Environmental Effects Research Articles

Service-life multi-hazard risk assessment of structures: framework and application

Fragility and risk assessment of civil engineering structures against various design loads and their combinations need to be conducted to evaluate structural vulnerability. This is typically done at the design stage. However, during the service (design) life, it is important to investigate the change (increase) in the risk posed to the structure on account of multiple hazards. This article discusses a holistic novel framework that considers aging effects in addition to major or minor structural damage resulting from independent hazards. The framework is illustrated for independent action of earthquake and fire hazards on reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with varied occupancies while considering continuous structural deterioration on account of chloride- and carbonation-induced corrosion over a building’s service life. The change in the structure’s performance in the fire over its service life, in terms of incident risk and the resistance period, is evaluated for a combination of environmental effects and multi-hazard effects of earthquake and fire. The results from this study indicate that there is a significant increase in the risk of post-earthquake fire if continuous structural degradation due to environmental factors and minor damage due to earthquakes is not addressed.

Beyond the threshold: Understanding the asymmetric effects of renewable energy on CO2 emissions

While renewable energy deployment is essential to mitigate climate change, the interplay between renewable energy consumption and environmental degradation may not be linear. The environmental aspect of renewable energy consumption may change over time, depending on the scale and technique effects. This may be due to asymmetry in the relationship. Nonetheless, most current literature either assumes linearity, or ignores the turning point of the behavioral change. This results in inconclusive empirical findings at the disaggregated level of renewable energy consumption. This paper utilizes threshold estimation technique to capture the asymmetry in the renewable energy-CO2 emissions relation in the top ten renewable energy consumers covering the period 1990–2020. The literature gap is addressed by deriving the threshold effect at the aggregate and disaggregated levels to prevent aggregation bias. Understanding the thresholds of different renewable energy sources would improve policy effectiveness and resource allocation at different consumption levels to better curb climate change. The threshold estimation technique measures total renewables, hydro, solar, wind, and others (bioenergy and geothermal) as threshold variables. The findings indicate that total renewables and solar consumptions have stronger mitigating effects on CO2 emissions beyond the consumption levels of 4363.37 and 43.58 kWh, respectively. The advantageous environmental effect of wind consumption only manifests above the consumption level of 657.40 kWh. For policy implication, this study recommends an increase in the weightage of renewables in the energy mix by formulating energy-specific policies, in order to optimize the environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption.

Pengaruh Keterlibatan Kerja, Pelatihan Kerja dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Komitmen Karyawan

This study aims to analyze (1) the influence of work involvement on employee commitment; (2) the effect of job training on employee commitment and (3) the effect of the work environment on employee commitment of the Grand Candi Hotel Semarang The research sample was 110 employees of the Grand Candi Hotel Semarang. This type of research is explanatory research. Data collection uses a questionnaire using a google form, which is then sent to each respondent. Data analysis using regression with the help of SPSS software version 16. The results of the research findings show that: (1) employee involvement has a positive effect on employee commitment, (2) employee training has a positive effect on employee commitment, (3) the work environment has a positive effect on employee commitment at the Grand Candi Hotel Semarang.

Pengaruh Kompensasi dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Loyalitas Karyawan: Studi Kasus Pada Karyawan CV. Duta Jaya Makmur

This study aims to determine the effect of compensation and work environment on employee loyalty (case study on employees of CV. Duta Jaya Makmur). The method used in this study is quantitative with an associative approach. The population in this study was 40 people who were employees of CV. Duta Jaya Makmur. The sampling technique used the saturated sample method with all members of the population totaling 40 respondents being used as samples. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling. The data source used in the study is the primary data source obtained from employee respondents of CV. Duta Jaya Makmur, who were selected as objects and samples in the study. Data collection was carried out directly or face to face by giving questionnaires to each respondent. Data analysis used multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the hypothesis study showed that compensation and work environment simultaneously had a positive and significant effect on employee loyalty. Compensation partially had a positive and significant effect on employee loyalty. Likewise, the work environment partially had a positive and significant effect on employee loyalty.

Fractional-Order Mathematical Modeling of Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in Hospitals

This article investigates the environmental contamination and antibiotic exposure effect on the transmission dynamics of the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) model in hospitals using the fractional Adams–Bashforth–Moulton Method (ABMM). This epidemic model simulates the dynamics of patient populations, bacterial contamination, and healthcare worker safety under varying conditions. This model provides critical insights into the interactions between hospital practices, environmental factors, and infection dynamics, demonstrating the importance of symmetry in balancing hospital admission and discharge rates to manage infection spread effectively. The analysis extends to the impact of environmental bacterial density and hospital admission rates on patient colonization. Increasing admission rates introduce more susceptible patients, exacerbating infection spread when bacterial density is high. Conversely, lower admission rates and bacterial density result in a more controlled infection environment. The model further investigates how varying discharge rates influence colonization dynamics, highlighting that effective discharge practices can mitigate infection spread, especially in high-bacterial density scenarios. It must be noted that this model is studied fractionally for the first time. Overall, this model provides critical insights into the interactions between hospital practices, environmental factors, and infection dynamics, offering valuable guidance for infection control strategies and hospital policy formulation. By adjusting fractional order constant (σ) values and analyzing different scenarios, this research aids in understanding and managing bacterial infections in healthcare settings. The proposed method is able to provide the results presented in the figures within this study considering the influence of many factors.

Environmental effects and ESI-07 intensity of the Mw 7.7, September 19th, 2022, Michoacán, Mexico, earthquake

Environmental effects and ESI-07 intensity of the Mw 7.7, September 19th, 2022, Michoacán, Mexico, earthquake

Atomic insights into the ductile–brittle competition of cracks under dissolution

Environmental effects can determine the ductile–brittle behavior of cracks at the atomic scale, but the underlying processes remain poorly understood and contentious. Here, we report the competition between ductile and brittle behaviors at crack tips induced by the prevalent environmental effect of dissolution. Our findings reveal that this competition is driven by two fundamental deformation mechanisms related to dissolution: crack blunting and defect accumulation. Through separate evaluations of dissolution-induced cleavage and dissolution-induced plasticity, we demonstrate that these deformation mechanisms not only dominate brittle fracture toughness but also lead to dislocation slip. We have developed a theoretical model to predict the ductile and brittle behavior of cracks under dissolution, and the theory aligns well with the simulation results and remains consistent with existing experimental trends. This work will broaden the microscopic understanding of ductile and brittle fracture of cracks in complex environments.

Advancement in Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Synthesis of Benzothiazole Derivatives

AbstractBenzothiazole derivatives, a class of heterocyclic compounds, hold significant relevance in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and agrochemicals due to their diverse biological activities and applications. The conventional synthetic routes often involve harsh conditions and generate significant waste, prompting the exploration of more sustainable approaches. This work offers a comprehensive analysis of the developments in the use of heterogeneous catalysts for the production of benzothiazole derivatives, covering research from 2013 onward. Compared to traditional techniques, heterogeneous catalysts provide improved sustainability, efficiency, and recyclability. The review covers many heterogeneous catalysts and discusses their selectivity, recyclability, and catalytic activity. The utilization of heterogeneous catalysts is noteworthy as it facilitates the synthesis process's overall sustainability by allowing for milder reaction conditions, less environmental effect, and easier catalyst separation and recovery. The potential of heterogeneous catalysis in promoting the production of benzothiazole derivatives and satisfying the increasing need for these substances in various industrial applications is also highlighted.

Space Environmental Effects on Multifunctional Radiation Shielding Materials

AbstractThe two primary material requirements for a crewed habitat or spacecraft to operate beyond low earth orbit (LEO) include effective radiation shielding against the space radiation and secondary neutron environment and sufficient structural and thermal integrity. In this context it is mandatory to study the effect of long duration space environment on any proposed multifunctional radiation shielding material. In this paper we discuss two radiation shielding composite architectures and their long duration performance in LEO. Samples were flown on NASA's The Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform and their structural, optical, and radiation shielding capabilities were characterized pre and post flight. Results showed composite architecture can be key in determining expected damage irrespective of sample placement orientation on the space station. A surface layer with a protective or sacrificial coating can be instrumental in minimizing property degradation even when exposed to orientations with high estimated sun hours and high fluence of atomic oxygen.

Evaluation and optimization of interventional blood pump based on hydraulic performances and hemocompatibility performances

This study was designed to investigate the effects of hemodynamic environment and design factors on the hydraulic performance and hemocompatibility of interventional blood pumps using computational fluid dynamics methods combined with specialized mathematical models. These analyses assessed how different hemodynamic environments (such as support mode and artery size) and blood pump configurations (including entrance/exit blade angles, rotor diameter, blade number, and diffuser presence) affect hydraulic performance indicators (rotational speed, flow rate, pressure head, and efficiency) and hemocompatibility indicators (bleeding, hemolysis, and thrombosis). Our findings indicate that higher perfused flow rates necessitate greater rotational speeds, which, in turn, reduce both efficiency and hemocompatibility. As the artery size increases, the hydraulic performance of the pump improves but at the cost of worsening hemocompatibility. Among the design parameters, optimal configurations exist that balance both hydraulic performance and hemocompatibility. Notably, a configuration without a diffuser demonstrated better hydraulic performance and hemocompatibility compared to one with a diffuser. Further analysis revealed that flow losses primarily contribute to the degradation of hydraulic performance and deterioration of hemocompatibility. Shear stress was identified as the major cause of blood damage in interventional blood pumps, with residence time having a limited impact. This study comprehensively explored the effects of operating environment and design parameters on catheter pump performance using a multi-faceted blood damage model, providing insights into related complications from a biomechanical perspective. These findings offer valuable guidance for engineering design and clinical treatment.

Stormwater treatment in constrained urban spaces through a hybrid Sequential Sedimentation Biofiltration System

Urban areas face increasing pressures on water resources, necessitating innovative approaches to climate adaptation and water quality management. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a sustainable pathway, yet their integration with existing infrastructure in urban settings remains occasional. This study presents a novel hybrid system—Sequential Sedimentation Biofiltration System (SSBS)—designed for stormwater treatment within confined urban spaces. The system was adjusted to the existing stormwater infrastructure by integrating a sedimentation tank (SED), three Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs), and a biofiltration zone (BIO). The SSBS was evaluated for its efficiency in removing nutrients and sediments, focusing on the performance of PRBs. Our findings showed limited sediment removal in SED and PRBs due to spatial constraints and a high Hydraulic Loading Rate (HLR = 1.31 m/d), achieving an average of 13.6% Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal. However, PRBs demonstrated effective removal of ammonium (43.4%) and phosphate (59.3%), potentially due to sorption and biofilm activity, with dominant microbial communities including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and nutrient-transforming taxa such as Nitrospirae. Interestingly, PRBs increased nitrite levels (57.1%) but did not significantly impact nitrate, chloride, or TSS. The BIO zone further enhanced nutrient retention (56% PO4–P) and served as a sink for TSS (52%). This study underscores the potential for integrating traditional urban infrastructure with NbS in a sequential stormwater treatment system, demonstrating its effectiveness in space-constrained urban environments.

Enhancing performance of end-to-end communication system using Attention Mechanism-based Sparse Autoencoder over Rayleigh fading channel

Deep learning has revolutionized communication systems by introducing innovative approaches to address channel impairments through end-to-end models. Autoencoders, a type of deep learning architecture, are adept at learning compact data representations. However, conventional autoencoders in end-to-end models can suffer from overfitting, which limits their effectiveness in noisy communication environments. To address this issue, we propose a Sparse Autoencoder-based (SAE) model that enforces sparsity and promotes the extraction of robust features. Despite its effectiveness, the SAE model may still lack the ability to focus on the most relevant features of the input data. To overcome this limitation, we further introduce an Attention Mechanism-based Sparse Autoencoder (ASA) model. This model integrates the feature extraction capabilities of a sparse autoencoder with an attention mechanism that selectively highlights informative features of the signal. Through simulations, we demonstrate that both proposed models significantly improve M-PSK and M-QAM communication system performance. When trained at 7 dB, both proposed models exhibit significant performance improvements at higher testing average SNRs. Our results show that the SAE model outperforms the conventional Maximum Likelihood Detection (MLD) model and baseline autoencoder systems but suffers from error floor issues. The SAE model suffers from an error floor at average SNRs beyond 16 dB for BPSK and 14 dB for higher-order modulation schemes. As the value of M increases, the performance gap between the MLD and the proposed SAE model narrows. The ASA model, however, effectively mitigates the error floor observed in the SAE model for all values of M and across all modulation schemes. This research highlights the benefits of integrating an attention mechanism with SAE, resulting in enhanced robustness and reliability in communication systems characterized by improved accuracy and reduced error rates.

Investigation on the methane emissions from permeation of urban gas polyethylene pipes under the background of hydrogen-mixed natural gas transportation

Methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, aggravates the greenhouse effect of ecological environment through its emissions. When transporting hydrogen-mixed natural gas through urban polyethylene pipes, methane will be emitted due to the permeation characteristic of polyethylene pipe material. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the methane emissions from permeation of polyethylene pipes for protecting the environment and climate. In this paper, the solubility and diffusion coefficients of methane within hydrogen-mixed natural gas in polyethylene pipe materials are calculated through the Monte Carlo method and molecular dynamics simulation to determine the permeation coefficient of methane. Simultaneously, the methane emissions and equivalent carbon dioxide emissions of the hydrogen-mixed natural gas in polyethylene pipes are investigated. Results indicate the methane solubility coefficient decreases with increasing temperature and hydrogen mixing ratio. The methane diffusion and permeation coefficients increase with the rising temperature and pressure, and decreasing hydrogen mixing ratio. The pressure exerts minor influence while the temperature and hydrogen mixing ratio have more significant impact. That is, the lower the temperature and the higher the hydrogen mixing ratio, the less methane emissions caused by permeation. Therefore, the effective reduction of methane emissions can be achieved by adding the insulation layer to mitigate the impact of high temperature and increasing the hydrogen mixing ratio. For example, for the polyethylene pipe with the operating pressure of 4 bar and the size specification of SDR11, when the temperature drops from 300 K to 260 K, the methane emissions of hydrogen-mixed natural gas with hydrogen mixing ratios of 0 vol%, 20 vol%, 50 vol% and 80 vol% will be drastically reduced by 73.3%, 74.4%, 77.2% and 78.5% respectively, and when 20 vol%∼80 vol% hydrogen are mixed in the natural gas at 260 K, 300 K and 310 K, the methane emissions will be effectively reduced by 26.7%∼85.6%, 23.3%∼82.1% and 23.9%∼82.4% respectively. The findings of this study can serve as guidance for reducing the methane emissions from permeation of polyethylene pipes transporting hydrogen-mixed natural gas.

Exploring the effects of multi-dimensional geographic environment on daily sleep and physical activity based on the Actigraph data

Understanding the interplay between people’s daily sleep and physical activity and how geographic environment influences them are important for developing healthy cities. However, such research has been limited. This study aims to explore the bidirectional and nonlinear relationship between daily sleep and physical activity, and further investigate the comprehensive influences of multi-dimensional geographic environment on these health behaviors. Based on the objective data on sleep and physical activity over seven consecutive days using wrist-based accelerometers in Beijing, China, we developed a series of models to analyze the mutual influences between people’s daily sleep and physical activity, and employed the generalized additive model (GAM) to examine their potential nonlinear relationships and how geographic environment – including meteorological conditions, built environment, and social environment – influences them. The results show that sleep and physical activity exhibit notable bidirectional relationship. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is observed to improve sleep quality, but it decreases sleep duration. In contrast, total sleep time (TST) exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern with both MVPA and total step counts, with the optimal sleep duration at 5 hours. Furthermore, meteorological factors, built environment characteristics, and social environment have significant linear or nonlinear effects on people’s daily sleep and physical activity. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing residents’ health and developing healthy cities.

Performance evaluation of pigmented fair-faced concrete under various environments: mechanical properties, apparent properties, and color stability

Fair-faced concrete is green concrete that is directly decorated by its texture. For a more stunning visual impact, pigmented fair-faced concrete with more colors on the surface is prepared. However, the effects of different pigments and service environments on pigmented fair-faced concrete need to be explored. Therefore, four iron oxide inorganic pigments were employed to prepare pigmented fair-faced concrete, and the changes in its fresh properties and mechanical properties were studied through slump, slump flow, and compressive strength tests. Meanwhile, camera analysis and colorimetry were utilized to evaluate the changes in its apparent properties and color stability under four different distinct service environments in this experiment. Results indicate that incorporating pigments reduces both the slump and slump flow of the fresh mixture, and its fresh properties gradually decrease as the pigment content increases. The slump and slump flow of concrete with 6% iron oxide yellow (IOY) were 30.00% and 44.00% lower than the control. Adding IOY and iron oxide red (IOR) can improve the 7-d and 28-d compressive strength of concretes. The 28-d compressive strength of concrete with 2%-6% IOY increased by 7.72%, 11.78% and 15.09% over the control. Meanwhile, the surface pore area of concrete with IOY is the lowest and that of concrete containing 2% IOY is 3.97 cm2/m2. Additionally, the color stability of concrete performs best in water immersion environments and worst in natural environments. It is noteworthy that the concrete added with IOY exhibits excellent color stability under all four service environments. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different pigments on concrete properties and investigate the color stability of four types of concrete under diverse service conditions. The findings will promote the application of pigmented fair-faced concrete in construction and provide technical insights for future research.

Bee microbiomes in a changing climate: Investigating the effects of temperature on solitary bee life history and health.

Climate change is rapidly warming thermal environments, an important abiotic stimulus governing interactions between microbial symbionts and their hosts. Increasing evidence suggests that solitary bees rely on pollen provision microbes for successful development. However, the effects of heat stress on provision microbiota and the resulting consequences for larval health and development remain to be examined. We performed an in vitro study to investigate the effects of the thermal environment on provision microbiome composition and measured fitness outcomes for Osmia lignaria larvae. While pollen sterilisation removed bacteria from microbe-rich provisions, larval survivorship did not significantly differ between bees reared on microbe-rich (unmanipulated) diets and provisions treated with ethylene oxide (EO) gas. In contrast to previous research in solitary bees, larvae reared on EO-treated provisions weighed more and had higher total fat content, with temperature moderating the degree of difference. As anticipated, we observed a negative relationship between the duration of larval development and temperature. Our results indicated that an intact provision microbiota may not always improve bee fitness and that bee-microbe interactions during larval development may contribute to the size-shrinking effect observed for cavity-nesting bees under warming conditions.

Effect of high geothermal environments on microscopic properties and oxidation processes of waterlogged coal

Effect of high geothermal environments on microscopic properties and oxidation processes of waterlogged coal

The ANTARESS workflow

High-resolution spectrographs open a detailed window onto the atmospheres of stars and planets. As the number of systems observed with different instruments grows, it is crucial to develop a standard in analyzing spectral time series of exoplanet transits and occultations, for the benefit of reproducibility. Here, we introduce the ANTARESS workflow, a set of methods aimed at processing high-resolution spectroscopy datasets in a robust way and extracting accurate exoplanetary and stellar spectra. While a fast preliminary analysis can be run on order-merged 1D spectra and cross-correlation functions (CCFs), the workflow was optimally designed for extracted 2D echelle spectra to remain close to the original detector counts, limit the spectral resampling, and propagate the correlated noise. Input data from multiple instruments and epochs were corrected for relevant environmental and instrumental effects, processed homogeneously, and analyzed independently or jointly. In this first paper, we show how planet-occulted stellar spectra extracted along the transit chord and cleaned from planetary contamination provide a direct comparison with theoretical stellar models and enable a spectral and spatial mapping of the photosphere. We illustrate this application of the workflow to archival ESPRESSO data, using the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect Revolutions (RMR) technique to confirm the spin-orbit alignment of HD 209458b and unveil biases in WASP-76b’s published orbital architecture. Because the workflow is modular and its concepts are general, it can support new methods and be extended to additional spectrographs to find a range of applications beyond the proposed scope. In a companion paper, we will present how planet-occulted spectra can be processed further to extract and analyze planetary spectra decontaminated from the star, providing clean and direct measurements of atmospheric properties.

Gradient variations of formation mechanisms and sources of PM1 at the steep slope from western SiChuan Basin to eastern Tibetan Plateau

Vertical distributions of chemical components of particulate matter (PM) are essential for better understanding the climate, environmental and health effects. The steep slope from western SiChuan Basin (SCB) to eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) provides a good platform for obtaining the gradient variations of PM chemical components. Daytime and nighttime PM1 (particulate matter smaller than 1 μm) samples were collected with the medium-volume sampler at six sites with elevation ranging from 500 m to 3500 m (Chengdu, Sanbacun, Wenchuan, Lixian, Maerkang and Hongyuan). The secondary inorganic ions and carbonaceous aerosols were the largest contributor to PM1 concentrations. The chemical components from the anthropogenic sources existed strong stratification with high concentrations inside the basin, while primary natural ions showed little discrepancy among the sites. The concentrations of primary inorganic ions from anthropogenic sources were much higher at nighttime than daytime, which was contrary to the diurnal cycle of secondary inorganic ions. Spatial heterogeneity of PM chemical components was large between basin and plateau sites, especially for NO3− and NH4+, large depending on season and daylight. The excess NH4+ concentrations existed in spring, summer and fall, while SO42− and NO3− cannot be completely neutralized by NH4+ in winter. The proportion of secondary formation in all sources significantly increased from about 10 % to 30 %–40 % with the increased elevation, while the contribution of motor vehicles declined from western SCB to eastern TP. This study will fill the scarce observations of PM chemical components at the sloped terrain and deepen the understanding of formation mechanism of heavy pollution inside the basin.

Association of urban environments with Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank

Urban environments and cardiovascular health are closely linked, yet only a few specific exposures have been explored in isolation and mostly adopting cross-sectional design. The influence of socioeconomic status and genetic predisposition also remains unclear. Hence, leveraging the UK Biobank data (n = 206,681), we conducted a prospective analysis of 213 urban environmental variables and their association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The ExWAS and regularized Cox models analyses highlighted air pollution, industrial sites, and complex street networks as primary environmental risk factors. Instead, land-use density of leisure, public services, infrastructure and residential, and drinking water hardness showed a negative association with ASCVD risk. By integrating sparse canonical correlation and mediation analyses, we found distinct urban environment patterns through diverse pathways influence ASCVD. The environment characterized by pollution and complex streets impact ASCVD through adverse mental health (mediation proportion:30.7 %, 95 % CI:22.4 %-44.0 %), while highly-developed community and high-water hardness environment via cardiometabolic status (22.6 %, 95 % CI:19.7 %-26.0 %). Further, we found low socioeconomic status amplifies disadvantaged urban environment effects on ASCVD, yet there were no similar findings for ASCVD genetic predisposition. This research deepened our understanding of city-cardiovascular health links and the role of socioeconomic status, with implications for urban planning and public health interventions.