bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluctuation of Nighttime Ground Level Ozone Due to Artificial Light
Authors: Ismail Mohd Rodzi , Mohamad Nazir Amni Umirah , Ramli Nor Azam , Awang Norrimi Rosaida , Nordin Norhasinah , Abdul Wahab Siti Zainab
Published: August 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation creates ground-level ozone (O3) during the day and is subsequently eliminated by nitrogen oxides at night. However, excessive artificial light use, those results in light pollution, may interfere with the chemistry of ground-level O3 at night by supplying enough energy to start that creation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the effect of artificial light on nighttime ground-level ozone production. Minute average O3 and NO2 concentrations with light illumination were measured in two study sites at the USM School of Civil Engineering and its Main Campus. Results of this study suggested that in low-light illumination conditions, no conversions between NO2 to O3 were governed due to low-light energy that was unable to break NO2 bonds. Thus, there are no changes in O3 concentration trends in the School of Civil Engineering. However, in high-light illumination conditions such as in USM Main Campus, O3 fluctuated negatively with NO2 concentrations, and potential conversions were governed.
Coffee ground biosorbent for nitrite and nitrate recovery and soil nutrient
Authors: Sethupathi Sumathi , Ying Tan , Hon Leong
Published: August 2023

Nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) are two forms of nitrogen that contribute to the occurrence of eutrophication if found in excess concentrations. Conversely, nitrogen is one of the major macronutrients required for healthy plant growth. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the recovery of NO3- and NO2- from aquaculture wastewater (AW) by adsorption using coffee grounds (CG) as a biosorbent. The influence of carbonization temperatures (200 – 700 °C) was studied. The result postulates that CG carbonized at 200 °C was the most effective in NO3- and NO2- recovery from AW, having more than 80 and 70 %, respectively. The potential of the spent CG for soil conditioning was also investigated by evaluating the germination index (GI). The findings showed that spent CG from AW resulted in high GI with 105.6 % after 72 h of incubation. CG biosorbent is a potential sorbent to recover nitrate and nitrite from wastewater. The spent or nitrate and nitrite recovered biosorbent can be reutilized as soil nutrient.
Low-cost and rapid paper-based microfluidic device for wastewater surveillance at low-resource settings
Authors: Yang Zhugen , Pan Yuwei , Hui Q
Published: August 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes respiratory illness and gastrointestinal infections, with viral material being excreted in feces (and surviving within sewage for several days). Here, we propose a low-cost and user-friendly paper-based microfluidic device incorporating reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Qualitative results were displayed by a UV torch, observed with naked eyes or recorded using a mobile phone camera. The paper-based platform could complete the concentration, extraction, amplification and detection of viruses in wastewater within 1.5 hours, with a detection limit as low as 10 copies μL-1. The device was used for on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus in wastewater samples from four quarantined hotels at London Heathrow Airport, showing results comparable to those obtained using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. Our platform enables rapid detection of viruses without the need to send wastewater samples to centralized laboratories, providing a high-resolution data set for highly responsive measurement for the pandemic. The platform can be used as a public health early warning tool for various applications in community settings and shows great potential for rapid and on-site wastewater surveillance at low resource settings.
Modelling metal and energy recovery from Acid Mine Drainage by means of Bioelectrochemical Technology
Authors: Fernandez-Morales Francisco Jesus , Delgado Yelitza , Lopez Ester , Martin Muñoz , Llanos Javier
Published: August 2023

This work presents a Monod-based mathematical model able to predict the performance of a bioelectrochemical system (BES) treating Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). The BES was operated as a microbial fuel cell (MFC), in order to recover not only the metals but also all the chemical energy contained. The model was based on two different microbial populations performing electrogenic and non-electrogenic metabolisms respectively. During the MFC operation the metal contained in the AMD were the electron acceptors at the cathode. Because of that, Cu2+ and Fe3+ were reduced to Cu0 and Fe2+. The model formulation was based on a set of differential equations describing the simultaneous evolution of the main chemical components in the system. The model developed accurately predicted the concentration of the acetate and biomass at the anode, the metals at the cathode as well as the electrical current generated.
Adsorption-desorption of methylene blue dye onto marine sediments: Kinetics and equilibrium studies
Authors: Vagi Maria , Leventelli Melpomeni , Petsas Andreas
Published: August 2023

The present study concerns the investigation of the sorption and desorption phenomena of methylene blue (MB), which is an organic molecule used as a synthetic dye in several industries. For that purpose, the batch equilibrium technique was applied by using three marine sediments that were collected from the North Aegean Sea (Greece) and more specifically from unpolluted coasts of Chios island (sample S1), Lesvos island (S2 and S3). The criterion for the selection of those substrates as adsorbent surfaces were based on both their difference in their textural analysis (that ranged between 1.68–34.54%) and the content of organic matter as well (that varied from 1.70 to 5.38%). The obtained experimental results showed that both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models could describe the kinetics of the occurred process, whereas the correlation regression coefficients for the fit to that models were calculated to be R2≥ 0.9004 and R2≥ 0.8487, respectively. Furthermore, acquired results indicated a positive correlation between the sorption of MB and the organic matter content of marine sediments. Desorption studies revealed that the studied dye in some cases was adsorbed very weakly on sediments tested and hence was easily desorbed with seawater, while on the contrary in other cases MB was adsorbed very strongly on studied matrices with lower quantities of seawater extractable amounts.
Evaluation of industrial wastes as active materials in permeable reactive barrier for acid mine drainage remediation
Authors: Fernandez-Morales Jesus , Sanchez David , Lopez-Bellido Javier , Acosta Irene , Rodriguez Luis , Villaseñor Jose
Published: August 2023

The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of agricultural and industrial waste materials as reactive agents into Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRB) for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) remediation. Laboratory-scale columns containing Volcanic Scoria (VS) as porous fill material and approximately 18% w/w of industrial wastes used as reactive materials were used as PRB under up-flow continuous mode treating 1.9 L AMD d-1. Drinking water sludge (DWS) clearly enhanced AMD remediation because of chemical neutralization and biological sulphate reduction, which produced metals precipitation. The removal yields obtained when using DWS as reactive material ranged from 60 to 90%. Because of these results, the use of the DWS in PRBs would allow to simultaneously carry out the management of an industrial waste and the remediation of AMD through a low-cost and environmentally sustainable procedure.
Cultivation of fiber crops for sustainable soil remediation and biobased raw material production for industrial uses
Authors: Kotoula Danai , Karaviti Theoni , Gorgiou Panagiotis , Alexopoulou Efthymia , Papazoglou Eleni
Published: August 2023

The contamination of agricultural soils with toxic metals is an escalating issue, posing hazards to both wildlife and human populations across vast land areas. The objective of the FORTE project is to address this issue by cultivating industrial hemp, flax and kenaf on contaminated mining and agricultural lands. This approach serves a dual purpose: (i) remediating the soil and (ii) generating biomass for industrial applications. The project aims to acquire practical knowledge regarding the cultivation of these crops in heavy metal and metalloid contaminated sites, thereby contributing to the development of phytoremediation technology using fiber crops in real field conditions. Additionally, it will foster the generation of innovative materials. An economic analysis, and environmental and social impact assessments will support the sustainability and the optimization of the value chain of produced bioproducts, namely particleboards and insulation panels, and will ensure the implementation of best practices and efficient operations throughout the life cycle of these evaluated products.
Classification, characterisation, standardisation and weighting in life cycle analysis (LCA): a case study of teaching innovation for higher education
Authors: San Miguel Guillermo
Published: August 2023

Training deficiencies in sustainability analysis can pose a barrier to advancing towards sustainable development. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a basic tool in the analysis of the environmental performance of products. This paper describes exercise for teaching innovation for higher education in this field focused on the practical application of the impact assessment stage that involves transforming inventory data into impact values through classification, characterization, normalization and weighting. This exercise describes a parallel analysis of two heating systems, one based on natural gas and the other on biomass fuel for which inventory data and a simplified impact assessment method are available. This case study will allow students to become familiar with the conceptual and practical basis of the life cycle approach and the procedures described in ISO 14040.
Capturing Microplastics from Aquatic Systems Using Vortex-based Cyclone Technique
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Jespersen Stefan , Hansen Dennis , Pajuro Kacper , Liu Fan , Vollertsen Jes
Published: August 2023

Plastic pollution is an acknowledged global problem. As estimated, about 82% of marine litter is plastics, while about 94% of marine plastics are defined as microplastics (MPs), which is less than 5mm in size. MPs have been regarded as widespread emerging pollutants. Different from the commonly used sedimentation, absorption or filtration technologies for aquatic MP capture, this work proposed a cost-effective and scalable solution using the vortex-based cyclone technique for collecting aquatic-borne MPs. Based on a lab-scaled setup and the use of artificial microbeads, the experimental results showed clear and promising evidence of the proposed concept and technology. Different operating conditions are also investigated with the aim controlling the hydrocyclone at its highest separation efficiency, subject to diverse process variations.
Purification of municipal wastewater by electrocoagulation process
Authors: Leovac Maćerak Anita , Duduković Nataša , Slijepčević Nataša , Volarić Ana , Tomašević Pilipović Dragana , Bečelić-Tomin Milena , Kerkez Đurđa
Published: August 2023

In this work, the performance of electrocoagulation (EC) processes was investigated under currently defined operational conditions for the purification of municipal wastewater. The experimental removal efficiencies for COD, BOD, total P, turbidity and TSS were 55%, 60%, 79%, 89% and 86%, respectively for aluminum electrodes. For iron electrodes removal efficiencies of above mentioned water quality parameters (COD, BOD, total P, turbidity and TSS) were 62%, 65%, 83%, 97% and 90%, respectively. In addition to, microbiological parameters showed great promise from the aspect of microbiologically safe reuse of purified wastewater for irrigation
PLA based nanocomposites with Cellulosic and Lignocellulosic nanofibers as a biodegradable solution for green food packaging
Authors: Tsaousis P.C. , Andrikopoulos K.S. , Mathioudakis G.N. , Beobide A.S. , Sideri S. , Deze E. , Voyiatzis G.A.
Published: August 2023

The HIPERION project aims at the sustainable production of various types of nanocellulose, such as microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), cellulose nano-fibrils (CNF), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), for the development of high-performance industrial materials for green food packaging, paper packaging, adhesives and wood coatings.
In that manner, different types of cellulosic and lignocellulosic fibers (i.e., CNF and LCNF received from University of Maine and API-Europe respectively), after freeze drying at -50 oC, were incorporated to PLA (grade 3052d from NatureWorks) by melt blending at various concentrations with or without the incorporation of the crosslinking agent Dicumyl Peroxide (1% or 3% wt.). The final films were produced after melt pressing. Thermal treatment on samples containing the peroxide initiator has been shown to crosslink PLA and also graft chains to cellulosic fibers (Wei et al., 2016).
The chemical composition and structure of the produced films were studied via Raman spectroscopy (μRaman T-64000), IR transmission (FTIR/IR) and Reflectance (ATR/IR) measurements (Bruker Alpha II), while their thermal and thermomechanical properties were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC Q100) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA 850).
The suitability of the final products is performed by a release study of different molecular entities migrating through the polymer matrices in EU certified food simulants, using certified methodologies (i.e., UV/VIS, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy SERS, etc.) and specially designed cells/devices.
Techno-economic, environmental and social assessment of precision agriculture for stone fruit production
Authors: Guillermo San Miguel , Núñez-Cárdenas Pablo , de la Rosa José María , Diezma Belén , Valero Constantino , Correa Eva Cristina
Published: August 2023

Precision agriculture is a powerful solution to mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural systems, optimize crop inputs and cost reduction. The aim of this work is to analyze the benefits of precision farming practices (irrigation, fertilization and phytosanitary treatment) through a life cycle sustainability assessment (environmental, economic and social impacts) using a detailed life cycle inventory for stone fruit production compared to traditional production. The 8-year life cycle inventory was provided by a local producer in southern Spain. The system boundaries include a "gate to farm gate" approach using 1 kg of stone fruit as the functional unit. The streamlined analysis incorporates environmental, life cycle cost and social risk analysis for this crop production. The results show that the reduced input requirements of the precision agriculture scenario led to lower environmental damage, reduced economic costs and lower social risks, with average impact reductions ranging between 20-30% in most sustainability categories.
The geopolitical risk index effect on the energy market, emissions and climate change
Authors: Mamalis Vasileios , Polemis Dionysios
Published: August 2023

Over time, global crises have affected the energy market much more than major geopolitical events. In recent years, humanity has been faced with the Covid 19 crisis, which has caused great disruption in the energy market and unprecedented phenomena in oil prices.
Also, during the same period, due to the decrease in global production and the low demand for energy, there were unusually large reductions in emissions across the planet. In the post-covid era, the world is faced with the crisis of the Russian -Ukrainian war and the corresponding surge in gas and oil prices. As these critical geopolitical events have the dynamic to affect the entire world, this investigation utilizing the Geopolitical Risk index of Caldara and Iacoviello (2021) aims to identify if events related to energy, green investments, or measures of pollutant emission assessments can be predicted.
I) Can the Geopolitical Risk Factor (GPR) be a tool for predicting events related to the energy crisis?
II) GPR can be a reference point for green investments
III) Does the GPR have the possibility to be a measure of pollutant emission assessment?
Strategies for the implementation of the sustainable development in protected areas: the case study of the Regional Park of Monti Lattari (Italy)
Authors: D'Elia L. , Cicalese F. , Grimaldi M. , Fasolino I. , Troisi E. , Dello Ioio T. , Zarra T. , Belgiorno V. , Naddeo V.
Published: August 2023

Protected areas today cover about 17% of the territory. They aim to preserving environmental quality, ecosystem balance and biodiversity. Although in Italy protected areas are around 10%, in Campania it’s very high and is about 25%. In the last 10 years the number of protected sites has increased by 42% worldwide. Today the general approach to safeguarding is strongly conservative.
Due to phenomena such as climate change, deforestation and urbanization, it has emerged that crystallizing the environmental state is impossible. Targeted and effective policies are necessary from the systemic perspective introduced with the Natura 2000 network. Environmental protection must be active to enable sustainable development, to respect the environment and to enhance strategic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and sport. This paper illustrates the sustainable development strategies for the management of protected areas to control environmental pressures and enhance natural ecosystems and biodiversity. The case study of the Monti Lattari Regional Park in southern Italy will be examined. It is characterized by a vast and complex territory that includes mountain and sea areas of high environmental and landscape value. This protected site is interesting to analyze because recently actions for the environmental safeguard have been taken.
Evaluation of phytotoxicity of landfill leachates after treatment with UV radiation based processes
Authors: Kokkinos Petros , Grilla Eleni , Isari Ekavi , Parthenidis Periklis , Evgenidou Eleni , Lambropoulou Dimitroula , Kalavrouziotis Ioannis
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of reuse landfill leachates after advanced treatment in agriculture. UV/Fenton and Fenton processes were applied in the treatment of a stabilized (L2) and a medium (L1) landfill leachate. In addition to above data, phytotoxicity tests were performed using Sorghum saccharatum seeds and estimating the germination index (GI). The results have shown that both untreated non-diluted leachates L1 and L2 were toxic as their GI values were 0. Fenton treatment was more effective in reducing the phytotoxicity of stabilized non-diluted leachates, compared to UV-Fenton treatment. The results of the study have shown that Sorghum saccharatum seeds respond differently to Fenton and UV/Fenton treated, as well as to stabilized and medium landfill leachates samples.
Collective Action for Sustainable Water Resource Management: Analytical Framework and Company Initiatives
Authors: Kiritsi anastasia , Tripathi shiv , Patiniotis Ioannis
Published: August 2023

The water resource management is an important
area for accomplishing the sustainability. During last one
to two decades, there have been many innovations in
managing the water resources at different levels and across
different contexts. The present paper examines the
innovation in sustainable water resource management at
company or firm level. Based on the case-study analysis
method, the paper examines the key learning from each of
the selected ten (10) recent case-studies, selected from the
different secondary open access sources. The findings
offer a fresh perspective on the critical issues in identifying
and managing the water resources sustainably.
The water resource management is an important
area for accomplishing the sustainability. During last one
to two decades, there have been many innovations in
managing the water resources at different levels and across
different contexts. The present paper examines the
innovation in sustainable water resource management at
company or firm level. Based on the case-study analysis
method, the paper examines the key learning from each of
the selected ten (10) recent case-studies, selected from the
different secondary open access sources. The findings
offer a fresh perspective on the critical issues in identifying
and managing the water resources sustainably.
An easy numerical evaluation of the DM growth in Self-Forming Dynamic Membrane Bioreactors (SFD MBR) for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Salerno Carlo , Castrogiovanni Fabiano , Berardi Giovanni , Tumolo Marina , Pollice Alfieri
Published: August 2023

In the last years, self-forming dynamic membranes (SFD MBR) revealed as one of the most innovative technological solutions for wastewater treatment. In these systems, filtration takes place through a cake layer (Dynamic Membrane, DM) supported by a 10-200 µm filter mesh.
Filtration efficiency may decrease when the DM becomes too thick or its composition changes, and this can be measured under constant flux through the increase of TMP (TransMembrane Pressure).
In this study, three different DM maintenance strategies have been adopted to limit the loss of performance caused by excessive cake layer growth. A 4h filtration cycle was applied ending with a filtration break of 11’ with different mesh cleaning strategies. The cake growth on the support mesh was analyzed evaluating the TMP increase rate. TMP peaks in the range 20-200 mbar were observed during the 4h filtration cycles. These data were interpreted with second order interpolations and linear trends.
Here, the slopes of the trend lines are used to evaluate the performance of the different DM maintenance strategies considered. These lines provide a simplified representation of the speed at which the pressure of 200 mbar is reached, once the DM thickness starts to increase (lower TMP instability threshold of 20 mbar). These slopes allow to estimate cake layer accumulation: the lower the slope value, the longer the time to reach the critical TMP value.
Filtration efficiency may decrease when the DM becomes too thick or its composition changes, and this can be measured under constant flux through the increase of TMP (TransMembrane Pressure).
In this study, three different DM maintenance strategies have been adopted to limit the loss of performance caused by excessive cake layer growth. A 4h filtration cycle was applied ending with a filtration break of 11’ with different mesh cleaning strategies. The cake growth on the support mesh was analyzed evaluating the TMP increase rate. TMP peaks in the range 20-200 mbar were observed during the 4h filtration cycles. These data were interpreted with second order interpolations and linear trends.
Here, the slopes of the trend lines are used to evaluate the performance of the different DM maintenance strategies considered. These lines provide a simplified representation of the speed at which the pressure of 200 mbar is reached, once the DM thickness starts to increase (lower TMP instability threshold of 20 mbar). These slopes allow to estimate cake layer accumulation: the lower the slope value, the longer the time to reach the critical TMP value.
FRIETS Project: Sustainable optimization of the value chain of added-value fresh and dried berries through the integration of Precision Agriculture management strategies and innovative dehydration and edible coating
Authors: Karamouzi Eugenia , Angelis-Dimakis Athanasios , Darra Nicoleta , Fountas Spyros , Gogou Eleni , Krokida Magda , Lagonikou Marianna , Manganaris George , Oikonomopoulou Vasiliki , Panopoulos Panagiotis , Papadaki Sofia , Serifi Olga , Galea Dorian , Socol Claudia , Spella Magda , Valanides Nikolas , Valdramidis Vasilis , Vodnar Dan
Published: August 2023

FRIETS project aims in training crossdisciplinary scientists from 5 European countries, in collaboration with international SMEs, for the development and marketization of personalized, nutritious and innovative, soft fruit smart snacks that contain no added sugar, sodium or chemical preservatives, as a palatable way to increase daily fruit consumption. FRIETS smart snacks will include novel processed berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry) with superior quality and nutritional characteristics, as well as extended shelf-life. Pre-harvest management practices will be optimized for cultivating high-quality berries. Low impact post-harvest technologies will be developed and optimised including (1) mild and energy efficient drying techniques (e.g. osmotic dehydration, freeze drying, microwave vacuum drying or their combination) using limited or no sugar or salt, and low temperatures, and (2) composite or multi-layered edible coatings, based on micro- and macro-algae components, including encapsulated or non-encapsulated natural functional ingredients. Life Cycle Analysis and socio-techno-economic analysis will be implemented for the sustainable development of new products. FRIETS implementation will be based on staff secondments, strengthening collaborative research among different countries and sectors.
A New Material for Microencapsulation of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Konuklu Yeliz , Yıldırım Bilal , Gezici Orhan
Published: August 2023

Phase change materials (PCMs) serve as energy storage materials that can effectively reduce the heating and cooling load. To overcome the issue of leakage in practical applications, there has been a growing significance in conducting research on microencapsulation and composite production. In this study, humic acid, which has an organic structure, was used for the microencapsulation of PCMs. To evaluate the morphological, thermal, and chemical properties of the synthesized composite materials, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized. The thermal resistance of the composites was tested at a temperature of 70 °C. DSC analysis revealed that the paraffin composite had a melting point of 38.79 °C and a latent heat storage capacity of 52.56 J/g. Based on these comprehensive analyses, it can be concluded that the microcapsules obtained demonstrate remarkable potential as energy storage materials.
Trace Metals in the water column of the coastal zone in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba
Authors: Abualnaja Yasser , Tzempelikou Eleni , Parinos Constantine , Zeri Christine , Iliakis Stylianos , Pavlidou Alexandra
Published: August 2023

In this study trace metals concentrations in the water column are presented along the coastal zone of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia). This is a baseline assessment of the metal pollution status of the water using trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) measurements obtained at 69 sampling stations along the coastal zone of the Saudi Arabia in June–July, 2021. Spatial variability was observed with higher concentrations to be recorded in Al-Shuqaiq, and Jeddah lagoon waters. The metal concentrations were linked to the different anthropogenic pressures in the coastal zone of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the first research extended throughout the Saudi coastline, giving the baseline information of the metal pollution in the water column. The study was carried out under the framework of Task 6 (Field Surveillance) of the MCEC project (https://mcep.kaust.edu.sa/).
A comprehensive monitoring approach to evaluate the impact of an urban landfill on a naturally reducing aquifer
Authors: Preziosi Elisabetta , Parrone Daniele , Frollini Eleonora , Ciotoli Giancarlo , Sciarra Alessandra , Ruggiero Livio , Ghergo Stefano
Published: August 2023

The processes leading to high levels of arsenic, iron, and manganese in a naturally reducing aquifer beneath a landfill are investigated. Traditional groundwater monitoring (physical-chemical parameters, major and trace inorganic compounds, organic compounds) has been complemented with the analysis of environmental isotopes of groundwater and of the dissolved gases (e.g., CH4 and CO2). The results suggest that landfill gas circulating in the aquifer (as demonstrated by 14C dating of methane) enhanced the naturally reducing conditions of the aquifer, eventually resulting in the observed high concentrations of redox-sensitive elements. At the same time, high pressure of CO2 at some piezometers locally lowers pH, hence increasing the dissolution of sedimentary carbonates and alkalinity. In addition, the reuse of water from leachate treatment to meet circular economy requirements was invoked to explain the high levels of tritium and 2H, associated with strongly significantly negative 13C, observed in a production well and in a nearby piezometer. Environmental isotopes can fruitfully complement traditional monitoring when the comprehension of processes is desired, but expert judgment is required.
Production of hydrogen and geopolymers from end of life photovoltaic panels
Authors: Papadopoulou Konstantina , Pavlopoulos Charalampos , Panitsa Olga Andriana , Theodoropoulou Maria , Gkioni Sofia , Kioupis Dimitrios , Kakali Glikeria , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: August 2023

Photovoltaic panel waste is expected to rise rapidly as installed modules approach their end of life. Recovery and reuse of valuable components such as semiconductors is crucial. Crystalline silicon panel derived waste reacts with alkali producing hydrogen gas and metasilicate structures in the solution which can be used as geopolymerization activator. In this work the prospect of utilizing 1st generation crystalline silicon panel waste for geopolymer activation with simultaneous hydrogen production is examined. Preliminary test results show that 1.55±0.05L of hydrogen gas can be produced from 1g of recovered semiconductor (Si). The resulting metasilicate solution is used for fly ash geopolymer activation. After 7 days of curing, the compressive strength of the generated geopolymer samples reached 19.5±0.5 MPa, indicating that this zero-waste reuse pathway can be viable after optimization.
Shallow Seafloor Litter: Tracking their Sources and Spatiotemporal Trends in the Presence of Oceanographic Drivers through efficient monitoring
Authors: Fakiris Elias , Papatheodorou George , Kordella Stavroula , Christodoulou Dimitris , Galgani Francois , Geraga Maria
Published: August 2023

Seafloor litter is the least exploited component of marine litter. The spatially variable distribution of their densities over time is a cumulative effect of sources’ intensities and natural drivers like wind/wave and current conditions in interaction with seafloor morphology. Making safe interpretations about the exact spatiotemporal distribution of benthic litter requires good knowledge of the local above-mentioned seafloor components. In this work, visual monitoring over 3 years of a shallow urbanized bay in Syros Island, Cyclades, Greece, was proved a reliable way to assess the intensity of litter sources along their coasts. It showcased that spatial ranges that are influenced mainly by the annual ocean dynamics should be treated with caution or even excluded from the analysis. There, intense litter fluxes over the year, hinder any effort to separate local anthropogenic littering intensity changes from natural litter input-output fluctuations. Towed underwater camera surveying and auxiliary bathymetric and swath sonar backscatter datasets were used to find links between the seafloor litter transport dynamics and the seabed micro- and macro-topography, finally indicating litter traps and sinks.
Critical Success Factors in the Implementation of the PPP Scheme in the Wosusokas SPAM Project (Wonogiri, Surakarta, Sukoharjo, and Karanganyar)
Authors: Prayuda Jun Rifky , Firmansyah Amrie , Andana Rozano Fikri , Sasongko Rossa Kurnia , Suhendra Maman
Published: August 2023

Infrastructure development is one of the Indonesian government's programs in the RPJMN stage 4 for 2019â€“2024. The need for significant infrastructure development cannot be met with the state budget alone. Fiscal limitations narrow the space for the government to carry out infrastructure development. Therefore, to overcome these problems, one of the efforts made by the Indonesian government is to implement a PPP scheme. The Wosusokas SPAM project is a drinking water supply infrastructure project in the Wonogiri, Surakarta, Sukoharjo, and Karanganyar areas that uses a PPP scheme. This study uses the scoping review method to collect and analyze critical success factors that play a role in implementing PPP projects. Based on previous studies, implementing the Wosusokas SPAM project can pay attention to five critical success factors: the commitment of partners, the strength of consortiums, asset quality, the political environment, and the national PPP unit. By implementing the five critical success factors from the planning stage to contract execution, the Wosusokas SPAM project is hoped to be implemented more effectively and efficiently.
So sánh giữa hồi quy theo thống kê Bayes và frequentist
Authors: Tri Nguyen Phuong
Published: August 2023

Phân tích hồi quy theo thống kê Bayes và phân tích dữ liệu bằng hồi quy truyền thống (frequentist) là hai phương pháp khác nhau được sử dụng trong nghiên cứu để hiểu và giải thích mối quan hệ giữa các biến. Dưới đây là sự so sánh giữa hai phương pháp này
Dynamic Characterization of Arrows through Stochastic Perturbation: Experimental Study
Authors: Said Ayman
Published: August 2023

Dynamic Characterization of Arrows through StochasticPerturbation: Experimental Study
A Novel Microfluidic Gear Pump with Adaptive Self-Sealing Mechanism
Authors: Smith Aaliyah
Published: August 2023

A Novel Microfluidic Gear Pump with Adaptive Self-SealingMechanism
CHAC1 is differentially expressed in central nervous system metastasis in human breast cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2023

Metastasis to the brain occurs in a significant fraction of patients with breast cancer (1-3). We mined published RNA-sequencing and microarray data (4, 5) to compare primary and metastatic tumor transcriptomes for the discovery of genes associated with brain metastasis in humans with metastatic breast cancer. We found that ChaC glutathione specific gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase 1, encoded by CHAC1, was among the genes whose expression was most different in the brain metastases of patients with metastatic breast cancer as compared to primary tumors of the breast. CHAC1 mRNA was present at increased quantities in brain metastatic tissues as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Expression of CHAC1 in primary tumors was correlated with patient distant metastasis-free survival. Modulation of CHAC1 expression may be relevant to the biology by which tumor cells metastasize from the breast to the brain in humans with metastatic breast cancer.
The development and predictors of a preference for strivers over naturals in the United States and China
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhao Xin , Dunham Yarrow , Bian Lin
Published: August 2023

Across three pre-registered studies (n = 221 4-9-year-olds, 51% female; 218 parents, 80% female; working- and middle-class backgrounds; data collected during 2019-2021) conducted in the US (Studies 1-2; 74% White) and China (Study 3; 100% Asian), we document the emergence of a preference for “strivers”. Beginning at age 7, strivers (who work really hard) were favored over naturals (who are really smart) in both cultures (R2 ranging .03-.11). We explored several lay beliefs surrounding this preference. Beliefs about outcomes and the controllability of effort predicted the striver preference: Children who expected strivers to be more successful than naturals and believed effort was more controllable than talent preferred strivers more. Implications of the striver preference in education and beyond are discussed.
Music as primordial change
Authors: Khan Tariq
Published: August 2023

A short and informal essay considering the significance of music or musical melodies. Music is considered as being equivalent to a fundamental encoding of change in a digital universe. Consciousness is also proposed as being what it feels like to have dopamine levels change in an organic brain. Consciousness is considered as emergent from an agent with sufficient memory and context or a threshold of a vast number of associations in memory. Memory is, thus, noted as existentially primordial and required for any change or consciousness.
Understanding Social Cognition with Delta-Rule Active Inference Learning
Authors: Tehrani-Safa Amir Hossein , Ghaderi Reza , Sarabi-Jamab Atiye
Published: August 2023

Trait, attitude and preference learning encompasses the encoding of stable characteristics from observed behaviors, which are then used to make predictions and influence how one interacts with an individual in various contexts. Being able to understand the risk-taking tendencies of others is a complex example of such social inference job. In this research, we used a Bayesian framework to explore how humans can gauge another person's risk-taking tendency. We used a sequential scenario where an observer watched the other person's choices between a high-risk gamble and a guaranteed smaller reward. We proposed an approximate Bayesian observer to assess an agent's risk attitude. This learner utilizes a probabilistic generative model to model the decision making process of others and then employs a variational Bayesian method to invert the generative model. Our research adds to the accumulating evidence that inverting generative models are an essential computing tool for understanding social behavior. The learner updates the posterior estimation of the other's risk attitude on a trial-by-trial basis, with the discrepancy between the model predictions and the choices observed followed the widely accepted prediction error framework namely delta rule. By combining the algorithmic advantages of delta rule with the computational advantage of Bayesian framework, we fashioned a more effective and comprehensible learner. We showed that the accumulated uncertainty the observer builds up while predicting the agent's choices is the main factor that determines inferential uncertainty, i.e., the uncertainty the learner has in estimation of the agent's hidden attitude, which is the impetus for learning and discovery. The model begins with a high learning rate and gradually reduces it as more trials take place. This reflects the way humans learn from examples sequentially, exploring and then making use of the information as they progress. As more data is accumulated from someone who follows a consistent decision-making process, the observer's faith in his own judgments should grow, and he should be less affected by each new observation.
Contribution of female community health volunteers on the utilization of ANC and PNC by mothers in two districts of Nepal: a Qualitative study
Authors: Dhungana Ashmita , Luitel Aditya Vinaya , Upadhyay-Dhungel Kshitiz
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: A group that has been credited behind the reduction in child and maternal mortality through programs like immunization, integrated management of childhood illnesses, family planning, and preparing pregnant women for delivery are known as Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHV). FCHVs’ roles have gradually expanded beyond family planning programs and especially are focused on maternal and child health services at a large scale. FCHV is often spoken about or spoken for, but there is little evidence of FCHV's own characterization of their practice. so, this study is designed to explores the roles, practices and experiences of FCHVs in the utilisation of Antenatal care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC) services in two contexts; rural and urban Nepal.
Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative study carried out in two districts (one urban and the next rural) viz. Kathmandu and Terathum. Questionnaires leading to  in-depth interviews were carried out with 28 FCHVs and 15 service users and Key- Informant Interview with the 8 health facility staff and 15 service users who were purposely selected Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 
Results: The study found out that the FCHVs have been involved rigorously on screening and counseling pregnant women on nutritious foods, counseling family about the birth preparedness, institutional delivery, ANC and PNC services provided at the health facility in rural Nepal. While in urban Nepal, the referrals on ANC existed only in those places which were outside the ringroad. The PNC services were not that used by the mothers in rural Nepal while the PNC referrals were not made by urban FCHVs as the maternity hospital itself called for a follow-up. The motivating factors for FCHVs were self-identity, social responsibility and social recognition and status that kept them in doing voluntary workers over the years.
Conclusion: FCHVs have been contributing a lot of their time and effort to every possible way to make the women of their community survive while being pregnant or after delivery. This study also underlines some of the differences in the real picture of their roles in urban and rural Nepal.
Problem based learning (PBL) in medical education to facilitate student learning
Authors: Kasarla Rajeshwar Reddy , Choudhary Sidhya , Khatoon Naziya , Pathak Laxmi
Published: August 2023

Life-long learning and the demand for continuous development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed in working life have resulted in a call for new ways to organize learning. The knowledge gained in education becomes quickly outdated and loses its value in real-life scenarios. The skills and knowledge needed in working life cannot all be taught during formal schooling and training. Working life requires multidimensional professional skills with a problem-solving approach and abilities for continuous learning via independent knowledge acquisition and its practical application. Problem-based learning is considered an instructional approach that may solve some of the important issues of medical education, such as the difficulties encountered by students in using the knowledge gained in a clinical setting. Problem-based learning (PBL) courses start with the problems rather than with the exposition of disciplinary knowledge, so that medical students are trained to deal with difficult situations in the future, preparing themselves to become active, independent learners and problem solvers, rather than more or less passive recipients of information. This review is undertaken with an objective to describe innovative problem-based learning and teaching concepts to help facilitate the better learning of real life situations in the classroom and enhance critical thinking among medical students
Joint Statements of the Representatives of the Christian Communities on Important Questions in Austria according to the Instructions of „Ut unum sint" (n. 43)
Authors: Rees Wilhelm
Published: August 2023

In his encyclical Ut unum sint, Pope John Paul II called on the leaders of the Christian churches to draw up joint statements on urgent problems (n. 43). In Austria, the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ), which, unlike in Germany, includes the Catholic Church, have complied with this request and wish of the pope by issuing numerous joint statements on various topics. These joint statements are to be widely disseminated until the beginning of the year 2022.
The Status of an Unborn Child & Women Reproductive Rights in India
Authors: Nanda Hiranmaya
Published: August 2023

This paper reflects the concept of status of an unborn child and the reproductive rights of the women in India. This debate has been the very subject matter of discussion at both National level and international level. The pivotal issues that raise for concern is whether the unborn child can be given the status of a human being from its very origin and bestowed the status of a person or not. Apart from this, the role of medical termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 in monitoring various rights of a mother and the unborn child. There are many issues which have been highlighted. Notwithstanding these discrepancies, the Judiciary has made paramount steps in India regarding the reproductive rights of women. Each nation, however, has its limit and exclusions when it comes to abortion rights.
Kajian Produktivas Alat Muat Dan Alat Angkut Berdasarkan Match Factor Dan Teori Antrian Pada Kegiatan Pengangkutan Ore (Eto Efo) Di PT Djava Berkah Mineral Site PT Bumanik, Kabupaten Morowali Utara Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Ramadhani Alvin Faza , Rauf Abdul , Hariyanto R. , Lusantono Oktarian Wisnu
Published: August 2023

PT. Djava Berkah Mineral (PT. DBM) merupakan salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang pertambangan bagian kontraktor. PT. Djava Berkah Mineral terletak di Kecamatan Petasia timur, Kabupaten Morowali Utara, Sulawesi Tengah. Sistem penambangan yang diterapkan pada penambangan nikel tersebut adalah tambang terbuka dengan metode open cast. Pentingnya memperkirakan produksi dari alat muat dan alat angkut ini karena ada kaitannya dengan target produksi yang harus dicapai oleh perusahaan. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini yaitu apakah target produksi ETO EFO sebesar 71.500 Ton/bulan sudah tercapai serta apa saja faktor yang mempengaruhi produktivitas alat muat dan alat angkut dan bagaimana mengupayakan peningkatan target produksi berdasarkan match factor dan teori antrian sehingga jumlah alat yang digunakan optimal.Tujuan penelitian dilakukan untuk mengkaji kemampuan produksi alat muat dan alat angkut yang digunakan dan faktor yang mempengaruhi pada produksi ETO EFO serta mengetahui jumlah alat optimal yang digunakan berdasarkan match factor dan teori antrian serta upaya peningkatan produksi yang ditentukan dapat tercapai menggunakan metode match factor atau teori antrian. Setelah melakukan pengambilan data dan pengolahan data ternyata target produksi ETO EFO belum tercapai dengan kekurangan sebesar 2.544 ton/bulan. Kondisi yang mempengaruhi produktivitas alat mekanis sehingga tidak tercapainya target produksi pada alat angkut adalah kehilangan waktu kerja yang diakibatkan oleh hujan, slippery, standby dan tidak adanya kegiatan barging. Upaya peningkatan produksi untuk mencapai target produksi sebesar 71.500 Ton/bulan dilakukan dengan berdasarkan teori antrian sehingga produksi yang diperoleh mencapai 91.273,39 Ton/bulan mencapai 127,66% dari target produksi