can be leveraged to improve the process of identifying different plant species, thereby promoting efficiency in plant species identification. With a dataset of images of 12 species of plants, we have come up with an entirely accurate CNN model for the classification of plant types. Implementing this AI-powered approach can reduce manual work, enhance decision-making processes, and enrich environmental sustainability in agriculture by rendering the workflow smoother. The present study has broad ramifications for agriculture, technology, and environmental science professionals seeking to embed AI solutions into conventional workflows. The proposed system is meant to show how AI can improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and allow environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Optimization of Ultrasonication for Chlorella sp. Growth: Impacts on Biomass Productivity and Nutrient Utilization

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment of different durations on Chlorella sp. culture to analyze biomass concentration, biomass productivity and chlorophyll and macronutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate, which were added to the Chlorella sp. culture. Study Design: This investigation sought to optimize the duration of exposure of live microalgal culture to ultrasonic treatment to estimate economically significant biomass and pigments. Microalgal biomass has potential applications in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, and is highly sought after by industry. Consequently, it is imperative to optimize this process for large-scale production. Chlorophyll pigment is not only crucial in the photosynthesis process but also serves as a high-value component in the food, cosmetic, and health industries. Furthermore, utilizing the optimized duration of ultrasonication treatment, residual nitrate and phosphate in the medium were analyzed, providing key insights into the nutrient consumption of Chlorella sp. under ultrasonication stress. Place and Duration of Study: The present investigation was conducted over 36 days to estimate the effect of ultrasonication on biomass, chlorophyll, nitrate and phosphorus concentration in Chlorella culture at the laboratory of Synthetic Ecology and Environment Biotechnology, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer. Methodology: In this study, the effects of ultrasonication on biomass and chlorophyll content were evaluated by treating Chlorella sp. cultures for 5, 10, and 15 min in addition to an untreated control group. Based on these results, an optimized ultrasonication duration of 5 min was selected for further analysis. During this phase, the nitrate and phosphorus contents in the culture medium were measured to investigate the influence of ultrasonication on these nutrient levels. All treatments were conducted in triplicate to ensure reproducibility of the results, with the mean and standard deviation calculated as measures of statistical reliability. The use of mean and standard deviation in triplicate tests ensure that the results are consistent and reproducible, hence providing a measure of statistical dependability. Results: The biomass concentration and biomass productivity concentration increased from 29.9 ± 0.00240 mg/L (control) to 66.8 ± 0.01485 mg/L, 1.275 ± 0.5033 (control) to 3.71 ± 0.4163 mg/L/day respectively. The highest total chlorophyll concentration was observed in the exponential phase (9 days of culture) which was 3.7772 ± 0.0500. There was a decrease in the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate throughout the culture period, with a total nitrate consumption of 38.5% and total phosphate consumption of 24%. Conclusion: Chlorophyll and biomass concentrations were maximized after 5 min of ultrasonic treatment, but declined with longer exposure. Nutrient analysis revealed a significant decrease in nitrate and phosphate concentrations over time, consistent with nutrient uptake by the growing cells and the subsequent accumulation of metabolites.

Geochemical state of small rivers of Syrym District of West Kazakhstan region (on the example of the Rivers Buldyrty, Yesenankaty, Shiderty, Olenty)

Despite the fact that small rivers are called Small, their importance in terms of ecology is high. This is because the condition of large rivers will depend on smaller rivers. The degradation of small rivers negatively affects the state, is an important and urgent task. The purpose of the study was to geochemically analyze the composition of the waters of small rivers in the Syryms district and assess their quality. Water samples were taken from each river ecological state of medium and large rivers, because they feed at the expense of these small rivers. It is easy to see that every day the waters of these rivers are receding and the banks are expanding. Currently, one of the main tasks that environmental science sets for itself is to monitor the ecological state of water bodies. In connection with the conditions of increasing anthropogenic factors, determining the ecological state of small rivers plays an important role in maintaining the composition of the natural ecosystem. Small rivers are very sensitive to anthropogenic factors and react to these factors in the opposite way. The study of the chemical composition of small river waters, as well as their ecological state, is an important and urgent task. The aim of the study is a geochemical analysis of the composition of small river waters in the Syrymsky district and an assessment of their quality. Water samples were taken from each river to determine the composition of the water quality. The cameral stage was held in the laboratory of environmental and biogeochemical testing of M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University. Chemical analysis was carried out using the widely used methods GOST 26449.1 — 85. After analyzing the indicators of water samples taken from the research area, it was found that the maximum raual concentration level did not exceed, except for the total hardness.

DEVELOPMENT OF EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SEPTIC TANKS

In many communities in Indonesia, there are still many areas where their homes do not have a toilet (water closet) that meets hygiene and health requirements. This is caused by many factors, including because there are still many people who live below the poverty line, both economically poor and poor in knowledge (human resources). Procurement of toilets (water closets) which also include a septic tank system with a minimum output that is environmentally friendly and of course cost efficient is very necessary to improve public health. Based on the description above, this research was created in order to provide procurement and development of efficient and environmentally friendly septic tanks. This research is very necessary because of the discovery of an efficient alternative material by using used drums which can be used as septic tanks in Lampung, but it has not deepened the issue of waste output that is safe for the environment. This research was carried out using a constructivist qualitative method with assistance from DIGILIB Digital Library & OPAC UB sources. is at Brawijaya University Malang, where the author is registered as a student in the environmental science doctoral program at Brawijaya University Malang.

Climate risk maps as boundary objects for future forests

Climate change poses significant threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. Conventional management strategies often fall short, leading to uncertainties in addressing these challenges. Natural and environmental scientists play a crucial role by providing evidence-based guidance. Social science research, at the same time, highlights the complexity of transferring and applying knowledge across different social and professional groups and shows that further research is needed. Using a German case study, my research addresses this issue by examining the dynamics between predictive climate risk maps, intended as decision-support tool for forest management, the developing scientists, the receiving environmental managers and further political actors. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with representatives from these groups were conducted and analyzed, revealing that climate risk maps can function as predictive boundary objects, balancing flexibility and robustness. With their high level of visual and epistemic power, these maps generate knowledge tensions, facilitate interactions, and foster the implicit co-production of broader environmental management discourse. At the same time the maps are continuously contested, discussed, and updated through feedback, becoming themselves part of an ongoing informal co-productive process. This dual role creates ambiguity: they provide concrete answers to specific management related questions while highlighting simultaneously limitations that prompt more fundamental inquiries, driving an overall societal learning process. Hence, future efforts should enhance formal support for co-productive processes to ensure evidence-based advisory tools are scientifically robust, contextually adapted, and democratize knowledge dynamics through continuous dialogue, mutual learning, and integration of scientific as well as local knowledge.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: A New Engine for Advancing Environmental Science and Engineering.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: A New Engine for Advancing Environmental Science and Engineering.

Sustainable and inclusive; transforming residential undergraduate fieldtrips in an age of the climate crisis

ABSTRACT The Higher Education sector has a critical role to play in shaping our global response to “wicked problems” and nowhere is this more evident than in university research, teaching, and public engagement on sustainability that seeks to tackle the increasingly perilous environmental situation. However, despite this critical civic mission, the Global North HE sector faces growing scrutiny and critique over the mechanisms, cultural norms and practices in which staff, students, research partners, and others operate. This paper explores one facet of this scrutiny by focusing on the recent internationalisation of residential undergraduate fieldtrips within geography, earth, and environmental science programmes. Using a UK Department as a case study, it will document the significant carbon emissions and necessary offsetting costs associated with residential undergraduate fieldtrips, particularly those overseas. It will finish by discussing the Department’s revision to its fieldtrip design through the creation of a value-based fieldtrip framework grounded in the twin agendas of sustainability and Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI). This “sustainable and inclusive” fieldtrip framework becomes an important way for the Department to reduce the environmental impacts of this teaching activity and strengthen its accessibility and social justice work, thereby ensuring that the Global North HE sector leads by example.

The Technopolitics of Agronomic Knowledge and Tropical(izing) Vegetables in Brazil

This article critically analyzes the social and political factors behind the advancement of technoscientific development in modern Brazilian agriculture. In the second half of the 20th century, Brazil underwent a rapid industrialization in the agricultural sector by more than doubling productivity in key global commodities and a widespread migration of people from rural to urban areas. Most observers point to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) as the technological engine that drove the industrialization of Brazilian agriculture. Existing approaches to analyze technoscientific development tend to overlook the role of the environment and individual scientists in enacting change. I argue that, especially in the case of agriculture, technoscientific development hinges on the extent to which the environment is disregarded or embraced by those who have the institutional support and capacity to innovate. To support my argument, I draw on two contrasting cases of crop development spearheaded by Embrapa scientists: the tropicalization of the carrot and participatory research on non-conventional vegetables. Through those two cases, the article demonstrates how the general and specific, the transnational and local, and the industrial and agroecological are all key contrasting factors for understanding technoscientific development in agriculture. This research is based on extensive interviews and participant observation at Embrapa’s vegetable research center near Brasilia, Brazil.

Development and optimization of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for predicting the cadmium fixation efficiency of biochar in soil

This study addresses the issue of soil cadmium pollution and the common problem of data missing during the training of artificial neural network models. A substantial amount of characteristic data regarding the immobilization of cadmium in soil through biochar was collected from the literature. Subsequently, data was organized and analyzed using correlation matrix analysis and feature importance analysis. The results revealed that the feature importance of biochar (52%) was relatively significant. A novel approach is introduced, involving a non-deterministic optimization technique based on linear interpolation to supplement the missing data within the dataset. The completed dataset effectively preserves the distributional characteristics of the original data, thereby enhancing the training performance of the neural network model. Through three phases, namely data incompleteness, data supplementation, and genetic algorithm optimization, the neural network model was progressively refined. The outcome of this iterative process is a high-performance artificial neural network model capable of predicting the efficiency of biochar in immobilizing cadmium in soil. The significance of these findings lies in their potential to advance the application of machine learning in environmental science, particularly in addressing complex pollution scenarios.

Assessing semantic interoperability in environmental sciences: variety of approaches and semantic artefacts

The integration and reuse of digital research products can be only ensured through the adoption of machine-actionable (meta)data standards enriched with semantic artefacts. This study compiles 540 semantic artefacts in environmental sciences to: i. examine their coverage in scientific domains and topics; ii. assess key aspects of their FAIRness; and iii. evaluate management and governance concerns. The analyses showed that the majority of semantic artefacts concern the terrestrial biosphere domain, and that a small portion of the total failed to meet the FAIR principles. For example, 5.5% of semantic artefacts were not available in semantic catalogues, 8% were not built with standard model languages and formats, 24.6% were published without usage licences and 22.4% without version information or with divergent versions across catalogues in which they were available. This investigation discusses common semantic practices, outlines existing gaps and suggests potential solutions to address semantic interoperability challenges in some of the resources originally designed to guarantee it.

From crisis to prevention: mining big data for public health insights during the flint water crisis

This study investigates the utility of Google Trends and Google Search data in retrospectively analyzing the Flint Water Crisis, a significant public health event. By examining keywords relevant to the crisis, such as “lead,” “bottled water,” “water filters,” “pneumonia,” and “Legionnaires’ Disease,” we aimed to uncover patterns in public awareness and response during a public crisis and explore how such awareness and responses could potentially aid in reducing the risk of similar crises in the future. Our analysis reveals a clear correlation between search frequencies and the crisis timeline, with spikes in search terms corresponding to key events. This suggests that such data can serve as a valuable tool for understanding public sentiment and behavior in the face of environmental disasters. The research underscores the potential of “Big Data,” led by search engines and social media platforms, in shaping public policy and informed decision-making. However, it also addresses the limitations and challenges in using these data sources, including issues of data consistency, replicability, and the influence of sociocultural contexts on search behaviors. The study advocates for the combined use of Google Trends and Google Search data, complemented by other datasets, for a more comprehensive understanding of public engagement in environmental crises. This work contributes to the growing field of infodemiology, emphasizing the importance of big data analysis in environmental science and public health research.

Integrating short- and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to elucidate microbiome profiles in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ponds.

Despite their immense economic value as a key aquaculture species, the production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) faces significant challenges from intensive farming practices and disease outbreaks. Routine microbial profiling for disease surveillance could be a promising approach to anticipate and control disease outbreaks. To achieve this, accuracy in microbial profiling in shrimp ponds is crucial for enabling targeted action and prevention. Extensive documentation emphasizes that, beyond biological factors (related to the host, diet, or health status during the rearing period), technical elements, including sequencing techniques significantly influence bacterial community profiling. This study investigated the influence of short- and long-read sequencing of 16S rRNA genes on the microbial profiles in shrimp intestines, water, and sediments. The origin of the samples (intestine or environmental) in shrimp culture ponds primarily drove the observed differences in core microbial species. The ecological niches accounted for 56% of bacterial community variations in culture ponds. Both sequencing approaches showed consistent results in identifying higher-rank taxa and assessing alpha and beta diversity. However, at the species level, full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences provided better resolution than V3-V4 sequences. For routine microbial profiling in shrimp culture ponds, our study suggests that short-read sequences were sufficient for determining overall bacterial community.IMPORTANCEThis interdisciplinary study investigated the influence of sequencing techniques on bacterial communities profiling within Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ponds. By integrating aquaculture, microbiology, and environmental science, we revealed the role of ecological niches and factors like salinity and pH on microbiota diversity and composition in shrimp intestines, pond water, and sediment. Additionally, we compared the taxonomic resolution using partial versus full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences, highlighting the value of longer amplicons for precise identification of key taxa. These findings provide novel insights into microbial dynamics underlying environmental effects in shrimp aquaculture. Comprehensive characterization of the pond microbiome could lead to management strategies that promote shrimp health and productivity. Furthermore, the potential of a multi-omics approach for integrating complementary data streams to elucidate environment-microbiome-host interactions was highlighted.

Dynamics of Love-type wave propagation in composite transversely isotropic porous structures

The present study aims to analyze the propagation behavior of Love-type wave in a composite transversely isotropic porous structure. The structure comprises an inhomogeneous sandy porous layer lying between a non-homogeneous magneto-poroelastic layer and a heterogeneous fractured porous half-space. Analytic solutions of the field equations of the respective media involve the application of the variable separable method and Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) asymptotic approach for the conversion of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. Through careful imposition of boundary conditions and subsequent elimination of arbitrary constants, we derive a complex dispersion relation governing the propagation of Love-type waves. This dispersion equation yields both the phase velocity curve, corresponding to the real expression, and the damping velocity curve, derived from the imaginary expression. To represent our findings, we conduct extensive calculations and graphical simulations illustrating the influence of various material parameters such as heterogeneity, porosity, volume fraction of fractures, sandiness, magnet-oelastic coupling, angle at which wave crosses the magnetic field, and layer thickness on the dispersive nature of Love-type waves using MATHEMATICA software. Furthermore, we conduct case-specific analyses, revealing instances where the dispersion equation simplifies to the standard Love wave equation, thereby validating our mathematical framework. Our findings underscore the significant influence of the aforementioned material parameters on the phase and damping velocities of Love-type wave. This interdisciplinary investigation into different porous media opens new avenues for future research and has significant implications in various disciplines, ranging from engineering and geophysics to environmental science and beyond.

History and Toxinology of Palytoxins.

Palytoxins are a group of highly potent and structurally complex marine toxins that rank among some of the most toxic substances known to science. Palytoxins are naturally synthesized by a variety of marine organisms, including Palythoa zoanthids, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, and Trichodesmium cyanobacteria, and are widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions where they can bioaccumulate in marine life. The evolution of research on palytoxins has been an intricate exchange between interdisciplinary fields, drawing insights from chemistry, biology, medicine, and environmental science in efforts to better understand and mitigate the health risks associated with this family of toxins. In this review, we begin with a brief history covering the discovery of this group of toxins and the events that led to its isolation. We then focus on the chemical structure of these compounds and their proposed mechanism of action. Finally, we review in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies related to their toxicity, with the aim to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge on palytoxin toxinology.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY TRACK OF UKRAINE AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR IMPROVEMENT

The goal. The process of improving the design of the railway track requires a detailed study of the history of the development of its structural elements, methods of combination, interconnections and limits of mutual influence. Modern track designs are the result of many years of hard work by scientists and long operational tests. Some designs were inventions at the time, some were breakthrough technologies, some remained just ideas, and some have existed for more than a century. The study of the history of the development of railway track structures and modern existing structures in operation made it possible to identify a promising direction for improvement and further development, taking into account the existing problems on the mainline transport tracks and industrial enterprise tracks. Reinforced concrete sleepers and intermediate fasteners that allow for track gauge adjustment are the railroad track structure that should be improved in the coming years. Improving railroad track design is a continuous process in the development of rail transport. Recently, new track designs have been introduced on Ukrainian railways. As a rule, the problems of track facilities are first considered and technical tasks are formulated. Then, a public discussion is held in the scientific and practical environment and an appropriate development strategy is born. Such a strategy is reviewed and approved at scientific and technical meetings and specialized commissions. This article aims to identify promising areas for improving the track design and solving the problems of installing and operating a continuous track by analyzing existing designs and world experience of railways. Methods. Methods of scientific analysis and synthesis of track development design, methods of analytical geometry. Results. Based on the analysis of the history of the development of the railroad track structure and modern designs, a promising direction of improvement is proposed. A promising railroad track structure is defined as a reinforced concrete sleeper and fasteners capable of forming an adjustable track gauge of up to 1545 mm. At the same time, it is necessary that the new design has sufficient stability of the jointless track plates. Practical significance. The application of the proposed structure within small radius curves, provided that the results of trial operation and testing of the established procedure are positive, will reduce the operating costs associated with the current maintenance of the tracks, expand the scope of laying of the jointless track and use reinforced concrete sleepers in small radius curves at industrial enterprises.

3R-Based Teaching Module for Biology Education Students: A Research Development

The teaching modules are structured learning packages that encompass lesson unit concepts, designed to align with the semester learning plan (RPS), and aimed at achieving specific competency standards. This study explores the application of a 3R-Based Teaching Module for Biology Education through a validation process. The research follows a Research and Development (RD) methodology, utilizing the ADDIE model, which includes three stages: Analysis, Design, and Development. The study was conducted in the Biology Education programs of Riau Islamic University, Muhammadiyah University, and Lancang Kuning University from July to December 2023. The sample included 15 third-semester students as respondents, along with three experts—specialists in material, learning, and media—selected through purposive sampling techniques. These students had previously completed Environmental Science courses at the three universities. Validation data were collected using questionnaires distributed via Google Forms to both student respondents and expert validators. The validation results revealed high validity scores from media experts (94.44), learning experts (96.59), and material experts (100), with an overall validation score of 96.67. Student readability was also rated highly at 91.16. Based on these results, the 3R-Based Teaching Module was deemed valid and practical for use in biology education programs.

The readiness of physical education and sports professionals to participate in educational activities for sustainable development of society

Purpose. To demonstrate the influence of the author’s methodological system on the formation of future specialists in physical culture and sports and their readiness for educational activities for sustainable development of society. Material and methods. The study involved 390 students from the faculties of physical education of T. H. Shevchenko National University "Chernihiv Colehium", the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Sumy State University, and Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko, future specialists in physical culture and sports. Students were informed about the features of the study and voluntarily participated in the pedagogical experiment. The participants of the study are represented by both sexes of different courses, from which the control and experimental groups were formed. Methods used: pedagogical experiments, surveys, questionnaires, testing, analysis, synthesis and generalisation of information; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. At the ascertaining stage of the pedagogical experiment, the indicator of readiness for educational activities for sustainable development of society in the control and experimental groups was almost the same at all levels, with a significant predominance of low levels. 69.35% and 65.09% of respondents in the control and experimental groups had a low level of the studied indicator, 18.06% and 19.08% –satisfactory level, 9.81% and 10.44% – average level, and 2.78% and 5.42% – high level, respectively. At the end of the experiment, a positive impact of the methodological training system on the studied quality was observed. At the final stage of the study, Pearson's correlation coefficient was χ2empirical = 22.67, with a critical value χ2critical = 5.99 (p < 0.05). The most significant changes were observed in the cognitive and practical components of readiness. The number of students with low levels decreased by 2.8 times and almost 2 times, the number of students with satisfactory levels increased by 6.8 times and 2.8 times, and the number of students with average levels of cognitive and practical components increased by 14.8 and 6.5 times, respectively. The number of students with a high level of development in the practical component of readiness for educational activities for sustainable development of society increased by 2.5 times. In the control group, at the end of the pedagogical experiment, there were no significant changes in the indicators of any of the studied components of physical education and sports specialists’ readiness for educational activities for sustainable development. Conclusions. The experimental methodological system has a positive impact on the formation of future physical education and sport specialists’ readiness to participate in educational activities for sustainable development of society. At the beginning of the pedagogical experiment in both groups, on average, 68.56% respondents had a low, 19.49% satisfactory, 9.12% average, and 2.83% high level of readiness for educational activities for sustainable development. At the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators in the experimental group improved significantly: the number of students with a low level of the studied indicator (30.18%) decreased by 2.3 times; the number of students with a satisfactory level increased by 1.8 times (35.37%); and the number of students with medium (26.11%) and high (8.33%) levels of readiness for educational activities for sustainable development of society increased by 2.9 times.

Outcome-based education enhances the innovative capabilities of biological science undergraduates in the context of new engineering

In the context of new engineering, it is of great importance to enhance the innovative capabilities of biological science undergraduates receiving higher education. We conducted a questionnaire survey at the School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University to examine the current situation of undergraduates' innovative capabilities. We explored the teaching reform in biological majors based on outcome-based education (OBE) from teaching innovation, tutorial system establishment, and dual integration of research-education and production-education. Furthermore, an empirical study adopting the Williams's Creativity Assessment Packet highlighted that the OBE-oriented teaching reform effectively fostered students' creativity and laid a foundation for enhancing their innovative capabilities. This study provides valuable insights for cultivating innovative talents majoring in biological sciences in universities.