bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Waste Management System in Krakow as an Element of Circular Economy
Authors: CHMIELEWSKA Monika 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Building a waste management system requires considering many aspects for the assessment of its functioning. The transition from a linear system to a circular economy requires taking into account not only technological but also economic and social factors. The waste management system in Krakow is a comprehensive solution that considers all factors and aspects, allowing for the assessment of technology, economic justification of costs and social acceptance. The paper presents a comprehensive structure of the system with all the factors enabling the transition from a linear to a circular economy. In Kraków, over 200,000 tonnes of mixed waste are collected annually and almost 150,000 tonnes of selectively collected waste. Such potential allows for a landfill reduction below 10% by weight and the achievement of the required recycling levels.
Features of Municipal Waste Management in the Context of Sustainable Development in the Countries with High Gni Per Capita and Lower Middle Gni Per Capita on the Example of Finland and Ukraine
Authors: PAVLIUK Nonna , MATYUKHINA Oleksandra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The paper discusses ways to implement in Ukraine one of the important tasks of the sustainable development strategy - minimization and rational use of waste. The concept of a circular economy is analyzed in terms of using the material and energy potential of waste on the example of countries with high Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (Finland) and countries with lower middle GNI per capita (Ukraine). The features of the municipal solid waste management optimization in Finland and Ukraine are highlighted. It is noted that the concerns about the municipal solid waste management have reached the state level and are provided with targeted national programs and action plans. The dynamics of generation and treatment of solid municipal waste in Finland in 2009–2018 and Ukraine in 2013–2019 is analyzed. The main attention in Ukraine is paid to the implementation of the European system of municipal waste management. The paper emphasizes that an important condition for the implementation of state and municipal programs for waste recycling is the study of the socioeconomic potential of the population and the contribution fractions of waste for the organization of the separate collection of waste components and creation an appropriate infrastructure. Under current situation, sensitization work with the population to increase the level of their environmental awareness and promote active participation in the implementation of municipal waste management programs is shown to be of great importance for Ukraine.
Analysis of Fees for Connecting the Infrastructure of Generally Accessible Charging Stations to Networks with Rated Voltage not Higher than 1 KV
Authors: ŚLĘZAK Anna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
On 22 February 2018, the Act on electromobility and alternative fuels came into force (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 317). This legal Act sets out the rules for the development and operation of infrastructure for the use of alternative fuels, which is closely related to the development of electromobility. The Act (2011/C81E/17) regulates and defines, among others obligations in the scope of technical requirements for the construction of a charging station and their minimum number in municipalities. This Act was introduced in order to develop electromobility, which in turn is to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions [1].
The aim of the paper is to show the relationship between the geographical location of the connection of road charging infrastructure in our country, and the costs of its connection to the low voltage network, understood as the costs of the connection fee, which are paid to the Distribution System Operators. The costs of the connection fee in the case of power supply from low voltage lines cover the actual connection costs of generally available charging stations, i.e. the connection costs, i.e. the network section used to connect the devices or installations or the network of the entity with the connection capacity required by it, with the remaining part of the Distribution System Operators network. The Distribution System Operator also covers the costs of the measurement and settlement system. In addition, the paper indicates the preferential treatment of connecting charging stations, which are defined as reduced costs of connecting them in relation to other objects.
Degradation of Amine Solvents Used for Co2 Removal from Flue Gas with High Co2 Concentration
Authors: WILK Andrzej , SPIETZ Tomasz , WIĘCŁAW-SOLNY Lucyna , KRÓTKI Aleksander , TARNOWSKA Justyna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the ethanolamine (MEA) solution, during the absorption and desorption of CO2 undesired compounds are produced as a result of degradation of an amine. Degradation not only reduces the absorption capacity of the solution but also leads to many operational problems. Furthermore, measuring of the degradation products is of great importance in terms of environmental issues. For the determination of MEA degradation products, mainly chromatographic techniques are used, sometimes coupled with other instrumental methods, e.g. GC-MS. As a part of this work, research was conducted to identify MEA thermal and oxidative degradation products and to develop a method for quantitative analysis of the main thermal degradation products such as OZD, HEIA and HEEDA and oxidative degradation products: HEA and HEI. Samples drawn from a test bench for CO2 capture from synthetic flue gas with an increased content of carbon dioxide were tested. As a research result, a method for the quantitative determination of the main degradation products was developed, the concentrations of degradation products and the rate of their formation were determined, which allows to qualify the solution shelf life.
Optimization of rainwater harvesting system design for smallholder irrigation farmers in Kenya: a review
Authors: Odhiambo Kevin O. , Iro Ong'or Basil T. , Kanda Edwin K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The adverse effects of climate change on agriculture have been felt across the globe. Smallholder farmers in sub-Sahara Africa are particularly more vulnerable to the effects of climate change leading to loss of income and livelihood thus affecting global food security. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is emerging as a viable option to mitigate the negative effects of climate change by supporting rain-fed agriculture through supplemental irrigation. However, smallholder farmers are still grappling with a myriad of challenges hindering them from reaping the benefits of their investment in RWH systems. This review explores some of the factors behind the poor performance of RWH systems in Kenya and also seeks to suggest techniques that can be applied to optimize the design parameters for improved performance and the adoption of RWH systems. According to the review, RWH has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change among smallholder farmers. It allows for crop production beyond the growing season through supplemental irrigation. However, their impacts have been minimal due to the consistent poor performance of RWH systems. This is attributed to inefficiencies in design and construction brought about by lack of required technical skills among RWH system designers and implementers. Proper design and implementation are therefore paramount for better performance and adoption of RWH systems in the region. This will ensure that RWH systems are reliable, technically and economically feasible as well as possess a desirable water-saving efficiency.
Regional water allocation for coordinated development among the social, economic and environmental systems
Authors: Wang Xinkui , Dong Zengchuan , Wang Wenzhuo , Tan Yaogeng , Zhang Tianyan , Han Yalei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Most current water allocation strategies fail to address the unbalanced development among multiple systems. How to optimize the coordination development relationships among the social, economic and environmental systems has always been the focus. To bridge this gap, a water optimal allocation model for coordinated development was innovatively constructed and applied to the main stream of the Xiangjiang River Basin, China. The results showed the following. (i) From 2025 to 2030, the water deficit ratio of the study area will increase from 3.21 to 5.50% when P = 50% and from 4.59 to 6.85% when P = 75%. The existing water supply capacity will not be able to meet the increasing water demand. (ii) Agricultural and industrial water will account for a large proportion of the total water consumption. Due to the transformation of industrial structure, measures should be formulated to bring the best benefits. (iii) Restricted by different systems, the coordinated development in each city will present spatial and temporal differences. (iv) The proposed model was proved to overcome the backwards of uncoordinated development and achieve a balance of the regional social, economic and environmental benefits. Also, some recommendations and limitations were discussed. This study provides an effective basis for enhancing regional sustainable water resources planning and management.
Potential soil moisture deficit: A useful approach to save water with enhanced growth and productivity of wheat crop
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Rasool Atif , Irshad Sohail , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Ali Madad , Saddique Maham , Asif Muhammad , Hasnain Zuhair , Naseem Samra , Alwahibi Mona S. , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Wheat is the main crop in the world ranks after rice and the largest grain source of Pakistan. Among several reasons for diminishing wheat yield in Pakistan, water stress throughout the growing season decreases crop production because of the short life span. Two years (2015–16 and 2016–17) of field experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various water regimes (full irrigation, irrigation at 45, 60, and 75 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD)) on the growth and yield of wheat. Maximum crop growth rate was recorded by application of irrigation at 45 mm PSMD. Application of irrigation at 45 mm PSMD ensured maximum radiation use efficiency regarding total dry matter production and grain yield. The maximum number of productive tillers, spike length, and grain yield were recorded under 45 mm PSDM treatment. The present results show that the effect of water is more pronounced regarding the growth and productivity of wheat. Application of irrigation at 45 mm PSMD ensures higher economical yield.
Biological responses in fish exposed to municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent in situ
Authors: Tetreault G. R. , Kleywegt S. , Marjan P. , Bragg L. , Arlos M. , Fuzzen M. , Smith B. , Moon T. , Massarsky A. , Metcalfe C. , Oakes K. , McMaster M. E. , Servos M. R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) are complex mixtures of chemicals including endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2). The objective of this study was to evaluate selected responses of two fish species, in two different years, exposed in situ to MWTP effluent. Biological markers of exposure (plasma vitellogenin (VTG) and antioxidant enzymes) were measured in two species of male fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), caged at sites associated with wastewater outfall. The estrogenicity of the final effluent in 2010 was determined to be 17.0 + 0.4 ng/L estrogen equivalents (EEQ) and reduced to 7.5 + 2.9 ng/L EEQ after infrastructure upgrades. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the effluent and surface water in both years confirmed the exposures at each downstream site. Despite the presence of estrogenic compounds in the MWTP effluent, no effluent-caged male fish demonstrated plasma VTG induction. Minnows and trout that received an intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/g EE2 showed VTG induction at both field sites. In 2012, the liver somatic index (LSI) of both species increased with exposure, as did changes in antioxidant enzymes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. Multiple biological mechanisms are modified by effluent exposure, and multiple endpoints are needed to assess risk.
Enhancing urban and sub-urban riparian areas through ecosystem services and ecotourism activities
Authors: Gkiatas G. , Kasapidis I. , Koutalakis P. , Iakovoglou V. , Savvopoulou A. , Germantzidis I. , Zaimes G. N. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Riparian ecosystems in urban environments are usually degraded. Their sustainable management can reduce water pollution, mitigate climate change while providing recreation opportunities. This study assessed the current condition of the streams/torrents and their riparian areas in the city of Drama in Greece. In addition, practices to improve their functionality and enhance community awareness were recommended. A spatial database of the wider urban setting including suburbs and rural areas (weather, land cover, soils, roads, protected areas, riparian areas, etc.) was developed within GIS. The datasets were then inputted in a hydrologic model to simulate the water balance and stream discharge in the main urban streams and torrents. Field measurements of stream water discharge, and vegetation and stream channel conditions were undertaken using two visual protocols. The results of the protocols indicate that most streams/torrents and their riparian areas are of low ecological quality. Nature-based solutions were recommended to improve their ecological quality. In addition, the implementation of Eco-Routes was recommended to enhance the awareness of their importance and to promote their sustainable management. Overall, the urban streams/torrents and riparian ecosystems of Drama are degraded and innovative management practices should be implemented to conserve them and feature their ecosystem services.
Photo-sequencing batch reactor with Klebsormidium nitens: a promising microalgal biotechnology for sustainable phosphorus management in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Valchev Dobril , Ribarova Irina , Uzunov Blagoy , Stoyneva-Gärtner Maya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study aims at improving the existing algal-based wastewater treatment technologies by overcoming some of the major drawbacks of these systems such as large required land area, culture contamination, and energy-intensive algal harvesting. The experiments were carried out in an open photo-sequencing batch reactor at a laboratory-scale for nearly 2 months. A specific strain ACUS00207 of the aeroterrestrial green microalga Klebsormidium nitens (Kützing) Lokhorst was used. The strain is native to Bulgaria and belongs to a species that has never been used before in suspended growth systems for wastewater treatment for phosphorus removal. The culture of K. nitens showed promising results: phosphorus removal rates ranging from 0.4 to 1 mg total phosphorus L−1 d−1, efficient settling properties, and resistance to culture contamination with native microalgae. On the basis of the observed phosphorus removal mechanism of biologically mediated chemical precipitation/phosphorus precipitation, an innovative working mode of the sequencing batch reactor is suggested for reducing the hydraulic retention time and the required land area.
Patient Factors Associated with Interest in Teledermatology: Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Ghani Maham , Adler Colin , Yeung Howa 
Published: April 2021

Background
Teledermatology is a conduit for patients communicating with dermatologists on the internet, which bypasses in-person visits. It holds promise to address access needs for dermatologic care; however, the interest in using teledermatology is unknown in underserved populations with potential barriers to the use of health care technology.

Objective
This study aimed to characterize the association between demographic characteristics with interest in exchanging digital images or videos of skin lesions with health care providers electronically.

Methods
We examined data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4 cycle 4 (2014) of the National Cancer Institute. HINTS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey conducted annually, which collects information on demographics, perceptions and use of health information, and provides information on how cancer risks are perceived. HINTS 4 cycle 4 had a sample of 3677 participants. We examined the outcome to the question, “how interested are you in exchanging digital images or videos (eg, photos of skin lesions) with a health care provider electronically?” We dichotomized the outcome by a high level of interest (responding with “very”) and those who did not have a high level of interest (responding with “somewhat,” “a little,” or “not at all”) in exchanging images or videos. We used a multivariable logistic regression model developed through backwards selection, with all final covariates associated with varying levels of teledermatology use at P<.05. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing the outcome dichotomy to model those who were “not at all” interested. Two-sided tests were performed with P<.05 considered significant.

Results
Among 3447 respondents, 888 (weighted prevalence=26.2%) were “very” interested in participating in teledermatology. A higher interest in using teledermatology was associated with a younger age, higher educational attainment, higher household income, internet usage, type of mobile device ownership, history of electronic medical information exchange with a clinician within the past 12 months, and high level of trust in web-based information on cancer (for all, P<.01), but not with the female gender, race or ethnicity, health insurance status, or having a regular medical provider.

Conclusions
Modifiable access barriers to teledermatology adoption include trust, experience with teledermatology, and use of health apps. Teledermatology program implementation should address these specific factors within the digital divide to promote equitable access to care across diverse patient populations.
Factors Influencing Anxiety Among WeChat Users During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mainland China: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Zou Changqing , Zhang Weiyu , Sznajder Kristin , Yang Fengzhi , Jia Yajing , Ma Ruqing , Cui Can , Yang Xiaoshi 
Published: April 2021

Background
The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has adversely affected the mental health of the public. The prevalence of anxiety among the public has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are few studies evaluating the effects of positive psychological responses and information-seeking behaviors on anxiety experienced among social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective
This study evaluated the prevalence of anxiety and its associated factors among WeChat users in mainland China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
From February 10 to February 24, 2020, a nationwide, web-based cross-sectional survey study was carried out using convenience sampling. Participants’ levels of anxiety, positive psychological responses, and information-seeking behaviors were assessed. The survey was distributed among WeChat users via the WeChat smartphone platform. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with anxiety.

Results
This study found that the prevalence of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item [GAD-7] scale score ≥7) among WeChat users in China was 17.96% (446/2483) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that information-seeking behaviors such as cannot stop searching for information on COVID-19, being concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, and spending more than 1 hour per day consuming information about the pandemic were found to be associated with increased levels of anxiety. Additionally, participants who chose social media and commercial media as the primary sources to obtain information about the COVID-19 pandemic were found more likely to report anxiety. Conversely, participants who were confident or rational about the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to report anxiety.

Conclusions
This study found that positive psychological responses and information-seeking behaviors were closely associated with anxiety among WeChat users during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. It might be paramount to enhance mental well-being by helping people respond to the COVID-19 pandemic more rationally and positively in order to decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Utilization in a Large Integrated Health Care System: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Stanley , Glenn Sungching , Sy Lina , Qian Lei , Hong Vennis , Ryan Denison S , Jacobsen Steven 
Published: April 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an abrupt reduction in the use of in-person health care, accompanied by a corresponding surge in the use of telehealth services. However, the extent and nature of changes in health care utilization during the pandemic may differ by care setting. Knowledge of the impact of the pandemic on health care utilization is important to health care organizations and policy makers.

Objective
The aims of this study are (1) to evaluate changes in in-person health care utilization and telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to assess the difference in changes in health care utilization between the pandemic year 2020 and the prepandemic year 2019.

Methods
We retrospectively assembled a cohort consisting of members of a large integrated health care organization, who were enrolled between January 6 and November 2, 2019 (prepandemic year), and between January 5 and October 31, 2020 (pandemic year). The rates of visits were calculated weekly for four settings: inpatient, emergency department (ED), outpatient, and telehealth. Using Poisson models, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on health care utilization during the early days of the pandemic and conducted difference-in-deference (DID) analyses to measure the changes in health care utilization, adjusting for the trend of health care utilization in the prepandemic year.

Results
In the early days of the pandemic, we observed significant reductions in inpatient, ED, and outpatient utilization (by 30.2%, 37.0%, and 80.9%, respectively). By contrast, there was a 4-fold increase in telehealth visits between weeks 8 (February 23) and 12 (March 22) in 2020. DID analyses revealed that after adjusting for prepandemic secular trends, the reductions in inpatient, ED, and outpatient visit rates in the early days of the pandemic were 1.6, 8.9, and 367.2 visits per 100 person-years (P<.001), respectively, while the increase in telehealth visits was 272.9 visits per 100 person-years (P<.001). Further analyses suggested that the increase in telehealth visits offset the reduction in outpatient visits by week 26 (June 28, 2020).

Conclusions
In-person health care utilization decreased drastically during the early period of the pandemic, but there was a corresponding increase in telehealth visits during the same period. By end-June 2020, the combined outpatient and telehealth visits had recovered to prepandemic levels.