Environmental Stability Research Articles

Global spatial and temporal dynamics of the green water coefficient and analysis of factor from 1992 to 2020

In recent years, the impacts of climate change have variably affected the global ecological environment, exacerbating water scarcity and related issues. Meantime, as part of soil evapotranspiration and plant transpiration in water resources, green water is of great significance in stabilizing the global water cycle and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. Therefore, the green water coefficient in this study calculates the conversion rate of precipitation to green water, which is important for the balance between blue and green water and the stability of the ecological environment. Based on trend analysis methods and Geodetector, this study analyses the spatial and temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of the green water coefficient on the globe and on each land-use type from 1992 to 2020. The findings revealed that: (1) The global green water coefficient is clearly spatially differentiated, showing certain latitudinal distribution differences, with the lowest near the equator. The areas with higher green water coefficients are mainly in northern and southern Africa, central Asia, Oceania and northern and western North America, while the areas with lower green water coefficients are concentrated in northern South America and Southeast Asia. (2) The global average value of green water coefficient decreases before increasing. Except for water, the green water coefficient of other land use types (crop land, forest land, grassland, urban land, unused land) changes significantly and there are fewer abrupt change points. Areas where the green water coefficient is too low and changes drastically are not suitable for rainfed agriculture. (3) Different influential factors act on the green water coefficients of different land use types, and there is a two-factor enhancement and non-linear enhancement relationship between them, with a combination of factors affecting the green water coefficient. By studying the characteristics of the green water coefficient globally and across different land use types, we quantified the influence of climate factors such as precipitation, temperature, wind speed, evapotranspiration, radiation, etc., on the green water coefficient, thereby providing some information for future global rain-fed agriculture and water resources management.

Analysis of solar absorption, degradation mechanism and thermal stability in air environments for SS/TiB2/Al2O3 spectrally selective absorber coating

Analysis of solar absorption, degradation mechanism and thermal stability in air environments for SS/TiB2/Al2O3 spectrally selective absorber coating

Building a theoretical framework for financial risk management in emerging markets: Applying global best practices to the oil and gas industry in developing economies

Financial risk management is crucial for the sustainability and growth of the oil and gas industry in developing economies, where volatility and regulatory uncertainties present significant challenges. This abstract explores the construction of a theoretical framework for financial risk management, adapting global best practices to the specific contexts of emerging markets within the oil and gas sector. In developing economies, the oil and gas industry faces unique risks such as geopolitical instability, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes. Effective financial risk management mitigates these risks through proactive strategies that balance risk exposure with strategic objectives. Adopting global best practices involves the integration of comprehensive risk assessment methodologies, scenario planning, and hedging techniques tailored to local market conditions. Key components of the theoretical framework include risk identification through comprehensive analysis of market, operational, and financial factors. This approach enables oil and gas companies to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate, ensuring financial stability and resilience in volatile environments. Furthermore, the application of global best practices in financial risk management fosters transparency and accountability, enhancing investor confidence and facilitating access to capital. By aligning risk management strategies with international standards and benchmarks, developing economy oil and gas firms can navigate uncertainty more effectively, thereby optimizing operational performance and sustaining long-term growth. However, challenges such as limited access to sophisticated financial instruments and expertise may hinder effective implementation. Overcoming these barriers requires capacity building, collaboration with experienced partners, and continuous adaptation of strategies to evolving market dynamics. In conclusion, building a theoretical framework for financial risk management in the oil and gas industry in developing economies is essential for mitigating volatility and maximizing opportunities. By applying global best practices tailored to local contexts, companies can strengthen their resilience, attract investment, and drive sustainable development in emerging markets.

A brief review on effect of heavy metals in fish fauna

The variety of fish species is essential for the well-being and stability of aquatic environments. Fishes are one of the most important aquatic creatures that are directly or indirectly related to human health and wealth. With thousands of different species inhabiting various water bodies around the world, each fish contributes to the overall biodiversity and sustainability of these environments. Humans have long relied on aquatic resources for food, medicines, and materials. Fish species are adapted to a variety of environments such as freshwater lakes, rivers, reservoirs, oceans, and estuaries. The diversity of habitats available allows a variety of fish species to thrive in different environments. Fish diversity is a vital component of aquatic ecosystems, supporting ecosystem stability, economic value, and cultural significance. India's inland water resources are abundant and diverse, including reservoirs that play an important role in the country's inland fisheries sector.Biodiversity and its conservation are considered one of the key issues to enable sustainable use of natural resources. Protecting ichthyophan diversity in its natural habitat is essential and the need of the hour. By understanding the factors that influence fish diversity and the importance of preserving biodiversity, we can work towards protecting and protecting these priceless resources for upcoming generations.

Prussian Blue-Derived Atomic Fe/Fe3C@N-Doped C Catalysts Supported by Carbon Cloth as Integrated Air Cathode for Flexible Zn-Air Batteries.

The development of an integrated air cathode with superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance is fundamental to flexible zinc-air batteries (ZABs) for wearable electronics. Herein, a self-assembled metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived strategy is proposed to prepare a atomic Fe/Fe3C@N-doped C catalysts supported by carbon cloth (CC) catalyst for use as an air cathode of flexible ZABs. The Prussian Blue precursor, which self-assembles on the surface of the carbon cloth due to electrostatic attraction, is critical in achieving the uniform dispersion of catalysts with high density loading on carbon cloth substrates. The hollow cubic structure, N-doped carbon layer coating, and the integrated electrode design can provide more accessible active sites and facilitate a rapid electron transfer and mass transport. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that the electronic interactions between the Fe-N4 and Fe3C dual active sites can optimize the adsorption-desorption behavior of oxygen intermediates formed during the ORR. Consequently, the Fe/Fe3C@N-doped C/CC exhibits an excellent half wave potential (E1/2 = 0.903V) and superior long-term cycling stability in alkaline environments. With excellent ORR performance, ZABs and flexible ZABs based on Fe/Fe3C@N-doped C/CC air cathode demonstrate excellent overall electrochemical performance in terms of open circuit voltage, maximum power density, flexibility, and cycling stability.

Optimal Configuration Model for Large Capacity Synchronous Condenser Considering Transient Voltage Stability in Multiple UHV DC Receiving End Grids

In a multi-fed DC environment, the UHV DC recipient grid faces significant challenges related to DC phase shift failure and voltage instability due to the high AC/DC coupling strength and low system inertia level. While the new large-capacity synchronous condensers (SCs) can provide effective transient reactive power support, the associated investment and operation costs are high. Therefore, it is valuable to investigate the optimization of SC configuration at key nodes in the recipient grid in a scientific and rational manner. This study begins by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the dynamic characteristics of DC reactive power and induction motors under AC faults. The sub-transient and transient reactive power output model is established to describe the SC output characteristics, elucidating the coupling relationship between the SC’s reactive power output and the DC reactive power demand at different time scales. Subsequently, a critical stabilized voltage index for dynamic loads is defined, and the SC’s reactive power compensation target is quantitatively calculated across different time scales, revealing the impact of transient changes in DC reactive power on the transient voltage stability of the multi-fed DC environment with dynamic load integration. Finally, an optimal configuration model for the large-capacity SC is proposed under the critical stability constraint of dynamic loads to maximize the SC’s reactive power support capability at the lowest economic cost. The proposed model is validated in a multi-fed DC area, demonstrating that the optimal configuration scheme effectively addresses issues related to DC phase shift failures and voltage instability resulting from AC bus voltage drops.

High-Performance Ultra-Broadband Photodetector Based on Fe3O4/CrSiTe3 Heterostructures.

Photodetectors based on advanced materials with a broad spectral photoresponse, high sensitivity, huge integration ability, room-temperature operation, and stable environmental stability are highly desired for diversified applications of imaging, sensing, and communication. Herein, a high-performance ultra-broadband photodetector based on an ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) Fe3O4 nanoflake heterostructure with high sensitivity was designed. The photodetector response light was from visible 405 nm to long-wave infrared (LWIR) 10.6 μm in ambient air. The competitive performances, including a high photoresponsivity (R) of 182.8 A W-1, fast speed with the rise time τr = 8.8 μs, and decay time τd = 4.1 μs, were demonstrated in the visible range. Notably, the device exhibits an excellent uncooled LWIR detection ability, with a high R of 1.4 A W-1 realized at a 1.5 V bias. In the full spectral range, the noise equivalent power is lower than 0.79 pW Hz-1/2, and specific detectivity (D*) is higher than 4.9 × 108 cm Hz1/2 W-1 in ambient air. This work provides alternative ultrathin 2D materials for future infrared optoelectronic devices.

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar Phase Linking with Level 2 Coregistered Single Look Complexes: Enhancing Infrastructure Monitoring Accuracy at Algeciras Port

This paper presents an advanced workflow for processing radar imagery stacks using Persistent Scatterer and Distributed Scatterer Interferometry (PSDS) to enhance spatial coherence and improve displacement detection accuracy. The workflow leverages Level 2 Coregistered Single Look Complex (L2-CSLC) images generated by the open-source COMPASS (Coregistered Multi-temporal Sar SLC) framework in combination with the Combined eigenvalue maximum likelihood Phase Linking (CPL) approach implemented in MiaplPy. Starting the analysis directly from Level 2 products offers a significant advantage to end-users, as they simplify processing by being pre-geocoded and ready for immediate analysis. Additionally, the open-source nature of the workflow and the use of L2-CSLC products simplify the processing pipeline, making it easier to distribute directly to users for practical applications in monitoring infrastructure stability in dynamic environments. The ISCE3-MiaplPy workflow is compared against ISCE2-MiaplPy and the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS) to assess its performance in detecting infrastructure deformations in dynamic environments, such as the Algeciras port. The results indicate that ISCE3-MiaplPy delivers denser measurements, albeit with increased noise, compared to its counterparts. This higher resolution enables a more detailed understanding of infrastructure stability and surface dynamics, which is critical for environments with ongoing human activity or natural forces.

Recent Status and Prospects of Low-Temperature Drift Resistors

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, the stability and reliability of electronic components become essential. Low-temperature drift resistors (LTDRs) are of importance owing to their excellent performance and stability in different temperature environments. LTDR technology is now widely used in the industrial field. This paper reviews the research status of LTDRs in order to provide reference for researchers and engineers in related fields. First, the basic principle of LTDRs is briefly discussed. A brief explanation of the mechanism behind low-temperature drift is illustrated. Second, the materials, types, and manufacturing processes of LTDRs are classified and discussed. The review ends with a brief conclusion concerning the challenges from mechanism to application and the future outlook.

An ultrastable luminescent covalent organic polymer for selective Pd2+ detection in strong acid

AbstractThe low natural abundance of palladium (10 ppb) in the Earth's crust highlights its considerable potential as a valuable resource, especially given that spent nuclear fuel contains approximately 1–2 kg of Pd per ton. However, the detection and separation of Pd2+ from high‐level liquid waste (HLLW) present significant challenges due to high acidity (2–5 M HNO3) and intense radiation conditions inherent in spent fuel reprocessing. We present a cyano‐olefin‐linked covalent organic polymer (COP‐TnPp) that exhibits remarkable stability in strong acidic environments and resilience to radiation. Thanks to its olefin linkage, which facilitates π‐electron conjugation, COP‐TnPp exhibits strong luminescence, whose intensity remains stable across a range of 1–5 M nitric acid solutions. Pd2+ ions can effectively quench the fluorescence of COP‐TnPp in 1 and 5 M HNO3 solutions with detection limits of 0.37 and 0.63 μM, respectively. Additionally, COP‐TnPp demonstrates exceptional selectivity for Pd2+ ions, even amidst 22 other interfering ions in a simulated HLLW solution (5 M HNO3), with the detection limit remaining at 0.697 μM. This work not only marks an advancement in the development of materials for detecting Pd2+ in extreme acidic conditions but also offers new insights into the detection of other radionuclides under similarly challenging environments.

Effect of Credit Risk Management Techniques on Financial Performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya

Financial performance is crucial in the realm of finance. The requirement to explain why two organizations operating in the same environment perform differently is a puzzle, and various financial research works have been devoted to solving this puzzle. Co-operative societies in Kenya are recognized as a significant contributor to national development since their presence can be traced in virtually all sectors of the economy. Although significant progress has been made by the deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya, their performance and sustainability has been debatable. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of financial risk management techniques on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The specific objective was to determine the effect of credit risk management techniques on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study was based on Credit Risk Theory. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study was the 175-deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya as of 31st December 2022. Due to relative population nature, sampling was not conducted and therefore the study was a census. The respondent was the risk manager of each deposit-taking SACCO. The study utilized primary data. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics which included correlation and regression analysis. Reliability tests were conducted on the variables each meeting the 0.7reliability threshold with validity tests being confirmed by the Bartlett’s test that confirmed validity of the variables being measured. The regression analysis revealed significant insights into the relationship between financial risk management techniques and the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. Credit risk management techniques were found to have a positive impact on financial performance with a regression coefficient of β = 0.238 and a significant value of P <0.005. In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence of the importance of comprehensive risk management frameworks in driving the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. By implementing effective risk management practices tailored to address credit risk, SACCOs can enhance their stability, profitability, and resilience in a dynamic operating environment. These findings have significant implications for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the SACCO sector, highlighting the need to prioritize investments in risk management capabilities to promote sustainable financial growth. The study recommended that SACCOs should focus on enhancing their credit risk management frameworks. This can be achieved by implementing robust credit risk assessment mechanisms, such as comprehensive credit scoring models and regular analysis of customer credit histories.

Zwitterionic Polymers for Biomedical Applications: Antimicrobial and Antifouling Strategies toward Implantable Medical Devices and Drug Delivery.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is extensively utilized in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility; however, its thermal instability and susceptibility to oxidative degradation significantly constrain its long-term effectiveness. Zwitterionic polymers, characterized by their distinctive structure, enhanced stability, and superior biocompatibility, offer a more advantageous alternative. These polymers exhibit super hydrophilicity, resist nonspecific protein adsorption, and maintain stability in biological environments due to their charge-neutral ionic nature. Zwitterionic polymers enhance anticancer drug delivery by precisely targeting tumor cells and facilitating an efficient drug release. Their inherent antifouling properties and prolonged circulation within the bloodstream render them highly suitable for redox-sensitive drug carriers, thereby augmenting the antitumor efficacy. Moreover, zwitterionic polymers markedly mitigate biofouling in implants, biosensors, and wound dressings, thereby improving both their functionality and their therapeutic outcomes. These advantages arise from the formation of robust hydration layers, which significantly enhance the hemocompatibility and inhibit the adhesion of proteins, platelets, and bacteria. Zwitterionic polymers, including sulfobetaine (SB), phosphorylcholine (PC), and carboxybetaine (CB), are increasingly employed in blood-contacting devices and as effective coating materials for implantable devices. This mini-review paper aims to explore the recent diverse biomedical applications of zwitterionic polymers and highlight their advantageous properties compared with unmodified polymers. We will cover their use in drug delivery systems, tumor targeting nanocarriers, antibiofouling and antibacterial activities in implantable devices, tissue engineering, and diagnostic devices, demonstrating how their unique properties can translate into different applications. Through this exploration, this Perspective will display the potential of zwitterionic polymers as innovative polymer materials in the field of biomedical engineering and beyond.

Anion regulation for surface passivation enables ultrahigh-stability perovskite nanocrystals.

All-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) display high photoluminescence quantum yield and narrow emission, which show great potential application in optoelectronic devices. However, the poor environment stability of NCs will hinder their practical application. Herein, a series of ionic liquids with different anions (BF4-, Br-, and NO3-) were used as a sole capping ligand to synthesize NCs. Among the three samples, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C16MIM]BF4) capped NCs have the highest stability in light, thermal, and water, possibly attributing to the in situ passivation of bromine vacancy via pseudohalogen BF4- and tight binding of ionic liquid ligands and lead atoms. In addition, green-emission [C16MIM]BF4 NCs were used to assemble a white light-emitting diode device, and it possessed a wide National Television System Committee color gamut of 124.5% and a stable emission peak at high driving currents of 380 mA. This work paves the way for resurfacing perovskite NCs with ultrahigh stability, thereby driving the perovskite NC display industry closer to real-world application.

Influence of Aqueous Phase Salt and Oil Phase Surfactants and Viscosity on the Dynamic Interfacial Tension and Coalescence Timescales.

Liquid-liquid separation is a critically important process in the treatment of emulsions that can occur in our environment, such as oily stormwater, shipboard bilgewater, or off-shore oil spill treatment. Effective filtration systems, including coalescing filters, are essential for mitigating these environmental pollutants. Achieving this requires a comprehensive understanding of liquid-liquid interface dynamics influenced by additives and surfactants. Furthermore, understanding the impact of surfactants on emulsion stability in saline environments is vital for optimizing filtration processes and ensuring the protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems. In this work, these effects are highlighted using measurements performed across a range of droplet size, surfactant concentration, viscosity ratios, and saline presence. Dynamic IFT measurements are conducted using the pendant drop method for water in light mineral oil, with and without salt in the water phase. The effect of salt addition is also highlighted by using microfluidic coalescence experiments, in which it was found that the addition of salt increases the dimensionless drainage time below the critical micelle concentration. The second focus of this work is to study the effect of bulk phase viscosity on the stability. Dynamic IFT measurements are performed at both millimeter and micrometer scales using pendant drop experiments and microfluidic tensiometry, respectively, involving light and heavy mineral oils with varying SPAN80 surfactant concentrations. The surfactant diffusivity and interfacial adsorption and desorption rates are then extracted by fitting a surfactant diffusion and equation of state equations to the dynamic IFT measurements. The results of the IFT decay, surfactant diffusivity, and adsorption rates are compared at two different viscosity ratios. This study also compares the times required for IFT relaxation with the film drainage times in water-in-oil systems. The comparison aids in comprehending the impact of competing timescales during film drainage. The findings presented in this paper offer valuable insights into the design and optimization of liquid-liquid filtration systems, especially when operating under challenging environmental conditions, such as in saline environments. The principles explored here can be applied to improving industrial water treatment and in the design of advanced filtration technologies for chemical and petrochemical industries, particularly those involving flow, contributing to more sustainable and efficient practices in handling emulsified waste streams.

Advances in Gas Detection of Pattern Recognition Algorithms for Chemiresistive Gas Sensor

Gas detection and monitoring are critical to protect human health and safeguard the environment and ecosystems. Chemiresistive sensors are widely used in gas monitoring due to their ease of fabrication, high customizability, mechanical flexibility, and fast response time. However, with the rapid development of industrialization and technology, the main challenges faced by chemiresistive gas sensors are poor selectivity and insufficient anti-interference stability in complex application environments. In order to overcome these shortcomings of chemiresistive gas sensors, the pattern recognition method is emerging and is having a great impact in the field of sensing. In this review, we focus systematically on the advancements in the field of data processing methods for feature extraction, such as the methods of determining the characteristics of the original response curve, the curve fitting parameters, and the transform domain. Additionally, we emphasized the developments of traditional recognition algorithms and neural network algorithm in gas discrimination and analyzed the advantages through an extensive literature review. Lastly, we summarized the research on chemiresistive gas sensors and provided prospects for future development.

التّحوّلات المجتمعيّة ومردوداتها على التّوجّهات القيميّة للعمّال

Societal transformations play a pivotal role in shaping and changing the values among workers. These transformations are influenced by several factors such as: economic development, technological changes, cultural and political shifts. This study aims to understand the relationship between cultural and social values and work behaviors, as well as individual performance in the workplace. It also examines how customs, traditions, and beliefs influence values such as commitment, discipline, and dedication to work. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the factors that affect work-related values in Libyan society by understanding the dynamics of societal transformations, and how they can directly or indirectly impact stability in the work environment.

Saturation Mobility of 100 cm2 V-1 s-1 in ZnO Thin-Film Transistors through Quantum Confinement by a Nanoscale In2O3 Interlayer Using Spray Pyrolysis.

In this study, we present a comprehensive study on the fabrication and characterization of heterojunction In2O3/ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) aimed at exploiting the quantum confinement effect to enhance device performance. By systematically optimizing the thickness of the crystalline In2O3 (c-In2O3) layer to create a narrow quantum well, we observed a significant increase in saturation mobility (μSAT) from 12.76 to 97.37 cm2 V-1 s-1. This enhancement, attributed to quantum confinement, was achieved through the deposition of a 3 nm c-In2O3 semiconductor via spray pyrolysis. Various In2O3 layer thicknesses (2-5 nm) were obtained by adjusting precursor solution concentration, flow rate, and number of spray cycles. Post annealing treatments were employed to reduce the defects at the interface and within the oxide film, enhancing device stability and performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the uniformity of the c-In2O3 film thickness, while variations in thickness significantly influenced TFT performance, particularly the turn-on voltage (VGS) due to changes in the carrier concentration. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) supported the formation of a potential well with a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). The study of single and multiple superlattice structures of consecutive c-In2O3 and c-ZnO layers provided insights into the effects of multiple quantum wells on the TFT performance. This research presents an advanced approach to TFT optimization, highlighting high reliability, and environmental and bias stabilities. These lead to enhanced mobility and performance uniformity through the precise control of c-In2O3 layer thickness for the quantum confinement effect.

Social Determinants of Health and US Health Care Expenditures by Insurer

US health expenditures have been growing at an unsustainable rate, while health inequities and poor outcomes persist. Targeting social determinants of health (SDOH) may contribute to identifying and controlling health care expenditures. To determine whether SDOH are associated with US health care expenditures by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. Cross-sectional study of adults, representing the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population with Medicare, Medicaid, or private coverage, from the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel SDOH Survey. Data analysis was conducted from October 2023 to April 2024. SDOH as individual-level, health-related social needs categorized by Healthy People 2030 domains: (1) educational access and quality, (2) health care access and quality, (3) neighborhood and built environment,(4) economic stability, and (5) social and community context. The primary outcome was health care expenditures (US dollars) by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. A 2-part econometric model (probit regression model and generalized linear model with gamma distribution) was used. Among the 14 918 insured adults in the analytic sample (mean [SD] age, 52.5 [17.9] years; 8471 female [56.8%]), the majority had middle to high family income (10 524 participants [70.5%]) and were privately insured (10 227 participants [68.5%]). Annual median (IQR) expenditure was $1648 ($389-$7126) for Medicaid, $3643 ($1321-$10 519) for Medicare, and $1369 ($456-$4078) for private insurers. Educational attainment and social isolation were associated with Medicaid expenditures. Medicaid beneficiaries with a high school diploma or general educational development certificate had on average (mean difference) $2245.39 lower annual Medicaid expenditures (95% CI, -$3700.97 to -$789.80) compared with beneficiaries with less than high school attainment. Compared with those who never felt isolated, Medicaid beneficiaries who often felt isolated had on average $2706.94 (95% CI, $1339.06-$4074.82) higher annual Medicaid expenditures. Health care access, built environment, and economic stability were associated with Medicare expenditures. Medicare beneficiaries living in neighborhoods with lower availability of parks had on average $5959.27 (95% CI, $1679.99 to $10 238.55) higher annual Medicare expenditures. Medicare beneficiaries who were very confident in covering unexpected expenses had on average $3743.98 lower annual Medicare expenditures (95% CI, -$6500.68 to -$987.28) compared with those who were not confident. Medical discrimination and economic stability were associated with private expenditures. Private insurance beneficiaries who experienced medical discrimination had on average $2599.93 (95% CI, $863.71-$4336.15) higher annual private expenditures compared with those who did not. Private beneficiaries who were contacted by debt collections in the past year had on average $2033.34 (95% CI, $896.82 to $3169.86) higher annual private expenditures compared with those who were not contacted. In this cross-sectional study of 14 918 insured adults, individual-level SDOH were significantly associated with US health care expenditures by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. These findings may inform health insurers and policymakers to incorporate SDOH in their decision-making practices to identify and control health care expenditures, advancing health equity.

Urbanization in a Globalized World: Reviewing Environmental Sustainability in Developing Countries

Climate change remains a critical issue worldwide, and balancing economic growth with sustainable development is of paramount importance. Our study explores the complex relationship between globalization, environmental sustainability, and urbanization in selected developing countries. By utilizing a simple panel regression technique and data from 40 developing countries from 1994 to 2018, the study examines how these factors influence environmental stability. We find that with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, economic growth can be enhanced. Additionally, we find that globalization, along with GDP per capita and access to electricity, significantly impacts environmental sustainability. Conversely, the effect of urbanization on environmental stability appears to be minimal.

Capacity Optimization Allocation of Multi-Energy-Coupled Integrated Energy System Based on Energy Storage Priority Strategy

As the global focus on environmental conservation and energy stability intensifies, enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating pollution emissions have emerged as pivotal issues that cannot be overlooked. In order to make a multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system (IES) that can meet the demand of load diversity under low-carbon economic operation, an optimal capacity allocation model of an electricity–heat–hydrogen multi-energy-coupled IES is proposed, with the objectives of minimizing operating costs and pollutant emissions and minimizing peak-to-valley loads on the grid side. Different Energy management strategies with different storage priorities are proposed, and the proposed NSNGO algorithm is used to solve the above model. The results show that the total profit after optimization is 5.91% higher on average compared to the comparison type, and the pollutant emission scalar function is reduced by 980.64 (g), which is 7.48% lower. The peak–valley difference of the regional power system before optimization is 0.5952, and the peak–valley difference of the regional power system after optimization is 0.4142, which is reduced by 30.40%, and the proposed capacity allocation method can realize the economic operation of the multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system.