bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Evolution of Research on Student Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Bibliometric Perspective
Authors: Alazaiza Motasem Y. D. , Alzghoul Tharaa Mahmoud , Al Maskari Tahra , Amr Salem Abu , Nassani Dia Eddin
Published: June 2024

Improper solid waste management (SWM) has resulted in an environmental and epidemiological catastrophe, emphasizing the urgency of SWM due to escalating solid waste generation. Over the past few decades, there has been significant growth in publications studying the relationship between SWM and the environment. Higher education institutes (HEIs) also have a social responsibility to promote public understanding of SWM and to increase awareness among students about SWM. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to provide an overview of research on student awareness of SWM in HEIs over the past 35 years. Data on publication output are identified based on the Scopus database (from 1989 to 2024). A total of 634 articles on SWM awareness and practices among students in HEIs were identified. VOSviewer was used to map the current studies and visualize the current trends in this area. The analysis of keywords used in the publications highlights recurring terms such as “recycling”, “environmental awareness”, and “waste management”, indicating the primary research focus. The results show a significant increase in publications in this area over the last 35 years. China, the US, and the UK emerge as the countries with the highest number of publications with 115, 82, and 44 publications, respectively, where China alone contributed 18.14% of the total publications on the topic, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University being the leading institutions in this research field. The results also highlight the top researchers in the field of student awareness of SWM in HEIs. It identifies influential journals in this field, such as Sustainability (MDPI) and the Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the current state of research on student awareness of SWM in HEIs, identifying research hotspots. It serves as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners interested in this area. The findings of the study are intended to guide researchers planning to conduct further research on the issue.
Analysis of Fish Consumption in the ECOWAS Region and Mauritania: Current Constraints and Future Challenges
Authors: Elhadj Bara Dème , Pierre Failler
Published: June 2024

The objective of this paper is to present the issues of fish consumption in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania in the context of overexploitation of fishery resources, significant population growth, and increasing food and nutritional insecurity. The method involved compiling data on production (fishing and aquaculture), foreign trade in fishery products, and population to define net supply and apparent consumption. Numerical assumptions were made to project consumption trends up to 2030. The assumptions were based on the identification of past and recent fish consumption trends, incorporating political, ecological, and economic events that could impact the standard of living of West African populations. The results indicate that the production of fishery and aquaculture products in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania increased from 2.1 million to 3.6 million between 2008 and 2022, driven by significant catches in Mauritania and the burgeoning aquaculture industries in Nigeria and Ghana. The reliance on imports to compensate for the production deficit has grown increasingly important. Imports now exceed exports by a factor of three, with an average of 1.9 million tonnes imported compared to 0.6 million exported between 2009 and 2022. Despite a notable increase in fishery product exports from Senegal and Mauritania, this rise has not been sufficient to offset the negative trade balance of the region, exacerbated by substantial growth in imports from Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. Even with the significant imports, per capita consumption within ECOWAS and Mauritania has decreased from 14 kg to 11 kg between 2008 and 2022. This decline in consumption is projected to continue in the coming decade, dropping to less than 9 kg by 2030. The current state of overexploitation of fish stocks, ecosystem degradation, climate change, and significant population growth do not favor an improvement in fish consumption over the next decade. However, meeting the ever-increasing demand for fishery products in West Africa is possible if radical changes are implemented at the forefront of decision-making processes.
Exploring Cultural and Heritage Attributes at Mount Yunqiu, China, Using Importance–Performance Analysis
Authors: Hu Yan , Lin Feng , Dong Qizhen , Ahn Young-joo
Published: June 2024

The preferences of tourists regarding their experiences play a crucial role in the management of tourism destinations; understanding tourist satisfaction enables managers to offer facilities and services that are aligned with tourists’ expectations. This study aimed to identify the destination attributes at Mt. Yunqiu and utilize the traditional and revised IPA approaches and compare their results. It applied three different approaches of IPA to assess the perceived importance and performance of the attributes and factors. The three approaches comprised the traditional and modified IPA approaches. The research site was Mt. Yunqiu in Shanxi, which is one of the earliest sites from which humans originated and the center of the Yellow River civilization. A total of 350 questionnaires were utilized, and a total of 41 attributes of cultural and heritage sites were identified to determine the key attributes that attract tourists to the destination. The results present tourists’ perceptions of the destination and their satisfaction regarding various cultural and heritage attractions at Mt. Yunqiu. They thus provide empirical evidence and can be used to suggest various approaches to understand travelers’ perceptions of the importance and performance of different attributes at cultural and heritage sites in the context of Mt. Yunqiu.
Analysis of Liquid Air Energy Storage System with Organic Rankine Cycle and Heat Regeneration System
Authors: Umyshev Dias Raybekovich , Osipov Eduard Vladislavovich , Kibarin Andrey Anatolievich , Korobkov Maxim Sergeyevich , Petukhov Yuriy Viktorovich
Published: June 2024

Liquid air energy storage (LAES) is one of the most promising technologies for power generation and storage, enabling power generation during peak hours. This article presents the results of a study of a new type of LAES, taking into account thermal and electrical loads. The following three variants of the scheme are being considered: with single-stage air compression and the use of compression heat for regasification (Case 1); with single-stage compression and the organic Rankine cycle (Case 2); and with three-stage air compression/expansion and the organic Rankine cycle (Case 3). To analyze the proposed schemes, the Aspen HYSYS v.12 software package was used to compile models of the studied cycles. The analysis shows that round-trip efficiency (RTE) can be as high as 54%. The cost of 1 kg of liquid air is USD 7–8. Moreover, it is shown that the generation of electrical energy largely depends on the operation of the expander plant, followed by the organic Rankine cycle (ORC).
Decentralized Operations of Industrial Complex Microgrids Considering Corporate Power Purchase Agreements for Renewable Energy 100% Initiatives in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jinyeong , Shin Kyungcheol , Wi Young-Min
Published: June 2024

With the rise of environmental policies and advanced technologies, power systems are transitioning from centralized to decentralized systems, incorporating more distributed energy resources (DERs). This shift has increased interest in the operational functions of microgrids (MGs). The “Renewable Energy 100%” (RE100) campaign is pushing companies to adopt renewable energy. In South Korea, industrial complex microgrids (ICMGs) aim to achieve RE100 through corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy providers. ICMGs need to operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes, facing challenges in power transactions due to different operating agents. This study proposes a decentralized optimal power flow (OPF) method using the separable augmented Lagrangian relaxation (SALR) algorithm to solve these power transaction problems without disclosing internal information. The proposed method decomposes the centralized OPF problem into subproblems for each ICMG and solves them in a distributed manner, sharing only transaction prices and amounts. Numerical results from the case study validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Effect of Different Thiamethoxam Concentrations on Riptortus pedestris Development and Fecundity
Authors: Wang Zijie , Wang Song , Li Lixia , Chen Lei , Gao Yu , Yuan Ming , Wang Yueying , Shi Shusen
Published: June 2024

The stink bug, Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a highly destructive pest that significantly damages legume crops in East and South Asia. Neonicotinoid insecticides containing thiamethoxam are widely used to control R. pedestris in soybean fields. However, the current knowledge on the impact of different thiamethoxam concentrations on R. pedestris growth and reproduction is lacking and insufficient. The present study investigated the effects of thiamethoxam on the biological traits of R. pedestris after treatment with LC10 (19.8 mg/L), LC20 (31.6 mg/L), LC30 (44.2 mg/L), LC40 (58.9 mg/L), and LC50 (77.0 mg/L) concentrations. These five thiamethoxam concentrations (LC10~LC50) reduced adult longevity and fecundity in the F1 generation females. Thiamethoxam treatment also significantly decreased the population trend index, intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate, gross reproductive rate, and finite rate of increase and increased the mean generation time. These results show that thiamethoxam hinders and suppresses the development and growth of the F1 population of R. pedestris. Thiamethoxam is recommended for spray control during peak adult emergence, as it not only has a controlling effect on the parental generation but also a negative impact on the F1 generations.
A Systematic Review of Botulinum Toxin Injection in Pediatric Dystonia
Authors: Rasera Andrea , Squintani Giovanna Maddalena , Cerruto Maria Angela
Published: June 2024

Botulinum toxin (BT), a first-line treatment for focal dystonias in adults, has gained USA Food and Drug Administration approval for pediatric upper and lower extremity spasticity and sialorrhea, though its use in children younger than 2 years old is still considered off-label treatment for all pathologies. Dosing, treatment strategies and outcome measures lack international consensus, and they are often extrapolated from adult or spasticity guidelines. This review aims to evaluate the best available evidence on the efficacy and safety of BT therapy in pediatric dystonia (age under 21 years old), isolated or associated with other medical conditions. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted, including only articles in English. Although no randomized controlled trials are still present, 12 articles were included with an overall of 57 patients. All the papers demonstrate that BT can improve motor function, decrease pain and ameliorate quality of life, with minimal adverse effects in pediatric patients affected by pure or mixed dystonic motor disorders. Despite the low level of evidence, our review shows that BT could be an efficacious treatment for these pediatric patients. The frequent generalized involvement, together with the heterogeneous nature of childhood dystonic forms, sometimes intermingled with spasticity, prompts further multicenter clinical trials or prospective studies with a higher level of evidence to shed light on the efficacy and safety profile of BT in pediatric dystonia.
Natural Occurrence and Co-Occurrence of Beauvericin and Enniatins in Wheat Kernels from China
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Liang Jiang , Zhang Jing , Song Yan , Zhao Xi , Liu Xiao , Zhang Hongyuan , Sui Haixia , Ye Jin , Wu Yu , Ji Jian , Ye Yongli , Sun Xiulan , Xu Jin , Bai Li , Han Xiaomin , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

A total of 769 wheat kernels collected from six provinces in China were analyzed for beauvericin (BEA) and four enniatins (ENNs), namely, ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1, using a solid phase extraction (SPE) technique with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results show that the predominant toxin was BEA, which had a maximum of 387.67 μg/kg and an average of 37.69 μg/kg. With regard to ENNs, the prevalence and average concentrations of ENB and ENB1 were higher than those of ENA and ENA1. The geographical distribution of BEA and ENNs varied. Hubei and Shandong exhibited the highest and lowest positive rates of BEA and ENNs (13.46% and 87.5%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed among these six provinces. There was a co-occurrence of BEA and ENNs, and 42.26% of samples were simultaneously detected with two or more toxins. Moreover, a significant linear correlation in concentrations was observed between the four ENN analogs (r range: 0.75~0.96, p < 0.05). This survey reveals that the contamination and co-contamination of BEA and ENNs in Chinese wheat kernels were very common.
Blood Lines: Intraspecific and Interspecific Variations in Anticoagulant Actions of Agkistrodon Viperid Venoms
Authors: Coimbra Francisco C. P. , Sanchez Elda E. , Lomonte Bruno , Gutiérrez José María , Calvete Juan J. , Fry Bryan G.
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the intraspecific and interspecific variability in the venom effects of Agkistrodon viperid snake species and subspecies (eleven venoms total) on plasma clotting times, fibrinogen levels, and fibrin clot strength. Significant delays in plasma clotting time were observed for A. conanti, A. contortrix mokasen, A. contortrix phaeogaster, A. howardgloydi, A. piscivorus leucostoma, and A. piscivorus piscivorus. Notably, the phylogenetically disjunct lineages A. conanti, A. contortrix mokasen, and A. howardgloydi exhibited the most potent anticoagulant effects, indicating the independent amplification of a basal trait. Inhibition assays with the activated clotting enzymes Factors XIa, IXa, Xa, and IIa (thrombin) revealed that FXa inhibition is another basal trait amplified independently on multiple occasions within the genus, but with A. howardgloydi, notably more potent than all others. Phospholipid degradation and zymogen destruction were identified as mechanisms underlying the variability in venom effects observed experimentally and in previous clinical reports. Thromboelastography demonstrated that the venoms did not clot fibrinogen directly but affected fibrin clot strength by damaging fibrinogen and that thrombin was subsequently only able to cleave into weak, unstable clots. The ability to activate Protein C, an endogenous anticoagulant enzyme, varied across species, with some venoms exceeding that of A. contortrix contortrix, which previously yielded the protein diagnostic agent Protac®. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that both fibrinogen degradation and Protein C activation were each amplified multiple times within the genus, albeit with negative correlation between these two modes of action. This study highlights the evolutionary, clinical, and biodiscovery implications of venom variability in the Agkistrodon species, underscoring their dynamic evolution, emphasising the need for tailored clinical approaches, and highlighting the potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic developments inspired by the unique properties of snake venoms.
Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Its Acetylated Derivatives on Lipid Metabolism in Human Normal Hepatocytes
Authors: Ma Zhaoqing , He Yuyun , Li Yuzhi , Wang Qiao , Fang Min , Yang Qing , Gong Zhiyong , Xu Lin
Published: June 2024

Deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) belong to type B trichothecenes that are widely detected in agricultural products as one of the most common classes of mycotoxins. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the alteration of lipid metabolism in normal human hepatocytes by poisoning with DON and its acetylated derivatives. After verifying the hepatotoxicity of the three toxins, DON, 15-ADON, and 3-ADON, the mRNA expression was determined by transcriptomics, and the results showed that DON and 15-ADON had a significant regulatory effect on the transcriptome, in which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and phospholipase D signaling pathways have not been reported in studies of DON and its acetylated derivatives. For further validation, we explored lipid metabolism in depth and found that PC (15:0/16:0), PC (16:1/18:3), PC (18:1/22:6), PC (16:0/16:0), PC (16:0/16:1), PC (16:1/18:1), PC (14:0/18:2), PE (14:0/16:0) and PE (18:1/18:3) were downregulated for all nine lipids. Combined with the transcriptome results, we found that hepatic steatosis induced by the three toxins, DON, 15-ADON and 3-ADON, was associated with altered expression of genes related to lipid oxidation, lipogenesis and lipolysis, and their effects on lipid metabolism in L-02 cells were mainly realized through the PC-PE cycle.
Effects of Two Quantum Correction Parameters on Chaotic Dynamics of Particles near Renormalized Group Improved Schwarzschild Black Holes
Authors: Lu Junjie , Wu Xin
Published: June 2024

A renormalized group improved Schwarzschild black hole spacetime contains two quantum correction parameters. One parameter γ represents the identification of cutoff of the distance scale, and another parameter Ω stems from nonperturbative renormalization group theory. The two parameters are constrained by the data from the shadow of M87* central black hole. The dynamics of electrically charged test particles around the black hole are integrable. However, when the black hole is immersed in an external asymptotically uniform magnetic field, the dynamics are not integrable and may allow for the occurrence of chaos. Employing an explicit symplectic integrator, we survey the contributions of the two parameters to the chaotic dynamical behavior. It is found that a small change of the parameter γ constrained by the shadow of M87* black hole has an almost negligible effect on the dynamical transition of particles from order to chaos. However, a small decrease in the parameter Ω leads to an enhancement in the strength of chaos from the global phase space structure. A theoretical interpretation is given to the different contributions. The term with the parameter Ω dominates the term with the parameter γ, even if the two parameters have same values. In particular, the parameter Ω acts as a repulsive force, and its decrease means a weakening of the repulsive force or equivalently enhancing the attractive force from the black hole. On the other hand, there is a positive Lyapunov exponent that is universally given by the surface gravity of the black hole when Ω≥0 is small and the external magnetic field vanishes. In this case, the horizon would influence chaotic behavior in the motion of charged particles around the black hole surrounded by the external magnetic field. This point can explain why a smaller value of the renormalization group parameter would much easily induce chaos than a larger value.
Severe COVID-19 Outcomes in Five Latin American Countries in the Postvaccination Era
Authors: Silva Julian Guilherme , Spinardi Júlia , Diaz-Puentes Melissa , Buitrago Diana , García Ida Caterina , Kyaw Moe H.
Published: June 2024

We conducted a multicountry retrospective study using data from COVID-19 national surveillance databases to analyze clinical profiles, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, utilization of ventilatory support, and mortality rates in five Latin American countries in the context of COVID-19 vaccination implementation. We analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical outcomes, and vaccination status of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases from January 2021 to December 2022. We calculated the yearly and quarterly hospitalization rates per 1000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and ICU admissions, use of mechanical ventilators, and mortality rates per 1000 hospitalized cases, with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of 38,852,831 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, ventilatory support, and death were higher among males than among females (38.2 vs. 32.4, 148.4 vs. 117.7, 282.9 vs. 236.2, and 346.9 vs. 320.1 per 1000, respectively); higher in 2021 than in 2022 (50.7 vs. 19.9, 207.8 vs. 58.2, 441.5 vs. 114.9, and 352.5 vs. 285.2 per 1000, respectively); and in the >50 age group (range: 5.7–18.6, 20.1–71.5, 12.2–67.9, and 353.1–577.4, per 1000) than the <50 age group (range: 2.2–9.3, 5.4–33.2, 41.4–135.8, and 22–243.5 per 1000). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities in Mexico and Colombia. Prevention and treatment strategies for these case profiles could bring benefits from a public health perspective.
The Influence of Simulated Organic Matter on the Inactivation of Viruses: A Review
Authors: Allingham Christina , Taniguchi Miyu , Kinchla Amanda J. , Moore Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

Viruses impose a significant public health burden globally, and one of the key elements in controlling their transmission is the ability to inactivate them using disinfectants. However, numerous challenges to inactivating foodborne viruses exist due to inherent viral characteristics (such as recalcitrance to commonly used inactivation agents) and external factors (such as improper cleaning before application of inactivation agent, improper contact time, etc.). Given the potential for improper application of disinfectants (such as shorter than recommended contact time, improper disinfectant concentration, etc.), understanding the performance of a disinfectant in the presence of an organic load is important. To accomplish this, the introduction of simulated organic loads is often used when studying the efficacy of a disinfectant against different viruses. However, the different types of simulated organic loads used in foodborne virus inactivation studies or their relative effects on inactivation have not been reviewed. The purpose of this review is to survey different simulated organic load formulations used in studying foodborne virus inactivation, as well as present and compare the influence of these different formulations on viral inactivation. The findings included in this review suggest that many simulated organic load formulations can reduce disinfectants’ efficacy against viruses. Based on the findings in this review, blood, particularly serum or feces, are among the most commonly used and efficacious forms of simulated organic load in many tests.
Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Presentation of Individuals Who Test Positive or Negative for SARS-CoV-2: Results from a Test Street Study
Authors: Kiani Pantea , Hendriksen Pauline A. , Kim Andy J. , Garssen Johan , Verster Joris C.
Published: June 2024

The common cold, the flu, and the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have many symptoms in common. As such, without testing for severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is difficult to conclude whether or not one is infected with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the current study was to compare the presence and severity of COVID-19-related symptoms among those who tested positive or negative for the beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.351) and identify the clinical presentation with the greatest likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. n = 925 individuals that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 at Dutch mass testing sites (i.e., test streets) were invited to complete a short online survey. The presence and severity of 17 COVID-19-related symptoms were assessed. In addition, mood, health correlates, and quality of life were assessed for the week before the test. Of the sample, n = 88 tested positive and n = 837 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 reported experiencing a significantly greater number, as well as greater overall symptom severity, compared to individuals who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that increased severity levels of congestion, coughing, shivering, or loss of smell were associated with an increase in the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, whereas an increase in the severity levels of runny nose, sore throat, or fatigue were associated with an increase in the odds of testing negative for SARS-CoV-2. No significant differences in mood or health correlates were found between those who tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2, except for a significantly higher stress score among those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, individuals that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 experienced a significantly greater number and more severe COVID-19-related symptoms compared to those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Experiencing shivering and loss of smell may be the best indicators for increased likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Characteristics of Nitrogen Removal and Functional Gene Transcription of Heterotrophic Nitrification-Aerobic Denitrification Strain, Acinetobacter sp. JQ1004
Authors: Hou Liangang , Huang Feng , Pan Zhengwei , Chen Wei , Wang Xiujie
Published: June 2024

In this study, the heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification strain JQ1004 was investigated in terms of its nitrogen removal mechanism and kinetic properties, laying the foundation for its application in the field of wastewater treatment. Nitrogen balance analysis revealed that the final metabolic product was N2, and approximately 54.61% of N was converted into cellular structure through assimilation. According to the fitting of the Compertz model, the maximum degradation rates of ammonia and nitrate were 7.93 mg/(L·h) and 4.08 mg/(L·h), respectively. A weakly alkaline environment was conducive to N removal, and the sensitivity of functional genes to acidic environments was amoA > nirS > narG. An appropriate increase in dissolved oxygen significantly enhanced heterotrophic nitrification activity, and notably, the denitrification-related functional gene narG exhibited greater tolerance to dissolved oxygen compared to nirS. The transcription level of amoA was significantly higher than that of narG or nirS, confirming that there might have been direct ammonia oxidation metabolic pathways (NH4+→NH2OH→N2) besides the complete nitrification and denitrification pathway. The annotation of nitrogen assimilation-related functional genes (including gltB, gltD, glnA, nasA, nirB, narK, nrtP, cynT, and gdhA genes) in the whole-genome sequencing analysis further confirmed the high assimilation nitrogen activity of the HN-AD strain.
Behaviour and Peculiarities of Oil Hydrocarbon Removal from Rain Garden Structures
Authors: Kravchenko Maryna , Trach Yuliia , Trach Roman , Tkachenko Tetiana , Mileikovskyi Viktor
Published: June 2024

The expansion of impervious areas in the context of climate change leads to an increase in stormwater runoff. Runoff from roads, petrol stations, and service stations is the most common form of unintentional release of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Rain gardens are an important practice for removing PHs from stormwater runoff, but little data exist on the removal efficiency and behaviour of these substances within the system. The main objective of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of rain gardens in removing pollutants such as diesel fuel (DF) and used engine oil (UEO) in a laboratory setting, as well as to study the behaviours of these pollutants within the system. Eight experimental columns (7.164 dm3) were packed with soil (bulk density 1.48 kg/dm3), river sand (1.6 kg/dm3), and gravel. Plants of the Physocarpus opulifolia Diabolo species were planted in the topsoil to study their resistance to PHs. For 6 months, the columns were watered with model PHs followed by simulated rain events. The concentrations of PHs in the leachate and soil media of the columns were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The results of HPLC indicated the absence of UEO and DF components in the leachates of all experimental columns, which suggested 100% removal of these substances from stormwater. The chromatography results showed that 95% of the modelled PHs were retained in the surface layer of the soil medium due to the sorption process, which led to a change in hydraulic conductivity over time. Recommendations are proposed to increase the service life of rain gardens designed to filter PHs from stormwater.
Designing Effective Low-Impact Developments for a Changing Climate: A HYDRUS-Based Vadose Zone Modeling Approach
Authors: Guram Satbir , Bashir Rashid
Published: June 2024

Low-Impact Developments (LIDs), like green roofs and bioretention cells, are vital for managing stormwater and reducing pollution. Amidst climate change, assessing both current and future LID systems is crucial. This study utilizes variably saturated flow modeling with the HYDRUS software (version 4.17) to analyze ten locations in Ontario, Canada, focusing on Toronto. Historical and projected climate data are used in flow modeling to assess long-term impacts. Future predicted storms, representing extreme precipitation events, derived from a regional climate model, were also used in the flow modeling. This enabled a comprehensive evaluation of LID performance under an evolving climate. A robust methodology is developed to analyze LID designs, exploring parameters like water inflow volumes, peak intensity, time delays, runoff dynamics, and ponding patterns. The findings indicate potential declines in LID performance attributed to rising water volumes, resulting in notable changes in infiltration for green roofs (100%) and bioretention facilities (50%) compared to historical conditions. Future climate predicted storms indicate reduced peak reductions and shorter time delays for green roofs, posing risks of flooding and erosion. Anticipated extreme precipitation is projected to increase ponding depths in bioretention facilities, resulting in untreated stormwater overflow and prolonged ponding times exceeding baseline conditions by up to 13 h at numerous Ontario locations.
Assessment of the Divergent Influence of Natural and Non-Seasonal Hydrological Fluctuations on Functional Traits and Niche Characteristics of Plant Guilds along the Xiangxi River, China
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Yi Wenxiong , Xu Shaoting , He Di , Min Qifeng , Chen Gong , Yang Jin , Deng Danli , Yang Zhengjian , Huang Guiyun , Hu Meixiang , Ye Chen
Published: June 2024

The reservoir water level fluctuation zones (RWLFZs) and the natural riparian zones (NRZs) are two riparian ecosystems with dramatically opposite hydrological rhythms that notably influence the plant guilds. However, little is known about the discrepancies of the functional traits and niche characteristics of plant guilds in the RWLFZs and NRZs under different flooding rhythms. The aims of this study were to assess the divergent influence of natural and non-seasonal hydrological fluctuations on functional traits and niche characteristics of plant guilds. The results showed that 78 vascular plant species were identified in the riparian zones of the Xiangxi River basin. The dominant species were annuals in the two riparian ecosystems and their percentage increased temporally from 65.79% in the NRZs to 67.34% in the RWLFZs. Compared with the NRZs, the specific leaf area, vegetation coverage and the aboveground biomass in the RWLFZs significantly increased by 74%, 27% and 19.6%, respectively, while the water-use efficiency of the RWLFZ decreased by 59.6% and there was no significant difference in the net photosynthetic rate between them, which showed that annuals in the RWLFZs adopted the R adaptation strategy of being fast-growing with a short lifespan and quickly acquiring and investing resources by altering leaf morphology, including expanding the leaf area. The Simpson dominance index of RWLFZs was significantly higher than that of NRZ. Thus, counter-seasonally hydrological alterations had significant effects on functional traits of dominant species in the RWFLZs. Moreover, the highly adaptable and widely distributed species with larger niche breadths and high important values usually had a higher niche overlap value in the RWLFZs than in the NRZs, which showed that the competition in the plant communities after experiencing anti-seasonal flooding was much more intraspecific than interspecific and would facilitate the expansion of species niches. Our findings imply that the species with large niche breadths and high important values should be prioritized in ecological restoration efforts in the newly formed hydro-fluctuation zones of the TGR.
Water Supply Security—Risk Management Instruments in Water Supply Companies
Authors: Heumer Felix , Grischek Thomas , Tränckner Jens
Published: June 2024

Piped drinking water supplies are exposed to a range of threats. Changing hazard situations arise from climate change, digitisation, and changing conditions in the power supply, among other things. Risk and crisis management adapted to the hazard situation can increase the resilience of the piped drinking water supply. Analogous to the risk management system, this article describes a methodology that ranges from hazard analysis with the prioritisation of 57 individual hazards to vulnerability assessment with the help of balance sheet structure models (BSM) and the planning and implementation of measures to increase the resilience of the piped drinking water supply in a targeted manner. The work steps mentioned build on each other and were tested using the case study of a water supply company in Saxony (Germany). As a result, priority hazards are identified, the remaining supply periods and replacement and emergency water requirements are determined as part of the vulnerability assessment, and finally, planning principles for increasing resilience are documented. The methodology focuses primarily on practicable application by water supply companies.
UV/Advanced Oxidation Process for Removing Humic Acid from Natural Water: Comparison of Different Methods and Effect of External Factors
Authors: Shen Qingchao , Song Xiaosan , Fan Jishuo , Chen Cheng , Li Zhuohao
Published: June 2024

Humic acid (HA) is an organic compound naturally present in aquatic environments. It has been found to have detrimental effects on water color, the transport of heavy metals, and the elimination of disinfection by-products (DBPs), thereby exerting an impact on human health. This study introduced four synergistic ultraviolet/advanced oxidation processes (UV/AOPs) systems aimed at eliminating HA from water. The research explored the effect of solution pH, duration of illumination, initial reactant concentration, and oxidant concentration on the degradation of HA. The results indicated that the mineralization rate achieved by individual UV or oxidant systems was less than 15%, which is significantly lower compared to UV/AOPs systems. Among these methods, the UV/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) process demonstrated the highest effectiveness, achieving a mineralization rate of 94.15%. UV/peroxydisulfate (UV/PDS) and UV/sodium percarbonate (SPC) were subsequently implemented, with UV/sulfite (S(IV)) demonstrating the lowest effectiveness at 19.8%. Optimal degradation efficiency was achieved when the initial concentration of HA was 10 mg/L, the concentration of PMS was 3 mmol/L, and the initial pH was set at 5, with an illumination time of 180 min. This experimental setup resulted in high degradation efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD), UV254, and HA, reaching 96.32%, 97.34%, and 92.09%, respectively. The energy efficiency of this process (EE/O) was measured at 0.0149 (kWh)/m3, indicating the capability of the UV/PMS system to efficiently degrade and mineralize HA in water. This offers theoretical guidance for the engineered implementation of a UV/PAM process in the treatment of HA.
Harmonic Resonance Mechanisms and Influencing Factors of Distributed Energy Grid-Connected Systems
Authors: Xu Minrui , Li Zhixin , Lu Shufeng , Xu Tianyang , Zhang Zhanqi , Quan Xiangjun
Published: June 2024

With the rapid development of global energy transformation and new power system, ensuring the stability of distributed energy grid connections is the key to maintaining the reliable operation of the whole power system. This paper constructs detailed impedance models of grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverters using a harmonic linearization method and thoroughly investigates the mechanisms of resonance when inverters are connected to the grid, as well as the impact of model parameters on the stability of the grid system. This paper also briefly analyzes the scenario where distributed energy and electric vehicles are integrated into the grid simultaneously, demonstrating that grid system stability can be ensured in complex grid situations through reasonable parameter design. Lastly, the accuracy of the proposed impedance models and analysis is verified through MATLAB/Simulink simulations.
Pengaruh Generasi Milenial Terhadap Experience Pengunjung pada Smart Banking Lounge
Authors: Radityotomo Revaya , Astuti Susy Budi , Wardhana Mahendra
Published: June 2024

Generasi millenial, sebagai pengguna yang terbiasa dengan teknologi, memiliki preferensi konsumen yang unik, terbuka terhadap inovasi, dan menuntut pengalaman pengguna yang nyaman dan efisien. Meskipun perkembangan teknologi digital banking, semakin banyak nasabah yang enggan datang langsung ke bank fisik, menurunkan jumlah pengunjung. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman mengenai dinamika hubungan antara generasi millenial dan pengalaman pengunjung pada Smart Banking Lounge. Metode penelitian yang diterapkan adalah metode deskripsi komparatif dengan pendekatan Omni-channel, di mana semua saluran terintegrasi untuk memberikan pengalaman terbaik kepada pengunjung. Data diperoleh melalui studi literatur mengenai perbankan di Indonesia, digital banking, persyaratan media digital banking pada bank fisik, aktivitas perbankan, dan generasi millenial. Dalam pembahasan, penelitian mengidentifikasi pengaruh generasi millenial terhadap Smart Banking Lounge, termasuk keterampilan teknologi tinggi, preferensi efisiensi dan kecepatan, serta keinginan akan pengalaman personalisasi dan keterlibatan sosial. Penelitian ini memberikan wawasan berharga bagi industri perbankan dalam merancang dan meningkatkan Smart Banking Lounge agar lebih responsif terhadap preferensi dan harapan generasi millenial, sehingga dapat meningkatkan daya saing dan kualitas layanan perbankan secara keseluruhan
The Future of Kidney Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges, Triumphs, and Opportunities
Authors: Kalyesubula Robert , Aklilu Abinet M. , Calice-Silva Viviane , Kumar Vivek , Kansiime Grace
Published: June 2024

CKD affects about 850 million people worldwide and is projected to be the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Individuals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the bulk of CKD. They face challenges including lack of awareness among the general population, as well as health care providers, unique risk factors such as genetic predispositions, infectious diseases, and environmental toxins, limited availability and affordability of diagnostic tests and medications, and limited access to KRTs. The inadequate health system infrastructure, human resources, and financing mechanisms to support comprehensive and integrated kidney care worsen the situation. Overcoming these challenges needs concerted efforts toward early detection, intervention, and multidisciplinary follow-up, policy, collaboration, advocacy, and financing. To achieve this, there is need for individual governments to include kidney health among the key health priorities and build capacity toward resilient health care systems. Integrating kidney care using the roadmaps of well-established management systems for other chronic diseases, such as HIV, has the potential to expedite the widespread adoption of kidney health. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current state and future prospects of kidney care in LMICs, highlighting the main challenges, ongoing efforts, and opportunities for improvement. We present case studies of exemplary efforts from three continents of the world with the highest densities of LMICs and propose potential strategies for a sustainable solution.
Evaluating the Ability of Constructed Intertidal Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reefs to Address Shoreline Erosion in South Carolina
Authors: Kingsley-Smith Peter , Tweel Andrew , Johnson Sharleen , Sundin Gary , Hodges Michael , Stone Benjamin , Sorg Gregory , Sanger Denise
Published: June 2024

The application of nature-based solutions to address shoreline erosion and the loss of salt marsh in coastal South Carolina has centered around the creation of intertidal oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs that act as natural breakwaters. The installation of such living shoreline materials often results in a rapid accumulation of fine sediments, followed by wild oyster recruitment to suitable materials, and then more gradually the growth of salt marshes (primarily Spartina alterniflora). Leveraging more than two decades of oyster reef restoration and living shorelines research at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, this study quantitatively assessed performance rates for both percent oyster cover and marsh protection in relation to reef age. Determining such rates will serve to inform the expectations of prospective adopters of living shorelines as to the timeframes of some of the biological processes, as measures of performance success, that will occur following material installation. Performance success was investigated in terms of recruitment of oysters to installed materials and the creation of new marsh habitat or protection of existing marsh from erosion. Reef age was an important determinant of reef “success”, with significant relationships between reef age and both performance success metrics. Percent oyster cover reached 40% by two years post-installation and 50% by four years post-installation, indicative of high rates of oyster recruitment. The relative marsh protection rate of living shorelines compared to unprotected reference plots was 0.4 m yr-1 Reef performance differed based on bank substrate firmness, bank width, shoreline morphology, and location relative to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Firmer bank substrate was associated with greater percent oyster cover. Broader bank width was associated with greater marsh protection. Higher percent oyster cover measurements were observed on straight, natural shorelines and reefs located along the ICW. Reefs located on the ICW were also associated with greater marsh protection than reefs at non-ICW sites. Further, this study demonstrates that bagged oyster shell reefs are capable of providing shoreline protection services for more than a decade and can endure multiple intense storm events. The results of this study were also used to facilitate the implementation of new living shoreline regulations in coastal South Carolina in the hope of broadening adoption of this approach to addressing shoreline erosion and salt marsh habitat loss.
Restoring Predevelopment Hydrology with Smart Stormwater Controls in Aiken, South Carolina
Authors: Hetrick Jason , Ellis Kathryn , Marchese Dayton , Ritz Samantha
Published: June 2024

For decades, large quantities of stormwater runoff from the City of Aiken flowed at destructive velocities (exceeding 5 ft/s) into the Sand River, deeply eroding the channel in the downstream Hitchcock Woods. From 1990 to 2015, the City of Aiken commissioned several consultants to produce over a dozen studies to investigate viable solutions for the destructive erosion. Upon the recommendation from a collaborative Stormwater Task Force, the City of Aiken approved a stormwater implementation plan in 2018 which recommended 20 capital improvement projects sized to capture 58 ac-ft of stormwater in order to restore the river’s predevelopment hydrology, with a goal of reducing stormwater velocities in the Sand River to reflect design considerations in the National Engineering Handbook (between 2.0 ft/s for fine sand channels and 4.0 ft/s for coarse sand channels). In November 2023, the City of Aiken completed construction on two underground detention vaults with a total storage volume of 25 ac-ft. These vaults were designed to capture stormwater runoff before it enters Hitchcock Woods and infiltrate as much stormwater runoff as possible; any additional stormwater will be released at a reduced flow rate compared to existing conditions. The 10-year, 24-hour storm event was selected to size the vaults because it was an achievable metric given numerous constraints such as available land, impacts to existing infrastructure and environmental resources, and available funding. The 10-year event also corresponded to typical stormwater requirements for new development. The vaults utilized the largest height, 15 feet, available for precast underground storage vaults in the marketplace. In addition to providing stormwater management below ground, a new public park was constructed on top of the buried vaults to be used as a gateway between the Hitchcock Woods and the City of Aiken.
Use of an Autonomous Surface Vehicle to Collect High Spatial Resolution Water Quality Data at Lake Wateree, SC
Authors: Venkatachari Archana , Bourbonnais Annie , Salman Ibrahim , Rekleitis Ioannis , Quattrini Li Alberto , Cottingham Kathryn , Ewing Holly , Bruesewitz Denise , Arsenault Emily , Shingai Quin
Published: June 2024

Freshwater resources including lakes and reservoirs are increasingly threatened by harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs). The scarcity of high spatial and temporal resolution data presents challenges for monitoring, predicting, and managing these blooms. Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) equipped with water quality sensors represent a powerful tool to obtain high-resolution spatial data at Lake Wateree (LW), South Carolina (SC). LW is a hydroelectric reservoir commonly covered with extensive blooms of the benthic cyanobacteria Microseira (Lyngbya) wollei and Phormium sp., with the thickest mats in shallow coves. The main objective of this study was to determine the best speed and duration of loiter (i.e., pauses) required to collect accurate quantitative data on a mobile platform. We present a low-cost motorized kayak (USD) designed to run autonomously equipped with a YSI EXO2 sonde measuring depth, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and phycocyanin. The sonde was positioned horizontally on a rigid mount at 0.5 m below the surface to efficiently reduce the effect of turbulence. The data were compared to another YSI EXO2 sonde installed on the same ASV design, maintained stationary midway along the moving ASV’s path to assess the data accuracy obtained at different speeds and loiter periods. No statistically significant differences were observed for measurements collected on the stationary and moving ASVs for all water-quality sensors at a speed of up to 2.7 m/s (6 mph). Differences observed between the moving and stationary sondes for phycocyanin and turbidity sensors were within the reported factory accuracy at speeds up to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) and outside the expected factory accuracy at higher speed (2.7 m/s), showing the effects of motion and mixing on the collected data. Dissolved oxygen was outside of the reported factory accuracy for all tests. It is recommended to loiter periodically when moving at a faster speed to obtain more accurate data, as the differences between the sondes were alleviated during the loiter period. Overall, our ASV design has the potential to be employed to obtain robust spatial data at LW when deployed at optimal operating conditions.