Main Processes Research Articles

Optimization of Historic Buildings Recognition: CNN Model and Supported by Pre-processing Methods

Several cities in Indonesia, such as Cirebon, Bandung, and Bogor, have several historical buildings that date back to the Dutch colonial period. Several Dutch colonial heritage buildings can be found in several areas. The existence of historical buildings also would attract foreign or local tourists who visit one of an area. We need a technology or model that would support the recognition and identification of buildings, including their characteristics. However, recognizing and identifying them is a problem in itself, so technology would be needed to help them. The technology or model that would be implemented in this research is the Convolutional Neural Network model, a derivative of Artificial Intelligent technology focused on image processing and pattern recognition. This process consists of several stages. The initial stage uses the Gaussian Blur, SuCK, and CLAHE methods which are useful for image sharpening and recognition. The second process is feature extraction of the image characteristics of buildings. The results of the image process will support the third process, namely the image retrieval process of buildings based on their characteristics. Based on these three main processes, they would facilitate and support local and foreign tourists to recognize historic buildings in the area. In this experiment, the Euclidean distance and Manhattan distance methods were used in the retrieval process. The highest accuracy in the retrieval process for the feature extraction process with the DenseNet 121 model with the initial process is Gaussian Blur of 88.96% and 88.46%, with the SuCK method of 88.3 and 87.8%, and with CLAHE of 87.7%, and 87.6%. We hope that this research can be continued to identify buildings with more complex characteristics and models.

Studi Awal Sintesis ZnO/SiO2 dengan Silika dari Limbah Padat Geothermal dan Uji Performansinya dalam Penghilangan Metilen Biru

Industrial development impacts environmental problems, such as the emergence of wastewater containing methylene blue. In this research, SiO2 was composited with ZnO to remove methylene blue. The steps of this study include SiO2 extraction from geothermal solid waste, ZnO/SiO2 synthesis, and methylene blue removal test. The process of extracting SiO2 from geothermal solid waste used the sol-gel method. The FTIR analysis showed that SiO2 contains siloxane group (Si-OH) and silanol group (Si-O-Si). ZnO/SiO2 synthesis was done by making SiO2 suspension and continued with adding the addition of several Zn(NO3)2.6H2O. The FTIR analysis of ZnO/SiO2 showed no absorption at the wavenumber 960 cm-1 and there is a shoulder around the number 950 cm-1 which indicates the vibration of Si-O-Zn. Meanwhile, methylene blue removal tests were carried out on artificial wastewater. Based on the research results, the highest percent removal (99%) was obtained under operating conditions, including a dose of 500 mg/L, pH 10, and contact time of 30 minutes. Based on box-benkhen analysis, it is known that dose and pH singularly affect the percent removal, while contact time does not affect the percent removal. The optimization results obtained optimum conditions for methylene blue removal at a dose of 581.952 mg/L, pH of 10, and contact time of 30 minutes. Percent removal in conditions without irradiation and with irradiation of UV light were 98.758% and 99.178%. It shows that the adsorption process is the main process in removing methylene blue, while the photocatalytic process has little effect because it is possible that only a small amount of ZnO can attach to the surface of SiO2.

On the connectivity in the central nervous system and the age-induced changes of its network organization

Intercellular communication plays a crucial role as the structural substrate for the brain functions. It occurs according to two main processes, namely wiring transmission, i.e. the transmission of signals through physical contacts between cells, and volume transmission, i.e. the chemical signal diffusion along the interstitial fluid pathways. Intercellular communication represents the main rationale for the emerging field of connectomics, defined as the comprehensive study of all aspects of central nervous system connectivity, aimed at creating a comprehensive map (connectome) of the cellular networks in the brain to better understand brain functions. A consensus exists that the brain connectome structure follows a hierarchical or nested architecture, and macro-, meso- and microscales have been defined. Available data on network organization at these different miniaturization levels will be here briefly reviewed. The connectome, however, is also a dynamical entity, undergoing changes during lifetime. Thus, a specific focus will be maintained on the changes the network organization undergoes during normal aging.

60-72 Aylık Okul Öncesi Öğrencilerinin Epistemik Profillere Göre Sosyobilimsel Konulara Yönelik Muhakeme Becerilerinin Araştırılması: Isparta Örneği

The purpose of this study is to examine preschool students' reasoning about socioscientific issues (SSI) according to their epistemic profiles. A qualitative case study was used in the study. The participant group of the study consisted of 22 children aged 60-72 months studying in a public kindergarten in the central district of Isparta province in the 2021-2022 academic year. Three scenarios about SBK developed by the researchers and two different question sets related to each scenario were used as data collection tools. Before starting the main study, researcher1 spent time with the participant group as a participant-observer within the scope of naturalistic inquiry approach and the main research process was started after she was seen as a natural member of the group. During the implementation process, researcher1 met with each student in a quiet environment with one-to-one interviews and read the scenarios and aimed to reveal the students' reasoning about the scenarios. The same process was followed for each scenario. The data collection process lasted four weeks. The interviews were recorded and converted into written format. The data obtained in the study were analyzed based on content analysis and Schommer and Kuhn's epistemological belief models. According to the findings, it was concluded that the participant group could not make sufficient reasoning and had naive epistemic profiles even if they had ideas about current issues within the scope of SBK. However, as the practices progressed and the scenarios changed, positive changes were observed in students' reasoning. The findings were discussed with reference to the literature and recommendations were presented.

GIS application in the analysis of transformations in the old core of Tiradentes/MG related to tourism exploitation in the area

This article discusses some of the possible contributions of GIS technology (Geographic Information System) to the analysis, planning and management of heritage sites, focusing mainly on the study of the effects produced in such sites by processes related to the tourism exploitation. To this end, it adopts as its object of inquiry the old core of the city of Tiradentes, in Minas Gerais, Brazil – protected by the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional since 1938 and characterized as one of the main tourist destinations in the country today –, for which it is proposed, firstly, the construction of a digital base in the QGis software and then, based on bibliographic and documentary sources, an analysis of its historical evolution, current conformation and main ongoing processes. A comparative analyzes between the characteristics of land-use verified on the site in the years 1980, 2001 and 2017 is also carried out. As a result, besides creating such a database for the municipality, a further study of the relationships between the transformations observed in the mentioned characteristics and the increase in tourism activity in the area is provided. Considerations are also presented regarding the effects generated on the preservation of local heritage as a result of these same transformations, along with possible recommendations for the effective and sustainable management of Tiradentes' cultural heritage.

An Edge-Based Approach to Partitioning and Overlapping Graph Clustering with User-Specified Density

Graph clustering has received considerable attention recently, and its applications are numerous, ranging from the detection of social communities to the clustering of computer networks. It is classified as an NP-class problem, and several algorithms have been proposed with specific objectives. There also exist various quality metrics for evaluating them. Having clusters with the required density can be beneficial because it permits the effective deployment of resources. This study proposes an approach to partitioning and overlapping clustering of undirected unweighted graphs, allowing users to specify the required density of resultant clusters. This required density is achieved by means of ‘Relative Density’. The proposed algorithm adopts an edge-based approach, commencing with the determination of the edge degree for each edge. The main clustering process is then initiated by an edge with an average degree. A cluster is expanded by considering adjacent edges that can be included while monitoring the relative density of the cluster. Eight empirical networks with diverse characteristics are used to validate the proposed algorithm for both partitioning and overlapping clustering. Their results are assessed using an appropriate metric known as the mean relative density deviation coefficient (MRDDC). This is the first work that attempts to carry out partitioning and overlapping graph clustering, which allows user-specified density.

Exploring Omega-3's Impact on the Expression of Bone-Related Genes in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius).

Dietary supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids seems to promote skeletal health. Therefore, their consumption at imbalanced or excessive levels has offered less beneficial or even prejudicial effects. Fish produced in aquaculture regimes are prone to develop abnormal skeletons. Although larval cultures are usually fed with diets supplemented with Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), the lack of knowledge about the optimal requirements for fatty acids or about their impact on mechanisms that regulate skeletal development has impeded the design of diets that could improve bone formation during larval stages when the majority of skeletal anomalies appear. In this study, Argyrosomus regius larvae were fed different levels of Omega-3s (2.6% and 3.6% DW on diet) compared to a commercial diet. At 28 days after hatching (DAH), their transcriptomes were analyzed to study the modulation exerted in gene expression dynamics during larval development and identify impacted genes that can contribute to skeletal formation. Mainly, both levels of supplementation modulated bone-cell proliferation, the synthesis of bone components such as the extracellular matrix, and molecules involved in the interaction and signaling between bone components or in important cellular processes. The 2.6% level impacted several genes related to cartilage development, denoting a special impact on endochondral ossification, delaying this process. However, the 3.6% level seemed to accelerate this process by enhancing skeletal development. These results offered important insights into the impact of dietary Omega-3 LC-PUFAs on genes involved in the main molecular mechanism and cellular processes involved in skeletal development.

A mini-review: valuable allies for human health: probiotic strains of Limosilactobacillus reuteri

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. One of the most well studied probiotics is Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that colonizes the mucosal surfaces of mammals and birds and is considered autochthonous to the human microbiome. Genetic analyses have confirmed that this microorganism has co-evolved with its host, a prerequisite for the development of a mutualistic relation. On the one hand, L. reuteri contributes to the health of the host by releasing antimicrobial compounds, such as reuterin, and numerous active metabolites that can cross the epithelial barrier and reach different targets. Secondly, it can directly prevent the mucosal colonization by pathogenic bacteria helping in the prevention and restoration of dysbiosis due to the capability of forming biofilm. The characterization of numerous effector molecules produced by L. reuteri has provided a broad understanding of the mechanisms by which it not only displays antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities within the gastrointestinal tract but can also influence the correct balance of distal locations of the body. This mini-review carries out a brief overview relating to the most well-known properties of L. reuteri highlighting the main biological processes involved.

To the question of parameter optimization of hydraulic transportation technology

Background. The selection of rational schemes for the technology of hydraulic transportation of rock mass requires optimization of the main parameters of this technology. A large number of factors determining the efficiency of hydraulic transportation hamper the formalization of relationships of the main transportation processes both between themselves and other mining and processing processes.Aim. To identify specific features of the main processes in hydraulic transportation technology, to establish the factors and parameters that determine their optimal operation, and to propose an optimization tool for both individual links and the entire chain of hydraulic transportation of rock mass.Materials and methods. The problem of parameter optimization of hydraulic transportation of mineral raw materials is solved based on the integral characteristics of the pressure movement of ore and rock hydraulic mixtures. These characteristics were previously obtained empirically or theoretically by the authors of the present paper and other researchers at various mining companies.Results. Among the variety of factors determining the efficiency of hydraulic transportation, the size of the transported piece (ore, rock, coal) was found to play the major role. At the same time, the nature of changes in economic expenditures and results of evaluating the effectiveness of hydraulic transportation technology will always relate to a specific field, the accepted technological scheme, and the equipment used.Conclusion. The problem of parameter optimization of hydraulic transportation processes can be solved using digital twin technology. This technology can be used to address the issues of managing complicated technological processes, as the same time allowing timely adjustments to the modes and parameters of operational processes both on individual production lines and at the enterprise as a whole.

Efficiency estimation of super-viscous oil recovery by in-situ catalytic upgrading in cyclic steam stimulation: from laboratory screening to numerical simulation

The article provides an overview of ion-modified waterflooding technology, also known as low salinity, controlled salinity, or Smart water. This technology is currently considered one of the most promising approaches in the development of oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs due to its economic efficiency and environmental safety. The article discusses the main mechanisms and processes underlying ion-modified waterflooding and presents the results of laboratory studies conducted on core samples from foreign oil deposits. It includes an analysis of several studies, including contact angle measurements and core flooding experiments on core samples from oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs on the eastern side of the Melekess depression in the Republic of Tatarstan. It is important to note that the Vereyian deposits explored in this article are not a typical example of test objects for ion-modified water injection. This is because they are characterized by a low reservoir temperature of 23 °C, which suggests that the efficiency of the technology would likely be lower compared to studies conducted abroad, where reservoir temperatures were significantly higher. For example, Darvish Sarvestani et al. studied reservoir conditions at 90 °C, Yousef et al. – reservoir temperature of 100 °C, and Austad et al. examined the Ekofisk field at 130 °C and the Volhall field at 90 °C in Norway. However, as several studies have indicated, prolonged contact between rock samples and ion-modified water contributes to significant hydrophilization of the rock surface, as confirmed by contact angle measurements. The contact angle decreases from approximately 138.3° to 53.45° after exposure to ion-modified water. Additionally, the core flooding experiment demonstrated a slight increase in the oil displacement coefficient, reaching 9.2%. These findings suggest the potential for enhanced oil recovery by injecting Smart water into the Vereyian sediments, although further research is required to confirm the underlying mechanism.

Asynchronous variations of mercury accumulation since the last deglaciation in the eastern and western Nanling mountains in South China

There are differences in the response of long-term mercury (Hg) deposition to climate change, so it is necessary to clarify the influencing factors of Hg deposition in different locations. The Dahu and Daping Swamps are located in the eastern and western parts of the Nanling Mountains in South China, respectively. They are asynchronous variations of Hg deposition reflected by the two swamps since the last deglaciation. Based on the comprehensive comparative analysis of physical, chemical, and biological proxies, it is indicated that Hg deposition changes in the Dahu and Daping mainly record the changes in Hg content in the catchment input from organic matter. The differences in organic matter sources, core surrounding environment, Hg sources and atmospheric sedimentation contribution are reasons associated with the catchment environment for the observed differences in swamp Hg deposition and the response to climate. In cold/dry periods, Hg adsorption by terrestrial organic matter in Dahu Swamp were more significant, while in warm/humid periods, Hg adsorption by endogenous organic matter in Daping Swamp and wet deposition of nearby Hg sources, were the main climate-related processes for their asynchronous response. In addition, Dahu and Daping Swamps show similarities and differences in their Hg deposition variations. In both swamps, multi-millennial (∼1000−2200yr) and multi-centennial cycles (∼300–500yr) were observed and may be related to the harmonic period of the Earth's precession cycle and the solar activity cycle. This study helps to understand the differences in response between sedimentary Hg and climate, and to understand the regional and global proxies used to record climate and environmental changes.

ФОТОСИНТЕТИЧЕСКАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ И СОДЕРЖАНИЕ ХЛОРОФИЛЛОВ В ПОБЕГАХ МХА HYLOCOMIUM SPLENDENS HEDW. В УСЛОВИЯХ ТЕМПЕРАТУРНОГО СТРЕССА

Mosses are an attractive model for studying the mechanisms of plant adaptation to unfavorable environmental conditions. There is little information in the literature on the pigment composition and its role in stress resistance of mosses, although this topic is quite widely covered for higher vascular plants. Unfavorable environmental temperature is one stress factors with the strongest effect on plants, since photosynthesis, the main energy-supplying producing process in plants, is sensitive to temperature and often inhibited before other cellular functions are impaired. Chlorophyll is known to play a central role in the process of photosynthesis. In this regard, the aim of the present work was to study the response of the moss Hylocomium splendens Hedw. to temperature stress. The chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in H. splendens shoots were investigated. Results showed that both elevated and negative temperatures decreased the content of chlorophyll a significantly, while, on the contrary, the content of chlorophyll b increased. It is interesting to note that the decrease in chlorophyll a under temperature stress was accompanied by an increase in the content of pheophytin a. The content of chlorophylls in the post-stress period did not recover to the control level. Temperature stress did not affect the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosynthesis, but the rate of electron transfer significantly decreased under the influence of low temperature. Thus, significant changes in the pigment composition of chlorophylls are not always accompanied by changes in fluorescence parameters to the same extent.

Potential for improving the efficiency of carbonate oil deposits waterflooding with the use of controlled salinity technology (Smart water) at fields of Tatarstan Republic

The article provides an overview of ion-modified waterflooding technology, also known as low salinity, controlled salinity, or Smart water. This technology is currently considered one of the most promising approaches in the development of oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs due to its economic efficiency and environmental safety. The article discusses the main mechanisms and processes underlying ion-modified waterflooding and presents the results of laboratory studies conducted on core samples from foreign oil deposits. It includes an analysis of several studies, including contact angle measurements and core flooding experiments on core samples from oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs on the eastern side of the Melekess depression in the Republic of Tatarstan. It is important to note that the Vereyian deposits explored in this article are not a typical example of test objects for ion-modified water injection. This is because they are characterized by a low reservoir temperature of 23 °C, which suggests that the efficiency of the technology would likely be lower compared to studies conducted abroad, where reservoir temperatures were significantly higher. For example, Darvish Sarvestani et al. studied reservoir conditions at 90 °C, Yousef et al. – reservoir temperature of 100 °C, and Austad et al. examined the Ekofisk field at 130 °C and the Volhall field at 90 °C in Norway. However, as several studies have indicated, prolonged contact between rock samples and ion-modified water contributes to significant hydrophilization of the rock surface, as confirmed by contact angle measurements. The contact angle decreases from approximately 138.3° to 53.45° after exposure to ion-modified water. Additionally, the core flooding experiment demonstrated a slight increase in the oil displacement coefficient, reaching 9.2%. These findings suggest the potential for enhanced oil recovery by injecting Smart water into the Vereyian sediments, although further research is required to confirm the underlying mechanism.

Российская история в зеркале геральдики

In 2022, a team of specialists in the field of special historical disciplines completed the research stage of work on the project of the fundamental generalizing publication "Russian Heraldry: Encyclopedia", which was highly appreciated by the RFBR expert community.
 Methodically, the project is based on micro- and macro-historical approaches to the study of the past that are fundamental for modern science. In this case, the micro–level is realized through the analysis of the genesis, iconographic evolution and semantics of the heraldic space, and the macro-historical – through their integration into the context of the main historical events and processes. The heraldic history of the country is presented as a complex, multidimensional process caused by a combination of political, social, cultural and other factors. The encyclopedia is a complete body of knowledge about Russian heraldry, contains articles on the theoretical concepts of this discipline, special terminology, heraldic figures, the history of state, territorial and ancestral coats of arms, the main sources (including material – banners), state institutions, heraldic scientists, artists, etc. The chronological boundaries of the publication are from the end of the XV to the present.
 For the first time, a comprehensive encyclopedic study of the history of scientific and practical heraldry of one country (Russia) was undertaken in a broad general historical context, using the latest methods of historical analysis and theoretical experience accumulated by world herbology.

Analisis implementasi kurikulum merdeka dalam capaian kompetensi pembelajaran PJOK melalui model CIPP (literature review)

The purpose of the study was to analyze the implementation of the independent curriculum in the achievement of PJOK learning competencies. This type of qualitative descriptive research through a literature study approach (literature review). Data collection techniques by collecting various sources of journals, articles and books through publish or perish applications and goggle scoler. From the data collected, it is then analyzed, studied to be interpreted and described in detail, then described in the scope of the discussion. The results of the analysis that the implementation of the independent curriculum in the learning outcomes of PJOK through the evaluation of the CIPP model from the context aspect includes determining policies, needs and objectives for increasing PJOK knowledge and skills to be fundamental to achieving competence, input aspects include the preparation of strategies, procedures, approaches in the main learning process in knowing the achievement of PJOK learning competencies, process aspects include planning, implementation and evaluation, product aspects refer to the results of learning outcomes in accordance with the minimum completion criteria. It is concluded that the formation of talent and interest in sports achievement as an evaluation of a system includes context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation and product evaluation.

Facies Analysis, Diagenetic Features and Depositional Environment of the Kometan Formation from Northeastern Iraq

This study involves microfacies analysis of the Kometan Formation from northeastern Iraq supported by detailed petrographic investigation for the main components and diagenetic processes using a petrographic microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The techniques have revealed that the formation includes two microfacies; lime wackestone and lime packstone microfacies which in turn are subdivided into seven sub-microfacies, that were deposited in the quiet and deep marine environment. Planktonic foraminifera (keeled and globular chamber types) are dominant, along with oligostegina in addition to subordinate benthonic foraminifera and fine-grained bioclasts. Calcite forms the main mineralogical composition in euhedral (rhombohedral), microcrystals, star-shaped, and columnar crystals in addition to pyrite and glauconite. All components are embedded in the micritic groundmass. The main diagenetic processes affecting the studied rocks include; chemical compaction (stylolite formation), dissolution, recrystallization, and cementation.

Multi-level territorial monitoring in Switzerland as a case in federalism and multi-polarity

In Switzerland, spatial observation and monitoring systems are very much defined and implemented at the various levels of government. This takes into account the fact that the main challenges and issues differ greatly not only between the levels of government but also regionally. The exchange processes between the levels of state, as well as between the various actors at the respective levels are interwoven in many ways, and this peculiarity of political work is also reflected in the implementation of indicator and monitoring systems. Although strongly characterised by the subsidiarity and independence of the respective level, a lively and well-balanced interaction between different actors can also be observed. This results in a somewhat multipolar picture within and across the levels, with a strong focus on cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation. The main goal of this article is to give an insight into and to deepen the understanding of the main characteristics and processes, dependencies, and interactions in the context of territorial monitoring in Switzerland. The insight is provided from a rather subjective perspective and based on a long-time institutional experience in this field.

Investigation of the Aging Effect of Bio-Coagulant for Oily Wastewater Treatment

The separation of oily wastewater is one of the main processes in the water treatment field. A biological approach that can replace the use of chemical coagulants hazardous to human health is an efficient solution in treating oily wastewater. However, bio- coagulants have a time limit that can affect their effectiveness in treating oily wastewater. Thus, this paper presents research for the aging effect of bio-coagulant for treating oily wastewater. In this study, G-Treat was used as the bio-coagulant, which was produced from chitosan powder, acetic acid, and deionized water. The experimental procedure started by filling 500 mL of oily wastewater into a beaker. Next, 10 wt. % of G- Treat was added into the beaker for the jar test, which was mixed for 30 min at 150 rpm, followed by 2 h settling time. Then, the mixture was separated using filter paper. The analysis of oily wastewater characteristics was conducted using five types of analyses, which are pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total sus- pended solids (TSS), and oil and grease (O&G) under the parameters of days (0–7 days), weeks (0–6 weeks), and months (0–3 months). From the result, the best performance of G-Treat was achieved at the optimum parameters during week 2, with 33.16%, 65.75%, 35.73%, 28.58%, and 0% removal of pH, COD, BOD, TSS, and O&G, respectively. In conclusion, the studied bio-coagulant demonstrated higher removal of pH, COD, BOD, TSS, and O&G at optimum parameters, and eventually, the level of effectiveness will drop.

Development of innovative and green adsorbents for in situ cleanup of fluoride-polluted groundwater: Mechanisms and field-scale studies

In this study, the magnesium oxide (MgO)-based adsorbents [granulated MgO aggregates (GA-MgO) and surface-modified MgO powder (SM-MgO)] were developed to remediate a fluoride-contaminated groundwater site. Both GA-MgO and SM-MgO had porous, spherical, and crystalline structures. Diameters for GA-MgO and SM-MgO were 1–1.7 mm and 1–10 μm, respectively. The pseudo second-order dynamic adsorption and the Freundlich isotherm could be applied to express the chemical adsorption phenomena. The monolayer adsorption was the dominant mechanism at the initial adsorption period. During the latter part of fluoride adsorption, the multilayer adsorption became the dominant mechanism for fluoride removal from the water phase, which also resulted in the increased adsorption capacity. Higher hydroxide, phosphate, and carbonate concentrations caused a decreased fluoride removal efficiency due to the competition of sorption sites between fluoride and other anions with similar electronic properties. Fluoride removal mechanism using GA-MgO and SM-MgO as the adsorbents was mainly carried out by the chemical adsorption. Reaction paths contained two main processes: (1) formation of magnesium hydroxide after the reaction of MgO with water, and (2) the hydroxyl group of the magnesium hydroxide was replaced by fluoride ions to form magnesium fluoride precipitation. Results from column tests show that up to 61 and 73% of fluoride removal (initial fluoride concentration = 9.3 mg/L) could be obtained after 50 pore volumes of groundwater pumping with GA-MgO and SM-MgO injection, respectively. The GA-MgO system could be applied to contain and remediate fluoride-contaminated groundwater, and SM-MgO could be applied as an immediate fluoride removal alternative to achieve a rapid pollutant removal for emergency responses. Up to 71% of fluoride removal (fluoride concentration = 10.8 mg/L) could be obtained with GA-MgO injection after 30 days of operation. The developed GA-MgO system is a potential and green remediation alternative to contain the fluoride plume significantly.

Reengineering of technological business processes of a generating energy company in modern conditions

The article studies the improvement of the production activities of a large electric power company in the Moscow region, Public joint stock company “Mosenergo” (hereinafter referred to as “Mosenergo”) by proposing a set of measures for a radical renovation (reengineering) of the main technological business process – “Heat and electricity production”. Based on the process approach and methods of strategic analysis, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), the key company success factors were identified, an enlarged business model of “Mosenergo” was built and analysed, followed by the selection of the most preferable business process. With the help of a matrix of criteria, an assessment of business process importance or readiness for the implementation of the selected strategies was made. Key success factors for “Production of heat and electricity” business process were formed. However, in modern conditions, due to the tightening of sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries, the risks of supply disruptions and termination of equipment maintenance are increasing, which causes negative trends in key performance indicators of the selected business process, namely the accident rate and/or the frequency of emergency operation of automatics cases. The set of measures for reengineering the business process “Production of heat and electricity” is based on the idea of automatic technological business process of the company through the introduction of highly effective domestic digital technologies as part of the industry’s digital transformation strategy. The import substitution programme to minimise risks caused by geopolitical events in the world is considered.