bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VII Fórum Internacional de Conhecimento & Ciência; IX Encontro Científico do Grupo Pesquisas & Publicações - GPs
Authors: Pinto Ricardo Figueiredo
Published: November 2022

SINTO-ME GRANDEMENTE HONRADO em prefaciar esta obra de ilustres Pesquisadores e temas variados de impacto nacional e internacional. A variedade de estudos desse e-book nos faz enxergar a partir das lentes de Gastón Bachelard e identificar que o real não é nunca aquilo em que se poderia acreditar, mas é sempre aquilo em que deveríamos ter pensado. A conquista do supérfluo provoca uma excitação espiritual superior a conquista do necessário.

Todo o conhecimento é uma resposta a uma pergunta. A despeito das incertezas provocadas pela pandemia da Covid-19, é possível perceber um consenso entre os pesquisadores, acadêmicos, governo e sociedade de que o crescimento econômico com equidade depende do fortalecimento, expansão, consolidação e integração das iniciativas de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação como as aqui apresentadas em forma de artigos científicos.

Para além do exposto, as Palestras, Minicursos, Mesas Especializadas e demais que abrilhamtam o VII Fórum Internacional de Conhecimento & Ciência, IX Encontro Científico do Grupo Pesquisas & Publicações – Gps, I Semana Acadêmica do Curso de Graduação em Educação Física (GEDF/UEPA), I Caminhada da Conhecimento & Ciência - "Caminhando para a saúde" contribuem para um alçar do nosso País e dos demais continentes a um novo estágio de desenvolvimento por intermédio da colaboração e da construção de uma sociedade do conhecimento mais igualitária, plural, inclusiva, social, tecnológica e inovadora.

Imagino que sem a grande parceria dos professores e pesquisadores das instituições envolvidas e apresentadas nos estudos desse E-book, aliado ao grande esforço técnico, de colaboradores institucionais e empresariais, entre outros atores acadêmico e científicos nunca seria possível trazer ao presente leitor tão rico e significativo conjunto de publicações.

Por fim, ressaltamos o pensamento de Boaventura Sousa Santos, ao registrar que tal como noutros períodos de transição, difíceis de entender e de percorrer, é necessário voltar às coisas simples, à capacidade de formular perguntas simples, perguntas que, como Einstein costumava dizer, só uma criança pode fazer, mas que, depois de feitas, são capazes de trazer uma luz nova à nossa perplexidade.
Mental disorders and lack of social support among refugees and Ugandan nationals screening for HIV at health centers in Nakivale refugee settlement in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Klabbers Robin E. , Ashaba Scholastic , Stern Joshua , Faustin Zikama , Tsai Alexander C. , Kasozi Julius , Kambugu Andrew , Ventevogel Peter , Bassett Ingrid V. , O'Laughlin Kelli N.
Published: November 2022

Background

Exposure to potentially traumatic events and daily stressors in humanitarian settings puts refugees and asylum seekers (henceforth collectively referred to as refugees) at increased risk for mental disorders. Little is known about how mental disorder prevalence compares between refugees and national populations who live in the same settings and are exposed to many of the same daily challenges. We aimed to compare the proportions of refugees and Ugandan nationals screening positive for mental disorders in a Ugandan refugee settlement to inform targeted health interventions. Given displacement’s disruptive effect on social networks and the importance of social support for mental health, we also aimed to assess social support.

Methods

Refugees and Ugandan nationals voluntarily testing for HIV at health centers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement were screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD CheckList-6 – Civilian Version [PCL-6]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and lack of social support (Brief Social Support Scale [BS6]). The association between refugee versus Ugandan national status and the four outcomes was assessed using log-binomial regression.

Results

Screening surveys were completed by 5,513 participants, including 3,622 refugees and 1,891 Ugandan nationals. A positive screen for PTSD, depression, anxiety and lack of social support was found for 2,388 (44%), 1,337 (25%), 1,241 (23%) and 631 (12%) participants, respectively. Refugee status was associated with a higher prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-1.23), depression (PR=1.22; 95% CI=1.11-1.36), anxiety (PR=1.28; 95% CI=1.14-1.42), and lack of social support (PR=1.50; 95% CI=1.27-1.78). When adjusted for the other outcomes, the higher prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD, anxiety and lack of social support for refugees remained statistically significant.

Conclusions

Elevated symptoms of mental disorders are found among refugees and Ugandan nationals testing for HIV in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. The significant association between refugee status and PTSD, anxiety and lack of social support symptoms highlights the distinct needs of this population. To determine the prevalence of mental disorders in these populations, comprehensive assessment, including psychological and neuropsychological testing, is needed.
A systemic model predictive control based on adaptive power pinch analysis for load shifting and shedding in an isolated hybrid energy storage system
Authors: NYONG-BASSEY Bassey , EPEMU Ayebatonye
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a novel systemic algorithm based on conservative power pinch analysis principles using a computationally efficient insight-based binary linear programming optimization technique in a model predictive framework for integrated load shifting and shedding in an isolated hybrid energy storage system. In a receding 24-hour predictive horizon, the energy demand and supply are integrated via an adaptive power grand composite curve tool to form a diagonal matrix of predicted hourly minimum and maximum energy constraints. The intgrated energy constraints must be satisfied recursively by the binary optimisation to ensure the energy storage’s state of charge only operates within 30% and 90%. Hence, the control command to shift or shed load is contingent on the energy storage state of the charge violating the operating constraints. The controllable load demand is shifted and/or shed to prevent any violations while ensuring energy supply to the most critical load without sacrificing the consumers' comfort. The proposed approach enhances efficient energy use from renewable energy supply as well as limits the use of the Hydrogen resources by a fuel cell to satisfy controllable load demands which can be shifted to periods in the day with excess renewable energy supply.
Development of converter configuration and corresponding control strategy for wind turbines using permanent magnet synchronous generator: A Case study
Authors: LE Van Dai
Published: November 2022

This study aims to investigate a feasible converter architecture and corresponding control method for Wind Turbine (WT) systems using permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG). The converter configuration is designed based on the AC/DC/AC converter, including the Diode Bridge Rectifier (DBR) and Pulse Width Modulated Current Source Inverter (PWM-CSI), Buck-Boost Converter (BBC), and Bypass Chopper (BC). The control strategy for the proposed converter is developed to enhance the operating performance of WT-PMSG, which must satisfy four requisitions. Firstly, it proposes the control approach for the pitch angle to control the output power of the WT when the wind speed is over the rated value. The selected control variables are the generator speed and active power. Secondly, the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is archived to the satisfaction of the full-range operation through the control strategy for the BBC. The control strategy is applied by the Proportional Integral (PI) controller. The control variables are the generator speed and the diode rectifier's output DC current. Thirdly, the control strategy for PWM-CSI controls the voltage at the connection point and the frequency of the inverter. Fourthly, the DC-link voltage is controlled to the constant value at various operating conditions. Simulation of a 3MW and 0.69 kV WT-PMSG was carried on in PSCAD software to verify under considering the variable wind speed and the three-phase fault. The obtained results prove the feasibility of the proposed WT-PMSG system that serves as an alternative for a high-power wind energy conversion system.
Monitoring of stability evolution of micro filtered black plum nectar from Côte d'Ivoire during storage
Authors: Haffiata KONE-SORO  , Kisselmina Youssouf KONE  , Doudjo SORO  , David Koffi AKAKI
Published: November 2022

Food industry and more specifically that of juices in Côte d'Ivoire, is gradually turning to local fruits. New products, sometimes derived from wild fruit species, are appearing on the market. The savannah plum tree (Vitex doniana) hitherto undervalued, is experiencing renewed interest due to its socio-economic importance for local populations. Its black plum fruit, rich in bioactive compounds, has been semi-industrially transformed into nectar. However, without the addition of preservatives, this nectar faces a probable reduced shelf life. The nectar used for this study was developed from fruits harvested in three (3) regions of northern Côte d'Ivoire. Monitoring of the evolution of biochemical parameters of this nectar, during storage, was carried out by conventional methods of biochemical analysis. At the end of this study, it appears that acidity and soluble dry extract of the nectar studied increases with rise in storage temperature. Vitamin C losses are reduced when the storage temperature is low. The more the shelf life of the nectar increases, the more it registers a drop in its nutritive value. To take full advantage of the benefits of this black plum nectar, it is best to store it at refrigeration temperature (4 °C) for a maximum of ten (10) weeks.
IMPLEMENTASI TRAINER ELEKTRONIKA DASAR SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN PROGRAM KEAHLIAN TEKNIK ELEKTRONIKA DI SMK NEGERI 1 SINDANG KABUPATEN INDRAMAYU
Authors: Khoerun Bobi , Sugara Ferry , Kurniawan Yudhy , Sudrajat Jajat , Alhafidz Afnan
Published: November 2022

Perkembangan teknologi dalam bidang elektronika semakin tahun semakin pesat pada era revolusi industri 4.0. Elektronika membahas cara-cara penggunaan elektron untuk melakukan hal-hal yang bermanfaat dan menarik. Elektronika membawa perubahan besar di dalam hidup kita semua. Elektronika merupakan salah satu mata pelajaran di SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan). Metode Politeknik Negeri Indramayu pembelajaran di SMK lebih banyak praktikum dari pada teori. Hal ini menuntut siswa lebih mengeksplor kemampuan dan kompetensi.  Salah satu Jurusan di SMK Negeri 1 Sindang Indramayu yaitu program keahlian elektronika. Salah satu mata pelajarannya adalah Elektronika Dasar. Di tempat tersebut, trainer elektronika yang dapat digunakan untuk media pembelajaran siswa masih terbatas. Tujuan dari pengabdian ini adalah mengimplementasikan implementasi trainer elektronika dasar sebagai media pembelajaran program keahlian teknik elektronika. Metode yang dilakukan yaitu dimulai dari perancangan, pembuatan alat, pengujian alat.dan implementasi kepada mitra. Trainer yang dibuat terdiri dari trainer elektronika dasar analog dan digital. Trainer analog terdiri dari komponen pasif dan aktif, sedangkan trainer dasar digital terdiri dari IC gerbang logika. Mitra kegiatan adalah siswa SMK Negeri 1 Sindang Indramayu. Dari hasil implementasi kegiatan, siswa telah memahami lebih mudah proses kerja trainer elektronika dasar tersebut. Melalui implementasi trainer ini sangat membantu siswa dan guru dalam pelajaran elektronika.
Offshore windfarm siting in Greece using GIS and TOPSIS
Authors: VAGIONA DIMITRA , SPYRIDONIDOU SOFIA
Published: November 2022

The deployment of offshore wind power technologies is becoming increasingly important towards the sustainable development of regions. In Greece, wind energy is provided at the time being, only by onshore plants and the interest in investigating the top choices for offshore wind applications in terms of environmental, economic, social and technical criteria is rapidly growing. The aim of this paper is to investigate the most appropriate sites for offshore windfarm siting in swallow waters (water depth ≤50m), where it is economically or/and technologically feasible to have structures resting directly on the seabed to support the turbine structure, taking advantage the existing knowledge as well as the technical experience of such applications. The proposed methodology includes two distinct stages (exclusion and evaluation) and integrates Geographical Information System (GIS) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method for solving spatial and policy planning problems. Thirteen exclusion criteria (e.g. wind velocity, distance from electricity grid, distance from residential network) and six assessment criteria (e.g. electricity energy production, distance from marine protected areas) are considered in the analysis. The results reveal five sites in swallow waters for offshore windfarm siting that could contribute to the energy interdependency of many areas.
Potential of Using real-time OiW monitoring for control of produced water treatment in offshore oil & gas production
Authors: Zhenyu Yang
Published: November 2022

The produced water has been the largest produced fluid stream at most of the current offshore oil & gas production in North-sea. It is not uncommon that the water cut can reach 90% in many matured production fields. No matter the produced water will be eventually discharged to the ocean, or reused for injection purpose in the field, the hydrocarbon content in the produced water needs to be strictly limited either due to the hazardous environmental impact or EOR sweeping effectiveness. The real-time Oil-in-Water (OiW) monitoring is still an open issue in recent decade. The main challenges include: how to get reliable and accurate real-time measurement; how to interpret the measured data; how to use the measurement to feedback control the Produced Water Treatment (PWT) processes; as well as how to keep cost-effective on-site calibration and maintenance subject to offshore harsh conditions etc. The paper will report our latest achievements and observation in usage of florescence-based and microscopy-based OiW monitoring technologies for advanced PWT control design and evaluation, particularly by focusing on the de-oiling hydrocyclone installations.
“The adverse Health effects of non ionizing radiation on foetus and child: is a mythos or a scientifically evident global public health challenge”
Authors: Canna Michaelidou Stella
Published: November 2022

Exposure to EMF/RF is continuous, multiple, exponentially growing, affecting entire population actively and passively. Children because of wireless-enabled devices are continuously exposed. Potential health Impacts include oxidative stress, carcinogenicity, developmental neurotoxicity, effects on DNA, on fertility, Hypersensitivity, Cognitive impairments in learning and memory etc, well documented in peer reviewed studies and occurring at levels well below ICNIRP/Rec1999/519/EC limits. Human brain is especially susceptible and EMF/RF can cause irreversible damage during nervous system development. Because this technology is rather recent long-term effects have not yet been fully developed nor investigated. It is obvious that present generation of children are part of a big long-term experiment. What is the present status of scientific evidence against gaps/uncertainties and conflicting studies? Are there intrinsic factors explaining part of conflicting studies? Are we excused from applying precaution for serious and irreversible effects, because of uncertainties? What are the challenges in Risk Assessment/Management. The aim of the presentation is to provide an overview of the most recent scientific evidence regarding the above potential effects of EMF/RF especially on foetus and child, along with plausible mechanisms of action and interaction with human electrophysiology. Relevant challenges and dilemmas will be also discussed
Occurrence and spatiotemporal variability of sunscreen agents along the polish part of the Baltic Sea coast
Authors: ASTEL ALEKSANDER , STEC MARCIN , ASTEL KAROLINA
Published: November 2022

UV-filters accumulate in tissues of aquatic organisms and induce negative effects on fertility and reproduction. Since they are “new emerging pollutants” general monitoring programs are rare and mainly conducted in touristic places, where high temperatures are recorded throughout the year (Spain, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean coast). This study is focused on benzophenones and derivatives of camphor. The concentration of UV-filters was monitored seasonally in core sediments collected in four Polish beaches (Ustka, Rowy, Darłowo, Czołpino) characterized by various level of touristic pressure along a transect perpendicular to the shoreline over a period of 1 year. Analysis of target compounds in sand cores was performed by means of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method followed by high performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). In samples collected in the most touristic attractive location the presence of benzophenones was confirmed.
Neuro-, geno- and cytotoxicity responses in mussels Anodonta cygnea after six metals mixture treatment
Authors: Butrimavičienė Laura
Published: November 2022

Concerning toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence in the aquatic environment, six metals such as Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd are attributed to priority hazardous substances in many countries throughout the world (Water Framework Directive 2008/105/EC; US EPA 2009). In this study, time-dependent and tissue-specific induction in geno- and cytotoxicity was determined in haemocytes and gills cells of Anodonta cygnea after treatment with six metals (Zn-0.1, Cu-0.01, Cr-0.01, Ni-0.01, Pb-0.005 and Cd-0.005 mg/L, at Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC), accepted for the inland waters in EU) mixture at various time points (1, 2, 4, 7, 14 and 28 days). The highest genotoxicity levels in gill cells and haemocytes were determined after 4 days exposure. After 2 days treatment in gill cells of exposed mussels, there was found the highest and statistically significant induction of cytotoxicity level. Neurotoxicity studies have shown, that prepared metals mixture has ability to inhibit AChE activity in mussel’s hemolymph after 4 days and 28 days exposure. Time-depended metals accumulation in A. cygnea gills and statistically significant relations between Cu, Cd, genotoxicity (in gill cells) and cytotoxicity (in gill cells) demonstrates bioavailability of used trace metals for the bioindicator and time-related DNA damage.
Tolerance of Moringa oleifera to stress
Authors: Pantera Anastasia , Boumenjel Ahmed , Ammari Youssef
Published: November 2022

Moringa oleifera (Lam) is a fast growing tree that is gradually getting more attention for it numerous uses. It is often called "natural gift" or "miracle tree" because of its many nutritional, forage, medicinal and industrial potentialities. Moringa oleifera appears to be a promising multipurpose species for use under a changing climate. To test possible adaptation potential and / or tolerance of Moringa oleifera to water stress, an experiment was conducted under semi controlled conditions. Stress was induced in the semi-controlled experiment by the application of different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000), to cause different levels of water potential stress for twenty days. The effect of water stress to plant growth was evaluated based on stem length and main root relative growth rate, leaf area, and chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid compared to controls. Based on the results water stress caused significant variations in growth and growth delays in length, imposed at all Ѱh > -1.5 MPa. This water potential was also critical for leaf area mass. Water stress resulted to a 70% gain in chlorophylls b, 44% losses in chlorophyll a and 45% in carotenoids. These results testify the tolerance ability of Moringa oleifera plants to water stress.
Fortified settlements between Ambracian gulf and Acherontas river in Preveza
Authors: Saltagianni Elpida , Kastaounou Sιlvana , Gousis Christos
Published: November 2022

The prefecture of Preveza is an area that has been an ideal place to live because there are the fields (are necessary for cultivation), the mountains (important for safe landscape), the rivers (are necessary for drinking water and watering the fields) and the sea (for trade and fishing). Such a landscape is formed between Acheron river and Louros river and their tributaries. This area includes the villages of Louros, Thesprotiko and Filippiada.
Ιn this article we will talk about two fortified settlements near Louros river and its tributary: the castle of Rizobouni and the Kastle of Rogon. These castles are fortified settlements of antiquity and grew again in the Byzantine era and the Ottoman period. The natural environment was an important factor for the selection of these places and their continuous habitation up to the Ottoman conquest.
The aim of the article is to present the ancient remains in combination with the natural landscape, to protect the antiquities and the environment, to promote tourism development without altering the environment, looking for environmental management and policies and the environmental impacts of tourism without proper organization
Fortified settlements during the Ottoman conquest in Thesprotia
Authors: Saltagianni Elpida
Published: November 2022

The area of the prefecture of Thesprotia was conquered by the Ottomans before Constantinople and the final decline of Byzantium.
There are fortified sites built after the Ottoman conquest in accordance with the new techniques and requirements of the era. There are also fortified places that were walled in antiquity and continued to be inhabited throughout the Ottoman period. The choice of location had, among other reasons, natural causes such as physical protection, proximity to a river and the relationship of the settlement with the surrounding area.
The aim of the work is to present the Ottoman fortifications of Thesprotia (for example: the castle of Margariti, the castle of Hgoumenitsa, the castle of Paramythia and the fortificated site of Ouzntina in Thesprotia) and their relation to the natural environment as well as the possibility of a good tourist promotion.
Green jobs as an unemployment solution
Authors: Sulich Adam , Rutkowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

Currently, the priority in the EU countries is the subject of unemployment due to the economic and social situation in Greece and unemployment in Spain. Although unemployment in Poland has dropped, it is still quite high. The new economic models based on heterodox economics point to many new solutions in this area, among others creating new green jobs. Green employment is the beginning of new solutions that accept the principles of sustainable development, and hence green economy, which creates new companies. New professions, as well as new jobs, are created by green organizations which, after brown organizations, are the next stage in the development of human consciousness in the context of sustainable development. The article presents a model developed on the basis of taxonometric methods.
Mass balance of selected pharmaceuticals in an Austrian river catchment area: estimation of the different source contributions
Authors: Paola Verlicchi , Andrea Ghirardini , Olivia Zoboli , Matthias Zessner
Published: November 2022

The study refers to the assessment of the annual loadings of two pharmaceuticals (sulphamethoxazole and carbamazepine) released in the river of an Austrian catchment area (108,000 inhabitants, 404 km2) by different pathways: wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, combined sewage overflows (CSOs), surface runoff, tile drainage and deep water (referring to the sludge- or manure-amended soil).
WWTP loading was based on national human consumption of the two compounds, common water demand, literature excretion rates, modelled WWTP removals (Activity SimpleTreat by Franco et al., 2011); CSO loading was modelled by MoRE (Fuchs et al., 2017); surface runoff, tile drainage and deep water loadings were estimated based on pharmaceutical concentrations in sludge (Activity SimpleTreat model) or in manure (literature data), average annual municipal sludge/manure rate applied on soil (real amount for sludge and estimated manure quantity on the basis of animal number), pharmaceutical and soil properties, flow rates of surface runoff, tile drainage and deep water and mass flow of sediment transport from arable soil modelled by MoRE.
The study carries out a mass balance of the different pharmaceutical loading contributions to the receiving water body by means of STAN model (Cencic and Rechberger, 2008) and highlights the uncertainties associated to the selected values in the estimation.
It emerges that manure amount applied on the soil is fundamental in defining the priority contributions among the different sources. In case of limited amount, the principal contributions are due to WWTP effluent and CSOs, if manure amount increases, surface runoff, tile drainage and deep water increase their contributions and can become the main sources.

Cencic, O., & Rechberger, H. (2008). Material flow analysis with software STAN. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Management, 18(1), 3-7.
Franco, A., Song, L., Trapp, S., 2011. Activity SimpleTreate User Instructions. Available at: http://homepage.env.dtu.dk/stt/Homepage%20anf/Website.htm.
Fuchs, S., Kaiser, M., Kiemle, L., Kittlaus, S., Rothvoß, S., Toshovski, S., . . . Ziegler, S. (2017). Modeling of regionalized emissions (MoRE) into water bodies: An open-source river basin management system. Water (Switzerland), 9(4) doi:10.3390/w9040239
Evaluation of water quality of Kosynthos river in North Greece, using Water Quality Indices
Authors: Gikas G. , Lergios D. , Psomakelis E. , Petalas C.
Published: November 2022

The water quality of Kosynthos river, located in Xanthi Prefecture, Northern Greece, was evaluated using Water Quality Indices (WQIs). A water quantity and quality monitoring program was undertaken from December 2016 to November 2017 on a weekly basis at four stations along the main course of Kosynthos river and its main tributary. Discharge, temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in situ. Moreover, water samples were collected and analyzed for the determination of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), according to the standard methods. Anions (i.e., SO4-2, Cl-), NO3-N, NO2-N, and cations (i.e., Na+, K+, Mg+2, Ca+2) were determined using ion chromatography. The applied WQIs were the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) WQI, the Oregon WQI, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) WQI and the Prati’s Index of Pollution. According to the CCME, NSF and Prati’s WQIs the water quality of Kosynthos river for both monitoring periods was classified in the higher quality classes, while according to the Oregon WQI it was classified in the lowest quality class.
Monitoring of the main operational parameters of Aposelemis Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
Authors: GYPARAKIS STYLIANOS , DIAMADOPOULOS EVAN
Published: November 2022

Rising population, increased industrial and agricultural water usage as well as climate changes have brought great challenges to water supply of adequate quality and quantity. Thus, the water treatment industry has nowadays a greater emphasis on the optimization of water treatment plants to improve capacity, quality, operational costs and capital expenditure. Operation has become increasingly more complex over the past few decades as new technology has been developed and regulations have been tightened. The purpose of this study was the monitoring of the main operational and water quality parameters of Aposelemis Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which is located on the island of Crete and has a maximum capacity of 110,600 m3/ day. Its main processes are: ozonation, flocculation, sedimentation, sand filtration and chlorination. The main quality parameters [Turbidity, pH, Total Solids, Manganese (Mn), Aluminum (Al), residual ozone (Ο3), residual chlorine (Cl2)] of the water (untreated and treated surface dam water) and the main operational parameters [ozone generator performance (%), consumption of chemicals, consumption of chlorine gas (Cl2(g))] of the WTP were studied during the study period (2015-2018) and was not based on experimental laboratory scale data but on full scale industrial data.
The Characteristics of soil contamination in industrial complex in Korea
Authors: HYO JEONG LEE , GWAN JU JUNG , JEONG HO CHOI , SANG YEOP LEE , WON WOOK KWUN
Published: November 2022

It is expected that the possibility of soil contamination will be high as industrial complex will be treated with many harmful chemicals during industrial activities. Therefore, the Korea Environment Corporation has been conducting a detailed survey of Korea’s industrial complex since 2004.
There are about 1,193 industrial complexes in Korea. A total of 60 industrial complexes, 6,310 businesses, were surveyed between 2004 and 2018. Among them, 347 companies exceeded the standard for soil contamination, with a rate of about 5.4 percent.
The contaminated soil area of industrial complex is about 383,199㎡, the amount of contaminated soil is 663,847㎥. 282 companies are contaminated with soil, 17 are contaminated with groundwater, and 48 are contaminated with both soil and groundwater. The most significant excess of these contaminants were TPH, Zn, BTEX, Pb, and Ni.
The source of contaminants includes leaked storage facilities, mishandling and mismanagement, and brought in contaminated materials or contaminated land during industrial activities.
In the future, based on the results of this survey, the manual will be improved so that efficient investigations can be carried out in terms of time and cost, and used as promotional materials to prevent soil contamination.
Production of activated carbon from oil palm shells via physical activation with H2O and its characterization for use in aqueous phase
Authors: Rincon Sonia , Alvarez Daniel
Published: November 2022

Oil palm shells (OPS) are a solid residue of the extraction of palm oil having excellent characteristics for production of activated carbon. OPS worldwide production amounts to 17.214 ton (2018) from which Colombia participates with 364 ton. Oil palm shells were first carbonized in a horizontal oven under N2 atmosphere until 850 °C for 30 min. Carbonized samples were than submitted to physical activation with steam in the same horizontal oven. A variation of process parameters was performed. Activation temperatures of 750, 800, 850 and 900 °C were studied. Residence time varied between 60 and 400 minutes. H2O flow rates between 1 a 5 ml / min were used. 50 g of carbonized oil palm shells were used for each experiment. The influence of the process conditions on pH, soluble water content, extractable acid content, iodine number, methylene blue index, phenol adsorption, BET surface area from N2 adsorption and density were determined. Visual inspection through scanning electron microscopy and determination of surface functional groups through infrared spectroscopy were performed. The obtained activated carbons show suitable characteristics for its use in aqueous phase. Results obtained were useful to determine its optimal production conditions.
REMOVAL OF TOXIC METAL IONS THROUGH POLYMER INCLUSION MEMBRANES CONTAINING MACROCYCLIC LIGANDS AS CARRIERS
Authors: Nowik-Zajac Anna , Zawierucha Iwona , Kozlowski Cezary
Published: November 2022

More strict environmental regulations on the discharge of toxic metals require developing various technologies for their removal from polluted streams. The separation of toxic metal ions using immobilized membranes with doped ligands, due to their high selectivity and removal efficiency, increased stability, and low energy requirements, is promising for improving the environmental quality.
Cellulose triacetate based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), with macrocyclic ligands as ion carriers, were studied for their ability to transport of toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of concentration of ion carrier, pH of source aqueous phase, stripping agents on the effective transport of toxic metal ions have been assessed. All studied parameters were found to be important factors for the transport of toxic metal ions. The initial flux were determined for different conditions of transport through polymer inclusion membranes.
The newly developed PIM containing macrocyclic ligands were found to be stable and highly permeable. Moreover, the prepared membranes could be potentially suitable for multiple use process for efficient removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions.
Enhanced of TiO2-Ag photocatalysis performance for removal of methylene blue in presence of acetone
Authors: HARJA M. , DUDUMAN NUTESCU C. , APOSTOLESCU G.A. , GÓMEZ DE SALAZAR J.M. , GÓMEZ DE CASTRO C. , SESCU A.M. , FAVIER L. , CIOBANU G.
Published: November 2022

In the present study, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), using TiO2-Ag synthesized by sol-gel method, as a catalyst under UV light, was studied. The samples synthesized were characterized by SEM, EDAX, FTIR, XRD and TEM. The average size of the particles was 10 nm. Tests were carried out in a batch reactor, magnetically stirred, with external irradiation using UVB lamp of Hg - 18 W, having intensity of incident radiation 2.1 W/m2. The effects of some parameters, such as catalyst dosage, pH and initial acetone concentration were investigated. Results showed that the optimal catalyst concentration was 0.03 g/L, at concentration of MB solution of 1.25∙10-5 mol/L. The mechanism of degradation of MB in presence of acetone was proposed. The results obtained in this work are very promising, using TiO2-Ag as photocatalyst, especially in presence of acetone as photosensitizer, when degradation percentage increases from 60% for TiO2 without Ag to 92.38% for TiO2-Ag and 0.1% acetone and 97.25% for 0.2% acetone. The photocatalysis followed pseudo-first order reaction kinetic behaviour, with the rate constants ranging from 0.0009 to 0.11 min-1 under the studied conditions. The reaction rate depends nonlinear of acetone concentration, the constants of polynomial function being calculated.
Extraction of Oil from Spent Grounds Coffee using Ultrasound as Pre-Extraction Method
Authors: Cubas Anelise , Hermmann Kenia , Bianchet Ritanara , Moecke Elisa
Published: November 2022

The treatment and processing of coffee annually produces a large volume of biological waste, which contributes to environmental pollution, it is estimated that coffee production generates approx. 6 million tonnes of spent coffee grounds per year in the world (GETACHEW and CHUN, 2017). Thus, the sludge becomes a residue equivalent to approximately 50% of the roasted coffee in the soluble coffee industry (PUJOL D. et al. 2013). The major problem of the discharge of spent ground coffee in the environment is the presence of caffeine and phenolic compounds when in concentration above 2.5% due to toxicity to plants and soil microorganisms (JANISSEN and HUYNH, 2018). Therefore, this project proposed to extract the oil from the coffee grounds using the ultrasound method as a pre-extraction method to the soxlet extractor, aiming at eliminating the environmental contamination of the residue and at the same time adding value through the study of the oil for use in cosmetics due to the high amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidants. The results showed that the application of the ultrasound as a pre-extractive method during 30 min allowed to increase the oil quantity by 70% in relation to the use of the soxlet extractor only, maintaining the quality of the composition.
Dam break analysis using Hec-Ras techniques. Case study: Cal Alb dam (NE Romania)
Authors: Hutanu E , Urzica A , Muhu-Pintilie A , Stoleriu C.C.
Published: November 2022

Along with the understanding of the importance of a water resource in the vicinity of a human settlement, human societies have begun to build weirs, dams or hydraulic structures to use more efficiently the natural resource. One of the most important works that can be done in the course of a river is the construction of dams for the formation of storage areas. The importance of storage areas is given by their extensive use, whether used for flood defense, pisciculture, water supply or recreation. The Cal Alb lake is located in the Başeu river basin, which is further located on the territory of Botoșani county. Botoșani county is statistically mentioned as the second county in Romania with the largest surface of water. Cal Alb lake has an area of 180 ha and a retention volume of 16.3 million m3. Immediately downstream of the Cal Alb lake are built 20 polders and 4 ponds, but with a much lower retention volume. The present study aims to model flood caused by the failure of the dam of Cal Alb lake and its impact both on the elements of retention of the downstream storage areas and on the localities in the surrounding area.
Managing the risk of cyanobacteria through water quality characteristics analysis: A case study of two warm Mediterranean reservoirs
Authors: Antoniou Maria , Kagalou Ifigenia , Hadjiouraniou Georgia , Daskalakis Evangelos , Tsiarta Nikoletta , Chamoglou Maria , Polykarpou Polina
Published: November 2022

This study correlated the trophic condition of two Mediterranean water bodies with different typology with their water quality characteristics. The two studied cases included Polemidia Dam, a reservoir enriched with tertiary treated wastewater in Cyprus and Lake Karla, a re-established reservoir in Greece. The aim was to identify the key environmental variables driving cyanobacteria blooming and their cyanotoxicity and therefore to address effective management tools for each one case. Annual data provided by the national water bodies authorities as well as by regular monitoring were collected and analyzed for both cases. To examine which environmental variables contribute the most to the trophic condition of the reservoirs, a PCA analysis (Principal Component Analysis) was applied because itcan assess the effect of multiple variables at the same time. In addition, through multiple linear regression analysis, we were able to correlate characteristics of the blooms with nutrients (N, P) and water temperature. As expected, temperature is not a limiting factor for bloom formation for both waterbodies. Among the variables tested, phosphorus (P) was found to be the key element for the growth of cyano-HABs in Lake Karla, while a significant reduction in the TP concentration of the recycled water used to enrich Polemidia reservoir following year 2010 altered the trends of cyano-HABs formation and their characteristics. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will assist in identifying the most challenging issues related to cyano-HABs in warm reservoirs in the near future conditions.
Environmental genotoxicity and risk assessment in herring (Clupea harengus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and flounder (Platichthys flesus) caught in the Gotland Basins from the Baltic Sea (2010-2017)
Authors: Pažusienė Janina , Valskienė Roberta , Stankevičiūtė Milda , Butrimavičienė Laura , Baršienė Janina
Published: November 2022

The Gotland Basins are mostly polluted by anthracene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, cesium-137, DDE, dioxins, mercury and TBT. These chemicals have toxic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic effect to marine animals. After the World War II chemical weapons (CW) were transported from Germany and dumped in the considerably wide area in the Gotland Deep. Rusted bombs, shells and containers have eroded leading to the leakage of hazardous substances in to the environment. Four nuclear abnormalities of genotoxicity were studied in peripheral blood erythrocytes of herring (Clupea harengus), flounder (Platichthys flesus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) sampled (2010–2017) at 38 study stations in the Polish and at 14 study stations in the Lithuanian Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Significant time-related decrease of genotoxicity endpoints were detected in the Lithuanian EEZ (2015–2017), while opposite tendency was revealed in the Polish EEZ (2014–2016). The highest ∑Gentox values were revealed in fish caught at stations, which are relatively close to each other that showing increased obviously environmental genotoxicity pressure for fish in these areas. Exceptionally high and high genotoxicity risk was obtained for herring at higher percentage of stations studied followed by flounder and cod.
Innovative sensors for crowdsourced river measurements collection
Authors: Krommyda Maria , Tsiakos Valantis , Rigos Anastasios , Tsertou Athanasia , Amditis Angelos , Georgiou Harris , Jonoski Andreja , Popescu Ioana , Assumpção Thaine
Published: November 2022

Flood risk prediction requires consistent and accurate sensor measurements, usually provided from traditional in-situ environmental monitoring systems. Crowd-sourced data can complement these official data sources, allowing authorities to improve and fill gaps in the hazard assessment process. However, collecting this information from volunteers, with no technical knowledge and while using low-cost equipment such their smartphones and tablets, raises the question of quality and consistency. To alleviate this barrier two tools were developed in the context of H2020 Scent project.
The Water Level Measurement Tool uses image recognition techniques to extract the water level from images containing a measuring tape.
The Water Velocity Calculation Tool uses video processing algorithms to extract the water surface velocity from a video containing a pre-defined floating object moving on the surface of a water body.
Each extracted measurement is accompanied by a degree of trust. The tools have been designed so that a high degree of trust can be achieved from images and videos taken from regular smartphones.
The crowdsourced river measurements are used to develop improved flood models with a dramatically reduced cost as both the measuring tapes and the floating object are low-cost and re-usable while effectively covering large areas of interest.
On the Mechanism of RF-EMF-Exposure associated DNA damage and long term risks
Authors: Mosgoller Wilhelm
Published: November 2022

Exposure to radiofrequent electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as emitted by mobile phones, can damage the cellular DNA. During the ATHEM in vitro research program we confirmed genotoxic effects under some but not all conditions, established a latency periode from start of exposure to first incidence, and the role DNA repair. In human volunteers we found exposure associated genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in mucosal cells. The volunteers’ report on little or heavy mobile phone use and the findings in the individuals’ cell samples, point towards an accumulation of RF-EMF induced effects over time.
Our data corroborate international reports on RF-exposure related DNA oxidation. We observed these exposure related DNA damages associated with activated specific DNA repair mechanisms. Repair failure typically results in permanent DNA damage, which increases the risk for cell transformation. We observed no adverse acute health effects, however, a potential long term risk can’t be excluded. The available data are not sufficient to redefine existing exposure limits to protect also from long term effects, the data call for risk management strategies to promote the safe use of the technology.
Assessment of water quality of Asopos River in central Greece using multivariate analysis
Authors: Evangelou Eleftherios , Tsadilas Christos , Tzouvalekas Miltiadis , Papadopoulos Savas , Papadoulis Athanasios , Petsoulas Christos , Tsitouras Alexandros , Grypari Paraskevi , Smyrnis Tzanetos
Published: November 2022

The main objective of this study was to assess the quality of water from five monitoring stations in Asopos River (central Greece), and evaluate the main factors that affect the river water quality. Fifty one biochemical parameters measured both in situ and in the laboratory three times a year for two consecutive years. Multivariate analysis of Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to interpret water quality characteristics. Cluster analysis grouped the samples in two main clusters (classes) corresponding to different main activities which affect water quality characteristics. The first cluster included the two sampling stations located near to industrial areas and the second one the three stations located in areas affected by agricultural activities. Principal Component Analysis identified two factors which explain 84,5% of the variability of the original mean data set. The first factor explaining 50,5 % of the whole data variability related mainly to “chemical quality parameters”, while the second factor explaining 34% of total data variability related mainly to “biological quality parameters”. This study demonstrated that multivariate statistical techniques prove effective in river water quality classification based on large and complex water quality data sets.
Water Security of rural water supply systems in super typhoon Haiyan affected areas
Authors: GOMBA FELISA
Published: November 2022

The rural water supply systems in the countryside necessitate sustainability and security assessment to ensure long-term and safe water supply to target beneficiaries. The objective of the study is to analyse the hidden threatening factors in water supply system and recommends sustainability and security assessment model. It also predicts the probability of incidents and security degree of the system. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was utilized in the decision analysis for water security parameters (Saaty, 1987; Jin-long, 1992; and Li, Li, Wenyan, Lu, 2011). The water supply system constructed and rehabilitated projects under the KALAHI-CIDSS program of the Philippines were the evaluation sites of the study. It sampled about 5,921 water supply systems constructed and installed in 75 municipalities in Eastern Visayas.. The following were the distribution of the sampled water supply systems: 13 Eastern Samar; 13 from Samar; 12 from Northern Samar; 13 from Leyte; 14 from Southern Leyte; and 1 from the Province of Biliran. The water security includes the pipe system network, water resources sites and source covered both quantity and quality, technical and financial capabilities for long term system operation. The study found out that there is a need for continuous water security assessment so that long-term functionality of the water system will be met.
Fuel performance of biodiesel from Microalgae
Authors: cercado alberto paulo , ballesteros florencio jr
Published: November 2022

Fuel performance of biodiesel produced from transesterification of microalgae was evaluated to assess its potential as alternative fuel in diesel engine. The biodiesel was produced from transesterification of microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris using K-pumice as catalyst. The engine used in the study was Yanmar 3009D, a small diesel engine with an output power rating of 14.2 kilowatts. The experiments showed comparable power and torque when the engine was run using both the commercial diesel and the algal biodiesel. Biodiesel from microalgae was able to establish a torque of equal to 45.5 N-m while commercial diesel had 48.25 at an engine speed of 2800 rpm. Net break power of Algal biodiesel and commercial diesel are 13.57kW and 13.50kW, respectively. Algal biodiesel had been found to have higher brake-specific fuel consumption and it has a lower exhaust concentrations of nitrogen oxides, oxides of carbon and total hydrocarbons when compared to the commercial diesel. Blending commercial diesel with concentration of algal biodiesel of up to 50% did not show significant change in the performance and emission of the commercial diesel.