bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permutation-Based Hashing Beyond the Birthday Bound
Authors: Lefevre Charlotte , Mennink Bart
Published: March 2024

It is known that the sponge construction is tightly indifferentiable from a random oracle up to around 2c/2 queries, where c is the capacity. In particular, it cannot provide generic security better than half of the underlying permutation size. In this paper, we aim to achieve hash function security beating this barrier. We present a hashing mode based on two b-bit permutations named the double sponge. The double sponge can be seen as the sponge embedded within the double block length hashing paradigm, making two permutation calls in parallel interleaved with an efficient mixing function. Similarly to the sponge, the permutation size is split as b = r+c, and the underlying compression function absorbs r bits at a time. We prove that the double sponge is indifferentiable from a random oracle up to around 22c/3 queries. This means that the double sponge achieves security beyond the birthday bound in the capacity. In addition, if c > 3b/4, the double sponge beats the birthday bound in the primitive size, to our knowledge being the first hashing mode based on a permutation that accomplices this feature.
Letter from the Editors: Welcome to 2024
Authors: Newburry William , Rose Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

This first AIB Insights issue of 2024 contains five articles that address diverse topics: integrating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into IB education, the process of academic capacity building and knowledge creation, a design thinking approach to international markets, how migrant entrepreneurs use liabilities of foreignness and outsidership for developing their marketing strategies, and implications of aging and shrinking populations in the CEE region. We also review the journal’s 2023 accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year.
ANALISIS KARAKTERISTIK MATERI PAI BIDANG FIKIH PADA JENJANG MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH (MTS) DAN MADRASAH ALIYAH (MA)
Authors: Qalbi M. Dihyah , Muna Zahratul , Barni Mahyuddin
Published: March 2024

Dalam mendidik seorang pendidika melakukan usaha sadar dalam proses mengembangkan potensi, kecerdasan, akhlak baik peserta didik guna menghadapi kehidupan dunia dan akhirat dengan disengaja dan direncanakan sematang mungkin.  Maka sudah sepatutnya seorang pendidik mehamami jelas apa yang akan diajarkannya kepada peserta didik, tujuan dalam penulisan untuk menganalisis mata pelajaran fikih yang merupakan merupakan cabang dari Pendidikan Agama Islam pada jenjang Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) dan Madrasah Aliyah (MA). Dalam artikel ini mendeskripsikan dan menguraikan tentang karakteristik mata pelajaran fikih pada jenjang MTs dan MA yang ditulis menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah studi kepustakaan (library research) mengunakan analisis data kualitatif teridiri tiga tahapan, yaitu tahap reduksi data, display data, dan kesimpulan atau verifikasi. Manfaat dari tulisan ini adalah untuk menambah wawasan bagi pembaca mengenai karakteristik materi fikih pada jenjang MTs dan MA, dan karakteristik materi Fikih dari Dirjen Kelembagaan Agama Islam Depag RI tahun 2020 pada tingkat MTs dan MA masing-masing memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda, mulai dari isi materi, bobot materi maupun pendalaman materi. Kesimpulan dari penulisan ini masing-masing dari materi fikih pada tingkat MTs dan MA memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda, mulai dari isi materi, bobot materi maupun pendalaman materi dari tingkat kelas VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, dan XII. Tidak ada materi yang terulang walau menggunakan tema yang sama bisa jadi bobot materinya berbeda dengan yang sebelumnya atau pendalaman materinya berbeda, dari segi aspek psikologis, filosofis, sosiologis materi fikih ini dirasa sudah cukup cocok dengan siswa pada tingkat MTs dan MA
Parasocial Interaction on Indonesia’s Beauty Influencer: Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Sofi Putri Linggasari , Rachmawati Indira
Published: March 2024

Consumers' dependence on product reviews provided by other consumers makes consumers make social media influencers (SMI) a source of information and reference before purchasing products. The influence of SMI on their followers has led many beauty marketers to use social media influencers to communicate their products. However, the increasing use of influencer marketing by marketers has led to consumer suspicion of the authenticity of influencers. Therefore, based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework, this study analyzes consumer behavior through the content attributes and interaction strategies exposed by social media influencers to followers, leading to consumers' internal perceptions of parasocial interaction, hedonic value, and utilitarian, and ultimately influencing consumers' response of purchase intention. This study used PLS-SEM as a data analysis technique using a sample of 363 respondents. The PLS-SEM results revealed that content attributes (i.e., attractiveness and prestige) and interaction strategies (i.e., interactivity) positively influence parasocial interaction and, in turn, lead to purchase intention. The results also show that parasocial interaction has a significant effect on hedonic (perceived transparency and perceived enjoyment) and utilitarian (informativeness and credibility) responses. It was also found that hedonic (perceived enjoyment) and utilitarian (credibility) responses significantly influenced purchase intention. Meanwhile, the hedonic response (perceived transparency) and utilitarian response (informativeness) did not significantly affect followers' purchase intention. This research demonstrates the role of content attributes and interaction strategies in creating parasocial interactions and the effects of parasocial interactions on hedonic, utilitarian and purchase intention responses. Based on the results of this study, marketers and influencers are advised to build intimate relationships with the audience to increase purchase intention. This relationship-building can be created through high interactive power, attractiveness, and prestige content. Then, it is also recommended to pay attention to aspects of audience comfort and maintain the credibility of influencers to shape the buying interest of the audience of social media influencer content.
Patient satisfaction about the primary health care services in Anbar province, Iraq
Authors: Yahyaa Badeaa , Al-Rawi Ru’ya
Published: March 2024

Background: Patient satisfaction determines care alignment with expectations, encompassing availability, cost, and environment, crucial for service quality. This study aims to investigate key determinants influencing patient satisfaction with Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Anbar province, Iraq. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried from 15th November 2022 till 16th March 2023 across six PHCC using multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire was recruited to interview patients. Descriptive and bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant factors affecting patients’ satisfaction toward PHCC.
Results: A total of 300 patients were included with mean age of 35.7 (+ 4.2), ranged 15-69 years. The PHCC attained an overall satisfaction rate of 64.7%. Patients voiced discontent primarily with waiting times for consultation (67.3%) and appointment scheduling (60.7%). However, 69.3% were content with the proximity to the PHCC. Doctors' conduct was praised by 82.0% of respondents, yet 56.7% noted a lack of health education programs. Management was appreciated by 70.0%, yet laboratory services were received by only 57.7%. Moreover, 75.0% reported essential drug unavailability, and 54.7% mentioned a lack of medical instruments. Factors associated with patients’ satisfaction were aged less than 40 years old (OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.44 to 5.21), being male (OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 2.68 to 6.15), unmarried (OR = 4.01, 95% CI: 3.06 to 8.4) and low educated OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.76 to 7.57).
Conclusion: Patients' satisfaction with PHCC is notably linked to proximity, respectful doctor behavior, privacy during examinations, and efficient management. Dissatisfaction arises from appointment scheduling, follow-up, and the unavailability of health education, instruments, and drugs.
Comparison of Soluble Flaxseed Gum Extracts Using Different Aqueous Extraction Methods
Authors: TOK Zehra , MORTAŞ Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Gums and mucilages represent viable options for incorporation into food formulations owing to their numerous advantageous properties, including emulsification, thickening, and modulation of rheological characteristics within food products. Flaxseed is a material with its soluble gum that can be used for food fortification. Within the scope of the study, extracts were obtained using 16 flaxseed extraction methods in the literature and compared in terms of their general properties (color, flow behavior, total soluble solids). The method with 1% ratio, 80°C, 750 rpm and 15 minutes, with pH 5.3 was not suitable for fortified emulsion-based food another method with a 10% ratio, 90°C, 750 rpm and 240 minutes, with maximum Brix was suitable for fortified foods with soluble solid. The methods with 5% ratio, 100°C, 750 rpm and 30 minute parameters and 12% ratio, 90°C, 750 rpm and 240 minutes parameters, which have higher viscosity and lighter color, can be used for light color-fortified products. The A9 (8% ratio, 90°C, 750 rpm and 240 minutes) and A10 (10% ratio, 90°C, 750 rpm and 240 minutes) samples the highest viscosity with the darkest color, can be selected for fortified products where color is not important but needs to be improved in terms of consistency. The results indicate that method parameters in literature for soluble flaxseed gum (SFG) should be chosen according to the characteristics of the food to be fortified.
Cognitive Perspective of Teachers: It’s Repercussion to Educators Instructional Competence
Authors:   St. Michael’s College, Quezon Ave., Iligan City, A. Durango Dr. Ritzcen
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people's life all across the world, changing a number of professions, including education. The Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education in the Philippines have both suggested that professors use a variety of teaching strategies to guarantee that students continue to learn in the face of these difficulties. This study focuses on evaluating teachers' thinking processes throughout the epidemic and looking at how that affected their ability to teach. The study investigates the relationship between instructors' thinking styles and their effectiveness as teachers using Sternberg's Thinking Styles Inventory (1997). The computed findings show that responders have a variety of thought processes, and there is a strong correlation between different cognitive stances. Interestingly, the research shows a relationship between instructors' thought processes and their methods of instruction. To sum up, these results provide a solid framework upon which to build a customized development program. With the help of this curriculum, educators will be able to develop their cognitive views and gain the tools they need to deal with the current pandemic in the field of education.
The Influence of Motivation, Perception, and Internship Experience on the Interest of Accounting Students in Pursuing Tax Brevet Certification (A Study on Undergraduate Accounting Students of Universitas Brawijaya)
Authors:   Department of Accounting, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, Ferdiana Frisda , Amirya Mirna ,   Department of Accounting, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Published: March 2024

The existing gap between the benefits and the low intention of accounting students to pursue tax brevet certification underlies the motivation for this research. This study examines the impact of career motivation, economic motivation, quality motivation, student perception, and internship experience on the intention of accounting students to pursue tax brevet certification. Employing a quantitative method with primary data, the research focuses on undergraduate accounting students at Universitas Brawijaya who have undergone at least one internship. The data from 110 respondents were collected using purposive sampling and analyzed through multiple linear regression using SPSS software. The results reveal that economic motivation and internship experience significantly influence accounting students' intention to pursue tax brevet certification. However, career motivation, quality motivation, and perception do not exhibit a significant impact on accounting students' intention to pursue tax brevet certification. These findings are expected to guide stakeholders in Higher Education in supporting internship programs and tax brevet certification, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of students' skills.
Indonesia Employment Outlook 2024
Authors:   Pusat Pengembangan Kebijakan Ketenagakerjaan Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan, Muhyiddin Muhyiddin
Published: March 2024

The global economy in 2023 shows optimism for improvement and positive development. This is reflected in easing and relatively controlled inflation pressures in various countries, reduced energy price volatility, a strong labor market in developed countries, and resilient global demand. Over the last 3 years, the global economy has undergone significant changes. Some challenges faced include global economic uncertainty, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, technological changes, and climate change. The global economic growth in the last three years has undergone significant dynamics. Most countries experienced a deceleration in economic growth during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, in 2021 and 2022, some of these countries improved their economies and experienced favorable growth rates, even showing positive trends compared to the previous year, such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Meanwhile, the global inflation rate has been relatively variable over the past four years. Inflation in 2023 in both developed and developing countries tends to weaken compared to the previous year.
Medieval genomes from eastern Mongolia share a stable genetic profile over a millennium
Authors: Lee Juhyeon , Sato Takehiro , Tajima Atsushi , Amgalantugs Tsend , Tsogtbaatar Batmunkh , Nakagome Shigeki , Miyake Toshihiko , Shiraishi Noriyuki , Jeong Choongwon , Gakuhari Takashi
Published: March 2024

Recent archaeogenomic studies in Mongolia have elucidated the genetic origins of people from the Xiongnu and Mongol eras, but left the Medieval period between them only tangentially explored. Due to this dearth of ancient genomes, the dynamic history of Medieval Mongolia with the rise and fall of numerous polities still lacks a genomic perspective. To fill in this knowledge gap, here we report whole-genome sequences of nine ancient individuals from eastern Mongolia, who were excavated from two nearby cemeteries, Gurvan Dov and Tavan Khailaast. They are distributed from the Xiongnu-Xianbei period (ca. 200 CE) to the Mongol era (ca. 1,400 CE), forming a local time transect encompassing nearly 1,200 years. Remarkably, despite the long-time span, all nine individuals derive most of their ancestry (85–100%) from the eastern Eurasian lineages and show low heterogeneity in their genetic composition. This is in contrast to the general pattern observed in previously published Medieval genomes from central Mongolia, who showed higher heterogeneity and overall less eastern Eurasian ancestry, thus calling for a comprehensive archaeogenetic survey of Medieval Mongolia to fully capture the dynamic genetic history in this period.
HOW PHD STUDIES CAN BE IMPROVED IN KAZAKHSTAN IN VIEW OF ADVANCES IN DIGITIZATION AND ONLINE EDUCATION
Authors: Auanassova A.
Published: March 2024

The current era is marked by digitization, which has significantly shifted scientific research, reporting, and publishing methods. Digital technologies have emerged as powerful instruments that can substantially improve education. Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in developing its higher education system, particularly in doctoral education. Despite the achievements in the level and quality of doctoral studies in Kazakhstan over the past decade, the country’s postgraduate students still need help. This review aims to assess the current situation of doctoral studies in Kazakhstan and suggest possible ways to improve postgraduate programs. To improve postgraduate programs in Kazakhstan, the country’s doctoral students must undergo additional training through online modules, webinars, lessons or seminars on research methodology and ethics to ensure scholarly performance. It is also necessary to expand advanced training courses for statistical services at universities, develop specialized seminars designed for graduate students in related fields, such as biomedicine, medical biophysics, genetic engineering, etc., and provide opportunities for retraining specialists in the field of statistics and ethics of scientific research in the workplace.
Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Right Breast with Sacral Bone Metastasis- A Clinical Case from our Practice with A Literature Review
Authors:   Medical Oncology Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology and Metabolic Brachytherapy, UMHAT “Queen Joanna” Sofia, Bulgaria, Marinova Lena , Kahchiev Nikolay ,   Medical Oncology Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology and Metabolic Brachytherapy, UMHAT “Queen Joanna” Sofia, Bulgaria, Vasileva Vaska ,   Medical Oncology Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology and Metabolic Brachytherapy, UMHAT “Queen Joanna” Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: March 2024

Phyllodes breast neoplasms are rarely diagnosed biphasic tumors that are benign, borderline, or malignant. We present a rare malignant phyllodes tumor in a 62-year-old woman with bone metastasis in the sacrum, presented 4 months after radical breast tumor surgery. Because of a severe pain syndrome, we performed intensity modulated radiotherapy with a high single dose of 8 Gy in two fractions, once a week. In this article we emphasize the difficult histopathological diagnosis, as well as the differential diagnosis, requiring immunohistochemistry of the two tumor components / epithelial and stromal/, as well as the clinical and pathological characteristics determining the malignant nature of the disease. In the presence of a soft tissue component of the bone metastasis, a biopsy with immunohistochemistry is required to prove the histopathological diagnosis of the distant metastasis. Distant metastases require complex treatment, including chemotherapy and palliative radiation therapy
Ma’naviyat insonni ruhan poklaydi
Authors: Kurbanova Nargiz
Published: March 2024

Maqolada ma’naviyatni tushunish, anglash, avvalo, insonni tushunish, anglash keraligi, har qaysi millatning ma’naviyati uning tarixi, o‘ziga xos urf-odat va an’analari, hayotiy qadriyatlaridan ayri holda tasavvur etib bo‘lmasligi, ma’naviy meros, madaniy boyliklar, ko‘hna tarixiy yodgorliklar ma’naviyatni shakllantirishda asosiy omillar ekanligi yoritildi.
Стратегии борьбы с академическим аутсорсингом: криминологические подходы к укреплению честности в образовании
Authors: Собирова Нозимахон
Published: March 2024

В данной статье рассматривается применение криминологических теорий для решения широко распространенной проблемы аутсорсинга заданий в академической среде. Она предоставляет стратегический подход для образователей и учебных заведений по созданию среды, способствующей академической честности и предотвращению нечестных практик. Изучая такие теории, как теория напряжения, теория социального обучения, общая теория преступления, теория нейтрализации и теория контроля, статья очерчивает практические меры, которые могут снизить основные причины академической нечестности. Рекомендации включают активное решение академического давления, создание положительной учебной атмосферы, усиление самоконтроля и этического принятия решений, борьбу с оправданиями нечестности, укрепление связей с учебным заведением, уточнение политик академической честности и эффективное использование технологий. Статья заключает, что комплексная стратегия, нацеленная на фундаментальные причины, необходима для культивирования культуры интегритета и этического стремления в образовательных контекстах.
Суверенитет и юрисдикция в киберпространстве
Authors: Рахмонова Мохичехра
Published: March 2024

Эта статья посвящена анализу сложной динамики суверенитета и юрисдикции в киберпространстве на фоне распространения цифровых технологий, которые ставят под вопрос традиционные понятия государственной власти и правовой юрисдикции из-за безграничной природы интернета. Авторы исследуют, как эти концепции применимы к цифровой среде и какие проблемы возникают при пересечении цифровых взаимодействий с традиционными территориальными границами. Статья основана на обширном обзоре научной литературы, правительственных отчетов, международных договоров и анализе судебной практики, предоставляя обзор эволюции управления в цифровом пространстве. Через анализ кейсов киберинцидентов и юридических споров демонстрируется, как в практических сценариях осуществляется и оспаривается суверенитет и юрисдикция. Исследование сочетает количественный анализ данных и качественную оценку управленческих механизмов, включая интервью с экспертами в области кибербезопасности и международного права, предлагая комплексное осмысление вызовов и возможностей регулирования киберпространства. При этом учитываются этические аспекты, включая защиту частной жизни и конфиденциальности данных. В итоге, статья вносит значимый вклад в дебаты о суверенитете и юрисдикции в киберпространстве, выделяя ключевые аспекты управления в глобально взаимосвязанном цифровом мире.
Values of White Blood Cell Count and C-Reactive Protein in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Elbaruni Khaled , Abdulwahed Eman , Elwafi Mona , Eljrew Maram , Atia Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based on careful history, physical examination, and laboratory investigation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 350 files of patients who underwent appendectomy was conducted. Selected files were those patients who were admitted to ALmasara clinic Tripoli Libya between Aug 2011 to July 2023, ages of patients ranged from 18 to 80 years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software. A statistical procedure was implemented to compare the hematologic parameters in two groups (Males and Females) to determine if there was any significant difference between them. Means of WBC, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and CRP were compared between two groups by an independent one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. This study consisted of 350 participants who were diagnosed with appendicitis. The results showed that about (69.4%) of appendicitis patients exhibited a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis). Slightly over half (52.6%) of the participants had an elevated neutrophil percentage (neutrophilia). Approximately (64.3%) of the appendicitis patients had decreased lymphocyte percentage (lymphopenia). In relation to CRP values, the study showed that most participants (76.5%) had positive CRP results. Conclusion. Individuals with appendicitis have higher levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein, and decreased lymphocyte counts. Elevated WBC and CRP values together provide a better specificity and positive predictive value than individual markers.
Harnessing Biogas in India: A Sustainable Pathway for Sustainable Energy Development
Authors: Madheswaran Dinesh Kumar , Saravanan Jegadheeshwari , Jegadheeswaran Selvaraj , Subramanian Vengatesan
Published: March 2024

The review underscores the pivotal role of the Indian biogas sector in addressing the challenges posed by inadequate sanitation practices, exploring how the biogas sector is a potentially transformative force for waste management and energy production. Decentralized biogas facilities utilizing various organic materials, including agricultural waste, kitchen waste, organic industrial waste, sewage sludge, and floral waste, have reshaped rural landscapes. These facilities electrify remote villages, benefiting over 5 million residents and reducing energy expenses by 40%. Critically, these efforts preserve vital ecosystems, exemplified by the rejuvenation of 10,000 hectares of mangroves in the Sundarbans, sequestering an impressive 500,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. Innovative technologies, such as the anaerobic digestion process and advanced biogas production systems featuring improved gas purification techniques, two-stage digesters, and optimized feedstock mixtures, play a crucial role in this sustainability journey. These advancements boost biogas yields by 20%. Importantly, byproducts like digestate are efficiently upcycled into 500 Mt of high-quality biofertilizers annually, significantly enhancing crop yield, particularly wheat and maize, by 15%. Moreover, the transformative impact extends to environmental sustainability by converting digestate into 1,000 Mt of biodegradable plastics, leading to a 30% reduction in traditional plastics usage. Government support and well-crafted policies have been instrumental, with subsidies driving the adoption of biogas digesters in 50,000 households, creating 5,000 jobs, and reducing methane emissions by 2 MMt annually. Biogas catalyzes integrated sustainability, accompanying cleaner environments, improved livelihoods, and resilient ecosystems by harmonizing sanitation, energy, and ecosystem preservation.
 
Received: 20 September 2023 | Revised: 27 December 2023 | Accepted: 26 February 2024
 
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are openly available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.
The Need for the Green Economy Factors in Assessing the Development and Growth of Russian Raw Materials Companies
Authors: Ulanov Vladimir Leonidovich
Published: March 2024

Approaches to assessing economic development and growth in the context of transition to a green and low-carbon economy are considered on the example of the Russian raw materials business. The implementation of carbon regulation leads not only to the expected environmental results but also to a change in market conditions. With the spread of protectionist measures and restrictions, the assessment of the former integral indicator is distorted. It is shown that the curtailment of long-term contracts for the supply of fossil fuels and restrictions on investments in traditional energy projects adjust the assessment. In this article, its author drew attention to the need to take into account the factors of the green economy in the context of the development and growth of Russian developing companies. Indices, ratings, as well as such indicator systems as environmental, social, and governance may be of interest as a criterion of success. One of the factors of sustainable development and growth of raw materials companies is the number of proven reserves of recoverable resources, the potential of hard-to-recover resource, and the inability to reproduce natural resources. Based on the analysis of dependencies, it is proposed to develop strategies, which allow us to identify new opportunities. The system for assessing economic development and economic growth of raw materials and energy companies, built on a single-criterion approach, should consider the conditions of subsurface use, the level of reserves, and use of additional indicators to consider the impact of external circumstances. The assessment of the Russian raw materials and energy business on market principles may show negative dynamics in the short term, but in the long term, expectations are optimistic. This situation is largely explained by the inconsistency of the set goals for climate protection and the delay or inadequacy of actions taken as an example.
 
Received: 5 December 2023 | Revised: 18 January 2024 | Accepted: 5 February 2024
 
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Water Quality in Drinking Water Distribution Systems: A Whole-Systems Approach to Decision Making
Authors: Weston Sally L , Scheli Anna , Behmel Sonja , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: March 2024

Water utilities are responsible for continuously providing safe water to consumers through their drinking water distribution systems. Avoiding siloed approaches that may lengthen critical response times in the case of a water quality hazard can be accomplished through a whole-system approach. To achieve this objective, providers need to pursue the state-of-the-art knowledge and techniques across all facets of water quality management as our understanding of these complex infrastructures continually evolves.This study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date bibliometric study of water quality in drinking water distribution systems over the first twenty years of the 21st century. Analysis of the relevant literature reveals how the research landscape has expanded in terms of number of publications made, variety of topics, and geographic diversity. Each region has a unique ‘research identity’ in the different topics focused upon, yet the presented inter-dependency of factors impacting water quality emphasises the opportunities for sharing of best practices.
Sensitivity Analysis of Water Distribution Networks Deterioration in Hydraulic and Economic Parameters
Authors: Evangelista Leandro Alves , Lima Gustavo Meirelles , Brentan Bruno Melo
Published: March 2024

Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) are responsible for the majority of the costs in a water supply system. Thus, it is reasonable to carefully evaluate the possible interventions to achieve the one with the best cost benefit. Usually, WDN’s projects are designed for a life cycle of 20 years, but many systems are already operating longer than this, up to 100 years. Obviously, several maintenance services are necessary during this period, but the knowledge of how the system deteriorate can help the management of these services and keep the operational efficiency high, Therefore, in this work the deterioration of the components of a WDN is evaluated trough the economic losses generated and the pressure deficit. The pipe deterioration is modelled considering the roughness increases at a certain rate. Pumps deterioration are similarly modelled, considering the formation of internal roughness that increases the internal recirculation. Finally, the demand increase is also modelled considering the population growth rate and a minimum leakage flow rate. In addition, pressure dependent leakages are modelled as an orifice, maintaining its characteristics constant during the simulation. The results shown that maintenance services are essential for the efficient operation of WDNs, with leakages representing the most impactful problem.
Smart water applications vs information and communication technologies – an integrative selection framework
Authors: Oberascher Martin , Rauch Wolfgang , Sitzenfrei Robert
Published: March 2024

In urban water infrastructure (UWI), information and communication technology (ICT) are presently concentrated on central facilities (e.g., treatment plant) or are installed at main points in the urban drainage or water distribution network, e.g., inlet points of district meter areas (DMA) or combined sewer overflow structures. In this regard, the Internet of Things (IoT) concept as part of smart city development enables a large-scale implementation of measuring equipment and allows the integration of decentralised elements into an overall controlled system. Consequently, reliable and suitable ICT is a key element for the exchange of measurement and control data as well as for the success of these systems. From a water engineering perspective, it is often difficult to choose the right ICT for the intended UWI application. Likewise, from an IoT technology perspective, it is often unclear what kind of UWI applications are feasible, making them difficult to efficiently implement. Aim of this work is to develop a first-decision making tool, which can be used by network operators, researcher, and stakeholders to support supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) development and to realise an efficient ICT system in the field of network-based UWI. In contrast to existing recommendations, our approach is based on a comprehensive review of required spatial and temporal resolution of measurement and control data for a wide range of different network-based UWI applications.  Subsequently, this enables a targeted coordination with the properties of communication technologies (e.g., data rate, range, and quality of service) and leads to a significantly improved and integrative decision-making tool.Subsequently, we tested the functionality of the framework on two exemplary applications in UWI, namely (1)  determining suitable communication technologies for an early warning system for leakage detection and localisation in water distribution networks (e.g., (W)M-Bus for water meters, LoRaWAN for water pressure sensors, and GPRS at inlet points of DMA), and (2) identifying feasible applications for an existing LoRaWAN network (e.g., monitoring micro-climate and automatic irrigation at nature-based solutions). Results from the framework application have been evaluated through a literature review on used communication technologies, and are found to be consistent with real-word applications. As conclusion, different communication technologies are necessary to satisfy different requirements associated with an integrative approach for “smart water cities”. Selected for possible publication in a Special Issue in the Journal of Hydroinformatics.
The impact of drinking water network model spatial and temporal scale on hydraulic metrics indicating discolouration risk
Authors: Lokk Reinar , Blokker Mirjam , Boxall Joby , Romano Michele , Provost Anna , Husband Stewart
Published: March 2024

Matching model complexity to application and ensuring sufficient complexity to capture the emergent behaviour of interest is a perennial challenge. In this paper we define a model as the variables, parameters and factors that represent a particular place, time and situation, not the software or algorithms. Specifically, we explore the cross products of spatial and temporal scaling of water demands within extended period 1D network model simulations to predict the hydraulic conditions within individual drinking water pipes and the association of this with discolouration risk. High spatial scale hydraulic models investigated include mapping each customer with a unique demand node instead of the current practice of aggregated demand to nodes at the ends of pipe lengths. For demand profiling we compare top-down DMA inlet patterns at 15-minute resolution with bottom-up stochastic demand patterns down to 1 second timesteps. The value of the resulting increases in resolution of hydraulic model outputs are captured in a range of pipe specific metrics that are likely to be indicative of discolouration risk.  Unlike water quality surrogate of water age or chlorine residual that aggregate time and pipe effects from source to point of interest, discolouration risk has been shown to be primarily a function of the hydraulic conditions in a specific length of pipe. Hence the additional effort to achieve high-resolution modelling simulations are perhaps warranted to manage discolouration. Results review proposed discolouration metrics by correlating with consumer reported discolouration events, showing how these change as a function of spatial and temporal resolution. For example, increasing temporal scale from 15 minutes to 1-minute results in a 15-fold increase in identifying flow reversal locations that can facilitate settling of network discolouration material and therefore pose a discolouration risk. High temporal scale is shown to capture the on/off nature of customer demands and the significant impact on peak velocities that are shown suppressed when using aggregated profiles. This work provides an indication of the optimal level of model resolution required to differentiate pipes according to discolouration risk and hence improve targeting of pro-active maintenance and discolouration management efficiency.
Leak detection and location in a real water distribution network using a model-based technique
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Carriço Nelson , Covas Dídia
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a practical application of a model-based approach for leak detection and location in a real water distribution network. The methodology is divided into three main steps: 1) identification of the DMA with the highest leakage volume; 2) hydraulic model update and 3) leak location by inverse analysis. The water distribution network is monitored through 14 flowrate and pressure sensors and data were available for 1.5 years. The methodology is applied 15 times, specifically to five weekdays in three different periods with high seasonal variation (summer, spring and winter). Regardless of the analysed period, obtained results point to the presence of a leak with ca. 4 m3/h in a specific area of the network. This approximate location is a starting point for the application of more precise leak location techniques using acoustic equipment.
Water distribution system design with behind-the-meter solar energy under various discount rates
Authors: Zhao Qi , Simpson Angus , Wu Wenyan , Willis Ailsa
Published: March 2024

Water distribution systems (WDSs) are essential parts of urban and rural infrastructure systems. The energy consumption including associated costs and GHG emissions for distributing water has increased in recent years. As a result, behind-the-meter (BTM) energy systems such as solar panels and energy storage facilities have been installed by water utilities to reduce energy consumption from the centralised energy grid. There has been a lot of research on the optimisation of the design of WDSs, however, many of these works have not considered BTM energy options or have incorporated BTM energy options in an ad-hoc fashion. Therefore, this study is proposed to optimise the design of WDSs considering BTM solar energy sources. A pressurised irrigation supply system in Victoria, Australia has been used as the case study system. In this paper, the design of a real-world WDS has been formulated as a multi-objective optimisation problem to investigate the trade-offs between the total life cycle cost and total life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under various discount rates scenarios used to estimate the operational cost and emissions throughout the service life of the system. It has been found that both the total life cycle cost and GHG emissions have been reduced significantly when BTM solar energy is incorporated. In addition, with the same solar photovoltaic (PV) size, the optimal pipe diameters, as well as the objective function values are sensitive to the discount rate values that have been used,
The Use of Resilience and Performance Metrics to Support Decision Making in Drinking Water Systems
Authors: Carneiro Joana , Loureiro Dália , Covas Dídia
Published: March 2024

Performance assessment is essential for effectively managing drinking water systems. It allows to understand the system's behaviour, identify critical components and subsystems, and help with the decision analysis of measures to improve economic, infrastructural and water and energy resources. The current paper proposes an updated methodology for diagnosing drinking water networks, considering different perspectives: water and energy efficiency, infrastructural sustainability, and the quality of service provided, including resilience and redundancy concepts. Several performance indicators and indexes, including Resilience index and Entropy, are recommended to describe each perspective. The methodology is applied to a real-life network, and the attained results are discussed. The status quo situation for the network area is assessed, and the main problems are identified (i.e., high friction losses, inefficient pump operation, old pump equipment). Different improvement solutions are considered (e.g., pipe replacement with higher diameter, pump operation improvement, pump replacement). These interventions are considered individually or combined. Using the resilience-based perspective with other performance assessment criteria has provided a broader assessment. The resilience index has proven sensitive to the different alternatives, endorsing the system's efficiency. Smaller values of the resilience index indicate that a small amount of energy in excess is available as surplus energy in the consumption nodes, being dissipated, either as pumping inefficiencies, water losses, or friction and singular head losses. The Entropy metric is sensitive to the network layout and is helpful in alternatives that consider flow path alterations to prevent the impact of pipe failure. The best improvement alternative achieves a considerable enhancement in energy efficiency, maintains a good quality of service, improves the system's infrastructural sustainability, and corresponds to the highest resilience index value.
Advanced fire flow risk analysis using EPANET
Authors: Sinske Alexander Nicholas , De Klerk Altus Hugo , Van Heerden George Adrian
Published: March 2024

A water reticulation system is key infrastructure that enables hydraulic water services.  It is therefore a critical component in providing the full level of water service to a city’s consumers.  Extended water outages and below minimal pressure is a risk for the water network and especially for fire flows. GLS has developed and implemented a multi-threaded client-server software application based on the latest open-source EPANET 2.2 hydraulic analysis engine which now enables city-wide fire flow risk analyses on a property-by-property basis in reasonable time. Previously it has been virtually impossible to assess the risk on a city-wide basis, for each and every property, and to consider the improvement of such risk in the master plan (MP) of the water distribution system.  Hence, the focus of the MP has been the provision of flows and pressures for the peak hour demand scenario in the network.  Consequently, many township developments, densifications, and land use re-zonings require a separate and focussed specific fire risk analysis to ensure the existing system is capable of providing the requisite fire flow and pressure.  If not, specific additional MP items related to the fire requirements of the specific property have to be investigated and considered for implementation. The fire flow risk analysis produces a GIS-based heat map displaying a Fire Risk Compliance Score (FRCS) of areas and properties where the current system is inadequate to deliver the fire flows and pressures.  Such a heat map provides valuable information that can be used to improve and prioritise the MP and minimise future additional ad-hoc analyses for specific properties or developments. The fire flow risk analysis also allows the identification of pressure management zones where adjustments to the pressure regime are required in order to ensure requisite fire flows/pressures are achieved. Various methodologies based on Pressure Driven Analysis and Demand Driven Analysis have been evaluated and tested on models from South African cities.  Great care has been take to optimise the multi-threaded communication of the application with the EPANET engine to streamline performance and support concurrent hydraulic analyses. In addition, a concept of automatically creating unique fire events to reduce the number of analyses, has been introduced for large models. This has resulted in smaller cities that can be analysed on modern PCs with few processor cores in a few minutes and large cities that can be analysed in reasonable time on high-core cloud-computing platforms. Visualisation in GIS-based software greatly helps to control the analyses and interpret results visually. Critical areas can be identified on a broader scale and allows for a rational approach to decide where to focus on network augmentation, or alternatively to provide on-site fire fighting capabilities.
Data Driven Approach for Equitable Supply in Water Networks
Authors: R Adhityan , Kurian Varghese , Narasimhan Sridharakumar
Published: March 2024

In many localities with limitations on the availability of water, Water Distribution Networks (WDNs)  supply water only for a few hours in a day. In such networks, inefficient operational policies can lead to inequitable supply of water. This work proposes a data-driven approach for scheduling the supply side of WDNs for equitable distribution of available water. We formulate and solve a scheduling problem that makes use of flow measurements from the real network rather than a hydraulic model of the WDN. This helps reduce the effort required for model development and the errors arising out of it. Further, to avoid making excessive measurements on the network, we propose a heuristic for choosing measurements that are informative. In each step of this iterative procedure, a schedule is prepared using  the available measurements and based on this, a new system state that has to be measured is identified. The iteration is completed when the measurements are made, and the database is updated. We demonstrate the advantages of this technique through simulations of a real WDN and also experiments performed on a lab-scale network.
UrbanLemma: A serious game to support the adoption of sustainable urban drainage solutions
Authors: Mittal Aashna , Nguyen Jessica , Scholten Lisa , Kapelan Zoran
Published: March 2024

Long-term planning of urban drainage systems is required to prevent pluvial flooding and the effects of droughts. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), e.g., permeable pavements, detention ponds, and rainwater harvesting systems are increasingly used to manage water and build resilience in urban environments. However, the adoption of these solutions remains low due to various socio-institutional barriers. Improving awareness about SUDS and highlighting their multifunctional benefits and trade-offs through an engaging medium could help address these barriers. Serious games provide an immersive and engaging experience that can be used to motivate and impart knowledge or train skills to improve decision-making. The potential of serious games to support the adoption of SUDS has not been investigated so far. This paper presents the proof-of-concept of the serious game UrbanLemma, designed to improve awareness and decision-making of stakeholders about SUDS along with the additional goals of increased engagement and communication among stakeholders. Initial results from play-test sessions conducted with researchers at TU Delft are presented and lessons learned from the game development process are discussed.