Environmental Analysis Research Articles

Quantitative Analysis and Spatial Pattern Research of Built-Up Environments and Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Beijing’s Main Urban Area

Quantitative Analysis and Spatial Pattern Research of Built-Up Environments and Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Beijing’s Main Urban Area

Environmental Impact Analysis in the Cement Industry with Life Cycle Assessment Method

Environmental Impact Analysis in the Cement Industry with Life Cycle Assessment Method

Cloud Cover Segmentation and Motion Prediction from Satellite Imagery

Abstract: This research project is dedicated to achieving precise identification, segmentation, and motion prediction of cloud formations in satellite imagery. Leveraging the powerful U-Net, a renowned deep learning architecture for image segmentation, is crucial in addressing the intricate challenge of cloud detection and segmentation within remote sensing imagery. The automation of cloud identification processes within the project not only enhances weather forecasting capabilities but also contributes significantly to advancements in climate monitoring and environmental analysis. The incorporation of Long ShortTerm Memory (LSTM) networks facilitates cloud motion prediction, providing insights into the dynamic behavior of cloud formations over time. The robustness of the U-Net model, coupled with the enhanced capability of capturing intricate patterns and predicting cloud motion, establishes it as a valuable and comprehensive tool. This contributes to improving the accuracy and efficiency of cloud segmentation in satellite imagery, fostering progress in critical domains such as environmental research and meteorological applications

Музыкальная сенсомоторная интегративная терапия в работе с ребенком с задержкой речи: Кейс-исследование

<p>Sensorimotor integrative therapy (SMITh) is a Czech therapeutic approach used for the rehabilitation of children with developmental and communication problems. Its potential for children for special needs started to be explored by a series of research studies recently. This is the first case report investigating the effect of a musical modification of SMITh on speech production and development of a boy with speech delay. Data from technological measurements (speech production of the child, parent, and their conversation turns) collected by Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA Digital Language Processor, pre-test and post-test speech therapy examination, self-reported data from parents, and textual analysis of each session’s audio recordings has shown considerable progress of the boy in speech, attention, cooperation, and time perception. The results show potential of SMITh for the intervention in children with speech delay and other communication and developmental problems. Considering the limits of this case study, we recommend further investigation of SMITh and other sensory-based approaches in children with speech delay.</p>

Environmental and economic analysis of the transformation of paper mill sludge treatment technologies in China.

Paper mill sludge (PMS) is featured with a high content of cellulose and hemicellulose, and using its characteristics to make paperboard can achieve a high-value utilization of PMS, which has attracted growing interest. In this study, currently prevalent landfill, incineration technologies (generating heat and electricity by incineration), and three paperboard technologies (medium density fiberboard, pulp board, and corrugated paper) were evaluated and compared via life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methods. LCA results show that the PMS-to-pulp board outperforms others with an energy conservation and emission reduction (ECER) value of - 2.86 × 10-8, while the landfill exhibits the highest overall environmental impact with an ECER value of 4.80 × 10-9. LCC results reveal that the PMS-to-pulp board delivers the highest economic profit with $257.357, while the landfill is the lowest with $ - 35.63. The PMS paperboard technologies are more economically friendly than the incineration technologies due to additional electricity/steam consumption during the PMS pre-drying process in incineration. In addition, different scenarios were set up to explore national GHG emission reduction potential by increasing paperboard technologies application rate and reducing the proportion of landfill and incineration. The scenario analysis suggests that replacing 90% of landfill and incineration ratio with PMS paperboard technologies could tremendously improve the overall emission reduction performance with - 9.08 × 1010 kg CO2 eq. This result indicates that the PMS treatment technology transformation has a significant favorable impact on the achievement of the "carbon neutrality" target.

Techno-economic and environmental analysis for the application of renewable energy sources in seaports.

Ports have an indisputable effect on the decarbonization of urban areas, helping to minimize air and environmental pollution and achieve sustainable development. In this instance, it is crucial to do research that can advance our understanding of how to increase ports' energy independence by utilizing renewable energy sources. The current study aims to study the environmental benefits and techno-economic challenges of converting three Egyptian ports to eco-friendly green ports by using solar panels, offshore wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cells. The study shows that from a technical point of view, the required green power to be installed at Alexandria, Port Said, and Suez ports is around 13 MW, 5 MW, and 1.5 MW, respectively. Furthermore, the environmental analysis findings demonstrate that integrating green energy will significantly lower emissions in seaports. It is anticipated that the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Suez will achieve annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions of roughly 68,7 k-tons, 25,8 k-tons, and 6,4 k-tons, respectively. From an economic point of view, the ports could be supplied with green energy from wind turbines for a cost of between 0.115 and 0.125 USD/kWh, while solar panels have a cost range of 0.098 to 0.129 USD/kWh. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell systems cost about 0.102 USD/kWh.

Live Intersection Data Acquisition for Traffic Simulators (LIDATS)

Real-time traffic signal acquisition and network transmission are essential components of intelligent transportation systems, facilitating real-time traffic monitoring, management, and analysis in urban environments. In this paper, we introduce a comprehensive system that incorporates live traffic signal acquisition, real-time data processing, and secure network transmission through a combination of hardware and software modules, called LIDATS. LIDATS stands for Live Intersection Data Acquisition for Traffic Simulators. The design and implementation of our system are detailed, encompassing signal acquisition hardware as well as a software platform that is used specifically for real-time data processing. The performance evaluation of our system was conducted by simulation in the lab, demonstrating its capability to reliably capture and transmit data in real time, and to effectively extract the relevant information from noisy and complex traffic data. Supporting a variety of intelligent transportation applications, such as real-time traffic flow management, intelligent traffic signal control, and predictive traffic analysis, our system enables remote data analysis and decisionmaking, providing valuable insights and enhancing the traffic efficiency while reducing the congestion in urban environments.

Optimal Positioning of Small Wind Turbines Into a Building Using On-Site Measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation

Abstract Renewable energy solutions are essential for addressing several pressing issues, including climate change, the fossil fuels supply chain fragility and fuel price fluctuations. One promising technological solution is rooftop-mounted turbines into buildings. This study presents an evaluation of the potential for wind energy utilization on the rooftop of a 29 m tall building. The primary objective of this research is to develop a methodology that can effectively investigate the integration of small wind turbines (SWTs) into urban buildings, intending to promote energy sufficiency in urban areas. A robust framework has been developed that consists of seven steps. These steps include site selection, evaluating urban wind energy with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and on-site measurements, selecting an appropriate SWT, estimating the annual energy production (AEP), conducting an evaluation of the environmental impact, resilience, and economic analysis, and finally, installing the system. This straightforward yet reliable framework provides a comprehensive approach to assessing the viability of wind energy utilization in urban areas. The findings revealed that the most suitable location for installation had an estimated AEP of around 1030 kWh, leading to a reduction in emissions of 0.64 tCO2/y. Additionally, it was observed that the building's geometry and orientation significantly affected the wind flow, causing a substantial decrease in wind speed downstream. Selecting optimal sites and considering wind patterns are essential for maximizing energy generation in wind energy projects.

Community Perceptions on Environmental Impact Assessments in the Construction of the Toll Road between Solo and New Yogyakarta International Airport, in Indonesia

Background and Objective: The development of toll roads between Solo and New Yogyakarta International Airport of Indonesia is part of the government's endeavor to improve the accessibility, connectivity, and capacity of inter-regional transportation networks in order to considerably boost economic growth through increased regional links. The research will analyze at the socio-cultural circumstances, social conflict, public health, and community views and attitudes about toll road building. Research Methods: This study employs a qualitative and quantitative technique, which involves in-depth interview observation processes. The data analysis comprises the identification, categorization, and interpretation of community opinions as perceived by 200 respondents from impacted communities. Results: The majority of respondents were male, 106 (53%), with the highest degree of education being senior high school a total of 118 respondents (59.50%). The majority of their jobs were as private employees number 84 respondents (42%), with an average salary of Rp. 3,195,000. The surrounding community is religious, with 106 respondents (84%) actively engaged in Islamic studies in a mutually beneficial atmosphere, and 171 respondents (88.5%). Conflicts in society are always addressed pleasantly, according to 198 respondents (99%). Theoretical and Practical Implications: The community does not oppose toll road building, according to 188 respondents (94%) since they feel it would serve regional interests. Environmental impact analysis is carried out in a proportionate manner by incorporating the community through public engagement. Implementation of public consultation throughout ten time periods. The outcomes of public consultations are utilized to provide supporting and critical comments. 42 community figures were chosen as members of the Environmental effect Assessment technical team, which was in charge of overseeing the execution of environmental effect management and monitoring. Changes in public views and attitudes about toll road development must be regulated and monitored to ensure that the public impression of toll roads remains favorable throughout construction. Recommendations: Project implementers are responsible for the impacts caused and comply with all detailed provisions in accordance with management and monitoring plan documents that have been approved by the Ministry of Environment.

Quantification of Airborne Concentrations of Nanoscale Dusts by Particle Gravimetry Using Ionic‐Liquid Modified Polymeric Electrospun Fibers

AbstractIn this work, functional polymeric filters are prepared by electrospinning using four different non‐ionic polymers or their blends together with deliberately selected additives, and then tested for quantification of the nano‐sized powders. Particle gravimetry is used for the quantitative determination of the dusts. Validation studies are carried out using the ICP‐OES technique. The polymeric fibers prepared with different contents consist of PS/PMMA, PVDF/EC/PMMA, chitosan, chitosan/PMMA and PMMA/PVDF, respectively. The ionic liquids of tetra‐n‐butylammonium tetrafluoroborate, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide are used as additives for the preparation of the functional polymeric fibers. The prepared nanoscale dusts and electrospun fibers are characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS, and size distribution analysis techniques, respectively. Among them, the CTAB‐modified chitosan fibers exhibit the highest dust retention efficiency. This study introduces a new approach to the quantification of nano‐sized powders. In addition, it is concluded that the proposed method can be used in pre‐concentration before testing, cleaning powders from the working environment and quantitative analysis of nanoscale powders. The presented materials can also be used to improve indoor air quality and potential worker exposure in workplaces.

Exposure to the parents' speech is positively associated with preterm infant's face preference.

The parents' presence and involvement in neonatal care is a promising approach to improve preterm infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes. We examined whether exposure to the parents' speech is associated with the preterm infant's social-cognitive development. The study included infants born before 32 gestational weeks in two neonatal units. Each infant's language environment was assessed from 16-hour recordings using Language Environment Analysis (LENA®). Parental presence was assessed with Closeness Diary for 14 days during the hospital stay. Attention to faces and non-face patterns was measured at the corrected age of seven months using an eye-tracking disengagement test. A total of 63 preterm infants were included. Infants were less likely to disengage their attention from faces (M = 0.55, SD = 0.26) than non-face patterns (M = 0.24, SD = 0.22), p < 0.001, d = 0.84. Exposure to the parents' speech during the neonatal period was positively correlated with the preference for faces over non-face patterns (rs = 0.34, p = 0.009) and with the preference for parents over unfamiliar faces (rs = 0.28, p = 0.034). The exposure to the parents' speech during neonatal hospital care is a potential early marker for later social development in preterm infants. The exposure to the parents' speech during neonatal intensive care is a potential early marker for optimal social-cognitive development in preterm infants. This is the first study to show an association between parental vocal contact during neonatal intensive care and early social development (i.e., face preference), measured at seven months of corrected age. Our findings suggest that we should pay attention to the parents' vocal contact with their child in the neonatal intensive care unit and identify need for tailored support for face-to-face and vocal contact.

MADESANT: malware detection and severity analysis in industrial environments

MADESANT: malware detection and severity analysis in industrial environments

Seedling root system adaptation to water availability during maize domestication and global expansion.

The maize root system has been reshaped by indirect selection during global adaptation to new agricultural environments. In this study, we characterized the root systems of more than 9,000 global maize accessions and its wild relatives, defining the geographical signature and genomic basis of variation in seminal root number. We demonstrate that seminal root number has increased during maize domestication followed by a decrease in response to limited water availability in locally adapted varieties. By combining environmental and phenotypic association analyses with linkage mapping, we identified genes linking environmental variation and seminal root number. Functional characterization of the transcription factor ZmHb77 and in silico root modeling provides evidence that reshaping root system architecture by reducing the number of seminal roots and promoting lateral root density is beneficial for the resilience of maize seedlings to drought.

Techno-Economic and Environmental Impact Analysis of a 50 MW Solar-Powered Rankine Cycle System

Techno-Economic and Environmental Impact Analysis of a 50 MW Solar-Powered Rankine Cycle System

Environmental fate and safety analysis of methoxyfenozide application to control litchi and longan pests.

Litchi and longan pests significantly affect crop yield and quality. Chemical prevention and control are very effective for production; therefore, it is crucial to study fate assessment and appropriate field efficacy before pesticide application on crops to appropriately assess the health and ecological risks linked with these agents. This study conducted Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) field trials and laboratory experiments to elucidate the dissipation, terminal residues, and efficacy of methoxyfenozide on litchi and longan in six locations throughout China. To detect methoxyfenozide residues on litchi and longan, a QuEChERS/UPLC-MS/MS-based method was designed. The initial methoxyfenozide levels in litchi and longan ranged from 2.21-2.86 to 0.83-0.95mgkg-1 and indicated half-lives of 5.1-5.3 and 5.3-5.7days, respectively. After 7days of foliage treatment, the concentrations of terminal methoxyfenozide residue were 0.78-2.61 and 0.02-1.01mgkg-1, which were less than the established maximum residue limit for methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan. The chronic (acceptable daily intake = 0.0055-0.0331%) dietary intake risk analysis for methoxyfenozide in longan and litchi indicated acceptable concentrations of terminal residue for the general population. Methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan was readily degraded in first-order kinetics models, the degradation rate on longan was higher than that on litchi, and their dietary risks were negligible to consumers. Two hundred forty grams per liter of methoxyfenozide suspension concentrate (SC) represents a highly efficacious insecticidal dose to control litchi and longan pests and indicates a significant application potential as it is rapidly degraded and linked with reduced post-treatment residue levels.

Exploring Sustainable Urban Transportation: Insights from Shared Mobility Services and Their Environmental Impact

The transportation landscape is witnessing profound changes due to technological advancements, necessitating proactive policy responses to harness innovation and avert urban mobility disruption. The sharing economy has already transformed ridesharing, bicycle-sharing, and electric scooters, with shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) poised to reshape car ownership. This study pursues two objectives: firstly, to establish a market segmentation for shared ride services and secondly, to evaluate the environmental impact of ridesharing in different contexts. To mitigate potential biases linked to stated preference data, we analysed the navette service, utilized by a research institute in Europe, closely resembling future SAVs. The market segmentation relied on hierarchical cluster analysis using employee survey responses, while the environmental analysis was grounded in the 2019 navette service data. Our analysis revealed four unique employee clusters: Cluster 1, emphasizing active transportation and environmental awareness; Cluster 2, showing openness towards SAVs given reliable alternatives are available; Cluster 3, the largest segment, highlighting a demand for policy support and superior service quality; and Cluster 4, which places a premium on time, suggesting a potential need for strategies to make the service more efficient and, consequently, discourage private car use. These findings highlight a general willingness to adopt shared transport modes, signalling a promising transition to shared vehicle ownership with significant environmental benefits achievable through service design and policy measures.

Возможности воспитательно-развивающей среды для организации патриотического воспитания в кадетских классах

Patriotic education of the younger generation is a priority task in educational institutions of military orientation. The aim of the study is to identify the possibilities of the educational environment for organizing patriotic education in cadet classes. The study focuses on the analysis of the educational environment of the cadet class of the Christian gymnasium of Tyumen. The article examines the main components of the educational environment of the cadet class: semantic, informational and meaningful, and activity-based. The scientific novelty of the study is as follows: it proposes a method for analyzing the educational environment of the cadet class according to the levels of development of the components. As a result of the analysis, the following conclusion is made: the process of organizing patriotic education depends on the level of development of the components of the educational environment. Pupils of the Christian gymnasium are involved in educational, extracurricular cultural and educational, and research activities of patriotic content. The shortcomings in the formation of the educational environment include the development of new forms of work, involvement of specialized specialists, and the manifestation of the initiative of teachers in enriching the content of the educational environment.

Air quality and public health effects of dairy digesters in California

The dairy industry in California emits large amounts of methane (CH4) that contributes significantly to the state's overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) budget. Reducing CH4 emissions has become a key priority for dairy farms in support of California's GHG reduction goals. Anaerobic digesters designed to capture CH4 from animal manure present a practical option for reducing CH4 emissions, but a comprehensive evaluation of the local air quality impacts of this technology has not been previously undertaken. The simplest digester configurations decrease local emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but increase emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), potentially changing local air quality. Here, we evaluate the air quality implications of widespread digester adoption in the year 2050 across the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) in central California, which is home to the highest concentration of dairy farms in the state. Changes to concentrations of air pollutants including ozone (O3), airborne particulate matter with diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and various PM2.5 chemical components are predicted using the UCD/CIT chemical transport model at 4 km resolution. Dairy digester adoption is evaluated within two regional energy scenarios, including a business as usual (BAU) scenario and an 80% greenhouse gas reduction (GHGAi) scenario, to consider potential changes to the chemical regime that governs formation of secondary air pollution. Concentrations are evaluated across 32 randomly selected weeks over a 10-year period from the year 2046–2055 to establish a long-term average impact in the presence of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. Regional weather patterns are downscaled from Global Climate Model simulations under the RCP8.5 global scenario. The results indicate that baseline dairy emissions make minor contributions to air pollutant concentrations in 2050. Under a worst-case scenario for digester adoption, PM2.5 concentrations would increase by 0.06 μg/m3 (current standard = 9 μg/m3), and maximum daily 8-h average (MDA8) O3 would change by −1.0 ppb to +0.2 ppb depending on the surrounding regional energy scenario (current standard = 70 ppb). A health impact analysis shows that the widespread use of dairy digesters would result in fewer than 0.1 additional deaths per 100,000 people due to changing air pollution. For comparison, this level of mortality change is more than 100 times smaller than the risk posed by seasonal flu. Further, Environmental Justice analysis indicates that the implementation of digesters will not influence the exposure disparities among different racial groups in either the SJV or the surrounding San Francisco Bay & Sacramento area. These findings suggest that dairy digesters can be widely adopted in central California to reduce GHG emissions with minimal effect on regional air quality and public health.

Beyond built environment: Unveiling the interplay of streetscape perceptions and cycling behavior

As an important means of shared micro-mobility, shared bicycles have become a crucial component of urban transportation in China. The impact of the built environment on bicycling has been widely acknowledged. However, can streetscape perceptions influence bicycle-sharing volume (BSV) and supplement the built environment? We first obtained millions of pieces of shared-cycling data from the Shenzhen Open Data Platform and carried out geographical quantification of BSV. As for streetscape, we improved the classification of subjective streetscape perception based on street view images using the k-means clustering algorithm and conducted predictions using XGBoost. Through the application of different regression models, we unveiled the nonlinear spatial interdependencies between BSV and streetscape perceptions as a complement to the built environment. Our findings indicate that greenery, vivid street-front facades, and diverse street facilities can promote BSV. Targeted strategies are proposed for different districts. For instance, urban planners can provide incentives for high-income groups in central urban areas to adopt active travel, and increase the supply of shared bicycles in suburban areas with high building density, particularly in industrial urban villages. As a supplement to the long-term planning recommendations derived from the macro-built environment analysis, an in-depth spatial perception quantitative assessment proffers a human-centric, flexible blueprint for urban street design.

Analysis of the indoor thermal environment of traditional residents in the South Sichuan China region in summer and plum rainy seasons—taking Baiyang village in Yibin city as an example

ABSTRACT In hot summer and cold winter areas, the humid and sultry summer and rainy season problems have long affected the health of residents. Through a questionnaire survey and site measurements, the indoor thermal environment of typical southern Sichuan village houses was investigated. The average indoor humidity of the old traditional dwelling (85–95%) in the rainy season was much greater than that of the new rural house (70–80%), both of which are outside the standard thermal comfort range of the human body. In summer, the situation is slightly better but still uncomfortable. The APMV evaluation results reveal that in the rainy season, the new residential house is more comfortable than the traditional residential house, while in summer, the opposite situation occurs. The measurements show that the thermal inertia index of the old stone masonry house is large, which indicates that the house has a strong ability to resist temperature fluctuations. Therefore, we discussed different performance improvement strategies for these two types of rural residences. This study is conducive to improving the thermal environment of local residential buildings and provides a reference for the future design of rural ecological residential buildings.