bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Connectivity in Two Ancient Lakes: Impact Upon Planktonic Cyanobacteria and Water Quality
Authors: Katsiapi Matina , Genitsaris Savvas , Stefanidou Natassa , Tsavdaridou Anastasia , Giannopoulou Irakleia , Stamou Georgia , Michaloudi Evangelia , Mazaris Antonios D. , Moustaka-Gouni Maria
Published: December 2019

The ancient lakes Mikri Prespa and Megali Prespa are located in SE Europe at the transnational triangle and are globally recognized for their ecological significance. They host hundreds of flora and fauna species, and numerous types of habitat of conservational interest. They also provide a variety of ecosystem services. Over the last few decades, the two lakes have been interconnected through a surface water channel. In an attempt to explore whether such a management practice might alter the ecological properties of the two lakes, we investigated a series of community metrics for phytoplankton by emphasizing cyanobacteria. Our results demonstrate that the cyanobacterial metacommunity structure was affected by directional hydrological connectivity and high dispersal rates, and to a lesser extent, by cyanobacterial species sorting. Cyanobacterial alpha diversity was twofold in the shallow upstream Lake Mikri Prespa (Simpson index average value: 0.70) in comparison to downstream Lake Megali Prespa (Simpson index average value: 0.37). The cyanobacterial assemblage of the latter was only a strict subset of that in Mikri Prespa. Similarly, beta diversity components clearly showed a homogenization of cyanobacteria, supporting the hypothesis that water flow enhances fluvial translocation of potentially toxic and bloom-forming cyanobacteria. Degrading of the water quality in the Lake Megali Prespa in anticipation of improving that of the Lake Mikri Prespa is an issue of great concern for the Prespa lakes’ protection and conservation.
Performance of Anammox Processes for Wastewater Treatment: A Critical Review on Effects of Operational Conditions and Environmental Stresses
Authors: Cho Sunja , Kambey Cicilia , Nguyen Van
Published: December 2019

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process is well-known as a low-energy consuming and eco-friendly technology for treating nitrogen-rich wastewater. Although the anammox reaction was widely investigated in terms of its application in many wastewater treatment processes, practical anammox application at the pilot and industrial scales is limited because nitrogen removal efficiency and anammox activity are dependent on many operational factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, nitrogen loading, and organic matter content. In practical application, anammox bacteria are possibly vulnerable to non-essential compounds such as sulfides, toxic metal elements, alcohols, phenols, and antibiotics that are potential inhibitors owing to the complexity of the wastewater stream. This review systematically summarizes up-to-date studies on the effect of various operational factors on nitrogen removal performance along with reactor type, mode of operation (batch or continuous), and cultured anammox bacterial species. The effect of potential anammox inhibition factors such as high nitrite concentration, high salinity, sulfides, toxic metal elements, and toxic organic compounds is listed with a thorough interpretation of the synergistic and antagonistic toxicity of these inhibitors. Finally, the strategy for optimization of anammox processes for wastewater treatment is suggested, and the importance of future studies on anammox applications is indicated.
Retrieval of Spatial and Temporal Variability in Snowpack Depth over Glaciers in Svalbard Using GPR and Spaceborne POLSAR Measurements
Authors: Singh Gulab , Lavrentiev Ivan I. , Glazovsky Andrey F. , Patil Akshay , Mohanty Shradha , Khromova Tatiana E. , Nosenko Gennady , Sosnovskiy Aleksandr , Arigony-Neto Jorge
Published: December 2019

The highly dynamic nature of snow requires frequent observations to study its various properties. Keeping this in mind, the present investigation presents results from the analysis of fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (POLSAR) parameters for the development of a snow depth (SD) inversion model for SD retrieval. Snow depth retrieved using ground penetrating radar (GPR) at 500 MHz over Austre Grønfjordbreen in the Svalbard region was used to understand the behaviour of certain polarimetric parameters. A significant correlation was found between field-measured SD and POLSAR parameters, namely coherence and normalized volume scattering power (R2 = 0.84 and R2 = 0.73, respectively.) Using the POLSAR scattering powers obtained from the six-component model-based decomposition (6SD), the heterogeneity and anisotropic behaviour in the firn areas are also explained. Further, based on the analyses shown in this work, a polarimetric parameter-based SD inversion algorithm have been proposed and validated. The univariate model with co-polarization coherence has the highest correlation (R2 = 0.84, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.18). We have even tested several multivariate models for the same, to conclude that a combination of coherence, normalized volume and double-bounce scattering have a high correlation with SD (R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 0.18). Additionally, temporal and spatial variability in SD was also observed from three polarimetric SAR images acquired between 4 April 2015 and 15 May 2015 over the Western Nordenskiöld Land region. Increase in snow depth corresponding to snow precipitation events were also detected using the POLSAR data.
Using the Effective Void Ratio and Specific Surface Area in the Kozeny–Carman Equation to Predict the Hydraulic Conductivity of Loess
Authors: Hong Bo , Li Xi’an , Wang Li , Li Lincui , Xue Quan , Meng Jie
Published: December 2019

Many modified Kozeny–Carman (KC) equations have been used to predict the saturated permeability coefficient (Ks) of porous media in various fields. It is widely accepted that the KC equation applies to sand but does not apply to clay. Little information is available to clarify this point. The effectiveness of the KC equation will be evaluated via laboratory penetration tests and previously published data, which include void ratio, specific surface area (SSA), liquid limit (LL), and permeability coefficient values. This paper demonstrates how to estimate the SSA of cohesive soil from its LL. Several estimation algorithms for determining the effective void ratio (ee) of cohesive soil are reviewed. The obtained results show that, compared to the KC equation based on porosity and geometric mean particle size (Dg), the KC equation based on the SSA and the ee estimation algorithm can best predict the Ks of remolded loess. Finally, issues associated with the predictive power of the KC equation are discussed. Differences between measured and the predicted Ks values may be caused by the uniformity of the reconstructed specimen or insufficient control of the test process and errors in the SSA and ee.
An Analysis of Energy Consumption and the Use of Renewables for a Small Drinking Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Bukhary Saria , Batista Jacimaria , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: December 2019

One of the pressing issues currently faced by the water industry is incorporating sustainability considerations into design practice and reducing the carbon emissions of energy-intensive processes. Water treatment, an indispensable step for safeguarding public health, is an energy-intensive process. The purpose of this study was to analyze the energy consumption of an existing drinking water treatment plant (DWTP), then conduct a modeling study for using photovoltaics (PVs) to offset that energy consumption, and thus reduce emissions. The selected plant, located in southwestern United States, treats 0.425 m3 of groundwater per second by utilizing the processes of coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. Based on the energy consumption individually determined for each unit process (validated using the DWTP’s data), the DWTP was sized for PVs (as a modeling study). The results showed that the dependency of a DWTP on the traditional electric grid could be greatly reduced by the use of PVs. The largest consumption of energy was associated with the pumping operations, corresponding to 150.6 Wh m−3 for the booster pumps to covey water to the storage tanks, while the energy intensity of the water treatment units was found to be 3.1 Wh m−3. A PV system with a 1.5 MW capacity with battery storage (30 MWh) was found to have a positive net present value and a levelized cost of electricity of 3.1 cents kWh−1. A net reduction in the carbon emissions was found as 950 and 570 metric tons of CO2-eq year−1 due to the PV-based design, with and without battery storage, respectively.
The Application of Artificial Mussels in Conjunction with Transplanted Bivalves to Assess Elemental Exposure in a Platinum Mining Area
Authors: Labuschagne Marelize , Wepener Victor , Nachev Milen , Zimmermann Sonja , Sures Bernd , Smit Nico J.
Published: December 2019

There is increasing evidence that platinum group elements (PGE) are pollutants of emerging concern worldwide. Limited information exists on levels, particularly in regions where PGEs are mined. A passive sampling device (i.e., the artificial mussel (AM)) and transplanted indicator organisms (i.e., the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminalis africana) were deployed along a PGE mining gradient in the Hex River, South Africa, and concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Pt, V, and Zn were determined after six weeks of exposure. Results showed differential uptake patterns for Pt, Cr, and Ni between the AMs and clams indicating availability differences. For monitoring purposes, a combination of AMs and indicator organisms provides a more holistic assessment of element exposure in aquatic environments.
Pilot Studies and Cost Analysis of Hybrid Powdered Activated Carbon/Ceramic Microfiltration for Controlling Pharmaceutical Compounds and Organic Matter in Water Reclamation
Authors: Viegas Rui M. C. , Mesquita Elsa , Campinas Margarida , Rosa Maria João
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses the enhanced removal of pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs), a family of contaminants of emerging concern, and effluent organic matter (EfOM) in water reclamation by powdered activated carbon/coagulation/ceramic microfiltration (PAC/cMF). Four chemically diverse PhCs are targeted: ibuprofen (IBP), carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and atenolol (ATN). Pilot assays (100 L/(m2 h), 10 mg Fe/L) run with PhC-spiked sand-filtered secondary effluent and 15 mg/L PAC dosed in-line or to a 15-min contactor. They showed no PAC-driven membrane fouling and +15 to +18% added removal with PAC contactor, reaching significant removals of CBZ and ATN (59%–60%), SMX (50%), colour (48%), A254 (35%) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 28%). Earlier long-term demo tests with the same pilot proved PAC/cMF to consistently produce highly clarified (monthly median < 0.1 NTU) and bacteria-free water, regardless of the severe variations in its intake. A detailed cost analysis points to total production costs of 0.21 €/m3 for 50,000 m3/day and 20 years membrane lifespan, mainly associated to equipment/membranes replacement, capital and reagents.
Energy Transfer from the Freshwater to the Wastewater Network Using a PAT-Equipped Turbopump
Authors: Morani Maria Cristina , Carravetta Armando , Fecarotta Oreste , McNabola Aonghus
Published: December 2019

A new strategy to increase the energy efficiency in a water network exists using turbo pumps, which are systems consisting of a pump and a turbine directly coupled on a same shaft. In a turbo pump, the pump is fed by a turbine that exploits a surplus head in a freshwater network in order to produce energy for one system (wastewater) and reduce the excess pressure in another (drinking water). A pump as turbine (PAT) may be preferred over a classic turbine here due to its lower cost. The result of such a coupling is a PAT–pump turbocharger (P&P). In this research, the theoretical performance of a P&P plant is employed using data from a real water distribution network to exploit the excess pressure of a freshwater stream and to feed a pump conveying wastewater toward a treatment plant. Therefore, the P&P plant is a mixed PAT–pump turbocharger, operating with both fresh and wastewater. A new method to perform a preliminary geometric selection of the machines constituting the P&P plant has been developed. Furthermore, the plant operation has been described by means of a new mathematical model under different boundary conditions. Moreover, the economic viability of the plant has been assessed by comparison with a conventional wastewater pumping system working in ON/OFF mode. Therefore, the net present value (NPV) of the investment has been evaluated in both situations for different time periods. According to the economical comparison, the PAT–pump turbocharger represents the most economically advantageous configuration, at least until the useful life of the plant. Such convenience amounts to 175% up to a time period equal to 20 years.
Using SWAT to Evaluate Streamflow and Lake Sediment Loading in the Xinjiang River Basin with Limited Data
Authors: Yuan Lifeng , Forshay Kenneth J.
Published: December 2019

Soil erosion and lake sediment loading are primary concerns of watershed managers around the world. In the Xinjiang River Basin of China, severe soil erosion occurs primarily during monsoon periods, resulting in sediment flow into Poyang Lake and subsequently causing lake water quality deterioration. Here, we identified high-risk soil erosion areas and conditions that drive sediment yield in a watershed system with limited available data to guide localized soil erosion control measures intended to support reduced sediment load into Poyang Lake. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate monthly and annual sediment yield based on a calibrated SWAT streamflow model, identified where sediment originated, and determined what geographic factors drove the loading within the watershed. We applied monthly and daily streamflow discharge (1985–2009) and monthly suspended sediment load data (1985–2001) to Meigang station to conduct parameter sensitivity analysis, calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis of the model. The coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and RMSE -observation’s standard deviation ratio (RSR) values of the monthly sediment load were 0.63, 0.62, 3.8%, and 0.61 during calibration, respectively. Spatially, the annual sediment yield rate ranged from 3 ton ha−1year−1 on riparian lowlands of the Xinjiang main channel to 33 ton ha−1year−1 on mountain highlands, with a basin-wide mean of 19 ton ha−1year−1. The study showed that 99.9% of the total land area suffered soil loss (greater than 5 ton ha−1year−1). More sediment originated from the southern mountain highlands than from the northern mountain highlands of the Xinjiang river channel. These results suggest that specific land use types and geographic conditions can be identified as hotspots of sediment source with relatively scarce data; in this case, orchards, barren lands, and mountain highlands with slopes greater than 25° were the primary sediment source areas. This study developed a reliable, physically-based streamflow model and illustrates critical source areas and conditions that influence sediment yield.
Exploring the Effects of Hydraulic Connectivity Scenarios on the Spatial-Temporal Salinity Changes in Bosten Lake through a Model
Authors: Liu Ying , Bao Anming
Published: December 2019

Lake water salinization in arid areas is a common problem and should be controlled for the better use of freshwater of lakes and for the protection of the environment around lakes. It is well known that the increasing of hydraulic connectivity improves water quality, but for a lake, understanding how hydraulic connectivity changes its water quality in terms of spatial aspects is of great significance for the protection and utilization of different regions of the lake water body. In this paper, the impacts of three connectivity scenarios on the spatial-temporal salinity changes in Bosten Lake were modeled through the three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic model, Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). The constructed Bosten Lake EFDC model was calibrated for water level, temperature, and salinity with acceptable results. As for the Bosten Lake, three connectivity scenarios were selected: (1) the increasing of the discharge water amount into the lake from the Kaidu River, (2) the transferring of 1 million cubic meter freshwater to the southwestern part of the lake (the Huangshuigou region of the lake), and (3) the changing of the outflow position from the southwestern part of the lake (the Kongque river) to the southeastern of the lake (the Caohu region). Through the simulations, we found that the region of the lake mainly influenced by the three scenarios presented here were different, and of the three scenarios, scenario 3 was the best means of controlling the overall lake salinity. On the basis of the salinity distribution results gained from the simulations, decision-makers can choose the ways to mitigate the salinity of the lake according to which region they want to improve the most in terms of economic efficiency and preserve in terms of ecological balance.
Assessment of Regional and Historical Climate Records for a Water Budget Approach in Eastern Colombia
Authors: Molina Oscar , Bernhofer Christian
Published: December 2019

Regions located on the eastern side of Colombia are vulnerable to climate change due to the high diversity of fauna and flora located there, the potentially direct impact on agricultural activities, as well as the pressure on water resources. Limited research and work have been conducted to accurately create a description of the climate of these specific regions. The characteristics of the available records, which is valuable information, together with complementary data can be used to simulate the impacts of climate change and the effects it has on the water cycle. A description of the climate for the eastern region of Colombia was made and historical daily records from 669 hydrometeorological stations were considered in order to analyze the robustness and spatial distribution of the data. According to the available data, four of the water districts that compose the eastern region of the country were selected to show both a representative analysis of the climate variability and a consistency analysis using a cross-correlation procedure. A high percentage of missing values was found in the available records; however, with regards to the climatological analysis for the period from 1980 to 2015, 40% of missing values or less seems to be a good threshold for the datasets to be used. Temperature records show monthly small variations and a decreasing average rate from lower to higher elevations, i.e., 5 °C every 1000 m. Precipitation shows different patterns according to the region with monomodal and bimodal patterns. Correlations between datasets of the same region are positive and a significant correlation is obtained with temperature for stations at similar elevations or those located close to each other, and low correlations of precipitation are found. These data records are considered a good source of input data which could be used to perform further analysis such as a climate downscaling procedure, as well as a potential water budget approach for the four studied regions.
An Advanced Risk Modeling Method to Estimate Legionellosis Risks Within a Diverse Population
Authors: Weir Mark H. , Mraz Alexis L. , Mitchell Jade
Published: December 2019

Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a computational science leveraged to optimize infectious disease controls at both population and individual levels. Often, diverse populations will have different health risks based on a population’s susceptibility or outcome severity due to heterogeneity within the host. Unfortunately, due to a host homogeneity assumption in the microbial dose-response models’ derivation, the current QMRA method of modeling exposure volume heterogeneity is not an accurate method for pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila. Therefore, a new method to model within-group heterogeneity is needed. The method developed in this research uses USA national incidence rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to calculate proxies for the morbidity ratio that are descriptive of the within-group variability. From these proxies, an example QMRA model is developed to demonstrate their use. This method makes the QMRA results more representative of clinical outcomes and increases population-specific precision. Further, the risks estimated demonstrate a significant difference between demographic groups known to have heterogeneous health outcomes after infection. The method both improves fidelity to the real health impacts resulting from L. pneumophila infection and allows for the estimation of severe disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for Legionnaires’ disease, moderate DALYs for Pontiac fever, and post-acute DALYs for sequela after recovering from Legionnaires’ disease.
A Hydrologic Landscapes Perspective on Groundwater Connectivity of Depressional Wetlands
Authors: Neff Brian P. , Rosenberry Donald O. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Mushet Dave M. , Golden Heather E. , Rains Mark C. , Brooks J. Renée , Lane Charles R.
Published: December 2019

Research into processes governing the hydrologic connectivity of depressional wetlands has advanced rapidly in recent years. Nevertheless, a need persists for broadly applicable, non-site-specific guidance to facilitate further research. Here, we explicitly use the hydrologic landscapes theoretical framework to develop broadly applicable conceptual knowledge of depressional-wetland hydrologic connectivity. We used a numerical model to simulate the groundwater flow through five generic hydrologic landscapes. Next, we inserted depressional wetlands into the generic landscapes and repeated the modeling exercise. The results strongly characterize groundwater connectivity from uplands to lowlands as being predominantly indirect. Groundwater flowed from uplands and most of it was discharged to the surface at a concave-upward break in slope, possibly continuing as surface water to lowlands. Additionally, we found that groundwater connectivity of the depressional wetlands was primarily determined by the slope of the adjacent water table. However, we identified certain arrangements of landforms that caused the water table to fall sharply and not follow the surface contour. Finally, we synthesize our findings and provide guidance to practitioners and resource managers regarding the management significance of indirect groundwater discharge and the effect of depressional wetland groundwater connectivity on pond permanence and connectivity.
Factors Impacting the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens in Agricultural Water Sources in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Rodrigues Camila , da Silva Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro , Dunn Laurel L.
Published: December 2019

Surface water poses a great risk to fruit and vegetable crops when contaminated by foodborne pathogens. Several factors impact the microbial quality of surface waters and increase the risk of produce contamination. Therefore, evaluating the factors associated with the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in agricultural water sources is critical to determine and establish preventive actions that may minimize the incidence of foodborne outbreaks associated with contaminated production water. In the Southeastern U.S. environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and seasonal variations have been associated with the prevalence of pathogens or microbial indicators of fecal contamination in water. Also, the geographical location of the irrigation sources as well as surrounding activities and land use play an important role on the survival and prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these factors may be determinants useful in the evaluation of production water quality and may help to preemptively identify scenarios or hazards associated with the incidence of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms.
Analysis of Peak Flow Distribution for Bridge Collapse Sites
Authors: Ashraf Fahmidah U. , Flint Madeleine M.
Published: December 2019

Bridge collapse risk can be evaluated more rigorously if the hydrologic characteristics of bridge collapse sites are demystified, particularly for peak flows. In this study, forty-two bridge collapse sites were analyzed to find any trend in the peak flows. Flood frequency and other statistical analyses were used to derive peak flow distribution parameters, identify trends linked to flood magnitude and flood behavior (how extreme), quantify the return periods of peak flows, and compare different approaches of flood frequency in deriving the return periods. The results indicate that most of the bridge collapse sites exhibit heavy tail distribution and flood magnitudes that are well consistent when regressed over the drainage area. A comparison of different flood frequency analyses reveals that there is no single approach that is best generally for the dataset studied. These results indicate a commonality in flood behavior (outliers are expected, not random; heavy-tail property) for the collapse dataset studied and provides some basis for extending the findings obtained for the 42 collapsed bridges to other sites to assess the risk of future collapses.
Seasonal Rainfall Variability in Ethiopia and Its Long-Term Link to Global Sea Surface Temperatures
Authors: Alhamshry Asmaa , Fenta Ayele Almaw , Yasuda Hiroshi , Kimura Reiji , Shimizu Katsuyuki
Published: December 2019

Investigating the influence of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on seasonal rainfall is a crucial factor for managing Ethiopian water resources. For this purpose, SST and rainfall data were used to study a wide range of inhomogeneous areas in Ethiopia with uneven distribution of rainfall for both summer (1951–2015) and spring (1951–2000) seasons. Firstly, a preliminary subdivision of rainfall grid points into zones was applied depending on spatial homogeneity and seasonality of rainfall. This introduced new clusters, including nine zones for summer rainfall peak (July/August) and five zones for spring rainfall peak (April/May). Afterward, the time series for each zone was derived by calculating the rainfall averaged over grid points within the zone. Secondly, the oceanic regions that significantly correlated with the Ethiopian rainfall were identified through cross-correlations between rainfalls averaged over every homogeneous zone and the monthly averaged SST. For summer rainfall as a main rainy season, the results indicated that the Gulf of Guinea and southern Pacific Ocean had a significant influence on rainfall zones at a lag time of 5–6 and 6–7 months. Besides, for summer rainfall zones 8 and 9 at lag time 5–6 months, the common SST regions of the southern Pacific Ocean showed the opposite sense of positive and negative correlations. Thus, the difference in SSTs between the two regions was more strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.46) with summer rainfall in both zones than others. For the spring season, the results indicated that SST of the northern Atlantic Ocean had a strong influence on spring rainfall zones (3 and 5) at a lag time 6–7 months, as indicated by a significant correlation (r ≥ −0.40). Therefore, this study suggests that SSTs of southern Pacific and northern Atlantic oceans can be used as effective inputs for prediction models of Ethiopian summer and spring rainfalls, respectively.
Reclaiming Tropical Saline-Sodic Soils with Gypsum and Cow Manure
Authors: Gonçalo Filho Francisco , da Silva Dias Nildo , Suddarth Stella Ribeiro Prazeres , Ferreira Jorge F. S. , Anderson Ray G. , dos Santos Fernandes Cleyton , de Lira Raniere Barbosa , Neto Miguel Ferreira , Cosme Christiano Rebouças
Published: December 2019

Saline-sodic soils are a major impediment for agricultural production in semi-arid regions. Salinity and sodicity drastically reduce agricultural crop yields, damage farm equipment, jeopardize food security, and render soils unusable for agriculture. However, many farmers in developing semi-arid regions cannot afford expensive amendments to reclaim saline-sodic soils. Furthermore, existing research does not cover soil types (e.g., Luvisols and Lixisols) that are found in many semi-arid regions of South America. Therefore, we used percolation columns to evaluate the effect of inexpensive chemical and organic amendments (gypsum and cow manure) on the reclamation of saline-sodic soils in the northeast of Brazil. Soil samples from two layers (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm in depth) were collected and placed in percolation columns. Then, we applied gypsum into the columns, with and without cow manure. The experiment followed a complete randomized design with three replications. The chemical amendment treatments included a control and four combinations of gypsum and cow manure. Percolation columns were subjected to a constant flood layer of 55 mm. We evaluated the effectiveness of sodic soil reclamation treatments via changes in soil hydraulic conductivity, chemical composition (cations and anions), electrical conductivity of the saturated soil-paste extract, pH, and the exchangeable sodium percentage. These results suggest that the combined use of gypsum and cow manure is better to reduce soil sodicity, improve soil chemical properties, and increase water infiltration than gypsum alone. Cow manure at 40 ton ha−1 was better than at 80 ton ha−1 to reduce the sodium adsorption ratio.
Smart Water Management towards Future Water Sustainable Networks
Authors: Ramos Helena , McNabola Aonghus , López-Jiménez P. , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto
Published: December 2019

Water management towards smart cities is an issue increasingly appreciated under financial and environmental sustainability focus in any water sector. The main objective of this research is to disclose the technological breakthroughs associated with water and energy use. A methodology is proposed and applied in a case study to analyze the benefits to develop smart water grids, showing the advantages offered by the development of control measures. The case study showed the positive results, particularly savings of 57 GWh and 100 Mm3 in a period of twelve years when different measures from the common ones were developed for the monitoring and control of water losses in smart water management. These savings contributed to reducing the CO2 emissions to 47,385 t CO2-eq. Finally, in order to evaluate the financial effort and savings obtained in this reference systems (RS) network, the investment required in the monitoring and water losses control in a correlation model case (CMC) was estimated, and, as a consequence, the losses level presented a significant reduction towards sustainable values in the next nine years. Since the pressure control is one of the main issues for the reduction of leakage, an estimation of energy production for Portugal is also presented.
Assessment of Water Quality Evolution in the Pearl River Estuary (South Guangzhou) from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Zhao Yanping , Song Yumei , Cui Jinli , Gan Shuchai , Yang Xi , Wu Rui , Guo Pengran
Published: December 2019

To control the water pollution in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), a series of measures have been enacted in recent years. The efficacy of these measures on water quality improvement is, however, currently unknown. To evaluate the variation of water quality in response to the pollution control measures in the PRE during the last decade (2008–2017), our study conducted a long-term monitoring program of estuarine water in the representative city Guangzhou that targeted fecal coliform (F. Coli), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), potassium permanganate index (CODMn), petroleum, total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) and total phosphorus (TP). In the last decade, F. Coli, BOD5, CODCr and CODMn, petroleum and NH3–N have shown a significant reduction by 78.8%, 50.9%, 37.5%, 18.9%, 75.0% and 25.0%, respectively. In contrast, TN and TP remained stable. Water quality index calculations indicated that the water quality was elevated from the marginal–fair level to the good level, particularly after 2012. The biochemical pollutants and nutrients in the estuarine water most likely originated from the upper river due to the wastewater discharge, fecal pollution and agricultural input. The success of pollutant reduction could thus be attributed to industrial upgrading and relocation, as well as the improvement of the sewage treatment system in Guangzhou. However, efficient approaches to reduce TN pollution should be implemented in the future.
A Calibrated, Watershed-Specific SCS-CN Method: Application to Wangjiaqiao Watershed in the Three Gorges Area, China
Authors: Ling Lloyd , Yusop Zulkifli , Yap Wun-She , Tan Wei Lun , Chow Ming Fai , Ling Joan Lucille
Published: December 2019

The Soil Conservation Service curve number ( S C S-C N) method is one of the most popular methods used to compute runoff amount due to its few input parameters. However, recent studies challenged the inconsistent runoff results obtained by the method which set the initial abstraction ratio λ as 0.20. This paper developed a watershed-specific S C S-C N calibration method using non-parametric inferential statistics with rainfall–runoff data pairs. The proposed method first analyzed the data and generated confidence intervals to determine the optimum values for S C S- C N model calibration. Subsequently, the runoff depth and curve number were calculated. The proposed method outperformed the runoff prediction accuracy of the asymptotic curve number fitting method, linear regression model and the conventional S C S-C N model with the highest Nash–Sutcliffe index value of 0.825, the lowest residual sum of squares value of 133.04 and the lowest prediction error. It reduced the residual sum of squares by 66% and the model prediction errors by 96% when compared to the conventional S C S-C N model. The estimated curve number was 72.28, with the confidence interval ranging from 62.06 to 78.00 at a 0.01 confidence interval level for the Wangjiaqiao watershed in China.
The Periodic Response of Tidal Flat Sediments to Runoff Variation of Upstream Main River: A Case Study in the Liaohe Estuary Wetland, China
Authors: Li Haifu , Li Lifeng , Su Fangli , Wang Tieliang , Gao Peng
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: To reveal the intrinsic relationship between the tidal flat sediments in an estuary wetland and the runoff from the upstream river. This research was conducted in the tidal flats of the Liaohe estuary wetland. (2) Methods: The 137Cs and 210Pb dating technique was used to reconstruct the time correspondence between tidal flat sediments and runoff, and the periodic response was explored between the changes in the tidal flat sediments and runoff based on the spectrum analysis method. (3) Results: The average sedimentation rate in the tidal flat was 2.24 cm·year−1 during the past 50 years. The amount of fine sediment particles deposited on the estuary tidal flat was directly related to the amount of sediments transported by the river and inversely proportional to the ability of rivers to transport fine matter. The high frequency reproduction cycle of 14–15 years in the flood season flow and 5–6 years in the annual sediment discharge of the Liaohe River correspond to the high and low frequency reproduction cycles of the median size of sediments in Liaohe estuarine wetland tidal flats. (4) Conclusions: The research clarified the hydrological constraints of the action law between Liaohe River runoff and the estuarine sediments. The periodic response between Liaohe River runoff and the sediment was established.
Impact of Bed Form Celerity on Oxygen Dynamics in the Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Wolke Philipp , Teitelbaum Yoni , Deng Chao , Lewandowski Jörg , Arnon Shai
Published: December 2019

Oxygen distribution and uptake in the hyporheic zone regulate various redox-sensitive reactions and influence habitat conditions. Despite the fact that fine-grain sediments in streams and rivers are commonly in motion, most studies on biogeochemistry have focused on stagnant sediments. In order to evaluate the effect of bed form celerity on oxygen dynamics and uptake in sandy beds, we conducted experiments in a recirculating indoor flume. Oxygen distribution in the bed was measured under various celerities using 2D planar optodes. Bed morphodynamics were measured by a surface elevation sensor and time-lapse photography. Oxygenated zones in stationary beds had a conchoidal shape due to influx through the stoss side of the bed form, and upwelling anoxic water at the lee side. Increasing bed celerity resulted in the gradual disappearance of the upwelling anoxic zone and flattening of the interface between the oxic (moving fraction of the bed) and the anoxic zone (stationary fraction of the bed), as well as in a reduction of the volumetric oxygen uptake rates due shortened residence times in the hyporheic zone. These results suggest that including processes related to bed form migration are important for understanding the biogeochemistry of hyporheic zones.
Forecast of the Number of Researchers in the Russian Federation by 2024
Authors: Skuratov A. K. , Zubarev A. P.
Published: December 2019

The article analyzes the possibility of reaching the benchmark of 400 thousand researchers by 2024, which was publicly announced by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. This goal can be reached when implementing the Federal Project ≪Development of Human Resources in the Field of Research and Development≫, as part of the National Project ≪Science≫. The article provides links to the statements of the Minister on this topic. The analysis is based on the results of the authors’ research in the fields of science and education, official data on population and employment from reference books and yearbooks of the Federal State Statistics Service, as well as from statistical handbooks of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. In this study, the authors used forecasting methods. The authors examine the place of researchers on the domestic labor market as a qualitatively relevant link within the working population segment and characterize the measures of countries, that as well as Russia are the members of the BRICS, to increase the share of researchers. Study of foreign experience led the authors to deem it necessary to increase wages of this group of specialists (for example, in the BRICS countries the ratio of the average salary of researchers and the average salary of the entire working population is 3-5 to 1), while in modern Russia employees with scientific degree are not valued enough. Findings of rating agencies that there is a low interest among Russian employers in hiring employees with a scientific degree support the authors’ conclusions. The article raises the question of creating real motivational mechanisms for a notable increase in the share of researchers in the workforce to execute the strategic goal of improving the quality of economic growth and the welfare of the population.
Takriz Bir Tür Müdür?
Authors: GÜR Nagihan
Published: December 2019

En genel tanımıyla eserler ve yazarlar hakkında yazılmış övücü
nitelikte tanıtım yazıları olarak tanımlanan takrizler, Osmanlı edebiyatının hemen her döneminde üretim alanı bulmuş,
farklı şekil ve içerikleriyle kendine özgü bir gelenek oluşturmuştur. Sanat ortamında tutunmaya çalışan şairlerin/yazarların
otorite saydıkları kişilerden takriz ricasında bulunması, takdir görme ve
geleneğe eklemlenme çabalarının bir yansımasıdır. Takriz yazarak başkalarının
eserlerini tanıtan/takdim eden kişiler için ise bu yazın pratiği, kendi sanat
güçlerini sınadıkları ve geleneğin ideal sanat anlayışını yerleştirmeye
çalıştıkları bir söylem alanı oluşturur. Takrizlerin pek çok farklı türde yazılmış eserde karşımıza çıkması, bu metinlerin Osmanlı
edebiyatındaki yaygınlığına işaret etmektedir. Bâkî, Nev‘î, Nâbî, Şeyh Gâlib,
Nedîm, Seyyid Vehbî ve Koca Râgıb Paşa gibi Osmanlı edebiyatının önemli temsilcilerinin
başkalarının eserlerine takriz yazması ve bazılarının yazmış oldukları
takrizlere kendi divanlarında yer vermesi, bu metinlere belirli bir yazınsal
değer atfedildiğini göstermektedir. Osmanlı dönemi takriz metinlerini merkeze
alacağım bu makalede, takrizlerin bir tür olup olmadığını tartışmaya açacağım.
Bu bağlamda, ilk olarak takrizlerin biyografik eserlerde, divan ve
mecmualardaki temsilleri üzerinde duracağım. Takrizlerin şekilsel ve üslupsal özelliklerini bazı takriz örnekleri
üzerinden tartışmaya açarak bu geleneğin yazınsal değerini ve türsel özelliklerini ortaya koymaya çalışacağım.
The Use of the Electronic Cross-Matching in Transfusion Center
Authors: ÖZDAMAR Melda , ÇETİNKAYA Fuat , VARDAR İsmail , ERGENE Ömer , TÜRKOĞU Salih
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To demonstrate the results obtained as an outcome of using electronic cross-match (ECM) procedure which shortens the last phase of the preparation of one or more blood product output only by checking the ABO compliance that the patient does not have an alloantibody in life and confirmed by antibody screening with in the last 72 hours through inquiring the database and might reduce the costs.
Methods: The patients transfused in whom ABO compatibility of the blood and blood product was investigated using ECM procedure in the hospital between the years 2014 and 2015 were included in the study. The prerequisites stipulated by American Association of Blood Banks, and indicated in its 2003 guideline were provided. The blood-typing and indirect Coombs (IC) tests have been analyzed by gel colon agglutination system.
Results: During the study period, 25989 units packed red blood cells (RBCs) and 16 units whole blood were ordered from the clinics, and reserved for them. But 11254 units RBCs and 15 units whole blood were used. Crossmatch transfusion rate would be 2,3 if serologic crossmatch was performed to all of the blood products instead of ECM in transfusion laboratory. The costs of both procedures differed 2.07 times. During two years incompatible or mismatched blood transfusion and acute hemolytic transfusion reaction were not observed.
Conclusion: The most important problem that can be experienced in the absence of blood products is the loss of human life which is beyond the limits of cost calculation. For this reason, it is thought that the advantages of the ECM model cannot be measured. It is thought that it will be beneficial to spread the usage of ECM in transfusion center laboratories without compromising quality standards and blood transfusion safety.
Deneysel Egzersiz Uygulamasının Yaşlılık Sürecinde Etkileri
Authors: TUNCA Ülker , YALÇIN Arzu , SAYGIN Mustafa , ELLİDAĞ Hamit Yaşar
Published: December 2019

Amaç: Ilımlı yüzme egzersizine tabi tutulan orta yaş ve yaşlanma sürecine
giren sıçanlarda lenfositlerdeki DNA hasarının comet analizi ile serum IMA’ları
ve TAS, TOS'ları arasındaki ilişkiyi karşılaştırmak.Yöntem: Yaptığımız çalışmada 32 adet erkek Sprague-Dawley (350-500 gr)
11-12 aylık ve 15-16 ay arası yaşlı sıçanlar kullanıldı. Çalışmada her grupta
8’er adet sıçan olmak üzere 4 grup oluşturuldu. Gruplar; kontrol (K1; 11-12
aylık), Egzersiz (E1; 11-12 aylık), Kontrol (K2; 15-16 aylık), Egzersiz (E2;
15-16 aylık) olarak adlandırılmıştır. Yüzme egzersizi, 30 dk/gün, 5 gün/hafta,
toplam 8 hafta orta dereceli egzersiz eğitimi verildi. Egzersiz eğitimi sonrası
ötenazi yapıldı ve oksidatif strese bağlı DNA kırıklarının tespitinde kullanılacak
olan comet analizi için kan örnekleri toplandı. Serum örneklerinin biyokimyasal
analizleri yapılmak üzere kanlar 10.000 rpm santrifüje edildi. Bulgular: Comet analizinde E1 –K1 gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak
anlamlı fark bulundu (p=0,001) ve E1 grubunda comet skoru azaldı. E2-K2
egzersiz grupları arasında da istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulundu (p=0,001)
ve E2 grubunda comet skoru azaldı. Egzersiz gruplarına bakıldığında (E1-E2)
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmadı (p>0.005). Serum örneklerinde
ise, IMAR, IMA-Albümin oranı gruplar arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı
(p>0.005). Serum TAS, TOS, ISO sonuçlarında egzersiz-2 kontrol-2 arasında
bir fark bulunmuştur (p=0.004) ve egzersiz-2 grubunda antioksidan artışı
kontrol-2 göre artış göstermiştir.

Sonuç: Fiziksel egzersiz
eğitiminin, antioksidan kapasitedeki artışla ilişkili olan lenfositlerdeki DNA
hasarına karşı koruyucu etkileri olduğu gösterildi. Sonuçlar yaşlanma sürecinde veya orta yaş
süreçlerinde yapılanacak düzenli ılımlı aerobik egzersizin yaşam kalitesinin
artışında etkin olabileceği düşünüldü.
KALÇA PROTEZLERİNDE OLUŞAN AŞINMANIN FEMUR KAS-İSKELET SİSTEMİ TABANLI SONLU ELEMANLAR ANALİZİ İLE İNCELENMESİ
Authors: BAHÇE Erkan , KARAMAN Derya , GÜLER Mehmet Sami
Published: December 2019

Kalça protez kullanımı artan ortalama yaşam süresine
ve nüfusa bağlı olarak gün geçtikçe artmaktadır. Üstün klinik başarıya rağmen aşınmaya
bağlı olarak kalça protezlerinin gevşemesi ve ağrılı süreçlerin tekrar
başlaması beklenen bir durum haline gelmiştir. Bunların engellenebilmesi için
yapılan çalışmalar in vitro ortamlarda test edilerek sağlık alanında gelişmeler
kaydetmektdir. Bu makalede de kalça protezlerinde ki in vitro test koşullarını
daha kısa sürelerde sağlamak amacıyla kas-iskelet simülasyon tanımlanan Sonlu
Elemanlar Yöntemi ile analizler gerçekleştirildi. Bunun için erişkin hastaya
ait femur kemiği, bu kemiğe uygun kalça protezi ve 172 adet kas birim yük
değeri kullanıldı. Yapılan analizler sonucunda kas sistemlerinin aşınma
derinliğini ve gerilmeleri azalttığı belirlendi.
Il miglioramento genetico per la resistenza agli insetti: una sfida difficile ed attuale
Authors: Gentile A. , La Malfa S.
Published: December 2019

Nello scenario di una nuova agricoltura, le tecniche di miglioramento genetico sono chiamate a svolgere un ruolo importante al fine di rendere i processi produttivi sostenibili anche sotto il profilo ambientale ed economico. Nei prossimi anni sarà necessario produrre di più in condizioni di risorse naturali decrescenti e al tempo stesso assicurare produzioni anche attraverso una riduzione degli input chimici. Negli ultimi cinquant’anni l’integrazione di diverse tecniche e lo sviluppo di metodi di rigenerazione in vitro e di strategie molecolari ha consentito la definizione di nuovi strumenti di miglioramento genetico. Le conoscenze genomiche degli ultimi decenni hanno, infatti, innovato gli strumenti per la realizzazione di programmi di miglioramento genetico, sia in termini di disponibilità di marcatori per selezione assistita o per selezione genomica, sia in termini di conoscenze sulla funzione dei geni responsabili di caratteri agronomici fondamentali, tra i quali la resistenza a stress biotici. I nuovi metodi molecolari, che consentono di ottenere piante cisgeniche, o con sequenze modificate mediante genome editing, si affiancano ai metodi tradizionali di miglioramento genetico superando i limiti dell’incrocio e della selezione, soprattutto con riferimento alla lunghezza dei tempi ed alla impossibilità di prevederne il risultato in termini di caratteristiche modificate. Nella nota vengono descritti i principali metodi di miglioramento genetico e le principali strategie utilizzabili per migliorare la resistenza delle piante agli insetti.
Osteosarcoma de alto grado originado en un tumor filodes maligno
Authors: López Patricia , Vergel-Martínez Juan , Guzmán Luis , Lehman Carlos
Published: December 2019

El tumor filodes maligno con componente estromal (sic) de osteosarcoma es un tumor de muy baja incidencia. La identificación de esta enfermedad se ha convertido en un desafío para la medicina actual debido a su difícil diagnóstico histopatológico, imagenológico y clínico. El tratamiento principal se basa en el manejo quirúrgico, y las opciones de terapia adyuvante aún no presentan un sustento científico sólido para su utilización como tratamiento estándar. Su pronóstico no es bueno. La variante osteoblástica, especialmente, presenta un comportamiento muy agresivo, con un riesgo del 38 % para compromiso metastásico y riesgo de muerte debido a la enfermedad del 33 %. Se presenta el caso de una paciente y se describe cómo se diagnosticó y se trató la enfemerdad.