Hasil untuk "Environmental sciences"

Angelico Mendy, Zana Percy, Joseph M. Braun et al.

Joel Victor Dossa, Chiagoziem C. Ukwuoma, Dara Thomas et al.

This study investigates the nexus between ESG disclosure and firm performance using advanced machine learning models (MLs) to capture complex, non-linear interactions. Analyzing data from Chinese A-share firms (2012–2022), it employs Explainable AI (XAI) tools such as SHAP, heat maps, and Williams plots to enhance model transparency and interpretability. Among several models, the Extra Trees model demonstrated the best predictive performance, revealing that ESG disclosure positively correlates with firm performance, with environmental disclosure exerting the strongest influence. Policymakers are urged to promote standardized, transparent ESG disclosures, particularly focusing on environmental practices while addressing greenwashing to enhance credibility. Investors can prioritize firms with strong environmental practices and use predictive models to refine decision-making. Corporate managers are encouraged to embed sustainability into long-term strategies and utilize ML techniques for improved governance. The study contributes by showcasing the utility of MLs in exploring ESG-performance relationships, offering actionable insights for stakeholders, and providing a foundation for future research. Researchers are encouraged to investigate non-linear ESG impacts across diverse contexts, using broader samples and incorporating market-based measures and ESG rating agencies to improve generalizability. This approach advances understanding of ESG's role in driving firm performance while addressing methodological gaps.

Rawadee Meeprasit, Sujaree Bureekul, Suriyan Saramul

This study investigated the sedimentological characteristics of the Bang Berd-Khao Tham Thong beach system, which is located along the western shore of the central Gulf of Thailand, an area that is minimally disturbed by human activity and is ideal for studying natural coastal processes. Sediment samples were collected from both coastal and marine environments across four sampling periods (July 2022, September 2022, April 2023, and June 2023). The analysis focused on the grain size distribution, sorting, skewness, kurtosis, and sediment composition, revealing a predominance of medium sand in coastal sediments and increased silt and clay contents in marine sediments. The largest sediment particle size is 466.78 microns. Coastal sediments show a well-sorted size distribution, with a mesokurtic kurtosis. In contrast, sediment samples collected from the marine environment exhibit a poorly sorted size distribution, with leptokurtic kurtosis. Most sediment samples also have symmetrical skewness. Coastal sediments displayed characteristics of tidal influence, with some southern coastal areas exhibiting desert-like conditions due to wind action. The marine sediments were a mixture of shallow marine and fluvial depositional environments. Linear discriminant functions and the CM diagram were used to classify the sediment accumulation environments, identifying four main depositional modes: rolling, rolling and suspension, suspension and rolling and graded suspension. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sediment transport and accumulation processes in coastal and marine environments, with implications for coastal management and climate change adaptation strategies.

Lixia Feng, Qilong Bian, Shujun Wu et al.

Abstract Arsenic contaminants exist in different chemical forms with varying toxicity and mobility, making on-site analysis challenging. Here, a fluorogenic method is developed for the efficient detection of arsenite and arsenate ions using a portable platform directly in an aqueous phase. During sensing, the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe TPE-Cys/TPE-2Cys exhibits low fluorescence when dissolved, but reacts with the As(III) to form organic arsenic complexes with low solubility, inducing a turn-on fluorescence for quantitative analysis. Using a prior reduction strategy, the As(V) can be converted to As(III) and further analyzed in a sequential detection. Using a specialized laser-induced fluorescence instrument, this strategy allows on-site analysis of As(III) and As(V) species with sensitivity down to 0.14 ppb in environmental samples, showing that As(III) dominates while the As(V)/As(III) ratio varies in a constitutional equilibrium. The system has potential for the practical analysis of complex arsenic, revealing the dynamic arsenic transformations in the environment.

Nan Sun, Nan Sun, Yuxin Wang et al.

IntroductionThis study adopted the intercropping pattern opepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), combined with high-throughput sequencing and microbial network analysis, to systematically reveal the mechanisms of intercropping on the structural regulation and functional synergy of the crop rhizosphere microbiome and root-stem endophyte communities.MethodsThree treatments were set up: blank control, solo cultivation, and intercropping.Combined with high-throughput sequencing and network analysis, the reorganization patterns of rhizosphere and endophyte communities were systematically analyzed.ResultsIntercropping induced differential responses of microbial communities in the two crops: it significantly increased the bacterial α-diversity in Chinese chives leaves, and the Shannon index of pepper roots also showed an upward trend, while the microbial diversity in pepper rhizosphere soil was inhibited. In contrast, among roots, the “pepper intercropped with Chinese chives” group had the highest total number of OTUs and the largest number of unique OTUs. Microbial communities exhibited cross-host transfer characteristics: the migration rate of microbial communities from pepper roots to Chinese chives rhizosphere reached 46.57%, and 69.54% of the microbial communities in Chinese chives roots originated from pepper roots. Specifically, Aureimonas and Sphingomonadaceae were significantly enriched in pepper leaves, the relative abundance of Pantoea in Chinese chives leaves increased by 11.5 times, and the abundance of Flavobacterium in pepper rhizosphere increased by 94%. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis confirmed the optimization of functional synergy: the proportion of positive interactions in pepper leaves increased to 90.45%, and the negative interactions of Bradyrhizobium decreased by 97%, the proportion of positive interactions of functional bacteria in Chinese chives rhizosphere reached 88.96%, and Bacillus enhanced positive connections while maintaining an abundance of 10.23%–20.87%, the number of positive interactions of Streptomyces in pepper rhizosphere doubled. Network stability showed spatial variation: the robustness of stem microbial networks was significantly improved, while the vulnerability of rhizosphere microbial networks increased.DiscussionThis study provides microbial theoretical support for the intercropping system to optimize nitrogen utilization by driving pepper to enrich the growth-promoting bacteria Sphingomonadaceae, and to enhance disease resistance by promoting Chinese chives to recruit the biocontrol bacteria Bacillus, thereby forming a microecological regulation mechanism with functional complementarity.

Angelico Mendy, Zana Percy, Joseph M. Braun et al.

Phillip J. Haubrock, Ismael Soto, Irmak Kurtul et al.

Abstract Background Long-term biomonitoring of macroinvertebrates is a popular and valuable approach for assessing the status of freshwater ecosystems, identifying the impact of stressors, and evaluating ecosystem health. Although macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring can be effective in detecting changes in distribution patterns and community trends over time, crayfish often remain undetected or unreported by biomonitoring efforts despite their importance in maintaining the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Results By analyzing a comprehensive database of long-term macroinvertebrate time series, we found that most sampling methods and assessment schemes can detect both native and non-native crayfish in running waters if sites are continuously sampled. However, native crayfish were detected to a lesser extent and by fewer methods. Kick-net sampling and assessment techniques prevailed as the most efficient methods for capturing crayfish. However, the substantial number of time series lacking crayfish data calls into question whether these methods are sufficiently comprehensive to encapsulate crayfish populations accurately. The use of other targeted methods such as baited traps or hand catching may provide a more reliable estimate of their presence. Conclusions Given the detrimental impacts of non-native crayfish and the decline in native crayfish populations, we strongly recommend that stakeholders and managers incorporate a combination of these approaches into their monitoring efforts. The use of different taxonomic levels (family vs. genus vs. species level) in estimating biological indices and biomonitoring tools can cause delays in identifying new non-native specie’s occurrences, hindering effective water quality assessment and ecosystem management by governments and stakeholders. Therefore, whenever possible, we call for standardized taxonomic levels for biomonitoring studies and management strategies to accurately address these issues and make recommendations going forward.

Petr Maděra, Petr Vahalík, Salem Hamdiah et al.

Societal Impact Statement Conserving frankincense trees (Boswellia) is crucial for both ecological and socio‐economic reasons. Surveying these trees in the field and using remote sensing unmanned aerial vehicles in the Socotra Archipelago, we found that Socotran frankincense trees are threatened by forest fragmentation, overgrazing, and increasingly frequent extreme climate events. A better understanding of the distribution and the threats of these important insular species will improve the conservation policy of the local authorities and benefit local communities in the Socotra Archipelago. At the same time, this work serves as a good practice example to guide conservation efforts for other culturally important threatened tree species around the world, therefore helping to sustain local livelihoods, fostering ecological resilience, and supporting socio‐economic stability. Summary Globally, frankincense trees (Burseraceae: Boswellia) are increasingly under threat because of habitat deterioration, climate impacts, and the olibanum trade. Despite harboring nearly half of the species in the genus, up‐to‐date insights are lacking for the insular endemic frankincense trees of the Socotra Archipelago UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site (Yemen). We combined georeferencing of individual trees in the field with remote sensing applying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to evaluate Boswellia distribution and (sub)population sizes in the entire Socotra Archipelago. We counted 17,253 trees across all 11 taxa and we surveyed almost 55% directly in the field, collecting individual information on threats and health indicators. We estimate that the current total population sizes of the relatively common Socotran Boswellia taxa (Boswellia elongata, Boswellia popoviana, and Boswellia ameero) consist of a few thousand mature individuals with fragmented distribution of which a large proportion occurs in highly disjunct relictual stands, while the more range‐restricted species survive only through a few hundred (Boswellia nana and Boswellia samhaensis) to fewer than a hundred trees (Boswellia scopulorum). Our field data show that the Socotran frankincense trees are threatened by fragmentation and overgrazing resulting in a lack of natural regeneration, in combination with effects of extreme climate events (e.g., higher frequency and intensity of cyclones and prolonged drought) and potential future infrastructure developments; the species are less impacted by resin collection. We provide recommendations to strategize urgent protection of the declining Socotran frankincense trees, and we update their conservation status, resulting in an endangered status for seven and a critically endangered status for four taxa.

V. Mardoñez-Balderrama, V. Mardoñez-Balderrama, V. Mardoñez-Balderrama et al.

<p><span id="page12056"/>Black carbon (BC) is a major component of submicron particulate matter (PM), with significant health and climate impacts. Many cities in emerging countries lack comprehensive knowledge about BC emissions and exposure levels. This study investigates BC concentration levels, identifies its emission sources, and characterizes the optical properties of BC at urban background sites of the two largest high-altitude Bolivian cities: La Paz (LP) (3600 m above sea level) and El Alto (EA) (4050 m a.s.l.), where atmospheric oxygen levels and intense radiation may affect BC production. The study relies on concurrent measurements of equivalent black carbon (eBC), elemental carbon (EC), and refractory black carbon (rBC) and their comparison with analogous data collected at the nearby Chacaltaya Global Atmosphere Watch Station (5240 m a.s.l). The performance of two independent source apportionment techniques was compared: a bilinear model and a least-squares multilinear regression (MLR). Maximum eBC concentrations were observed during the local dry season (LP: eBC <span class="inline-formula">=</span> 1.5 <span class="inline-formula">±</span> 1.6 <span class="inline-formula">µ</span>g m<span class="inline-formula">⁻³</span>; EA: <span class="inline-formula">1.9±2.0</span> <span class="inline-formula">µ</span>g m<span class="inline-formula">⁻³</span>). While eBC concentrations are lower at the mountain station, daily transport from urban areas is evident. Average mass absorption cross sections of 6.6–8.2 m<span class="inline-formula">²</span> g<span class="inline-formula">⁻¹</span> were found in the urban area at 637 nm. Both source apportionment methods exhibited a reasonable level of agreement in the contribution of biomass burning (BB) to absorption. The MLR method allowed the estimation of the contribution and the source-specific optical properties for multiple sources, including open waste burning.</p>

Maggie Li, Vivian Do, Jada L. Brooks et al.

Abigail Lazofsky, Anita Brinker, Ruby Gupta et al.

Dandan Han, Saiqi Zeng, Xi Zhang et al.

Modelling the lime requirement (LR) is a fast and efficient way to determine the amount of lime required to obtain a pH that can overcome the adverse effects caused by soil acidification. This study aimed to model the LR based on the properties of soil and lime. A total of 17 acidic soils and 39 lime samples underwent soil–lime incubation in the laboratory. The predictive equations for the LR (t ha⁻¹) were modelled using ∆pH (the difference between the target pH and initial pH), the neutralizing value (NV, mmol kg⁻¹) of lime, soil pH, soil clay content (%), soil bulk density (BD, g cm⁻³), and the depth of soil (h, cm) as the factors in an exponential equation. The generic predictive equation, <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mi mathvariant="normal">L</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">R</mi><mo>=</mo><mo>∆</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">p</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">H</mi><mo>×</mo><msup><mrow><mi mathvariant="normal">e</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>3.88</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>0.069</mn><mo>×</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">N</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">V</mi><mo>+</mo><mn>0.51</mn><mo>×</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">p</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">H</mi><mo>+</mo><mn>0.025</mn><mo>×</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">C</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">l</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">a</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">y</mi></mrow></msup><mo>×</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">B</mi><mi mathvariant="normal">D</mi><mo>×</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">h</mi></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>, was validated as the most reliable model under field conditions. Simplified predictive equations for different soil textures when limed with quicklime and limestone are also provided. Furthermore, the LR proportions provided by hydrated lime, quicklime, limestone, and dolomite in commercially available lime can be expressed as 0.58:0.64:0.97:1.00. This study provides a novel and robust model for predicting the amount of lime product containing components with different neutralizing abilities that are required to neutralize soils with a wide range of properties. It is of great significance to agronomic activities and soil remediation projects.

Ziba Moravej, Gholamali Haghighat, Aboubakr Jafarnezhad et al.

Background: Childhood hypertension can have serious consequences for children, especially during their adulthood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its related factors in children aged 7 to 12 years in Larestan (Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1110 students from 7 to 12 years old in Larestan were enrolled in the study using cluster sampling. In order to collect educational data, 10 girls' primary schools and 10 boys' primary schools were randomly selected from all the girls' and boys' primary schools. Then, considering that each school has different number of students, 55 students of each school were randomly selected. Students' blood pressure was measured as standard. Their personal information was also recorded in a checklist. A checklist containing demographic information, factors and variables that affect the prevalence of hypertension in children aged 7 to 12 years was used. To collect information, a checklist was used that included demographic information such as age, gender, and place of residence. Also, in order to identify factors and variables effective in the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP), tools such as sphygmomanometer and other risk factors including obesity, type of diet, physical activities, and body mass index (BMI) were used. Results: The mean age of girls was 9.11 ± 1.53 and boys were 9.19 ± 1.52, which did not differ significantly from the statistical point of view. The prevalence of pre hypertension was 6.03% (95% CI: 4.71-7.60) and the prevalence of hypertension was 4.14% (95% CI: 3.05-5.49). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure has direct relation with height and weight of children. Diastolic blood pressure also had a higher prevalence in girls (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Overweight and obesity as a moderate aggressive factor were significantly associated with blood pressure. Also, the prevalence of HBP in children was significant, and it is necessary to pay attention to it in childhood. Moreover, hypertension cases should be identified and treatment should start faster for the affected person to prevent the adverse consequences in the future.

R. Jiang, G. Zhang, S. Wang et al.

<p>A lightning location system consisting of multiple ground-based stations is an effective means of lightning observation. The dataset from CNLDN (China National Lightning Detection Network) in 2016–2022 is employed to analyze the temporal and spatial lightning distributions and the differences between <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG (positive cloud-to-ground lightning) and <span class="inline-formula">−</span>CG (negative cloud-to-ground lightning) strokes in China. On the annual scale, lightning activity is most prevalent during the summer months (June, July, and August), accounting for 72.6 % of the year. Spring sees more lightning than autumn, and winter has only a small amount in southeastern coastal areas. During the day, the frequency of lightning peaks at 15:00–17:00 CST (China standard time) and is lowest at 8:00–10:00 CST. For the period with high CG stroke frequency (summer of a year or afternoon of a day), the proportion of <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG strokes and the discharge peak current are relatively small. Winter in a year and morning or midnight in a day correspond to a greater <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG stroke proportion and discharge current. Spatially, low latitudes, undulating terrain, the seaside, and humid surfaces are favorable factors for lightning occurrence. Thus, the southeast coastland has the largest lightning stroke density, while the northwest deserts and basins and the western and northern Tibetan Plateau, with altitudes over 6000 m, have almost no lightning. The proportion of <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG strokes and the peak current are low in the southern region with high density but diverse in other regions. The Tibetan Plateau causes the diversity of lightning activity in China and lays the foundation for studying the impact of surface elevation on lightning. Results indicate that the <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG stroke proportion on the eastern and southern Tibetan Plateau is up to 15 %, larger than the plain regions. The peak current of <span class="inline-formula">−</span>CG strokes is positively correlated with altitude, but <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG strokes show a negative correlation, resulting in a large difference in peak current between <span class="inline-formula">+</span>CG and <span class="inline-formula">−</span>CG on the plain and a small difference on the plateau.</p>

Torobekov Bekzhan, Arzybaev Almazbek, Zhusueva Nargiza et al.

The paper considers the formation of the concept of scientific research (SR) of universities with the task of developing an automated tool for evaluating its results. Modern requirements and trends in the organization and management of scientific research work in universities are given. The role of information support and measurement procedures in assessing the results of scientific research are emphasized. The necessity of automating the processes and reporting data of university scientific research is substantiated. An analysis of works and publications on the automation of assessment of research work of universities is provided. Names of university research activity report data are systematized and described. The model of the process of forming the university research reports is presented, which will ensure the effectiveness of information support of scientific research.

Joseph M. Braun, George D. Papandonatos, Nan Li et al.

Lauren M. Meyers, Casey Krawic, Michal W. Luczak et al.

Xiaohu Jian, Xiaodong Zhang, Yijie Liu et al.

Abstract Significant uncertainties remain in the estimate of radiative forcing (RF) induced by land‐use change (LUC), partially attributable to the lack of reliable LUC data with a high spatiotemporal resolution. We implemented a high spatiotemporally resolved LUC data set in an earth system model (OSCAR) to examine the response of RF to LUC from 1982 to 2010 in China. Results were compared with the RF estimated using a low spatiotemporally resolved LUC inventory employed previously. The updated LUC data set reduces negative RF by −3.8% from 2000 to 2010 due to the changes in surface albedo subject to LU transition. The simulated mean RF driven by CO2 associated with LUC from 1982 to 2010 using a high spatiotemporally resolved LUC data set reached 0.074 W m−2, considerably higher than 0.022 W m−2 of mean RF derived from the low spatiotemporally resolved LUC inventory, implying increasing net RF and more substantial LUC induced warming.

Gina Ziervogel , Nicola Pallitt

Climate change is increasingly being seen as a complex problem that requires a change in personal and practical dimensions. To support this, climate change educators need to make use of pedagogic approaches that enable students to engage in relational values of care, empathy and connection alongside understanding the problem and potential responses. Participatory approaches, whereby students engage with members of local communities to understand climate change vulnerability, have the potential to create opportunities for connection between students, communities, universities and society in theory and practice. We describe a student video project that took place in a third-year course Sustainability and the Environment in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. Students worked in groups to undertake and film a vulnerability assessment with individuals or organisations around Cape Town in relation to the city’s water crisis. Their group submission, a documentary video, needed to tell a story about social vulnerability and adaptation to the water crisis. Through a carefully scaffolded process, students’ reflections indicated that the vulnerability video process helped them to understand the concept of vulnerability and strengthen their care for and connection to those ‘vulnerable’ to climate impacts. This kind of process-oriented authentic learning experience holds potential for increasing climate change literacy that other educators might consider.

Muhamad Mujahidin, Tonny Suhendra, Sapta Nugraha et al.

A penetration of SUTET trajectory in residential areas, causing public health problems and environmental problems. Development of the electrical energy sector, regulation the increasing electricity demand. Distribution electricity from inter-GI generating centers requires SUTET in the air with a voltage above 245kV. The community assesses health impact that operates mostly with the voltage of 500 kV, >1000mA/m2, can cause heart problems, extrasystole rhythms, and ventricular fibrillation Electrical sensitivity. A simple method and integrating the divergence shift flux density a radiation point, a method proposed from Strokes theorem relates the closed line integral vector field to curl surface integral and divergence theorem which relates the surface integral a closed vector field to integral volume and divergence vector field, this experiment electric field produced by the line charge is directed radially away from the line charge, so the direction lines electric field(E), and equipotential surfaces perpendicular to each other. This study is a collection of symptoms hypersensitivity, comprehensively, and a potential difference between two points in the electric field, which has the performance of charge unity in responding to charge from both points the area, the solution is environmental-based management. Ionizing radiation is the dispersion or emission energy when through a medium, absorption process occurs, and radiation energy beam does not induce, results in vector potential having magnitude is inversely proportional the radial distance from the element which is similar to inverse distance dependence scalar potential. In conclusion, take steps to empower the community for residents in the area SUTET.