bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduction to nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment
Authors: Ahmad I. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBS) for wastewater treatment present an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional treatment systems. These approaches harness natural processes involving plants, microorganisms, and soil systems to treat and purify wastewater, reducing the reliance on energy-intensive and chemical-based methods. Wetlands, biofilters, and vegetated swales are examples of NBS that utilize natural filtration, adsorption, and microbial degradation to remove contaminants from wastewater, such as nutrients, heavy metals, and pathogens. In addition to wastewater purification, these solutions offer co-benefits, including biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and improved water security. NBS are particularly advantageous in decentralized and rural contexts where traditional infrastructure may be limited, promoting resilience against climate change and providing ecosystem services. However, the effectiveness of NBS can vary based on site-specific factors, such as climate, pollutant load, and land availability, necessitating careful design and monitoring. This chapter will briefly introduce the NBS and its advantages and challenges, which provide a platform for the upcoming chapters incorporating various technologies. Future research is needed to optimize these systems, quantify long-term benefits, and scale their application in urban settings. Overall, NBS represent a promising and versatile approach to achieving sustainable water management and addressing global wastewater challenges.
Constructed wetland for wastewater treatment: design, operation, and performance
Authors: Deb Suparna , Choudhary Bhavesh , Kashyap Shubham , Choudhary Utkarsh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Constructed wetlands have emerged as a sustainable and efficient approach for treating wastewater, offering numerous environmental and economic benefits. This chapter examines the design, operation, and performance of contracted wetlands as a viable solution for wastewater treatment especially in fishery sector. The design aspect highlights the critical factors considered during the planning phase of constructed wetlands. It discusses the selection approaches of appropriate wetland types, such as free water surface (FWS) and subsurface flow (SSF), based on specific pollutant removal requirements and available land space. Factors such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), vegetation type and layout configuration are examined in the context of maximizing treatment efficiency and ensuring successful integration into the fishery environment. The operation section delves into the practical implementation and management of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in the fishery sector. It explores the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to sustain optimum performance. The significance of understanding wetland ecology and the roles of microorganism and aquatic plants in pollutant removal are also discussed, highlighting the importance of ecological balance within the system. The performance assessment of constructed wetlands focuses on their removing various pollutants commonly found in water, organic matter, and potentially harmful substances. Moreover, this chapter discusses the environmental effect or benefits of constructed wetlands, such as habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement, which can contribute to the overall structure of promoting a healthy fishery ecosystem. The potential economic advantages are also discussed in this chapter. Overall, this provides valuable insights into design, operation, and performance of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in the fishery sector. Understanding the critical factors involved in their implementation and their capacity to improve water quality can contribute significantly to sustainable development in the fishery industry, ensuring both environmental protection and economic viability.
Case studies of photobioreactors employed in the treatment of wastewaters: a sustainable approach for Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Satya Awalina , Chrismadha Tjandra , Satya Ika A. , Satya Azalea D. M. , Artanti Nina , Melanie Hakiki , Rosidah Rosidah , Maghfiroh Miratul , Navisyah Eva , Gunawan Gunawan , Nofdianto Nofdianto , Julian Helen , Harimawan Ardiyan , Setiadi Tjandra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Globally, the rapidly increasing human population causes significant environmental changes such as contamination of soil, water and air. Urbanization and industrialization contribute to anthropogenic pollution, which harms ecological stability and climate change. Pollutants enter water bodies through a variety of point and non-point sources, with wastewater discharge being a major one. The existing conventional wastewater treatment methods are costly; therefore, a sustainable alternative approach to treatment costs must be obtained. Microalgae have recently been identified as a potentially cost-effective method of pollutant remediation via the mechanisms of bioaccumulation, biosorption and intracellular degradation. As a result, microalgae-based water treatment (MBWT) can be used to help with environmental resource recovery and sustainable development efforts. Photobioreactors (PBRs) play an important role in these processes because microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that are important for producing the desirable and environmentally benign products. Microalgae biomass derived from MBWT is advantageous as a potential feedstock material for a variety of industrial applications such as biofuels, bio-fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, natural colorants and so on. This review primarily focused on how microalgae are grown in open and closed PBRs. It sought to shed light on the key parameters that influence PBR performance, including irradiance, mixing, pH, temperature, nutrients, mass transfer and capital-operating costs. Along with that, a discussion on wastewater microalgae related to cultivation condition and microalgal growth, wastewater species types and properties was presented.
The state of wastewater treatment plants and how it is affecting the effluent discharge quality within the water bodies of Gauteng
Authors: Jiyane P. , Hoorzook K. B. , Janse van Rensburg N. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A crucial component of both environmental sustainability and human welfare is water quality. The demand for freshwater resources has significantly increased due to growing urbanization and industrialization, which has resulted in the production of enormous amounts of wastewater. Wastewater is the water-carried waste that is removed from formal and informal residences, institutions, commercial, and industrial establishments, together with the groundwater, surface water, stormwater, and potable water as may be present. The primary objective of collection and wastewater treatment is to ensure that the effluent discharged to the environment does not pose serious threats to both human health and environment. There is an increasing concern of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to perform against the required standards and expectations. The majority of WWTPs fail to meet at least three or more of the respective effluent discharge standards. Their performance infrastructure: challenges such as ageing infrastructure; historical low base budget allocation for repairs, operations, and maintenance; ‘catch-up’ mode to ensure optimal operation and maintenance planning with regards to the installation of new infrastructure and technologies; under investment in sewer collection and sludge handling infrastructure; low skill base to manage, operate, and maintain the specialized nature of wastewater services; meeting the demand of rapidly increasing housing developments; and inadequate design or technology decisions for the specific municipal environment. The effectiveness of WWTPs in improving water quality is evidenced by the removal of contaminants such as suspended solids, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogens. Their successful operation leads to reduced eutrophication, decreased waterborne diseases, and the protection of aquatic biodiversity. Moreover, treated wastewater can be safely discharged into natural water bodies or reused for various purposes, including irrigation, industrial processes, and even potable water supply in water-stressed regions. The above paragraph serves as an overview on how WWTPs play a crucial role in safeguarding water quality and promoting sustainable water management practices. As global populations continue to grow, and environmental challenges become increasingly complex, the development and implementation of innovative technologies and sustainable practices in WWTPs are paramount. These efforts not only contribute to cleaner water but also align with broader goals of environmental conservation and public health protection.
Sustainable routes in the production of biodiesel, bioethanol, and biomethane with subsequent bioenergy conversion
Authors: Hayyat Umer , Shahid Muhammad , En Jonathan Lee Tian , Dutta Nalok , Khan Muhammad Usman 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Given the decline of fossil fuels and growing concern over environmental pollution, sustainable bioenergy has emerged as a promising avenue for future energy development. The production of bioenergy from various waste materials offers a promising and sustainable solution to meet future energy goals. It helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. This chapter explores the sustainable routes for producing biofuels such as biodiesel, biomethane, and bioethanol from biomass. The focus is on the key conversion technologies and processes involved in these production methods. It is seen that different methods are used for producing biodiesel and biomethane, including both conventional and advanced technologies, whereas bioethanol is primarily produced through fermentation and distillation processes. Applications of these biofuels are also discussed in this chapter, including their potential use in transportation, power generation, and other sectors. This chapter critically analyses these production methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and prospects of bioenergy production.
A review of extraction of biodiesel from non-edible oils and microalgae using nanocatalysts
Authors: Subramanian Sindhu , Vijay Kirushnan V. M. , Amritha A. , Sanjay Kumaar V. S. , Shobika N. V. , Dhamothar P. , Swetha S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
With rapidly on-going energy demand and fast depletion of fossil fuels, the option of choosing biodiesel holds the upper-hand. Biodiesel production from edible oils was observed to be not feasible by industry due to the usage of feedstocks as food resources. Recently research using heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production from the non-edible oils and algal oil is considered way superior to homogeneous catalysts due to the lower selectivity, activity, recovery, and reusability of catalysts. This chapter aims to review critically a portion of the usage of non-edible oils and algal oils for biodiesel production via heterogeneous catalysts and nanoheterogeneous catalysts. It includes the preparation and characterization of catalysts, optimized conditions for alkyl ester production, and characterization of biodiesel. It also includes the selection of suitable catalysts for industrial application.
Comprehensive risk assessment of drought disasters from the perspective of multi-source geospatial big data: evidence from China's grain production bases
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Wu Wenqing , Chen Yali , Wang Qi , Song Qingfan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Liaoning Province, a major grain production base in China, has faced increasingly frequent extreme drought events under global climate change, impacting local economic and social sustainability. Effective prevention requires comprehensive risk assessments. However, existing risk assessment studies often suffer from low spatial resolution and limited integration of geographic big data. This study integrates multi-source geographic big data, using 10 indicators across risk, vulnerability, and exposure dimensions. A comprehensive drought disaster risk assessment model was established by combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight method. Theil–Sen median analysis evaluated drought risks from 2001 to 2021 and predicted future trends. Results revealed spatial heterogeneity in drought risks, with ‘higher in the west and north, lower in the east and south’ distribution. Chaoyang City, in the western hilly region, had the highest risk, with a vulnerability index above 0.65, while Panjin City in the east showed lower risk and a vulnerability index below 0.45. Over 20 years, the overall risk declined across the province. This method aligns with actual drought losses, validating its effectiveness and enhancing understanding of drought risk patterns to mitigate impacts.
Comparison of a Novel Machine Learning–Based Clinical Query Platform With Traditional Guideline Searches for Hospital Emergencies: Prospective Pilot Study of User Experience and Time Efficiency
Authors: Ejaz Hamza , Tsui Hon Lung Keith , Patel Mehul , Ulloa Paredes Luis Rafael , Knights Ellen , Aftab Shah Bakht , Subbe Christian Peter 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background
Emergency and acute medicine doctors require easily accessible evidence-based information to safely manage a wide range of clinical presentations. The inability to find evidence-based local guidelines on the trust’s intranet leads to information retrieval from the World Wide Web. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to make evidence-based information retrieval faster and easier.

Objective
The aim of the study is to conduct a time-motion analysis, comparing cohorts of junior doctors using (1) an AI-supported search engine versus (2) the traditional hospital intranet. The study also aims to examine the impact of the AI-supported search engine on the duration of searches and workflow when seeking answers to clinical queries at the point of care.

Methods
This pre- and postobservational study was conducted in 2 phases. In the first phase, clinical information searches by 10 doctors caring for acutely unwell patients in acute medicine were observed during 10 working days. Based on these findings and input from a focus group of 14 clinicians, an AI-supported, context-sensitive search engine was implemented. In the second phase, clinical practice was observed for 10 doctors for an additional 10 working days using the new search engine.

Results
The hospital intranet group (n=10) had a median of 23 months of clinical experience, while the AI-supported search engine group (n=10) had a median of 54 months. Participants using the AI-supported engine conducted fewer searches. User satisfaction and query resolution rates were similar between the 2 phases. Searches with the AI-supported engine took 43 seconds longer on average. Clinicians rated the new app with a favorable Net Promoter Score of 20.

Conclusions
We report a successful feasibility pilot of an AI-driven search engine for clinical guidelines. Further development of the engine including the incorporation of large language models might improve accuracy and speed. More research is required to establish clinical impact in different user groups. Focusing on new staff at beginning of their post might be the most suitable study design.
Contactless Breathing Monitoring at Home and in the Hospital: Protocol for a Low-Cost Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar-Based Device
Authors: Hari Arnav , Kumar Ravishankar , Kumbhani Brijesh , Darshi Sam , Agarwal Satyam , Sahambi Jyotindra Singh , Jain Suksham , Chawla Deepak 
Published: February 2025

Background
Contactless monitoring of vital signs, especially the breathing of children, in the hospital is performed on a priority basis because their organs and immune system are immature. Therefore, continuous monitoring of their vital signs with a sensor that is directly attached to their body is not possible, as it irritates the sensitive newborn skin and causes discomfort. A contactless frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar-based device can wirelessly monitor the breathing rate and pattern of a child in the hospital or at home. Signal-processing capability can be added to this device to process breathing data and analyze the apnea condition arising due to irregular breathing patterns.

Objective
This study will develop a contactless FMCW radar-based system to accurately monitor the breathing rate and pattern of neonates and infants in hospitals and at home in order to provide a noninvasive, nonintrusive and contactless alternative to conventional sensor-based methods and address a critical need in neonatal care, potentially improving health outcomes for vulnerable infants.

Methods
The radar transmits a signal toward the body, and the time taken by the signal received to travel from the body to the receiving antenna is analyzed. This time is proportional to the distance between the radar and the body, and the breathing pattern is recognized as a slight, periodic variation in this distance. We will use this concept with multiple antenna systems to monitor the breathing of neonates with improved sensitivity. The radar-based device will be installed, in addition to conventional breathing monitors, in the neonatal intensive care unit. The signals received at the radar and the respiration signals from conventional monitors will be recorded in a database. Signal-processing techniques will be applied to extract breathing signals from the signals received at the radar.

Results
This study was funded in January 2023 by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of India. The device was designed by May 2024, and a working proof-of concept was verified in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar laboratory. Implementation of the proposed method for initial study began in December 2024. Results are expected to be published in the first quarter of 2025.

Conclusions
The contactless FMCW radar-based system will provide reliable estimation of the breathing rate and pattern, which is close to the conventional reference device values most of the time. Our device will also provide a seamless breathing-monitoring system to be used both in hospitals and at home for newborns and premature babies until they are fully healthy and fit.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/59532
Relação entre idade e correlações biológicas com a caça na Caatinga da Paraíba
Authors: Vasconcelos-Neto Carlos Frederico Alves , El Bizri Hani Rocha , Morcatty Thaís Queiroz , Fernandes-Ferreira Hugo , Santos Suellen da Silva Santos , Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva de 
Published: February 2025

A caça é largamente estudada no Continente Africano, contudo no Brasil e, sobretudo, na Caatinga estão em baixo número. Aqui, apresentamos um estudo realizado no município de Lagoa (Nordeste do Brasil) onde entrevistamos 34 caçadores. Identificamos as espécies preferidas localmente e observamos uma frequência média de caça de 5.7 +- 3.8 days/month e forte correlação com a idade do caçador (p < 0.001). Das 70 espécies citadas para consumo, 47 são aves, 20 mamíferos e 3 répteis. A mastofauna foi o grupo de maior destaque, seguido da avifauna e herpetofauna. Dentre as famílias de mamíferos destacaram-se Dasypodidae, Myrmecophagidae e Mephitidae. Para aves, Tinamidae, Columbidae e Anatidae. Os mamíferos mais importantes foram Dasypus novemcinctus, Tamandua tetradactyla e Euphractus sexsinctus, as aves Leptotila verreauxi, Crypturellus tataupa e Crypturellus parvirostris e o réptil Salvator merianae. Identificamos que o VU e está correlacionado ao peso corporal das espécies (p < 0.001). A frequência de caça foi superior a outros estudos possivelmente por termos caçadores vivendo próximos de áreas mais preservadas e com maior disponibilidade e abundância de espécies. Nossos resultados demonstram a importância da caça na alimentação da população e a influência de fatores socioecológicos e culturais na seleção das espécies.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA CONSTRUÇÃO E USO DO JOGO GEOTRILHA – DESVENDANDO O BIOMA CAATINGA PARA O ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Rolim Thayanne Xavier , Maciel Ana Beatriz Câmara 
Published: February 2025

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar e analisar o processo de construção e aplicação do Jogo Geotrilha – Desvendando o Bioma Caatinga, bem como suas contribuições para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de conteúdos geográficos. A proposta de construção do referido jogo, aborda a temática referente as principais características geográficas do Bioma Caatinga. Os interlocutores dessa pesquisa são os discentes do curso de Licenciatura em Geografia, da turma de Estágio IV, da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) Campus Cajazeiras – PB. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram precedidos e subsidiados por pesquisas bibliográficas, trazendo reflexões e considerações sobre o uso de jogos didáticos como recurso metodológico no processo de ensino e aprendizagem e sobre as possibilidades de aprendizagem na construção do conhecimento geográfico a partir do uso desse recurso. A pesquisa também apresenta o percurso metodológico da construção do Jogo Geotrilha – Desvendando o Bioma Caatinga. Bem como, compreende as considerações e análises do processo de aplicação do jogo e do desenvolvimento geral da pesquisa. Os resultados alcançados com a construção e aplicação do jogo foram satisfatórios, proporcionando momentos de aprendizagem de maneira lúdica, dinâmica e agradável.
Public Company Auditing Around the Securities Exchange Act: Historical Lessons for ESG Assurance
Authors: Bourveau Thomas , Breuer Matthias , Koenraadt Jeroen K. G. , Stoumbos Robert 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
We describe the development of public company auditing in the U.S. in the early 20th century to gain perspective on current developments in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assurance. Using a broad sample of historical annual reports spanning four decades, we document three facts: first, the spread of public company auditing occurred steadily over the span of several decades. Second, audit services were initially heterogeneous but became standardized through the audit profession’s efforts and interactions with private and public actors. Third, the role of regulation in those early developments was seemingly limited to codifying existing practices, as the first federal audit regulation was introduced only late in the development of the profession and did not significantly impact capital markets. Our historical evidence helps us understand how we arrived at today’s widely accepted and highly regulated financial audits. It uncovers parallels to and offers lessons for current developments in ESG assurance.
Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.
JEL Classifications: G18; G34; M42.