Low-temperature heat source heating represents a pivotal technological direction for global energy decarbonization and building heating decarbonization. Its development is deeply integrated with fourth-generation district heating (4GDH) concepts, forming a comprehensive technical framework encompassing top-level design, pipeline systems, terminal equipment, and standardized modeling. This study systematically reviews research advancements in low-temperature heating technologies across conceptual frameworks, network performance, economic viability, intelligent control systems, terminal innovations, thermal comfort, and standard methodologies. It highlights core advantages of low-temperature heating systems in reducing heat and exergy losses, integrating renewable energy and industrial waste heat, and enhancing system flexibility. Research demonstrates that low-temperature district heating networks exhibit significantly superior energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional high-temperature systems. Existing building retrofits require shorter investment payback periods, optimized terminal equipment can reliably adapt to low-temperature operating conditions, and intelligent control coupled with demand response mechanisms further reduce operational costs. Future technological priorities will focus on low-cost deep retrofitting, cross-sector energy integration, market-based incentive mechanisms, and standard upgrades to provide critical support for clean heating initiatives and carbon neutrality objectives.

The utilisation of low-temperature heating systems has been demonstrated to enhance heat source efficiency and reduce energy consumption, thereby playing a crucial role in the conservation of building energy and the reduction of associated emissions. The present study investigates the application effects of radiator-based low-temperature heating technology across a range of building energy efficiency levels and climatic conditions. The objective of the study is to promote the adoption of low-temperature heat sources in heating systems and to support sustainable building practices. The TRNSYS simulation platform was utilised to develop building models representative of typical climate zones. The feasibility of radiator-based low-temperature heating was evaluated from the perspectives of thermal comfort (PMV index) and temperature stability, utilising scenario analysis methods. This evaluation encompassed various combinations of building envelope performance and radiator supply water temperatures. The findings indicate that enhancing the thermal performance of building envelopes can mitigate the impact of reduced heat dissipation during low-temperature water supply, thereby facilitating low-temperature heating (with water temperatures as low as 40°C) to meet thermal comfort requirements in energy-efficient buildings. In high-performance buildings, high-convection ratio radiators have been shown to maintain minimal temperature fluctuations. The findings of this research provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the optimisation of heating systems in retrofitted buildings, the adaptation of low-temperature heat sources, and the selection of appropriate radiators. This research offers broad engineering application prospects.

This paper presents the design of a power generation system utilizing energy harvested from exercise machines, aiming to convert human mechanical energy generated during physical training into electrical power. Exercise machines produce mechanical energy that can be converted into electricity to supply small electrical loads. The exploitation of this energy source contributes to energy savings, enhances awareness of renewable energy utilization, and supports sustainable development. The study focuses on the mechanical design integrating a generator into the exercise machine, as well as the calculation and selection of system parameters to ensure a stable output voltage. Simulation, prototype fabrication, and experimental measurements of voltage, current, and power were conducted for validation and evaluation. Experimental results demonstrate that the system operates stably, the output voltage meets the design requirements, and the generated power is sufficient for small-scale electrical devices. These findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system, indicating its potential for practical applications.

This paper examines strategies to enhance the quality of Information Technology (IT) education at Hung Vuong University in the context of digital transformation and rapid technological advancement. Based on document analysis and comparison with contemporary educational trends and labor market demands, the study identifies several limitations in the current curriculum structure, teaching methods, infrastructure, and industry engagement. The findings highlight the urgent need to shift from content-based instruction to competency-based education, emphasizing project-based learning and practical applications. Furthermore, the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing is considered essential to align academic training with industry expectations. The paper proposes a set of solutions, including curriculum innovation, professional development for faculty members, strategic investment in digital infrastructure, and strengthened collaboration with enterprises. These measures aim to ensure that IT graduates possess not only solid technical knowledge but also practical skills and adaptability required in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable improvement of IT education in higher education institutions.

This study tries to determine sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a cement replacement material and its effect on the mortar compressive strength, water absorption, setting times, water consistency, soundness, and specific gravity of SCBA (sugarcane bagasse ash) -Portland limestone cement (PLC) blend at cement replacement from 0 - 8 wt.% at interval of 2 wt.%. Calcination of sugarcane bagasse and the obtained ash was conducted at 600°C at 120 mins with a higher Si + Al + Fe content from the analysis of ash obtained via X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and then employed as cement replacement material for this research. The compressive strength was carried out using strength testing machine; consistency and setting times of the blended cement samples were carried out using Vicat apparatus, while the soundness and specific gravity were conducted using Le Chatelier apparatus and density bottle respectively according to ASTM standards. Results showed an increase in the mortar compressive strengths of SCBA-cement blends was experienced as the curing days progressed from 3 to 14 days. PLC blended with SCBA produced an enhanced early strength due to the presence of lime which tends to accelerate the rate of formation of hydration assembly. Whereas at a high cement replacement of 6.0 wt.%, SCBA produced exceptional mortar compressive strength especially at 14 days despite clinker diminution indicating pozzolanic activity due to SCBA content. The optimal cement replacement with SCBA was observed at 4.0 wt.% in comparison with control especially at 7 days and did not adversely affect its strength owing to pozzolanic activity. There was an increase in the water consistency and setting times of SCBA cement pastes as SCBA content was increased from 2.0 – 8.0 wt.% which was attributed to unburnt carbon present in the ash due to its high loss on ignition, LOI. The elongated setting times could also be due to clinker diminution by cement replacement with SCBA and high-water demand. The SCBA-cement blends produced accelerated setting time results compared to PLC owing to lime present in SCBA which enhances early hydration. The volume expansion of the SCBA cement pastes experienced an increase as SCBA was increased due to lower density of SCBA compared to PLC and increased lime content due to increased SCBA content while the specific gravity diminished.

This study examines the impact of ferric iron contamination in mixing water on the bending and shears strength of reinforced concrete beams, addressing a critical yet explored durability concern in modern concrete construction. Although ferric iron is a common contaminant in tropical groundwater, its structural implications remain insufficiently quantified compared to chloride or sulfate ions. The research aims to bridge this gap by experimentally assessing how ferric iron-laden water alters the flexural and shear behavior of reinforced concrete beams. Three beams were cast using a 1:2:4 mix ratio and a constant water–cement ratio of 0.6, two with ferric-iron-contaminated water (5.3–12.3 mg/L Fe³⁺) and one with potable control water, were tested under four-point loading after 28 days of curing. Parameters measured included yield load, deflection, failure load, bending capacity, and failure mode. Results revealed that ferric-iron-contaminated beams exhibited increased deflection, reduced stiffness, and wider cracks relative to the control, indicating stiffness degradation, early corrosion, and loss of bond integrity at the steel–concrete interface. Although one ferric beam attained a slightly higher ultimate load, its larger deformation signified reduced elastic modulus and premature ductility loss. These findings establish that ferric iron contamination significantly compromises both bending and shear performance by altering hydration chemistry and promoting corrosion expansion within the concrete matrix. The implications are far-reaching for construction practices in groundwater-dependent regions, emphasizing the urgent need for water-quality assessment and regulation in concrete production. This study contributes empirical evidence for refining mixing-water standards and calls for sustainable engineering policies to mitigate corrosion-induced failures in reinforced concrete structures.

There is the ever-increasing plastics waste leading to serious environmental and economic challenges, which need to be addressed through sustainable recycling solutions. The quality of the recycled plastics is limited due to the degradation of the polymer and contamination in traditional mechanical recycling approaches. New chemical recycling technology is an alternative which allows the depolymerization of plastic down to the practical monomer, recovering it in high purity and offering closed loop recycling. The focus of this review is on the integration of pyrolysis methods in the area of chemical recycling which mainly provides means of enhancing the management of plastic waste. Furthermore, the environmental and economic impacts of chemical recycling are evaluated based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study and compared to the mechanical recycling as well as landfill disposal. However, its promise is yet to be widely adopted due to many challenges including high energy consumption, process scalability, economic feasibility, etc. Future research should aim towards finding ways to optimise catalyst efficiency, reduce operational costs and also integration of chemical recycling within the framework of the circular economy. Chemical recycling technologies should play a strategic role in reducing the global plastic waste crisis and their large-scale implementation will be crucial and need to be facilitated by strategic policy interventions and industrial collaborations.