bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenario-Based Optimization of Supply Chain Performance under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Gobachew Asrat Mekonnen , Haasis Hans-Dietrich
Published: July 2023

This study presents a comprehensive supply chain performance optimization model that addresses the trade-off between supply chain cost and customer service level in the distribution network. The model incorporates both deterministic and scenario-based approaches, allowing for a more realistic representation of supply chain operations. The model is applied to a case company operating in the pharmaceutical supply chain in Ethiopia. The goal is to improve the company’s supply chain performance by optimizing various factors such as establishment costs, handling costs, transportation costs, and demand satisfaction. The study considers both financial measures (supply chain cost) and non-financial measures (customer service level) to evaluate the performance of the supply chain. The results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in identifying the optimal trade-off between supply chain costs and customer service levels. By comparing the results of the model with the current situation of the case company, it is determined that the company can achieve significant cost reductions of up to 25.26% while still meeting customer demands. The model also takes into account the uncertainty in demand, providing more realistic recommendations for distribution center locations, transportation planning, and order fulfillment. The implications of using this optimization model include the potential for cost savings, improved decision-making, enhanced customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, a more successful supply chain. However, the study has some limitations, including a need for further research on other objectives and considerations, such as environmental impacts and disruptions, which could be addressed in future research directions.
Urban Growth Management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: An Assessment of Technical Policy Instruments and Institutional Practices
Authors: Aldegheishem Abdulaziz
Published: July 2023

This paper assesses the effectiveness of technical policy instruments used to manage urban growth and examines their relationship with institutional practices in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A quantitative method by means of a questionnaire was adopted to examine research questions, while a qualitative method was used to better understand technical policy instruments and their relationship with institutional practices. Findings reveal that technical policy instruments are unable to manage urban growth effectively. A number of factors, such as lack of community participation, low coordination levels, and a failure to disseminate clear information have contributed to this lack of effectiveness. Therefore, the creation of a national framework to link institutional practice to technical policy instruments is required in order to improve the overall capacity of urban authorities to manage urban growth.
Construction of Security Pattern for Historical Districts in Cultural Landscape Based on MCR Model: A Case Study of Chaozong Street, Changsha City
Authors: Chen Zihan , Liu Su , Liao Wei , Zhang Junxue
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to establish a comprehensive and sustainable approach to the conservation of historical districts through the “Cultural Landscape Security Pattern” (CLSP) theory. Deploying this theory can penetrate limitations posed by physical and social-emotional factors, enabling a resilient framework which can coordinate long-term heritage protection with urbanization in a more sustainable manner. Chaozong Street in Changsha City, China, was taken as the locus of study, which was initiated by quantitatively analyzing and evaluating the cultural landscape. The ArcGIS spatial analysis and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model were then considered to model different levels of CLSP. It was on this basis that corresponding regulations and development strategies were then proposed. The results from the study demonstrate that implementing CLSP in historic districts can construct a protective network over the districts, which can then guide the recovery of fragmented historical built environments, as well as ensure continuity of historical consciousness and integrity. In addition, in comparison with conventional protection planning methods, this method features greater flexibility and adaptability when considering and accounting for complex spatial issues in historic districts and provides a novel approach for similar studies.
Commercial Culture as a Key Impetus in Shaping and Transforming Urban Structure: Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Cao Kang , Xie Wenbo , Zhu Jin , Wei Fang
Published: July 2023

Although the forces or impetuses that influence an urban structure are diverse, as has been fully studied by scholars from diverse research fields, some have played key roles. We endeavor to explore the key forces and mechanisms forming and transforming the urban spatial structure through Hangzhou, a multi-identity city. Upon studying classical ancient texts, historical maps, critical and recent literature, and POI data, we argue that the first and foremost driver of Hangzhou is commercial culture, rather than any other factors. Under a diachronic view and with graphic analysis, we distinguished Hangzhou’s three major transformations during the last 900 years. Each transformation was, respectively, driven by the complicated commercial culture, which was mixed up with other elementary cultures, such as civil, leisure, landscape, and industrial. Furthermore, urban heritages were formed, inherited, revitalized, and reutilized during the transformation processes, which, in turn, enriched the commercial culture and vividly reshaped Hangzhou’s urban structure.
Analysis of the Motivation behind Corporate Social Responsibility Based on the csQCA Approach
Authors: Xiong Feng , Shao Yaxin , Fan Haotian , Xie Yi
Published: July 2023

Contemporary society is paying increasing attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR), the motivation for enterprises to perform social responsibility, and ways to encourage enterprises to actively take action towards social responsibility have become a focus among scholars. Following previous studies, this paper systematically summarises the motivation behind CSR in four aspects: (1) senior management and environmental impact; (2) the enterprise level; (3) external influences on the enterprise; and (4) ideological and political construction. This paper adopts a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method to examine these four aspects, including specific variables of “Chinese Communist Party member on the board”, “women on the senior management team”, “CSR vision of the enterprise”, “overseas background among leaders”, and “enterprise profitable in the current year”. This paper finds that: (1) As a necessary condition, “enterprise profitable in the current year” plays a decisive role in the fulfilment of social responsibility. (2) The existence of women on the senior management team plays a vital role in CSR. (3) “Chinese Communist Party member on the board”, “CSR vision of the enterprise”, and “overseas background among leaders” complement each other.
Design and Performance Analysis of New Multilevel Inverter for PV System
Authors: Memon Rabail , Mahar Mukhtiar Ahmed , Larik Abdul Sattar , Shah Syed Asif Ali
Published: July 2023

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have recently attracted more attention in medium-voltage and high-power applications as they can provide an effective interface with photovoltaic (PV) systems. Conventional MLIs are used to generate higher voltage levels, which improve power quality and reduce the requirement for passive filters. However, recent research has focused on designing new MLI topologies using reduced switch counts and less voltage stress. This study, as such, proposes a new nine-level symmetric MLI for PV systems with a minimum number of switches. This decrease in the number of switches reduces the voltage stress across the switches and the number of driving circuits, which lowers the complexity of the control circuit and, as a result, lowers the cost and size of the system. This article compares the proposed MLI with other topologies based on the DC sources, switches count, gate driver circuits (Ngd), total standing voltage per unit (TSVPU), cost function (CF), and components count per level (CC/L). The proposed topology is integrated with the PV system. MATLAB software is used to evaluate the performance of MLI at step change in irradiance and under variable load conditions. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the proposed topology is reduced with the implementation of phase disposition pulse width modulation (PD-PWM). In addition, PD-PWM is compared with phase opposition disposition pulse width modulation (POD-PWM) and alternative phase opposition disposition pulse width (APOD-PWM) modulation techniques. The simulation results reveal the improved performance of the proposed topology at variable irradiance and under varying load conditions. The comparison results reveal minimum (TSVPU), CC/L, CF, and switch count compared to existing topologies. Hence, the proposed topology of MLI is cost-effective and superior in all aspects compared to other topologies. In summary, it offers overall improved performance, and thus, it is feasible for the PV system.
The Effects of Physical Education on Preschoolers’ Emotional Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gil-Moreno Janire , Rico-González Markel
Published: July 2023

Fostering Emotional Intelligence (EI) has gained importance to provide a new generation of citizens aimed to improve the human mindset. With this aim, developing EI from early childhood is a great opportunity. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of physical activity (PA) on preschoolers’ EI. A review of relevant articles was carried out using four electronic databases (Web of Sciences, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest) up to 19 October 2022. From a total of 133 studies initially found, 6 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The main outcomes highlighted that: (i) Increasing PA hours in early childhood could positively influence children’s emotional competence. (ii) The dynamic psychomotor methodology seems more effective than the normative psychomotor teaching methodology for improving preschool-aged children’s EI. (iii) The application of different intervention programs has positive influenced preschool children’s emotional education: the teaching personal and social responsibility model (TPSR) for promoting socio-emotional learning, the psychomotor education program for improving affects, and the psychomotor training program for fueling emotional competence in children with developmental delays. Therefore, physical education classes in preschool could positively influence the development of emotional competence in children at the early childhood education stage.
A Methodological Framework Based on a Quantitative Assessment of New Technologies to Boost the Interoperability of Railways Services
Authors: Zarehparast Malekzadeh Mehdi , Santarremigia Francisco Enrique , Molero Gemma Dolores , Malviya Ashwani Kumar , Arroyo Rosa , Sánchez Tomás Ruiz
Published: July 2023

Concerning the increase in the number of trips and tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, TSPs (Transport Service Providers) and transport organizations are trying to improve their operability to answer the needs and expectations of passengers. This paper presents a methodology to assess and evaluate to what extent innovative technologies meet the needs of tourists and TSPs involved in the digital ecosystem for door-to-door trips in Europe, making railways and public transport more attractive and consequently encouraging people to use more intermodal solutions in public transport. In this study, two kinds of quantitative data are used: operational KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and USI (User Satisfaction Index) surveys. The Effectiveness concept, as a metric of the capacity to meet these needs and expectations by the innovative technology, is calculated by merging both types of quantitative data. The method considers tourists’ socio-demographic profiles, allowing comparisons among TSPs and profiles for a specific technology, and it is extended to figure out correlations among variables through regression and Bayesian Networks analysis. In addition, specific socio-demographic data relevant to the needs and expectations were studied through the ANOVA test. This work belongs to the methodological framework of the IP4MaaS (Innovation Program 4 Mobility as a Service) project, which sets six demo sites on which this assessment method will be applied in a further stage. The concept of Effectiveness is applied in all the above-mentioned demo sites for the final assessment. Some IT innovations such as Location-Based Experience and Journey Planning have shown high Effectiveness. This work could be interesting for TSPs and IT (Information Technology) developers, researchers, policymakers, and organizations in the transport sector.
Performance Evaluation of an Absorber Tube of a Parabolic Trough Collector Fitted with Helical Screw Tape Inserts Using CuO/Industrial-Oil Nanofluid: A Computational Study
Authors: Roohi Reza , Arya Amir , Akbari Masoud , Amiri Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2023

Improvement of the performance of renewable energy harvesters is a crucial and complicated task. Among currently utilized renewable energy harvesters, parabolic solar collectors are some of the most promising and widely used apparatuses. However, researchers are still facing some issues regarding the optimization of PTC performance, including the enhancement of heat flux absorption by the absorber tubes. Among the proposed methods to overcome this drawback, the implementation of helical screw tape (HST) and nanofluids has proven to be most effective. In the present study, the CFD simulation of an absorber tube with HST is conducted. CuO/oil nanofluid with a nanoparticle volume fraction of 1 to 3% was chosen as the working fluid. The simulation is based on the realistic operational condition of a PTC absorber tube with corresponding nonuniform solar heat flux based on the local concentration ratio. The effects of the mass flow rate (Re), HST width and nanofluid volume fraction on pumping power and heat transfer are studied. Moreover, to combine the effect of both parameters, the performance evaluation criterion (PEC), a dimensionless variable, is calculated for all of the studied cases. Enhancement of the PEC parameter by the implementation of nanofluid and HST in comparison to base fluid passing through a plain tube is also determined and reported. According to the obtained results, with the implementation of the CuO/oil nanofluid, the PEC can be enhanced by 57.3–70.8, 68.7~86.4, and 83.4~105.9% for volume fractions of 1, 2, and 3%, respectively.
Snow Disaster Hazard Assessment on the Tibetan Plateau Based on Copula Function
Authors: Xu Qiuxuan , Huang Feiyan , Mou Shuhang , Lu Heng
Published: July 2023

In the context of global climate change, the Tibetan Plateau is particularly susceptible to meteorological disasters, including snow disasters. This study utilized daily temperature and precipitation data from 44 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau spanning from 1960 to 2018 to construct a snow event dataset. Optimal marginal distribution and the copula function were chosen to calculate the joint return period and joint probability, which effectively assess the hazard of snow disasters in the region. Additionally, the study analyzed the comprehensive risk of snow disasters under various return periods by integrating social and economic data. The results indicate the following: (1) Based on the five different Archimedean copula functions, the joint return period of an error rate of each station was calculated to be less than 36%, which is significantly lower than the recurrence interval of univariate analysis; (2) High-hazard areas are predominantly concentrated in the northwest region of the Tanggula Mountains and the eastern foothills of the Bayankara Mountains. As the return period increases, the spatial distribution of snow disaster hazard probability shifts gradually from “double-core” to continuous distribution; and (3) the northwestern Karakorum Mountains and Bayankara Mountains are two distinct high-risk areas for snow disasters. The range of high-risk areas in the region expands with an increase in the return period.
Use of Wastewater and Electrogenic Bacteria to Generate Eco-Friendly Electricity through Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly , Benites Santiago M. , Rojas-Flores Segundo , Otiniano Nelida M. , Sabogal Vargas Ana M. , Alfaro Rubén , Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis , Rojas-Villacorta Walter , Nazario-Naveda Renny , Delfín-Narciso Daniel
Published: July 2023

Power generation and wastewater treatment are two great challenges for sustainable development. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a sustainable alternative that can generate bioelectricity in the bioremediation process of wastewater. For this reason, the objective of this research was to generate bioelectricity through double-chamber microbial-combustion cell systems from wastewater from the Covicorti Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTARC) in the anodic chamber and electrogenic bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter bereziniae, and Achromobacteria xylosoxidans in the cathode chamber, respectively. Measurements of the voltage, current, power density, current density, and optical density of the bacteria and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were made. In addition, a metagenomic analysis of the wastewater sample was performed. It was shown that the MFC with A. xylosoxidans generated the highest voltage peak (1.01 ± 0.06 V) on day 24, while the MFC with S. maltophilia generated the highest current value (0.71 ± 0.02 mA). The pH levels were slightly alkaline, and the maximum anodic conductivity value was presented by the MFC with A. cerevisiae, with a peak value of 81 ± 2 mS/cm on day 24. On the other hand, a maximum power density and current density of 195,493 ± 4717 mW/m2 and 4987 A/cm2, respectively, were obtained in the MFC with A. xylosoxidans. Finally, the metagenomic analysis identified the predominant phyla of Proteobacteria present in wastewater samples capable of generating electrical energy as Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Actinomyketone, and Campylobacterota.
Generalized Fiducial Inference for the Stress–Strength Reliability of Generalized Logistic Distribution
Authors: Li Menghan , Yan Liang , Qiao Yaru , Cai Xia , Said Khamis K.
Published: July 2023

Generalized logistic distribution, as the generalized form of the symmetric logistic distribution, plays an important role in reliability analysis. This article focuses on the statistical inference for the stress–strength parameter R=P(Y<X) of the generalized logistic distribution with the same and different scale parameters. Firstly, we use the frequentist method to construct asymptotic confidence intervals, and adopt the generalized inference method for constructing the generalized point estimators as well as the generalized confidence intervals. Then the generalized fiducial method is applied to construct the fiducial point estimators and the fiducial confidence intervals. Simulation results demonstrate that the generalized fiducial method outperforms other methods in terms of the mean square error, average length, and empirical coverage. Finally, three real datasets are used to illustrate the proposed methods.
The Modified-Lomax Distribution: Properties, Estimation Methods, and Application
Authors: Alnssyan Badr
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a flexible three-parameter extension of the Lomax model called the odd Lomax–Lomax (OLxLx) distribution. The OLxLx distribution can provide left-skewed, symmetrical, right-skewed, and reversed-J shaped densities and increasing, constant, unimodal, and decreasing hazard rate shapes. Some mathematical properties of the introduced model are derived. The OLxLx density can be expressed as mixture of Lomax densities. The OLxLx parameters are estimated by using eight estimation methods and their performance is explored by using detailed simulation studies. The partial and overall ranks of the mean relative errors, absolute biases, and mean square errors of different estimators are presented to choose the best estimation method. The flexibility and applicability of the OLxLx distribution is shown using real-life medicine data, illustrating the superior fit of the OLxLx distribution over other competing Lomax distributions. The OLxLX distribution outperforms some rival Lomax distributions including the Kumaraswamy–Lomax, McDonald–Lomax, Weibull–Lomax, transmuted Weibull–Lomax, exponentiated-Lomax, Lomax–Weibull, modified Kies–Lomax, Burr X Lomax, beta exponentiated-Lomax, odd exponentiated half-logistic Lomax, and transmuted-Lomax distributions, among others.
A Unified Spectral Clustering Approach for Detecting Community Structure in Multilayer Networks
Authors: Al-sharoa Esraa , Aviyente Selin
Published: July 2023

Networks offer a compact representation of complex systems such as social, communication, and biological systems. Traditional network models are often inadequate to capture the diverse nature of contemporary networks, which may exhibit temporal variation and multiple types of interactions between entities. Multilayer networks (MLNs) provide a more comprehensive representation by allowing interactions between nodes to be represented by different types of links, each reflecting a distinct type of interaction. Community detection reveals meaningful structure and provides a better understanding of the overall functioning of networks. Current approaches to multilayer community detection are either limited to community detection over the aggregated network or are extensions of single-layer community detection methods with simplifying assumptions such as a common community structure across layers. Moreover, most of the existing methods are limited to multiplex networks with no inter-layer edges. In this paper, we introduce a spectral-clustering-based community detection method for two-layer MLNs. The problem of detecting the community structure is formulated as an optimization problem where the normalized cut for each layer is minimized simultaneously with the normalized cut for the bipartite network along with regularization terms that ensure the consistency of the within- and across-layer community structures. The proposed method is evaluated on both synthetic and real networks and compared to state-of-the-art methods. MLNs. The problem of detecting the community structure is formulated as an optimization problem where the normalized cut for each layer is minimized simultaneously with the normalized cut for the bipartite network along with regularization terms that ensure the consistency of the intra- and inter-layer community structures. The proposed method is evaluated on both synthetic and real networks and compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Digital Technologies to Provide Humanization in the Education of the Healthcare Workforce: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonzalez-Moreno María , Monfort-Vinuesa Carlos , Piñas-Mesa Antonio , Rincon Esther
Published: July 2023

Objectives: The need to incentivize the humanization of healthcare providers coincides with the development of a more technological approach to medicine, which gives rise to depersonalization when treating patients. Currently, there is a culture of humanization that reflects the awareness of health professionals, patients, and policy makers, although it is unknown if there are university curricula incorporating specific skills in humanization, or what these may include. Therefore, the objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to identify what type of education in humanization is provided to university students of Health Sciences using digital technologies; and (2) determine the strengths and weaknesses of this education. The authors propose a curriculum focusing on undergraduate students to strengthen the humanization skills of future health professionals, including digital health strategies. Methods: A systematic review, based on the scientific literature published in EBSCO, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, over the last decade (2012–2022), was carried out in November 2022. The keywords used were “humanization of care” and “humanization of healthcare” combined both with and without “students”. Results: A total of 475 articles were retrieved, of which 6 met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed, involving a total of 295 students. Three of them (50%) were qualitative studies, while the other three (50%) involved mixed methods. Only one of the studies (16.7%) included digital health strategies to train humanization. Meanwhile, another study (16.7%) measured the level of humanization after training. Conclusions: There is a clear lack of empirically tested university curricula that combine education in humanization and digital technology for future health professionals. Greater focus on the training of future health professionals is needed, in order to guarantee that they begin their professional careers with the precept of medical humanities as a basis.
Relevance of Host Cell Surface Glycan Structure for Cell Specificity of Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Kastner Markus , Karner Andreas , Zhu Rong , Huang Qiang , Geissner Andreas , Sadewasser Anne , Lesch Markus , Wörmann Xenia , Karlas Alexander , Seeberger Peter H. , Wolff Thorsten , Hinterdorfer Peter , Herrmann Andreas , Sieben Christian
Published: July 2023

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) initiate infection via binding of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) to sialylated glycans on host cells. HA’s receptor specificity towards individual glycans is well studied and clearly critical for virus infection, but the contribution of the highly heterogeneous and complex glycocalyx to virus–cell adhesion remains elusive. Here, we use two complementary methods, glycan arrays and single-virus force spectroscopy (SVFS), to compare influenza virus receptor specificity with virus binding to live cells. Unexpectedly, we found that HA’s receptor binding preference does not necessarily reflect virus–cell specificity. We propose SVFS as a tool to elucidate the cell binding preference of IAVs, thereby including the complex environment of sialylated receptors within the plasma membrane of living cells.
The Burden of Genital Warts in Finland: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Prevalence and Direct Medical Costs in 2018
Authors: Gylling Annette , Uusi-Rauva Kristiina , Toppila Iiro , Hiltunen-Back Eija
Published: July 2023

Genital warts (GWs) caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) are a significant health problem due to high prevalence and rate of recurrence. Bivalent vaccine has been used since the start of the national vaccination program in 2013, making it feasible to study the GW burden in Finland. There is no national and up-to-date information available on the prevalence and the burden of GWs in the various healthcare sectors in Finland. The present study investigated the prevalence, healthcare resource use, and direct medical costs of the treatment of GWs in Finland in 2018 using data in national healthcare registers. GW cases were identified based on diagnoses in public healthcare and GW-related prescription medications. Cost analysis included public healthcare contacts, procedures in private care, and medications. The study showed that approximately 12,000 GWs cases were treated in Finland in 2018. Since less than half of GW diagnoses were recorded in public healthcare registers, determining the exact costs was challenging. The estimated direct treatment costs in 2018 were 2.6 M€, which is higher than the previous estimation in Finland, yet still likely an underestimation of the true burden. These results provide information for the management of the GW burden in Finland.
Exploring Knowledge and Perceptions of Polio Disease and Its Immunization in Polio High-Risk Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Habib Muhammad Atif , Tabassum Farhana , Hussain Imtiaz , Khan Tooba Jawed , Syed Nazia , Shaheen Fariha , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: July 2023

Pakistan is one of the few countries where poliovirus transmission still persists, despite intensive efforts to eradicate the disease. Adequate vaccination coverage is essential to achieve polio eradication, but misconceptions about polio vaccines have hindered vaccination efforts. To address this issue, we conducted a mixed-methods study to explore knowledge and perceptions regarding polio disease and immunization in high-risk areas of Pakistan. We collected quantitative data from 3780, 1258, and 2100 households in Karachi, Bajaur, and Pishin, respectively, and supplemented this with qualitative data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Our findings reveal a high level of awareness about polio and its immunization; however, misperceptions about the polio vaccine persist, leading to refusal for both polio vaccines and routine immunizations. Our study provides up-to-date data on knowledge and perceptions of polio and its immunization and identifies critical gaps. These findings can inform the development of future strategies and innovative approaches to improve the success of the polio program in Pakistan.
The Effect of Flocculants and Water Content on the Separation of Water from Dredged Sediment
Authors: Wen Liang , Yao Duoxi
Published: July 2023

Dredged sediment has high water content, and its engineering characteristics are poor; therefore, the treatment and disposal of dredged sediment is difficult, and the utilization efficiency of these resources is low. Various methods can be used to dehydrate dredged sediment, among which flocculation dewatering is the most widely used. In this study, the basic properties of dredged sediment were examined, and the flocculation dehydration effect of dredged sediment was analyzed in relation to the polyaluminum ferric chloride (PAFC) dosage, water content, and time. There is an optimal flocculant dosage added during dredged sediment processing. Dredged sediment with high water content has obvious flocculation effect. Flocculant can speed up the flocculation dehydration of dredged sediment in a short time, but long-term dehydration has no advantages compared with natural dredged sediment; the dehydration effect was even weaker than that of natural dredged sediment dehydration in the later stages of sedimentation. Meanwhile, this paper divided the settling process into different stages; the settlement coefficients and compaction settlement indexes in different settling stages can well reflect the flocculating performance of flocculants at each settling stage.
Low-Quality Irrigation Water Treated Using Waste Biofilters
Authors: Rodríguez-Espinosa Teresa , Pérez Gimeno Ana , Almendro Candel María Belén , Gómez Lucas Ignacio , Navarro-Pedreño Jose
Published: July 2023

Although in water-deficient regions, agricultural runoff, drainage water or surplus irrigation water is often used, there are constraints related to its quality to be considered (salinity, nutrients and pollutants). Thus, it is necessary to treat surplus irrigation water considering the low-energy supply systems available to farmers. This work focuses on a nature-based water treatment system consisting of two prototypes of anaerobic bioreactors with horizontal or vertical flow. To enhance the circular economy strategy, two different wastes (coarse sand and almond pruning) were used as bioreactor components. The aim of the research was to monitor the quality of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity and bicarbonate, carbonate and nitrogen contents) before and after the treatment. All the parameters studied (except chemical oxygen demand) were reduced by the treatments, but with large variations. Furthermore, there was 100% nitrogen reduction in the horizontal water flow treatment with the filter bed formed by coarse sand and almond pruning. It was observed that the variation in the concentration of some parameters was associated with the type of filter bed (i.e., the C/N ratio of the residue) and with the design for water circulation flow. Although the findings are promising, further research is needed to achieve reductions in all studied parameters.
Optimization Design of Centrifugal Pump Auxiliary Blades Based on Orthogonal Experiment and Grey Correlation Analysis
Authors: Gao Yi , Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Cao Weidong , Chen Yunfei
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the hydraulic performance of multistage centrifugal pumps through the utilization of auxiliary blades, this paper presents an optimization of these blades using orthogonal experiments and grey relational analysis. The optimization scheme for auxiliary blade structure resulted as follows: Z = 2, R = 46.9 mm, and W = 2.5. In the vicinity of the optimal operating point, the optimized scheme showed a 6% increase in head compared to the original scheme. The increase in head was not significant at low flow rates, but at high flow rates, the optimized scheme exhibited a substantial increase in head, approximately 23% higher than the original scheme. Using the L9(34) orthogonal array, the quantity (Z), inner diameter (R), and width (W) of the auxiliary blades were selected as factors, each with three levels, to design nine different impeller structures. An entire flow field numerical simulation of a five-stage centrifugal pump was conducted for the nine designs, obtaining the pump head under rated working conditions. Based on the range analysis method of orthogonal experiment, the optimal design scheme for pump head performance was derived, and the primary and secondary factors affecting the pump head were found to be the inner diameter (R), width (W), and quantity (Z) of the auxiliary blades. The accuracy of the orthogonal experimental results may have been influenced by the different factor level dimensions, and a grey relational analysis was conducted to verify the accuracy of the results, on top of the range analysis of the orthogonal experiment. A prototype was created according to the optimal solution, which under optimal conditions presented a total pump efficiency of 32.6% and a pump head of 41.39 m, significantly higher than the original design without auxiliary blades. This combination of numerical simulation with orthogonal experiments and grey relational analysis is suitable for the optimization design of auxiliary blades in multistage centrifugal pumps. This approach can accurately infer the effect of the primary and secondary factors of the geometric parameters of auxiliary blades on pump performance and their corresponding optimal solutions.
Vapour Multicycle Sorption of a Cement–Bentonite Cutoff Wall Material: Hysteresis Effects
Authors: Al-Baiaty Sarah , Bouazza Abdelmalek
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the effects of multicycles of desorption/adsorption on the water isotherms of a typical cement–bentonite mixture. These water isotherms were evaluated over a relative humidity (RH) range of 90% and 0.3%. This study shows that, after the first adsorption–desorption cycle, the subsequent cycle shifted the water isotherm curves upward, particularly at RH < 70%, with a high degree of hysteresis. In contrast, at RH > 70%, the water isotherm curves shifted slightly downward with a low degree of hysteresis. The overall degree of hysteresis slightly decreased with the subsequent cycles. It is postulated that multi-adsorption–desorption cycles led to microstructural changes in the CB porous system as the CB material’s water retention ability was enhanced by increasing isotherm cycles.
Dynamic Forecasting and Operation Mechanism of Reservoir Considering Multi-Time Scales
Authors: Han Chengyu , Guo Zhen , Sun Xiaomei , Zhang Yuquan
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a feedback, rolling and adaptive operation decision-making mechanism for coupling and nesting of time scales. It is aimed at the change of time scale and the dynamics in the operation process, considering the relationship between operation period and multi-time scales. The key point is to integrate forecasting and operation in order to adapt to the multi-time scales dynamic change in the operation process. The operation process is divided into different time scales; forecasting and operation model method libraries are constructed, and the progressive updating and nesting mechanism are used to realize the process dynamic operation, according to the regulation period or operation period of the reservoir. Taking the Miyun Reservoir in Beijing, China as the research object, the operation mechanism is integrated into the operation process, and the complex forecasting operation and control mechanism are integrated, based on the integrated platform and using modern information technology. The forecasting and operation method uses classic different models, which can be selected based on different goals. The forecasting inflow is used as input, and the output is the water distribution plan, more importantly, the mechanism in the operation process is the key point. This is a rolling modification of the inflow process in the next stage, and the operation plan also changes accordingly. The feasibility, effectiveness, rationality and flexibility of the reservoir dynamic and adaptive operation are verified, so that the reservoir operation is dynamically changing and adapting to the changing demand. The proposed operation mechanism has scientific value and guiding significance to improve the reservoir operation theory, and it provides decision support for the actual reservoir operation and operation business.
Hydraulic Characterization of a Check Valve for Low-Pressure Potable Water Distribution Applications
Authors: Carpintero Javier , Martinez Brayan , Fábregas Jonathan , Pérez José , Canales Fausto A.
Published: July 2023

The potable water in residential hydraulic networks is measured using volumetric meters. However, when the water carries air bubbles or pockets through the pipes, the accuracy of the meter readings is reduced, which can negatively impact the billing that users pay for their water consumption. A check valve accessory exists that reduces the size of these air bubbles to correct the meter readings and improve the service experience. However, the device has only been tested for networks with relative pressures higher than 275.79 kPa. This research proposes to characterize the hydraulic behavior of the accessory through an experimental procedure in which the operating conditions are similar to those found in water networks in Latin America, where the networks have relative pressures lower than 275.79 kPa. The study found that the accessory significantly reduces the coefficient of loss for velocities greater than 1 m/s. The use of the device is suggested in flow regimes with Reynolds numbers close to 20,000 for operating conditions of temperatures close to 25 °C and residential pipes with an internal diameter of 20.9 mm and a flow velocity between 1.3 m/s and 1.78 m/s. This condition allows it to operate with minimal local energy loss and a low coefficient of loss, providing an improved service experience.
Damming Disputes: Conflict Prevention in Water Management
Authors: Katz David , Nagabhatla Nidhi
Published: July 2023

Water has a unique combination of qualities that contributes to the many conflicts with respect to its control and use [...]
Assessment of the quality of state programs of the Russian Federation: Theoretical foundations and practical application
Authors: Gumerov R. , Guseva N. , Solntseva L.
Published: July 2023

The concept of "quality of state programs" is not used in the normative legal acts (NLA) regulating the activities in the sphere of development and implementation of state programs and their structural elements. However, there is a need to assess the quality of state programs of the Russian Federation as a detector of their impact on the socio-economic development of the country, more precisely, on the desired trajectory of development. The article proposes an innovative methodology for assessing the quality of state programs with a description of its main procedures and assessment methods. The methodology can be used in the activities of authorized federal executive bodies responsible for state programs.
Modeling and technologization of management elements in economic systems
Authors: Gerasimov B.
Published: July 2023

The management of human and group relations is the most relevant process in the activity of economic systems of the «organization» type. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly conduct research on the influence of management elements on the behavior and activities of people, groups and collective organizations as a whole. The models of construction and technologies for the use of management elements in operational and managerial activities to maintain their influence on the personnel of the organization are presented. A reasonable choice of the expected results of the influence of management elements on the behavior and activity of people will allow using the most effective tools of influence within the framework of economic systems of the «organization» type.
Osteoporosis and fracture as risk factors for self-harm and suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manning Fay M , Mughal Faraz , Ismail Hazem Ahmed Saad Mohamed , Baines Libby M , Chew-Graham Carolyn A , Paskins Zoe , Prior James A
Published: July 2023

Background

Increase in presentations of self-harm to primary care, a risk factor of suicide, has led to a growing interest in identifying at-risk populations.

Aim

To examine whether osteoporosis or fractures are risk factors for self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide.

Design and setting

This was a systematic review of observational studies in adults (>18 years) that had examined the role of osteoporosis and/or fractures in subsequent self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or suicide.

Method

Six databases were searched from inception to July 2019. Additional citation tracking of eligible studies was undertaken in November 2022. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of full-text articles were performed independently by at least two authors. Where possible, meta-analysis was run on comparable risk estimates.

Results

Fifteen studies were included: two examined the outcome of self-harm, three suicidal ideation, and 10 suicide. In approximately half of studies on osteoporosis, the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide remained significant. However, pooling of adjusted odds ratios from three studies indicated no association between osteoporosis and suicide (1.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.88 to 1.49). Nine studies examined the risk of a mixture of fracture types across different outcomes, limiting comparisons. However, all studies examining vertebral fracture (n= 3) reported a significant adjusted negative association for self-harm and suicide.

Conclusion

Patients with vertebral fractures, a risk potential factor for suicide, may benefit from clinical case finding for mood disorders with personalised primary care management. However, because of the limited number and quality of studies and mixed findings, further examination of these associations is warranted.
PELATIHAN DIGITALISASI MARKETING WHATSAPP BUSINESS TOOLS PADA PELAKU UMKM KUBE MEGA BUANA DESA TANGKIT BARU
Authors: Usmayanti Vivi , Prasasti Laura , Aryati Vira , Sartika Ramadani Ani
Published: July 2023

Pengelolaan keuangan keluarga (pribadi) juga sama pentingnya dengan pengelolaan keuangan usaha. Berawal dari pengelolaan keuangan pribadi menjadikan para pelaku UMKM mahir dan mudah dalam melakukan pengelolaan keuangan usahanya. Kebanyakan pelaku UMKM menerapkan manajemen uang saku dalam kehidupan sehari-hari tanpa memisahkan uang pribadi dan uang usahanya. Ketidaktepatan pengelolaan keuangan membuat maraknya pinjaman online Ilegal digandrungi dan ramai dipergunakan seakan menjadi alternatif solusi dari permasalahan pengelolaan keuangan. Banyaknya pinjaman online ilegal dengan berbagai syarat sederhana yang menawarkan solusi permasalahan hidup ditengah pandemi ini akan membuat para peminjamnya terjerat. Melalui PKM ini, pelaku UMKM dalam hal ini Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUBE) Mega Buana akan diberikan pelatihan yang bertujuan untuk menambah pengetahuan tentang cara mengelola keuangan keluarga demi masa depan yang sejahtera dan waspada pinjaman online ilegal. Metode yang dipakai dalam kegiatan ini adalah: 1) pemberian materi mengenai pengelolaan keuangan keluarga, 2) pemberian materi mengenai waspada pinjaman online illegal, 3) simulasi games terkait materi, 4) praktek pengelolaan keuangan keluarga.
Spatial and WTP Development Plan Perencanaan Pembangunan Spal Dan Ipal Untuk Sarana Peningkatan Kualitas Lingkungan Kampung Nelayan Tanjungsari Kabupaten Rembang
Authors: Widias tuti Iin , Umam Khotibul , Rochmanto Decky
Published: July 2023

Limbah dalam negeri di Kelurahan Tanjungsari belum dikelola dengan baik, di mana greywater diberhentikan langsung ke drainase. Dimana drainase habis langsung di laut, menyebabkan polusi laut karena limbah domestik. Tujuan dari rencana akhir proyek ini adalah untuk merancang SPAL dan IPAL sebagai sarana untuk meningkatkan kualitas lingkungan Tanjungsari Desa. Hasil dari penelitian pada aspek teknis menunjukkan bahwa limbah rata-rata debit dari Desa Tanjungsari adalah 69,36 L / orang per hari. Diameter pipa yang digunakan dalam perencanaan pengembangan SPAL dan IPAL untuk daerah ini adalah 100 mm atau 4 inci. Dalam perencanaan SPAL dan IPAL, Desa Tanjungsari dilengkapi dengan beberapa bangunan lengkap, yaitu sebagai berikut: 1) lubang dengan ukuran 70 x 70 cm x 100 cm, 2) Grease dengan ukuran 80 cm x 50 cm, 3 cm dengan ukuran 60 x 50 cm dengan ukuran 2, 3 cm dengan ukuran 60 x 50 cm cm x 300 cm, 7) kamar IPAL 2-5 berukuran 300 cm x 300 cm.Rencana Anggaran Biaya dihabiskan untuk merencanakan SPAL dan IPAL untuk Tanjungsari Desa adalah Rp. 3,059,073,121.37.
INCREASING INTEREST IN READING IN ESTABLISHING A CRITICAL AND TOLERANT MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY READING CULTURE
Authors: Saepurokhman Asep , Nasrullah Riki , Budiman Arip
Published: July 2023

This study aims to provide a discourse on the importance of increasing reading interest in forming a critical and tolerant multicultural society reading culture. These research studies are literature from various sources that discuss reading interest, reading culture, and its relationship with a multicultural society. The study results that have been carried out show that reading activities can broaden the horizons and horizons of human thinking so that they are not left behind by the rapid development of the times. Everyone must be encouraged to have high interest, activity, and reading habits. Low interest, hobbies, activities, and reading habits can be factors for the decline in the level of progress of a nation. Intolerance, feeling the most correct, the best, and not wanting to respect the opinions, behaviors, and cultures can arise because of low insight, intelligence, and thinking horizons. Therefore, to create a multicultural society that is critical, tolerant, open, and pluralistic, it is necessary to have high reading activities, habits, and culture. This needs to be realized because a high reading tradition can support the acceleration of people's intelligence in responding to various life problems in a nation
Evaluation of an Interactive Workshop Designed to Teach Practical Welfare Techniques to Beef Cattle Caretakers and Decision Makers
Authors: Dewell Renee , Hanthorn Christy , Danielson Jared , Burzette Rebecca , Coetzee Johann , Griffin Dee , Ramirez Alejandro , Dewell Grant
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the project was to evaluate the use of an interactive workshop designed to teach novel practical welfare techniques to beef cattle caretakers and decision makers. Following training, respondents reported being more likely to use or recommend use of local anesthesia for dehorning and castration and were more inclined to use meloxicam for pain management. Respondents also reported improvement in performing all skills taught in the workshop. These results suggest instructional techniques used to teach practical concepts/techniques relevant to beef cattle welfare led to improvements in both perceived competency and estimated likelihood that the material will be used.