Industrial Resources Research Articles

Self-Foaming Expanded Ceramsites Prepared from Electrolytic Manganese Residue, Red Mud and Waste Soil

In this study, in order to solve the problems of resource utilization of electrolytic manganese residue and the destruction of natural resources by the over-exploitation of raw materials of traditional ceramics, electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), red mud (RM), and waste soil (WS) were used to prepare self-foaming expanded ceramsite (SEC), and different firing temperatures and four groups with different mixing ratios of these three raw materials were considered. Water absorption, porosity, heavy metal ion leaching, and compressive strength in the cylinder of SEC were evaluated. The chemical composition and microscopic morphology of SEC were investigated by XRD and SEM. The mechanism behind the reaction among EMR, RM, and WS and self-foaming was discussed. The results showed that both the temperature and mixing ratio significantly influenced the basic performance of SEC. With the temperature lower than 1200 °C, sphere appearance could be maintained in all of these four groups; however, the density, porosity, and compressive strength in the cylinder seemed unacceptable. When the temperature rose up to 1220 °C, sphere appearance could be only found in the group whose mixing ratio of EMR, RM, and WS was 2:2.5:0.5. Under this condition, the excellent performance of SEC was observed, with a porosity of 46.7%, bulk density of 0.61 g/cm3, and 3 d compressive strength in a cylinder of 26.82 MPa. The mechanism behind the reaction among EMR, RM, and WS could be described: when the temperature is up to 1180 °C, an obvious chemical reaction took place, followed by the liquid phase being produced and the gas released by the decomposition of Fe2O3 in RM and gypsum in EMR. When the temperature is up to 1200 °C, the viscosity of the liquid phase and the rate of gas generation achieved the balance, and the liquid phase encapsulated the gas and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) began to grow slowly. As time passed, self-foaming expanded ceramsite was prepared. The results of this study are of great significance in the field of artificial lightweight aggregate and industrial solid waste resource utilization.

Optimizing design and stability of open pit slopes in Tolay coal mine, Ethiopia

Coal is a critical energy resource for global industries, and its extraction from open-pit mines requires effective slope stability management to ensure safe and efficient operations. This study evaluates the slope stability of the Tolay open-pit coal mine in Ethiopia, located in the Jimma zone, where geological conditions, including basalt, mudstone, and weathered soil layers, influence slope behaviour. The primary objective was to assess slope stability and recommend optimization strategies for safer mining. Geological mapping, discontinuity analysis, Schmidt hammer tests for uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and laboratory testing of soil samples were performed to assess material properties. Stability was evaluated using Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM) with Slide software and Finite Element Methods (FEM) using Phase2. Geological surveys revealed mudstone, siltstone, and claystone layers up to 39 m deep, with a 10 m coal seam. The results showed instability in most slope benches, with Factor of Safety (FOS) values between 0.220 and 0.430, indicating the need for reinforcement. Bench 4 showed relative stability, with FOS values of 1.228 to 1.487. Reducing the slope angle from 70° to 26° increased the FOS from 0.322 to 1.373, significantly improving stability. This study emphasizes the importance of optimizing slope geometry, particularly slope angle and bench height, to enhance mine safety and operational efficiency.

Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction Potential in the Pilot of a "Zero-free City" in Chongqing

The construction of "zero-free cities" is an effective plan to achieve the carbon peak plan, reduce pollution and carbon emissions, and promote a circular economy. Based on the WARM model and Emission factor method, the total carbon emission reduction of solid waste sources and disposal in each field during the implementation of the zero-free city policy in Chongqing （2017-2021） was calculated, and the total carbon emission reduction of solid waste in each field in 2025 was predicted by scenario. The results showed that： ① After the implementation of cleaner production and green manufacturing policies in Chongqing, the generation intensity of general industrial solid waste decreased to 0.20 t·（104 yuan）-1 in 2021, and the carbon emission reduction in the industrial sector had been increasing since 2020. Due to the growth of the economy and living level, the per capita production of food waste, domestic waste, and e-waste increased, failing to reduce emissions at the source in these areas. In addition, the promotion of green food and organic agricultural products and the restriction of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides could be strengthened to further reduce source emissions in the agricultural field. ② General industrial solid waste, construction waste, and straw were the key areas to achieve carbon emission reduction, and their carbon emission reductions were predicted to increase to 2 796.64×104, 538.54×104, and 99.07×104 t in 2021. Respectively, reducing the landfill volume in the above fields is the key to emission reduction. In the field of daily life, the collection and transportation of solid waste should be improved, the sorting process and disposal facilities should be refined, and the resource recycling rate should be improved to reduce its carbon emissions. Due to the improvement of the collection level and the application of straw feed and fertilizer, the carbon emission reduction of straw and agricultural film is generally rising, and the proportion of straw and livestock manure directly returned to the field should be reduced in the agricultural field, and the allocation of biomass disposal facilities to promote the co-disposal of the two may be the best means of carbon emission reduction. ③ In 2025, the predicted carbon emission reductions in Chongqing under the BAU scenario and the PLAN scenario were 2 289.78×104 and 2 750.31×104 t, respectively, indicating that the upgrading and transformation of local industries and the large-scale scale of the renewable resources industry have achieved good carbon reduction benefits. With the construction and improvement of various waste disposal facilities in 2025, the carbon emission reduction of the solid waste disposal process in various fields will continue to increase, but the carbon emissions of hazardous waste, municipal sludge, and livestock and poultry manure will still be in a state of growth due to the possible increase in total output in the future.

Modern methods of strategic management in the oil and gas industry

The necessity to develop new methods of strategic management in the oil and gas industry is due to many factors, among which one can note the increase in the cost of material and technical components for equipment, high volatility of prices for oil and gas industry resources, lack of stability of financial markets, increased competition for the development of new fields, which requires the search for a new vector of successful development of oil and gas companies engaged in production, transportation and sale of resources.The article provides a comparative analysis of strategic management methods in the oil and gas industry and identifies the main trends in strategic management in accordance with new processes in the global and national economy.

Does smart city construction promote urban green development? Evidence from a double machine learning model.

The issue of whether smart city construction (SCC) can promote urban green development (UGD) is controversial. To address this problem, first, a UGD evaluation index system with four dimensions, namely, green production, green living, green growth, and green ecology, is developed in this study to measure the UGD level. Second, the causal relationship between SCC and UGD is examined by using a double machine learning model. Last, the influence mechanism of SCC on UGD is investigated in terms of industrial upgrading, resource allocation, information support, and technological innovation. Panel data from 282 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2021 are used in this study, and several valuable conclusions are drawn. First, the UGD level of the Chinese cities shows an upward trend. Second, SCC can substantially promote UGD and has a positive effect on the green production, green living, and green growth of the Chinese cities. Third, SCC can promote the UGD of the Chinese cities through industrial upgrading, resource allocation, information support, and technological innovation. Last, the effect of SCC on UGD in the Chinese cities displays regional heterogeneity.

Energy storage materials for phase change heat devices recovering industrial waste heat for heating purposes

The abundance of industrial waste heat resources offers valuable opportunities for the utilization of phase change heat exchangers in clean energy applications. This study focuses on the innovative development of binary phase change material (PCM) composed of paraffin and stearic acid (SA) in various ratios, aimed at optimizing waste heat recovery. Comprehensive analyses of the phase change temperature, latent heat, and thermal conductivity of these mixtures were conducted. The research identified a mixture with a 20 % paraffin and 80 % stearic acid ratio, which exhibits a phase change temperature of 62.73 °C and a latent heat of 205.53 J/g. This mixture stands out due to its minimal subcooling and consistent thermal properties, making it highly effective for low-temperature waste heat recovery. Additionally, a novel process design and simulation system for using these materials in heat exchangers to convert intermittent industrial waste heat into continuous thermal energy for heating were developed.

Host and home country co-determinants of foreign establishment modes: evidence from the Chinese natural resource industries

Host and home country co-determinants of foreign establishment modes: evidence from the Chinese natural resource industries

Spatio-temporal characteristics and analysis of influencing factors of inclusive green growth in China’s oil and gas resource industry

Spatio-temporal characteristics and analysis of influencing factors of inclusive green growth in China’s oil and gas resource industry

STRUCTURAL DISPARITIES OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN ROMANIA

This study analyzes the structural disparities of human resources in Romania's hospitality industry during the period 2008–2023, offering a comprehensive perspective on employment dynamics, salary evolution, and productivity across different regions and gender categories. The research highlights the central importance of human resources in ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction, emphasizing the significant contribution of well-trained personnel to maintaining the sector’s competitiveness. Although the industry was profoundly affected by the global economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrated remarkable resilience, quickly recovering losses and adapting to new economic and social conditions. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Romania’s regions, influenc ed by economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Developed regions, such as Bucharest-Ilfov, North-West, and Center, experienced faster growth in employee numbers and salaries, supported by substantial investments and consistent demand for tourism services. In contrast, less developed areas, such as South-West Oltenia and North-East, recorded modest growth, constrained by deficient infrastructure and limited access to tourist markets. The upward trend in nominal net wages within the hospitality sec tor reflects a gradual professionalization of the workforce and an effort to attract and retain qualified employees. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt decline in employee numbers and productivity in 2020, but the sector demonstrated remarkable recovery capabilities. By 2023, both the number of employees and productivity levels had surpassed pre -pandemic values, underscoring the adaptability of hospitality companies through service diversification, the use of modern technologies, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing employee turnover. The study also highlights the predominance of women in this industry, who accounted for over 60% of the workforce throughout the analyzed period. However, recent trends indicate a slight increase in male participation in roles associated with flexibility and physical effort, suggesting a gradual diversification of gender structure within the sector. Based on these findings, the paper recommends continued investments in professional training, retention policies such as creating attractive working conditions, and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, the importance of leveraging human resource analysis for crisis management and implementing adaptive strategies to support sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness is emphasized.

Efficiency Assessment Method for Evoking Cultural Empathy in Symbolic Cultural and Creative Products Based on Fuzzy-FMEA

To address the issue of user empathy throughout the emotional experience process, this study presents a method to evaluate the efficacy of cultural empathy evoked based on fuzzy-FMEA. The method focuses on symbolic culture and creative products, constructing an evaluation index system and decision-making framework in terms of cultural empathic evoking. It utilizes thematic analysis to discover and categorize the factors that influence cultural empathy, as well as an evaluation index system to improve the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis framework. It effectively solves the limitations of traditional FMEA, such as single weighting and uncertainty. According to the assessment report, cognitive association failure and scenario restoration failure are significant risk factors for cultural empathy-evoking failure. This study’s findings provide designers with realistic proposals for thematic symbolic imagery and serialized design forms, as well as scientific assessment tools and decision-making resources for cultural industries and policymakers.

A Systematic Approach to Optimizing Regional Industrial Networks for High Eco-Efficiency Transformation.

Industrial networks have become intricately interwoven, utilizing material resources to meet humanity's needs. Recently, sustainable technologies have been pursued to enhance industrial efficiency and reduce environmental and resource impacts. However, current research lacks a comprehensive methodology and typical cases for constructing efficient resource-based industrial networks. Hence, this study employs a comprehensive approach to identify and construct efficient industrial networks from a holistic perspective. Using the Qinghai Saline Lake industrial zone as an example, this research elaborates on establishing and evaluating highly efficient regional industrial networks. It evaluates the eco-efficiency of 184 technologies based on resource development and constructs an efficient resource industry network for the development of the Qinghai Salt Lake using natural resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and various types of ores as the initial stage and analyzes the characteristics of the industry network with different efficiencies. The research findings emphasize that solely scrutinizing technological efficiency and focusing on either the upstream raw processing network or the downstream deep-processing network while neglecting interactions within the industrial network can constrain the network's overall efficiency and hinder synergy between resources and the environment throughout the entire network. The method applies to constructing, evaluating, and optimizing industrial zones with resource endowments.

Morphological characterization and ecotypic classification of olive varie-ties in Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria

The aim of this research is to establish the phenotypic variation that exists in the olive varieties of Olea europaea L. in the Bordj Bou Arreridj region of Algeria. The study examined 18 olive varieties from 20 farms, focusing on the morphological characterisation of fruits, leaves, and endocarps using standard descriptors and precise measurement tools. Significant coefficients of variation were ob-served for the traits studied, indicating substantial differences among the varieties. The highest variability was found in fruit weight, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 48.60%, while leaf length demonstrated the lowest CV at 9.77%. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) primarily distinguished three different ecotypic groups based on fruit and endocarp size and shape parameters. The Bray-Curtis similarity analysis revealed compositional similarities among some of the local variants, providing insights into their po-tential genetic relationships. Notably, the study reports the presence of the rare Leucocarpa variety, which had not been previously doc-umented in Algeria. This discovery highlights the importance of thorough regional surveys in uncovering hidden biodiversity. The findings reveal a rich agro-morphological genetic variation in olive ecotypes in the region, which is valuable for genetic conservation efforts and breeding research. This diversity could potentially be exploited to develop cultivars with improved traits such as disease resistance, oil quality, or adaptation to specific environmental condi-tions. Our classification enables targeted breeding, prioritized conser-vation, and optimized cultivation practices, supporting the devel-opment of resilient, locally-adapted varieties and the preservation of valuable genetic resources in the region's olive industry.

A “Pipeline”-Based Approach for Automated Construction of Geoscience Knowledge Graphs

With the development of technology, Earth Science has entered a new era. Continuous research has generated a large amount of Earth Science data, including a significant amount of semi-structured and unstructured data, which contain information about locations, geographical concepts, geological characteristics of mineral deposits, and relationships. Efficient management of these Earth Science data is crucial for the development of digital earth systems, rational planning of resource industries, and resource security. By representing entities, relationships, and attributes through graph structures, knowledge graphs capture and present concepts and facts about the real world, facilitating efficient data management. However, due to the highly specialized and complex nature of Earth Science data and disciplinary differences, the methods used to construct general-purpose knowledge graphs cannot be directly applied to building knowledge graphs in the field of geological science. Therefore, this paper summarizes a “pipeline” approach to constructing an Earth Science knowledge graph in order to clarify the complete construction process and reduce barriers between data and technology. This approach divides the construction of the Earth Science knowledge graph into two parts and designs functional modules under each part to specify the construction process of the knowledge graph. In addition to proposing this approach, a knowledge graph of iron ore deposits is automatically constructed by integrating geographic and geological data related to iron ore deposits using deep learning techniques. The systematic approach presented in this paper reduces the threshold for constructing geological science knowledge graphs, provides methodological support for specific disciplines or research objects in Earth Science, and also lays the foundation for the construction of large-scale Earth Science knowledge graphs that combine crowdsourcing and expert decision-making, as well as the development of intelligent question-answering systems and intelligent decision-making systems covering the entire field of Earth Science.

Transgenic poplar for resistance against pest and pathogen attack in forests: an overview

Forests are potential habitats for immense terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic biodiversity, performing an essential role in ecological preservation and regulation of climate. The anthropogenic pressures on the forests lead to forest loss, fragmentation and degradation. Requirements for sustainable methodologies for forest protection are of utmost priority under the climate change regime. Among forest trees, poplar trees (Populus L.) have attracted attention in global forestry as a promising material for improving the quality and quantity of urban landscapes. These plants provide wood, which can be utilized as raw resources for the paper industry and as a potential source of biofuel. However, several biotic stresses, such as attacks by pests and pathogens, severely affect poplar production and productivity. The improvement of Populus trees through conventional tree breeding methods is restricted due to their long-life cycles and the lack of suitable donors with resistance genes. Populus has been utilized as a model plant for studying gene functions due to its highly efficient genetic transformation capabilities. The present review will provide a comprehensive overview of pest and pathogen attacks on poplar, focusing on their infection mechanisms, transmission routes, and control strategies. Additionally, it will examine the most widely used genetic transformation methods (gene gun-mediated, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated, protoplast transformation, micro-RNA mediated and micro-RNA clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (CRISPR-Cas) systems methods and RNA interference) for improving tolerance in poplar trees against pest and pathogens attack. Furthermore, it will delve into prospects, challenges, and recent advances in molecular biology tools and their safe application for genetic transformation to improve insect and pest resistance in poplar trees. Finally, the regeneration of transgenic poplar trees with enhanced resistance, developed through various genetic engineering techniques, is discussed.

Research on the impact of carbide slag content on the strength and microstructure of solidified sludge during composite excitation.

A composite material was developed using carbide slag, water glass, slag, and micron silicon to facilitate the use of industrial waste resources. The mechanical properties of dredge sludge (DS) were analyzed, considering different proportions of cement, organic debris, and carbide slag. The composition and microstructure of the hydration products were analyzed using the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results indicate that with a precursor content of 20%, a water glass content of 3%, and an increase in carbide slag content from 4% to 12%, the strength of the sample initially increases and subsequently drops at each age. With a carbide slag level of 8%, the combination of CaO in the slag and water glass stimulated the slag and micron silica, leading to the formation of gel substances such C-S-H and C-A-S-H. The soil particles exhibited increased density as a result of the cohesive properties of the gel products. Following a maintenance period of 28 days, the sample's compressive strength rose to 2280 kPa. When the carbide slag level exceeds 8%, the presence of Ca(OH)2 in the mixture leads to the formation of carbonates, such as calcite, during the carbonization process. The organic matter subsequently undergoes a reaction with the Ca(OH)2 produced during the hydration of the mixture, leading to the formation of a highly soluble complex. As a result, only a limited quantity of calcium ions in the pore solution participate in the pozzolanic reaction, hence reducing the formation of gel reaction products such C-S-H.

Does Resource Industry Dependence Undermine Urban Resilience? Evidence From China

Does Resource Industry Dependence Undermine Urban Resilience? Evidence From China

Exploring the potential mechanisms and future trends of industrial eco-efficiency: a case study of coastal China

The industrial economy occupies a crucial position in China’s national economy, and industrial eco-efficiency (IEE) as a significant indicator of regional green development levels. Balancing the positive interaction between industrial economy and resource environment, and enhancing ecological efficiency in industrial development are vital for achieving sustainable regional economic development. This study measures the IEE of 115 cities in coastal China based on panel data of industrial resources and the environment factors. Subsequently, it further analyzes the influencing mechanisms and future trends of IEE. The results indicate that the overall IEE in coastal China is on an upward trend, with higher efficiency values in provinces and regions characterized by faster economic development and better environmental conditions. Significant changes in spatial patterns are observed, with the gaps between cities narrowing and a “multi-core” development model emerging. Factors such as per capita GDP, the ratio of industrial pollution control investment to GDP, innovation index, the proportion of foreign direct investment to GDP, and industrial labor productivity significantly positively influence IEE. In contrast, the proportion of industrial added value to GDP, urbanization rate, and the number of industrial enterprises exhibit notable negative inhibitory effects. Moreover, the interaction effect between industrialization level and other factors is most significant. In the future, IEE is expected to continue improving, although the sustainability of these changes appears weak. These findings reveal the potential impact mechanisms of resource consumption and environmental pollution caused by industrial activities on economic benefit output. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing energy development layout, enhancing the comprehensive utilization of energy resources, and improving ecological compensation and protection mechanisms.

What Are the Sustainable Features of Soybean Leaves as a By-Product?

Soybean leaves, by-products of soybeans, are functional food supplements for overall health, displaying nutritional superiority and various functionalities; they are widely used for both consumption and as functional materials. This study analyzed the physiological activity (efficacy) of 47 soybean leaves harvested in 2019 and 2020. Differences based on cultivation year (2 years), seed coat color (three varieties), and the interaction of soybean cultivation year × seed coat color were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). DPPH radical scavenging activity varied with seed coat color, while uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) exhibited significant differences by cultivation year. Items that displayed greater increases in 2020 than in 2019 among the six measures of physiological activity (efficacy) were estrogen receptor alpha, UCP-1, and NO production inhibitory activity, whereas ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities as well as estrogen activity declined. ANOVA confirmed significant differences in DPPH radical scavenging activity according to seed coat color as well as in UCP-1 and NO production inhibitory activity by cultivation year. Annual comparisons in the correlations of efficacy with ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities exhibited strong correlations at 2 years, despite climatic variation, thus potentially being classifiable as analysis items with high cultivation stability. However, other efficacies displayed vast differences in correlation between years. Climate change may affect the added value of agricultural products by reducing the production of by-product soybean leaves and changing their bioactive properties, so various countermeasures are needed. This annual variation may largely be attributed to climatic variations owing to open field cultivation. Geomjeong Kong-5 (black color), B16 Neoljeokseoritae (black color), Sorok Kong (yellow color), and Gangwonyanggu-1994-3709 (green–black color) were selected as superior soybean leaf sources with minimal annual variation and high stability against cultivation environments. Further research is needed to ensure that the leaves of the soybean can be used as a sustainable resource for the agricultural industry. The data from this study can be used as a basis for breeding and cultivating soybean leaves while maintaining high efficacy, regardless of the instability of the growing environment due to climatic variations.

Phytochemical Composition of the Alien Invasive Species Amorpha fruticosa at the Northern Edge of Its Secondary Distribution Range—In the Arboretum of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The studied introduction population of the alien North American species Amorpha fruticosa L. was formed in the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow) 80 years ago from seeds of different geographical origin. Currently, this population consists of individuals of the second and third generations, which arose as a result of the spontaneous pollination of parental plants. It is the northernmost site of A. fruticosa growth in the secondary distribution range; in southern regions, it usually behaves like an aggressive invasive species and invades natural plant communities. A. fruticosa is known to contain a number of bioactive compounds with valuable pharmacological properties, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical composition of leaves and fruits at the northern limit of the species’ growth, since stress conditions promote active accumulation of secondary metabolites. The data on the composition of secondary metabolites, on the mineral composition, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids in the leaves and fruits of A. fruticosa, and on the amount and composition of essential oil in the extract from fruits are presented. High levels of adonitol, which is used as a sweetener in products for diabetic patients, have been reported in the fruits of A. fruticosa. α-Copaene, α-pinene, δ-cadinene, α-muurolene, and β- and α-caryophyllene predominate in the essential oil of the fruit, providing its antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical analysis of A. fruticosa from the secondary distribution range confirms the potential of this species as a valuable resource for the pharmacopoeia industry.

Comparative Views on the Global Energy Problem in the Oil and Gas Pattern

The article puts forward views on the global energy problem. It focuses on population growth, industry, energy, consumption, exhaustible and inexhaustible resources. Energy has become an indispensable element of social and economic life due to its early use in lighting and heating, and since the early twentieth century in industry and other fields. It is considered that the causes of the global energy problem are related to the rapid growth of the world's population, the growth and development of industrial production. The implementation of these is considered to lead to the efficient use of energy resources, both globally and domestically. There is a need to make certain changes in people's lifestyles, conserve natural resources and increase the use of alternative energy sources. Against the background of a 7-fold increase in the world's population, the growing demand for energy resources of people and society as a whole is a topical issue. The main purpose of the study is to increase attention to the problem of energy in the world, to make certain changes in people's lifestyles and to make sound proposals on alternative energy resources. From a global point of view, the trends in the modern development of energy and the suggestion of more efficient ways of using energy are the scientific novelty of the research. Specifically, in many countries, oil comes out at a depth of 5,000 m and more, instead of the previous 500-1000 m, which has a negative impact not only on society, but also on the environment.