Management Measures Research Articles

Winter Grazing, Not Fencing or Unicast, Promotes Stability of Microbial Community and Function in the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau

ABSTRACTIn alpine meadows, microorganisms are essential to sustain the stability of terrestrial geochemical processes and vegetation–soil–microbial systems. The present study in order investigate how various management measures impact the microbial communities' composition and functionality, we utilize metagenomic sequencing techniques to examinate the composition and function of soil microbial communities in the southern Qilian Mountains of the Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau in response to the management practices of fencing enclose (FE), winter grazing (WG), transition zone between natural and artificial grasslands (TZ), and artificial unicast oats (AU). Vegetation diversity and soil physicochemical characteristics were dramatically altered by the management measures. The prokaryotic community structure was considerably similar in FE and WG, as well as in TZ and AU. Near‐natural (FE) and artificial establishment (AU) disturbances changed the fungal community structure. Enzymes related to carbon metabolism did not respond significantly to the management measures, whereas those related to nitrogen metabolism did not respond significantly in TZ and AU. The relative abundance of enzymes participating in nitrogen metabolism was higher under TZ and AU than under FE and WG. We concluded that grassland management measures altered the structure of aboveground graminoid and leguminous vegetation communities and belowground biomass allocation, resulting in changes in K uptake, causing striking changes in the structure of fungal communities and nitrogen‐metabolizing enzymes; moderate disturbance (WG) was beneficial for maintaining the stability of microbial communities in alpine grasslands.

Application of Protection Features to a Biosphere Reserve for the Control and Development of Tourist Activities: The Case of the Gêres–Xurés Park

In this study, we consider the importance of applying legal protection and management measures to natural tourist areas. We assess the sensitivity of these areas with respect to tourist demand, which drives the need for protective and corrective measures, such as carrying capacities controlled via admissions; in particular, we analyse the protective features that exist in a transboundary biosphere reserve, the Gêres–Xurés Baixa Limia Reserve, which occupies territory in northern Spain, southern Galicia (Spain) and northern Portugal. Our objective is to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the features used by both countries to protect their natural spaces while guaranteeing sustainability and environmental development. These measures ensure that the value of their resources is not compromised for future generations or negatively affected by tourist use. To carry out the analysis, we first conducted a geographical study of the area to characterize the different areas found in this biosphere reserve. Subsequently, we analysed the regulatory norms used for protection in both countries, and we explain the management mechanisms that have been implemented in both countries. This approach enables us to compare the relative importance assigned by each country for the sustainable management of the chosen territory and tourist space. Furthermore, we can compare the use of control measures for sustainable and respectful tourism planning, such as guiding plans, use plans and management and protective regulations.

Understanding future water-carbon-land coupled systems in the era of COP 27: The case of the Hanjiang river Basin, China

The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) emphasized addressing this century's interconnected challenges of food, water, and energy. This study proposes a coupled ecosystem service and multi-scenario land-use change simulation model designed to investigate the future dynamics of water-carbon-land coupled systems in the Hanjiang River Basin (HJRB), the primary objective is to provide valuable insights that can inform strategic spatial management decisions, aligning with the ambitious objectives outlined in COP 27. Specifically, this study utilized the PLUS model, InVEST model, and redundancy analysis to comprehensively analyze the interplay between ecosystem services and land-use changes, with a specific focus on water, carbon, and land dynamics. The results showed that regardless of the simulated scenarios, there was a consistent pattern observed in the changes of land use types within the HJRB, with a decrease in farmland and an increase in forest. However, the water area showed an increasing trend in all scenarios, especially in the ecological land protection (ELP) and sustainable development scenarios. Furthermore, the ELP scenario effectively suppressed the expansion of building land and the erosion of ecological land. Ecosystem services under different scenarios showed similar spatial distribution patterns but presented varying degrees of change related to the impact of future land use and urban development on ecosystem services. The water yield (WY), carbon storage, and soil conservation in the upstream areas increased to varying degrees, while those in the downstream areas decreased. In conclusion, precipitation, land use/land cover change, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were the main driving factors affecting ecosystem services, with precipitation having the most significant and enduring impact on WY. This study supports the adoption of targeted spatial management measures to promote sustainable development and enhance human well-being.

An Evidential Reasoning Method of Comprehensive Evaluation of Water Quality Based on Gaussian Distribution

This study provides an evidential reasoning method for water quality evaluation based on Gaussian distribution to handle the problem of comprehensive water quality evaluation for a region across a period (multiple sections and multiple time points). The method turns the collection of observed water quality indicator values into a probability distribution of water quality grades by using the Gaussian distribution to compute the confidence assessment of water quality grades over one period. It eliminates the subjectivity involved in determining confidence levels and the problem of information loss during data fusion that arises with conventional approaches. The probability distribution of each assessment grade is then determined by repeatedly synthesizing evidence of the same water quality grade using the improved evidential reasoning synthesis rule. To avoid the subjectivity included in experience-based weight settings, principal component analysis (PCA) is utilized to calculate the weights of water quality indicators based on contribution rates and load coefficients. In the end, utility theory is presented to modify the discrete probability distribution of precise numerical expressions, offering thorough results for the evaluation of water quality and facilitating the comparison of various water quality grades. Using the Xiangjiang River Basin as a case study, the proposed evaluation method is contrasted with popular techniques for assessing water quality, including the Single-Factor Evaluation Method, the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method, and the Evidential Reasoning Comprehensive Evaluation Method. The findings suggest that the evidence reasoning approach for evaluating water quality that is based on Gaussian distribution is more rational, accurate, and scientific. Additionally, empirical studies on the annual water quality trends in various regions, the upstream, midstream, and downstream trends, and the water quality trends during wet and dry periods are conducted using this method to assess and analyze changes in water quality in the Xiangjiang River Basin during the “11th Five-Year Plan” and “12th Five-Year Plan” periods. The analysis findings demonstrate that, even if the rate of progress has slowed, the Xiangjiang River Basin’s overall water quality has been steadily improving since management and protection measures were put in place. This shows that the preventive and control efforts implemented in the “11th Five-Year Plan” and “12th Five-Year Plan” periods were successful; nevertheless, carrying out the current tactics might only have a limited impact. As a result, more advanced and creative approaches are required to encourage the ongoing enhancement of the water quality in the Xiangjiang River Basin.

Evolution of innovation management and outcome measurement: A literature review

Evolution of innovation management and outcome measurement: A literature review

A Descriptive Study on the Phenotypic Variability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Identified by MALDI-TOF

This descriptive study investigates the phenotypic variability of 50 Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies isolated from wastewater, identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The contamination of wastewater by opportunistic pathogens like P. aeruginosa poses significant public health risks due to their potential to cause severe infections and contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly concerning because of its remarkable adaptability, resilience, and intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamases, efflux pumps, and target site mutations. Our study highlights the phenotypic diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from urban and hospital environments. Using MALDI-TOF MS, we rapidly and accurately characterized these strains, providing species-level identification within minutes. This technology surpasses traditional biochemical methods in speed and accuracy, revolutionizing microbial diagnostics by offering a high-throughput, cost-effective, and reliable tool. By analyzing the phenotypic traits and resistance mechanisms of these strains, we aim to provide critical insights into their ecology and inform strategies to mitigate the risks associated with their presence in the environment. The antibiotic resistance profiles revealed varied susceptibility among the strains, with notable resistance to drugs such as erythromycin, cefoxitin, and tetracycline. The study's findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced diagnostic technologies like MALDI-TOF MS into routine environmental monitoring and public health strategies to address the challenges posed by P. aeruginosa in wastewater. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of contamination and resistance in urban environments. By detailing the methodology used for the identification and characterization of the strains, as well as the results obtained, this publication aims to provide a valuable database for researchers and practitioners engaged in combating nosocomial infections and environmental pollution by P. aeruginosa. This study highlights the need for effective management measures to control the dissemination of this pathogen in aquatic systems, promoting public health and environmental safety.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Proteus vulgaris infection in cage reared Pangasianodon hypophthalmus: Molecular characterization and host-pathogen response

The study investigates the causative agent responsible for massive mortality in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus cage farms. The infected pangasius were lethargic, not taking feed, and had exophthalmia, deep ulceration, and hemorrhage on the ventral body surface. Pathogens were isolated from infected pangasius tissue samples, and the strain was preliminarily identified as Proteus vulgaris based on morphology, biochemical tests, 16S rRNA PCR sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The microbiological analysis revealed that P. vulgaris was associated with the disease outbreak and mortality of P. hypophthalmus, as confirmed by the biofilm formation, swimming activity, and survival assay results. The isolated P. vulgaris was resistant to several antibiotics, including Doxycycline, Dicloxacillin, Polymyxin B, Chloramphenicol, and Imipenem, exhibiting multiple antibiotic-resistant phenotypes. Furthermore, a host-pathogen model was developed to investigate the in vivo effect of emerging P. vulgaris infection in striped catfish. Results showed that P. vulgaris infection exhibited varying degrees of cellular changes in the kidney, liver, and gill tissues of infected P. hypophthalmus samples. The transcription analysis further highlights that P. vulgaris modulates the antioxidants, immune activation, growth regulator, homeostasis, degradation of invading DNA, and DNA damage-related gene expression in liver, kidney, spleen, skin, and gill tissue samples of infected P. hypophthalmus. The lessons learned from the study could be critical in understanding the P. vulgaris infection patterns and pathobiology necessary to enable risk assessment and develop management measures to control the bacterium's virulence.

EXPORT AND IMPORT MANAGEMENT OF ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES IN UKRAINE

The paper reviews the general business trends and proves the need for cooperation at the international level for enterprises. It has been established that export-import operations are a special form of the enterprise's foreign economic activity and are characterized by certain features. Therefore, the use of the "export-import management" category is suggested. The interpretation of export-import management as a special direction of the enterprise's activity which involves the effective organization of the interaction of all divisions and officials of the enterprise in order to ensure the rapid movement of goods or services across the border and the full implementation of signed agreements in order to achieve the commercial goals of the enterprise is presented. The institutional conditions for the development of export-import management and signs of its necessity are determined. The need to improve the efficiency of export-import operations due to such problems of their organization as the disorganization of management processes, the inconsistency of the processes of informatization and digitalization of business in different countries, the complexity of the procedures for obtaining the status of an authorized economic operator, the complexity of the conditions for the formalization of foreign economic contracts, a large number of criteria for the efficiency of export-import activity is emphasized. Partial criteria for the effectiveness of export-import management are suggested. The importance of export-import management in the development of machine-engineering enterprises has been proven. The main positive consequences that effective export-import management that can be provided for the machine-engineering industry have been determined. It was revealed that an important direction of export-import management of machine-engineering enterprises is the study of potential partners, in particular, their legal, technological, scientific-technical and organizational aspects of development. Special attention is paid to the use of export-import management measures by machine-engineering enterprises after the start of a full-scale invasion.

Analysis of mixed traffic flow characteristics based on cellular automata model under lane management measures

In the future, mixed traffic flow comprising Human-Driven Vehicles (HDVs), Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), and CAV platoons will coexist for an extended period. Exploring the operational characteristics of mixed traffic flow under different lane management measures is essential for effective management and control. Initially, we analyze the motion characteristics of HDVs, CAVs, and CAV platoons and identify the car-following types within mixed traffic. Based on vehicle motion characteristics and the variance in maximum desired speeds among HDV drivers, we establish longitudinal motion rules for HDVs using a safety distance model. For CAVs and their platoons, we develop longitudinal motion rules by considering platoon merging and splitting behaviors, as well as speed and spacing error requirements for platoon driving. Subsequently, we formulate lateral lane-change rules based on the Symmetric Two-lane Cellular Automata (STCA) model, considering differences in reaction times and following distances between HDVs and CAVs. Finally, we conducted simulation experiments on a unidirectional three-lane highway using the multi-lane mixed traffic flow cellular automata model, analyzing the characteristics of mixed traffic under various lane management measures, such as mixed lane, CAV-dedicated lane, and CAV-priority lane. The results show that as the proportion of CAV (denoted as p) increases, the traffic flow capacity, optimal density, and jam density also increase. When p≤0.6, the k−q diagram exhibits a triangular shape, whereas for p>0.6, it assumes a trapezoidal shape. Implementing CAV-dedicated lane can reduce Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) degradation rates but only enhances traffic flow capacity when the CAV proportion reaches a certain threshold. Compared to the mixed lane scheme, when p≤0.3 and k≤0.3, the CAV-priority lane schemes not only meet traffic demands but also reduce CACC degradation rates. The vehicle speed in CAV-priority lane surpasses that in HDV lanes, facilitating improved traffic efficiency for CAVs. The distribution of maximum speeds among HDV drivers affects the fundamental diagram of mixed traffic flow and the performance of CAV-priority lane, with greater impacts observed as the standard deviation of the HDVs' maximum speed increases.

Subsidence and measures in the polders of the Netherlan ds

AbstractThe Netherlands consists for 65% of polders. Impoldering activities started in the beginning of the 11th century with impoldering of coastal lowlands. In the 13th century, a start was made with reclaiming of lands gained on the sea and since early 16th century with draining of lakes. Up to several metres in depth, soils consist primarily of peat and or clay. Underneath is a thick sandy layer, with lenses of clay. Especially in peat polders, subsidence and oxidation have been significant, up to 5 m, and is still going on. In clay polders, most of the subsidence took place in the first decennia after reclamation. Maximum subsidence in these polders has been 1.25 m. Over centuries, various measures have been taken to cope with the subsidence problems. These measures consist first of all in water management measures related to management not only of the subsidence process, but also of special measures with respect to buildings, structures and infrastructure. The paper presents a review of the subsidence process in the different types of polders, as well as of measures that over the centuries have been taken to cope with the developments in the polders and to cope with subsidence problems.

Cataloging and Testing Flood Risk Management Measures to Increase the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure Networks

Cataloging and Testing Flood Risk Management Measures to Increase the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure Networks

Selecting facility location of Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (GSR) Units; An analysis of efficiency in disaster response

Disasters, referred to as events that result in physical, economic, and social losses for individuals and disrupt the daily activities of human communities, necessitate ongoing preparedness due to their unpredictable nature. Swift response during and after a disaster is crucial for preserving human life. Hence, it is imperative to initiate planning immediately following a disaster to ensure readiness for various tasks. Given these factors, search and rescue units must carefully select a base location that enables them to promptly reach affected areas.Disasters exhibit unique characteristics across different regions of Türkiye. While some regions are prone to earthquakes, others face the risks of landslides, avalanches, or floods. Consequently, the required measures for disaster management vary from region to region. Nevertheless, when the term “disaster” is mentioned in Türkiye, earthquakes often come to mind due to their frequent occurrence and significant impact. The Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (GSR) units have been actively responding to these earthquakes, renowned for their exemplary institutional discipline and working methods. This study aims to examine the operations and deployment locations of GSR units, which play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of frequent earthquakes in Türkiye, utilizing a SWOT analysis. Additionally, a Multi-Criteria Decision Making-based mathematical model will be employed to optimize task activities and to select the most suitable facility locations for GSR units. The use of mathematical modeling in this context ensures that GSR units are strategically positioned to maximize their operational effectiveness and minimize response times. The results will be evaluated through sensitivity analysis.

Dynamics of phytoplankton community in relation to environmental variables in tropical mangrove estuary, Sundarbans, India

Aim: To explore the spatio-temporal variation of phytoplankton diversity and community structure, in response to associated environmental variables in Matla estuary, Sundarbans, India. Methodology: Monthly sampling was carried out from August 2022 to July 2023 at three locations within the estuary. Plankton was identified and its dynamics were studied in relation to the environment variables. Results: A total of 38 genera of phytoplankton, belonging to 8 classes, were identified. Spatial diversity was high in the upper reaches of the estuary, while temporal diversity peaked during the monsoon season. The majority of the abundance (96%) was contributed by four classes: Coscinodiscophyceae (35%), Mediophyceae (27%), Bacillariophyceae (25%) and Dinophyceae (9%). Bacillariophyceae exhibited higher species richness, while Coscinodiscophyceae dominated in terms of density. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed four separate groups with varying spatio-temporal attributes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) post-hoc tests highlighted significant variations in environmental parameters across seasons. Various phytoplankton groups were positively correlated with the physio-chemical parameters such as temperature, alkalinity, free CO2, NO3, NO2, silicate, temperature, orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a. Biota-environment stepwise analysis (BIO-ENV) underscored the importance of air temperature and free CO2 (ρ= 0.4929) as key factors shaping phytoplankton distribution and community structure. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) further showed the significant influence of parameters such as temperature, silicate, nitrite and orthophosphate on the phytoplankton community. Interpretation: Finding of this study enriches our comprehension of estuarine ecosystem dynamics, and this information may serve as a baseline study and thereby aid in framing management measures for long-term conservation and management of both biotic and abiotic components within estuaries. Key words: Environmental variables, Estuary, Mangrove, Phytoplankton, Sundarbans

The effectiveness of stage-matched interventions in changing waste source separation behaviour: Evidence from a consecutive quasi-experiment.

In many developing countries, inefficient waste source separation poses a significant challenge to sustainable waste management systems, hindering progress towards a circular economy. Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of informational interventions and has not thoroughly evaluated regulatory measures. This study innovatively employs a quasi-experimental design, enhanced by successive surveys, to assess the impact of targeted interventions on behavioural changes in waste separation practices. Utilizing the Health Action Process Approach, we introduced three interventions - posters, educational lectures and a supervision policy - over 8 weeks among university students. Our results indicate stepwise improvements in waste separation accuracy: posters modestly increased awareness without significantly altering behaviours; educational lectures led to a 40% increase in the food waste separation rate and supervision achieved over 90% separation purity, but with an increase in 'fly-dumping'. The interventions incurred costs of 36, 60 and 365 RMB per capita annually. This research underlines the importance of customized informational interventions and the costs and challenges of initial regulatory measures in waste management, offering crucial empirical evidence and insights for creating impactful environmental behaviour change interventions.

Unani Integrative Approach for the Management of Sciatica, Employing Pharmacotherapy with Regimenal Therapy: A Case Report

Sciatica, a subtype of low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common clinical complaints in primary care which is characterized by pain that originates in the lower back or buttocks and radiates down one or both legs along the distribution of the sciatic nerve. It commonly results due to nerve root compression by a prolapsed lumbar disc. Sciatica affects both genders equally and has an annual incidence of 1-5%, most common in 30-65 years of age. The management of sciatica includes non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical approaches. Combining these management techniques can help in pain reduction and thereby can lead to an overall wellbeing of the individual. In this case report we present the case of a 52 year old male patient with lower back pain radiating to left lower limb who came to Department of Regimenal therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru. The patient had taken NSAIDs and other measures for pain management from last 6 months. Despite taking exhaustive measures, no significant improvement was seen. The symptoms have gotten worse over the past two months. After complete clinical examination and diagnosis, the patient underwent treatment for 4 weeks using integrative approach in the form of unani pharmacotherapy, coupled with regimenal therapy. Many objective parameters were used to evaluate the patient both before and after the intervention. The assessment parameters after the intervention reported a significant amelioration of the symptoms. Our study suggested that, management of sciatica with an integrative strategy can be considered. Keywords: Sciatica, LBP, lumbar disc, Integrative therapy, NSAIDs, Regimenal therapy.

Quantifying Influence: Propensity Score Matching Unravels the True Effect Sizes of Learning Management Models on Students’ Analytical Thinking

<p style="text-align:justify">Analytical thinking is crucial for developing problem-solving, decision-making, and higher-order thinking skills. Many researchers have consistently developed learning management models to enhance students' analytical thinking, resulting in extensive knowledge but lacking clear systematic summaries. This study aims to: (a) explore the effect sizes and research characteristics influencing students' analytical thinking, and (b) compare the effect sizes of learning management models after adjusting for propensity score matching. In exploring 131 graduate research papers published between 2002 and 2021, the research utilized forms for recording research characteristics and questionnaires for assessing research quality for data collection. Effect sizes were calculated using Glass's method, while data analysis employed random effects, fixed effects, and regression meta-analysis methods. The findings indicate that (a) research on learning management models significantly impacts students' analytical thinking at a high level (d̅ = 1.428). Seven research characteristics, including year of publication, field of research, level, duration per plan, learning management process, measurement and evaluation, and research quality, statistically influence students' analytical thinking, and (b) after propensity score matching, learning through techniques such as KWL, KWL-plus, Six Thinking Hats, 4MAT, and Mind Mapping had the highest influence on students' analytical thinking. Recommendations for developing students' analytical thinking involve creating a learning management process that fosters understanding, systematic practical training, expanding thinking through collaborative exchanges, and assessments using learning materials and tests to stimulate increased analytical thinking.</p>

Integrated Morphometric and Hypsometric Analysis of Niragantipalli Micro Watershed Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System Techniques

Employing Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) for the morphometric parameters analysis are discovered to be tremendous usefulness in the prioritization of watersheds for soil, water conservation and natural resource management at micro watershed level. The analysis of morphometric parameters plays a crucial role for understanding and managing watersheds. In current study an, attempt was to determine the morphological parameters of Niragantipalli micro-watershed in Chikkaballapura District of Karnataka, India. For detail study, Google earth pro, GPS visualizer conversion toll and Arc GIS were used for preparation of DEM and delineation of the watershed boundary. GIS was used for evaluation of basic, linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The Niragantipalli micro-watershed occupies an area of 632 ha with third order stream (truck order) and dendritic drainage pattern. The mean bifurcation ratio of the micro-watershed is 2.5 it suggests that the drainage system formed on homogeneous rock when the influences of geologic structures on the network of streams were negligible and generate sharp peak flow. With a drainage density of 1.31 km/km2, the drainage network is extremely coarse. The watershed is elongated, as shown by the form factor of 0.27 and elongation ratio of 0.58. The results from the morphometric analysis of the watershed are very beneficial for developing and designing conservation structures of soil and watershed management measures. The hypsometric curves’ structure as well as estimated hypsometric integral results reflects the Niragantipalli Micro Watershed erosional stages. As a result, the study concludes that morphometric and hypsometric analysis findings may be useful to stakeholders participating in catchment development and management projects.

Influence of Artemisia dubia Wall and Pig Manual Digestate on Winter Wheat Productivity and Grain Quality

Sustainable agriculture aims to use biological resources to improve crop quality and productivity. This approach promotes alternatives, such as replacing synthetic pesticides with biological ones and substituting mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers. Field trials were conducted using two different factors: fertilizer treatments (ammonium nitrate and pig manure digestate) and plant protection treatments (pesticides, Artemisia dubia Wall biomass mulch, and strips). After harvesting the winter wheat, the productivity and quality (weight of 1000 grains, protein, gluten, starch, sedimentation of grains) were evaluated. The two-year studies showed that pig manure digestate positively affected winter wheat grain quality. Mugwort biomass outperformed other plant protection options in three key grain quality indicators (protein, gluten, and sedimentation). Furthermore, in 2023, the highest grain yield of 5798 ± 125 kg ha−1 was observed in the pesticides and pig manure digestate treatment. The quick impact and mode of action of vegetation pesticides were more easily felt over the two years of study, leading to the highest yield of wheat grains compared to other plant management measures. This study shows that mugwort biomass can positively influence wheat grain quality, a significant milestone in utilizing nonfood crops as alternatives for agricultural productivity.

Environmental life-cycle analysis of hydrogen technology pathways in the United States

Hydrogen is a zero-carbon energy carrier with potential to decarbonize industrial and transportation sectors, but its life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions depend on its energy supply chain and carbon management measures (e.g., carbon capture and storage). Global support for clean hydrogen production and use has recently intensified. In the United States, Congress passed several laws that incentivize the production and use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, which provides tax credits of up to $3/kg depending on the carbon intensity of the produced hydrogen. A comprehensive life-cycle accounting of GHG emissions associated with hydrogen production is needed to determine the carbon intensity of hydrogen throughout its value chain. In the United States, Argonne’s R&D GREET® (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) model has been widely used for hydrogen carbon intensity calculations. This paper describes the major hydrogen technology pathways considered in the United States and provides data sources and carbon intensity results for each of the hydrogen production and delivery pathways using consistent system boundaries and most recent technology performance and supply chain data.

Sediment accretion and nutrient enrichment enhance the growth and vegetative propagation of Phalaris arundinacea growing within a Carex thunbergii stand.

Sediment accretion (burial) and nutrient enrichment may exert a synergistic influence on the growth and distribution of macrophytes in floodplain wetlands; however, this phenomenon has rarely been examined. In this study, we investigated the effects of sediment accretion and nutrient enrichment on the growth and vegetative propagation of Phalaris arundinacea within a Carex thunbergii stand (one P. arundinacea ramet within 25 C. thunbergii ramets) using a factorial sediment burial (0, 3, and 6 cm) and nutrient addition (low, medium, and high) experimental design. High sediment burial (6 cm) without nutrient addition decreased the aboveground and total biomass of C. thunbergii but did not affect P. arundinacea, indicating that P. arundinacea is more tolerant to sediment burial than C. thunbergii. Moderate sediment burial (3 cm) with nutrient addition enhanced the aboveground and total biomass of P. arundinacea but did not affect C. thunbergii, indicating that P. arundinacea may gain a growth advantage over C. thunbergii under moderate sedimentation. High sediment burial with nutrient addition increased the number of rhizomes and ramets produced by P. arundinacea but did not affect C. thunbergii, indicating that the relative abundance of P. arundinacea may increase within the Carex community under high sedimentation conditions. Based on these results, it can be concluded that an increased sedimentation rate facilitates the invasion of P. arundinacea into Carex grasslands, and this invasion is further enhanced by nutrient enrichment. Therefore, management measures should be taken to reduce the sediment load and nutrient input to prevent Carex grasslands invasion by P. arundinacea and maintain the ecological function of floodplain wetlands.