bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrients recovery from liquid anaerobic digestate by combining nanofiltration and struvite precipitation - The case of dairy effluents valorization
Authors: Karanasiou Anthoula , Tsaridou Charikleia , Sioutopoulos Dimitris , Plakas Konstantinos , Tzioumaklis Christos , Patsikas Nikos , Gliaos Pantelis , Karabelas Anastasios
Published: August 2023

Results are reported herein of a study aiming to develop an integrated process for valorizing liquid digestate (LD) from an industrial anaerobic digestion (AD) plant treating dairy-processing effluents. The investigated approach involves LD treatment by nanofiltration (NF) membranes, at pilot-scale on-site, followed by precipitation/recovery of struvite in the retentate stream. The obtained NF permeate, for a typical 60% recovery, meets the required standards for restricted irrigation. The significant concentration of nutrients in the NF-retentate (~500 mg/L NH4-N, ~230 mg/L PO4-P) allowes the investigation of struvite precipitation and the determination of near optimum process conditions, through lab- and pilot-scale testing. The results show that the maximum removal of nutrients and production of struvite-rich precipitate is obtained at molar ratio of N:Mg:P = 1:1.5:1.5 and pH=10 in the retentate stream. Additionally, almost complete struvite precipitation can be achieved within ~30 min, whereas solids drying at modest/ambient temperature is desirable to avoid struvite degradation. Under the aforementioned conditions, a significant amount of dry precipitate (~11 g dry mass/L of treated retentate) including crystalline struvite is obtained. The results of this study warrant further development of this integrated process as well as its overall sustainability assessment in comparison to alternative LD valorization approaches.
Potential contaminants and risk assessment in the Meriç-Ergene Basin under the EU Water Framework Directive
Authors: EKER SERKAN , ÇOKAY EBRU
Published: August 2023

The European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC provides a strategic solution to deal with chemical pollution in rivers. The directive encompasses monitoring and detection of 45 priority pollutants and specific contaminants found in surface waters. An increase in the number of compounds to be monitored may pose a challenge. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize pollutants that require immediate action in the short, medium, and long term based on capacity reports submitted by relevant industries in high-pollution basins. As a consequence of this, prioritizing studies in basins has gained significance in terms of the process of planning the monitoring of chemicals that call for immediate action and lowering the expenses associated with monitoring. Three strategies are used to be the most effective for identifying specific pollutants: the COMMPS method, THS, and TIS. These strategies prioritize and eliminate contaminants. According to this knowledge, a number of studies for the Meriç-Ergene basin were conducted. The Meriç-Ergene Basin is situated in the Thrace Sub-Region, which extends from the Istanbul Provincial border in the east to the Bulgarian and Greek borders in the west, in the transition zone from the Marmara Region to Europe. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended to monitor a total of 88 contaminants in the Meriç-Ergene basin in Turkey. Furthermore, the prominent substances on this list have been classified as pollutants that require monitoring and immediate action in the basin, with monitoring being prioritized.
Treatment of Leachate Wastewater with Fenton Process
Authors: Çokay Ebru , Eker Serkan
Published: August 2023

Leachate wastewater produced from landfill areas contains high organic contents and heavy metals. Because of high concentration of organic materials and heavy metals, it can cause toxic effects on the environment. In addition, there is a possibility that leachate can reach to surface and ground water. The leachate wastewater cannot be treated easily by conventional treatment processes, discharge limits cannot be also achieved by these processes. For that reason, advanced treatment methods should selected to treat leachate wastewater and to discharge in limitations. Advanced oxidation processes can provide a suitable treatment for leachate wastewater due hydroxyl radical formation. The most appropriate advanced oxidation process is selected as Fenton Process in order to achieve high removal efficiency for the treatment of leachate wastewater to easily apply on chemical treatment process.
The main objective of the study was to statistically determine the most favorable levels of the parameters for the treatment of leachate wastewater. The effects of H2O2 and ferrous ion concentrations and reaction time on the oxidation of leachate wastewater investigated by using a statistical design. In the Box-Behnken statistical experiment design method, Fe+2 and H2O2 concentrations and reaction time were selected as independent variables. As the dependent variables, TOC and color removal efficiencies were examined by keeping the pH constant at pH 3.5-4.0. Operating range for independent variable; H2O2 concentration was 5000-40000 mg/L (X1), Fe+2 concentration was 1000-3000 mg/L (X2), reaction time was determined as 30-60 minutes (X3).
As a result of the experimental studies, the most appropriate reaction conditions according to TOC removal; H2O2 concentration was 5000 mg/L, Fe+2 concentration was 3000 mg/L, reaction time was 40 minutes and TOC yield was 50%. At these conditions, color removal efficiency was achieved as 84%.
Comparative evaluation between new construction and refurbishment of existing buildings with the exploitation of their Embodied Energy and Carbon Footprint
Authors: KONDILI EMILIA , KALDELLIS IOANNIS , ENTMONS ANGELOS , PETROVITS NATALIS
Published: August 2023

On a global basis, buildings consume about 60% of raw materials per weight and almost 1/3 of the global energy consumption quantities. For many years the most important issue determining the sustainability of a building has been the energy consumed during its operation. However, recently a trend has emerged towards the consideration of the building’s energy use on a life cycle basis rather than only in their operation; thus, including the construction, operation and end of life phases.
The objective of the present work is to describe the development and the implementation of a methodology for the comparative environmental performance of a building between two alternative solutions; namely its new construction versus its refurbishment. The comparative evaluation is based on detailed estimation of two important magnitudes, that of the embodied energy and the embodied carbon.
The methodology has been implemented in one of the most emblematic buildings in Attica Region, the Piraeus Tower that is undergoing a total refurbishment. The methodology may be applied in other buildings of various types and uses and provide a useful decision support tool for the selection between re-construction or refurbishment, leading to more sustainable in environmental terms as well as more financially efficient developments.
Lessons learned by modelling biogas production in an Italian state-of-the-art landfill active for 35 years
Authors: Calabrò P. S. , Folino A. , Gentili E. , Komilis D.
Published: August 2023

"Fossetto" landfill is in operation in the municipality of Monsummano Terme (Tuscany, Italy) since 1988, at its origin, it was used as a controlled landfill where mixed municipal solid waste, without any separate collection, was disposed of. Since 2003, a biogas recovery system is active, while a mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plant and a reverse osmosis leachate treatment plant that recirculates leachate are installed since 2006. This plant provides long-term biogas monitoring that allowed to calculate, with a simplified methodology, the biogas recovery efficiency. Biogas generation modelling via the USEPA LandGEM model showed that the adoption of MBT grandly reduced the biogas production, while extraction efficiency was calculated at around 40% over the last ten years, lower than expected. Efficient separate collection leading to the reduction of both the incoming waste amount and of its biogas potential production coupled with mechanical biological treatment proved effective to reduce landfill environmental impacts. More research is needed to establish new technologies to further reduce fugitive biogas emissions from the landfill.
Treatment of three agro-industrial wastewaters by dried bio-absorbent orange peels and brewery spent grains
Authors: Sarris Dimitris , Kiouranakis Georgios , Ioannou Zacharias , Gkatzionis Konstantinos , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the efficiency of reducing the phenol content (hence BOD/COD) of three agro-industrial wastes: olive mill effluent- olive mill wastewaters- OMW, brewery sludge – BS, and white wine lees – WWL by orange peel (OP) and dried brewer' spent grains (BSG). Orange peels and dried brewer’s spent grains are found to have absorbing properties to phenolic compounds. They can be characterized as absorption materials that use the mechanism of absorption (same as activated carbon- sorbent material/precursor mechanism) (Gayatri, 2010).
Assessing wind farms projects with the use of multicriteria methods and stakeholders analysis
Authors: Vagiona Dimitra , Mpakali Evangelia
Published: August 2023

The use of wind potential and the protection of biodiversity are two conflicting aspects that arise in the development of wind energy projects, generating conflicts between different stakeholders. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for assessing the suitability of existing wind farms in mountainous areas with the combined use of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method and Stakeholders Analysis. The application is carried out in the Regional Unit of Ioannina. Twelve assessment criteria have been considered in the analysis and fourteen selected stakeholders have participated in their pairwise comparisons. Four different alternative scenarios are formulated based on the power/interest matrix of stakeholder mapping. The prioritization of the existing wind farms is finally carried out with the use of TOPSIS method for each alternative scenario. The results showed that, for two scenarios the ideal wind farm is located in Variko, while for the other two, the ideal wind farm is located in Katara. The proposed methodology is able to promote spatial energy planning, emphasize the key components of the decision problem, and award participating decisions through a multi-stakeholder traceable and transparent assessment procedure.
OTAER biotechnology: a new pathway of reaching the Zero Net Carbon in Odours Treatment
Authors: Romano Fabiana , Mariniello Aniello , Oliva Giuseppina , Naddeo Vincenzo , Belgiorno Vincenzo , Zarra Tiziano
Published: August 2023

Emissions of odours into ambient air represent a serious problem and cause for conflict, due to the effects they cause on the population and on the exposed environment. Their treatment is therefore a priority. The approach currently pursued by the conventional odour treatment technologies is focused on reducing the odour concentration and/or on the degradation of the odorous substances into non-odorous ones. The operation of these systems, however, determines the production and emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and therefore climate change issues. The research presents and discusses the identification and development of an advanced, integrated, and sustainable odour treatment technology, biological based, called OTAER system. The aim is to promote a new integrated treatment system that combines the reduction of odours with the control and recovery of GHGs for the purpose of subsequent valorization in energy terms. The technology fits into the principles dictated by the New Green Deal and in compliance with the guidelines of the SDGs (objectives n.7 and n.13). The research presents the results of an intense experimental validation activity of the OTAER system on different odorous compounds. The percentages of abatement and the production of algal-biomass are reported and discussed. The proposed system highlights the importance of developing and implementing integrated biotechnologies, aiming to applying circular economy approaches, in order to guarantees the total environmental protection, including the reduction of climate change emissions.
DISAGGREGATION OF GLOBAL CLIMATE MODEL DATA TO CREATE IDF CURVES UNDER RCP8.5 SCENARIO
Authors: Gül Burak , Kayaalp Necati
Published: August 2023

Global climate change is one of the most important problems of our age. Its possible harmful effects are flood formation, loss of life and property, severe drought etc. Many studies are carried out to reduce these damages and to limit the impact area. The creation of precipitation intensity-duration-frequency curves (IDF) is one of these studies. These curves are especially used in the design of water structures. IDF curves are usually generated from observed precipitation data. This situation causes these curves to stay away from precipitation changes due to climate change. Therefore, these curves need to be updated under future climate projections. In this study, this problem was emphasized and the IDF curves of Muğla province were tried to be estimated according to the years 2023-2098 under the RCP8.5 scenarios of the HadGEM-ES, GFDL-ESM2M global models with the equivalent quantile matching method.
Cultivation of milk thistle in Pb-contaminated urban soils
Authors: Papadimou S. , BARBAYIANNIS N. , GOLIA Ε.
Published: August 2023

In order to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils of urban areas, we conducted an experiment using a pharmaceutical phytic species such as milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gearn.). The experiment was carried out using two different soil samples (one acid and one alkaline) from urban areas varying in their physicochemical attributes along with Pb levels. In every soil sample we applied three levels of contamination, 150, 300 and 450ppm Pb. Then, estimates of the available-DTPA extractable and pseudo-total concentrations of lead (Pb) were accomplished. Also, assessments of metal transport to different parts of milk thistle from the Pb-contaminated soils were conducted. The results of this experiment revealed that the highest concentration of Pb was found in underground part of the plant, also the Pb movement was higher in acid soil sample than in alkaline.
Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: state of art and control strategies within “One Health” approach
Authors: D'Elia Lucia , Longobardi A. , Pirozzi F. , Bonadies A. , Spagnuolo M. , Ferraro S. , Del Negro G. , Zarra T. , Belgiorno V. , Coscioni E. , Naddeo V.
Published: August 2023

Environmental quality is closely related to human health. In recent years, the growing awareness has led to the definition of an integrated "One Health" approach to protect simultaneously environment, humans and animals. Poor air quality is the most important factor affecting human health and increasing mortality and morbidity. Improving environmental quality is crucial to prevent human health-related risks. Poor air quality is the most important factor affecting human health and increasing mortality risk. The estimates reveal that in 2019 it led 7 million deaths with an alarming percentage of premature ones. Among diseases caused by poor air quality 70% are non-communicable and 60% affect the cardiovascular system. The economic effects are also important: medical expenses increase while the general productivity decreases due to people who cannot work for health-related problems. The situation in the European Union is slowly improving thanks to the joint efforts of the European Commission and the World Health Organization. The most significant health-related risks usually occur in urban areas. This work aims to define the state of the art on environmental policies implemented and identify direct and indirect strategies for control pollutants and reduce health risks. Future perspectives are also presented.
Pretreatment of Agro-Industrial Wastes with Basidial Fungi Strains for Effective Delignification of Lignocellulosic Wastes
Authors: Kvesitadze Giorgi , Tsiklauri Nino , Kutateladze Lali , Urushadze Tamar , Khokhashvili Izolda , Sadunishvili Tinatin
Published: August 2023

Lignocellulosic biomass, including agro-industrial wastes, is an ideal cheap and abundant source of glucose for ethanol production. The complex structure of lignin makes it difficult to hydrolyze the biomass cellulose to sugars and other organic compounds. In recent years, it has become more and more important to develop an environmentally friendly pretreatment method for delignification of plant residues. The aim of the present work was to study the delignification of agro-industrial residues by higher basidial fungi. Solid state fermentation (SSF) of 35 tested strains on wheat, rice and corn straw, potato above-ground mass (AMP) and sunflower lignocellulosic waste (SLW) showed different levels of oxidase enzyme production. In particular, laccase activity varied from 0.5 to 91.8 U/ml, and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity from 0 to 2.1 U/ml, depending on the substrates and the type of the fungi. The best lignin destroyers were: Trametes maxima GK-02, Ganoderma sp. GV 51, Pleurotus sp. IN-93. The best delignification result was achieved with the strain Pleurotus sp. IN-93 in corn straw and wheat straw, from 17.8% to 7.7% and from 19.1% to 10.6%, respectively. In the case of delignification of the AMP, the amount of lignin decreased by 4.0-6.9%. Trametes maxima GK-02 was the most effective in case of SLW - lignin degradation from 19.7% to 10.6%.
UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND URBAN PLASTIC WASTE REVIEW: INTRODUCTION TO PYROLISIS AND HYDROCARBON REFORMATION
Authors: VLACHOKOSTAS CHRISTOS , KOUMPAKIS DIMITRIOS-ARISTOTELIS
Published: August 2023

Agricultural and urban waste consist of large quantities of biomass and petroleum originated waste. These two categories are rich in hydrocarbons which can be utilized again after their first life cycle. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process in which solid hydrocarbons decompose in conditions of high temperatures and lack of oxygen (Ο2).Normally the chemical elements of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H2) react by releasing heat called combustion in an environment with oxygen. This paper examines the maintenance of high temperature conditions with oxygen deficiency that keep these chemical elements (C and H2) distinct until their formation of new chemical compounds of hydrocarbons. These new synthesis have a different number of C and H2 atoms from the initials, which form fuels in solid, liquid and gas state . It turns out that pyrolysis is the first stage in all the other thermochemicals, as well as combustion and gasification. Without pyrolysis, combustion and gasification cannot take place. This research presents analyzed parameters that affect the decomposition of hydrocarbons and the composition of new with characteristic suffixes. These new fuels can be utilized into conventional equipment that can produce heat, lighting, mechanical work and electricity.
Drone Imagery Combined With Soil Moisture Monitoring for Efficient Irrigation
Authors: Panagopoulos Thomas , Guerrero Carlos
Published: August 2023

Urban green infrastructure provide several benefits to inhabitants and helps cities adapt to climate change. This project aimed to develop a landscaping data integrator that provides smart data solutions for urban green infrastructure management, using soil, moisture sensors, and plant health imagery associated with workflow support for watering. Geostatistics was used to produce maps of soil moisture and compare them with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and thermal images of an urban park in Loule, Portugal. The results revealed a linear regression with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9607, R2 = 0.9432, R2 = 0.9523, respectively, for the months of August, September, and October. The method can be used to optimize urban green space management and assist in watering decisions.
Solar attenuation due to particulate matter in arid environments
Authors: Alajlan Maan , Alsalem Khaled
Published: August 2023

The depletion of solar irradiation has several causes such as clouds and suspended particulate matters in the atmosphere. Particulate matters play an important role in decreasing solar irradiation by blocking partly the solar energy from reaching the ground. This lost irradiation must be taken into consideration when planning large installations of PV panels’ fields along with other environmental factors. The blocking effect of PMs is higher in places where the density of PMs is higher due to geographical location or the lack of precipitation. The main objective of this work is to study experimentally the impact of particulate matters of different sizes (PM2.5, PM10, and TSP), measured at ground-level, on global horizontal irradiation (GHI) in arid climates. The measurements were taken over a six months period, from May to October 2022. The city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was chosen to represent arid conditions due to its high suspended particulates density and the lack of precipitation. The PM measurements were recorded every minute from dawn to dusk and were processed to obtain a correlation between the measured PM values and the actual GHI. In addition, a comparison between the GHI obtained by the developed model and the one obtained from ASHRAE clear sky model. During the period of the experiment, the measurements showed that the ASHRAE clear sky model overestimated the amount of solar energy reaching the ground by over 10%.
Agro-Industry Waste Fed Microbial Electrolysis Cell for Biohydrogen Production
Authors: Ghosh Uttam , Gautam Rahul
Published: August 2023

The microbial electrolysis cell is gaining advantage over the other biological hydrogen production techniques as it requires less energy for hydrogen generation as compared to the water electrolysis process. The present study aims to assess the aptness of Agro-Industry Waste (AIW) fed membrane-less single chambered Microbial Electrolysis Cell (SC-MEC) for the biohydrogen production in batch mode under applied voltage of 1 V at 30 ± 2 °C (Fig.1). The performance of the reactor was assessed through volume of hydrogen per gram of COD removed, columbic efficiency, cathodic hydrogen recovery and COD removal efficiency. The highest COD removal of 71% was reported with columbic efficiency of around 45%. These results demonstrated an energy-efficient approach for biohydrogen production from AIW coupled with waste mitigation.
Exploring beach visitors' willingness to pay for protecting island beaches from erosion: The case of Marmari beach in Kos, Greece
Authors: Monioudi Isavela , Chatzipavlis Antonis , Nikolaou Antigoni , Velegrakis Adonis , Hasiotis Thomas
Published: August 2023

This contribution aims at exploring beach visitors' perceptions regarding the impacts of beach erosion on their recreational activities and their willingness to pay in order to protect the beaches from erosion and preserve them in their current state. Towards this aim, a contingent valuation study was implemented, through the construction and distribution of a short and “user-friendly” questionnaire, among domestic and incoming tourist, residents and local businessmen in Marmari beach on the island of Kos (Greece). By presenting a scenario and asking respondents if they would voluntarily contribute a certain amount of money, the survey sought to understand their willingness to financially support the cause. Additionally, the questionnaire included questions about visit preferences, factors influencing their payment response, and socio-demographic information, allowing for the examination of correlations between willingness to pay and various factors. The results showed that 52% of the respondents are willing to pay for the protection of Marmari beach, and the average amount they are willing to contribute annually was estimated to be 33€. The data collected provide insights into the factors that influence beach users' willingness to financially support beach conservation and management efforts, which can inform decision-making regarding funding and resource allocation for these initiatives.
The effects of plant biostimulant and mycorrhiza applications on industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) growth and phytoremediation performance
Authors: Papazoglou Eleni , Karaviti Theoni , Kotoula Danai , Georgiou Panagiotis
Published: August 2023

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a fast-growing lignocellulosic crop suitable for the phytoremediation of heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic contaminants on polluted marginal lands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant biostimulant and mycorrhiza applications on the phytoremediation performance and growth of industrial hemp under greenhouse conditions. A 4-month pot experiment was performed in a Completely Randomized Design with six treatments (replicated three times): control (untreated), biostimulants B1 and B2 i.e., protein hydrolysates and fulvic/humic acids, respectively, mycorrhiza (M), and two biostimulant-mycorrhiza combinations, namely B1 × M, and B2 × M. Treatments affected plant height and number of leaves. Mycorrhiza application resulted in 30 and 37% higher fresh and dry aboveground biomass, respectively, compared to control plants. This treatment increased Cd accumulation; B1 and B2 × M increased Ni uptake (≥50%) when compared to the untreated plants. Significant were the effects of treatments on the accumulation of Pb, Zn, and Sb on plant shoots. Further research is required to evaluate more combinations of biostimulants, mycorrhiza and other natural environmentally friendly tools to optimize the use of industrial hemp and other multipurpose lignocellulosic crops for phytoremediation purposes.
Assessment of water reuse potential for the cultivation of the red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria
Authors: Riggio Vincenzo , Carone Michele , Costamagna Lorenzo , Zanetti Mariachiara
Published: August 2023

The red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria has emerged as a promising biotechnological platform for large-scale cultivation and production of high-value compounds, such as the blue pigment phycocyanin. However, its extremophilic nature requires cultivation in an appropriately acidified culture medium, resulting in strongly acidic wastewater exceeding legal limits for industrial wastewater release. Additionally, the high freshwater usage, together with the supply of the necessary nutrients, is among the main costs associated with large-scale algae cultivation. This study investigates the possibility of recycling water and metals for multiple G. sulphuraria’s cultivation cycles to reduce costs and make microalgae cultivation more sustainable. Firstly, 25% water recycling showed no significant differences in consecutive cycles compared to the control, reaching the same final biomass concentration. Further, recycling the whole permeate derived from the harvesting process with the only re-integration of nitrogen and phosphate sources, did not affect G. sulphuraria growth in a first cycle of water recycling. Finally, the study evaluated the potential of G. sulphuraria’s phycocyanin (C-PC) accumulation achievable at high cells densities within the flat panel PBR, with values between the highest reported in the literature (10.8 % w/w). No negative effects of the recycled water on the C-PC accumulation were observed, suggesting that this approach could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective strategy for large-scale G. sulphuraria cultivation and production of high-value compounds.
Application of KO2/ClO- advanced oxidation process to degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on example of phenanthrene
Authors: Nowakowski Michał , Andrzejewski Przemysław , Wolski Robert
Published: August 2023

Novel advanced oxidation process based on KO2 and ClO- was applied to degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is a wide group of compounds which are negative impact on human health. Phenanthrene was chosen to represent this group of compounds due to its relatively good solubility in water and relatively low toxicity in comparison to other compounds belonging to this group. Trials of application of this method to degradation PAHs showed that phenanthrene is resistant to oxidation by this method. Only a few percent loss of phenanthrene were observed after one hour of process. Resistant of other compounds belonging to PAHs should be the aim of research in future.
Plastic to microplastic in the United Arab Emirates – plastic bottle caps in a hot, arid environment
Authors: Thiemann Thies , Selem Bushra , Alkarbi Abrar , Alhosani Amna , Ahmad Fatma , Elemam Maram , Iftikhar Syed , Mourad Abdel-Hamid
Published: August 2023

The degradation of plastic bottle tops as a common contributor to plastic waste in the environment was assessed under the hot, arid conditions of the hinterland of the United Arab Emirates. 500 bottles tops were collected from 5 different locations in the Al Ain area and their surface oxidation index was determined through FT-IR measurements. The hardness of pristine bottle tops and bottle tops aged in the environment was compared.
Water desalination using polyelectrolyte hydrogel. Gibbs ensemble modeling
Authors: Rud Oleg , Laktionov Michail , Nova Lucie
Published: August 2023

Polyelectrolyte hydrogels possess the remarkable ability to efficiently absorb large volumes of water through an osmotic membrane by exerting swelling pressure. Conversely, the insoluble cross-linked structure of the gel allows for dewatering when triggered by external stimuli such as temperature or mechanical forces. Moreover, from a thermodynamic perspective, polyelectrolyte hydrogels act as osmotic membranes, effectively preventing the passage of ions between external and internal solutions. These unique properties make these gels highly promising for desalination applications, offering an alternative to expensive membranes. In this study, we present our recent investigation into the utilization of polyelectrolyte hydrogels for water desalination. We developed a model to analyze the thermodynamic equilibrium between the gel and the supernatant aqueous salt solution. Our findings demonstrate that as the gel undergoes compression, the salinity of the supernatant phase decreases due to the release of absorbed solution with lower salinity from within the gel matrix. Furthermore, we conducted a series of simulations to replicate the continuous reduction of solution salinity until freshwater concentrations were achieved.
Artificial Neural Network prediction of citizens' climate mitigation perception related to urban green infrastructure: The Case of Drama City in Greece:
Authors: KAZANA VASSILIKI , RAPTIS DIMITRIOS , CHRYSANTHIDOU EFTHIMIA , KAZAKLIS ANGELOS , MOUMTZIDOU DIMITRA , PAPADOPOULOU DIMITRA
Published: August 2023

Social perceptions and attitudes are important dimensions for the successful implementation of Green Infrastructure (GI) projects, as these are typically designed to improve environmental conditions and promote a green economy. This paper attempts to investigate social behavioral patterns of climate mitigation perceptions related to a complex and long-ongoing urban GI project in the city of Drama, which is located in northeastern Greece. A multilayer perceptron Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was developed and validated to identify the climate mitigation perception of Drama citizens with an emphasis on Human Thermal Comfort improvement aimed through the GI project implementation. The study population consisted of 200 respondents of which 70% formed the training set and 30% the test set. The input variables included the level of information about the GI project, the education level, the residence location, the awareness about the importance of the GI's expected effect on the aesthetics and the functional improvement of the area, job opportunities, and the quality of life improvement. The ANN had good accuracy (92.9%), precision (94.8%), and area under the curve (85.2%). Therefore, it can be a useful tool for communicating more efficiently the expected benefits of the urban GI project and increasing its social acceptability.
Rainwater collection and treatment on green roofs using aromatic plants in a Mediterranean region.
Authors: Schiza Spyridoula , Petsis Konstantinos , Tsiara Zoi , Petousi Ioanna , Fountoulakis Michail S.
Published: August 2023

For modern cities, green roofs provide important economic, environmental and social possibilities. They are a sustainable ecological technology. The present research study assesses the use of two substrates with different compositions for the growth of two aromatic plants (Lavandula dentata and Origanum majorana) in an extensive green roof implemented in a Mediterranean region (island of Lesvos, Greece). Growing substrates mixtures filled with perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay and compost, with the only difference in the amount of compost. Additionally, water runoff quality parameters -pH, turbidity, conductivity, COD and TP- and plant growth traits monitored during the experiment. The present research shows that aromatic vegetation combined with double amount of compost are suitable for green roofs located in countries of the Mediterranean region.
5. Acknowledgements
The research work was supported by “Center of Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy [Aegean_Bioeconomy]” (MIS5045851), which is implemented under the Action “Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure”, funded by the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (NSRF2014-2020) and co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund).
SYMSITES-EcoSites Implementation for Industrial-Urban Symbiosis through Social and Technological Solutions
Authors: Pérez Emma , Osmdan Pnina , Blanes María
Published: August 2023

The SYMSITES project aims at implemeting the Industrial - Urban Symbiosis (I-US) concept by newly developed technologies and solutions for wastewater treatment and reuse supported by an IT Management system, while applying a digital and circular economy. This will be achieved with local and regional collaborations i.e., Municipalities, Universities and research centers, Large and Small Enterprises. The project output will enhance the sustainability and environment in the specific region.
The implementation of the regional I-US will be proven in four European regions, different in geographic, socioeconomic, and environmental aspects. The co-treatment of wastewater and other urban and industrial waste in each of the four EcoSites will allow the recovery of energy, water, and high-value-added products.
EPS waste management from coastal cleaning actions: identification of contamination sources, collection, treatment, and re-use in cement-based materials
Authors: Alexopoulos Nikolaos , Filippidis Anastasios , Lekkas Demetrios , Metaxa Zoi , Prokopiou Vasileios
Published: August 2023

Finding sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste in response to today's global environmental challenges is a high priority for the scientific community. Collaboration among many scientists with diverse research interests is the key to success for integrated proposals for the collection, treatment, and reuse of recyclable waste. This study presents proposals for integrated EPS waste management, from identifying pollution hotspots to collection routes, especially on the coast where waste is more abundant and leaves a larger footprint, to reuse in cement-based materials. This paper discusses the various options for recycling low-grade EPS and the potential applications of mortar or concrete containing EPS collected on the coast. The multiple benefits are not limited to reducing EPS waste, but benefit the entire planet, from reducing aggregate consumption to improving building insulation.
Thermal Energy Storage Properties of Gelatin-Gum Arabic Microcapsules Containing Lauric Acid
Authors: Konuklu Yeliz
Published: August 2023

In this study, gelatin-gum arabic microcapsules containing lauric acid were prepared for thermal energy storage applications. Lauric acid and gelatin-gum arabic were used as the core material and shell material, respectively. The synthesized microcapsules were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal characterization. DSC analysis revealed that the melting and freezing points of the synthesized microcapsules were determined to be 41.35°C and 39.76°C, respectively, with a latent heat storage capacity of 171-173 J/g. The thermal analyses confirm the successful microencapsulation of lauric acid and its suitability for thermal energy storage applications.
Physicochemical and spectroscopic characteristics of compost from vineyard waste and wine lees valorization
Authors: Hela Dimitra , Manoli Panagiota , Rapti Ilaira , Tzakou Christina , Rontou Artemis , Patakioutas George
Published: August 2023

The present study deals with the analysis of chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of compost as a valorization product of vineyard and winery wastes within circular economy. The C/N ratio showed a stabilized compost. HA was increased at the final stage and low E4/E6 values denoted a mature compost
Real scale application of visible light responsive photocatalytic paints for indoor air quality
Authors: Maggos Thomas , Panagopoloos Panagiotis , Theodorou Constantinos , Nikolakopoulos Aristoteles , Skliri Evangelia , Gagaoudakis Emmanouil , Kiriakidis George , Binas Bill
Published: August 2023

In the frame of a LIFE19 project named “VISIONS”, an innovative photocatalytic paint was produced for healthy environment and energy saving purposes. To that end a photocatalytic powder was optimized in order to be mixed in paints without downgrading paint physical properties and to reduce production cost. The photocatalytic efficiency of the powder as well as the VISIONS photo-paints was evaluated in both lab and real scale applications. Lab-scale tests were performed in a continuous tank reactor in order to quantify the capacity of VISIONS photo-paints to degrade photocatalytically inorganic (nitrogen oxides NOx) and volatile organic (VOCs e.g toluene) air pollutants under both Visible and UV irradiation. Real-scale tests took place in Demo-houses (picture 1) and currently in the Hellenic Naval Academy building where VISIONS photo-paints are monitored with regards to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) improvement and reduction of energy consumption.
Modelling Closed-Water Loops in the Process Industries
Authors: Karkou Efthalia , Savvakis Nikolaos , Aryblia Maria , Arampatzis Georgios
Published: August 2023

Global water scarcity poses a significant challenge for the process industry, especially in water-stressed areas. Population growth and rapid industrialization make evident the necessity to incorporate sustainable and efficient water management strategies in the industrial sector. This study aims to point out the complex industrial systems at different levels presenting the modelling of them. Overall, three modelling levels are identified, i.e., in-process, in-factory, and systemic modelling based on the system’s characteristics, requirements, and prospects. Individual process units, a series of water and wastewater treatment processes, a whole industrial plant and synergistic collaborations are modelled. In this regard, a generic methodology was developed in order to be applied in six discrete use cases, recommending the most appropriate model to be applied.
Biased Opportunities: The Role of Implicit and Explicit Bias in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment
Authors: Anderson Kaitlin P.
Published: August 2023

Black and Latinx students are underrepresented in advanced placement (AP) and dual enrollment (DE), and implicit bias of educators has been discussed as one potential contributor. This study tests whether aggregate measures of implicit and explicit racial bias are related to AP and DE participation and racial/ethnic gaps in participation, controlling for contextual factors. The results indicate a relationship between implicit racial bias and disparate AP participation for Black students relative to White students, and suggestive evidence of a relationship between explicit racial bias and disparate DE participation between Black and White students. Furthermore, more explicitly biased communities have lower AP participation overall. Implications for school leaders regarding interventions to address systemic inequities in access are discussed.
Beyazperdede Erkeğin Gölgesindeki Kadınlar: Feminist Film Teorileri Bağlamında Bombshell Filmi İncelemesi
Authors: SATICI Hilal
Published: August 2023

Feminist kuramcılar kadın temsillerinin erkek bakış açısının bir uzantısı olarak var olması konusu üzerine yoğunlaşmaktadır. Ataerkil bir düzende varlığını sürdüren sinema endüstrisi içerisindeki kadın karakterlerin varlığı, sinemada feminizm bağlamında film anlatı yapısında kendine yer bulmaktadır. Güçsüz, erkek egemenliği altında ezilen, fiziksel görüntüsüyle zekası ölçülen stereotipleşmiş kadın karakterlerden farklı olarak, kendi ayakları üzerinde duran, eril düzene boyun eğmeyen ve savunduğu düşüncelerinin arkasında duran güçlü kadın karakterlerin varlığı sinema tarihi için umut vermektedir. Sinemada kadın imgesi, kadın yönetmenlerin gözünden kadın bakış açısıyla beyazperdeye aktarıldığı gibi erkek yönetmenlerin gözünden kadın bakış açısıyla ya da erkek yönetmenlerin gözünden erkek bakış açısıyla beyazperdeye taşınmaktadır. Mathew Jay Roach’un 2019 yapımı Bombshell (Skandal, Jay Roach, 2019) filminde, feminist film teorileri çerçevesinde kadın karakterlerin medya sektöründe yaşadığı sıkıntılar, televizyon ekranlarında bedenleriyle görünür olmaları durumunu, kadınlık maskesinin altında yaşadıkları varlık sorunlarını film anlatısı içerisinde tek potada eritilerek izleyiciye aktarılmaktadır. Film boyunca görülen güçlü kadın karakterlerin varlığının yanı sıra, erkek egemen bakış açısının vurgulandığı sahneler hem kamera açıları hem de söylemler üzerinden açık bir şekilde göze çarpmaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışmada, feminist kuramlar perspektifinden kadının bedenleştirilmesi ve bedenine yabancılaşarak ötekileştirilmesi kavramları Bombshell filmi üzerinden detaylıca irdelenmektedir. Bombshell, hem kadınların medya sektörü içerisinde yaşadıkları sorunları gerçek bir hikayeden esinlenerek ele alması, hem de kadın dayanışması ile verilen mücadelenin zaferle sonuçlanabileceği algısını izleyiciye aktarmasıyla sinema tarihi içerisinde önemli bir yere sahiptir.
Perancancan Jaringan pada Toko Nana
Authors: Riyanto Aris
Published: August 2023

Perancangan Jaringan pada Toko Nana merupakan proses merancang infrastruktur jaringan yang efisien dan handal untuk mendukung operasional Toko Nana. Abstrak ini menjelaskan tujuan perancangan, komponen jaringan yang diusulkan, serta strategi keamanan yang diimplementasikan. Melalui integrasi perangkat keras, perangkat lunak, dan protokol komunikasi yang sesuai, perancangan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan konektivitas antar divisi dalam toko, mengoptimalkan layanan pelanggan, serta memastikan integritas dan kerahasiaan data transaksi. Dengan mempertimbangkan pertumbuhan masa depan, perancangan jaringan ini dirancang secara skalabel agar dapat mengakomodasi peningkatan kebutuhan dengan efektif.
Stochastic Perturbation for Dynamic Arrow Characterization: Methodology and Analysis
Authors: Hassan Ali
Published: August 2023

Stochastic Perturbation for Dynamic Arrow Characterization:Methodology and Analysis
"Radiology in the Modern Era: Unveiling Insights through Advanced Imaging Techniques"
Authors: Lafford Robert
Published: August 2023

Machine Learning Applications in Fluid Mechanics: Enhancing Understanding and Predictive Capabilities
Improving the Evaluation of Primary Care Physician Accessibility in Eastern Quebec: Incorporating the Pampalon Deprivation Index into the Enhanced Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Methodology
Authors: Simoneau Christian
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to refine the Enhanced Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (E2SFCA) methodology by incorporating the Pampalon Deprivation Index (PDI) to enable the characterization of the local environment and facilitate the identification of primary care accessibility patterns in Eastern Quebec. The E2SFCA-PDI methodology considers the supply of PCPs at the dissemination area level, travel time between PCPs and dissemination areas, and a linear distance decay function in conjunction with the PDI for each dissemination area. The E2SFCA-PDI methodology was found to be capable of identifying underserved areas that may appear to have sufficient access levels when evaluated using the standard E2SFCA method. The availability of primary care services is contingent upon the presence of adequate road infrastructure, and populations residing in areas with limited access to main road networks may experience compromised access to primary care. The study concludes that the implementation of the E2SFCA-PDI methodology can improve the identification of primary care physician shortage areas by taking into account the health needs of the population, and can aid in the development of regional medical planning and resources redistribution.
SPP1 is differentially expressed in central nervous system metastasis in human breast cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2023

Metastasis to the brain occurs in a significant fraction of patients with breast cancer (1-3). We mined published RNA-sequencing and microarray data (4, 5) to compare primary and metastatic tumor transcriptomes for the discovery of genes associated with brain metastasis in humans with metastatic breast cancer. We found that secreted phosphoprotein 1, encoded by SPP1, was among the genes whose expression was most different in the brain metastases of patients with metastatic breast cancer as compared to primary tumors of the breast. SPP1 mRNA was present at increased quantities in brain metastatic tissues as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Expression of SPP1 in primary tumors was correlated with overall, distant metastasis-free and recurrence-free survival. Modulation of SPP1 expression may be relevant to the biology by which tumor cells metastasize from the breast to the brain in humans with metastatic breast cancer.
Ngư nghiệp và thương mại nông sản quy mô tiểu chủ: Bàn về “tính nhúng xã hội” và phản ứng biến đổi môi trường
Authors: Hùm Tôm
Published: August 2023

Nhóm tác giả González-Mon, Bodin & Schlüter mới có xuất bản trên Ecology & Society tìm hiểu về mức độ phức tạp gia tăng và tính bất định của phản ứng với các biến đổi tiêu cực do môi trường, gây nên bởi “tính nhúng xã hội” (social embeddedness) trong các mạng lưới kinh doanh nông sản địa phương và đánh bắt cá.
A Panoramic Orchestration for effective cultivation of fruits in the Indian Subcontinent: PROVENCE
Authors: Ram Baidyanath
Published: August 2023

Fruits and vegetables are critical nutritional content of a growing nation like India. Viticulture encompasses produce, greens, spices, condiments, aromatic plants, and plantation crops. India's wide variety of produce includes Mangos, Bananas, Papaya, Coconut, etc. Also, greens typically include cabbage, peas, spinach, etc. Plantation crops consist of rubber, tea, coffee, cashew, etc. Spices are the key ingredients of an Indian diet, including pepper, bay leaf, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. Viticulture promises many financial gains by offering farm-bred crops that aspire for economic profit. Also, viticulture provides a promise of employment both to the rural population and the urban people, typically through job creation in various phases of the development of horticultural produce. For the Indian economy to prosper, there is a careful need for technological progress, automotive intelligence, enterprise resource management, and knowledge transfer. In this research article, a Process called PROVENCE (Processed Verdant Cadence) applies an algorithm name CANDY (Convoluted Random Forest) which in turn starts a method called PROST (Probabilistic Random Forest) to better the overall horticultural well-being of the Indian subcontinent.