bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Sprawl
Authors: Booth Leon , Karl Charles , Farrar Victoria , Pettigrew Simone
Published: July 2024

Background: Urban sprawl adversely effects the sustainability of urban environments by promoting private vehicle use, decreasing the viability of active/public transport, and increasing the cost of public service provision. Autonomous vehicles could change the desirability of different residential locations due to resulting changes to urban design and decreased value of travel time. Methods: Adult Australians (n = 1078) completed an online survey that included a description of a future where autonomous vehicles are widely available. The respondents reported anticipated changes in residential location in this autonomous future. Frequency analyses were conducted, and three logistic generalised linear models were run to identify factors associated with staying in the same area or moving to higher- or lower-density locations. Results: Autonomous vehicles are likely to have mixed effects on people’s desired residential locations. Most respondents (84%) elected not to move location, 11% intended to move to lower-density locations, and 6% to higher density locations. Reasons for moving included a desire for more space, the ease of travelling in urban areas, and the reduced value of travel time. Conclusion: The introduction of autonomous vehicles will need to be managed to avoid fostering increased urban sprawl and the associated negative consequences. Strategies that increase the liveability of higher density urban environments are likely to discourage urban sprawl in a future characterised by autonomous transport options.
Sustainability Assessment and Source Apportionment of Soil Heavy Metals in a Mineral Aggregation Area of Datian County, South China
Authors: Wang Junke , He Zexin , Shi Huading , Liu Anfu , Zhao Yun , Liu Xu , Yan Tiezhu , Li Li , Dai Xinyue
Published: July 2024

Heavy metal pollution in soils, especially in mineral aggregation areas, presents significant sustainability challenges affecting ecosystem health and human well-being. This study conducted source apportionment and risk analysis of soil heavy metals in Datian County, South China, to promote sustainable land use and pollution mitigation. We collected 103 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) from a typical mineral aggregation area and analyzed the concentration distributions of heavy metals using geostatistical methods. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were employed to evaluate pollution levels and ecological risks. Our findings reveal that heavy metal concentrations substantially exceeded Fujian Province’s background values, with Cd exhibiting severe pollution levels. Cd, Pb, and Cu pose moderate to high ecological risks. Major pollution sources include metal smelting enterprises, soil parent materials, mixed sources of mineral extraction and traffic pollution, atmospheric deposition, and agricultural pollution. Their contribution rates were found to be 15.66%, 17.72%, 38.32%, 8.25%, and 20.05%, respectively. Utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models integrated with geostatistical methods, this study provides robust source identification and highlights sustainable practices for soil management. The results offer a scientific basis for developing strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution and enhance environmental sustainability in the region.
Current Status of Sustainable Food Packaging Regulations: Global Perspective
Authors: Thapliyal Devyani , Karale Manisha , Diwan Vaibhav , Kumra Shisher , Arya Raj Kumar , Verros George D.
Published: July 2024

This review offers a global overview of the status of laws governing sustainable food packaging materials. The review highlights the regulatory framework for several sustainable packaging options, including paper-based packaging, compostable materials, and biodegradable plastics. The review focuses on the European, Indian, South Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Australian, British, and American regulations. Generally, the trend towards sustainable food packaging legislation is anticipated to continue, with more nations and regions putting policies into place to cut waste and encourage a circular economy. This will probably spur the development of new environmentally friendly packaging materials and motivate companies to use greener methods.
Dynamic Position Accuracy of Low-Cost Global Navigation Satellite System Sensors Applied in Road Transport for Precision and Measurement Reliability
Authors: Jagelčák Juraj , Kuba Ondrej , Kubáňová Jaroslava , Kostrzewski Mariusz , Nader Mirosław
Published: July 2024

Low-cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors have been successfully applied in commercial vehicles’ position monitoring, and they continually raise interest among research audiences both in theoretical and practical aspects. While numerous studies have applied simulations and numerical methods to evaluate the accuracy of the sensors, this paper presents an analysis, supported by actual measurements collected under diversified conditions. The measurements were collected under a variety of conditions, including urban and suburban routes of considerable length, and in accordance with the position in lane applied in most European countries, which is considerably related to the sustainability of road transport. The measurements were collected during driving of three different passenger vehicles, and the response of the measurements to correct, partially correct and incorrect vehicle positions was recorded. Differentiated kinematic conditions and actual dynamic performance during driving were analyzed. This research compared the position accuracy of a low-cost GNSS sensor and a dual-antenna GNSS/INS sensor for vehicle dynamics monitoring. Both types of sensors were operated on all the passenger vehicles and with the same measurement conditions. Statistical hypothesis tests have been considered to compare the results, in accordance with the latest guidelines for carrying out such tests. Studies have indicated that a low-cost GNSS sensor also has satisfactory accuracy. However, this paper points out additional considerations and conclusions. Both the positive and negative results are described and commented on in the paper, including research limitations and suggestions for future measurement and future research agendas, both by the authors and as an inspiration for other researchers.
Constructing Ecological Networks for Mountainous Urban Areas Based on Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis and Minimum Cumulative Resistance Models: A Case Study of Yongtai County
Authors: Zou Cheng , Tang Xiaoxiang , Tan Qian , Feng Huicheng , Guo Huanyu , Mei Junxiang
Published: July 2024

In order to alleviate the increased habitat fragmentation caused by the accelerating urbanization and ecological deterioration, constructing ecological networks is an effective way to improve ecological connectivity, facilitate regional energy flow, and promote biodiversity enhancement. In this study, Yongtai County was taken as the research object, and the morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) method was used to analyze the landscape pattern, identify the ecological source sites, classify the ecological source sites according to the importance degree by possible connectivity index (PC) and the Delta values for probability index of connectivity (dPC), and then construct the potential ecological corridors with the help of the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to generate the ecological network, and then put forward the optimization strategy according to the current situation. The results show that (1) the core area of Yongtai County is 1071.06 km2, the largest among all landscape types, with a fragmented distribution, high degree of fragmentation, and poor connectivity, mainly in the east and southwest, and sparser in the middle. (2) The area of highest resistance value is mainly located in the built-up areas of towns and rural settlements in the central and northwestern parts of the country; the lowest value is distributed in the southwest and southeast, and the land use mode is mainly expressed as woodland. (3) The ecological network consists of 13 ecological sources and 78 potential ecological corridors. The ecological sources are mainly located in the east and southwest, with high connectivity; the potential ecological corridors are distributed in the form of a network, with fewer in the center, resulting in the phenomenon of ecological disconnection. (4) Lack of ecological sources and corridors, serious landscape fragmentation, and optimization of ecological network by adding and protecting ecological sources, repairing ecological breakpoints and building stepping stones. This study is of guiding significance for urban green space system planning, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem function enhancement in Yongtai County, and also provides reference for ecological protection and optimization in other mountainous cities.
Order or Collaborate? Manufacturers Utilize 3D-Printed Parts to Sustainably Facilitate Increased Product Variety
Authors: Zhao Qian , Wang Zhengkai , Zheng Kaiming
Published: July 2024

3D printing (3DP) has garnered significant attention from industries, prompting traditional manufacturers to adopt 3DP to sustainably facilitate increased product variety. Observing manufacturers’ two adoption strategies, ordering parts and collaboratively printing 3DP parts, in a real-world setting, we utilize a wholesale price contract and a Nash Bargaining contract to describe these two strategies and then develop a supply-chain model including a 3DP supplier (Supplier) and a traditional manufacturer (Manufacturer). Further, we employ backward induction to solve the subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium for the model to reveal differences between these two strategies and the impact of 3DP’s improved resource efficiency. According to equilibrium outcomes, analytical results show that first, as long as the unit cost of each 3DP part is not overly high and 3DP’s resource efficiency is not extremely low, the Manufacturer is willing to implement 3DP to increase product variety. Second, a rise in the resource efficiency can create a “win-win” scenario for the Manufacturer and the Supplier. Third, supply-chain collaboration can be achieved when the Manufacturer’s and the Supplier’s bargaining powers approach equality. Interestingly, a Nash bargaining contract can incentivize the manufacturer to substitute a base product with a variety of products, a change facilitated by an increase in the retail price of this base product. The managerial implication of this research is that enhanced resource efficiency can lead to less environmental pollution in the collaboration model by resulting in the sale of lower quantities of the base product, which would otherwise consume more resources and generate greater environmental pollution.
How Public Service Investment Affects Public Incomes: Evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Jingqian
Published: July 2024

The fiscal incentive of public investment has a profound impact on the behavior of local governments. This paper uses Shanghai, China, as a case study to explore the fiscal incentive mechanism of public service investment through heterogeneity analysis and mechanism analysis, utilizing district data from 2005 to 2016. The results reveal three key findings. First, the incentive mechanism of public investment is different between budgetary revenue (BR) and land transferring fee (LTF). The incentive effect on BR is driven by the amount of public investment rather than the quality of public service delivery, failing to effectively motivate local governments to consistently improve public service quality. Second, while the fiscal incentive effects of public investment in central districts rely more on BR, suburban districts are more dependent on land finance. The high dependence on land finance makes local governments tend to pay more attention to the needs of the companies rather than citizens. Third, the proportion of the migrant population and fiscal stress weaken the association between public investment, BR, and LTF but strengthen the link between the quality of public service delivery and LTF. Conversely, the existing stock of public service resources has the opposite effect.
Vitamin 25(OH)D3, E, and C Supplementation Impact the Inflammatory and Antioxidant Responses in Piglets Fed a Deoxynivalenol-Contaminated Diet and Challenged with Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Sauvé Béatrice , Chorfi Younes , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Guay Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Using alternative ingredients or low-quality grain grades to reduce feeding costs for pig diets can introduce mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) into feed, which is known to induce anorexia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Adding vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamins E and C to the feed could increase piglets’ immune system to alleviate the effects of DON. This study used 54 pigs (7.8 ± 0.14 kg) in 27 pens (2 pigs/pen) with a vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamin E-C supplementation, or their combination, in DON-contaminated (5.1 mg/kg) feed ingredients over 21 days followed by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (20 µg/kg BW) 3 h prior to euthanasia for 1 piglet per pen. DON contamination induced anorexia, which reduced piglet growth. DON also induced immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and downregulated vitamin D status. The vitamin E and C supplementation and the combination of vitamins E, C, and 25(OH)D3 provided protection against DON contamination by not only decreasing blood and liver oxidative stress markers, but also by increasing antioxidant enzymes and tocopherol levels in blood, indicating improved antioxidant defense mechanisms. The combination of vitamins also restored the vitamin D status. After LPS challenge, DON contamination decreased intestinal and liver antioxidant statuses and increased inflammation markers. The addition of vitamins E and C to DON-contaminated feed reduced markers of inflammation and improved the antioxidant status after the LPS immune stimulation. The combination of all these vitamins also reduced the oxidative stress markers and the inflammation in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.
Increased Dissemination of Aflatoxin- and Zearalenone-Producing Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. during Wet Season via Houseflies on Dairy Farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico
Authors: Rangel-Muñoz Erika Janet , Valdivia-Flores Arturo Gerardo , Cruz-Vázquez Carlos , de-Luna-López María Carolina , Hernández-Valdivia Emmanuel , Vitela-Mendoza Irene , Medina-Esparza Leticia , Quezada-Tristán Teódulo
Published: July 2024

Crops contamination with aflatoxins (AFs) and zearalenone (ZEA) threaten human and animal health; these mycotoxins are produced by several species of Aspergillus and Fusarium. The objective was to evaluate under field conditions the influence of the wet season on the dissemination of AF- and ZEA-producing fungi via houseflies collected from dairy farms. Ten dairy farms distributed in the semi-arid Central Mexican Plateau were selected. Flies were collected in wet and dry seasons at seven points on each farm using entomological traps. Fungi were isolated from fly carcasses via direct seeding with serial dilutions and wet chamber methods. The production of AFs and ZEA from pure isolates was quantified using indirect competitive ELISA. A total of 693 Aspergillus spp. and 1274 Fusarium spp. isolates were obtained, of which 58.6% produced AFs and 50.0% produced ZEA (491 ± 122; 2521 ± 1295 µg/kg). Houseflies and both fungal genera were invariably present, but compared to the dry season, there was a higher abundance of flies as well as AF- and ZEA-producing fungi in the wet season (p < 0.001; 45.3/231 flies/trap; 8.6/29.6% contaminated flies). These results suggest that rainy-weather conditions on dairy farms increase the spread of AF- and ZEA-producing Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. through houseflies and the incorporation of their mycotoxins into the food chain.
Unraveling Dengue Virus Diversity in Asia: An Epidemiological Study through Genetic Sequences and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Phadungsombat Juthamas , Nakayama Emi E. , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: July 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue. Although most infected individuals are asymptomatic or present with only mild symptoms, severe manifestations could potentially devastate human populations in tropical and subtropical regions. In hyperendemic regions such as South Asia and Southeast Asia (SEA), all four DENV serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) have been prevalent for several decades. Each DENV serotype is further divided into multiple genotypes, reflecting the extensive diversity of DENV. Historically, specific DENV genotypes were associated with particular geographical distributions within endemic regions. However, this epidemiological pattern has changed due to urbanization, globalization, and climate change. This review comprehensively traces the historical and recent genetic epidemiology of DENV in Asia from the first time DENV was identified in the 1950s to the present. We analyzed envelope sequences from a database covering 16 endemic countries across three distinct geographic regions in Asia. These countries included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from South Asia; Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam from Mainland SEA; and Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore from Maritime SEA. Additionally, we describe the phylogenetic relationships among DENV genotypes within each serotype, along with their geographic distribution, to enhance the understanding of DENV dynamics.
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the B Cell Growth and Clonogenic Activity of HIV-1 Matrix Protein p17 Variants
Authors: D’Ursi Pasqualina , Rondina Alessandro , Zani Alberto , Uggeri Matteo , Messali Serena , Caruso Arnaldo , Caccuri Francesca
Published: July 2024

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) matrix protein p17 (p17) is released from infected cells as a protein capable of deregulating the biological activity of different cells. P17 variants (vp17s), more frequently detected in the plasma of HIV-1+ patients with rather than without lymphoma and characterized by amino acids insertions in their C-terminal region, were found to trigger B cell growth and clonogenicity. Vp17s endowed with B-cell-growth-promoting activity are drastically destabilized, whereas, in a properly folded state, reference p17 (refp17) does not exert any biological activity on B cell growth and clonogenicity. However, misfolding of refp17 is necessary to expose a masked functional epitope, interacting with the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1), endowed with B cell clonogenicity. Indeed, it is worth noting that changes in the secondary structure can strongly impact the function of a protein. Here, we performed computational studies to show that the gain of function of vp17s is linked to dramatic conformational changes due to structural modification in the secondary-structure elements and in the rearrangement of the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network. In particular, all clonogenic vp17s showed the disengagement of two critical residues, namely Trp16 and Tyr29, from their hydrophobic core. Biological data showed that the mutation of Trp16 and Tyr29 to Ala in the refp17 backbone, alone or in combination, resulted in a protein endowed with B cell clonogenic activity. These data show the pivotal role of the hydrophobic component in maintaining refp17 stability and identify a novel potential therapeutic target to counteract vp17-driven lymphomagenesis in HIV-1+ patients.
Minocycline Inhibits Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Protects Infected Cells via Multiple Pathways
Authors: Cao Mengtao , Yang Wei , Yang Jintao , Zhao Yanli , Hu Xiaoyu , Xu Xiaoli , Tian Jing , Chen Yue , Jiang Hongxia , Ren Ruiwen , Li Chunyuan
Published: July 2024

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the Tick-borne Encephalitis virus (TBEV), which affects the central nervous system of both humans and animals. Currently, there is no specific therapy for patients with TBE, with symptomatic treatment being the primary approach. In this study, the effects of minocycline (MIN), which is a kind of tetracycline antibiotic, on TBEV propagation and cellular protection in TBEV-infected cell lines were evaluated. Indirect immunofluorescence, virus titers, and RT-qPCR results showed that 48 h post-treatment with MIN, TBEV replication was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the inhibitory effect of MIN on different TBEV multiplicities of infection (MOIs) in Vero cells was studied. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis and RT-qPCR results indicate that after incubation with MIN, the levels of TBEV and CALML4 were decreased, whereas the levels of calcium channel receptors, such as RYR2 and SNAP25, were significantly increased. MIN also regulated MAPK-ERK-related factors, including FGF2, PDGFRA, PLCB2, and p-ERK, and inhibited inflammatory responses. These data indicate that administering MIN to TBEV-infected cells can reduce the TBEV level, regulate calcium signaling pathway-associated proteins, and inhibit the MAPK-ERK signaling pathway and inflammatory responses. This research offers innovative strategies for the advancement of anti-TBEV therapy.
A Review of Stability of Dam Structures in Coal Mine Underground Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Fei , Kou Miaomiao , Li Mingfei
Published: July 2024

Coal has remained the primary component of China’s energy structure, and high-intensity extraction has continued in the central and western coal-producing regions of China. In contrast to the abundant coal resources, water resources have become extremely scarce in these regions, creating a conflict between coal resource extraction and water resource conservation. The coal mine underground reservoir (CMUR), as a typical technology for combined coal and water extraction and water-preserving coal mining, has been applied in numerous mines in central and western China. This effectively alleviates water resource shortages and achieves the goal of water resource conservation. The CMURs utilizes the goaf created by longwall mining as the water storage space. The reservoir dam structure comprises coal pillars, which serve as protective coal pillars in the mining area, and artificial dam structures that filled the gaps between these coal pillars. The stability of the dam structure under the complex stress effects of hydraulic coupling has been identified as the key to maintaining the safe operation of the CMUR. The mechanical properties, stress field, fracture field, and seepage field (“three fields”) change mechanisms, as well as the research results on size optimization of coal pillar dams and artificial dams in CMURs, were systematically reviewed. The core content included the instability and failure mechanisms of dam structures under the comprehensive coupling effects of factors such as dry–wet cycles of mine water, long-term immersion, chemical effects of high-salinity water, dynamic and static loads, and cyclic loads. This paper is considered to have certain reference value for the study of the stability of dam structures in CMURs and to provide some guidance for the safe operation of CMURs.
Characteristics and Mechanism of Downflow in Front of a Cylindrical Pier with Clear-Water Local Scour
Authors: Wang Weizheng , Wei Song , Zhu Dayong , Wang Jun , Duan Haipeng
Published: July 2024

Local scour often causes pier instability; however, the characteristics and mechanism of downflow, representing one of the crucial flow structures, are still unclear. In this paper, the interaction between the downflow and the horseshoe vortex system and the role of the downflow under clear-water local scour conditions are discussed, based on the stress distribution obtained via experiments and simulations. In the present experiment, more accurate data are measured by installing suitable sensors on 3D-printed models that reproduce the scour hole conditions at various times. The obtained results reveal that the downflow exhibits a strong interaction with the horseshoe vortex system. From the perspective of flow structures, the flow structures collide and rub against each other, which weakens the effect of the downflow. From the perspective of energy transfer, the horseshoe vortex system absorbs the energy carried by the downflow to develop and reduce the energy introduced into the sediment. In addition, shear stress is a crucial factor in maintaining a high tangent slope. When the shear stress is down to a minimum and is stable, the tangent slope rises with the growth of the pressure stress, which means that the downflow is able to promote scour depth development.
Dual Domain Decomposition Method for High-Resolution 3D Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport
Authors: Deng Hao , Li Jiaxin , Huang Jixian , Zou Yanhong , Liu Yu , Chen Yuxiang , Zheng Yang , Mao Xiancheng
Published: July 2024

The high-resolution 3D groundwater flow and transport simulation problem requires massive discrete linear systems to be solved, leading to significant computational time and memory requirements. The domain decomposition method is a promising technique that facilitates the parallelization of problems with minimal communication overhead by dividing the computation domain into multiple subdomains. However, directly utilizing a domain decomposition scheme to solve massive linear systems becomes impractical due to the bottleneck in algebraic operations required to coordinate the results of subdomains. In this paper, we propose a two-level domain decomposition method, named dual-domain decomposition, to efficiently solve the massive discrete linear systems in high-resolution 3D groundwater simulations. The first level of domain decomposition partitions the linear system problem into independent linear sub-problems across multiple subdomains, enabling parallel solutions with significantly reduced complexity. The second level introduces a domain decomposition preconditioner to solve the linear system, known as the Schur system, used to coordinate results from subdomains across their boundaries. This additional level of decomposition parallelizes the preconditioning of the Schur system, addressing the bottleneck of the Schur system solution while improving its convergence rates. The dual-domain decomposition method facilitates the partition and distribution of the computation to be solved into independent finely grained computational subdomains, substantially reducing both computational and memory complexity. We demonstrate the scalability of our proposed method through its application to a high-resolution 3D simulation of chromium contaminant transport in groundwater. Our results indicate that our method outperforms both the vanilla domain decomposition method and the algebraic multigrid preconditioned method in terms of runtime, achieving up to 8.617× and 5.515× speedups, respectively, in solving massive problems with approximately 108 million degrees of freedom. Therefore, we recommend its effectiveness and reliability for high-resolution 3D simulations of groundwater flow and transport.
Irrigation and Agricultural Opportunities: Evaluating Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Suitability and Productivity in Lebanon
Authors: Sleiman Rhend , Gerard Jocelyne Adjizian , Fahed Salim , Todorovic Mladen , Sellami Mohamed Houssemeddine , Albrizio Rossella , Abi Saab Marie Therese
Published: July 2024

Within the prevalent challenges posed by climate change and decreasing resources, this research underscores the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices combined with efficient water resource management. Employing comprehensive climate and soil suitability analyses, this research analyzed the capacity of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to adapt to Lebanon’s heterogeneous environmental landscapes across two distinct growing seasons (autumn and spring). Both climate and edaphic suitability mapping were conducted to study hemp’s suitability. AquaCrop v.7.1 was used to simulate seed yield, biomass production, irrigation needs and yield water productivity in the different agro-homogeneous zones of Lebanon for the two considered seasons. The findings revealed that approximately 30% and 19% of Lebanon’s land exhibit suitability for hemp cultivation during the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. According to AquaCrop model simulations, under the prevailing climatic conditions, the predicted seed yield will range from 3.7 to 5.6 t ha−1 under rainfed conditions and will reach 11.1 t ha−1 for irrigated cultivation. Moreover, employing efficient irrigation techniques during the spring season showed a significant improvement in both yield and biomass of hemp. The enhancement was evident, with notable increases of 112.22% in yield and 96.43% in biomass compared to rainfed conditions. This research highlights the importance of identifying suitable regions within Lebanon capable of supporting hemp cultivation in a sustainable manner. Such research not only promises economic development but also aligns with broader global sustainability objectives.
Rate Transient Analysis for Multi-Fractured Wells in Tight Gas Reservoirs Considering Multiple Nonlinear Flow Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Yonghui , Mi Lidong , Ma Liqiang , Zheng Rongchen , Feng Xiujuan
Published: July 2024

Making rate transient analysis (RTA) and formation evaluation for multi-fractured tight gas wells has always been a difficult problem. This is because the fluid flow in the formation has multiple nonlinear flow mechanisms, including gas-water two-phase flow, gas slippage, low-velocity non-Darcy flow, and stress-dependent permeability. In this paper, a novel RTA method is proposed for multi-fractured wells in tight gas reservoirs incorporating nonlinear flow mechanisms. The RTA method is based on an analytical model, which is modified from the classical trilinear flow model by considering all the nonlinear flow mechanisms. The concept of material balance time and normalized rate is used to process the production data for both water and gas phases. The techniques of approximate solutions in linear/bilinear flow regimes and type curve fitting are combined in the proposed RTA method. After that, the rate transient behaviors and influencing factors of multi-fractured tight gas wells are analyzed. A field case from Northwestern China is used to test the efficiency and practicability of the proposed RTA method. The results show that six flow regimes for both gas and water production performances are exhibited on the log-log plots of normalized production rate against material balance time. The rate transient responses are sensitive to the nonlinear flow mechanisms, and formation and fracture properties. The medium flow regimes are significantly affected by fracture number, fracture conductivity, fracture half-length, stress-dependent permeability, gas-water two-phase flow, and formation permeability, which should be considered in making RTA of fractured tight gas wells. The field case shows that both gas and water production performances can be well-fitted using the proposed RTA method. The major innovation of this paper is that a novel RTA method is proposed for fractured tight gas wells considering multiple nonlinear flow mechanisms, and it can be used to make reasonable formation and fracturing evaluations in the field.
Enhancing Ecological Security in Ili River Valley: Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Pan Ruyi , Yan Junjie , Xia Qianqian , Jin Xufan
Published: July 2024

The growing tension between economic development and ecological preservation in the Ili River Valley underscores the need for advanced analytical methods to effectively balance these interests. In this study, we utilized the InVEST model to quantify ecosystem services, combined with an analysis of ecological sensitivity, to comprehensively assess the ecological health of the region. By applying circuit theory, the research identified key ecological components such as sources, corridors, and critical nodes, alongside barriers; thus, mapping an ecological security pattern tailored specifically for the wetland oasis of the Ili River Valley. The analysis identified 15 ecological source sites covering 43,221.17 km2, 31 ecological corridors totaling 782 km in length, and 32 vital ecological nodes each exceeding 1 km2. Notably, 81.8% of these ecological source areas exhibited high ecological resilience, thus emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance. The findings provide essential guidance for the ecological stewardship and management of the Ili River Valley and underscore the importance of incorporating ecological considerations within economic planning frameworks in arid regions.
Effective Removal of Malachite Green Dye from Water Using Low-Cost Porous Organic Polymers: Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherms, and Reusability Studies
Authors: Melhi Saad , Alqadami Ayoub Abdullah , Alosaimi Eid H. , Ibrahim Gehan M. , El-Gammal Belal , Bedair Mahmoud A. , Elnaggar Elsayed M.
Published: July 2024

In this study, triphenylaniline-based porous organic polymers (TPA-POPs) were successfully prepared by the Friedel–Crafts reaction and applied to adsorb malachite green (MG) dye from water. The TPA-POP was characterized using TEM, SEM, FTIR, 13C (CP/MAS) NMR, BET surface area, and XRD analysis. The results exhibited that the TPA-POP has a high surface area (1625.14 m2/g) with pore volume (0.353 cm3/g) and pore radius (1.57 nm) that reflect the high quantity of MG adsorbed on the TPA-POP. The polymer was evaluated as an excellent adsorbent for MG adsorption from water using the batch method. MG dye removal was optimized as 99.60% (at pH: 6.0, adsorbent dosage (m): 0.01 g, temperature (T): 45 °C, and contact time (t): 300 min). The kinetic data follow the Elovich model, while the isotherm data fit the Langmuir model well with uptake capacity (755.72 mg/g) at T: 45 °C. According to thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption of MG on the TPA-POP occurred via different mechanisms (π–π interaction, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding). Reusability experiments exhibited that the TPA-POP still maintained high removal efficiency (82.12%) after five cycles. In conclusion, the TPA-POP is a promising adsorbent owing to its cost-effectiveness, high adsorption capacity, high surface area, excellent reusability, and efficient MG removal from aqueous media.
Modelling Current-State N- and P-Fluxes into Surface Waters in Germany
Authors: Tetzlaff Björn , Kunkel Ralf , Eysholdt Max , Nguyen Hong Hanh , Venohr Markus , Wolters Tim , Zinnbauer Maximilian , Wendland Frank
Published: July 2024

For the first time, the AGRUM model consortium—consisting of the agro-economic model RAUMIS, the water balance model mGROWA, the hydrological nutrient transport models DENUZ, WeKu and MEPhos, and the urban emission model MONERIS—was jointly set up throughout Germany (357,000 km2). This provided a nationwide consistent nutrient model to capture the current status of N and P inputs to surface waters from diffuse sources and urban areas. Diffuse nutrient emissions were quantified in high spatial resolution for the input pathways’ groundwater, drainage runoff, and natural interflow (100 m × 100 m), as well as for water erosion and wash-off (25 m × 25 m). The sum of diffuse nutrient inputs to surface waters is about 385,000 metric tons N/yr and ca. 11,530 metric tons P/yr. Urban emissions were quantified either as point source inputs (wastewater treatment plants, industrial direct dischargers) or at municipality scale for different collection and treatment systems, e.g., rainwater sewers or decentralized treatment plants, and sum up to ca. 95,000 t N/yr and 7500 t P/yr. As modelled, total N and P inputs into surface waters correspond well with observed N and P loads in rivers. The model results represent valuable information for water managers, being responsible for the preparation of management plans for the third management cycle of the EC Water Framework Directive spanning from 2021 to 2027.
Study on the Transient Flow Characteristics of Multistage Centrifugal Pumps during the Startup Process before System Operation
Authors: Chen Chao , Xu Hu , Deng Fanjie , Wu Kaipeng , Zhang Zhen , Si Qiaorui
Published: July 2024

Multistage pumps are essential in emergency water supply, irrigation, and other systems undergoing unavoidable hydraulic transitions like pump startup and valve operations. These transitions cause rapid changes in impeller speed, flow rate, and pressure, destabilizing the internal flow field and impacting system reliability. To study transient flow characteristics, a numerical analysis of a three-stage pump was conducted, focusing on vortex identification, entropy production, and time–frequency pressure pulsation. Using the SST turbulence model, the simulation analyzed different start times and flow rate variations. Findings revealed that shorter startup times intensified transient effects, with the head increasing rapidly initially and then stabilizing. Vortex structures showed periodic development and dissipation. Entropy production rose with impeller speed, peaking higher with shorter startups. Blade passing frequency dominated pressure pulsations, with increased low-frequency pulsations as speed rose. During valve opening, flow stabilization accelerated with increasing flow rates, reducing amplitude and eliminating low-frequency components. This research aids the reliable operation of high-pressure pumping systems in energy storage.
Case of Vibrio vulnificus Infection in Orechromis niloticus during Suspension of Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Cai Yan , Jiang Liu , Wang Shaoqun , Zhao Zhangding , Zhou Yongcan , Wang Shifeng
Published: July 2024

During a suspension of a GIFT tilapia broodstock recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), a significant fish mortality event occurred. To determine the cause, four bacterial strains were isolated from affected fish and identified as Vibrio vulnificus through 16S rDNA sequencing. Virulence assays confirmed the pathogenicity of these strains, with the most virulent, CS-4, selected for a further analysis. Antimicrobial testing revealed CS-4’s sensitivity to 19 antibiotics, including meloxicillin and Gentamicin. Challenge tests indicated varied 7-day Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) values for CS-4 depending on the infection route, with immersion after skin injury being the most lethal. Additionally, the effects of salinity, crowding with air exposure, and nitrite on tilapia mortality were evaluated. The results showed that salinity stress increased the mortality rate of tilapia infected with V. vulnificus through immersion, and that salinity stress and V. vulnificus infection had a synergistic effect. A 20 min crowding with air exposure stress reduced the mortality rate of Nile tilapia infected with V. vulnificus. Nitrite stress had little effect on the mortality rate of tilapia infected with V. vulnificus. The results of the risk factor analysis indicated that salinity was the main factor affecting tilapia mortality caused by V. vulnificus infection. This study will serve as a valuable reference for the future management of similar RAS.
A Hybrid Prediction Model for Rock Reservoir Bank Slope Deformation Considering Fractured Rock Mass Parameters
Authors: Liang Jiachen , Chen Jian , Lin Chuan
Published: July 2024

Deformation monitoring data provide a direct representation of the structural behavior of reservoir bank rock slopes, and accurate deformation prediction is pivotal for slope safety monitoring and disaster warning. Among various deformation prediction models, hybrid models that integrate field monitoring data and numerical simulations stand out due to their well-defined physical and mechanical concepts, and their ability to make effective predictions with limited monitoring data. The predictive accuracy of hybrid models is closely tied to the precise determination of rock mass mechanical parameters in structural numerical simulations. However, rock masses in rock slopes are characterized by intersecting geological structural planes, resulting in reduced strength and the creation of multiple fracture flow channels. These factors contribute to the heterogeneous, anisotropic, and size-dependent properties of the macroscopic deformation parameters of the rock mass, influenced by the coupling of seepage and stress. To improve the predictive accuracy of the hybrid model, this study introduces the theory of equivalent continuous media. It proposes a method for determining the equivalent deformation parameters of fractured rock mass considering the coupling of seepage and stress. This method, based on a discrete fracture network (DFN) model, is integrated into the hybrid prediction model for rock slope deformation. Engineering case studies demonstrate that this approach achieves a high level of prediction accuracy and holds significant practical value.
Research Progress of Advanced Design Method, Numerical Simulation, and Experimental Technology of Pumps in Deep-Sea Resource Exploitation
Authors: Ji Leilei , He Xinrui , Li Wei , Tian Fei , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling , Liu Zhenbo , Yang Yang , Xiao Cui , Agarwal Ramesh
Published: July 2024

Amid the escalating global demand for raw materials, the gradual exhaustion of terrestrial mineral resources, and the rise in extraction costs and energy consumption, the development of deep-sea mineral resources has become a focal point of international interest. The pipeline lifting mining system, distinguished by its superior mining efficiency and minimized environmental impact, now accounts for over 50% of the total energy consumption in mining operations. Serving as the “heart” of this system, the deep-sea lifting pump’s comprehensive performance (high pressure tolerance, non-clogging features, elevated lift capacity, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high reliability, etc.), is critical to transport efficiency, operational stability, and lifespan of the mining system. As a mixed transport pump for solid and liquid media under extreme conditions, its internal flow structure is exceedingly complex, incorporating gas–liquid–solid multiphase flow. A precise understanding of its internal flow mechanisms is essential for breaking through the design limitations of deep-sea lifting pumps and enhancing their operational stability and reliability under various working conditions and multiphase media, thereby providing technical support for advancing global marine resource development and offshore equipment upgrades. This paper comprehensively reviews the design theory, optimization methods, numerical simulations, and experimental studies of deep-sea lifting pumps. It discusses the application of various design optimization techniques in hydraulic lifting pumps, details the multiphase flow numerical algorithms commonly used in deep-sea lifting pumps along with their modified models, and summarizes some experimental methodologies in this field. Lastly, it outlines the forthcoming challenges in deep-sea lifting pump research and proposes potential directions to promote the commercial development of deep-sea mining, thereby offering theoretical and engineering support for the development of deep-sea mining slurry pumps.
Water Scarcity and Risk of Acute Gastrointestinal Infections in Mexican Households: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Avilés-Polanco Gerzaín , Beltrán-Morales Luis Felipe , Miranda-Torres Adriana , Troyo-Diéguez Enrique
Published: July 2024

Lack of access to piped water, as well as inadequate quantity and quality of water, are risk factors for acute gastrointestinal infections. In 2022, 4.9% of households in Mexico did not have piped water; 19.3% lacked, at some point, sufficient water for hygiene; and 18.9% perceived that the water was unfit for human consumption. During the same year, at least 1,441,226 people suffered from a gastrointestinal infection. Households without access to piped water and with insufficient water for hygiene were 27% more likely to suffer from a gastrointestinal infection than households with piped water and a sufficient supply for hygiene (odds ratio: 1.27; CI 95%: 1.26–1.28). The latent class analysis shows that 22% of households belong to the high-risk class of suffering gastrointestinal infections associated with a lack of piped water, insufficient quantity, and poor quality of water. These results provide elements for the design of public health programs through the supply of water for consumption and sanitation services.
Influencing Factors for the Growth of Cladophora and Its Cell Damage and Destruction Mechanism: Implication for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Wang Yuyao , Wang Kuo , Bing Xiaojie , Tan Yidan , Zhou Qihao , Jiang Juan , Zhu Yuanrong
Published: July 2024

Cladophora is commonly found in marine and freshwater around the globe and provides productivity for littoral zone microorganisms and invertebrates. The eutrophication of the water body has led to the abnormal proliferation of Cladophora in some water, often in river coast channel outbreaks. Even under the nutritional deficiency systems, such as the central trunk canal of the South-to-North Water Diversion in China, Cladophora’s blooms affect water quality and seriously jeopardize human health. Thus, the structural characteristics of Cladophora cells and spores, the factors affecting the growth of Cladophora cells, and the mechanisms of damage and destruction of Cladophora cells and spores were investigated. Cladophora cells are cylindrical with very thick cell walls. The inner layer of the spore wall is a thin membrane which contains the nucleus of the spore. The growth and spreading of Cladophora cells are affected by various environmental factors such as light, temperature, water depth, water level, nutrient salts, pH, etc. Some physical treatment measures, such as ultrasounds, would destroy the cell walls and membranes of Cladophora by its high-intensity mechanical action. Chemicals and aquatic plant measures can destroy Cladophora cells’ photosynthesis system, antioxidant enzyme systems, proteins, and ultrastructure. Based on the mechanisms for these cell damage and destruction, a combination of measures that are likely to inhibit the growth of Cladophora cells effectively was suggested. Furthermore, the damaged cells of Cladophora could provide some environmental benefits. Aggregated results could provide a scientific basis for further research on the control of blooms of Cladophora or the reuse of Cladophora cells as a natural resource.