bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetlock Joint Angle Pattern and Range of Motion Quantification Using Two Synchronized Wearable Inertial Sensors per Limb in Sound Horses and Horses with Single Limb Naturally Occurring Lameness
Authors: Pagliara Eleonora , Marenchino Maddalena , Antenucci Laura , Costantini Mario , Zoppi Giacomo , Giacobini Mario Dante Lucio , Bullone Michela , Riccio Barbara , Bertuglia Andrea
Published: August 2022

Fetlock joint angle (FJA) pattern is a sensitive indicator of lameness. The first aim of this study is to describe a network of inertial measurement units system (IMUs) for quantifying FJA simultaneously in all limbs. The second aim is to evaluate the accuracy of IMUs for quantifying the sagittal plane FJA overground in comparison to bi-dimensional (2-D) optical motion capture (OMC). 14 horses (7 free from lameness and 7 lame) were enrolled and analyzed with both systems at walk and trot on a firm surface. All enrolled horses were instrumented with 8 IMUs (a pair for each limb) positioned at the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal/metatarsal bone and pastern and acquiring data at 200 Hz. Passive markers were glued on the center of rotation of carpus/tarsus, fetlock, and distal interphalangeal joint, and video footages were captured at 60 Hz and digitalized for OMC acquisition. The IMU system accuracy was reported as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC). The Granger Causality Test (GCT) and the Bland–Altman analysis were computed between the IMUs and OMC patterns to determine the agreement between the two systems. The proposed IMU system was able to provide FJAs in all limbs using a patented method for sensor calibration and related algorithms. Fetlock joint range of motion (FJROM) variability of three consecutive strides was analyzed in the population through 3-way ANOVA. FJA patterns quantified by IMUs demonstrated high accuracy at the walk (RMSE 8.23° ± 3.74°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03) and trot (RMSE 9.44° ± 3.96°; PCC 0.96 ± 0.02) on both sound (RMSE 7.91° ± 3.19°; PCC 0.97 ± 0.03) and lame horses (RMSE 9.78° ± 4.33°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03). The two systems’ measurements agreed (mean bias around 0) and produced patterns that were in temporal agreement in 97.33% of the cases (p < 0.01). The main source of variability between left and right FJROM in the population was the presence of lameness (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 28.46% of this total variation. IMUs system accurately quantified sagittal plane FJA at walk and trot in both sound and lame horses.
Study on NGF and VEGF during the Equine Perinatal Period—Part 2: Foals Affected by Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors: Ellero Nicola , Lanci Aliai , Baldassarro Vito Antonio , Alastra Giuseppe , Mariella Jole , Cescatti Maura , Castagnetti Carolina , Giardino Luciana
Published: August 2022

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) may be caused by hypoxic ischemic insults or inflammatory insults and modified by innate protective or excitatory mechanisms. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is important in formulating a rational approach to diagnosis. The preliminary aim was to clinically characterize a population of foals spontaneously affected by NE. The study aimed to: (i) evaluate nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in plasma samples obtained in the affected population at parturition from the mare’s jugular vein, umbilical cord vein and foal’s jugular vein, as well as in amniotic fluid; (ii) evaluate the NGF and VEGF content in the plasma of foals affected by NE during the first 72 h of life/hospitalization; (iii) evaluate NGF and VEGF levels at birth/admission in relation to selected mare’s and foal’s clinical parameters; (iv) evaluate the relationship between the two trophic factors and thyroid hormone levels (TT3 and TT4) in the first 72 h of life/hospitalization; and (v) assess the mRNA expression of NGF, VEGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their cell surface receptors, in the placenta of mares that delivered foals affected by NE. Thirteen affected foals born from mares hospitalized for peripartum monitoring (group NE) and twenty affected foals hospitalized after birth (group exNE) were included in the study. Dosage of NGF and VEGF levels was performed using commercial ELISA kits, whereas NGF, VEGF, and BDNF placental gene expression was performed using a semi-quantitative real-time PCR. In group NE, NGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0447) and VEGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0234), whereas in group exNE, only NGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0304). Compared to healthy foals, a significant reduction of TT3 levels was observed in both NE (T24, p = 0.0066; T72 p = 0.0003) and exNE (T0, p = 0.0082; T24, p < 0.0001; T72, p < 0.0001) groups, whereas a significant reduction of TT4 levels was observed only in exNE group (T0, p = 0.0003; T24, p = 0.0010; T72, p = 0.0110). In group NE, NGF levels were positively correlated with both TT3 (p = 0.0475; r = 0.3424) and TT4 levels (p = 0.0063; r = 0.4589). In the placenta, a reduced expression of NGF in the allantois (p = 0.0033) and a reduced expression of BDNF in the amnion (p = 0.0498) were observed. The less pronounced decrease of the two trophic factors compared to healthy foals, their relationship with thyroid hormones over time, and the reduced expression of NGF and BDNF in placental tissues of mares that delivered affected foals, could be key regulators in the mechanisms of equine NE.
Differences in Mercury Concentrations in Water and Hydrobionts of the Crimean Saline Lakes: Does Only Salinity Matter?
Authors: Shadrin Nickolai , Stetsiuk Aleksandra , Anufriieva Elena
Published: August 2022

Of significant scientific and public concern is the high toxicity, significant bioaccumulation, and magnified concentration within the food web of mercury (Hg). Hg content both dissolved and in suspended forms in water as well as in biomass of different hydrobiont taxa was studied in 18 saline lakes in Crimea from 2012 to 2021. The impact of different factors (salinity, seasonality, anthropogenic activities, geological background, etc.) was analyzed. The generalization of data for all lakes showed that the average concentration of Hg in dissolved form was 129 ng L−1, varying over a wide range. The content of Hg in total suspended substrates was an average of 151 ng L−1, and the total content of Hg in lake water averaged 291 ng L−1. Geological background and anthropogenic activities can determine the total Hg content in lakes. In most lakes, a significant positive correlation was noted between the concentration of one, two, or all three indicators of Hg content and the month of the year, with indicators increasing from winter through to autumn. When analyzing the entire data array, a significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of the suspended form of Hg and salinity; such correlation between the concentration of the dissolved form of Hg and salinity was absent. The highest average Hg concentrations in biomasses were noted in Artemia and were the lowest in plants. Geological background and human activity contribute to high Hg content in lakes. Hydrobionts can significantly influence the distribution and behavior of Hg, being an important factor of its cycle in the lakes.
Latitudinal and Altitudinal Gradients of Riverine Landscapes in Andean Rivers
Authors: Habit Evelyn , Zurita Alejandra , Díaz Gustavo , Manosalva Aliro , Arriagada Pedro , Link Oscar , Górski Konrad
Published: August 2022

Exact knowledge of the physical structures of different river sections that govern their ecological structure and function is essential for the efficient conservation and management of riverine ecosystems. Eleven Andean river basins (Maipo, Rapel, Mataquito, Maule, Itata, Biobío, Toltén, Valdivia, Bueno and Puelo) comprise large scale latitudinal and altitudinal gradients and accommodate 71% of the Chilean population that strongly depend on their ecosystem services. Here, based on 16 hydrogeomorphic variables (on basin, valley and channel scales), we assessed the riverine landscapes (Functional Process Zones; FPZs) of these river basins using a top-down multivariate statistical approach. Two steep valley and downstream slope FPZs, three sinuous FPZs and two braided FPZs emerged in 8906 river sections. The proportion of the occurrence of FPZs was characterised by a clear latitudinal pattern which is strongly related to the proportions of each river basin within the large morphostructural units of Chile. As such, the proportion of each river basin within the Andes Cordillera, Central Valley and Coastal Cordillera is a strong driver of the fluvial geomorphology and, thus, of the FPZs’ arrangement in each river network. FPZ classification captured geomorphic diversity that coincided with the latitudinal and altitudinal gradients of Chilean Andean river basins strongly related to the hydrological characteristics of the assessed river basins and large scale spatial distribution of fish fauna endemism. As such, the identified large geomorphic units (FPZs) that are strongly tied up with hydrology and ecology hierarchies of riverine landscape provide robust operational tools that can be instrumental for river ecosystem monitoring and management at a basin scale.
Effect of Monohull Type and Catamaran Hull Type on Ocean Waste Collection Behavior Using OpenFOAM
Authors: Sugianto Erik , Chen Jeng-Horng , Permadi Niki Veranda Agil
Published: August 2022

Ocean waste that continues moving in the water has been a problem until now. This has stimulated marine debris cleaning technology to emerge. This research sought to evaluate the effectiveness of waste collection using a monohull and catamaran fitted with a forward conveyor. The Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS)-based numerical simulation research is used to predict flow pattern characteristics, velocity contour, wave pattern, pressure distribution, and ship resistance. The current research focuses on the impact of a round-bilge-type monohull and inner flat-type catamaran hull front shape on waste collection behavior by applying numerical methods. The multiphase solver numerical configuration supplied with OpenFOAM v2112 has been verified and validated using the Delft catamaran 372 with Froude numbers 0.3. The effect of free surface on resistance and flow characteristics was evaluated by comparing these two models. The results show the behavior of marine debris collection due to the flow characteristics of both models. The marine debris flows much more conveniently through the conveyor fitted in front of the catamaran model than in the monohull model. In addition, considering the front-side hull flow, the catamaran model is superior since marine debris is able to approach the ship easily. However, the monohull model is faster at bringing marine debris closer to the conveyor, particularly at the location in front of the conveyor.
Study on Critical Velocity of Sand Transport in V-Inclined Pipe Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Yao Rao , Qi Dunzhe , Zeng Haiyan , Huang Xingxing , Li Bo , Wang Yi , Bai Wenqiang , Wang Zhengwei
Published: August 2022

The Yellow River has a high sand content, and sand deposition in the pipelines behind the pumping station occurs from time to time. It is of great significance to reasonably predict the critical velocity of the small-angled V-inclined water transportation pipes. In this study, a Eulerian multiphase model was employed to simulate the solid–liquid two-phase flow. Based on the conservation of the sand transport rate, the critical velocity of the V-inclined pipe was predicted. The effects of simulated pipeline length, pipe inclination and particle size were investigated. The results show that when the simulated pipeline length reached a certain value, it did not affect the prediction of the critical velocity of the overall pipeline. The ±2∘ pipe inclination had a negligible effect on the critical velocity for transporting small-sized particles, but it led to the nonuniform and asymmetrical distribution of liquid velocity and sand deposition at the different cross-sections. As the particle size increased, the critical velocity also increased. However, the influence of particle size on the critical velocity is currently complicated, resulting in a large difference between numerical simulation and empirical formulas when transporting large-sized particles. Accurate prediction of critical velocity is important for long-distance water transportation pipelines to prevent sand deposition and reduce costs.
Improved Monthly and Seasonal Multi-Model Ensemble Precipitation Forecasts in Southwest Asia Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Pakdaman Morteza , Babaeian Iman , Bouwer Laurens M.
Published: August 2022

Southwest Asia has different climate types including arid, semiarid, Mediterranean, and temperate regions. Due to the complex interactions among components of the Earth system, forecasting precipitation is a difficult task in such large regions. The aim of this paper is to propose a learning approach, based on artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF) algorithms for post-processing the output of forecasting models, in order to provide a multi-model ensemble forecasting of monthly precipitation in southwest Asia. For this purpose, four forecasting models, including GEM-NEMO, NASA-GEOSS2S, CanCM4i, and COLA-RSMAS-CCSM4, included in the North American multi-model ensemble (NMME) project, are considered for the ensemble algorithms. Since each model has nine different lead times, a total of 108 different ANN and RF models are trained for each month of the year. To train the proposed ANN an RF models, the ERA5 reanalysis dataset is employed. To compare the performance of the proposed algorithms, four performance evaluation criteria are calculated for each model. The results indicate that the performance of the ANN and RF post-processing is better than that of the individual NMME models. Moreover, RF outperformed ANN for all lead times and months of the year.
Identification of Sensitive Parameters for Deformation of Asphalt Concrete Face Rockfill Dam of Pumped Storage Power Station
Authors: Ma Baotai , Zhang Wenbing , Shen Zhenzhong , Zhou Donghao , Yao Haozheng , Wang Runye
Published: August 2022

Pumped storage power station (PSPS) is an important clean energy project that plays an important role in ensuring the economical, safe, and stable operation of power systems and alleviating the contradiction of peak load regulation. Deformation analysis of the built and under construction PSPS dam was an important process of dam design and operation, which was of great significance to ensure the safe operation of hydraulic structures in the reservoir site. Nevertheless, there were many parameters involved in the model for analyzing dam deformation, which brings a large workload to the inversion and application of model parameters. In this study, the asphalt concrete face rockfill dam (ACFRD) of a PSPS in Ningxia, China, was taken as an example, a dam deformation 3D finite element analysis model based on the Duncan–Chang E-B model was constructed, and the orthogonal test method was used. The model parameters of the main rockfill zone, secondary rockfill zone, and reservoir bottom backfill zone were taken as factors for the sensitivity analysis of horizontal displacement of dam H, vertical displacement u, and asphalt concrete face tensile strain ε. The results showed that initial bulk modulus base Kb, damage ratio Rf, and initial elastic modulus base K had a relatively higher sensitivity and had significant impacts on the calculation results, while internal friction angle φ, fraction angle reduction φ, bulk modulus index m, and elastic modulus index n had a relatively lower sensitivity, which had no significant impact on the calculation results. Therefore, when using the Duncan–Chang E-B model to analyze the deformations of a PSPS dam and asphalt concrete face, Kb, Rf, and K should be the focus. Parameters with a low sensitivity could be determined by engineering analogy so as to achieve the purpose of improving calculation efficiency under the premise of ensuring calculation accuracy. Meanwhile, these parameters should also be strictly controlled during construction. The results of this study could provide a reference for the design and safety assessment of ACFRD in PSPS.
Purification of Saline Water Using Desalination Pellets
Authors: Antia David
Published: August 2022

This study establishes that processed zero valent iron can be pelletised and used to desalinate water. The pellets desalinate water using a zero-order reaction, where: product water salinity = −[a][Reaction Time] + Feed Water Salinity. Desalination using the pellets requires no onsite energy, no onsite infrastructure, and produces no reject brine. Potential applications for the pellets, include desalination of saline impoundments, desalination of agricultural water, desalination of irrigation water, desalination of irrigated salinized soils, and aquifer desalination. The examples demonstrate 30% to 60% desalination for saline feed water within the salinity range of 4 to 10 g L−1. The product water has a low outcome variability for a specific pellet charge. The achievable desalination increases as the pellet weight: water volume ratio increases. The pellets can also be used for water purification, wastewater desalination, treatment of domestic wastewater, treatment of industrial wastewater, treatment of livestock feed water, treatment of oil field and mining wastewater, water purification to allow reuse, and the treatment of polluted soils. This study addresses the manufacture of the pellets, their effectiveness in desalinating water, and the outcome variability associated with desalination.
Effects of Slide Shape on Impulse Waves Generated by a Subaerial Solid Slide
Authors: Huang Chiung-Shu , Chan I-Chi
Published: August 2022

We review several historical landslide tsunami events and perform a set of numerical experiments to investigate the particular effects of slide shape on impulsive waves generated by a subaerial solid slide. The computational model is based on OpenFOAM, which solves 2D RANS formulations with a volume of fluid method used to capture the air–water interface. We consider triangular prism shaped solid slides in our numerical experiments and introduce a slide shape parameter σ to describe the front face steepness of the slide. Observations from the experiments reveal that slide shape can have significant impacts on the characteristics of impulsive waves, such as maximum wave amplitude and its location, impact energy conversion rate, and the amplitude ratio between the first wave crest and the second crest in the leading wave group. In particular, the maximum wave amplitude is inversely proportional to σ; the impact energy conversion ratio decays exponentially with σ; and the wave period is almost independent of σ.
Realizing Sustainable Development of Yellow River Basin by Horizontal Eco-Compensation Based on Integrated Water Rights (IWRs) Transactions
Authors: Xie Yuxi , Zeng Weihua , Xue Yinglan , Zhuo Yue
Published: August 2022

Horizontal/interregional eco-compensation is an important policy to promote regional ecological and environmental cooperation and realize sustainable development for river basins. To solve these problems, a horizontal compensation framework based on integrated water rights (IWRs) transaction has been established. Taking the Yellow River basin as an example, the IWRs scheme realizes sustainable development, to a certain extent, improving the current issues of shortages, the low utilization efficiency of water resources, and weak water environmental carrying capacity. Evidence for this improvement includes: (1) an increased revenue of USD 244.71; (2) the water use efficiency in the middle and upper streams (Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Neimenggu, Shanxi) and the overall river basin being obviously improved (the maximum improvement value is 0.1273 m3/USD); (3) the overload situation of water resource carrying status being relieved in some subareas (Ningxia, Neimenggu, Henan, Shandong) and improved in the whole basin (from 0.6366 to 0.6124); (3) the water environmental carrying rate (COD and NH4+-N) of the middle and upper streams (Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Neimenggu, Shanxi) and the whole river basin obviously decreasing (with maximum decreasing values of 0.43 and 1.14, respectively).
Simultaneous Removal of CODMn and Ammonium from Water by Potassium Ferrate-Enhanced Iron-Manganese Co-Oxide Film
Authors: Guo Yingming , Ma Ben , Yuan Shengchen , Zhang Yuhong , Yang Jing , Zhang Ruifeng , Liu Longlong
Published: August 2022

Iron-manganese co-oxide film (MeOx) has a high removal efficiency for ammonium (NH4+) and manganese (Mn2+) in our previous studies, but it cannot effectively remove CODMn from water. In this study, the catalytic oxidation ability of MeOx was enhanced by dosage with potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) to achieve the simultaneous removal of CODMn and NH4+ from water in a pilot-scale experimental system. By adding 1.0 mg/L K2FeO4 to enhance the activity of MeOx, the removal efficiencies of CODMn (20.0 mg/L) and NH4+ (1.1 mg/L) were 92.5 ± 1.5% and 60.9 ± 1.4%, respectively, and the pollutants were consistently and efficiently removed for more than 90 days. The effects of the filtration rate, temperature and pH on the removal of CODMn were also explored, and excessive filtration rate (over 11 m/h), lower temperature (below 9.2 °C) and pH (below 6.20) caused a significant decrease in the removal efficiency of CODMn. The removal of CODMn was analyzed at different temperatures, which proved that the kinetics of CODMn oxidation was pseudo-first order. The mature sands (MeOx) from column IV were taken at different times for microscopic characterization. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that some substances were formed on the surface of MeOx and the ratio of C and O elements increased significantly, and the ratio of Mn and Fe elements decreased significantly on the surface of MeOx by electron energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). However, the elemental composition of MeOx would gradually recover to the initial state after the dosage of Mn2+. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the substance attached to the surface of MeOx was [(-(CH2)4O-)n], which fell off the surface of MeOx after adding Mn2+. Finally, the mechanism of K2FeO4-enhanced MeOx for CODMn removal was proposed by the analysis of the oxidation process.
Effective Removal of Pb2+ from Aqueous Solution Using Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Prepared by Rubidium-Containing Biotite Leaching Residues and Wastewater
Authors: Liang Yuting , Han Zhengwei , Zeng Qiang , Wang Shouxi , Sun Wei , Zhong Hui , He Zhiguo
Published: August 2022

The rubidium leaching process from biotite generates a large amount of waste materials that should ideally be reused for heavy metal ion adsorption so as not to create environmental problems. Ferric oxide/mesoporous silica (FO/MS) is a novel adsorbent used for heavy metal ion removal with a high removal capacity of Pb2+ (143.47 mg/g within 60 min) that was prepared for the first time by comprehensively utilizing both rubidium-containing biotite leaching residues and wastewater. The incorporation of mesoporous silica prepared by leaching residues could provide a porous framework and channel for depositing ferric oxide. Mesoporous channels have a high specific surface area that improves the adsorption activity and capacity of the material. Additionally, in a pH study, the adsorptive thermodynamic and dynamic analyses, as well as XPS and FTIR analyses, verified the adsorption properties involved in surface complexing and electrostatic binding. The surface complexation process mainly was the interaction of Pb2+ with surface hydroxyl groups. This work provided a novel and effective strategy for preparing waste solid-based heavy metal ion adsorption and expanded technologies for treating acid leaching wastewater. The adsorbents of FO/MS with a high Pb2+ adsorption capacity suggested that, compared with other materials, it is a suitable remediation material for Pb2+ contaminated water.
A Comprehensive Overview of the Hydrochemical Characteristics of Precipitation across the Middle East
Authors: Heydarizad Mojtaba , Gimeno Luis , Amiri Somayeh , Minaei Masoud , Mohammadabadi Hamid Ghalibaf
Published: August 2022

The Middle East is located in a semiarid and arid region and is faced with an intense water shortage crisis. Therefore, studying the hydrochemical characteristics of precipitation as a main part of the water cycle has great importance in this region. The hydrochemical analyses showed that the quality of precipitation was mainly affected by dust particles originating from terrestrial environments, while marine and anthropogenic sources had a minor role. The statistical studies showed that the dissolution of evaporative and carbonate minerals mainly controlled the hydrochemistry of precipitation. Precipitation had an acidic nature in some stations and a nonacidic nature in others. Ca2+ was the major acid-neutralizing cation in the Middle East precipitation. Various machine learning methods were also used to simulate the TDS values in precipitation. The accuracy of the developed models was validated, showing that the model developed by the Gboost method was more accurate than those developed by other machine learning techniques due to its higher R2 values. To conclude, the hydrochemistry of precipitation showed significant variations across the Middle East. The dissolution of particles with terrestrial origins dominantly controlled the hydrochemistry of precipitation, while marine and anthropogenic sources had minor roles.
Multiscale Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Soil Erosion and Its Influencing Factors in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Yin Zuotang , Chang Jun , Huang Yu
Published: August 2022

Soil erosion is an important ecological and environmental problem in the Yellow River Basin (YRB), which restricts the sustainable development of the YRB. Based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Optimal Parameters-based Geographical Detector (OPGD), this study discusses the multiscale spatiotemporal characteristics of soil erosion and its influencing factors in the YRB. The results show that: (1) The average values of soil-erosion modulus of the YRB in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 was 1877.69, 1641.59, 1485.25, 844.84, and 832.07 t·km−2·a−1, respectively, and the areas with severe soil erosion are mainly concentrated in the three provinces of Gansu, Shanxi and Shaanxi, showing a belt-like trend in the northeast-southwest as a whole. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the q value of soil erosion influencing factors in the YRB showed a downward trend. From the YRB scale to the county scale, the q value of the influencing factors showed an increasing trend. Among them, fractional vegetation cover (FVC), landform type, and LU/LC have strong explanatory power for soil erosion in the YRB. FVC explains about 15% of soil erosion, and the interaction between FVC and landform explains up to 35% of soil erosion. (3) The ability of human activities (LU/LC, FVC) to influence soil erosion is increasing, and this feature is more pronounced at small scales. The conclusion of this study can be summarized as managers should pay attention to the role of human activities in the YRB for soil erosion, especially at small scales, in order to formulate lower-cost and targeted soil and water conservation measures.
The Application of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells in Aquacultural Sediment Remediation
Authors: Qi Jiarui , Sun Zhuteng , Zhang Jinfeng , Ye Chen
Published: August 2022

To successfully apply sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) in remediating aquacultural sediments and water bodies on a large scale, SMFC systems with different electrode materials (carbon fiber brush, graphite felt, and carbon fiber cloth) and structural forms were constructed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various electrodes were compared in terms of electricity generation, pollutant removal, and application cost. The results revealed that (1) introducing SMFCs accelerated the removal of pollutants from the overlying water, promoted the degradation of organic matter and the fixation of phosphorus in the sediments, and inhibited water eutrophication and algal blooms; (2) SMFC systems with carbon fiber brushes and graphite felt electrodes exhibited better electricity generation, but the smooth surface of the carbon fiber cloth was not conducive to microbial attachment, leading to a relatively low electrode power density; and (3) the low external resistance accelerated electron transfer and increased the pollutant removal rate.
The Emergent Integrated Constructed Wetland-Reservoir (CW-R) Is Being Challenged by 2-Methylisoborneol Episode—A Case Study in Yanlonghu CW-R
Authors: Ren Xiao , Sun Jiaxin , Zhang Qi , Zuo Yanxia , Liu Jin , Liu Jiashou , Li Lin , Song Lirong
Published: August 2022

Integrated constructed wetland-reservoirs (referred to as CW-Rs) are being built for ensuring drinking water supply in plain areas where the source water often cannot meet the quality criteria for drinking water. CW-Rs consist of a series of treatment units and have been reported to reduce the concentration of major nutrients. The efficiency of CW-Rs in mitigating odor compounds and their producer(s) remains largely unclear. In this study, Yanlonghu CW-R located in Jiangsu province, eastern China, was selected to monitor the occurrence and dynamics of 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB). Two peaks of 2-MIB, attributed mainly to Pseudanabaena in April, and Pseudanabaena and Oscillatoria in July, were observed. This indicated that benthic Oscillatoria is also a threatening factor and should be considered. The concentrations of 2-MIB at the inlet and outlet were 9.75 and 50.08 ng/L in April and 73.11 and 25.21 ng/L in July, respectively. Yanlonghu CW-R was reported to be effective in reducing the content of major nutrients (total phosphorus in particular) throughout the year. In addition, it was effective in mitigating the levels of 2-MIB-producers/2-MIB during the summer season. It is proposed that qPCR for mic gene detection can be performed to screen and establish an early warning method. We revealed that the 2-MIB episode is related to the function of the CW-R, which is shown to be different from what is known in lakes or reservoirs. It is emphasized that each treatment unit of CW-R should be maintained at full capacity so that the frequency and hazardous effects caused by 2-MIB in the system can be controlled or reduced. This finding is implicated in the control strategy selection and contributes to the better management and improvement of future applications.
A Systematic Bibliometric Review of Low Impact Development Research Articles
Authors: You Jin , Chen Xiang , Chen Liang , Chen Jianghai , Chai Beibei , Kang Aiqing , Lei Xiaohui , Wang Shuqian
Published: August 2022

The concept of low impact development (LID) plays a crucial role in rainstorm management and non-point source pollution prevention and control. Sorting and summarizing related research through the knowledge map can objectively present the disciplinary structure, research focus, and research hotspots of the LID research. Based on 2103 LID pieces of literature in Chinese and English included in the web of science (WOS) database and China’s integrated knowledge resources system (CNKI) database from 2004 to 2021, this paper aims to perform statistical analysis from three aspects: bibliometrics, keyword hotspot co-occurrence and clustering, and literature co-citation clustering. The obtained results reveal that research on LID-based issues maintains a high degree of enthusiasm in China and abroad, but their corresponding focuses are dissimilar. Foreign research essentially focuses on the environmental field with frequent interdisciplinary phenomena, combining the triple goals of water quality improvement, runoff reduction, and multi-functional expansion, and is committed to solving the impact of uncertain factors on urban stormwater management in extreme climates. Chinese research is mostly aimed at unlocking practical engineering problems, which also leads to the majority of research works in the field of building science and engineering. This is mainly due to a series of water-related problems caused by the change in land use types in China. The researchers have determined the type, quantity, location, and combination of the optimal LID measures by establishing appropriate models, using optimization algorithms, and developing multi-level analysis methods. Although the multi-dimensional results of LID in recent years have greatly expanded the framework paradigm, most of the conducted research works are still biased towards the micro-scale. The present hotspot research considers how to make a macroscopic overall layout and efficiently cooperate with the pipelines network, rivers, and lakes systems to unlock the problems pertinent to urban rainwater and non-point source pollution.
Experimental Investigation on Bragg Resonant Reflection of Waves by Porous Submerged Breakwaters on a Horizontal Seabed
Authors: Xu Wei , Chen Chun , Htet Min Han , Sarkar Mohammad Saydul Islam , Tao Aifeng , Wang Zhen , Fan Jun , Jiang Degang
Published: August 2022

Submerged breakwaters based on Bragg resonance could be one of the measures used for mitigating marine disasters and coastal erosion in nearshore areas. Here, flume experiments were conducted to investigate the Bragg resonant reflection of waves propagating over porous submerged breakwaters. Furthermore, the influence of permeability, relative width, relative height, and section shapes of submerged breakwaters on Bragg resonant reflection were considered. This revealed that the Bragg resonant reflection coefficient increased with the decrease in permeability and increase in the relative height of submerged breakwaters. However, a slowing trend occurred when the Bragg resonant reflection coefficient peak decreased with the increase in permeability and increased with the increase in relative height. Moreover, the primary peak Bragg resonance increased with the increase in the relative width of submerged breakwaters in the range of 0.1–0.3. This was consistent with the numerical results of Ni and Teng (2021), to a certain extent, as the reflection coefficient first increased and then decreased with the relative bar width. In addition, rectangular submerged breakwaters demonstrated a better reflection effect than the trapezoidal submerged breakwaters, and the triangular submerged breakwaters demonstrated a poor reflection effect.
Rainstorms Inducing Shifts of River Hydrochemistry during a Winter Season in the Central Appalachian Region
Authors: Rojano Fernando , Huber David H. , Ugwuanyi Ifeoma R. , Kemajou-Tchamba Andrielle Larissa , Hass Amir
Published: August 2022

Rainstorms rapidly change catchment conditions which can alter river flow and water constituents due to the transport and fate of suspended and dissolved solids and the river water chemistry. To understand river water chemistry changes, this investigation relies on field data collected during a winter season. The Kanawha River in West Virginia was monitored using grab water samples and continuous readings from two water quality stations (Q1 and Q2) separated by 23.5 km. Water samples allowed the identification of water chemistry, whereas the two stations retrieved hourly measurements of temperature, turbidity, NO3−, Cl− and pH to capture transient rainstorm responses. It was found through the Piper diagram that water type was mainly calcium-chloride, whereas the Gibbs diagram identified that the dominant geochemical process was rock weathering. On the other hand, during transient rainstorms responses, we found that concentrations of HCO3−, NO3− and Cl− changed from bicarbonate type to no dominant type. Furthermore, hysteretic effects of rainstorms were influenced by the soil moisture of the catchment area. Additionally, HCO3− and NO3− had different hysteretic loop directions between Q1 and Q2. This approach proved that river water chemistry adjustments caused by rainstorms were successfully identified by relying on grab water samples and continuous measurements.
Mapping of a Novel Zero-Liquid Discharge Desalination System Based on Humidification–Dehumidification onto the Field of Existing Desalination Technologies
Authors: Romo Sebastian A. , Elhashimi Mohammed , Abbasi Bahman , Srebric Jelena
Published: August 2022

It is well-established that increasing demands for fresh water are paving the way for desalination technologies. However, this correlates with an increase in brine production whose treatment and disposal can be complicated and expensive. This paper presents a thermodynamic model to bound the operation and development of a novel Humidification–Dehumidification-based system featuring Zero-Liquid Discharge and off-grid capabilities. The model employs conservation laws to find feasible state points to meet a baseline operation of 10 kg/h of product water separated from a hypersaline feed stream with 100 g/kg salt concentration. The system incurs in a 1039 kWh/m3 energy intensity that can be supplied completely by an electric source or in combination with heating steam. Follow-up sensitivity analysis highlights the robustness of the system in handling variations of 25% in product flowrate and 75% in feed salinity, practically without incurring any additional energy demands. The proposed system operating costs between 72 USD/m3 and 96 USD/m3 are comparable to those of existing brine disposal techniques. Furthermore, an operational map of existing desalination technologies suggests a niche characterized by high recovery rates and high feed salinities that are generally unfulfilled by conventional desalination methods. Overall, the proposed system shows potential for off-grid hypersaline brine treatment. This study sets the stage for future development of physics-based and data-driven predictive models as the proposed system iterates into a pilot plant deployment.
Effects of Microalgae Grown in Membrane Treated Distillery Wastewater as Diet on Growth and Survival Rate of Juvenile Pearl Oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii)
Authors: Amenorfenyo David Kwame , Li Feng , Zhang Yulei , Li Changling , Zhang Ning , Huang Xianghu
Published: August 2022

Microalgae serve as feedstock for bivalves and larvae in aquaculture. The production of microalgae in large quantities is, however, characterized by the high cost of major nutrients and vitamins and scarcity of freshwater. Wastewater is a cheap alternative medium for microalgae cultivation. The wastewater provides essential nutrients for microalgae growth and biomass production. This study examined the biomass productivity, nutrient removal, and biochemical content of Chlorella vulgaris, Spiruna platensis, and Haematococcus pluvialis biomass cultivated in membrane treated distillery wastewater (MTDW). The study further examined the use of cultivated biomass as a diet to analyze the growth and survival rate of Pinctada fucata martensii. The results showed 79.61% and 82.89%, and 41.73% of Total Nitrogen (TN) and 74.95%, 78.21%, and 29.05% of Total Phosphorus (TP) removal efficiency for C. vulgaris, S. platensis, and H. pluvialis respectively. Biomass productivity of 0.069 g L−1, 0.086 g L−1, and 0.057 g L−1, 43.3%, 40.9%, and 34.9% (protein), 10.3%, 14.5%, and 13.8% (lipid), and 16.4%, 14.8%, and 20.8% (carbohydrate) for C. vulgaris, S. platensis, and H. pluvialis respectively. The specific growth rate and survival rate of pearl oysters were significantly (p < 0.05) higher (0.99 ± 0.12%, 87.3%) under C. vulgaris diet compared to S. platensis and H. pluvialis diets.
Energy Characteristics and Internal Flow Field Analysis of Centrifugal Prefabricated Pumping Station with Two Pumps in Operation
Authors: Xie Chuanliu , Yuan Zhenyang , Feng Andong , Wang Zhaojun , Wu Liming
Published: August 2022

In order to study the hydraulic performance and internal flow field of dual pumps in centrifugal prefabricated pumping station under operation conditions, this paper carried out a numerical calculation based on CFD software for dual pumps in a centrifugal prefabricated pumping station under different flow conditions and verified the internal flow field through test. The results show that the efficiency of centrifugal prefabricated pumping station under design conditions (Qd = 33.93 m3/h) is 63.96%, the head is 8.66 m, the head at the starting point of the saddle area is 10.50 m, which is 1.21 times of the designed head. The efficiency of the high-efficiency zone of the prefabricated pump station is 58.0~63.0%, and the corresponding flow range is 0.62Qd~1.41Qd (21.0~48.0 m3/h). The uniformity of the inlet flow rate of impeller of pump 1 is 74.70%, and that of pump 2 is 75.57%. The flow fields of water pumps on both sides are inconsistent. The results of the flow field indicate that there are severe back flow phenomena at the prefabricated bucket intake, more back flow in the bucket, and many eddies on the side wall. With the increase in flow rate, the eddy structure at the intake expands continuously and moves towards the center area, which has a negative impact on the flow field in the center area. The research results of this paper can provide a theoretical reference for the research and operation of the same type of prefabricated pumping stations.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES IN DAIRY CATTLE FARMING IN THE LENINGRAD REGION
Authors: ШУЛЬГИН И.К. , ЛУЖНЯК В.Д. , СУРОВЦЕВ В.Н. , ХАЗАНОВ В.Е. , ГОРДЕЕВ В.В.
Published: August 2022

Проанализированы тенденции научных исследований, практических разработок и освоения в мире, России и Ленинградской области цифровых технологий мониторинга и контроля здоровья, а также физиологического состояния коров молочного направления продуктивности. Анализ внедрения их в молочное скотоводство Ленинградской области позволил выявить тесную взаимосвязь концентрации поголовья и уровня молочной продуктивности с освоением в хозяйствах систем автоматического сбора данных, использованием датчиков и сенсоров различных типов в управлении стадом. Определено, что к объектам цифровизации в молочном животноводстве Ленинградской области можно отнести крупные молочные комплексы (свыше 800 гол.), на которых производится более 75% молока, где применяют в основном импортное доильное оборудование, оснащенное цифровыми системами сбора и обработки информации об индивидуальных надоях животных, датчики и сенсоры, определяющие состояние здоровья коров, половую охоту и другие зооветеринарные признаки. На основе анализа основных производственных показателей (поголовье, надой, информация об используемых датчиках, электронных автоматических весах) хозяйства Ленинградской области, производившие в 2021 году более 95% молока в регионе, были разделены на группы по поголовью и продуктивности. Оценено внедрение цифровых технологий в зависимости от продуктивности, поголовья и способа содержания животных.

The tendencies of research, practical design and development of digital technologies for monitoring and control of health and physiological condition of dairy cows in the world, Russia and the Leningrad region have been analyzed. The analysis of the process of their mastering in dairy cattle breeding in the Leningrad region has revealed the close interconnection between the processes of herd concentration and milk productivity level and the development of automatic data collection systems in farms and the use of various types of sensors in herd management. It is determined that the objects of digitalization in dairy cattle breeding in the Leningrad region can include large dairy complexes (over 800 head), where more than 75% of milk is produced. The complexes mainly use imported milking equipment with digital systems for collecting and processing information on individual milk yields, detector and sensors on the state of health of cows, estrus and other zooveterinary traits. Based on the analysis of the main production indicators for the farms of the Leningrad region, which produced more than 95% of the milk in the region in 2021, such as herd size, milk yield, information on the sensors used, electronic automatic scales, the farms were divided into groups by livestock and productivity. The introduction of digital technologies depending on the productivity, livestock and type of animal housing was evaluated.
PRODUCTIVITY, REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY AND UDDER QUALITY OF CAUCASIAN BROWN AND CROSSBRED COWS IN THE MOUNTAINOUS PROVINCE
Authors: ЧАВТАРАЕВ Р.М.
Published: August 2022

Приведены данные о результатах скрещивания кавказских бурых коров с быком швицкой породы в горной провинции Республики Дагестан. По методу аналогов были сформированы опытная и контрольная группы телок по 10 голов. Изучены воспроизводительная способность, морфологические признаки вымени и молочная продуктивность кавказских бурых и помесных коров по 5 лактациям. Прилитие крови швицкой породы способствовало повышению живой массы телок и коров, молочной продуктивности и улучшению морфологических признаков вымени. Некоторые различия в пользу помесей выявлены и в показателях воспроизводительной способности. При плодотворной случке живая масса помесных телок была больше на 7,5 кг. Продолжительность стельности первотелок контрольной группы была на 2 дня меньше. При балльной оценке вымени установлено, что по всем признакам помесные первотелки превзошли чистопородных. Разница, по общей оценке, у помесей была больше на 0,56 балла. Средняя продолжительность межотельного периода у помесей была больше на 4 дня, сервис-периода — на 2 дня и сухостойного периода — на 3 дня. Живая масса помесных коров по 5-й лактации оказалась выше на 11,3 кг. В среднем по 5 лактациям помесные животные имели превосходство по удою на 190,7 кг, по выходу жира — на 6,8 кг и белка — на 6,1 кг.

Data on the results of crossing Caucasian brown cows with a bull of the Swiss breed in the mountainous province of the Republic of Dagestan are presented. According to the method of analogues, experimental and control groups of heifers of 10 heads were formed. Reproductive capacity, morphological features of udder and milk productivity of Caucasian brown and crossbred cows for 5 lactation were studied. The infusion of the blood of the Swiss breed contributed to an increase in the live weight of heifers and cows, milk productivity and improvement of the morphological characteristics of the udder. Some differences in favor of crossbreeds were also revealed in the indicators of reproductive ability. With fruitful mating, the live weight of crossbred heifers was 7.5 kg more. The duration of pregnancy of the first heifers of the control group was 2 days less. With a point assessment of the udder, it was found that by all signs, crossbreed first-born heifers surpassed purebred ones. The difference, according to the general assessment, in the crossbreeds was more by 0.56 points. The average duration of the inter-hotel period for the crossbreeds was longer by 4 days, the service period by 2 days and the dry period by 3 days. The live weight of crossbred cows on the 5th lactation was 11.3 kg higher. On average, for 5 lactations, crossbred animals had an advantage in milk yield by 190.7 kg, in fat yield — by 6.8 kg and protein — by 6.1 kg.