Sustainable Resource Utilization Research Articles

Study on Sustainable Resource Utilization as Ligand Precursors in Coordination Chemistry

Ligand Precursors in Coordination Chemistry.” Sustainable resource utilization in ligand precursor synthesis is crucial for advancing green chemistry principles and addressing environmental concerns in coordination chemistry. This study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing renewable resources as precursor materials for ligand synthesis, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the efficacy and versatility required in coordination chemistry applications. Through a combination of synthetic organic chemistry and coordination chemistry techniques, novel ligand precursors derived from sustainable sources were synthesized and characterized. Various renewable feedstocks, including biomass-derived compounds and waste materials, were explored as potential starting materials for ligand precursor synthesis. Optimization of synthetic routes and reaction conditions led to the development of efficient protocols for the synthesis of sustainable ligand precursors. Characterization techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy were employed to confirm the structures and purities of synthesized ligand precursors. Evaluation of the performance of sustainable ligand precursors in coordination chemistry reactions demonstrated their ability to form stable complexes with metal ions and exhibit catalytic activity in relevant reactions. Comparative studies with traditional ligands revealed the environmental advantages of sustainable ligand precursors, including reduced energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and solvent usage. Overall, this study highlights the importance of sustainable resource utilization in ligand precursor synthesis for promoting environmentally friendly practices in coordination chemistry and advancing the principles of green chemistry.

ALGORITHMIC GOVERNANCE IN THE REAL ESTATE AND TDR EXCHANGE OF INDIA: A STATISTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR REGULATING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

This paper presents a mathematical framework for algorithmic governance within the context of the Real Estate and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Exchange of India, addressing the challenges of urban infrastructure development. The model incorporates key components such as dynamic pricing, compliance enforcement, and optimal resource allocation, which are designed to regulate TDR transactions efficiently, transparently, and sustainably. By developing a dynamic pricing mechanism that adapts to market demand, supply, compliance with regulations, and environmental sustainability factors, this framework ensures that TDRs are allocated to areas with the highest redevelopment potential.The framework integrates regulatory enforcement mechanisms that monitor adherence to urban planning regulations and impose dynamic penalties on non-compliance. The pricing model adjusts based on the demand-supply gap and local environmental constraints, encouraging sustainable urban growth. The paper also explores a multi-objective optimization approach to TDR allocation, ensuring that redevelopment potential is maximized while maintaining environmental thresholds. The proposed algorithmic model provides a scalable solution to urban infrastructure challenges, promoting balanced growth and sustainable resource utilization in Indian cities.

Effect of urbanization on surface runoff and performance of green roofs and permeable pavement for mitigating urban floods

Floods are increasingly becoming a significant concern due to climate change, global warming, and excessive urbanization. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that global warming will continue to contribute to more frequent and severe floods and hydrological extremes. In response to these challenges, nature-based solutions (NBSs) have gained recognition as effective approaches to mitigate the adverse impacts of floods by focusing on ecosystem conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization of natural resources. This study examines a flood that occurred in the Erkilet District of Kayseri, Türkiye on September 22, 2022, as a result of intense rainfall. It involves a thorough on-site investigation to assess the hydraulic, hydrologic, and geotechnical attributes of the study area. The findings from the field study indicate that the primary cause of the flood is attributed to excessive urbanization. To further analyze the impact of urbanization, a hydraulic model is developed considering both the physical and topographical conditions of the study area for both the year 2006 and 2022. The simulation results reveal that the extent of inundation area and water depth has increased significantly due to the excessive urbanization that occurred within a 16-year period. Additionally, the effectiveness of green roofs and permeable pavements as NBSs to mitigate urban flooding is explored. The implementation of green roofs and permeable pavements shows promising results, reducing the adverse effects of urban floods by 3% to 8%, depending on their specific locations and configurations. However, the results suggest that NBSs alone cannot fully prevent floods so they should complement gray infrastructure. The novelty of the study lies in its ability to demonstrate the impact of urbanization and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating flood extent based.

Monitoring Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in the Coastal Waters of Zhejiang Using Landsat-8/9 Imagery

The Zhejiang coastal waters (ZCW), which exhibit various turbidity levels, including low, medium, and high turbidity levels, are vital for regional ecological balance and sustainable marine resource utilization. Dissolved oxygen (DO) significantly affects marine organism survival and ecosystem health, yet there is limited research on remote sensing monitoring of DO in the ZCW, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study addresses this gap by utilizing high-resolution Landsat 8/9 imagery and sea surface temperature (SST) data to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model for DO estimation. Compared to previous studies that utilize remote sensing band reflectance data as inputs, the results show that the red and blue bands are more suitable for establishing DO inversion models for such water bodies. The model was applied to analyze variations in the DO concentrations in the ZCW from 2013 to 2023, with a focus on Hangzhou Bay (HZB), Xiangshan Bay (XSB), Sanmen Bay (SMB), and Yueqing Bay (YQB). The temporal and spatial distributions of DO concentrations and their relationships with environmental factors, such as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, total suspended matter (TSM) concentrations, and thermal effluents, are analyzed. The results reveal significant seasonal fluctuations in DO concentrations, which peak in winter (e.g., 9.02 mg/L in HZB) and decrease in summer (e.g., 6.83 mg/L in HZB). Changes in the aquatic environment, particularly in the thermal effluents from the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP), significantly decrease coastal dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations near drainage outlets. Chl-a and TSM directly or indirectly affect DO concentrations, with notable correlations observed in XSB. This study offers a novel approach for monitoring and managing water quality in the ZCW, facilitating the early detection of potential hypoxia issues in critical zones, such as nuclear power plant heat discharge outlets.

Wet Extraction of By-Product Samples and Fractionation of Valuable Compounds using Supercritical CO2 Extraction: An Innovative Approach for Sustainable Resource Utilization

This research explores an innovative method for extracting and fractionating valuable compounds from by-product samples through the utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction. By-products generated from various industrial processes often contain untapped reservoirs of valuable compounds, necessitating environmentally sustainable and economically viable extraction techniques. SC-CO2 extraction, known for its unique properties such as low toxicity, non-flammability, and tunable solubility, presents a promising avenue for efficient and selective extraction of target compounds.The study focuses on wet extraction, emphasizing the extraction of valuable compounds from by-products in their natural, moisture-laden state. This approach not only enhances the sustainability of the extraction process by minimizing pre-treatment steps but also broadens the scope of potential target compounds. The study further explores the critical parameters of SC-CO2 extraction, including pressure, temperature, and flow rate, to optimize the extraction efficiency and selectivity for different classes of compounds.

Selective extraction of molybdenum from an industrial powdery tungsten-molybdenum mixture scraps through ultrasonic-assisted electrochemical dissolution mechanism

Extraction and recovery of W and Mo from waste scraps hold significant importance for sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection. Ultrasonic-assisted leaching was demonstrated to be a clean and efficient method for metal dissolution and separation, and the research emphasis of this work was focused on ultrasonic electrochemical behaviors. The HNO3 leaching behaviors of W and Mo under conventional and ultrasonic-assisted processes from powdery W-Mo mixture scraps generated in the powder metallurgy process were investigated. It’s demonstrated that Mo and W can be selectively separated by the regulation of lixiviant concentration and temperature, in which the Mo is converted into the soluble ions (MoO22+) while the W particle is kept in original metallic state and covered with insoluble WO3·H2O. Experiment results indicated that 96.38 % Mo and 8.03 % W were rapidly leached in 2 mol/L HNO3 within ultrasonic-assisted leaching for 10 min at 25 °C, showing a favorable pre-separation effect. Phase transformation and microstructure evolution of the leaching residues under conventional and ultrasonic-assisted leaching processes were analyzed. It’s suggested that Mo can precipitate in the form of molybdenum oxide hydrates, covering the unreacted particle surfaces and further hindering the Mo leaching, especially at higher temperature. This unfavorable situation can be relieved by the introduction of ultrasonic cavitation effect. Importantly, the electrochemical dissolution behaviors of pure W, pure Mo, and W-Mo alloy sheets in HNO3 solution were compared employing the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy testing to reveal the ultrasonic intensifying mechanism in this study. Eventually, the ultrasonic electrochemical intensifying mechanism can be referential for the efficient dissolution of metal-based scraps for resource recycling.

Efficient glycosylation and in vitro neuroprotective evaluation of abundant prenylflavonoid in hops

Structurally unique isopentenyl flavonoids are extremely low in natural plant species, and their cumbersome chemical pathways, scarcity of donors, and poor stability have severely hindered their application scenarios. Xanthohumol (XN), an isopentenyl chalcone, is a unique and abundant herbal efficacy substance in hops (Humulus upulus L.), which is an herb with a variety of clinical benefits. However, 90% of XN is left behind in the production of hop residue, resulting in a waste of natural resources. The poor water solubility and low bioavailability of XN also limit its wide application. Combined biotransformation strategies can greatly enhance the added value of resource materials and become one of the important means for the sustainable utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources. In this study, an extreme microbial screening strategy for efficient bioconversion of phrenylflavonids is established to achieve Bacillus zanthoxyli GQ8 obtained from brewer's dregs and a non-aqueous biosynthesis system of xanthohumol glycosides (XNG, substrate concentration of 0.5 g/L, conversion rate of 73.2%) is constructed by GQ8. With HT22 cell model of H2O2-induced oxidative damage and BV2 cell model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation, XNG showed little cytotoxicity and exhibited better anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared with the original compound. Our experimental results firstly provide a high-efficiency biotransformation strategy for glycosylation of XN with bacteria and provide a support that prenylflavonoid glycoside derivatives have remarkable biological activity and show better development potential.

Greening the future: identifying and mitigating environmental hotspots in the MSME sector - a wall mixer case study

ABSTRACT In response to concerns about depleting natural resources, organisations are developing eco-friendly products and services. This study examines the role of manufacturing industries and services in sustainable resource utilisation, focusing on the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, a significant contributor to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the research identifies hotspots within the production processes of three companies manufacturing bathroom fittings, specifically the ‘Wall mixer’ component used in households and hotels. The study calculates In response to concerns about depleting natural resources, organisations are developing eco-friendly products and services. This study examines the role of manufacturing industries and services in sustainable resource utilisation, focusing on the MSME sector, a significant contributor to global GDP. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the research identifies hotspots within the production processes of three companies manufacturing bathroom fittings, specifically the ‘Wall mixer’ component used in households and hotels. The study calculates CO2 equivalents for each phase of the product lifecycle, identifying average gate-to-gate process values across the companies. This comparison reveals specific hotspots, with a significant one identified, leading to recommendations for industries to prioritise this issue for immediate energy savings. The primary focus is to establish an initial benchmarking system to reduce CO2 equivalents in cradle-to-gate or gate-to-gate systems. Implementing these measures is expected to reduce the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and raw material usage, ultimately enhancing profitability for the three companies. equivalents for each phase of the product lifecycle, identifying average gate-to-gate process values across the companies. This comparison reveals specific hotspots, with a significant one identified, leading to recommendations for industries to prioritise this issue for immediate energy savings. The primary focus is to establish an initial benchmarking system to reduce CO2 equivalents in cradle-to-gate or gate-to-gate systems. Implementing these measures is expected to reduce the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and raw material usage, ultimately enhancing profitability for the three companies.

Exploring Seasonal Variations in Fish Communities: A Study of the Yellow River Estuary and Its Adjacent Waters Using eDNA and Trawl Surveys

The Yellow River Estuary and its adjacent waters serve as crucial spawning, foraging, and nursery areas for marine organisms, possessing abundant biological resources. Monitoring fish communities provides a baseline for implementing the sustainable utilization of marine resources. In this study, data were collected from 15 spring surface and bottom sites and 17 summer surface sites using eDNA and trawl surveys. The results showed that 37, 40, and 35 fish species were detected using eDNA in the spring (surface and bottom) and summer (surface), respectively, with 38 fish species caught during summer trawling. The dominant species mainly belonged to Engraulidae of Clupeiformes in the spring and Gobiidae of Perciformes in the summer, characterized by smaller-sized, short-lived, and pelagic fish species. The summer surface communities exhibited higher diversity than the spring surface and bottom communities. NMDS analysis revealed a degree of seasonal differences in fish communities and that there may be a lack of vertical stratification in the spring communities. The pH and DO were identified as the key environmental factors affecting the fish community. Additionally, the combination of eDNA and trawl surveys was regarded as a superior survey method. Our study provides valuable information for understanding seasonal fish communities in the Yellow River Estuary and its adjacent waters, contributing to fishery resource management and conservation in the region.

The application effect of the optimized scheduling model of virtual power plant participation in the new electric power system

To build a comprehensive framework for virtual power plant (VPP) development aligned with market dynamics and to devise effective strategies to foster its growth, this study undertakes several key steps. Firstly, it constructs a VPP development framework based on market conditions, to drive the evolution of new power systems and facilitating energy transformation. Secondly, through a blend of theoretical analysis and model construction, the fundamental principles of VPP are systematically elucidated, and a decision model for the VPP development framework, focusing on price demand response, is formulated. Lastly, an optimal scheduling model for the new power system is developed, with its efficacy validated across three distinct scenarios. The findings underscore the critical importance of integrating energy storage technologies, particularly pumped storage hydropower systems, for achieving balance and optimization within new power systems. Model verification reveals that the incorporation of energy storage power stations significantly enhances system stability and efficiency, particularly in addressing the volatility associated with renewable energy sources. Additionally, the analysis indicates that while the adoption of energy storage technologies may marginally increase overall power generation costs, the total power generation cost declines with the integration of battery storage and pumped storage hydropower stations. This suggests that leveraging energy storage technologies not only enhances system operational reliability but also contributes to reducing the overall cost of power production to a certain extent. In summary, this study presents an economic and environmentally sustainable scheduling model for new power systems within the context of market trading environments. By offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance, it aims to support sustainable development and energy transformation initiatives. Ultimately, the study is poised to foster the adoption of clean energy, facilitate the establishment of smart grids, and bolster the sustainable utilization of energy resources, thereby advancing environmental conservation efforts.

Rapid and efficient synthesis of energy-saving cool pigments and environmental restoration materials using rare earth secondary resources

This paper proposes a method for the short-process recovery and reuse of rare earth secondary resources. Low-value rare earth polishing powder waste (WP), trichromatic phosphor waste (WT), NdFeB permanent magnetic waste (WN), and SmCo permanent magnetic waste (WS) were used as the raw materials. Based on the concept of combinatorial chemistry, energy-efficient cool pigments and environmental remediation materials were synthesized by a solid-phase method. The results showed that the synthesized materials had fluorite-type and garnet-type structures. In terms of cool pigments, doping with different rare earth permanent magnets can enrich the color (including yellow, green, brown, gray, and blue) and cause fluctuations in the near-infrared (NIR) reflectance (59.05–99.54 %) and NIR solar reflectance (55.32–95.64 %). Yellow fluorite-type pigments (WP: WT = 1:1) have the highest NIR reflectance (R = 99.54 %), while brown fluorite-type pigments (WP: WN = 1:0.1) and blue garnet-type pigments (WP:WS = 1:0.1) have relatively high NIR reflectance, 88.18 % and 59.30 %, respectively. The synthesized pigments possessed better chemical stabilities and thermal insulation performance. In terms of environmental remediation materials, the adsorption capacities of fluorite-type materials for F− and PO43− can reach 84.03 mg/g and 85.3 mg/g, respectively. In summary, materials synthesized from rare earth waste exhibit excellent potential for use in energy-efficient wastewater treatment and promote the sustainable utilization of secondary rare earth resources.

The structural equation modeling constructed for runoff change attribution analysis outperforms traditional methods

Recently, with the increasing global warming and intensity of human activities, runoff has significantly decreased. This has had a severe impact on water resources development and utilization, as well as ecological and environmental construction. To understand hydrological cycles and promote sustainable utilization of water resources, it is crucial to conduct attribution analysis of runoff changes. This study employed traditional models, including empirical statistics, elasticity coefficients, hydrological modeling, and introduced a simple and efficient model – structural equation modeling (SEM) – to quantify the impact of various factors on runoff changes. The findings revealed a notable decreasing trend in natural runoff in the Shiyang River from 1960 to 2020, while precipitation, snowmelt, potential evapotranspiration (ET0), and temperature exhibited increasing trends. The integrated the results from multiple models highlighted that human activities emerged as the primary driver influencing runoff changes. From 1972 to 2020, the factors contributing to runoff reduction were ranked in the order: water withdrawal (50 %) > LUCC (20 %) > ET0 (16 %) > temperature (8 %). Factors contributing to runoff increase were ranked: precipitation = water diversion project (20 %) > snowmelt (6 %). The impact of reservoir regulation on runoff initially exhibited a negative correlation (impact rate of 10 %) and later turned positive (impact rate of 6 %). The SEM model, employed for runoff change attribution analysis, demonstrated a good fit and was consistent with results obtained from the SWAT model. Compared to traditional methods, SEM not only allowed for quantitative analysis of the factors’ impact on runoff but also explored the interactions between factors and the direct and indirect effects of factors on runoff. This study introduces innovative methods for the attribution analysis of runoff changes, offering valuable insights crucial for the ecological sustainable development of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions.

Biogenic silver nanoparticle synthesis using orange peel extract and its multifaceted biomedical application.

The aim of this study was to employ an agro-industrial byproduct, specifically Citrus sinensis peels, as a reservoir of polyphenols. The natural chemicals present in C. sinensis peels serve as reducing agents in an environmentally benign method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This methodology not only provides a more environmentally friendly method for synthesizing nanoparticles but also enhances the value of agricultural waste, emphasizing the sustainable utilization of resources. In our study, AgNPs were successfully synthesized using peel aqueous exact of C. sinensis and then their various biological activity has been investigated. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Furthermore, their effectiveness in inhibiting growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans has been investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for E. coli and S. aureus were both 32μg/mL, and for C. albicans, it was 128µg/mL. At 250µg/mL of AgNPs, 94% and 92% biofilm inhibition were observed against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, AgNPs demonstrated significant toxic effects against human prostate cancer cell line DU145 as investigated by anti-apoptotic, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assays. We also conducted uptake analysis on these pathogens and cancer cell lines to preliminarily investigate the mechanisms underlying their toxic effects. These findings confirm that AgNPs can serve as a cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly resource for green synthesis of medicinal AgNPs. Moreover, this approach offers an alternative recycling strategy that contributes to the sustainable use of biological by-products.

Implementation of circular economy principles to promote the development of rural areas

The relevance of the study lies in identifying and explaining the impact of implementing circular economy technologies on the development of rural areas within the framework of the state strategy for regional development in Ukraine, thereby contributing to ensuring the socio-economic stability of communities and the overall security of the country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of utilising circular economy opportunities on the development of rural territories. The abstract-logical method was employed to substantiate the research methodology and formulate theoretical conclusions. The analytical and comparative methods was utilised to organise researchers' scientific approaches to theoretical aspects of circular economy development, refine the methodological basis, and substantiate the applicability of circular economy principles in rural development. The research utilised a graphical method to illustrate the findings and an abstract-logical approach to draw conclusions and recommendations. The study was divided into three main stages. The literature on the contemporary definition of "circular economy" was examined, and the driving forces and barriers to systemic circular economy in rural areas were analysed. The study investigated how European Union countries apply strategies to address environmental and economic issues through the lens of circular economy. The analysis of the experience in implementing circular economy practices in EU countries revealed a clear trend towards more sustainable resource utilisation and reduced environmental impact. The implementation of the "Farm to Fork" strategy under the European Green Deal is a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable resource use and implementing environmentally friendly practices in agriculture and the food industry. An assessment of the impact of implementing circular economy on the socio-economic development of rural areas was conducted, indicating that the development of circular models can be key to optimising resource utilisation, creating new employment opportunities, improving production efficiency, and increasing the profitability of agricultural enterprises. The implementation of circular methods in agriculture can reduce resource costs and provide more stable conditions for development. The results can be beneficial for government bodies, local administrations, agricultural enterprises, and cooperatives in Ukraine striving to achieve sustainable development of rural territories through the implementation of circular approaches in the economy.

Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo

This article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.

Living on the edge: Insights into habitat patterns of forest-dwelling mammals in the buffer zone of Melghat Tiger Reserve, India

Buffer zones surrounding protected areas act as interfaces between humans and wildlife, providing sustainable resource utilization while minimizing negative interactions. This study analyzed data from camera trap sampling to understand habitat use and the effects of anthropogenic impacts on medium and large-sized forest-dwelling mammals in the buffer zone of Melghat Tiger Reserve in Central India. The human population in this region is increasing at a rate of 15 % in a decade. There are instances of human death and injury and frequent cattle lifting by carnivores. Crop damage by wild herbivores is common. These factors impede long term conservation goals in the tiger reserve. Camera trap sampling was carried out in the buffer zone for a period of 33 to 46 days. Camera trap data were analyzed using occupancy modeling to estimate habitat use probability (Ψ) and detection probability (p). Naïve estimates of habitat use ranged from 0.11 to 0.64, while Ψ values based on occupancy modeling ranged from 0.23 to 0.71. The study showed a fairly high level of habitat use by mammals in the buffer zone of the tiger reserve. Leopards were found to be associated with abundance of large prey species and human presence. Hyena, gaur, and sambar showed an association with forest cover, while nilgai showed association with scrubland. Chausingha and langur showed an association with sloping terrain. Overall, the study showed that the buffer zone plays an important role as a wildlife habitat and provided insights for prioritizing conservation efforts and management strategies in the study area.

Analysis of basalt fiber reinforcement on static shear properties of Beibu Gulf sea sand

Basalt fibers are a reinforcing material with excellent mechanical properties and durability. In contrast, although Beibu Gulf sea sand is widely in engineering, it exhibits low strength and poor stability, which can be improved by adding basalt fibers. In this study, the effects of fiber content, fiber length, and effective confining pressure on the static shear strength of fiber-reinforced sea sand were investigated using a triaxial shear test. The maximum improvement on the static shear characteristics and deformation resistance of sea sand were achieved for a fiber content and length of 0.8% and 12 mm, respectively. The cohesion and internal friction angle of sea sand were improved and the secant modulus and strain before and after basalt fiber reinforcement showed a nonlinear attenuation tendency. The reinforcement effect coefficient R and the basalt fiber content under different dosages were in accordance with the law of the Gaussian function. The value of R conformed to a linear growth and exponential function law under different fiber lengths and effective confining pressures, respectively. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization of sea sand resources and fiber reinforcement for road and coastal protection engineering in the Beibu Gulf region.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Philippine Blue Economy: A Systematic Literature Review

Blue Economy is an emerging concept that focuses on the sustainable utilization of ocean resources. The Philippines, being an archipelagic country, has a vast potential for Blue Economy development. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Blue Economy in the Philippines. The study examines the current state of the Blue Economy, identifies the challenges, and presents strategies for sustainable development. The review of literature includes research articles, policy documents, and relevant reports. The study used a qualitative research design, relying on secondary data analysis. The results show that the Philippines has significant potential for Blue Economy development, but the challenges include overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The paper concludes that sustainable development of the Blue Economy in the Philippines requires coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, and the international community. This novel review of the emerging blue economy concept in the Philippines emphasizes its opportunities, challenges, and the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development, supported by an extensive analysis of diverse literature sources.

Local Perceptions of Forest-Based Ecosystem Services in Benin, West Africa

Ecosystem services are closely linked to the daily lives of local communities, particularly those living near forests. The study of the local perceptions of these services is relevant because they vary depending on the community, the study period, and the environment. So beyond the inventorying of ecosystem services, understanding the perceptions of local communities regarding these services remains a necessity. Our study aims to analyze how local communities perceive the ecosystem services provided by forests and the factors that determine these perceptions. We collected data from 232 heads of households across 23 villages bordering the forest and analyzed them using descriptive statistics and ordered Probit analysis. The results showed that provisioning services (such as plant-derived medicines, rafters and planks, livestock feed, crops, and firewood) were the most important, followed by regulating and supporting services (including soil formation, erosion control, and climate regulation) are the most important. Finally, cultural services (encompassing cultural practices, heritage, and spirituality) were perceived as important. However, communities did not perceive the value of ecotourism. Factors influencing these perceptions included gender (male), age (young individuals), occupation in farming, household size, level of education, Bariba ethnicity and income. To ensure the sustainable utilization of forest resources in the region, it is necessary to encourage young people to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices, to use improved stoves that require less wood and promote cultural services to diversify their sources of income.

An Enzymatic and Proteomic Analysis of Panus lecomtei during Biodegradation of Gossypol in Cottonseed.

Cotton is an important plant-based protein. Cottonseed cake, a byproduct of the biodiesel industry, offers potential in animal supplementation, although the presence of the antinutritional sesquiterpenoid gossypol limits utilization. The macrofungus Panus lecomtei offers potential in detoxification of antinutritional factors. Through an enzymatic and proteomic analysis of P. lecomtei strain BRM044603, grown on crushed whole cottonseed contrasting in the presence of free gossypol (FG), this study investigated FG biodegradation over a 15-day cultivation period. Fungal growth reduced FG to levels at 100 μg/g, with a complex adaptive response observed, involving primary metabolism and activation of oxidative enzymes for metabolism of xenobiotics. Increasing activity of secreted laccases correlated with a reduction in FG, with enzyme fractions degrading synthetic gossypol to trace levels. A total of 143 and 49 differentially abundant proteins were observed across the two contrasting growth conditions after 6 and 12 days of cultivation, respectively, revealing a dynamic protein profile during FG degradation, initially related to constitutive metabolism, then later associated with responses to oxidative stress. The findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in gossypol degradation and highlight the potential of P. lecomtei BRM044603 in cotton waste biotreatment, relevant for animal supplementation, sustainable resource utilization, and bioremediation.