Artiles
Open Access
Article
16 April 2026Integrated Assessment of Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Ecological Risk Index Under Multi-Objective Driven Approach: A Case Study of the Karst Ecologically Fragile Area in Guangxi
In the context of global climate change, enhancing ecosystem carbon storage (CS) capacity and reducing ecological risk have become essential pathways toward achieving carbon neutrality. Land use/land cover change (LUCC), as a key factor influencing both CS and ecological security, has garnered widespread attention in recent years. However, most existing studies have focused on small-scale regions, lacking comprehensive assessments at the provincial level under multiple scenarios. To address this gap, this study takes the ecologically fragile karst region of Guangxi as a case study. Based on the PLUS-InVEST model, this study construct three land use scenarios (natural development, economic development, and ecological protection) to simulate land use changes by 2030, and then conduct an integrated assessment of the dynamics of ecosystem CS and the spatial distribution of landscape ecological risk under different scenarios. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, land use in Guangxi has shown a general trend of decreasing farmland area and increasing construction land. CS has exhibited notable spatial heterogeneity over time, with an overall upward trend, particularly in forest-rich areas where CS has increased significantly. (2) By 2030, CS will be jointly driven by land use patterns, climate change, and socioeconomic factors under different scenarios, with the ecological conservation scenario leading to the greatest increase in CS. (3) Spatial auto-correlation and LISA cluster analyses reveal a spatial coupling pattern of high carbon–low risk and low carbon–high risk, suggesting that ecological conservation measures can effectively enhance carbon sequestration. These findings provide scientific support for land use optimization, ecological protection and CS management in Guangxi under the carbon neutrality goal, and offer valuable insights for land use planning and ecological risk regulation in ecologically fragile karst regions.
Open Access
Review
13 April 2026Smart Supply Chain Management Integrating Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0–5.0: Framework, Applications, and Challenges for Sustainability and Resilience
Despite rapid digital transformation, modern supply chains remain vulnerable, facing demand volatility, supply disruptions, operational inefficiencies, fragmented digital adoption, limited human–AI collaboration, and growing sustainability pressures. Conventional strategies focused on cost reduction and process standardization are no longer sufficient to ensure resilience, adaptability, and long-term value creation. This study presents a Smart Supply Chain Management (SSCM) framework that integrates Lean Six Sigma (LSS) with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) digital technologies and Industry 5.0 (I5.0) human-centric innovations. Implemented through the DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) methodology, the framework enables predictive, data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, ESG-aligned performance, and enhanced human–AI collaboration. It leverages I4.0 technologies—including AI, IoT, big data analytics, digital twins, and robotics—for real-time visibility, automation, and predictive insights, while embedding I5.0 innovations—such as collaborative robots, AR/VR, human digital twins, and emotional AI—to enhance workforce engagement, creativity, ethical decision-making, and ergonomic safety. Sustainability and social responsibility are integrated across operations, fostering resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible supply chains. By addressing critical digital, human, and operational bottlenecks, this framework delivers novel theoretical insights, actionable guidance for practitioners, and a foundation for future empirical research, offering organizations a roadmap to achieve long-term competitiveness while aligning technology adoption with human-centric and sustainable practices.
Open Access
Article
13 April 2026Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Porous Microspheres for Efficient Adsorption of Copper Ion from Water
Copper is a common heavy metal contamination source for water bodies, and achieving sustainable and cost-effective removal of Cu2+ from Cu-containing wastewater remains a challenge. In this study, an economical and eco-friendly adsorbent—hydroxyapatite (HA) porous microspheres—was synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacity of HA porous microspheres for Cu2+ is 116 mg/g, approximately 3.74 times that of reported HA nanosheet adsorbents. The adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Sips isotherm model. The correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9997. Linear fitting of the amounts of Cu2+ removed and Ca2+ leached at the same time revealed an R2 value as high as 0.997, indicating that ion exchange is the dominant adsorption mechanism. Therefore, the excellent adsorption performance is attributed to the high specific surface area (207 m2/g) and mesoporous structure of the spherical HA adsorbent, which provides abundant active sites and promotes efficient ion diffusion. These structural advantages significantly enhanced the two primary adsorption mechanisms: ion exchange and surface complexation. Furthermore, the effects of adsorbent dosage, solution pH, reaction time, initial Cu2+ concentration, and temperature on adsorption performance were systematically investigated. Finally, the adsorption mechanism was investigated by characterizing the adsorbed material using XRD, FTIR, and XPS. It was determined that ion exchange, complexation, and electrostatic attraction are the main adsorption mechanisms. This study enhances the adsorption capacity of HA materials for Cu2+ by controlling morphology, offering new perspectives for developing high-performance, economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable adsorbents.
Open Access
Article
13 April 2026Spatial Analysis in Bioclimatic Architecture: Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greece
This study analyzes Meteora in Greece, a tourism destination whose spatial formation is shaped by bioclimatic factors, as a case study. The study analyzes how orientation, wind influence, thermal mass, and microclimate conditions affect spatial organization and architectural typologies. The relationship between space and climate is investigated using spatial mapping, orientation analysis, field observation, and photographic documentation methods. Findings indicate that monastic entrances are predominantly oriented toward southeastern exposures to maximize winter solar gain and reduce northern wind impact, while hermit caves cluster on south-facing rock surfaces, benefiting from thermal stability. The study concludes that Meteora represents an early example of climate-adaptive spatial planning, where bioclimatic intelligence shaped both sacred settlement patterns and contemporary tourism sustainability.
Open Access
Article
13 April 2026Br-Doped Nickel-Cobalt Phosphide Nanoarrays on Engineered Porous NF for High-Efficiency Water Oxidation
The rational design of cost-effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is pivotal for advancing green hydrogen production. This study presents a substrate-engineered Br-doped nickel-cobalt phosphide (NiCoP) electrocatalyst fabricated through a stepwise synthesis protocol. A porous and roughened nickel foam (NF) is initially constructed to provide a 3D conductive scaffold, followed by the hydrothermal growth of vertically aligned NiCo-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets. Subsequent controlled pyrolysis in the presence of a bromine source yields Br-doped NiCoP nanoarrays securely anchored on the NF/Ni substrate. Comprehensive structural characterization confirms the successful Br incorporation, which induces lattice distortion and optimizes the electronic configuration of NiCoP, while the interconnected porous architecture enhances electrolyte infiltration and gas release. Electrochemical evaluations reveal exceptional OER performance, achieving an ultralow overpotential of 220 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 61.2 mV·dec−1 in 1 M KOH, surpassing most reported NiCo-based phosphides. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and post-OER characterization uncover dynamic surface reconstruction into Br-enriched (oxy)hydroxide active species, elucidating the dual role of Br as both an electronic modulator and a stabilizer for reactive intermediates. This work demonstrates a substrate-guided heteroatom doping strategy to engineer high-performance bimetallic phosphide electrocatalysts, offering insights into interface engineering for sustainable energy technologies.
Open Access
Review
10 April 2026Hepatic Stellate Cells Interact with the Immune System: A Bidirectional Crosstalk Network Driving Liver Fibrosis
As a central metabolic and immune organ, the liver maintains a unique immune microenvironment which is crucial for sustaining health. When the immune balance in the liver is disrupted, it can drive the occurrence and progression of various chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key effector cells responsible for producing extracellular matrix (ECM) during liver fibrosis, and the hepatic immune microenvironment precisely regulates their activation. This review focuses on the complex bidirectional interaction network between HSCs and major immune cells in the liver, including macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells. It systematically elucidates the central role of these interactions in maintaining hepatic homeostasis, mediating inflammatory responses, and driving the progression of fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the interaction between HSCs and immune cells is essential for elucidating the pathological mechanisms of liver fibrosis and will provide a theoretical basis for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the immune microenvironment.
Open Access
Article
10 April 2026Validation of Thymidylate Synthase as a Key Gene Inhibiting WSSV Proliferation in Procambarus clarkii
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a highly pathogenic agent that poses a significant constraint on the sustainable aquaculture of the red swamp crayfish (P. clarkii). Thymidylate synthase (TS) and ribonucleotide reductase (RR), two genes involved in viral DNA replication, are potential targets for RNAi-based control, but their functional validation and low-cost use remain limited. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that WSSV TS differs evolutionarily from crustacean TS but shares 64% homology with P. clarkii TS, suggesting potential virus-host substrate competition. In vitro-synthesized dsRNA-TS and dsRNA-RR both significantly suppressed WSSV replication in infected P. clarkii. TS was selected for further study due to its evolutionary profile and potential compatibility with molecular breeding approaches. The dsRNA-TS injection eliminated detectable virus within 3 days and reduced cumulative mortality by 10%. Under simulated transport stress conditions, dsRNA-TS did not enhance survival rates, likely due to immunosuppressive effects; however, it sustained the suppression of WSSV replication from 7 to 14 days post-infection. The dsRNA-TS expressed in Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3) had no significant effect, probably because of low purity, low concentration, and poor delivery. The findings provide a sustainable biological control strategy against WSSV in P. clarkii aquaculture, and lay the foundation for the optimization of prokaryotic dsRNA production systems as well as the integration of RNAi with molecular breeding techniques.
Open Access
Review
09 April 2026Ground Penetrating Radar in Forensic Science: Applications, Methodologies, Challenges, and Future Directions, A Comprehensive Review
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has emerged as one of the most valuable non-invasive technologies in forensic science, enabling subsurface imaging in investigations involving clandestine graves, missing persons recovery, concealed evidence, and mass fatality incidents. The technique transmits short electromagnetic pulses into the ground and records the reflected energy generated by contrasts in dielectric properties between subsurface materials. These reflections allow forensic practitioners to delineate buried anomalies with centimetre-scale accuracy while preserving the integrity of the crime scene. This review documents the evolution of GPR from its earliest forensic applications through to current state-of-the-art systems, focusing on core methodologies, data acquisition and processing protocols, and integrated approaches combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), LiDAR, and artificial intelligence. Case studies drawn from diverse settings, including volcanic caves, urban environments, ice-covered water bodies, and tropical forests, demonstrate both the operational versatility of GPR and the contextual limitations that practitioners must recognise. Signal attenuation in high-moisture soils, interpretive ambiguity in heterogeneous environments, and inconsistent operator training remain the principal constraints on GPR performance. These challenges highlight the need for standardised protocols, certified training, and evidence-based deployment criteria. Emerging technologies, including drone-mounted GPR arrays, convolutional neural network-based radargram interpretation, and three-dimensional (3D) subsurface reconstruction, are expected to improve detection precision, reduce field time, and extend operational capability in challenging forensic scenarios. By critically evaluating the published literature and identifying research priorities, this review demonstrates that GPR is not merely a useful adjunct but an increasingly indispensable tool in modern forensic investigations, with the potential to support ethical, time-efficient, and scientifically defensible recovery operations.
Open Access
Article
09 April 2026Optimization of Fly Ash-Based Composite Cementitious Material Proportion Using Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology
To realize high-value synergistic utilization of the three major solid wastes from thermal power generation (fly ash-FA, coal-fired slag-CS, desulfurization gypsum-DG), a Box-Behnken response surface model was established with CS, DG, and cement as factors and FA as the matrix. Unlike existing research focusing on single or binary solid waste composites, this study systematically optimized the synergistic blending ratios of the three wastes without additional activation. The 7d/28d strength models showed significant statistical validity (R2 = 0.9918/0.9979, p < 0.001). The optimal mix ratio (CS 21.38%, DG 10.96%, cement 16.15%, FA 51.51%) achieved 7d strength of 13.60 MPa and 28d strength of 19.07 MPa, with a model deviation rate below 2%. The statistical model results are deeply correlated with the mechanisms of hydration and microstructural evolution: cement and DG drive early-stage hydration reactions to form rapid-strength products, while CS continuously generates hydration gel through slow pozzolanic reactions to develop late-stage strength. XRD/SEM analysis confirmed significant formation of calcium-aluminum-silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H), calcium hydroxide (CH), and ettringite (AFt), verifying full activation of pozzolanic substances in FA and CS. This study innovatively overcomes bottlenecks in the simultaneous high-value utilization of three thermal wastes, providing a scientific pathway for optimizing cementitious materials from multi-source solid wastes.
Open Access
Article
09 April 2026How Internet Control Beliefs and Involvement Shape Older Adults’ Social Adaptation Through Differential Internet Use
In an increasingly digitalized society, successful aging requires effective social adaptation through Internet engagement, yet empirical evidence on how specific online behaviors affect older adults’ adaptation remains limited. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examines the associations between four Internet use types—informational, social, instrumental, and recreational—and social adaptation, and their mediating roles between psychosocial antecedents (Internet control beliefs and involvement) and adaptation outcomes. Using data from 388 Chinese older adults (aged 60–83), structural equation modeling revealed that only instrumental and recreational use showed significant positive associations with social adaptation, whereas informational and social use showed no substantial effects. Internet control beliefs and involvement predicted all four usage types, with their effects on adaptation fully mediated by instrumental and recreational activities. By elucidating these domain-specific pathways, the findings refine the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to digital engagement in aging populations. Accordingly, interventions aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and adaptive aging may benefit from promoting instrumental and recreational Internet use while supporting older adults’ perceived control and active involvement in the digital environment.
