Abstract: Agricultural land resources are essential for food production, and thus it is vital to examine the spatiotemporal changes in these resources and their impacts on land suitability to optimize resource allocation. In this study, we investigated the spatial evolution of cropland resources through land use change analysis by utilizing four periods of land use data from 1990 to 2020 in the black soil region of Northeast China (BSRNC). Employing niche theory, we developed a cultivability evaluation model tailored to the BSRNC, which was used to assess the impact of spatial changes in cropland patterns over the past 30 years on land suitability. Our key findings are as follows. (1) Cropland resources have generally tended to expand in the BSRNC, with an increase of 7.16 × 103 km2 in the cultivated area and a northeastward shift of the cropland center by 52.94 km, indicating significant changes in the spatial configuration of land. (2) The region's cultivable land resources are substantial, covering 694.06 × 103 km2, or 55.78 % of the total area, with notable spatial variability influenced by the regional climate and topography. (3) The land cultivability has slightly improved, as shown by a 0.10 increase in the cultivability index, but a significant declining trend in the cultivability of cropland was observed after 2000. Our findings provide valuable insights to help accurately assess land productivity in the BSRNC and facilitate the sustainable use and conservation of black soil.

Abstract: Tailings generated by mining account for the largest world-wide waste from industrial activities. Copper is relatively uncommon, with low concentrations in sediments and waters, yet is very elevated around mining operations. On the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, USA, jutting out into Lake Superior, 140 mines extracted native copper from the Portage Lake Volcanic Series, part of an intercontinental rift system. Between 1901-1932, two mills at Gay (Mohawk, Wolverine) sluiced 22.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) of copper-rich tailings (stamp sands) into Grand (Big) Traverse Bay. About 10 MMT formed a beach that has migrated 7 km from the original Gay pile to the Traverse River Seawall. Another 11 MMT are moving underwater along the coastal shelf, threatening Buffalo Reef, an important lake trout and whitefish breeding ground. Aerial photos, multiple ALS (airplane) LiDAR/MSS surveys, and recent UAS (unmanned drone) overflights document coastal tailings dispersal. Because natural beach quartz and basalt stamp sands are silicates of similar size and density, percentage stamp sand determinations are aided by microscopic procedures. Stamp sand beaches contrast greatly with natural sand beaches in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Dispersing stamp sand particles retain copper, and release toxic concentrations. Copper leaching is elevated by exposure to high DOC and low pH waters, characteristic of beach stream and riparian environments. Lab and field toxicity experiments, plus benthic sampling, all confirm serious impacts of tailings on aquatic organisms, supporting removal. Not only should mining companies end coastal discharges, they should adopt the UNEP “Global Tailings Management Standard for the Mining Industry”.

Abstract: In this study, an ANN-based model was developed to predict nitrate concentrations in drainage waters based on parameters that are easier and cheaper to measure in an irrigation area within the Lower Seyhan Basin, one of Turkey's important agricultural production regions. For this purpose, daily water samples were collected from a drainage measurement station during the 2022 and 2023 water years, and nitrate concentrations were determined in the laboratory. In addition to nitrate concentrations, other parameters, such as flow rate, EC, pH, and precipitation, were also measured simultaneously. The complex relationship between measured nitrate values and other parameters, which are easier and less costly to measure, was used in two different scenarios during the training phase of the ANN-Nitrate model. After the model was trained, nitrate values were estimated for the two scenarios using only the other parameters. In Scenario I, random values from the dataset were predicted, while in Scenario II, predictions were made as a time series, and model results were compared with measured values for both scenarios. The proposed model can be confidently used to fill gaps in the dataset (Scenario I) as well as to predict nitrate values in a time series (Scenario II).

Abstract: A solar corrosion Fenton reactor (SCFr) was developed by packing an iron-carbon steel filament inside the reactor to enable the in-situ release of Fe2+. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to optimize the effect of HRT (20, 30, and 40 min), the mass ratios of the packed filament inside the reactor with respect to volume (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 w/v) and the peroxide dosage added (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/L), the response variables were % removal of COD, Color and Turbidity. The optimum conditions for SCFr were HRT of 24.5 min, a ratio of 0.16, and a peroxide dose of 1006.9 mg/L. The removal was 91.8%, 98.4%, and 87.3% COD, Color and Turbidity respectively. Without solar radiation, the % removal was reduced, 16.3%, 47.9%, and 34.0% COD, color and turbidity respectively. The concentration Fe2+ released was 25.4 mg/L of Fe2+. The w/v ratio was the most significant factor, the release of the Fe is stimulated by UV radiation and the chloride concentration of the wastewater which prevents the formation of an oxide layer, thus allowing its continuous release, it takes advantage of solar radiation, pH and chloride concentration of the raw sample.

Abstract: Climate change poses a significant threat to European security, implicitly to Romania’s naval forces in the Black Sea. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification impact maritime operations, infrastructure, and personnel, with potential ramifications for regional stability. This paper explores the implications of climate change for the Romanian Navy and proposes "Green Defence" strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability. These strategies encompass energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, sustainable procurement, and the application of advanced functional materials in naval operations and infrastructure. By adopting a proactive and multifaceted approach, the Romanian Navy can adapt to the changing climate, ensuring operational effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. This approach aligns with broader European security concerns and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient defence posture in the face of climate-related challenges.

Abstract: Increased NH3 emissions from intensive agriculture negatively affect environmental and ecosystem health, contributing to particulate matter (PM) formation and the potent greenhouse gas, N2O. Better understanding ammonia emissions from the manure composting process and their behavior as a constituent of the atmospheric aerosol load is a crucial element in creating better farm management systems, improved public health outcomes and mitigating the broader environmental and climatic impacts of agriculture. Retarded generation of PM with major constituent source of NH3 is a primary mechanism evaluating the effects of agricultural contribution to PM. This study aims to quantify NH3 emissions, examine the influence of environmental factors, and investigate the relationship between precursor gases (SO2, NOx, NH3) and PM2.5 at a modern manure composting facility in Paju, South Korea. Over 35 days, average internal concentrations of NH3, SO2, and NOx were significantly higher than external levels. NH3 concentrations reached 3.64 ± 0.06 mg m-3 at 3m height and 2.43 ± 0.16 mg m-3 at ground level, while the total NH3 flux from the facility was 24.47 ± 1.39 NH3-N kg d-1. Internal PM2.5 concentrations (36.9 ± 2.6 µg m-3) were about 50% higher than external levels (23.7 ± 2 µg m-3), with a moderate correlation (r = 0.341) suggesting some contribution of external PM2.5 to internal levels. Despite large internal emissions, the facility's sealed design with a negative pressure ventilation system effectively minimized external emissions. These results suggest that while manure composting facilities are significant sources of NH3 and PM2.5, advanced systems like high-volume ventilation and scrubbing technologies can effectively reduce their impact on regional air pollution, contributing to better environmental management in agriculture.

Abstract: The various forms of anthropogenic pollution are regarded as a serious threat to marine coastal areas. The overproduction and mismanagement of petroleum derivatives, such as tar and plastics, has resulted in a significant correlation between these two pollutants. The aggregation of tar, microplastics (MPs), and natural materials can create Plastitar blocks, which are common in coastal areas. These raise concern about the undeniable negative impact on the marine ecosystem and associate biota and serve as a recognizable and understandable indication of environmental decline. Here, the composition of the 11 Plastitar blocks collected on the Ionian side of the Apulia region (Italy) was characterized both in tar and plastics using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Of the 250 particles extracted from the tar, 208 were identified as plastics, predominantly Polyethylene. The majority of these were in the form of pellets (90%), with fragments accounting for 5% and films and filaments representing the remaining 5%. This study provides new data that can be used to enhance the understanding of the distribution and baseline information about this novel form of pollution in Italian waters.

Abstract: Enabling technologies (KETs) offer transformative potential for agriculture by addressing major challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. However, KET adoption is often limited by high R&D requirements, rapid innovation cycles, investment costs, and cultural or training barriers, especially among small agricultural businesses. Sicily's agricultural sector, already strained by pandemic-related economic setbacks and inflationary pressures, faces additional barriers in adopting these technologies. To investigate these adoption challenges and develop viable solutions, the ARIA Living Lab (Agritech Research Innovation Environment) was established within the PNRR framework. A qualitative approach was used, involving documentary analysis and data from stakeholders across Sicilian agriculture. This approach enabled an in-depth exploration of sector-specific needs, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors influencing KET adoption. The analysis highlighted that adoption barriers differ significantly across sectors (citrus, olive, and wine), with public incentives and digital infrastructure playing key roles. However, a persistent lack of technical skills among farmers reduces the effectiveness of these innovations. The findings suggest that an integrated approach—combining targeted incentives, training, and enhanced infrastructure—is essential for a sustainable transition to KETs. Future research should examine collaborative efforts between farms and tech providers and evaluate the impact of public policies in promoting the widespread, informed adoption of enabling technologies.

Abstract: The exploration of consciousness remains a pivotal pursuit across multiple disciplines. This paper examines the intersection of Conscientiology, a multidisciplinary study of consciousness and its multidimensional aspects, and Virtual Reality (VR) technology, which offers immersive simulations of alternative realities. By analyzing the potential of VR to simulate conscientiological experiences such as out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and altered states of consciousness, we explore how VR can serve as a tool for both empirical research and personal development in consciousness studies. The paper reviews foundational concepts of Conscientiology, advances in VR technology, and the conceptual parallels between them. We discuss scientific and philosophical implications, including the nature of reality, self-perception, and ethical considerations. Case studies illustrate practical applications, while challenges such as technological limitations, empirical validation difficulties, and ethical concerns are addressed. We conclude that integrating Conscientiology and VR holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of consciousness, though careful consideration of the associated challenges is necessary.

Abstract: As urban density increases and cities expand, urban livability decreases, closely linked to social, economic, and environmental crises. To address these negative impacts, Biophilic Urbanism (BU) promotes human-nature interactions and their associated benefits. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding its effectiveness across different scales. This study explores how BU contributes to improving livability in the built environment and renewing urban landscapes. Using Amsterdam as a case study, we first identify biophilic experiences by analyzing them through quantitative, qualitative, and spatial distribution metrics. We then investigate design opportunities to foster biophilia by applying BU tools aimed at enhancing interspecies connections and leveraging ecosystem services. In the form of maps, our findings provide evidence-based insights to benefit from nature in everyday life at both the micro- and macro-scales, along with design solutions to renew urban planning focused on human and environmental wellbeing, involving citizens in spatial transformation and maintenance processes. Finally, we advocate for BU as a holistic model that uses natural capital as a key strategy for making cities more equitable, sustainable, and resilient.