bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flash On: Capturing Minoritized Engineering Students’ Persistence through Photovoice Research
Authors: Herrera Lupita , Schaefer Kristin L. , Benjamin Le Shorn S. , Henderson Jerrod A.
Published: March 2023

Background: The attrition of engineering students remains an issue, and even more so for historically marginalized students at some institutions. This study aimed to investigate the challenges minoritized students face in engineering and the ways they navigate toward success. Method: We used photovoice, a methodology where participants take pictures in response to a prompt, and collectively identify the strengths and weaknesses of their community. The final aspect of photovoice is a collective sustainable change, such as policy change. We used thematic analysis of focus group interview transcripts triangulated with results from a pre-survey, photos and their associated hashtags, and written descriptions of photographs as sources of data. Results: Two themes emerged, financial constraints and engineering stress culture, as barriers to student success, while social networks (e.g., student organizations, faculty, and family), finding balance, and positive reassurance were determined to be facilitators to their success. Conclusions: While underrepresented, engineering students continue to face challenges; their collective reflection and discussion initiated by photovoice served as psychosocial support. As institutions grapple with how to support students better, the power of photovoice as a sustainable practice has implications for the teaching, research, and service that can improve student success.
Chemical Footprint as an Indicator of Health Impacts: The Case of Dioxins and Furans in Brazil
Authors: Giannetti Biagio Fernando , Sevegnani Fábio , Agostinho Feni , Almeida Cecília M. V. B. , Simões Pedro Henrique Bolanho , Liu Gengyuan
Published: March 2023

Humans are exposed to several chemical substances during their regular daily activities that can be harmful even in low quantities. Accounting for the mass of a given released chemical may not be appropriate for the assessment of its toxicological impact. To overcome the lack of a systemic perspective of mass-based assessments, methods such as the chemical footprint (ChF) are an alternative to account for a given chemical’s environmental and human toxicological impacts, a task that is considered essential in order to achieve the Agenda 2030 for sustainability. Among others, persistent organic pollutants (POP) should receive attention due to their high potential impact. Using the USEtox model to estimate indicators of human health impact, this study proposes an approach to calculate ChF for dioxins and furans and applies it to Brazil as a case study. The USEtox model quantifies human health impacts from the characterization of factors of a given chemical. Results show that ChF for dioxins and furans is approximately 620 DALY, representing a potential loss of 620 years of life in the Brazilian population. Social costs related to dioxins and furans emissions achieved USD 30 million, translating into monetary values not found in the existing literature. Besides highlighting the impacts of chemical emissions on the Brazilian population, this work contributes to the advances in methods for quantifying more appropriately such impacts beyond the exclusive use of mass units, in turn supporting sustainability-related public policies.
Determining the Contributions in a Denim Fabric Production for Sustainable Development Goals: Life Cycle Assessment and Material Input Approaches
Authors: Sarı Bülent , Zarifi Farhad , Alhasan Muhammed , Güney Hakan , Türkeş Selman , Sırlıbaş Serdal , Civan Yiğit Deniz , Kılınççeker Güray , Şahin Beşir , Keskinkan Olcayto
Published: March 2023

In this paper, within the framework of increasing the contributions to sustainable development goals and reducing the water footprint, the sustainable production potential of a factory producing denim fabrics have been studied in association with the sustainable development goals. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment and Material Input per Service methods were used to determine the environmental impact factors of the factory and the existing water footprint. Calculations were made in three different ways, taking the factory’s total production capacity, a selected product, and the wet processes into account. Although the sustainable production potential of the factory is demonstrated with the Sustainable Development Goals, it has been determined that the contribution rates differ according to both the calculation method and the production data taken into account. As a result of the evaluations, it has emerged as a more dominant view that the factory’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals should be evaluated according to the total production capacity. The sustainability evaluation made according to the total production capacity determined that the factory contributed approximately 12% to Sustainable Development Goal 12 in the period examined, according to both Life Cycle Assessment and Material Input per Service methods. Although there is inconsistency in the Life Cycle Assessment and Material Input per Service method results, it was predicted that there are economic and environmental gain potentials related to Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, and 15, and the sustainable production potential of the factory can be increased.
Economic Rationale for Manifestations of Asymmetry in the Global Trading System
Authors: Tananaiko Tetiana , Yatsenko Olha , Osypova Olha , Nitsenko Vitalii , Balezentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia
Published: March 2023

The interconnected global trading system has proved to be both vulnerable and resistant to crises, despite its asymmetries. The global trading system is constantly changing under the influence of such factors as the digitalization of economic processes and the growing number of nontariff measures to regulate trade volumes, including trade protection measures introduced by countries in order to ensure national economic interests etc. This article analyzes the impact of the tariff and nontariff instruments of export and import regulation on the asymmetries of the global trading system across countries and separate customs territories, depending on their presence in geographical regions or groups of countries associated with different levels of economic development. In order to quantify the possible asymmetries in the global trading system, analysis of variance and regression analysis are applied to explain the variance in the volume of global trade. The regression models for the dependence of export volumes on a number of trade indicators are fitted for developed, developing, and least-developed countries alongside the global trading system as a whole. The research showed that asymmetries of the global trading system exist on the global, regional and bilateral levels. In this research, two types of asymmetries are discussed: asymmetry directly and indirectly linked to international trade processes. To ensure economic development, the global trading system must be modernized so as to reduce the asymmetry. Accordingly, in order to increase effectiveness of the World Trade Organization, suggestions are proposed in regards to reconsidering trade-dispute settling, improving the monitoring of members’ obligations, increasing negotiation process efficiency and defining criteria for categorizing members according to their economic development.
Carbon-Supported Nickel Catalysts—Comparison in Alpha-Pinene Oxidation Activity
Authors: Kamińska Adrianna , Sreńscek-Nazzal Joanna , Kiełbasa Karolina , Grzeszczak Jadwiga , Serafin Jarosław , Wróblewska Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

In this work, carbon-supported nickel catalysts with different Ni content (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) were tested in the oxidation of alpha-pinene in solvent-free reaction conditions. The process of catalyst preparation consisted of two stages. In the first stage, the activated carbon from spent coffee grounds was obtained. In the second stage, the active phase in the form of nickel compounds was applied using two methods: (1) the impregnation of the material with the nickel salt solution, and next reduction in H2, and (2) the hydrothermal method in the autoclave using the reductor and the reaction stabilizer. The obtained catalysts were subjected to the following instrumental studies: FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption at −196 °C. The performed catalytic tests showed that the catalysts containing 5 wt% of Ni (porous material obtained by the impregnation method) and 1 wt% of Ni (porous material obtained by the hydrothermal method) were the most active in the oxidation of alpha-pinene, and the main oxidation products were alpha-pinene oxide, verbenol, and verbenone. Ultimately, the hydrothermal method of catalyst preparation turned out to be more advantageous because it allows one to obtain higher selectivities of the epoxide compound, probably due to the greater stability of this organic compound in pores.
Neighborhood-Level LCA and Hotspot Analysis of Embodied Emissions of a New Urban Area in Reykjavík
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Hjördís Sóley , Heinonen Jukka , Ögmundarson Ólafur , Árnadóttir Áróra
Published: March 2023

The built environment sector causes significant climate change impacts, which indicates an opportunity for the sector to be of great importance in reducing its global impact. The main strategy has focused on urban density and transport as well as studying the emissions caused by buildings with life-cycle assessments (LCAs). However, a holistic approach is often missing, where life-cycle environmental impacts are assessed, and goals are considered at the planning stage. This study proposes LCA on a neighborhood scale for a holistic approach and to identify how LCA can be used to reduce impacts when designing and for decision-making at the planning stage. The focus is on the pre-use phase because that phase has been proven to cause a significant spike in carbon emissions when considering the near future and is crucial in reaching climate goals. The study case is a new neighborhood plan in Reykjavík, Iceland. The assessment focuses on the climate change impact of building a new neighborhood. The study identifies materials as a key factor. It demonstrates how the total emissions of the neighborhood are reduced when more environmentally friendly materials are replaced by traditional ones. It reduces GHG emissions by up to 40% in total.
Seismic Pile–Soil Interaction Analysis Based on a Unified Thixotropic Fluid Model in Liquefiable Soil
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Ji Zhanpeng , Guo Jun , Gao Hongmei , Wang Zhihua
Published: March 2023

One of the challenges to the analysis of interactions between soil and piles in lateral spreading is the modeling of the progress generated by excess pore pressure and soil strength and stiffness degradation. In this paper, a pile–soil interaction analysis method that introduces the thixotropic-induced excess pore pressure model (TEPP) to describe the progressive development of the stress–strain rate connection of liquefying soil is proposed. The reliability of the method was verified by comparing the calculated results with that of the shake table test. Then, the parametric analyses of soil–pile interactions were carried out. The results show that the bending moment and horizontal displacement of pile foundations increase with the increase in superficial viscosity and inclination angle of the site. The horizontal dislocation and bending moment of the pile foundation increase with the decrease in loading frequency as a result of the property of amplifying low-frequency loads and filtering high-frequency loads of liquefied soil.
Study on Internal Flow Characteristics of Hydrocyclone with Guide Vanes
Authors: Li Yongye , Tao Siyuan , Song Xiaoteng , Zhao Yiming
Published: March 2023

Hydrocyclone with guide vanes is one type of swirl flow launching device without energy input. For researching the flow characteristics of that hydrocyclone, the flow distribution of the sections and their variation along the flow were studied using numerical simulation and physical experiment. In addition, the flow field was convenient to be divided into three-dimensional velocities: axial velocity, circumferential velocity, radial velocity and the static pressure. The result showed that the water flow had obvious diversion by the effect of guide vanes. The axial velocity varied into the distribution of higher values emerging away from the pipe wall and the surfaces of guide vanes, and the value was higher on downstream surfaces than upstream surfaces of the guide vanes. The radial velocity’s direction pointed at the axis of pipe on upstream surfaces, and pointed at the pipe wall on the downstream surfaces of the guide vanes; the influenced range was larger in sections along the flow. The circumferential velocity increased along the flow, closing the distorted guide vanes; the value of that velocity was larger closer to the guide vanes, especially the downstream surfaces of the guide vanes. The static pressure decreased along the flow, and the value was larger on the upstream surfaces than the downstream surfaces of the guide vanes. The results can provide some theory references to improve the construction of the hydrocyclone.
Chiral Restoration of Nucleons in Neutron Star Matter: Studies Based on a Parity Doublet Model
Authors: Minamikawa Takuya , Gao Bikai , Kojo Toru , Harada Masayasu
Published: March 2023

We review the chiral variant and invariant components of nucleon masses and the consequence of their existence on the chiral restoration in extreme conditions, particularly in neutron star matter. We consider a model of linear realization of chiral symmetry with the nucleon parity doublet structure that permits the chiral invariant mass, m0, for positive and negative parity nucleons. The nuclear matter is constructed with the parity doublet nucleon model coupled to scalar fields σ, vector fields (ω,ρ), and mesons with strangeness through the U(1)A anomaly. In models with a large m0, the nucleon mass is insensitive to the medium, and the nuclear saturation properties can be reproduced without demanding strong couplings of the nucleons to the scalar fields σ and vector fields ω. We confront the resulting nuclear equations of state with nuclear constraints and neutron star observations and delineate the chiral invariant mass and effective interactions. To further examine the nuclear equations of state beyond the saturation density, we supplement quark models to set the boundary conditions from the high-density side. The quark models are constrained by the two-solar-mass conditions, and such constraints are transferred to nuclear models through the causality and thermodynamic stability conditions. We also calculate various condensates and the matter composition from nuclear to quark matter in a unified matter by constructing a generating functional that interpolates the nuclear and quark matter with external fields. Two types of chiral restoration are discussed: one due to the positive scalar charges of nucleons and the other triggered by the evolution of the Dirac sea. We found that the U(1)A anomaly softens equations of state from low to high density.
Omnidimensional Convex Polytopes
Authors: Łukaszyk Szymon , Tomski Andrzej
Published: March 2023

The study shows that the volumes and surfaces of n-balls, n-simplices, and n-orthoplices are holomorphic functions of n, which makes those objects omnidimensional, that is well defined in any complex dimension. Applications of these formulas to the omnidimensional polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about n-balls reveal previously unknown properties of these geometric objects. In particular, for 0<n<1, the volumes of the omnidimensional polytopes are larger than those of circumscribing n-balls, and both their volumes and surfaces are smaller than those of inscribed n-balls. The surface of an n-simplex circumscribing a unit diameter n-ball is spirally convergent to zero with real n approaching negative infinity but first has a local maximum at n=−3.5. The surface of an n-orthoplex circumscribing a unit diameter n-ball is spirally divergent with real n approaching negative infinity but first has a local minimum at n=−1.5, where its real and imaginary parts are equal to each other; similarly, is its volume, where the similar local minimum occurs at n=−3.5. Reflection functions for volumes and surfaces of these polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about n-balls are proposed. Symmetries of products and quotients of the volumes in complex dimensions n and −n and of the surfaces in complex dimensions n and 2−n are shown to be independent of the metric factor and the gamma function. Specific symmetries also hold between the volumes and surfaces in dimensions n=−1/2 and n=1/2.
Green IoT: A Review and Future Research Directions
Authors: Alsharif Mohammed H. , Jahid Abu , Kelechi Anabi Hilary , Kannadasan Raju
Published: March 2023

The internet of things (IoT) has a significant economic and environmental impact owing to the billions or trillions of interconnected devices that use various types of sensors to communicate through the internet. It is well recognized that each sensor requires a small amount of energy to function; but, with billions of sensors, energy consumption can be significant. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on developing energy-efficient IoT technology and sustainable solutions. The contribution of this article is to support the implementation of eco-friendly IoT solutions by presenting a thorough examination of energy-efficient practices and strategies for IoT to assist in the advancement of sustainable and energy-efficient IoT technologies in the future. Four framework principles for achieving this are discussed, including (i) energy-efficient machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, (ii) energy-efficient and eco-sustainable wireless sensor networks (WSN), (iii) energy-efficient radio-frequency identification (RFID), and (iv) energy-efficient microcontroller units and integrated circuits (IC). This review aims to contribute to the next-generation implementation of eco-sustainable and energy-efficient IoT technologies.
Local and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Fish Poisoning in Fiji
Authors: Lako Jimaima Veisikiaki , Naisilisili Sereima , Vuki Veikila C. , Kuridrani Nanise , Agyei Dominic
Published: March 2023

Fish poisoning (FP) affects human health, trade and livelihood in Fiji, where management has depended mainly on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). This paper investigated and documented this TEK through a 2-day stakeholder workshop, group consultation, in-depth interviews, field observations, and analyses of survey data from the Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji. Six TEK topics were identified and classified as preventative and treatment options. The preventive approach involves identifying toxic reef fishes, the spawning season of edible seaworms, hotspot areas of toxic fishes, folk tests, and locating and removing toxic organs. For example, 34 reef fish species were identified as toxic. The FP season was associated with the spawning of balolo (edible seaworm) and the warmer months of October to April (cyclone seasons). Two well-known toxic hotspots associated with an abundance of bulewa (soft coral) were identified. Folk tests and locating and removing toxic fish organs are also practised for moray eels and pufferfish. At the same time, various locally available herbal plants are used to treat FP as the second line of defence. The TEK collated in this work can help local authorities better identify the sources of toxicity, and applying TEK preventive measures could stem the tide of fish poisoning in Fiji.
Towards Inclusive Diagnostics for Neglected Tropical Diseases: User Experience of a New Digital Diagnostic Device in Low-Income Settings
Authors: Onasanya Adeola , Bengtson Michel , Agbana Temitope , Oladunni Opeyemi , van Engelen Jo , Oladepo Oladimeji , Diehl Jan Carel
Published: March 2023

Designing new and inclusive diagnostic tools to detect Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) to achieve rational disease control requires a co-design process where end-users’ input is important. Failure to involve all potential end-users in new diagnostics for NTDs can result in low use and adoption failure, leading to persistent infection hot spots and ineffective disease control. There are different categories of potential end-users of new diagnostic tools for NTD control, and it is unclear if there are differences between the user efficiency, effectiveness, perception, and acceptability across these end-user categories. This study evaluated the usability, user perception, contextual factors affecting the user’s experience, and acceptability of a new digital optical diagnostic device for NTDs across three types of potential end users. A total of 21 participants were tested. Laboratory scientists, technicians, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in training achieved similar scores on the usability and user perception questionnaires with no statistically significant difference between end-user categories. All participants also have high scores for the user perception domains which strongly correlate with the acceptability of the AiDx NTDx Assist device. This study indicates that, by providing digital diagnostic tools in combination with minimal training and support, CHEWs undergoing training and, by extension, CHEWs post-training, can be involved in the diagnoses of NTDs, potentially enhancing a community’s capabilities to diagnose, treat, and control NTDs.
The Course of COVID-19 among Unvaccinated Patients—Data from the National Hospital in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Zaczyński Artur , Hampel Michał , Piątkiewicz Paweł , Nasiłowski Jacek , Butkiewicz Sławomir , Religioni Urszula , Barańska Agnieszka , Herda Jolanta , Neumann-Podczaska Agnieszka , Vaillancourt Regis , Merks Piotr
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Studies to date indicate the relatively high effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, in Poland, 40% of the population remains unvaccinated. Objective. The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of COVID-19 in unvaccinated hospital patients in Warsaw, Poland. Material and methods. This study evaluated data from 50 adult patients from the National Hospital in Warsaw, Poland, in the period 26 November 2021 to 11 March 2022. None of these patients had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Results. Analysis showed that the average hospitalisation time for these unvaccinated COVID-19 patients was 13 days. Clinical deterioration was observed in 70% of these patients, 40% required the intensive care unit, and 34% subsequently died prior to the end of the study. Conclusions. There was a significant deterioration and high mortality rate in the unvaccinated patients. For this reason, it seems prudent to take measures to increase the vaccination coverage level of the population against COVID-19.
Studying T Cell Responses to Hepatotropic Viruses in the Liver Microenvironment
Authors: Lopez-Scarim Jarrett , Nambiar Shashank Manohar , Billerbeck Eva
Published: March 2023

T cells play an important role in the clearance of hepatotropic viruses but may also cause liver injury and contribute to disease progression in chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections which affect millions of people worldwide. The liver provides a unique microenvironment of immunological tolerance and hepatic immune regulation can modulate the functional properties of T cell subsets and influence the outcome of a virus infection. Extensive research over the last years has advanced our understanding of hepatic conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and unconventional T cell subsets and their functions in the liver environment during acute and chronic viral infections. The recent development of new small animal models and technological advances should further increase our knowledge of hepatic immunological mechanisms. Here we provide an overview of the existing models to study hepatic T cells and review the current knowledge about the distinct roles of heterogeneous T cell populations during acute and chronic viral hepatitis.
Immunization Gender Inequity in Pakistan: An Analysis of 6.2 Million Children Born from 2019 to 2022 and Enrolled in the Sindh Electronic Immunization Registry
Authors: Siddiqi Danya Arif , Iftikhar Sundus , Siddique Muhammad , Mehmood Mariam , Dharma Vijay Kumar , Shah Mubarak Taighoon , Setayesh Hamidreza , Chandir Subhash
Published: March 2023

Gender-based inequities in immunization impede the universal coverage of childhood vaccines. Leveraging data from the Government of Sindh’s Electronic Immunization Registry (SEIR), we estimated inequalities in immunization for males and females from the 2019–2022 birth cohorts in Pakistan. We computed male-to-female (M:F) and gender inequality ratios (GIR) Tfor enrollment, vaccine coverage, and timeliness. We also explored the inequities by maternal literacy, geographic location, mode of vaccination delivery, and gender of vaccinators. Between 1 January 2019, and 31 December 2022, 6,235,305 children were enrolled in the SEIR, 52.2% males and 47.8% females. We observed a median M:F ratio of 1.03 at enrollment and at Penta-1, Penta-3, and Measles-1 vaccinations, indicating more males were enrolled in the immunization system than females. Once enrolled, a median GIR of 1.00 indicated similar coverage for females and males over time; however, females experienced a delay in their vaccination timeliness. Low maternal education; residing in remote-rural, rural, and slum regions; and receiving vaccines at fixed sites, as compared to outreach, were associated with fewer females being vaccinated, as compared to males. Our findings suggeste the need to tailor and implement gender-sensitive policies and strategies for improving equity in immunization, especially in vulnerable geographies with persistently high inequalities.
Reduction of Cr(VI) by Synergistic Effects of Iron-Rich Biochar and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ou Bei , Wang Hui , Xiao Keke , Zhu Yuwei , Liu Yuan , Liang Sha , Hou Huijie , Yu Wenbo , Hu Jingping , Yang Jiakuan
Published: March 2023

In view of the poisonous nature of Cr(VI), it is of great significance to explore an effective and environmentally friendly method to remove Cr(VI). The potential synergistic effects of Cr(VI) reduction by iron-rich biochar and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) were systematically explored in this study. Significantly, in association with PA, the biochar produced by pyrolyzing iron-rich sludge at 300 °C (Fe-300) was more efficient at reducing Cr(VI) than that pyrolyzed at 800 °C (Fe-800), and the performance was always better than biochar or PA alone. For instance, upon an incubation for 20 days, the Cr(VI) removal efficiencies in the groups Cr + Fe-300 + PA, Cr + Fe-800 + PA, Cr + Fe-300, Cr + Fe-800 and Cr + PA were 80%, 19%, 51%, 0% and 35%, respectively. Through further analyses of phosphorus (P) and iron species as well as the cell extraction components of PA, the high Cr(VI) efficiency in Fe-300 + PA was mainly attributed to two aspects: (1) more P (mainly in the form of ortho phosphorus) was released from Fe-300 by PA compared to that from Fe-800, and the released P may react with Fe(II), Fe(III), Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions to form precipitation; (2) cytoplasmic and periplasmic proteins as well as membrane proteins extracted from PA further helped to reduce Cr(VI). A novel approach for reducing Cr(VI) may be proposed by using the potential synergistic effects of iron-rich biochar and PA from this study.
Microplastics in Marine Sediments in Eastern Guangdong in the South China Sea: Factors Influencing the Seasonal and Spatial Variations
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Zhao Puhui , Wang Difeng , Wang Lin , Zhao Hancheng , Wang Xinjie , Zeng Ziyu , Li Ping , Wang Tieyu , Liu Wenhua , Bi Ran
Published: March 2023

Little is known about the comprehensive factors influencing temporal changes in microplastic abundance in marine ecosystems. We investigated seasonal variations in the microplastic distribution in marine sediments in multiple-used zones of Eastern Guangdong in the South China Sea. The top 10 cm sediments from 26 sites were collected by grab sampling in the spring, summer, and winter of 2021. Marine sediments had the lowest microplastic abundance in summer, significantly lower than in other seasons. The size of microplastics varied from 22.5 to 4363.3 µm but the 50–200 µm range was the most abundant. Transparent and fragmented microplastics were the most frequently observed composition. Microplastic abundance negatively correlated to distance to the coast. However, seaweed ecosystems impacted microplastic abundance by changing the microenvironment and/or direct contact and entrapment. Microplastic abundance is closely related to coastal mariculture and local residential and industrial activities. Polypropylene, polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene were the most frequently detected compositions, probably from packaging materials, textiles, and electronic/electrical/building industries. This work helps to understand the role of multiple-used zones and their influence on microplastic distributions in marine ecosystems. Appropriate management of the use and disposal of plastic waste on land was recommended to alleviate microplastic pollution in the marine environment.
Quantity, Species, and Origin of Fungi in a Groundwater-Derived Water Source
Authors: Ren Wei , Huang Tinglin , Wen Gang
Published: March 2023

Fungi pollution in water can lead to serious problems, such as turbidity, odor, food pollution, mycotoxin production, and increased opportunistic infections among people with an immune deficiency. Few studies have reported the fungi community composition, quantity of fungi, and origin of fungi in groundwater. To study the change of quantity and community composition of fungi in groundwater at different times of year, this study evaluated the number of fungi and dominant fungi genera in groundwater and the factors affecting fungi quantity. The results showed that 18 genera of fungi were observed in the study area’s groundwater, among which Penicillium (18–27%), Aspergillus (17–26%), Acremonium (12–28%) were the three most dominant. The numbers of dominant fungi genera were as follows: Penicillium (21–62 CFU/100 mL), Aspergillus (18–43 CFU/100 mL), and Acremonium (15–38 CFU/100 mL). The number of fungi in water closely correlates with environmental variables such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and total organic carbon (TOC). Various genera of fungi were affected differently by unique environmental variables. The fungi in the water were also affected by components of the external environment, such as rainfall, surface farming, surface water sources, and so on. This study aims to provide meaningful information for understanding fungi pollution in groundwater.
Assessing the Impact of Deforestation on Decadal Runoff Estimates in Non-Homogeneous Catchments of Peninsula Malaysia
Authors: Khor Jen Feng , Lim Steven , Ling Vania Lois , Ling Lloyd
Published: March 2023

This study calibrated the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) model to predict decadal runoff in Peninsula Malaysia and found a correlation between the reduction of forest area, urbanization, and an increase in runoff volume. The conventional SCS-CN runoff model was found to commit a type II error in this study and must be pre-justified with statistics and calibrated before being adopted for any runoff prediction. Between 1970 and 2000, deforestation in Peninsula Malaysia caused a decline in forested land by 25.5%, resulting in a substantial rise in excess runoff by 10.2%. The inter-decadal mean runoff differences were more pronounced in forested and rural catchments (lower CN classes) compared to urban areas. The study also found that the CN value is a sensitive parameter, and changing it by ±10% can significantly impact the average runoff estimate by 40%. Therefore, SCS practitioners are advised not to adjust the CN value for better runoff modeling results. Additionally, NASA’s Giovanni system was used to generate 20 years of monthly rainfall data from 2001–2020 for trend analysis and short-term rainfall forecasting. However, there was no significant uptrend in rainfall within the period studied, and occurrences of flood and landslide incidents were likely attributed to land-use changes in Peninsula Malaysia.
Stakeholder Opinions on the Issues of the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District and Policy Alternatives
Authors: Bernat Rebecca F. A. , Megdal Sharon B. , Eden Susanna , Bakkensen Laura A.
Published: March 2023

Arizona has been at the forefront of groundwater management since the establishment of the Groundwater Management Act in 1980. The Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) is a groundwater management mechanism that facilitates development in regions of Central Arizona where the use of groundwater is limited by law. Several stakeholders have raised concerns about some of the CAGRD’s operations; however, stakeholders have yet to agree on the definition of the problems, let alone how the CAGRD might be improved. This study uses statistical and inductive thematic content analysis of a survey to determine (1) the CAGRD issues that stakeholders view as problems and (2) whether opinions differ significantly among different stakeholder groups. This study also uses deductive thematic content analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with CAGRD experts in order to find potential solutions to the CAGRD-related issues that are considered problems by stakeholders. The survey results show that long-term uncertainties related to the availability of renewable water supplies and hydrologic disconnect, where groundwater pumping and replenishment take place in different sub-basins, are stakeholders’ chief concerns. Sector affiliation and CAGRD membership status are associated with stakeholders’ opinions on some, but not all, questions. The potential policy changes offered address problems identified by stakeholders. This research will inform forthcoming policy discussions regarding groundwater management in Central Arizona as the state’s decision makers look to improve the CAGRD in the context of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
A Water Allocation Model for Multiple Uses Based on a Proposed Hydro-Economic Method
Authors: Vichete William Dantas , Méllo Júnior Arisvaldo Vieira , Soares Gabriel Anísio dos Santos
Published: March 2023

Water scarcity drives society to conflict over the allocation of water. Economical externalities based on the development of water production improve the decision-making process for planning water allocation and the operation of the water infrastructure. We present a proposed water allocation model using a priority-based and hydro-economic optimization kernel as a framework for improving the quality of information for the different user sectors, stakeholders, and institutions for the water allocation decision-making process. In addition, we propose a method for using hydro-economic optimization models without the marginal benefit curve of water demand. The proposed model, called AcquaNetGIS, was applied to the São Francisco Transboundary System, and the hydro-economic optimization was improved, allocating 7.0% more water for all users considered, including water supply, irrigation, and hydropower. Moreover, the minimum flow downstream from the Xingó hydropower station reached 98.5% (priority-based optimization) and 99.0% (hydro-economic optimization) during the optimization period. Depending on the rules and legislation, the sustainability of water allocation based on hydro-economic externalities may be a better solution for the planning and operation of complex water infrastructure systems. Multicriteria decision-making methods should consider the results of the proposed model in order to understand the stochastics of the hydrological regimes and economic production based on the availability of water.
Y-Type Zeolite Synthesized from an Illite Applied for Removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution: Box-Behnken Design and Kinetics
Authors: Shah Kinjal J. , Yu Jiacheng , Zhang Ting , You Zhaoyang
Published: March 2023

A Y-type zeolite was prepared from illite clay, which was activated and synthesized by a solid-phase alkali fusion technique with reduced reaction conditions and crystal methods. The optimal synthesis conditions were investigated using the Box-Behnken design for a NaOH/illite (mass ratio) of 1:2, an activation temperature of 185 °C, and an activation time of 2.7 h. The synthesized Y-type zeolites were characterized by various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, and SEM, and the results obtained show that small amounts of quartz and P-type zeolites are present in the synthesized products. The mixture was classified as a zeolitic mineral admixture (ZMA). The adsorption performance of ZMA on Pb(II) and Cu(II) in solution was evaluated by batch adsorption experiments. The results showed that ZMA had good adsorption performance for Pb(II) and Cu(II), with maximum adsorption amounts of 372.16 and 53.46 mg/g, respectively. From the investigation, it was concluded that the adsorption process is chemisorption occurring in monomolecular layers and relying on electrostatic adsorption, ion exchange and complexation of hydroxyl groups on the ZMA surface for heavy metal cations. The ZMA reusability result shows that sodium chloride has the ability to regenerate the active site by restoring the ion exchange capacity without significant loss of Pb(II) and Cu(II) adsorption.
Application of Response Surface Methodology on Brewery Wastewater Treatment Using Chitosan as a Coagulant
Authors: Khumalo Siphesihle Mangena , Bakare Babatunde Femi , Tetteh Emmanuel Kweinor , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: March 2023

Brewery wastewater (BWW) treatment seems to be challenging for conventional wastewater treatment processes. Hence, different processes (i.e., biological, physical, chemical, and advanced oxidation processes) have been investigated; however, reports on parametric optimization using statistical tools are scant. In this present study, the potential application of chitosan as a biopolymer coagulant in decontaminating BWW was investigated. Operating conditions were optimised using the central composite design in response surface methodology (RSM) with 16 experimental runs. The effect of process variables, i.e., pH (4–8), chitosan dose (2–4) g/L and contact time (15–45 min) on the removal of turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC), and orthophosphates were investigated. Experimental results obtained were statistically analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and second-order polynomial response predictive models as functions of input variables with a significant regression coefficient of R2 > 0.95 at 95% confidence were obtained. At numerical optimum conditions of pH (8), chitosan dose (2 g/L), and contact time (43 min), validation experimental responses of 91% turbidity, 89% TOC, and 65% orthophosphate removals were obtained at a standard deviation of ±0.588, ±0.395, and ±3.603, respectively. The validation results at optimum conditions suggest that proper adjustment of pH, chitosan dose, and contact time is imperative for maximising the efficiency of chitosan in treating BWW. Moreover, the findings of the current study demonstrate that chitosan can be used as a viable bio-coagulant in BWW treatment prior to being discharged into water receiving bodies.
Comparative Study for Daily Streamflow Simulation with Different Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Hao Ruonan , Bai Zhixu
Published: March 2023

Rainfall–runoff modeling has been of great importance for flood control and water resource management. However, the selection of hydrological models is challenging to obtain superior simulation performance especially with the rapid development of machine learning techniques. Three models under different categories of machine learning methods, including support vector regression (SVR), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and the long-short term memory neural network (LSTM), were assessed for simulating daily runoff over a mountainous river catchment. The performances with different input scenarios were compared. Additionally, the joint multifractal spectra (JMS) method was implemented to evaluate the simulation performances during wet and dry seasons. The results show that: (1) LSTM always obtained a higher accuracy than XGBoost and SVR; (2) the impacts of the input variables were different for different machine learning methods, such as antecedent streamflow for XGBoost and rainfall for LSTM; (3) XGBoost showed a relatively high performance during dry seasons, and the classification of wet and dry seasons improved the simulation performance, especially for LSTM during dry seasons; (4) the JMS analysis indicated the advantages of a hybrid model combined with LSTM trained with wet-season data and XGBoost trained with dry-season data.
Cost-Effective Natural Adsorbents for Remediation of Oil-Contaminated Water
Authors: Al-Najar Jenan A. , Al-Humairi Shurooq Talib , Lutfee Tagreed , Balakrishnan Deepanraj , Veza Ibham , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Fattah Islam M. R.
Published: March 2023

Oil-contaminated water is among the most significant environmental challenges from various industries and manufacturing processes. Oily water poses a severe environmental threat and is toxic to many forms of life. This study aims to investigate the potential of natural adsorbents, namely animal bones (ABs) and anise residues (ARs), for removing oil from water using a batch adsorption process. The effects of adsorbent dosage (0.2–2 g), oil concentration (200–1000 mg/L), and contact time (30–120 min) on the adsorption process were evaluated. This study is the first to employ ABs and ARs as adsorbents for oil removal, and their efficacy for this purpose has not been previously reported. The results indicate that ABs exhibit superior oil removal capacity compared to ARs. Specifically, ABs removed 45 mg/g of oil from water, while ARs removed only 30 mg/g of oil. Furthermore, ABs achieved a percentage removal rate of 94%, whereas ARs had a percentage removal rate of 70%. The adsorbents were characterised using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, contact angle measurements before and after adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition to the experimental analysis, several kinetic and adsorption models were employed to investigate the adsorption process. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were used to represent the kinetics of the reaction, while the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to represent the adsorption isotherm. Marquardt’s percent standard deviation (MPSD) error function was used to confirm the fit of the experimental data with the isotherm model, in addition to the correlation coefficient R2. The isotherm studies indicated that the experimental data of the two adsorbents used with the Langmuir isotherm model were consistent with one another. The kinetics study demonstrated that the adsorption process using the two adsorbents adheres to a pseudo-second-order kinetics model.
Early Detection and Identification of Damage in In-Service Waterworks Pipelines Based on Frequency-Domain Kurtosis and Time-Shift Coherence
Authors: Lee Sun-Ho , Park Choon-Su , Yoon Dong-Jin
Published: March 2023

Buried pipelines, such as waterworks pipelines, are critical for transmitting essential resources and energy in modern cities, but the risk of pipeline failure, especially due to third-party interference, is a major concern. While various studies have focused on leak detection in waterworks pipelines, research on preventing impact damage is limited. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel algorithm that utilizes energy and similarity measurements for impact detection and compares it theoretically to existing leak-detection methods. The proposed algorithm utilizes frequency-domain kurtosis to determine the frequency band on which the energy of the impact signals is concentrated, along with a time-shift coherence function to measure the similarity of the signals. The application of the source location using the filtered signals enables accurate detection of the location of third-party interference. The proposed algorithm aims to ensure the safety and to prevent failures of buried pipelines. To verify the feasibility of the proposed algorithm, an excavation experiment using a backhoe was conducted on an in-service waterworks pipeline with a diameter of 2200 mm and a burial depth of 3 m. This experiment confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in preventing failures of buried pipelines and demonstrated its practical applicability in the field. The experiment also validated the algorithm’s ability to detect third-party interference damage at various points.
Biorefinery of Sewage Sludge: Overview of Possible Value-Added Products and Applicable Process Technologies
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G.
Published: March 2023

The disposal of excess biological sewage sludge from wastewater treatment is a growing environmental issue due to the vast quantities generated worldwide. For many years, sludge disposal has been considered an inevitable “nuisance” linked to the main task of wastewater treatment; recently, the issues relating to the presence of emerging pollutants in sludge have contributed to severe limitations on traditional disposal routes and increased process costs. As a consequence of the water industry’s approach to sustainability and circular economy principles, the investigation into options for sludge-embedded resource recovery has been increasing over time. Among these, the definition of biorefinery encompasses many processes used to process sewage sludge for biofuel and/or resource recovery. In addition to the “conventional” recovery of biogas and nutrients, biopolymers (PHAs and EPS), proteins, enzymes, biopesticides, and biofuels are among the “new” sludge extraction products that are being studied. Not all of the proposed technologies are, however, mature for industrial exploitation as yet. This paper presents an overview of possible product recovery from sludge biorefinery, with emphasis on recent developments, and on the benefits and limitations of applicable technologies for ensuring sustainability and environmental efficiency, through an analysis of the current literature.
Advances in Transboundary Aquifer Assessment
Authors: Matherne Anne-Marie , Megdal Sharon B.
Published: March 2023

This Special Issue is intended to highlight both recent work to advance the physical understanding of transboundary aquifers and factors relevant in successful collaboration on transboundary groundwater resource use. The collected papers address: (1) the identification and prioritization of the needs and strategies for sustainable groundwater development and use, along with the complexities introduced by working across borders with differing governance frameworks, institutions, cultures, and sometimes languages; (2) the characterization of the physical framework of the aquifer, stressors on the aquifer system, and how those stressors influence the availability of groundwater in terms of its quantity and quality; and (3) the incorporation of stakeholder input and prioritization directly into the process of aquifer assessment and model building. The papers provide insights into the state of knowledge regarding the physical characterization of important transboundary aquifers, primarily along the U.S.–Mexico border and the opportunities for greater stakeholder involvement in resource evaluation and prioritization. They point the way towards a future focus that combines both of these aspects of transboundary aquifer assessment for informing groundwater management discussions by policymakers.