bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective and Competitive Adsorption of Anions in Solution on Porous Adsorbent from Zea mays Steams: Kinetic and Equilibrium Study
Authors: Villabona-Ortíz Angel , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo , Tejada-Tovar Candelaria
Published: September 2022

Surface modification can improve the adsorption capacity of biochar. Biochar was produced from corn stalks (Zea mays) by pyrolysis at 520 °C, activated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) using impregnation ratios of biomass weight: volume 1:2 (B 1:2) and 1:3 (B 1:3). The kinetic study showed that the equilibrium is reached at 180 min; the maximum adsorption capacity of nitrate and sulphate was obtained with B 1:2 and for phosphate with B 1:3. The adsorption of nitrate and phosphate with the two biochars presented a good fitting to the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second-order model, while that of sulphate for B 1:2 is described by Elovich’s model. Freundlich’s model describes the equilibrium of adsorption of nitrate and phosphate using B 1:2 and B 1:3, while Dubinin–Radushkevich adjusts the removal of sulphate for C 1:2 and C 1:3; therefore it is suggested that adsorption occurs in multilayers. The multicomponent study evidences the preference of biocarbon for phosphate, without indicating competition for the active centers of the material among the anions studied.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Water Resources’ Green Utilization Efficiency in China: Based on the EBM Model with Undesirable Outputs and SDM Model
Authors: Zeng Liangen , Li Peilin , Yu Zhao , Nie Yang , Li Shengzhang , Gao Guangye , Huang Di
Published: September 2022

A shortage of water resources is a global issue of common concern. The contribution of the article mainly includes the following two parts. First is the study of water resources’ green utilization efficiency (WRGUE) in 30 provincial administrative units of China from 2009 to 2019 by adopting the epsilon-based measure (EBM) model with undesirable outputs, which can yield a more accurate and reasonable assessment result. In addition, the spatial Durbin model was applied to analyze the driving factors of the WRGUE, which considers the spatial effects. The results are as follows: (1) The discrepancy of the WRGUE in different regions of China is conspicuous, with the highest in East China, followed by the central and the western region, while the Northeast is the lowest. A general decrease trend from China’s southeast coastal area to the northwest inland is presented. (2) Global spatial autocorrelation analysis shows a significant positive spatial autocorrelation in the WRGUE of the 30 sample provinces. However, the local spatial autocorrelation analysis shows that the WRGUE in China presents stronger spatial homogeneity than heterogeneity. (3) The levels of technology advancement, economic development, and the Opening-up policy implementation serve as positive factors influencing the WRGUE in China. On the contrary, the urbanization level has a significant negative impact on the WRGUE. The results of this paper may have great value for sustainable water resource utilization.
On the Presence and Ubiquity of the Exotic Batophora (J. Agardh) in the Mar Menor Lagoon (SE Spain)
Authors: Terradas-Fernández Marc , Valverde-Urrea Miguel , López-Moya Federico , Fernández-Torquemada Yolanda
Published: September 2022

We first report the presence of a species of the genus Batophora in the Iberian Peninsula, in the Mar Menor lagoon (Murcia, SE Spain). We detected this macroalga in November 2021. However, according to some observations, it could have been present in the lagoon at least since 2016, being described as a “rare” form of Dasycladus vermicularis. A further survey made during May 2022 confirmed the presence of this species in much of the perimeter of the Mar Menor. Morphologic analyses are not conclusive regarding the species description, but most traits point to Batophora occidentalis or Batophora occidentalis var. largoensis. A consensus sequence from the rbcL barcode gene was compared by the Blastn tool showing its closeness to other Batophora specimens, yet the specific level was unresolved. The recent confirmation of a Batophora species in a littoral lagoon from Formentera (Balearic Islands) with similar morphologic characteristics could indicate that both putative introductions are connected. Further morphologic and genetic analyses are required in order to know the origin and expansion of this genus along the Mediterranean coasts.
Learning Enhancement Method of Long Short-Term Memory Network and Its Applicability in Hydrological Time Series Prediction
Authors: Choi Jeonghyeon , Won Jeongeun , Jang Suhyung , Kim Sangdan
Published: September 2022

Many studies have applied the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), one of the Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), to rainfall-runoff modeling. These data-driven modeling approaches learn the patterns observed from input and output data. It is widely known that the LSTM networks are sensitive to the length and quality of observations used for learning. However, the discussion on a better composition of input data for rainfall-runoff modeling has not yet been sufficiently conducted. This study focuses on whether the composition of input data could help improve the performance of LSTM networks. Therefore, we first examined changes in streamflow prediction performance by various compositions of meteorological variables which are used for LSTM learning. Second, we evaluated whether learning by integrating data from all available basins can improve the streamflow prediction performance of a specific basin. As a result, using all available meteorological data strengthened the model performance. The LSTM generalized by the multi-basin integrated learning showed similar performance to the LSTMs separately learned for each basin but had more minor errors in predicting low flow. Furthermore, we confirmed that it is necessary to group by selecting basins with similar characteristics to increase the usefulness of the integrally learned LSTM.
Fenton Process for Treating Acrylic Manufacturing Wastewater: Parameter Optimization, Performance Evaluation, Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Zhang Chunhui , Su Peidong , Lu Wenjing , Zhang Zhao , Wang Xinling , Hu Wanyue
Published: September 2022

Acrylic manufacturing wastewater is characterized by high toxicity, poor biodegradability, high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen. Herein, we exploited traditional Fenton technology to treat acrylic fiber manufacturing wastewater. The impacts of key operating variables including the initial concentration of H2O2 (CH2O2), the initial concentration of Fe2+ (DFe2+), and solution pH (pH) on the COD removal rate (RCOD) were explored and the treatment process was optimized by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the optimum parameters are determined as pH 3.0, 7.44 mmol/L of Fe2+ and 60.90 mmol/L of H2O2 during Fenton process. For the actual acrylic manufacturing wastewater treatment shows that the removal rates for COD, TOC, NH4+-N and TN are 61.45%~66.51%, 67.82%~70.99%, 55.67%~60.97% and 56.45%~61.03%, respectively. It can meet the textile dyeing and finishing industry water pollutant discharge standard (GB4287-2012). During the Fenton reaction, the effective degradation and removal of organic matter is mainly achieved by HO• oxidation, supplemented by flocculation and sedimentation of Fe3+ complexes. This study will provide useful implications in the process parameters for the practical application of Fenton method in acrylic acid production wastewater.
The University of West Florida Campus Ecosystem Study: Spatial and Temporal Variation in Water Quality at Thompson Bayou
Authors: Gilliam Frank S. , Hardin Jacob W. , Williams Jacob A. , Lackaye Rachel L.
Published: September 2022

Much of our understanding of factors influencing stream chemistry comes from studies of montane forests, whereas far less work has focused on streams of coastal areas that integrate a homogeneous, flat topography and interactions with the bodies of water into which they drain, especially involving tidal fluxes. Fewer still do so in the context of an urban interface, especially that of a college campus. This study assessed the water quality of Thompson Bayou, a freshwater stream entering the University of West Florida campus in a wetland after flowing through the urban property with impacted water quality. We measured temperature, pH, dissolved O2 (DO), and specific conductivity (SC) for one year at eight sites along Thompson Bayou from campus to the Escambia River. All variables, except temperature, varied spatially, with consistent increases in DO and SC toward the river of 10% and 75%, respectively. Variables exhibited temporal patterns of significant seasonal variation, especially temperature, increasing from a January minimum of 14 °C to a summer maximum of 28 °C. These results suggest that, in general, the biogeochemistry of coastal streams such as Thompson Bayou can be influenced by numerous factors, including (1) wetland processes, (2) interactions of the stream channel with forested uplands, and (3) tidal fluxes.
Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Function in Dingxi City, Upper Yellow River Basin
Authors: Li Jiuyi
Published: September 2022

Dingxi City is located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, at the intersection between the Loess Plateau and West Qinling Mountains. The water and soil conservation function of Dingxi City is very important and have become key constraining factors for economic and social development. Due to the fragmented terrain and landscape patches, high spatial accuracy in the assessment of water and soil conservation is required for proper management. In this study, we introduced an index system for the evaluation of soil and water conservation functions, including various influencing factors. The results showed that area percentages of the five levels (lower, low, medium, high, and higher) in soil conservation were 6.24, 6.25, 23.49, 30.95, and 33.07, respectively, and the areas with higher soil conservation were mainly concentrated in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau with low vegetation coverage. The percentages of water conservation in the five levels (lower, low, medium, high, and higher) were 40.49, 21.78, 16.66, 7.9, and 13.11, respectively, and the areas with higher water conservation were concentrated in Min County and Zhang County, with the most abundant precipitation and highest vegetation coverage. In addition, functional areas of soil and water conservation had obvious spatial heterogeneity. Among them, the proportion of high-grade functional areas for soil conservation decreased with an increase in precipitation, whereas a high proportion of high-grade functional areas for water conservation was concentrated in areas with precipitation of more than 600 mm. The conflict between agricultural production and ecological protection of soil and water conservation is prominent, and areas with serious conflict are concentrated in the central and northern areas of Dingxi City. Based on this, we suggest a spatial layout guidance for agricultural production and ecological protection, providing a scientific basis for decision-making that supports ecological protection and high-quality sustainable development in Dingxi City.
A Low-Carbon Decision-Making Algorithm for Water-Spot Tourists, Based on the k-NN Spatial-Accessibility Optimization Model
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Wen Bowei , Su Mingzhan , Tian Jiangpeng
Published: September 2022

This study presents a low-carbon decision-making algorithm for water-spot tourists, based on the k-NN spatial-accessibility optimization model, to address the problems of water-spot tourism spatial decision-making. The attributes of scenic water spots previously visited by the tourists were knowledge-mined, to ascertain the tourists’ interest-tendencies. A scenic water-spot classification model was constructed, to classify scenic water spots in tourist cities. Then, a scenic water spot spatial-accessibility optimization model was set up, to sequence the scenic spots. Based on the tourists’ interest-tendencies, and the spatial accessibility of the scenic water spots, a spatial-decision algorithm was constructed for water-spot tourists, to make decisions for the tourists, in regard to the tour routes with optimal accessibility and lowest cost. An experiment was performed, in which the tourist city of Leshan was chosen as the research object. The scenic water spots were classified, and the spatial accessibility for each scenic spot was calculated; then, the optimal tour routes with optimal spatial accessibility and the lowest cost were output. The experiment verified that the tour routes that were output via the proposed algorithm had stronger spatial accessibility, and cost less than the sub-optimal ones, and were thus more environmentally friendly.
Comparison of Microbial Profiling and Tracer Testing for the Characterization of Injector-Producer Interwell Connectivities
Authors: Zhang Yuran , Dekas Anne E. , Hawkins Adam J. , Primo John Carlo , Gorbatenko Oxana , Horne Roland N.
Published: September 2022

Insufficient understanding of the microbial communities and associated microbial processes in geological reservoirs hinders the utilization of this rich data source for improved resource management. In this study, along with four interwell tracer tests at a 1478-m deep fractured crystalline-rock aquifer, we analyzed the microbial communities in the injected and produced water by high-throughput sequencing. The microbial community similarities across boreholes during an interwell flow scenario frequently encountered in reservoir development was explored. Despite the significant tracer recoveries (~30%) in all tracer tests and the cumulatively >100,000 L of exogenous water (carrying exogenous microbes) injected into the 10-m-scale reservoir, the overall structure of produced-fluid microbiome did not increasingly resemble that of the injectate. However, producers with better connectivity with the injector (based on tracer test results) did have more amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that overlapped with those in the injectate. We identified possible drivers behind our observations and verified the practicality of repeated microbial sampling in the context of reservoir characterization and long-term monitoring. We highlight that injector-producer microbial profiling could provide insights on the relative connectivities across different producers with a given injector, and that the associated logistical needs may be comparable or even less than that of classic tracer tests.
Soil Health Assessment of Three Semi-Arid Soil Textures in an Arizona Vineyard Irrigated with Reclaimed Municipal Water
Authors: Mpanga Isaac K. , Sserunkuma Herbert , Tronstad Russell , Pierce Michael , Brown Judith K.
Published: September 2022

The depletion of freshwater supply is occurring at a faster rate than it is being replenished. The agriculture sector is the largest consumer of freshwater for irrigation and production-related processes. The use of reclaimed municipal water for the irrigation of crops offers a sustainable alternative solution for reducing the dependence of agriculture on freshwater. However, the long-term and continuous use of reclaimed water may contribute to soil salinity and sodicity limitations in agriculture production. The chemical and microbial properties of three different soil textures (all Alluvial soil with 60% clay: pH 8.6; 30% clay: pH 8.2; and 20% clay: pH 7.9) were evaluated in a vineyard irrigated using reclaimed water (126 mg/L Na+, 154 mg/L Cl−, 7.6 water pH, and 1.2 dS/m ECw). The results indicate that the reclaimed irrigation water significantly (p < 0.05) increased the pH (by 0.4 to 18%), nitrate-N (over 100%), electrical conductivity (EC) (over 100%), and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) in these arid soils. A significant decline in microbial respiration (48 to 80%) was also documented in the three different soil textures that received reclaimed water. Although using reclaimed water for crop irrigation may be a substitute for using limited freshwater resources and offer a partial solution to increasing water security for wine grape production, the development of innovative technologies is needed for the long-term use of reclaimed water to counter its undesirable effects on soil quality.
Pore Size in the Removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen from Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Using Polymeric Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Mkilima Timoth , Bazarbayeva Tursynkul , Assel Kydyrbekova , Nurmukhanbetova Nurgul , Ostretsova Idiya , Khamitova Aina , Makhanova Saule , Sergazina Samal
Published: September 2022

Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) are among the water quality parameters that cannot be easily removed from wastewater. Unfortunately, the excessive accumulation of nutrients in water can lead to numerous health issues for humans and the environment in general (including aquatic life). This study looked into the potential use of polymeric nanofiltration membranes to remove total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The wastewater samples were subjected to three different treatment systems determined by pore sizes (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 nm) as well as an integrated system composed of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration as the main units. The results of the study showed that pore size can significantly affect a nanofiltration system’s overall performance for removing nutrients from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The phenomenon was supported by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, which showed that the treated effluent’s concentrations of the investigated water quality parameters at different pore sizes produced p-values that were less than 0.01 (statistically significant). According to the results of the removal efficiency analysis, the combination of ammonia and a 0.8 nm pore size demonstrated the lowest removal efficiency, with a removal rate of around 54.57%. However, the combination of nitrate and a 0.4 nm pore size showed the best removal efficiency of about 90.5%. On the other hand, the integrated treatment was observed to be highly effective in the removal of the investigated parameters with a removal efficiency ranging from 97.8 to 99.71%. The study’s findings offer useful information about the potential use of nanofiltration treatment systems for wastewater from poultry slaughterhouses.
An Assessment of Water Supply Governance in Armed Conflict Areas of Rakhine State, Myanmar
Authors: Khaing Thin , Nguyen Thi Phuoc Lai
Published: September 2022

This study aims to analyze the actors and institutions for public water supply governance in armed conflict areas of Rakhine State, Myanmar. Using Stakeholder Salience Theory and Institutional Analysis of data collected from four participatory workshops and interviews with 160 water stakeholders from the four townships in Rakhine State, the findings revealed that although the water supply system is managed and governed by the state water authorities with the involvement of many administrative, political, and sectoral technical agencies and organizations, the non-formal community organizations such as ethnic armed military and religious institutions also have a strong interest in water supply and are considered dangerous actors in the water supply governance process. Diverse water actors held different perspectives and perceptions of water supply quality and quantity because of their different power holdings and political and economic interests. The state actors seemed biased on their positive performance, demonstrating their satisfaction with the current water supply governance, while community, private sectors, and household water users instead showed their dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of the current water supply system, but they stayed neutral about the water supply governance performance. The research showed the complexity and dynamics of water actors’ powers and interests in armed conflict areas. In addition, there is a lack of socio-technical and financial capacity for the investment and maintenance of water distribution and collection infrastructure and facility, as well as water quality and quantity monitoring and evaluation. The study appeals to the development and peacebuilding organizations working in conflict areas to promote adaptive governance for community learning and adaptation to social-political and environmental change over time.
Interannual Variability of Snowiness and Avalanche Activity in the Ile Alatau Ridge, Northern Tien Shan
Authors: Medeu Akhmetkal , Blagovechshenskiy Viktor , Gulyayeva Tamara , Zhdanov Vitaliy , Ranova Sandugash
Published: September 2022

Snowiness and avalanche activity are very important natural characteristics of mountain areas. They have a great influence on the possibility of areas’ development, especially regarding winter recreation. This article considers the interannual variability of snowiness and avalanche activity in the Ile Alatau Ridge (Northern Tien Shan), which belongs to the areas with a continental snow climate. The sum of winter precipitation and snow depth are used as snowiness indices, and the indices of avalanche activity are the total avalanche volume, maximum avalanche volume and number of avalanches. The work uses archival data for the period from 1966 to 2022. Interannual variability of snowiness and avalanche activity indices and long-term temporal trends were assessed, correlation between these indices was studied, and extreme values with different return periods were calculated. The relationship between years with a high snowiness and years with a high avalanche activity, as well as years with a high avalanche activity and years with a large number of avalanche victims and high avalanche damage has been studied. Similar studies have not been previously carried out for the areas with a continental snow climate. Snowiness indices have weak, non-significant, increasing temporal trends. The total avalanche volume has a non-significant decreasing temporal trend, and the maximum avalanche volume has a significant decreasing one. The number of avalanches has a significant increasing temporal trend. This study could be relevant for understanding the features of temporal variability of snowiness and avalanche activity in the mountainous regions with a continental snow climate.
Water Quality Index Classification Based on Machine Learning: A Case from the Langat River Basin Model
Authors: Shamsuddin Illa Iza Suhana , Othman Zalinda , Sani Nor Samsiah
Published: September 2022

Traditionally, water quality is evaluated using expensive laboratory and statistical procedures, making real-time monitoring ineffective. Poor water quality requires a more practical and cost-effective solution. Water pollution has been a severe issue, hurting water quality in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial to create a model that forecasts water quality to control water pollution and inform consumers in the event of the detection of poor water quality. For effective water quality management, it is essential to accurately estimate the water quality class. Motivated by these considerations, we utilize the benefits of machine learning methods to construct a model capable of predicting the water quality index and water quality class. This study aims to investigate the performance of machine learning models for multiclass classification in the Langat River Basin water quality assessment. Three machine learning models were developed using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Decision Trees (DT), and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to classify river water quality. Comparative performance analysis between the three models indicates that the SVM is the best model for predicting river water quality in this study. In addition, there is a statistically significant difference in performance between the SVM, DT, and ANN models at the 0.05 level of confidence. The use of the kernel function, the grid search method, and the multiclass classification technique used in this study significantly impacts the effectiveness of the SVM model. The findings bolster the idea that machine learning models, particularly SVM, can be used to forecast WQI with a high degree of accuracy, hence enhancing water quality management. Consequently, the model based on machine learning lowered the cost and complexity of calculating sub-indices of six water quality parameters and classifying water quality compared to the standard IKA-JAS formula.
Showering Thermal Sensation in Residential Bathrooms
Authors: Wong Ling-Tim , Mui Kwok-Wai , Chan Yiu-Wing
Published: September 2022

The thermal energy consumed by showering to the satisfaction of the showering subject, is largely dependent on the water temperature, shower duration, water flow rate, and bathroom air temperature. A research gap, between human thermal preferences and the smart use of thermal energy in high-rise urban residential bathroom environments, has been identified. This study examines the influence of a bathroom’s thermal environment on the showering subject’s thermal sensation. Of the 98 invited respondents, a total of 31 volunteers (12 females and 19 males) participated in the showering experiments, under three thermal conditions (control, colder, and warmer); their subjective thermal responses, including thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and thermal acceptability votes, were recorded. The results showed a non-linear trend of thermal sensation vote (TSV) against the bathroom air temperature. The predicted dissatisfied (PD) was asymmetrical, and the showering subjects preferred a slightly warm environment. Although the female TSV values were more sensitive than the male ones, in both the colder and warmer experiments, there were no significant gender differences. The findings of this study—including the expressions derived from the shower-water and bathroom air temperatures for the thermal comfort zone in a bathroom environment—can be used as a reference to enhance our understanding of thermal energy consumption in environmental design, and to help optimize the thermal environment in bathrooms.
Three-Dimensional Engineering Geological Model and Its Applications for a Landslide Site: Combination of Grid- and Vector-Based Methods
Authors: Nguyễn Thanh-Tùng , Dong Jia-Jyun , Tseng Chia-Han , Baroň Ivo , Chen Chao-Wei , Pai Chao-Chin
Published: September 2022

A three-dimensional engineering geological model (EGM), which provides an approximation of the geological conditions, is a key element in any engineering project. The slope at Huafan University, Mt. Dalun, in the Western Foothills of northern Taiwan, is a dip slope that has been assumed to be unstable. The bedrock is mainly composed of intercalated sandstone and shale, where the thickness of the sandstone varies from thin to massive, interbedded with shale from the Miocene age. By interpolating the thickness of the colluvium derived from borehole data and analyzing the contours of the interpolation surface result, we find that the landslide material accumulates at the slope foot, towards the southwest in the direction of movement. Due to tectonic control—in particular, considering the two local faults that pass through the study area—the strata’s orientation significantly changes over the studied slope. As a basis for the 3D EGM, polynomial surface fitting is applied for detailed analysis of the sub-surface geological structure, as well as to compute the regressive orientation of the bedding plane derived from the borehole data. Based on the calculated regression plane passing through the elevations of the geological interface (key bed), the results indicate that the regression plane’s direction is consistent with the outcrop measurements. Moreover, several cross-sectional profiles are considered to visualize and clarify the 3D EGM. Finally, surface and sub-surface monitoring data are compared with the result, in order to refine the 3D EGM. The proposed geological model is expected to contribute to the comprehensive understanding of gravitational slope deformation, and may serve as a guideline to minimize potential disasters.
Perspectives for Quality Evaluation of Some Mineral Waters from Slanic Moldova
Authors: Misaila Lavinia , Barsan Narcis , Nedeff Florin Marian , Raducanu Dumitra , Radu Cristian , Grosu Luminita , Patriciu Oana-Irina , Gavrila Lucian , Finaru Adriana-Luminita
Published: September 2022

In the present study, using a combination of several analytical techniques such as conductometry/total dissolved solids (TDS), pH-metry, ICP-MS and UV-Vis spectrometry, 38 parameters (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, B, Li, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb, Be, V, Co, Ga, As, Rb, Cs, Hg, Tl, U, F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, NO2−, HCO3−, CO2, electric conductivity (EC)/TDS and pH) for seven natural mineral waters (springs 1 bis, 5, 10, 14, 15, Sonda 2 and Sfantul Spiridon) from the Slanic Moldova area (Romania) were evaluated. Our data were compared with the historical chemical analyses records and also with the limits established by international and Romanian regulations for qualitative evaluation of natural mineral waters. In the case of the Evolution of the mineralization degree over time, it was observed that, in the interval 1933–2021, for all the studied sources, there were variations of mineralization that could be attributed to climatic and geological changes, mode of exploitation, as well as to analysis techniques used. Although decreases in mineralization were observed between 1981 and 2006 for water sources 1 bis, 10, 15 and S2, with a slight recovery and stability period between 2006 and 2021, they have retained their characteristics over time. Moreover, spring 14 retains its status as the most mineralized spring of the seven, although it also recorded a decrease in the mineralization degree between 2013 and 2018. Even if the concentration of major and minor ions showed some variation, highlighting the diversity of the water intakes and its changes over time for some of the springs, it is noticeable that these springs have kept their characteristics over time. It was identified that Sodium (Na+) was present in all natural mineral waters but predominated in sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate. The concentration of potassium ion has shown a fairly significant fluctuation, in 2006 being registered the lowest values for most sources: 1 bis (88.00 mg/L), 5 (6.00 mg/L), 10 (81.00 mg/L), 14 (115.00 mg/L), 15 (45.20 mg/L), S2 (11.00 mg/L). By means of ICP-MS, trace elements that have never before been tested or reported were identified, thus completing the chemical fingerprint of these natural mineral waters to increase their value for routine or therapeutic uses or further sustainable exploitation.
Manure plus Plastic Film Mulch Reduces Soil Salinity and Improves Barley-Maize Growth and Yield in Newly Reclaimed Coastal Land, Eastern China
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Yang Jingsong , Yao Rongjiang , Xie Wenping , Zhang Xing
Published: September 2022

In newly reclaimed coastal soil, saline conditions and nutrient deficiency are the restraining factors for crop yield. Manure and plastic film mulch are proved to play a vital role in reducing soil salt, increasing soil water, and improving soil nutrients and plant growth. A field experiment was carried out with plastic film mulch, manure, and their combinations in the Tiaozini reclamation area; four treatments were set up as (1) control treatment (CK), (2) plastic film mulch (PM), (3) farmyard manure (FM), and (4) combined application of plastic film mulch and farmyard manure (PM+FM). The main results showed that, compared with CK treatment, the average soil water content under the FM+PM treatment was increased by 5.8% and 3.6%, and the average soil salt content was reduced by 20.2% and 10.0% at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers, respectively. This was because of the decrease in soil bulk density and increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity and saturated water content. Meanwhile, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus were significantly increased under the PM+FM treatment, except that for AN, which was significantly decreased at the 0–10 cm soil layer owing to plant uptake. Based on the decrease in soil salt, there was an improvement in soil hydraulic properties and soil nutrients, which resulted in summer maize biomass and yield being increased by 106% and 137%, respectively, and barley biomass and yield were increased by 133% and 106%, respectively, under FM+PM treatment. Consequently, combined manure and plastic film mulch application was better at reducing soil salt; increasing soil water content; and improving soil nutrients, plant growth, and yield production in newly reclaimed salt-affected soils.
Preparation of La(III), Fe(III) Modified Zeolite Molecular Sieves for the Removal of Fluorine from Water
Authors: Jia Chaomin , Fan Yijia , Jiang Ruolan , Su Peidong , Liu Shuai , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Jianbing
Published: September 2022

Excessive fluoride in mine water has become a major concern because it can cause detrimental effects to human health. Nevertheless, the removal efficiency of traditional adsorbents is far from satisfactory. Herein, La and Fe bimetallic supported zeolite was synthesized by co-precipitation method, for efficient defluoridation. The defluoridation performance of La-Fe zeolite was studied by a batch adsorption experiment and dynamic adsorption column test. Results indicated that the removal efficiency of F− was 99.04% under the optimal conditions (4 h, adsorbent dosage 8.0 g/L, agitation rate 200 rpm/min, temperature 298K and pH = 6 ± 1) that were determined through the batch adsorption experiments. CO32− and HCO3− can inhibit the defluorination effect of La-Fe zeolite. The adsorption of fluoride ions on La-Fe zeolite can be well described by the Langmuir adsorption model, and the maximum fluoride ion adsorption capacity is 2.64 mg/g. The test of dynamic adsorption column shows that the adsorption efficiency of F− by La-Fe zeolite on was higher than 85% for continuous adsorption of 9 h, indicating that La-Fe zeolite has good practical applications. The mechanism analysis indicated that the adsorption of fluoride ion by La-Fe modified zeolite involves both ion exchange and complexation, which belongs to the physicochemical process.
Adicción a internet en estudiantes mexicanos de educación secundaria
Authors: Ruvalcabar Estrada Otoniel , Hernández Sánchez Hilcia
Published: September 2022

El propósito de este estudio fue realizar un diagnóstico del nivel de adicción a internet en alumnos de tres escuelas secundarias ubicadas en el estado de Chiapas, México durante el ciclo escolar 2020-2021. Se utilizó un diseño cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, no experimental y de lógica deductiva. La población estuvo compuesta por 250 alumnos, que dieron respuesta al Cuestionario sobre Adicción a Internet. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y el análisis de varianza. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la dimensión mejor valorada por los alumnos es la administración del tiempo (M = 2.02), en cambio la dimensión problemas académicos obtuvo el nivel más bajo de valoración (M = 1.63). Los alumnos manifestaron que en promedio pasan de 4 a 6 horas diarias navegando en internet. Al analizar los baremos se encontró que el 85.6% de los alumnos participantes mostró un nivel bajo de adicción a este recurso. El análisis de varianza mostró que existe una diferencia significativa en el nivel de adicción a internet respecto a la escuela (p = <?.001).
Síndrome visual informático en estudiantes de Enfermería de una universidad pública peruana durante la emergencia sanitaria
Authors: Estrada Araoz Edwin Gustavo , Quispe Aquise Jhemy , Ttito Vilca Sara Agripina , Pilco Arraya Kharla Madelinth
Published: September 2022

La emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 forzó la virtualización de las actividades que se realizaban de manera presencial (estudios, trabajo y socialización) para cumplir con las disposiciones de aislamiento social obligatorio y evitar que las tasas de contagio se incrementen. Por ello, fue necesario que las personas se conecten constantemente a los dispositivos digitales. En ese sentido, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar los niveles de síndrome visual informático en los estudiantes de una universidad pública peruana durante la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19. El enfoque fue cuantitativo, el diseño no experimental y el tipo descriptivo transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 145 estudiantes de la carrera profesional de Enfermería a quienes se les aplicó el Cuestionario de Síndrome Informático (SVI-Q), instrumento con adecuados niveles de confiabilidad y validez basada en el contenido. De acuerdo a los resultados, el nivel de síndrome visual informático del 43,4% de los estudiantes era moderado, del 33,8% era bajo, mientras que del 22,8% era alto. Los principales síntomas que presentaron fueron el ardor o quemazón de los ojos, el lagrimeo y el enrojecimiento ocular. Del mismo modo, se estableció que algunas variables sociodemográficas y ergonómicas como el sexo, el tiempo de exposición a los dispositivos y el uso de estrategias preventivas se asociaban de manera significativa con el síndrome visual informático. Finalmente, se concluyó que los estudiantes se caracterizaban por presentar niveles moderados del síndrome visual informático, por lo que era necesario la aplicación de estrategias preventivas para reducir su prevalencia.
Report of a Fish Kill Due to a Dinoflagellate Bloom in Perak and Penang, Malaysia
Authors:   Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, RAZALI ROZIAWATI MOHD , MUSTAPA NURIN IZZATI , MD. NOORDIN WAN NORHANA , RAHIM MASAZURAH A. , HII KIENG SOON , LIM PO TEEN , LEAW CHUI PIN , MUHD-FAROUK HARMAN , YAACOB KU KASSIM KU
Published: September 2022

A fish kill incident was reported at the marine fish culture areas north of Perak and south of Penang, Malaysia, on 26 May 2020. An investigation was carried out at 10 stations in Kerian, Perak and Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang. Seawater samples were collected to identify microalgae species and determination of dissolved inorganic nutrients. The physical parameters of water such as salinity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ while the dissolved inorganic nutrients were analysed spectrophotometrically. The dominant microalga was identified as Margalefidinium fulvescens (Iwataki, Kawami & Matsuoka) Gómez, Richlen & Anderson, 2017, based on the morphological and molecular characterisation of the large subunit ribosomal gene. Long rounded and ellipsoidal cells, 30-43 µm in length, appeared in chains of single, two, four or eight cells. The sulcus was slightly narrow surrounding the cell about one turn, but the cingulum was rather deep, encircling the cell approximately twice, and the chloroplasts were brownish, granular and scattered peripherally. The highest M. fulvescens cell counts were recorded at 6.22 × 105 cells L-1 and 4.61 × 105 cells L−1 in Kerian, Perak and Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, respectively. The physical parameters of the seawater from the affected sites were within the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Standard (MMWQS) for aquaculture. However, slightly higher levels of nitrate, phosphate and ammonia were noted at several stations. Although the exact cause of the bloom was undecided, it could be due to nutrient discharge along the coasts, which also concurred with the transition phase of the northeast to the southwest monsoon.
Weather Information and Decision-Support Tool Needs Assessment
Authors: Calderwood Lily , Koehler Glen , Birkel Sean , Roche Erin
Published: September 2022

University of Maine researchers developed three commodity-specific grower focus groups (lowbush blueberry, apple, mixed vegetable) to discuss and survey 1) current access to weather information, and 2) interest in weather-based decision support tools. NOAA National Weather Service (30%) (n=47) was most commonly cited as a weather information source. Growers ranked greater forecast accuracy (31%) and localization (19%) (n=48) as highest priorities. Only 34% of growers reported current use of weather-based decision support tools, but 86% expressed interest in future use (n=134). The project team is using grower input to improve weather data access and decision-support tools for Maine farmers.
TikTok, Tomatoes, and Teenagers: Using New Social Media Apps to Connect Extension Education with Younger Audiences
Authors: Simpson Coleman , Donaldson Joseph
Published: September 2022

Social media usage has precipitated changes in Cooperative Extension’s delivery of programs to amplify involvement with selected audiences and it is important that we craft relevant content for a variety of audiences. Current research tells us that social media and related content can enrich education and can create broader audiences for programming. Resources like blogs, podcasts, and geofilters have shown to be received positively by a wide range of audiences and have created greater rates of engagement. Yet, one platform that has received limited attention is TikTok, perhaps due to TikTok’s mixed reviews in educational systems. With current trends showing that 48% of 18-29 year olds are using the app, we believe that TikTok has great potential for connecting audiences with research-based information and engaging previously unreached communities.
Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work
Authors: Hill Paul , Ali Amanda , Narine Lendel , Schmutz Andrea , Riskas Tyson , Spielmaker Debra
Published: September 2022

Compared to urban counties, Utah's rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study.
Participatory Evaluation and Needs Assessment Tools for Cooperative Extension in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Vines Karen
Published: September 2022

The Cooperative Extension organization could be categorized as a participatory organization because of our focus on local needs in driving our work. The pandemic moved a lot of our work to online platforms. This article reflects on use of online tools for program evaluation and needs assessment. Online focus groups were successful in gathering high quality data from a diverse and geographically dispersed population for program evaluation and as part of a needs assessment process. Coupling the focus groups with a modified World Café approach allowed us to go beyond identification of needs to prioritization and development of potential solutions.
PIBID e a inserção tecnológica na Escola Municipal Frei Cristóvão de Santo Hilário: um caminho para aprendizagem da matemática / PIBID and the technological insertion in the Municipal School Frei Cristóvão de Santo Hilário: a way to learn mathematics
Authors: Santos Volnei Costa , Nascimento Victor Araujo , Cruz Cristiane Pereira Santos da
Published: September 2022

Frente a uma era digital acreditamos que ferramentas tecnológicas possam mudar a aprendizagem matemática de forma significativa e abrangente. Desse modo, este artigo objetiva discorrer sobre a inserção da tecnologia em ambientes educacionais diversificados na busca de aperfeiçoamento da formação inicial e continuada de professores  acerca dos efeitos positivos de resultados de oficinas em práticas pedagógicas  considerados pontos positivos , que se fizeram  presente na inserção da tecnologia na Educação e sua implicação no processo de ensino-aprendizagem no ano letivo de 2016 na escola Municipal Frei Cristovão de Santo Hilário no município de Lagarto/ SE  com um olhar atento sobre o Projeto Matemática e Suas Tecnologias trazidas pelo PIBID.
The determination of distal hip circumference in universities students depending on the sport type
Authors: Karatieieva Svitlana , Slobodian Oleksandr , Lukashiv Taras , Honchar Halyna , Komar Volodymyr , Kozlovska Svitlana
Published: September 2022

Purpose: to find out the features of hip girth (distal) of both limbs of young boys and young girls of Bukovynian higher educational institutions, depending on the sport type.

Materials and methods: 115 students of Bukovynian higher education institutions aged from 16 to 21 years old participated in the study, 78 (67.82%) of them were young boys and 37 (32.18%) were young girls. The main group was 75 (65.22 %) students of the I-II courses of the Faculty of Physical Culture and Human Health (the Yuriy Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University), the control group - 40 (34.78%) college students and students of the Stomatological Faculty of the Bukovynian State Medical University, who underwent an anthropometric study, according to the method of V.V. Bunaka in the modification of P.P. Shaparenko (determination of body weight and hip girth distally).

Results: a comparison of the length of the distal right and left hip girth of young boys and young girls of both groups shows that the length of the right hip girth of young boys and young girls is bigger than the left: the main group (right in young boys - 48.50±2.0 cm, left - 42.25 ±2.0 cm; right in young girls – 48.59±2.0 cm; left – 41.74±2.0 cm), control group (right in young boys – 49.19±2.0 cm, left – 44 ,42±2.0 cm; young girls' right - 46.57±2.0 cm; left - 41.52±2.0 cm). The conducted regression analysis shows that gender and weight are significant factors for hip girth distally on the right and left.

Conclusions: the model for predicting the circumference of the distal right thigh has the equation: y = β1+β2 +0.318*x, where y is the distal right thigh circumference, x is weight. Coefficient β1 = 29.848 for young girls and β2 = 25.95 for young boys. The coefficient of determination is 0.994. On the left, it has the equation: y = β1+β2 +0.292*x, where y is the hip girth on the distal left, x is weight. Coefficient β1 = 29.848 for women and β2 = 21.901 for men. The coefficient of determination is 0.991.
An Overview of Military Confrontations between of the Assyrian Army against the Medes in the 7th centuries BCE
Authors: FARROKH Kaveh , MAKSYMIUK Katarzyna , SKUPNIEWICZ Patryk , FATHI Salam
Published: September 2022

The article discusses the military confrontation between Neo-Assyrian kingdom and the Median polities in the 7th century BCE. At the beginning the outline of the history of wars between the Medes and Assyria from the 9th century onwards is presented which is followed by the brief description of the Assyrian forces of the era and detailed examination of the events until the fall of the Neo-Assyrian empire. In conclusions an attempt to reconstruct possible principles of the Median warfare was made.