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Research Progress and Challenges in Coal Gangue Resource Utilization Technologies
No full textCoal gangue is the largest mining solid waste with an annual output of more than 720 million tons and a cumulative stockpiling of more than 7 billion tons in China, and the environmental pressure is huge. Under the impetus of the "double carbon" strategy, its resource utilization has become a national priority. At present, in terms of power generation, circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler technology has achieved an annual consumption of 3.5 million tons of coal gangue; in the field of building materials, the amount of spontaneous combustion coal gangue replacing cement in the preparation of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by coal gangue can reach 40%. In terms of underground filling, the overburden bed separation grouting and intelligent filling system achieve large-scale application; in road engineering, multi-source solid waste collaborative utilization technology significantly improves roadbed performance. Nevertheless, it still faces challenges such as complex composition, high cost and secondary pollution. In the future, it is necessary to further rely on the two-wheel drive of policy and technology to promote the transformation of coal gangue from \u27waste treatment\u27 to\u27 resources\u27, so as to achieve high-quality development of environmental protection and resource recycling
Examining the Challenges of Implementing Land Use Plans in Tamale, Ghana
No full textIntroduction: Land use planning is central to sustainable urban development, yet its implementation remains a persistent challenge in rapidly growing African cities. Ghana’s planning system, despite legal reforms such as the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925 of 2016), continues to face institutional fragmentation, customary–statutory conflicts, and limited enforcement. By situating the analysis in both global and national debates, the study contributes to understanding the systemic challenges facing land use planning in Ghana and offers practical recommendations for strengthening institutional coordination, community engagement, and environmental resilience.
Aim: This study examined the barriers to land use plan implementation in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.
Methods: A mixed-methods case study was employed, which triangulated survey data with insights from key informants across statutory and customary institutions. Quantitative data were collected from 152 households selected through multi-stage sampling and analysed using SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were gathered through 15 key informant interviews with officials from the Lands Commission, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and traditional authorities. Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts, with triangulation across data sources to enhance rigour.
Results: Most households (70%) reported no involvement in scheme preparation, and only 30% possessed building permits. Over 60% reported environmental problems such as flooding, poor drainage, and encroachment on open spaces. Key informants identified weak inter-agency coordination, inadequate resources, political interference, and unregulated customary land allocations as major barriers. Verbatim accounts highlighted how chiefs’ land sales often undermined statutory zoning, while officials cited difficulties in enforcing buffer zones and public space protection.
Conclusion: The findings confirm that fragmented institutions, low participation, weak records, and conflicts with customary authorities undermine effective implementation. Addressing these challenges requires stronger inter-agency task forces, integration of traditional leaders into statutory planning, streamlined digital permitting, and public education on planning compliance. Enforcing ecological buffers and modernising land records will also enhance urban resilience in Tamale and provide lessons for similar contexts in Ghana
Classification and Research Status of the Principles of Smart Concrete
No full textTraditional construction materials not only have problems such as environmental pollution, poor durability, and high repair costs, but also various large-volume hydraulic concrete structures are often damaged and cracked during service due to the effects of alternating loads and material aging. The occurrence and further expansion of cracks will affect the integrity, impermeability, and durability of dam concrete, posing potential safety hazards. To ensure the safe operation of the structure, timely diagnosis in the early stage of crack appearance can significantly extend the service life of the structure.In order to make full use of raw materials, improve the various inherent properties of concrete, and achieve the long-term sustainable development of concrete, "smart materials" are incorporated into concrete. This enables concrete to accurately receive stimuli from the external environment and make corresponding responses, thereby achieving functions such as self-diagnosis, self-adjustment, and self-healing. Applying this modified concrete to monitor and repair crack changes in hydraulic concrete structures is of great significance for hydraulic engineering health services. For example, the 4.5-magnitude earthquake that struck the Italian region in October 1996 caused severe damage to the bell tower of the San Giorgio Church. Indirli et al. carried out structural restoration using four superelastic SMA rods. After the San Francesco Church in Assisi, Italy, was damaged by an earthquake in 1997, SMA devices were also adopted and installed on the gable triangles and roof areas for structural restoration. Based on smart materials, Such as Steel Fiber (SF-A), Milled Steel Fiber (SF-B), Copper-Plated Steel Fiber (SF-C), End-Hooked Steel Fiber (SF-D), and Nano-Carbon Black (NC). This study deeply investigates the influence of self-sensing concrete on mechanical properties and crack repair effects, reviews the principles and properties of smart conductive cement-based composites, discusses the main potential application fields of smart materials, and finally summarizes the current research status of smart materials as well as the challenges they need to face
Emotional Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Integration Strategies for Leadership Excellence
No full textIn the current dynamic economic environment effective leadership needs a good understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities along with emotional intelligence (EI). This paper is analyzing the importance of EI and AI in leadership, how AI can improve leadership, and utilize AI and EI to make strategies for improving decision-making processes for leaders and executives and achieve excellence in leadership. After reviewing and analyzing available literature, this paper trying to find out the use of AI and EI in leadership, current state of practice, trying to find out main opportunities, challenges related with AI, and suggest a practical recommendation for utilizing EI and AI integration in leadership.
This study investigates the integration of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as complementary tools to enhance leadership decision-making, effectiveness, and organizational performance. The research emphasizes the role of EI in understanding and managing human emotions to foster empathy and interpersonal connections, alongside the capacity of AI to analyze data and provide predictive insights for informed decision-making. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the study develops a framework to align these competencies, addressing critical leadership challenges in the modern workplace, such as adaptability, innovation, and team cohesion. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and theoretical analysis to explore practical strategies for integration. Key findings reveal the potential of combining EI and AI to foster organizational growth, enhance productivity, and improve team dynamics. The study also discusses the challenges of merging these approaches, such as ethical considerations, bias in AI algorithms, and the complexity of balancing emotional and technical intelligence. By providing actionable recommendations for practitioners and researchers, this work contributes to advancing leadership practices and highlights opportunities for further exploration in the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven human-centric leadership
Occurrence and Characterization of Residues and Contaminants in Shrimp and Fish Samples from Aquaculture and Wild Capture in Brazil
No full textThe consumption of fish is a regular dietary habit among Brazilians, as it represents a significant protein source for the population. However, the emerging presence of residues and contaminants in fish meat has proven to be a substantial public health risk, contributing to cases of human intoxication and resulting in irreversible damage, including gastrointestinal, neurological, and endocrine disorders. This study aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis based on data retrieved from reports published on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) over the past 14 years. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and characterization of contaminants in shrimp and fish from aquaculture and wild capture in Brazil. The analyzed documents comprised results from the National Residues and Contaminants Plan (PNCRC/Animal) between 2010 and 2023. Residues were monitored according to criteria such as toxicity levels and population exposure potential. Over the 13 years of monitoring under the PNCRC, more than 12,000 samples were analyzed. Non-compliance was identified in 189 samples, distributed among the following classes of substances: inorganic contaminants, antibiotics, dyes, and insecticides. The class of inorganic contaminants accounted for the highest percentage of violations among non-compliant samples, representing approximately 90% of the cases. These findings underscore the importance of the PNCRC/Animal in ensuring the availability of safe food for the Brazilian population while mitigating the harmful impacts on human health
Recent Advances in Aptamer-based Detection and Therapeutics: Applications in Disease Detection, Biosensing and Targeted Drug Delivery
No full textAptamers, with their high specificity and affinity, represent a promising avenue for drug delivery and therapeutic applications in both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike traditional antibodies, aptamers are chemically synthesized, avoiding immunogenic responses and offering a more versatile platform for targeting molecular disease markers. In cardiovascular diseases, aptamers address limitations of existing therapies by offering targeted and precise treatment options, such as anti-platelet therapies and stent coatings. For neurodegenerative diseases, aptamers can bind to misfolded proteins, potentially preventing disease progression. Additionally, aptamers have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of prionopathies and other animal diseases, providing rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective solutions. Their application in detecting viral and bacterial infections, toxins, and drug residues further showcases their diagnostic potential. Recent advancements in aptamer technology, including refined selection methods and chemical modifications, have positioned aptamers as versatile and powerful tools in modern diagnostics and therapeutics, offering a compelling alternative to antibodies in proteomics and beyond
A Review of Roof Top Agro-Voltaic System Development: Integrating Renewable Energy and Urban Agriculture
No full textRoof top agro-voltaic system (RAVs) offer a sustainable solution to urbanization, energy demand, and food security challenges by integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels with Roof top farming. These systems optimize land use, particularly in urbanizing countries like India, where they can support renewable energy goals and enhance urban food production. This review highlights the evolution, technical aspects, and benefits of RAVs, including energy production, improved agricultural yields, and environmental conservation. Studies show that PV panels can generate 20-25% of a building’s energy needs while reducing Roof top temperatures by up to 5°C, contributing to energy efficiency. Crops grown under PV panels often experience stable microclimatic conditions, leading to a 10-15% increase in water use efficiency. In India pilot projects have demonstrated the dual benefits of solar energy generation and urban farming, creating income opportunities and reducing the carbon footprint.
However, challenges such as efficiency trade-offs, financial constraints and regulatory gaps limit widespread adoption. Global case studies, including examples from India, showcase the success of emerging technologies like bifacial panels and AI-driven crop management, achieving up to 30% higher energy generation and improved crop quality. Roof top agro-voltaic system represent a transformative approach to sustainable urban development, offering measurable outcomes in energy, agriculture and environmental sustainability, making them a critical solution for future urban ecosystems
Ultrasound-assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
No full textBeetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for its high concentration of bioactive compounds such as betalains, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which exhibit significant health benefits. This study investigates the potential of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) as a green and efficient method for enhancing the yield of these bioactive compounds from beetroot. Beetroot samples were processed to extract compounds using an aqueous solution, followed by ultrasonication and subsequent analysis. The results demonstrated that UAE significantly improved the extraction of betalains, with betacyanin and betaxanthin concentrations increasing by 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, compared to traditional extraction methods. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids also exhibited enhanced concentrations, indicating the efficacy of UAE in disrupting plant cell walls and facilitating greater solubilization of bioactives. UAE offers a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction techniques by reducing solvent use and processing time while maintaining high extraction efficiency. The findings of this study highlight the potential of UAE to optimize the recovery of valuable compounds from beetroot, contributing to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Future research could explore solvent optimization and process conditions to further increase extraction yields
Study the Participation of Rural Women in Agriculture Activities
No full textThe role of rural women in agriculture is both foundational and transformative, yet often underrepresented in mainstream narratives. This study explores the extent, nature, and significance of rural women\u27s participation in agricultural activities across various regions. Women in rural areas are actively engaged in nearly all facets of agriculture, including sowing, weeding, harvesting, post-harvest processing, seed preservation, livestock rearing, dairy management, and agro-forestry. In many cases, especially among small and marginal farmers, women constitute the primary labor force within households and significantly contribute to food production and household income. Their involvement is not merely supportive; they frequently shoulder full responsibility for agricultural operations, particularly in male-absent households due to migration or other employment. Despite this, their contributions often go unrecognized, both socially and economically, as they are rarely considered "farmers" in official records, receive little or no remuneration for their labor, and remain largely excluded from decision-making processes, land ownership rights, and access to institutional credit or government schemes. This study highlights the gendered dynamics in rural agriculture, where women’s hard work and knowledge remain invisible in policy frameworks. It further underscores how gender inequality, lack of education, restricted access to modern farming technologies, and socio-cultural norms hinder the empowerment of rural women farmers. However, it also reveals emerging opportunities: women\u27s collectives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and agricultural cooperatives are enabling women to gain technical skills, improve productivity, and assert agency in community and family decision-making. When provided with access to education, training, credit facilities, and land rights, rural women demonstrate exceptional potential in enhancing agricultural output and promoting sustainable practices. The study concludes that integrating rural women fully into agricultural planning and policy is not only a matter of gender justice but a crucial step toward achieving food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable rural development. Acknowledging and strengthening the role of women in agriculture can lead to holistic community progress and inclusive economic growth. Their involvement is not ancillary it is vital. Empowering rural women in agriculture is, therefore, not merely an option but a necessity for comprehensive national development
House Hold Solid Waste in Imo State: A Comparative Study of the Household Solid Waste Generated by Household and Patterns of Household Solid Waste Disposal in Orlu and Owerri Municipalities
No full textBackground: Generally, but especially domestic waste has been seen to be the most problematic of all generated waste by households and individuals has employed the habit of just throwing away waste indiscriminately and hence the management of these indiscriminate waste has become both a national and international concern. In Imo State—one of the rapidly urbanizing regions in southeastern Nigeria—municipalities such as Orlu and Owerri face persistent challenges despite relatively high levels of public awareness about proper waste management practices. The disconnect between knowledge and practice poses severe risks to environmental sustainability and public health. hence this study tends to shed light on the solid waste generated by households and patterns of disposal.
Methods: The study utilized a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study design. A total of 400 was obtained as the sample size for the study using Taro and Yamane formula and Multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of households from which respondents were drawn. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Statistical data analysis was performed using statistical product and solution (SPSS) and the results obtained from the study were expressed in distribution tables and percentages. Chi-square was used to test for associations between data variables (P=0.05).
Results: Assessment of the types waste generated in Orlu showed that the major components was biodegradable (57.5%) and non-biodegradable accounted for (42.5%) while Owerri showed that (60%) of the solid waste generated were biodegradable and (40%) were non-biodegradable, no significant association was found on the categories of household solid waste generated in both cities(P=4.097). While open dumping was found to be the most waste disposal method
practiced in both cities (37.5% in Orlu and 42.5% in Owerri) no significant difference was found in this study on household solid waste disposal method in Orlu and Owerri (p=0.445).
Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concluded that the categories of wastes generated in these two cities include both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. On the other hand, people in both cities practice more of open dumping and non-provision of adequate equipment contributed to that. In all, the waste disposal at household level in Orlu and Owerri is quite similar and poor with low capacity. Therefore, organized improvements are required