Artiles
Open Access
Article
03 June 2025Ecosystem Service Importance, Contributions, and Trends: Perspectives from Farmers in the Mountains of Nepal
Understanding farmers’ perceptions of local ecosystem services is crucial for developing effective ecosystem management strategies and policy interventions to improve the overall welfare of residents. Although there is widespread recognition of the linkages between ecosystem services and human well-being, empirical studies examining farmers’ perceptions and contributions to local ecosystem services, particularly at the micro level in mountainous regions, remain limited. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted an empirical study employing focus group discussions (n = 6), key informant interviews (n = 12), and household surveys (n = 370) in Mid-Marsyangdi watershed, Lamjung, Nepal. The study revealed that farmers perceive high dependency on regulating followed by provisioning, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services such as freshwater, nutrient cycling, water regulation and purification, timber production, livestock fodder, and natural hazard regulation. Their contributions are notably high in managing freshwater, nutrient cycling, and timber production. Farmers’ practices like forest conservation, agroforestry, inter-cropping, terracing, terrace improvement, multi-year cropping, and organic composting enhance ecosystem services. A significant discrepancy exists between perceived importance and actual contribution, particularly in water regulation, purification, and wild edible food, highlighting areas needing greater attention. The study showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between perceived importance and contribution across all ecosystem services, with perceived importance consistently higher. Further, a study showed the influence of socio-demographic variables on the farmers’ perception. These findings can inform more effective policy-making for farmer welfare, mountain development, and environmental management.
Open Access
Article
03 June 2025Optimization of High Energy Radiation-Induced Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole Using Response Surface Methodology
Ionizing irradiation is an emerging technology for the removal of toxic pollutants, such as antibiotics, in water and wastewater. In this study, gamma radiation-induced degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design. LC-MS analysis identified nine intermediate products (M1–M9), elucidating a dual oxidative-reductive degradation mechanism driven by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and hydrated electrons (eaq⁻). These intermediates, characterized by hydroxylation, sulfonamide bond cleavage, and aromatic ring fragmentation, aligned with pathways distinct from conventional chlorination systems, underscoring the absence of toxic halogenated byproducts. According to experimental data, The study revealed that absorbed dose (0.2–2.0 kGy) and initial SMX concentration (5–40 mg/L) critically governed SMX degradation efficiency, achieving >99% removal under optimized conditions (≥1.2 kGy for 5–10 mg/L SMX). The robust RSM model (R2 = 0.9931) and experimental validation (±2% error) demonstrated the method’s reliability in reconciling nonlinear dose-concentration interactions as well as providing an effective approach to parameter optimization, offering practical insights for enhancing the treatment efficiency of antibiotic-containing wastewater.
Open Access
Review
03 June 2025Progress in Theoretical Calculation and Simulation of Sulfide Solid Electrolytes and Their Application in All-Solid-State Batteries
Along with the development of electric vehicles and electronic devices, all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have become the next-generation energy storage batteries, owing to their safety and chemical stability. Sulfide Solid Electrolytes (SSEs) are deemed to be crucial materials for ASSBs because of their ultrahigh ionic conductivity (10−3–10−2 S cm−1), but are still plagued by the narrow electrochemical window and poor interfacial stability. In this paper, we summarize our systematic research progress on sulfide SSEs from the view of how theoretical calculations and simulations play a crucial role in material design. First-principles calculation gives evidence of the structure’s stability and ion migration mechanism for electrolytes, MD and AIMD simulations provide insights for the dynamic diffusion behavior and the interface reaction mechanism. High-throughput screening and machine learning have accelerated new electrolyte designs. Scientists discovered Li10GeP2S12 and explored ion dynamics in a crystal lattice of that material. There are also material interface phenomena such as space charge layers and chemical breakdown. These problems can be managed by developing and tuning appropriate computational models to steer material doping and protective layer design. In this paper, we demonstrate that the combination of computer simulations and real experiments is valuable.
Open Access
Article
29 May 2025Hydrodynamic Performance and Energy Capture Characteristics of a Floating Inner Rotor Wave Energy Device
The development of efficient wave energy converters (WECs) is essential for harnessing marine renewable energy, particularly in regions with low wave energy flux. This study investigates a floating WEC with an internal eccentric rotor designed to enhance energy capture efficiency. The device consists of a floating body for wave energy absorption, an internal rotor for mechanical-to-hydraulic energy conversion, and a mooring system for stability. A numerical model was developed and validated against wave tank experiments, showing good agreement in peak values and amplitudes. Frequency-domain analysis examined the effects of structural parameters, draft, and center of gravity offset on hydrodynamic characteristics, while time-domain analysis evaluated the impact of rotor mass and power take-off (PTO) damping on energy capture. Multi-parameter optimization led to an improved structural design, increasing instantaneous power output by 150% and total power output by 108%. These findings provide a basis for further optimization of WECs in low-energy wave environments.
Open Access
Article
28 May 2025Mechanisms of Machine Vision Feature Recognition and Quality Prediction Models in Intelligent Production Line for Broiler Carcasses
With global broiler production reaching 103 million tons in 2024—a 1.5% increase over 2023—the poultry industry continues to grow rapidly. However, traditional broiler segmentation methods struggle to meet modern demands for speed, precision, and adaptability. First, this study proposes an improved lightweight image segmentation algorithm based on YOLOv8-seg and integrates the Segment Anything Model (SAM) for semi-automatic annotation, achieving precise mask segmentation of broiler parts. Subsequently, Key geometric features (e.g., area, perimeter, axes) were extracted using image processing techniques, with enhancements from HSV color transformation, convex hull optimization, and ellipse fitting. Furthermore, Image calibration was applied to convert pixel data to physical dimensions, enabling real-sample validation. Using these features, multiple regression models—including CNNs—were developed for carcass quality prediction. Finally, by analyzing the broiler segmentation process, machine vision techniques were effectively integrated with quality grading algorithms and applied to intelligent broiler segmentation production lines, providing technical support for the intelligent and efficient processing of poultry products. The improved YOLOv8-seg model achieved mAP@0.5:box scores of 99.2% and 99.4%, and the CNN model achieved R2 values of 0.974 (training) and 0.953 (validation). Compared to traditional systems, the intelligent broiler cutting line reduced failure rates by 11.38% and improved operational efficiency by over 3%, offering a reliable solution for automated poultry processing.
Open Access
Article
28 May 2025A Framework for Watershed Flood Resilience in the Context of Climate Change: Concept, Assessment, and Application
Extreme flooding events are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change, challenging the effectiveness of traditional, infrastructure-centric flood management strategies. A key gap remains in the lack of spatially explicit and process-based frameworks for assessing and enhancing flood resilience at the watershed scale, which hinders the development of integrated and adaptive management solutions. This study proposes a conceptual framework for evaluating watershed flood resilience (WFR) by integrating resilience theory with the “source-flow-sink” paradigm from landscape ecology. It applies it to the post-disaster reconstruction of the Sishui River Basin following the 2021 Zhengzhou flood in China. The framework quantifies WFR through pre-event resistance capacity and intra-event adaptive capacity using hydrological modeling and loss curves. It systematically analyzes the effects of targeted interventions across source, flow, and sink areas. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly improves WFR in the Sishui River Basin, with source interventions generally outperforming flow and sink interventions in the simulated cases, and compensatory effects observed among different intervention types. The findings confirm the operational feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework, including nature-based solutions and spatial planning in watershed management, which could provide support for future holistic and adaptive flood resilience strategies addressing climate change.
Open Access
Perspective
27 May 2025Intergenerational Differences in the Effect of Life Satisfaction on Happiness
As perceptions of happiness and well-being shift throughout life, expectations for the future may influence subjective well-being (SWB) differently depending on age. Younger individuals, particularly in uncertain social and economic contexts, may place greater emphasis on anticipated life satisfaction than on their present circumstances. Generational differences are important in exploring how people form and are affected by future expectations, as well as the psychological and contextual factors involved. Such research may deepen our understanding of age-specific pathways to well-being and inform more effective strategies for supporting mental health across different life stages. This paper emphasizes that expectations of future life satisfaction represent a valid and distinct construct that plays an important role in shaping SWB, particularly among younger individuals. Unlike present satisfaction, which reflects current circumstances, anticipated satisfaction functions as a forward-looking cognitive resource, offering accountability in developmental contexts where the current quality of life may not align with optimism or happiness.
Open Access
Article
26 May 2025Towards Circular Sustainable Cities: Thoughts and Recommendations for Qatar
Despite the ambitious national visions, Qatar is facing many challenges regarding the notion of sustainability. In this context, a considerable emphasis has been placed on the notion of Circular Economy (CE) to address suitability issues. Despite such an emphasis, the actual implementation of CE notions is still facing several obstacles present in, but not limited to, the Qatari context, such as heavy reliance on landfilling, water scarcity, and a heavy reliance on the oil and gas sectors. Our contention is that CE is an important factor in the sustainability equation and works towards meeting Qatar’s vision of becoming an environmentally sustainable country. by using a qualitative approach, predominantly adopting case study, document and content analysis, this paper explores the notion of CE and its implementation in light of the Qatar National Vision 2030. the challenges facing CE implementation, such as resources, qualified personnel, access to technology, and coordination between different areas of the economy, should be of prime importance for policymakers in Qatar. in order to ensure a sustainable circular city model in Qatar, the challenges related to CE implementation must be addressed accordingly. To this end, the paper suggests several policy recommendations, including the provision of adequate resources and personnel, the use of clean technology to improve the environmental quality of economic activities, in addition to the provision of adequate support and funding for the development of sustainable economic practices. These solutions will help to ensure sustainable economic development based on the concept of CE.
Open Access
Article
26 May 2025Electric Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence, and Climate Policy
This article explores the environmental implications of electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of aligning technological development with climate goals. There is a lack of academic literature that explains and analyses such issues. Section 1 assesses the climate efficacy of promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and electric heating in regions where electricity is primarily coal-based. While electrification offers substantial climate benefits when powered by clean energy, lifecycle analyses reveal that EVs in coal-reliant grids may emit more greenhouse gases than internal combustion engine vehicles. Similarly, the climate performance of electric heat pumps depends on the carbon intensity of electricity sources. The section advocates for integrated policies that simultaneously promote electrification and grid decarbonization, enhancing emissions reductions and public health while mitigating the negative impacts of increased demand on polluting power plants. Section 2 uses Saudi Arabia as a case study and examines the environmental impact of AI data centers in the context of Saudi Arabia’s energy and climate policies. It highlights AI infrastructure’s energy and water intensity and its potential to strain environmental resources. To align AI development with national sustainability goals, the article recommends policies such as siting data centers near renewable energy sources, enforcing environmental efficiency standards, fostering R&D partnerships, mandating sustainability reporting, and expanding power purchase agreements and demand response participation. These measures aim to ensure responsible AI growth within climate-aligned frameworks. The implications of this study are that electrification and AI infrastructure can significantly reduce emissions and improve efficiency if powered by clean energy, but they also risk increasing environmental strain unless technological growth is carefully aligned with climate and sustainability goals.
Open Access
Review
23 May 2025Genetic History of Ancient Xinjiang Revealed by Ancient DNA Study: A Hub of Eurasian Population Migration and Cultural Exchange
Xinjiang, a “genetic crossroads” of Eurasia, offers critical insights into transcontinental population migrations, cultural exchanges, and genetic fusion. This review synthesizes ancient genomic data from about 200 individuals (from the Bronze Age to the Historical Era), alongside archaeological, paleo microbial, and environmental evidence. Key findings include: (1) Bronze Age genetic heterogeneity: Tarim Basin populations (e.g., Xiaohe culture) retained high Ancient North Eurasian (ANE) ancestry, while northern Xinjiang groups exhibited tripartite admixture among ANE, Afanasievo pastoralists, and Baikal hunter-gatherers; (2) Stratified admixture patterns emerged during the Iron Age to Historical Era, shaped by Xinjiang’s “barrier-and-connection” geography traits; (3) Trans-Eurasian interactions were propelled by technological diffusion (e.g., metallurgy), socio-political transformations (e.g., Silk Road governance), and adaptive strategies (e.g., lactose fermentation), positioning Xinjiang as a nexus of Eurasian mutil-connectivity. Our synthesis bridges genetics, archaeology, and environmental clues, highlighting Xinjiang’s critical role in Eurasian population dynamics. Future research should employ high-resolution spatiotemporal sampling and interdisciplinary approaches to unravel genetic-societal coupling during vital historical phases (e.g., Xiongnu expansion) and molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation.
