Environmental Requirements Research Articles

Using Adaptive Genetic Algorithm Optimize to realize the Extended Depth-of-field Wavefront Coding Mask for a Large Field-of-view Microscopy System

Wavefront coding technology (WFC) is a computational photography technique that significantly extends a system's depth of field (DOF) while mitigating the impact of aberrations and the environment. A freely inserted wavefront coding microscopy system that realizes high-resolution imaging with large DOF in a wide field of view (FOV) is proposed. On the basis of a designed large DOF microscopy system, an adaptive genetic algorithm is developed to interactively analyze, design, and optimize the phase mask and its effects on the system. The algorithm adaptively adjusts the parameters for selection, crossover, and mutation. Furthermore, it reconstructs the optimization function while considering processability, thereby efficiently and accurately selecting phase mask parameters. The phase mask is prepared and integrated into the system with a freely inserted fixture, which provides flexibility and ease of operation. Wavefront encoding/decoding experiments demonstrate that the system can extend the DOF by approximately ±13 times in a large FOV, while slightly decreasing the resolution from 6.20 μm to 7.81 μm, and mitigating aberrations and FOV effects. The integrated phase mask does not influence the design of the optical system, is universal, and simplifies the system's structure. This provides advantages in applications such as biological microscopes, endoscopes, and drones, which have strict sample and environmental requirements.

Energy consumption and emission analysis for electric container ships

The increasingly stringent international environmental protection requirements and the progressively tougher compliance requirements of shipowners have also put forward new development needs for low-emission, clean-energy vessels. At present, more than 90% of China's water transport ships still use diesel-powered propulsion systems, which have issues such as high fuel costs, high noise levels, and pollution emissions. Compared with traditional ship power systems, the ecological advantages and comprehensive benefits of electric propulsion-type ships are obvious. However, there are also issues, such as shorter range and battery life, which need to be analyzed in depth. This paper establishes a life cycle energy consumption model and emission model for the comprehensive benefits of electric ships and conducts an economic benefit analysis. The results show that electric ships have significant advantages in environmental protection, energy saving and lower costs while electric ships for containers have great prospects for future development. This paper provides a useful exploration for the international shipping industry to adopt effective measures to control ship emissions.

Environmentally friendly zein/ethylcellulose nanofiber air filtration materials with tunable hydrophobicity and high filtration efficiency.

Due to people's environmental awareness and the continuous improvement of the living environment requirements, the pollution problem of fine particles has attracted widespread attention and great importance. Therefore, the development of new green and environmentally friendly air filtration materials with high efficiency and low resistance is ongoing. In this work, eco-friendly zein/ethylcellulose blende nanofiber membranes with different fiber morphologies, diameter sizes, and hydrophobicity are prepared by electrospinning technology, and their performance in the field of air filtration and purification is investigated, to make them highly efficient for the adsorption of small pollutants of various polarities. The experiments showed that the hydrophobicity of the nanofiber membrane was adjusted by changing the ratio of zein and ethylcellulose, and the addition of ethylcellulose improved the thermal stability and use temperature of the composite nanofiber membrane. The filtration efficiency of the nanofiber membrane can reach more than 85% for small particle pollutants of different polarities, and both sides of the tested membrane have high filtration capacity, which can still be maintained after three times of reused. This gives it great potential and broad application prospects in the field of air filtration.

Advanced visual sensing and control in CMT-based WAAM processes

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) can flexibly produce high-performance parts that meet the requirements of deep-sea environments, but it has problems with insufficient molding accuracy and surface smoothness, which require improved precision and quality. To address these challenges, this paper establishes a WAAM experimental system based on Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) technology. First, the influence of process parameters on multi-layer single-channel forming was studied. Second, a structured light visual sensing system based on a high-speed camera was developed. Finally, a method for controlling the camera’s triggering mode at low voltage was designed, effectively eliminating arc interference. The experiment extracted and preprocessed the laser stripe ROI (Region of Interest), extracted geometric size information of the weld seam, and then performed median filtering to extract the centerline and feature points. By constructing a CMT-based WAAM monitoring system, high reliability and quality control of the manufacturing process and weld formation have been achieved.

Sustainability of farms of various production types: economic and environmental assessment – evidence from Poland and Lithuania

A farm plays the role of both a custodian of natural resources and a workplace. They are responsible for the quality of food produced and, on the other hand, for the standard of living of the farming family and the quality of the environment. The aim of the study is to examine the relationships between ecological and economic indicators at the farm level of various production types in Poland and Lithuania. The research covered farms participating in the FADN for the years 2015-2022. The results obtained from the analysis showed interdependencies between the parameters studied. Milk farms successfully implemented the economic goal, which is usually associated with a high environmental impact of production factors. In fieldcrops farms, degradation of organic matter and lack of ability to reproduce assets were observed. Differences between Lithuanian and Polish farms are visible in the economic and ecological results. Traditionally formed property rights cause Polish farmers to take measures to protect agricultural land economic goals. The situation was different in Lithuanian farms. They were mainly described by economic indicators. This can be explained by the fact that Lithuanian farms are still at the stage of organising themselves and care more about economic effects, but they have difficulties in implementing environmental requirements.

Environmental effects of foreign direct investment in India: pollution haven or pollution halo?

Purpose There is controversy over whether foreign direct investment (FDI) increases or reduces environmental degradation in host countries resulting in pollution havens or pollution halos. Based on the concept of scale, technology and composition effects, this paper aims to examine the causal relationship between FDI and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes panel data of the three most polluting industries between 2005 and 2021 by conducting a Granger causality test. Findings The results provide evidence of pollution havens in the manufacturing and transportation industry, and in the metallurgy and chemical sectors within the manufacturing industry. Research limitations/implications FDI inflows and CO2 emissions are characterized by large regional variations in India. Hence, future studies of the pollution haven vs pollution halo effect in India could therefore use state-level or even district-level data to test for regional variations. Practical implications This paper provides policy recommendations such as increasing the absorptive capacity of local firms to strengthen the technique effect, which would help India combat climate change. Social implications Increasing the absorptive capacity of local firms through incentives such as subsidies and environmental requirements in public contracts can lead to job creation in the green technology sector. This can provide new employment opportunities, especially in R&D and sustainable technology fields, boosting the local economy. Originality/value The study adds to the understanding of the endogenous relationship between FDI and environmental degradation, the importance of lagged feedback responses and the impact of industry- and sector-specific influences on this relationship.

A Review of Distribution Network Expansion Planning

Distribution Networks Expansion Planning (DNEP) is very complex and involves improving the system to meet the increasing demand using the most cost-effective strategy. Among the planned choices are the extension of substations, upgrade of distribution feeders, installation of additional Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), installation of Capacitor Banks (CBs) and many other methods. Distribution planners in contemporary networks must have faith in the reversibility of investments where Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) inject clean and cost-effective for DNEP to meet growing demand and environmental requirements. The comprehensive review of DNEP carried out in this paper covers all possible objective functions and problem constraints. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), there is a growing need to assess the impact of EV charging on distribution networks. Understanding how EV loads affect the network helps plan future expansions to efficiently accommodate the charging infrastructure. Integrating DERs, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, is changing how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed. Assessing the integration of DERs into distribution networks is crucial for optimal network planning and operation. In addition, CBs are essential for power factor correction and voltage regulation in distribution networks. Including CBs in expansion planning helps improve network efficiency, reliability, and overall power quality. By analyzing the impact of EV loads, DERs, and CBs in DNEP, researchers and planners can develop more accurate models and strategies for designing sustainable and resilient power systems to efficiently meet the growing energy demands.

Construction of an Experimental Device for Military Communication Using Binary Amplitude Shift Keying

Aims: To address the core requirement for military communication systems—ensuring "timely, accurate, confidential, and secure" communication—this study aims to overcome the limitations of traditional amplitude modulation (AM) methods by developing a modern experimental device using Binary Amplitude Shift Keying (BASK) modulation. Study Design: Traditional military communication systems rely on AM modulation due to its simplicity and ease of implementation. However, AM is susceptible to noise, suitable only for long-wave transmissions (e.g., AM radio), and struggles to integrate with modern technologies like 4G and 5G. To address these challenges, this study explores the mathematical foundation and system design of BASK modulation and demodulation. Methodology: The research investigates the mathematical principles of BASK, designs the system architecture for BASK modulation and demodulation, and develops an experimental device to validate the performance of the BASK-based communication model. Results: The study successfully developed an experimental device that demonstrates the feasibility of using BASK modulation for military communication. The device provides a platform for practical testing and verification of the BASK model, laying the groundwork for further advancements. Conclusion: This research provides a foundation for modernizing military communication devices. By overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and facilitating the integration of advanced technologies, the proposed device meets the stringent requirements of military environments.

Traffic and Scenario Adaptive OFDM-IM for Vehicular Networks: A Fuzzy Logic Based Optimization Approach

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing with Index Modulation (OFDM-IM) holds significant importance in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, with its main advantages being outstanding spectral efficiency and strong interference resistance. However, the existing OFDM-IM systems in vehicular networks overlook actual vehicular network channels and the impact of scatterers, thus failing to accurately reflect the system performance. Moreover, these systems focus solely on the bit error rate (BER) and ignore user requirements for low energy consumption and high spectral efficiency. To address these issues, we propose a user demand- and scenario-adaptive OFDM-IM method that optimizes the OFDM-IM index parameter by considering the spectral efficiency, BER, and energy consumption. Firstly, considering non-line-of-sight components and roadside reflectors, we establish a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication channel model for straight road scenarios. Then, we construct a transmission framework for vehicular network communication using OFDM-IM. Specifically, we develop an energy efficiency maximization formula, in which fuzzy logic is used to adjust the weights of the three performance indicators to meet various environmental and user requirements. In detail, we discuss the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for OFDM-IM to achieve a lower BER than traditional OFDM in various vehicular communication scenarios. Thus, we can make appropriate choices based on the robustness of the simulation results. The simulation results presented in this paper indicate our method’s effectiveness in enhancing the system’s reliability, efficiency, and flexibility.

Construction strategies and recent advances of flexible EMI phase change composites

With the continuous development of small and medium-sized electronic devices, which bring convenience to people’s lives, electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution has emerged as a significant issue. The development of materials with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities for protection against harmful radiation plays a vital role. Currently, a wide range of multifunctional, lightweight EMI shielding materials have been created to address various environmental requirements. However, a single EMI shielding material has been difficult to meet the requirements of high-speed transmission of electromagnetic radiation of electronic equipment because when such devices operate at high speeds, they typically generate elevated temperatures, and excessive electromagnetic radiation further exacerbates heat accumulation, reducing both efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, thermal management is essential to lower operating temperatures and ensure optimal performance. Phase change materials (PCMs) are known for storing a large amount of energy, and have significant potential in thermal management, so flexible EMI phase change composites (PCCs) have emerged. This review provides a detailed examination of flexible EMI shielding materials based on various fillers, the potential of flexible PCMs in thermal management, and the latest advancements in developing new lightweight EMI PCCs. Finally, we suggest some potential research directions for flexible EMI shielding PCCs, hoping to contribute to the rapid advancement of next-generation flexible electronics, human thermal management, and artificial intelligence.

Construct ZnSeTe/ZnTe Nanostructures with the Tunable Emission from 450 to 760 nm.

Developing heavy-metal-free materials with wide tunable emission is important to light-emitters. The alloying method is utilized in ZnSe magic size clusters (MSCs) with Te to form ZnSeTe and manipulate the band gap structure in ZnSe. The growth of ZnTe on alloyed ZnSeTe quantum dots (QDs) forms ZnSeTe/ZnTe core/shell nanostructures, showing the tunable photoluminescence emission peak from 450 to 760 nm with the different thicknesses of ZnTe shell. This is the record tunable range of 310 nm in the full visible and near-infrared spectra based on zinc chalcogenide nanostructures. Further coating thin ZnSe and ZnS shell on ZnSeTe/ZnTe core/shell nanostructures significantly improves the stability and quantum yield of nanoparticles. This work offers a new, cadmium-free material choice for optoelectronic devices aligning with environmental and performance requirements for modern applications.

Cocultivos de microorganismos endófitos: Estrategia para la producción de bioestimulantes y compuestos de valor agregado

Cocultures between algae and bacteria aim to harness the metabolic capabilities of both microorganisms for biotechnological purposes. However, establishing a successful coculture is challenging because of their different nutritional and environmental requirements. This work proposes the establishment of a coculture between the plant growth-promoting bacterium Methylobacterium oryzae and the unicellular green alga Coccomyxa simplex, both endophytes of Vachellia farnesiana, with the aim of using their metabolic capacities to produce value-added compounds. To achieve this, the conditions to obtain a stable alga-bacteria coculture were defined, and the effect of the coculture and the initial nutrient concentration on lipid and pigment production, as well as plant growth stimulation were evaluated. A stable coculture was successfully established enabling the growth of both microorganisms even in the absence of carbon and nitrogen sources. The coculture stimulated lipid production (up to 43%) and pigment production (by 2.5 to 4.8 times). Additionally, the coculture's supernatant improved the growth of radish seedlings, suggesting that the coculture promotes the production of biostimulant compounds with potential to enhance crop yields and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Intelligent Agent-Controlled Elevator System: Algorithm and Efficiency Optimization

The study introduces an innovative intelligent agent-controlled elevator system specially designed to improve passenger wait times and enhance the efficiency of high-rise buildings. By utilizing the classic single-agent planning model, we developed a unique strategy for handling calls from halls and cars, and combined with this strategy we significantly improved the overall performance of the elevator system. Our intelligent control methods are in-depth compared with conventional elevator systems, assessing three important performance indicators: response time, system capacity to handle multiple active elevator cars simultaneously, and average passenger waiting time. The results of the full simulation show that an intelligent agent-based model consistently exceeds conventional elevator systems in all measured criteria. Intelligent control systems have significantly reduced response times, and improved simultaneous elevator management and passenger wait times, especially during high traffic. These advances not only improved traffic flow efficiency, but also greatly contributed to passenger satisfaction and brought smoother and more reliable transport experiences within the building. Furthermore, the increased efficiency of our systems is in line with the goals of building energy management, as it minimizes unnecessary movements and idle time. The results demonstrate the system's ability to meet dynamic, high-occupation environment requirements and mark a significant step forward in intelligent infrastructure management.

Research on the Sustainability Strategy of Cogeneration Microgrids Based on Supply-Demand Synergy

With the continuous adjustment of energy structure and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, combined heat and power microgrids (CHP-MG) have received widespread attention as an efficient and economical way of utilizing energy. The complexity of energy supply relationships and energy coupling within the microgrid system necessitates optimizing the power output of each equipment unit. In this paper, an optimization strategy for a multi-energy microgrid system is proposed based on the efficient energy supply of cogeneration microgrids: decoupling the thermoelectric connection by using the energy storage equipment on the supply side, utilizing the flexibility of the electrical loads and the diversity of the system’s heating methods, and reducing the electrical loads and changing the selection of the heating methods on the demand side. The optimization model in the paper is mainly based on mixed-integer linear programming and demand-side management theory, which simulates the system operation under different scenarios so as to find the optimal equipment output and load management strategies. Simulation results show that the optimized CHP-MG system can ensure a reliable power supply while effectively reducing operating costs, improving energy utilization and promoting sustainable operation of the energy system. The optimized microgrid system offers significant advantages in terms of economic efficiency and energy management when compared to conventional CHP systems. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, system operators, and researchers aimed at driving the development of efficient and sustainable energy management solutions.

Research on force feedback technology for industrial robot

Force feedback technology plays a crucial role in the field of robot control, especially in scenarios involving precise task execution. With the increasing application of robots in industrial production and automation, traditional control methods based on preset paths can no longer meet the requirements of complex and changing working environments. The force feedback system senses the force information of the robot during operation, adjusts the robot's actions and force in real time, ensures that appropriate force can be maintained during operation, and prevents damage to the working object or reduced task accuracy. While this technology primarily enhances robotic flexibility in complex operations, it has also become instrumental in advancing human-robot collaboration. By combining human perception and regulation abilities, robots are able to perform more challenging tasks. In recent years, force feedback systems that combine multi-sensor fusion, visual control, and remote operation technologies have gradually become one of the core solutions for solving force control problems in robot task execution, providing strong guarantees for safety, accuracy, and efficiency in automated production.

Microstructural Evolution and Oxidation Resistance of Fe-30Ni-15Cr Alloy for Internal Combustion Engine Valves Under Long-Term High-Temperature Exposure and Heat Treatment

Iron–nickel-based superalloy is an ideal substitute for the expensive Inconel 625 and Inconel 751 alloys. To elucidate the evolution of the microstructure and properties of Ni30 alloy under different thermal treatment conditions, a systematic study was conducted on the microstructural transformation of the alloy’s strengthening γ′ phase following solution treatment and aging, as well prolonged exposure at 750 °C, and the oxidation behavior of the Ni30 alloy was examined. During prolonged thermal exposure, grain growth occurs mainly in the initial stage, and after 200 h, the prolonged exposure time leads to a significant coarsening of γ′ precipitates, whose area fraction increases by more than 10 times compared to their unaged state. After 100 h of aging, the alloy reaches a peak tensile strength of 1270 MPa and a yield strength of 820 MPa; after 2000 h, the alloy maintains a relatively high strength with a slight decrease in ductility. The oxidation kinetic curve of Ni30 alloy follows the quasi-parabolic oxidation law at 750 °C, and its oxidation rate is consistently lower than 0.1 g·m−2·h−1 throughout the whole oxidation process, which indicates that it has excellent oxidation resistance. The external oxide layer of Ni30 alloy shows a bilayered structure, and no obvious surface porosity or flaking of oxidation products were observed throughout the high-temperature oxidation test. This study not only contributes to the improvement of material properties, but also promotes innovation and development in the field of high-temperature engineering applications that will help to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of high-temperature working environments.

Integrating ESG Criteria in Corporate Strategies: Determinants and Implications for Performance

This study explores the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate practices, focusing on the methodologies used for their evaluation and the factors influencing their adoption. Through a qualitative and comparative analysis of European and Saudi Arabian contexts, the research examines how companies align their strategies with ESG requirements in diverse regulatory and cultural environments. Data is drawn from established ESG rating agencies, corporate sustainability reports, and case studies, allowing for a thorough investigation of internal and external evaluation processes and their implications for ESG scores. The study identifies key challenges in ESG implementation, including ambiguities in definitions, resource disparities, sector-specific considerations, and resistance due to cost or unfavorable ratings. It also highlights the role of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the ESG Disclosure Guidelines introduced by the Saudi Capital Market Authority and global standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), in shaping corporate ESG practices. Recommendations emphasize the need for standardized evaluation criteria, targeted support for smaller enterprises, and stronger legal frameworks to promote transparency and compliance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of ESG dynamics and provide actionable insights for advancing corporate sustainability on a global scale.

Innovations, Technologies and Challenges Associated with Transnational Education

Purpose: This study delves into Transnational education, focusing on challenges, technologies, and innovative practices that significantly shaped its landscape from 2014 to June 2024. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study applied the PRISMA framework and bibliographic analysis to synthesise information from 77 articles emphasising the best practices, innovations, technology, and challenges associated with TNE. Findings: The study highlights notable technological tools such as virtual learning environments (VLEs), artificial intelligence (AI), telepresence robots, and other innovations that have transformed how TNE programmes operate effectively. However, the research highlights challenges such as differences in culture and language, quality assurance issues, and the need for more representation from areas in discussions about TNE. Research Limitation: A primary drawback of this review is its temporal scope, as it encompasses only works published from 2014 to mid-2024. Although the study deployed well-defined search methodologies, excluding non-peer-reviewed publications and grey literature may have eliminated significant practical insights. Practical Implication: The results underline the importance of embracing advancements to make higher education accessible while endorsing further exploration into upcoming trends such as AI-powered personalised learning and blockchain innovations. Social Implication: This anticipatory viewpoint is essential for maintaining TNE's relevance and adaptability to the changing requirements of the global education environment. Originality/Value: This is the first systematic review of specific technologies and innovative practices that have been suggested.

Assessment of Temporal Flow Variations Due to Dam Operation– A Case Study of Bargi Dam, Jabalpur District, India

The case study dam project, Bargi Dam, situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, is among the initial major dams, that have already been constructed as part of a proposed series of thirty dams along the Narmada River. This dam was operational since the year 1988. The temporal fluctuations in the flow were assessed by applying the Range of Variability Approach (RVA) using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software. When assessing the impact of the dam on the flow regime, duration of 13 years for both the ante- and post-impact periods have been considered. The Range of Variability method has utilized a set of 33 parameters to measure the hydrologic alteration occurred due to the dam operation. The optimal values for these parameters can be achieved by adjusting the dam's discharges and assessing the resulting impacts on the downstream environment. Through this method, temporary environmental flow requirements (EFRs) may be arrived at for a given project site.

Knowledge gaps, water caps and regulatory traps: Policies, practices, and lessons from environmental flow requirements in the San Joaquin River, California

Knowledge gaps, water caps and regulatory traps: Policies, practices, and lessons from environmental flow requirements in the San Joaquin River, California