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The Water-Energy-Materials nexus in an industrial setting: legal and practical peripheries
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No data was used for the research described in the article.Due to the climate change emergency, there is an existential need to transit to a more sustainable and circular economy. Building on the European Green Deal, using quantitative and qualitative historical and doctrinal analyses, this study reviews the newest EU legislation related to water (predominantly wastewater), energy, materials and industries in search for impetuses for circular solutions and environmental sustainability. While employing the Water-Energy-Materials nexus, the paper also illustrates through a practical example, an integrated circular solution enabling to close the loop in industrial processes, aiming to significantly reduce resource waste, particularly in terms of energy and water consumption. The iWAYs project, depending on the type of industry, has demonstrated the potential to reduce waste heat and energy consumption by 10%-80% by recovering sensible and latent heat from challenging exhaust stream as well as the recovering up to 90% of discarded water from condensate stream. Additionally, the proposed solutions allow the use of 30%-60% less freshwater.The paper was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 funded project iWAYS (the grant agreement No 958274). Additional information about the project is available at: iWays - Water closed loop in industrial processes - iWays
Development of Carprofen analogues with activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
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It is available in the supplementary information.Supplementary data are available online at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0968089625001671?via%3Dihub#s0320 .Carprofen, a veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has demonstrated bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the closely related model organism M. bovis BCG. Herein, we present the SAR-driven optimisation of three series of carbazole-based carprofen analogues for increased antimycobacterial potency and selectivity over the human monocyte-derived THP-1 cell line. An efficient synthetic route was employed to assemble a range of carprofen analogues which were then evaluated in whole-cell phenotypic assays to establish their activity against well-studied model organisms for M. tuberculosis. The most promising compound was further profiled against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, confirming the identification of a potent antitubercular carbazole with significantly enhanced therapeutic potential.LM received funding from the Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom (grant code: 108877/Z/15/Z). CD is funded by a Birkbeck Diversity 100 PhD Scholarship and SA is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, United Kingdom (BBSRC) grant number BB/X011348/1. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, United Kingdom (EPSRC) (EP/P020410/1) provided support for 700 MHz NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) equipment
Synthesis and characterisation of activated carbon supported catalysts: photocatalytic degradation of olive wastewater solutions using these catalysts
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The experimental findings, results or content presented in the article have not been used in any other study or publication. Should any raw data fles be needed in another format they are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Source data are provided with this paper.The aim of this study is to synthesize and characterize four different types of activated carbon supported catalysts and evaluate their effectiveness in the photocatalytic degradation of olive mill wastewater (OMW) generated during the olive oil production process. The four photocatalysts synthesized by using the sol-gel method were: TiO2/AC, V2O5/TiO2/AC, WO3/TiO2/AC and V2O5/WO3/TiO2/AC. The photocatalysts were characterised by using TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR analytical technniques and BET analyses. The degradation performance of these calatalysts was evaluated by investigating the the removal of pollutants such as color, phenol, lignin and COD from OMW. In addition, the effects on photocatalytic degradation were investigated in detail by considering the catalyst type, catalyst amount, suspension pH and contact time. From the experimental results, V2O5/TiO2/AC catalyst showed superior performance compared to the remaining catalysts. In order to increase the oxidation effect, ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were used as supporting oxidising agents either together or separately in some experiments. When ozone and UV were used together, the highest removal rates for color, phenol, lignin and COD were 87%, 91%, 60% and 70%, respectively, and when the catalyst and H2O2 were used together, the highest removal rates were 24%, 55%, 35% and 42%, respectively, for color, phenol, lignin and COD. When the catalyst, UV/O3 and H2O2 were used together, the removal rates for color, phenol, lignin and COD were 95%, 90%, 60% and 58%, respectively, after 6 hours. Under optimum conditions, photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants in the presence of supporting oxidants such as O3 and H2O2 reached almost 80–95%. In conclusion, the findings of this research address a major environmental concern in the treatment of OMW by presenting an innovative catalytic method for the effective degradation of OMW wastewater.This study was financially supported as a project (16/146) by Research Project Coordination Unit, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University;
Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
Artificial intelligence transformations in geotechnics: progress, challenges and future enablers
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No data was used for the research described in the article.Our reliance on the underground space to deliver critical civil engineering infrastructure is growing: to accommodate utility and transport infrastructure in urban environments, to provide innovative housing and commercial solutions, and to support proliferating renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore. Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most promising enabler to transform geotechnical engineering by extracting knowledge from data to achieve step-change increases in efficiency, sustainability, reliability and safety. This paper seeks to develop a shared understanding of the state of the art of AI in geotechnics and to explore future developments. By way of example, specific popular use cases in geotechnics are considered to highlight current progress in AI applications including intelligent site investigation, predictive modelling for soil behaviour, and optimisation of design and construction processes. The paper then addresses key research challenges, such as data scarcity and interpretability, and discusses the opportunities that lie ahead in the integration of AI with geotechnical engineering. Finally, priority technological enablers are identified for future transformations.This paper is the outcome of the 1st Workshop on AI in Geotechnics, held in May 2023 in Glasgow, UK. This workshop was funded by the Alan Turing Development Award with matched funding from EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account at University of Glasgow
Privacy-Preserving Pinning Synchronization for Time-Delay Complex Networks: A Noise Injection Scheme
Get PDFThis paper is concerned with the privacy-preserving synchronization problem for a class of nonlinear time-delay complex networks under the pinning control approach. To synchronize the network nodes with the unforced target node and protect the private initial states of the underlying networks, a differentially private pinning synchronization control (DPPSC) scheme is designed based on the system outputs with injected noises. By utilizing Lyapunov stability theory and stochastic analysis technique, some sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the ultimate synchronization in the mean-square sense and achieve a specified level of differential privacy. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed DPPSC scheme
Encryption-Decryption-Based Particle Filtering for Stochastic Systems With Randomly Switching Nonlinearities and Sensor Resolutions
Get PDFIn this paper, the secure particle filtering problem is investigated for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems subject to non-Gaussian noises and randomly switching nonlinearities. As an essential characteristic of real-world sensors, the sensor resolution is incorporated into the measurement model to provide a realistic representation of the available data. By resorting to the exclusive or logical operations, an encryption-decryption-based scheme is leveraged to enhance the transmission security of measurements and lower the communication overhead. The objective of this paper is to design a novel particle filtering scheme in the coexistence of randomly switching nonlinearities, non-Gaussian noises, sensor resolution effects and decrypted measurements. Specifically, a mixture distribution, employing the statistical property of the randomly switching nonlinearities, is constructed to generate the new particles. By considering the effects of sensor resolutions and decryption errors, the likelihood function is parameterized to facilitate the update of weights. Finally, a numerical example with Monte Carlo simulations is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed filtering algorithm.This work was supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 62203016, in part by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation under Grant 2021TQ0009, in part by the Royal Society of the U.K., and in part by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany
IFRS Transition in The Republic of Uzbekistan: An Analytical Perspective on PP&E Impairment
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Given that English is not the first language of authors, AI tools, such as Grammarly and ChatGPT, have been used to a moderate extent to
aid in textual paraphrasing and literature search only. AI tools haven’t been used for any other purpose, including the development of the
proposed algorithm or undertaking the analysis of model findings.This study examines asset revaluation and impairment under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), with a focus on Uzbekistan's first-time adoption. Specifically, it focuses on the implementation of first-time value-in-use-based impairment tests for PP&E assets.
To address the development gap for highly-granular automated impairment and reversal algorithms identified in the accounting operations literature, we develop a dynamic discrete-period technique for impairment and reversal transformations of assets’ costs that efficiently discriminates for the commissionings and disposals in PP&E inventory over the standard two-year IFRS transition period. The case study application of this algorithm finds evidence to indicate successful-performing automated impairment and reversal allocations at the level of individual PP&E assets in the stress-test-like context of Covid-era-associated high volatilities in values-in-use for the transitioning entity. It is shown that the proposed algorithm effectively safeguards against the over-reversal of impairments, ensuring full compliance with IAS 36’s paragraph 117 requirements.
The findings will extend the accounting literature related to developing impairment and reversal algorithms of high granularity. In practical terms, the findings will also contribute to the literature on first-time IFRS adoption by highlighting the intricacies of asset revaluation and impairment in IFRS transitional contexts confronted by developing countries, specifically Uzbekistan’s unique IFRS transitional context, wherein large state-controlled entities underwent IFRS transition amid the COVID pandemic, necessitating drastic initial impairments followed by partial reversals as economic conditions improved. The description of this experience can be of value in similar transitional contexts
Perception of Audio–Visual Synchronization in Olfactory-Enhanced 360-Degree Video
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of olfactory stimuli on user experience (UX) metrics in 360-degree videos under varying levels of audio–visual (AV) skew. Subjective responses and questionnaire results revealed that scents helped stabilize enjoyment and artifact tolerance scores, particularly under severe AV skews, compared to non-olfactory conditions. However, the stationary nature of the scent delivery device decreased the intensity of olfactory stimuli, limiting their potential impact. Objective analyses highlighted a masking effect in 360-degree videos, where participant visual exploration reduced sensitivity to AV skews. Despite these challenges, olfactory stimuli demonstrated resilience to AV skews, suggesting their potential to buffer negative effects and enhance immersive experiences. However, they did not significantly improve overall video quality ratings. The study underscores the need for advances in olfactory display technology, such as head-mounted scent emitters and dynamic sensory integration, to enhance multimedia experiences.This research was funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES, Brazil) under Finance Codes 88887.570688/2020-00 and 88881.689984/2022-01; the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPQ, Brazil) under Finance Code 307718/2020-4; the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (FAPES, Brazil) under Finance Code 2021-GL60J; and the Research Council of Finland, grant number 355575
Microplastic particles in groundwater systems worldwide
Get PDFMeeting abstract presented at EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria & Online, 27 Apr-2 May. Session HS1.1.6 Micro and nanoplastic fate and transport in soil and groundwater. Convener: Uwe Schneidewind | Co-conveners: Jaswant Singh, Miranda StiboraECS, Xue Bai, Stefan Krause. Orals | Thu, 01 May, 16:15–18:00 (CEST). Posters on site | Attendance Thu, 01 May, 10:45–12:30 (CEST) | Display Thu, 01 May, 08:30–12:30.Microplastic particles (MPs) have been identified as potentially harmful to groundwater ecosystems. They can potentially enter aquifers through recharge water passing the vadose zone, through groundwater-surface water interactions, through wells and boreholes at water supply and managed aquifer recharge sites or at sites were river water or wastewater is extensively filtered through subsurface sediments. While first studies have identified MP contamination in groundwater, a clear picture of global MP concentrations in aquifers is still missing. However, such baseline information is required to understand the potential threat MPs pose the World’s groundwater resources.
Here we show results of global groundwater sampling undertaken by the scientific community. Samples were collected from aquifers around the world via accessible boreholes, monitoring wells, surface springs and caves. A low cost and easy-to-follow sampling protocol was developed to maximise participation during sampling and to ensure comparability among different field sites. At each sampling site, about 300 L of groundwater were collected and filtered on-site through a series of metal sieves (123 and 25 µm mesh size). Filtrates and meshes were then collected in glass vials and stored for further analysis. Additionally, passive air samples were collected at each site for quality control.
Sample processing in the lab included organic matter removal via digestion with hydrogen peroxide or Fenton reagent, density separation in glass separation units using zinc chloride, and staining with Nile Red dye. MP characterisation and polymer identification were carried out using fluorescence-guided Raman spectroscopy and an in-house spectral library. First results indicate a higher presence of fragments than fibres and of MPs between 25-123 µm than those larger than 123 µm. Identified concentrations range from 0.1 to almost 8 particles per litre
Families and Households
Get PDFChapter 18.The article available at https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/5wrcu_v1 is a preprint version. It has not been certified by peer review.A family is a network of individuals tied to each other by blood, marriage, adoption or fostering and comes in many forms and sizes. There is no singular or universal type of family. Some common family types or structures include a single parent and children, a ‘nuclear’ family comprising two parents and children, or extended families consisting of one or two parents, children and other relatives. However, a range of different family types exist within this spectrum. A household is a commonly used term or unit of analysis to describe a group of people’s living arrangements and relationships to each other. What comprises a household can vary across cultures, social contexts and even seasons. While family and households are often conflated in the literature, in reality they are different. Families refer to specific kinship structures, whereas not all members of a household are necessarily kin but instead are tied to each other through co-residence and roles and responsibilities around the production and consumption of food and labour. One key reason we see so much variation in families and households is because people usually tend to live with other people - although, of course, living alone is also a type of household. Thus, family and household size, structure and composition can vary for multiple reasons across cultures including the number of children a parent/couple have, child and adult survival rates, the types of marriage which form the family and the post-marital residence systems which influence the generational configuration of households. This chapter underlines how flexible and context-specific human family systems are, and how the vast diversity present in humans leads to endless types of families and households
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