bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Column Test for Characterization of Leaching and Transport of Trace Elements in Contaminated Soils
Authors: Skjennum Karen , French Helen , Carotenuto Pasquale , Okkenhaug Gudny
Published: February 2023

Environmental assessments are required prior to remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. To date, regulatory guidelines are commonly based on total concentrations. Occasionally, simple leaching procedures are included in environmental assessment. Despite being essential for quantification of contaminant transport, analysis of hydraulic conductivity is rarely considered. Cost-effective methods that reflect both contaminant leaching and hydrogeological properties of contaminated soils are needed to ensure proper soil management. The aim of this study was to simultaneously evaluate contaminant leaching and hydraulic conductivity in soil using a combined column test (CCT) and compare this to the leaching results from batch tests (BT) and transport estimates derived from the empirical Hazen equation. Two soils of different origin were characterized using the CCT. By including physical and chemical factors affecting the release and retention of contaminants, the CCT provides an integrated assessment of leaching and transport of trace elements from soils. Additionally, the effect of soil compaction was investigated as a physical treatment to reduce leaching and transport in contaminated soils. Soil compaction did not demonstrate reduced leaching, but a less extensive contaminant transport was observed due to reduced hydraulic conductivity in the soil.
Comparative Study of Two Organic Wastes as Adsorbents in the Treatment of Water Rich in Nitrogen Compounds
Authors: Neulls Thais Fernandes , Gouveia Paulo Leonardo Santos , da Silva Pereira Carlos Drielson , Souza Camilla Stephane Dias , Chaves Fernanda Nayr Sena , Souza Isabela Nascimento , Tavarez Rudys Rodolfo de Jesus , Aliança Amanda Silva dos Santos , Gonçalves Maria Cláudia , Gomes Wolia Costa , da Silva Darlan Ferreira , Silva Maria Raimunda Chagas , Silva Fabrício Brito , Lima Álvaro Silva , Gomes Edelvio de Barros , Miranda Rita de Cássia M. de
Published: February 2023

Background: The objective of this work was to propose the treatment of the wastewater from Laguna da Jansen using adsorptive processes of residues of pineapple crown and shrimp chitosan. Methods: Residual substrates were distributed in 11 Erlenmeyers, and 250 mL of residual pond water were added; the solution was incubated under agitation at the times and amounts established by the Experimental Design (DCCR). After this period, analyses of pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, and nitrite, morphological analyses by SEM, and structural analyses by FTIR and XRD were performed. Results: The FTIR and SEM results showed that the biomass presented active chemical groups and a morphology rich in pores. The experimental design showed that the substrate content was the variable that influenced the lagoon effluent treatments for both tested biomasses; however, when observing the specific values of the response variables, the vegetable adsorbent was more efficient with the conditions of 15g of substrate and 30 days of process. Conclusion: Plant biomass is more efficient in the treatment of effluents rich in organic materials. It can be used in treatment plants as an alternative for the removal of toxic compounds present in wastewater and effluents.
Potential Analysis of Atmospheric Water Harvesting Technologies from the Perspective of “Trading-in Energy for Water”
Authors: Li Hou-Jun , Cheng Liang , Sun Peng , Li Fang-Fang , Qiu Jun
Published: February 2023

An applicable, high-volume, and sustainable water uptake technology can alleviate freshwater shortages, improve the energy utilization rate and promote the development of energy technology. Traditional seawater desalination, fog water, and dew collection are limited by the geographical environment, and the water resource transportation cost is high, or the water uptake volume is limited, so they cannot be used on a large scale. There are potential safety problems with wastewater reuse and recycled water. Atmospheric water harvesting technology uses energy for direct condensation or uses adsorbent to absorb water, which is characterized by strong sustainability, high applicability, decentralization, and stable water uptake. This study summarizes the working principle of mainstream atmospheric water harvesting technologies, mainly including condensation, absorption, and desorption water harvesting, and some active dew and fog collection technologies. It also theoretically analyzes the energy consumption of condensation and adsorption and desorption water harvesting technologies. Aiming at the problems of difficult condensing for direct condensation and long adsorption/desorption cycle of adsorption and desorption water harvesting, it summarizes the countermeasures of multi-stage condensation and multi-cycle adsorption and desorption. The development prospect of atmospheric water harvesting technologies is also discussed
UVC-Assisted Tertiary Treatments for the Removal of Pollutants of Emerging Concern in Real WWTP Matrices
Authors: López-Timoner Rubén , Mora Margarita , Zuriaga Elena , Climent Javier , Santos-Juanes Lucas , Amat Ana , Arques Antonio
Published: February 2023

The aim of this work is to investigate the enhancement of UVC-based tertiary treatments; for this purpose, real wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent was spiked with a model pollutant, namely acetaminophen. UVC irradiation resulted in some photodegradation of the acetaminophen, which was enhanced upon the addition of hydrogen peroxide (11 mM), but higher amounts of this oxidizing agent resulted in no significant acceleration of the process. An experimental design methodology based on Doehlert matrices showed the significance of hydrogen peroxide concentration and the flow rate for the reactor operating in continuous mode. The addition of low amounts of iron had a positive influence on the process, most probably due to a photo-Fenton-like process using the complexing ability of organic matter. For effluents with higher turbidity, a strategy combining coagulation-flocculation with UVC irradiation was tested: this approach was meaningful as flocculation-coagulation decreased water turbidity and resulted in a more efficient acetaminophen removal. However, under those conditions, the presence of iron did not show a positive role, most probably because of the absence of organic matter, which makes the UVC/H2O2 process more efficient and, on the other hand, humic-like substances available to complex iron to drive a neutral photo-Fenton process.
Assessment of Groundwater Decontamination Processes around a Dismantled Septic Tank Using GIS and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Mester Tamás , Szabó György , Sajtos Zsófi , Baranyai Edina , Kiss Emőke , Balla Dániel
Published: February 2023

Septic tanks without proper construction and insulation entail a significant risk to the environment. In this study, the environmental impacts of a permeably designed septic tank on shallow groundwater contamination are investigated, and changes in water quality in the period after its elimination in 2014 are assessed. For the purpose of evaluating the pollution level of the site, 10 monitoring wells were installed around the septic tank in 2012 and long-term monitoring was carried out. Analytical measurements revealed a significant level of groundwater contamination in the operational period of the septic tank. Extremely high concentrations of NH4+ (>90 mg/L) were observed in the closest monitoring wells, and in most of the wells, concentrations exceeded the relevant contamination limit. δD and δ18O isotopic ratios of monitoring wells within 1 m from the septic tank indicate continuous recharge of sewage water originating from deeper aquifers. The groundwater dome resulting from the wastewater discharge exceeded 1.1 m, within a distance of 25 m. Statistical analyses also revealed significant changes in water quality depending on the monitoring well location from the septic tank. In the period after the septic tank elimination, considerable changes have been detected. Following the cessation of the wastewater discharge, the groundwater dome around the septic tank disappeared; therefore, differences in groundwater levels have decreased from more than 1 m to a few cm. Significant positive changes were detected in the water quality parameters investigated after the dismantling of the septic tank. Five years after the cessation of the pollutant supply, concentrations still exceeded the contamination limit in most of the monitoring wells, indicating slow decontamination processes with a permanently high level of pollution.
The Catalytic Degradation of the Inflammatory Drug Diclofenac Sodium in Water by Fe2+/Persulfate, Fe2+/Peroxymonosulfate and Fe2+/H2O2 Processes: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Rehman Faiza , Ahmad Waqas , Parveen Nazish , Zakir Syed Khuram , Khan Sanaullah , Han Changseok
Published: February 2023

Diclofenac sodium was extensively used for treating arthritis, osteoarthritis and skeletal muscular injuries, which ultimately caused troubles for aquatic organisms as well as human beings. In this study, homogeneous catalytic advanced oxidation processes, including Fe2+/persulfate, Fe2+/peroxymonosulfate and Fe2+/H2O2, were used for the degradation of diclofenac sodium in water, without using UV-C light. About 89, 82 and 54% DCF sodium was decomposed by Fe2+/persulfate, Fe2+/peroxymonosulfate and Fe2+/H2O2, respectively, in 60 min. The degradation of diclofenac sodium followed the pseudo first-order kinetics, in all cases. The degradation efficiency of diclofenac sodium was significantly affected in the presence of various anions, such as NO3−, HCO3− and SO42−. The mineralization studies revealed 62, 45 and 32% total carbon removal by Fe2+/persulfate, Fe2+/peroxymonosulfate and Fe2+/H2O2, respectively, in 60 min. In addition, the degradation byproducts of diclofenac sodium were determined by FTIR analysis. The results revealed that the Fe2+/oxidant system, particularly Fe2+/persulfate, was a promising technology for the elimination of toxic pharmaceuticals, such as diclofenac sodium, from the water environment.
Forecasting the Ensemble Hydrograph of the Reservoir Inflow based on Post-Processed TIGGE Precipitation Forecasts in a Coupled Atmospheric-Hydrological System
Authors: Tanhapour Mitra , Soltani Jaber , Malekmohammadi Bahram , Hlavcova Kamila , Kohnova Silvia , Petrakova Zora , Lotfi Saeed
Published: February 2023

The quality of precipitation forecasting is critical for more accurate hydrological forecasts, especially flood forecasting. The use of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models has attracted much attention due to their impact on increasing the flood lead time. It is vital to post-process raw precipitation forecasts because of their significant bias when they feed hydrological models. In this research, ensemble precipitation forecasts (EPFs) of three NWP models (National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), United Kingdom Meteorological Office (UKMO) (Exeter, UK), and Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) (SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA)) were investigated for six historical storms leading to heavy floods in the Dez basin, Iran. To post-process EPFs, the raw output of every single NWP model was corrected using regression models. Then, two proposed models, the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) deep learning model and the Weighted Average–Weighted Least Square Regression (WA-WLSR) model, were employed to construct a multi-model ensemble (MME) system. The ensemble reservoir inflow was simulated using the HBV hydrological model under the two modeling approaches involving deterministic forecasts (simulation using observed precipitation data as input) and ensemble forecasts (simulation using post-processed EPFs as input). The results demonstrated that both GMDH and WA-WLSR models had a positive impact on improving the forecast skill of the NWP models, but more accurate results were obtained by the WA-WLSR model. Ensemble forecasts outperformed coupled atmospheric–hydrological modeling in comparison with deterministic forecasts to simulate inflow hydrographs. Our proposed approach lends itself to quantifying uncertainty of ensemble forecasts in hydrometeorological the models, making it possible to have more reliable strategies for extreme-weather event management.
The Influence of the Internal Properties of River Ice on Ground Penetrating Radar Propagation
Authors: Han Hongwei , Li Yu , Li Wanyun , Liu Xingchao , Wang Enliang , Jiang Haiqiang
Published: February 2023

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has proven to be a very effective method for examining ice thickness. However, two preconditions must be met for this approach to be useful; the round-trip travel time of electromagnetic (EM) waves and radar transmission speed in the ice must be known. These issues are problematic because many factors affect radar transmission speed in ice, including impurities, physical properties such as porosity and density, and temperature. Results show that if these factors are not taken into account and a signal velocity of 0.17 m/ns in pure ice is used to estimate thickness, overestimates will result. We carried out a series of GPR surveys using dual channel host 200 MHz shielded antennas at the Toudaoguai Hydrological Station on the Yellow River, China, and collected samples to analyze ice impurities and physical properties. The results show that the ice crystal types include frazil, granular, and column at the Toudaoguai Hydrologic Station section. Our analysis of ice gas bubble and sediment content showed that the gas bubble volume content is between 11.95 and 13.0% in the frazil ice and between 7.9% and 8.6% in granular and columnar ice. At the same time, the ice sediment content ranged between 0.11‰ and 0.57‰, and the average was 0.24‰ in granular and columnar ice, which was about one-tenth that of the suspended sediment concentration in water. Additionally, a combination of GPR data as well as ice impurities, porosity, density, and temperature enabled us to provide insights on the variability of radar transmission speed and the equivalent dielectric permittivity in river ice. Our extensive observations reveal that radar transmission speed falls between 0.141 m/ns and 0.164 m/ns and that the equivalent dielectric permittivity of river ice increases in concert with ice temperature.
Local Scour Reduction around Cylindrical Piers Using Permeable Collars in Clear Water
Authors: Qi Hongliang , Yuan Tiangang , Zhao Fei , Chen Guishan , Tian Weiping , Li Jiachun
Published: February 2023

To address the shortcomings of the solid collar, mainly the potential risk of deformation and damage due to its weight after overhanging above the river bed caused by local scour, a lighter form of a local scour reduction measure, the permeable collar, was proposed. The aim was to reduce the local scour depth around cylindrical piers, and a total of 20 tests were conducted in this study. First, the influence of the porosity of the permeable collar on the local scour reduction efficiency was studied under the condition of the constant size of the installation height, the diameter, and the thickness of the permeable collar based on indoor model experiments. Then, under the condition of optimal porosity, the influence of the installation height, the diameter, and the thickness of the permeable collar on reduction efficiency were studied in order. The results show that the porosity of the collar has a great influence on the local scour reduction. The reduction efficiency increases first and then decreases with the increase in collar porosity. When the collar porosity is 50%, the reduction effect is the best, and can reach up to 78.1%. The reduction efficiency decreases with the increase in installation height of the collar, and the reduction effect is the best when the collar is placed on the surface of the riverbed, which is close to the reduction efficiency when using a solid collar placed on the surface of the riverbed. The reduction efficiency increases with the increase in collar diameter, which increases rapidly when the diameters are less than 3.5 D (D is the diameter of bridge piers) and then slows down until tending to 100%. The reduction efficiency decreases rapidly with the increase in the collar thickness, when the thickness of the collar is 0.15 D, the reduction effect can reach up to 89.6% in this study. The results can give a perspective on the reduction of local scour depths around bridge piers.
Chemical and Isotopic Features of a High pCO2 Natural Mineral Water from Essentuki Field (Caucasian Mineral Water Region, Russia)
Authors: Baranovskaya Ekaterina I. , Kharitonova Natalia A. , Chelnokov Georgy A. , Tarasenko Irina A. , Maslov Alexey A.
Published: February 2023

This article presents the new data on the chemical and gas composition, the content of stable isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and sulfur in natural mineral waters of the Essentuki field. A detailed study of the geological and hydrogeological features of the water circulation area, its major chemical composition, the content of organic matter in water, temperature conditions and δ18OSMOW, δDSMOW, δ13CDIC, δ18ODIC, δ34SVCDT, δ13CCO2, δ13CCH4, δ15N values made it possible to specify the genesis of water, gas, and solute components of the Essentuki CO2-rich mineral water field. The stable isotopes values (δ18OSMOW and δDSMOW) in the water phase ranges from −13.75 to −9.69‰ and from −101.08 to −74.34‰, respectively. They correspond to GMWL, which indicates their predominantly infiltration genesis. The values of δ13CDIC in mineral waters of the Essentuki field vary widely from −14.43 to +8.59‰ and indicate their mixed genesis. δ15N gas values in mineral waters of the Essentuki field vary quite widely from −2.31 to 2.50‰ indicating a different source of this gas. Obtained data prove that all mineral waters in the Essentuki field are infiltration waters, and the heterogeneous component composition of waters circulating in different aquifers reflects the lithological composition of water-bearing strata, the rate of openness/closure of faults and the intensity of reactions in the «water-rock-gas-organic matter» system.
Treatment of Fly-Ash-Contaminated Wastewater Loaded with Heavy Metals by Using Fly-Ash-Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Yadav Virendra Kumar , Amari Abdelfattah , Gacem Amel , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Eltayeb Lienda Bashier , Fulekar M. H.
Published: February 2023

Every year, a huge amount of water is polluted by various sources, out of which coal fly ash (CFA) is one of the major pollutants. CFA has a large number of toxic metals, which reaches water bodies by coming in contact with water or rain. Due to heavy-metal contamination, water becomes unfit for drinking for human beings, which in long term may cause several disorders. Thus, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) recovered from waste, such as CFA, could be the most promising material for treating wastewater, due to their low-cost, recyclable nature and magnetic property. The synthesis of IONPs from CFA involves three sequential steps. The first step involves extraction of ferrous materials from CFA, followed by acidic treatment of ferrous materials to obtain acidic leachate, and lastly the precipitation of iron oxides by an alkali. The particle size of the synthesized IONPs varied from 30–70 nm and purity was about 90–93%, as confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS). Further, the synthesized IONPs were used for the remediation of various heavy metals, especially Pb and Cr ions from 20% CFA aqueous solutions. The heavy-metal removal efficiency of IONPs varied from 40–70%. The developed method suggests heavy-metal removal from wastewater by using an economical and greener route.
Life Cycle Analysis of Lab-Scale Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Industrial Wastewater and Landfill Leachate from Municipal Solid Waste: A Comparative Assessment
Authors: Alam Md. Kawser , Islam Md. Al Sadikul , Saeed Tanveer , Rahman Sheikh Mokhlesur , Majed Nehreen
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to measure the environmental impact of five different laboratory-scale constructed wetland (CW) treatment systems with varying design approaches, which have been employed to treat different types of wastewater. Moreover, the present study also assessed the feasibility of treating landfill leachate using four different hybrid wetlands built outdoors, and analyzed the environmental viability based on the life cycle assessment (LCA). Primarily, the choice of media materials has been the focus of evaluating the sustainability of the systems, as for each system the media materials cover major material consumption and define treatment performance. Methods: This study applied a life cycle assessment using the SimaPro software tool to quantify the environmental impacts from the constructed wetland systems. Primarily, the LCA has been applied by adopting the ReCiPe 2016 method with cross-validation using the Impact 2002+ method. Moreover, an uncertainty analysis has been performed to determine any uncertainties involved in the datasets, along with sensitivity analysis on the inventory. Results and discussions: As the results suggest, the systems employed for wastewater treatment using cement mortar have the highest environmental burden. In contrast, the natural media choices, sugarcane bagasse and coco-peat, have proved to be environmentally favorable. Media employment from recycled materials like brick and steel slag could significantly redeem the previous environmental burdens of these materials, providing treatment efficiency. However, the systems employed for landfill leachate treatment revealed the CW using brick chips as the most vulnerable system with regards to environmental concerns, implying that the media brick chips are certainly the major contributor behind this high leap in the scale. However, both the systems worked very well in the carcinogenic category, providing good treatment performance, and eventually exerting lesser impact. Conclusion: The overall assessments suggested choice of media materials are essential to deciding the sustainability of a CW design. However, the CW is more beneficial and environmentally friendly than the other treatment methods, until the design scale has a high capacity. Nevertheless, the choice of the LCA method is also significant, while measuring impact scales.
Green Synthesis and Characterizations of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Coherent Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Investigations
Authors: Chelliah Parvathiraja , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Sharma Hari Prapan , Jweeg Muhsin J. , Majdi Hasan Sh. , AL. Kubaisy Munthir Mohammed Radhy , Iqbal Amjad , Lai Wen-Cheng
Published: February 2023

Water pollution is a serious concern for developing and undeveloped countries. Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is an effective degradation method to restrain the green ecosystem. This research article presents a green, low-cost, and benevolent eco-friendly biosynthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles using Curcuma longa plant extract. The UV and visible region absorbance of Co3O4 nanoparticles estimated the Co2+ and Co3+ transitions on the lattice oxygen, and their bandgap of 2.2 eV was confirmed from the UV-DRS spectroscopy. The cubic structure and spherical shape of Co3O4 nanoparticles were estimated by using XRD and TEM characterizations. Plant molecules aggregation and their agglomerations on the nanoparticles were established from FTIR and EDX spectroscopy. Multiple cobalt valences on the oxygen surfaces and their reaction, bonding, and binding energies were analyzed from XPS measurements. The biogenic Co3O4 nanoparticles were executed against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus—S. aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli—E. coli) bacteria. A gram-positive bacterial strain exhibited great resistivity on Co3O4 nanoparticles. Degradation of organic dye pollutants on the Co3O4 nanoparticles was performed against methylene blue (MB) dye under the conditions of visible light irradiation. Dye degradation efficiency pseudo-first-order kinetics on the pseudo-first-order kinetics denotes the rate of degradation over the MB dye. This research work achieved enhanced degradation potency against toxic organic dye and their radicals are excited from visible light irradiations. Absorption light and charged particle recombinations are reformed and provoked by the plant extract bio-molecules. In this process, there is no inferior yield development, and electrons are robustly stimulated. Furthermore, the biosynthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles determined the potency of bacterial susceptibility and catalytic efficacy over the industrial dye pollutants.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bioretention Cells for Urban Stormwater Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nazarpour Shaahin , Gnecco Ilaria , Palla Anna
Published: February 2023

Bioretention cells (BRCs) are a promising low-impact development (LID) practice that are commonly used in urban settings to improve the water quality and mitigate the hydrological effects of stormwater runoff. BRCs have been the subject of extensive research in order to better comprehend their function and improve their effectiveness. However, BRC performance differs greatly among regions in terms of hydrologic performance and quality enhancement. Due to this variance in BRC effectiveness, the current study conducted a comprehensive systematic review to answer the question, “Are BRCs an effective LID method for urban catchment stormwater management?”. This review study analyzed the effectiveness of BRCs in mitigating hydrologic impacts and enhancing the quality of stormwater runoff in urban catchments. A review of 114 field, laboratory, and modeling studies on BRCs found that the promising BRCs may be one of the most successful approaches to restore urban hydrology cycle and improve stormwater water quality. With further development of BRCs, their performance in terms of quantity and quality will become more reliable, helping to develop long-term solutions to stormwater urban drainage issues. At the end of this review, the knowledge gaps and future prospects for BRC research are presented. In addition to providing a foundational grasp of BRC, this review study outlines the key design recommendations for BRC implementation in order to address the issues raised by certain BRC design errors.
Gratitude Moments as Predictors of Self- and Other-Orientation Indicators in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample of US Young Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hussong Andrea M. , Petrie Rachel , Richards Adrianna , Shelton Ria , Midgette Allegra
Published: February 2023

Scholars posit that gratitude may enhance other-oriented beliefs and behaviors and dampen self-oriented ones through a cycle of upward generativity. We examined associations between gratitude as an indicator of self-orientation (i.e., materialism and entitlement) and other orientation (i.e., connection to nature; attitudes, beliefs, and conversations about social justice; prosocial behavior) in the US youth across six months as moderated by race/ethnicity and gender. Specifically, Study 1 evaluated the psychometric performance of the gratitude moments scale in a more racially and ethnically diverse sample than that included in the original scale development. In study 2, we evaluated pre-registered hypotheses among the youth who completed surveys in October 2020 and again in January 2021 (n = 812). These hypotheses tested (1) whether there were ethnic/racial differences in the measure of children’s gratitude; (2) whether there were reciprocal associations over time between children’s gratitude and indices of self and other orientation; and (3) whether these reciprocal associations varied as a function of youth race/ethnicity and gender. The results of study 1 found that the gratitude moments scale demonstrated high reliability and validity in racially/ethnically diverse young adolescents (n = 89). Using moderated nonlinear factor analysis in study 2, we found only one difference in how the gratitude moments scale performed as a function of race/ethnicity or gender. In cross-lagged panel models, gratitude moments did not predict subsequent self- and other-orientation indices, though youth with lower social justice attitudes and greater prosocial behavior showed increases in later gratitude moments. Prosocial behavior was more strongly and consistently related to self- and other-orientation indices than gratitude. These findings are consistent with models of prosocial behavior as a catalyst for the development of additional forms of other-oriented beliefs, attitudes, and actions that may underlie the development of an other-oriented purpose.
Improvement in Cycle Characteristics using PVP Based Direct Carbon Coating During High-Rate Charge and Discharge of Li[Ni0.93Co0.07]O2 Nanofibers: Application for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Kim Hae In , Jang Hyun Ju , Park Eui Jeong , Tran Thuy Thi Bich , Son Jong-Tae
Published: February 2023

In this study, carbon-coated porous nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and the performance of Li[Ni0.93Co0.07]O2 (NC) synthesized by electrospinning (E-NC) and co-precipitation (C-NC) was compared. E-NC had a discharge capacity of 206 mAh g−1 at 0.1C (17 mA/g), which is 10% higher than that of C-NC (189.2 mAh g−1). E-NC shows a high-rate performance of 118.32 mAh g−1 (61.7%) at 5C (850 mA/g), which is 50% higher than that of C-NC (78.22 mAh g−1 = 45.7%). Charge transfer of the carbon-coated porous nanofiber E-NC decreased by 35% compared to C-NC after 20 cycles as observed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results of this study show that the nanofiber structure with carbon coating shortens the Li-ion diffusion path, improves electrical conductivity, resulting in excellent rate performance.
Lrpap1 (RAP) Inhibits Proximal Tubule Clathrin Mediated and Clathrin Independent Endocytosis, Ameliorating Renal Aminoglycoside Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Wagner Mark C , Sandoval Ruben M , Yadav Shiv Pratap S. , Campos Silvia B , Rhodes George J , Phillips Carrie L. , Molitoris Bruce A
Published: February 2023

Background:

Proximal tubules are exposed to many exogenous and endogenous nephrotoxins that pass through the glomerular filter. This includes many small molecules such as aminoglycoside and myeloma light chains. These filtered molecules are rapidly endocytosed by the proximal tubules and lead to nephrotoxicity.

Methods:

To investigate whether inhibition of proximal tubule uptake of filtered toxins can reduce toxicity we evaluated the ability of Lrpap1 or RAP to prevent proximal tubule endocytosis. Munich Wistar Frömter rats were used since both glomerular filtration and proximal tubule uptake can be quantified. The injury model chosen was the well-established gentamicin induced toxicity which leads to significant reductions in GFR and serum creatinine increases. Chronic kidney disease was induced with a right uninephrectomy and left 40 minute pedicle clamp. Rats had eight weeks to recover and to stabilize GFR and proteinuria. Multiphoton microscopy was used to evaluate endocytosis in vivo and serum creatinine and 24 hour creatinine clearances were used to evaluate kidney functional changes.

Results:

Studies showed preadministration of RAP significantly inhibited both albumin and dextran endocytosis in outer cortical proximal tubules. Importantly, this inhibition was found to be rapidly reversible with time. RAP was also found to be an excellent inhibitor of proximal tubule gentamicin endocytosis. Lastly, gentamicin administration for 6 days resulted in significant elevation of serum creatinine in vehicle treated rats but not those receiving daily infusion of RAP prior to gentamicin.

Conclusion:

This study provides a model for the potential use of RAP to prevent, in a reversible manner, proximal tubule endocytosis of potential nephrotoxins thus protecting the kidney from damage.
Effects of carrier-blocking barrier height on two-step photocurrent generation in dilute nitride intermediate band solar cells
Authors: Yagi Shuhei , Numata Shun , Shoji Yasushi , Okada Yoshitaka , Yaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

GaAs:N dilute nitride intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) with different barrier heights for blocking electron transport from the intermediate band (IB) were prepared and the role of such an electron blocking layer (EBL) was investigated. It is found that the EBL effectively confines electrons in the IB states, and the two-step photocurrent generation process is strongly affected by its barrier height. A rate equation analysis well reproduced experimental observations of the applied voltage dependence of the two-step photocurrent generation process. It revealed that the electron extraction both from the conduction band and the IB through the EBL is governed by the thermionic emission process. To meet the requirements of an ideal IBSC, optimized device structures including the barrier height of the EBL have to be designed properly taking into account the material parameters and carrier dynamics under the actual operating condition.
Manipulating optical micrograph contrast for visualizing monolayer graphene encapsulated by hBN layers
Authors: Kim Tae-Gwang , Kim Do-Hoon , Son Seok-Kyun , Kang Jang-Won
Published: February 2023

We studied the optical response and visibility of the inside graphene layer in hBN/graphene/hBN on SiO2/Si substrate, revealing why the graphene layer is invisible on the optical microscope image. The observed behavior of optical response for the hBN/graphene/hBN stack is systematically supported by the calculation and analysis, which investigated the reflectance and contrast spectra based on the matrix method. The substrate effect on the optical response allows us to maximize the contrast of the inside graphene to the hBN layer on the optical micrograph, suggesting a simple approach to make the graphene layer visible.
An observation of a photovoltaic effect in MoS2 nanoribbons fabricated with a top-down approach
Authors: Zhang Shaochun , Xue Mengsong , Zeng Fanyu , Kitaura Ryo
Published: February 2023

We observed a photovoltaic effect in MoS2 nanoribbons prepared by a top-down approach. Two-terminal MoS2 nanoribbons devices show a non-zero short-circuit photocurrent in response to light excitation; the photocurrent density reached ∼5 × 100 A cm−2 at a power of ∼104 W cm−2. Photocurrent mapping has revealed that the photocurrent predominantly emerges when we locate the laser spot on the nanoribbon region, far from electrode contacts, ensuring the photovoltaic effect arises from the MoS2 nanoribbon itself. We also found that light polarization of the photocurrent exhibited direction dependence with a period of 180°. This work has successfully shown that an emerging property can be seen by forming nanoribbons, providing a simple approach to obtaining materials exhibiting photovoltaic effects.
Prevalence and risk factors for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection: a Multicenter study, at Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad Kalgo Zaharaddin , Amin Binta M. , Muhammed Bashir , Saka Habeeb K.
Published: February 2023

Lower respiratory tract infections are one of the major public health concerns responsible for morbidity and mortality in low and middle income countries. Improved surveillance of the causative agents as well as identification of risk factors might enable targeted intervention. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence and risk factors of lower respiratory tract infection in Kebbi State. Three hundred and fifty sputum samples were collected from consented patients with the symptoms of LRTI attending six different hospitals in Kebbi State. The samples were all screened for bacterial pathogens using standard microbiological techniques. The bacterial isolates were identified using conventional biochemical tests and then confirmed using commercial biochemical test kit microbact 24E (Oxoid UK) according to manufacturerer’s instruction. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant bacteria isolated in this location followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae with an estimated percentage occurrence of 31.1% and 22.2% respectively. Other bacteria isolated include Klebsiella oxytoca (13.9%), Escherichia coli (11.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.6%), Aeromonas hydrophila (5.6%), Acinetobacter baumannii (4.6%), B. pseudomallei (2.8%) and Proteus spp (2.8%) in order of ranking. It was found out that, the young adults and the elderly were most at risk of a severe respiratory condition. The result also shows that LRTI were more common in males than in females. A significant number (32%) of patients who are exposed to either agricultural or industrial chemicals have positive bacterial growth. The present study found that prior antibiotic treatment was also a significant risk factor for LRTIs. In conclusion, it was found out that, Staphylococcus aureus is the most predominant bacteria isolated. Exposure to smoke from firewood and chemicals from both agricultural or industrial chemicals as well as indiscriminate use of antibiotics were the risk factors for LRTIs in this location.
CLINICAL PROFILE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN ICU PATIENT IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL COLLEGE DAHOD, A TRIBAL AREA OF GUJARAT
Authors: R. Ganava Aruna , R Vahoniya vinod , Kumar Brajendra
Published: February 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an outcome of multiple etiologies and is mostly reversible. Data on its incidence and outcome,particularly from India,are limited.Our aim was to study the etiology,clinical profile,and short-term prognosis in AKI.It was a hospital-based prospective observational study on AKI. Seventy-five AKI patients diagnosed by Acute Kidney Injury network criteria were selected. Patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease were excluded.Data were compiled using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17. Regression analysis was done for determining the association of various variables for mortality.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.The mean age of patients was 41.09 ± 16.17 years with a male:female ratio of 1.42:1. Comorbidities were present in 37.3%, with diabete smellitus (10.6%) and chronic liver disease (10.6%) being the most common.Fever was the most common (40%) presenting symptom, followed by oliguria (25.8%). Infection was the most common cause of AKI (56%), with sepsis in 26.7% followed by acute gastroenteritis in 17.3%. Pneumonia was the primary focus in 50% of cases with sepsis. Mean serum creatinine and urea at admission were 2.37 ± 0.90 and 92.44 ± 39.67 mg/dl, respectively. Serum creatinine rose progressively to 2.96 ± 1.18 and 3.26 ± 1.56 mg/dl at 24 and 48 h,respectively,since hospitalization.Majority of the cases (73.3%) were nonoliguric. Hemodialysis was necessary in 24% of cases. Mean hospital stay was 8.16 days. In-hospital mortality was 24%.Among survivors, 92.9% had complete renal recovery on discharge. Sepsis,need for hemodialysis, urea >100 mg/dl,and peak serum creatinine >3 mg/dl were contributors to mortality (P < 0.01).
A STUDY ON IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Menaka R.
Published: February 2023

The banking business has forever been quite possibly of the most sought-after calling. Since the post-autonomy time
frame,agreeable banks have inclined toward something very similar.Just a solid and effective Co-employable banking
framework can develop and support in the opposition.Subsequently,the banking framework should not exclusively be
not difficult to utilize, yet in addition equipped for meeting new difficulties raised by technology and other outside or
inward factors.Human resources,whether private or public,are the main resource of any organization.They are blessed
with such remarkable characteristics as creative mind, critical thinking skill, and the capacity to propel collectively.It's
just a question of dealing with, assessing, and motivating them.This must be managed by consistently evaluating their
outcomes. The deliberate, successive, and unprejudiced assessment of an employee's greatness in issues connecting
with his current job and his possibilities for a superior job is known as performance appraisal.Toward the beginning of
the performance appraisal process, the undertaking, needs, and expected performance principles for employees are
laid out.These are then utilized as criticism and performance assessment strategies.Banking sector in India with its fast
development in the quantity of branches and the new capabilities allocated to them have begun feeling tension on their
organizational capacities. The different important factors contributing towards the adequacy of an organization and
featuring the organizations capacity are the cycles of recruitment, placement, preparing, advancement and appraisal.
Appraisal is one of the significant factors of organizational capacity, hence author has chosen this particular topic to
reveal an outline on the importance of Employee Assessment in the Banking Sectors of India. It is based on both
theoretical and analytical based study
The Effectiveness of Thermography in Determining Localization of Orthopedic Diseases in Horses
Authors: OKUR Sıtkıcan , YANMAZ Latif Emrah , GÖLGELİ BEDİR Ayşe , ŞENOCAK Mümin Gökhan , ERSOZ Ugur , ORHUN Ömer Tarık , KOCAMAN Yakup
Published: February 2023

Infrared thermographic imaging of horses is becoming more popular in equine practice, and it is regarded to be a valuable method for detecting lesions with the potential to cause lameness. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of thermal cameras in determine the location of lesions in horses with lameness. Twenty four Arabian horses aged 6.3±1.8 (mean ± standard deviation) years old were included in this study. Temperature measurements were obtained with a thermal camera on the fore and hindlimb of all horses with lameness and the area where the temperature increased (suspected area) was selected. Following the suspected area was determined, temperature measurements were performed in the symmetric area of the same animal. All thermal camera temperatures were taken from four different points (lateral, medial, dorsal, palmar/plantar) and the average of measurements was recorded. The mean temperature measurement in the suspected area (34.7±1.7°C) was significantly higher than the symmetric area (31.8±2.1°C) in horses (p
Doğumu Erken Uyarılan Koyunlarda Kuzuların Neonatal Yaşama Kabiliyetlerinin Araştırılması
Authors: ÇETİN Nebi , TAŞAL İbrahim
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmada, doğumu indüklenerek doğan kuzular ile doğumu spontan gerçekleşen kuzuların neonatal hayatlarının karşılaştırılması amaçlandı. İki grubun arasındaki karşılaştırılmalarda kuzulara ait bazı vücut gelişim özellikleri ile kan parametrelerinin doğum sonrası takibi dikkate alındı. Yine neonatal kuzularda intraperitonal glikoz takviyesinin profilaktik kullanılabilirliği ve çevre sıcaklığının etkisi çalışmanın bir diğer hedefini oluşturdu. Çalışma hayvan popülasyonunu, 30 adet koyun (Morkaraman ve melezi) ve bu koyunlardan doğan 50 adet kuzu oluşturdu. Her grupta 10 adet kuzu olacak şekilde 4 deney, 1 kontrol grubu olmak üzere 5 grup oluşturuldu. Deney gruplarında doğumlar kortikosteroid enjeksiyonlarıyla uyarıldı. Deney grubunun 2 grubu ayrıca sıcaklığı sabit tutulan (20 - 24 °C) ayrı bir bölümde tutuldu ve intraperitoneal glikoz uygulaması yapıldı. Kontrol grubunda ise doğumlar spontan olarak gerçekleşti. Tüm kuzuların vücut sıcaklığı ve ağırlıkları, kan gaz, glikoz değerleri, düzenli aralıklarla takip edilerek kayıt edildi. Gruplar arasında karşılaştırmaya tabi tutulan değişkenler içerisinde sadece vücut sıcaklığı ve kan pO2 basıncı önemli bulundu (p
SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Kirov, Russia, Sozinova Anastasia A. , Falaleev Aleksandr V. ,   Vyatka State University, Kirov, Russia
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to modern scientific and methodological approaches to assessing the effectiveness of strategic risk management of enterprises. The works of several domestic and foreign authors and their views on this issue are considered. Methods of analysis, synthesis and statistics are used. The scientific and methodological approaches used in economics to assess the effectiveness of strategic risk management of enterprises are collected and analyzed. The essence of the approaches is described, their advantages and disadvantages are determined. The need to refine existing methods or develop a new methodology for assessing the effectiveness of strategic risk management of enterprises is justified. The conclusion is made about the imperfection of existing methods and the need to continue research on this topic, the result of which should be an improved scientific and methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of strategic risk management of enterprises.
THE CONCEPT AND ESSENCE OF THE VENTURE EFFECT AS THE GOAL OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS
Authors:   Saint-Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation, St. Petersburg, Russia, Pokshivanova Olga P.
Published: February 2023

Considering the evolutionary nature of the development of the world economic community and the inevitability of the fourth industrial revolution, it becomes obvious that in order to successfully compete with the key players in the global financial market, Russia must modernize its national innovation system and ways of its financial support. This determines the importance and relevance of scientific research in the field of developing recommendations that allow organizing the stable development of the venture financing system in the modern economy.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL IN THE CONTEXT OF ENSURING THE PERFORMANCE, SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Saint Petersburg state University of railway transport of Emperor Alexander I, Informatic and Information Security Department Saint Petersburg, Russia, Oparin Sergey G.
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the development of the concept of integration of risk management and internal control in the context of ensuring the performance, security and sustainable development. The aim is to develop the theory and practice of risk management and internal control based on digital technologies and digital risk profile, the introduction of risk appetite and risk tolerance as a tool for integrating risk management with the processes of strategic planning, value creation and performance assurance. A thesaurus is compiled and the risk management process is considered, which allows to identify the economic meaning of risk appetite and risk tolerance in conjunction with the risk profile and strategic planning. A new digital paradigm of risk management, based on the statement of nonlinearity and arbitrary (not necessarily normal) risk distribution, and a digital method of integral convolution of numbers, which provides the possibility of distributed risk assessment and risk profile construction, are discussed. A digital visualization of risk management and internal control is proposed, reflecting the relationship between the risk profile, risk appetite, tolerance and risk impact strategy, and its advantages are shown on the example of a contract system in the field of public and corporate procurement. Integration of risk management and internal control with strategic planning, cost and performance, its digital visualization, displaying the relationship of risk management with risk appetite and risk tolerance, can become an additional driver of growth of the national economy.