Reduction Options Research Articles

Public acceptability and its determinants of unit pricing for municipal solid waste disposal: Evidence from a household survey in Beijing

Unit pricing for domestic waste, or pay-as-you-throw (PAYT), affords a promising policy option for waste classification and reduction at source. As an emerging economy, China intends to adopt the sophisticated instrument of unit pricing. The public attitude to this policy is of high relevance for its actual implementation. For the first time in China, this paper quantitatively examined the acceptability of the policy among urban residents by randomly delivering 632 questionnaires by taking Beijing, a megacity expected to introduce the practice, as an example. Based on the ordered logit model, determinants of acceptability were empirically tested including intrinsic, external and demographic factors. The results show that the acceptability rate of PAYT in Beijing is less than half, with the proportion of firm support reaching only 42.6%. The respectively low acceptability rate indicates substantial compliance costs, due to intensive resistance to policy implementation and more resources to be invested to promote acceptability. Empirical analysis further indicates that (1) regarding demographic features, aged or less educated residents tend to accept unit pricing, (2) as for intrinsic factors, a friendly environmental attitude, deeper understanding of charging policy and better social perception can significantly improve the public acceptability of the policy, and (3) in terms of external factors, better property services and transparent funding mechanisms play significant roles in enhancing public acceptability. These findings are further confirmed by replacing the dependent variable with either the willingness to pay for household waste disposal or the acceptability of the operated sewage treatment fee. The status of residents’ preference for specific pricing methods is further investigated with underlying reasons being revealed. For developing regions with an urgent demand for waste reduction, it is proposed to install unit pricing in time to avoid possible growing social acceptability costs. Specific measures are proposed including changes in intrinsic factors, paying attention to focus groups, and building social consensus for unit pricing.

Chin Reduction Made Simpler.

Deformities of the chin, including both macrogenia or microgenia, can alter facial aesthetics and harmony. Various reliable approaches to correct chin abnormalities are present. Nonetheless, in this article, we propose our surgical approach to reduce the chin with a 5-mm cutting burr, without the need for osteotomy. The ultimate goal of this new procedure is to provide optimum outcomes, ensure maximum safety, reduce the complication risk, and present a simple and fast option for chin reduction.

Application of CO2-loaded geopolymer in Zn removal from water: A multi-win strategy for coal fly ash disposal, CO2 emission reduction, and heavy metal-contaminated water treatment

Coal fly ash accumulation, global warming, and heavy metal-contaminated water environments are three primary environmental concerns. Porous geopolymers are economical porous adsorbents that can be produced using coal fly ash as a raw material and employed for heavy metal removal from water. However, residual alkalis on the geopolymer can lead to extreme increases in pH and cause environmental stresses, which limits the large-scale production and application of geopolymers in industries and environments. A green approach to alleviating the high basicity of geopolymers through CO2 exposure is proposed, with CO2 adsorption experiments as well as Zn removal batch and column experiments conducted to evaluate the practicality of the synergistic strategy. CO2 adsorption experiments show the CO2 capture capacity of fresh geopolymer (F@PG) is 0.80 mmol g−1, greater than that of the conventionally washed geopolymer (W@PG, 0.26 mmol g−1), with the pH of the geopolymer decreasing after both washing and CO2 exposure. Batch experiments suggest neither washing nor CO2 exposure cause a significant change in the Zn adsorption capacity of the geopolymer; column experiments show the CO2-exposed geopolymer (C@PG) has a pH < 9.5 and a satisfactory Zn removal performance similar to W@PG, but F@PG with a pH ∼12 results in a conversion of Zn to anionic forms and a decrease in Zn removal efficiency. These results indicate CO2 exposure is a practical method to decrease the pH of geopolymers for applications related to heavy metal-contaminated water treatment and provide a large-scale industrial option for coal fly ash consumption and CO2 emission reduction.

Adjusting 1.5 degree C climate change mitigation pathways in light of adverse new information

Understanding how 1.5 °C pathways could adjust in light of new adverse information, such as a reduced 1.5 °C carbon budget, or slower-than-expected low-carbon technology deployment, is critical for planning resilient pathways. We use an integrated assessment model to explore potential pathway adjustments starting in 2025 and 2030, following the arrival of new information. The 1.5 °C target remains achievable in the model, in light of some adverse information, provided a broad portfolio of technologies and measures is still available. If multiple pieces of adverse information arrive simultaneously, average annual emissions reductions near 3 GtCO2/yr for the first five years following the pathway adjustment, compared to 2 GtCO2/yr in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic began. Moreover, in these scenarios of multiple simultaneous adverse information, by 2050 mitigation costs are 4-5 times as high as a no adverse information scenario, highlighting the criticality of developing a wide range of mitigation options, including energy demand reduction options.

A new hybrid CBSA-GA optimization method and MRMI-LSTM forecasting algorithm for PV-ESS planning in distribution networks

Renewable energy sources have gained significant attention as a priority option for cost reduction and emissions reduction from fossil fuels. However, their utilization introduces uncertainty and decreases reliability in distribution networks. To effectively harness these resources and mitigate their uncertainties, this paper proposes a model for determining the optimal size and location of photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS) in electrical energy distribution networks. The objective is to minimize network power losses, voltage deviations, customer interruption cost, PV system installation cost, and ESS installation cost. To achieve this, the study employs a hybrid forecasting model based on MRMI feature selection and LSTM deep neural network to forecast daily solar power and electrical load for 12 different days across various months of the year, considering the desired electrical energy distribution system. Subsequently, these predicted values serve as 12 scenarios to determine the optimal location and size of PV systems and ESSs. The optimization problem is tackled using a novel hybrid optimization method known as the Coot Bird Search Algorithm-Genetic Algorithm (CBSA-GA). The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing its results with GA, PSO, and CBSA algorithms. Among the optimization methods discussed in this paper, CBSA-GA excels in reducing the objective function by accurately determining the capacities of PV resources and ESS. Compared to scenarios where distributed generation (DG) is not integrated into the distribution network, the implementation of CBSA-GA algorithm results in significant improvements in the objective function for Cases 1 to 3. The reductions achieved in the objective function are 9.10 %, 11.88 %, and 24.39 % for Cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These findings highlight the effectiveness of CBSA-GA in optimizing the integration of DG resources, specifically in terms of reducing the objective function and improving system performance.

Possibilities of using regional anesthesia with diode-laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in children: description of clinical cases

BACKGROUND: Diode-laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (DLTCPC) is one of the most commonly used treatment options for intraocular pressure reduction in refractory glaucoma in adult and pediatric patients. To achieve the necessary effect, these operations often have to be repeated. Repeated general anesthesia inductions increase the risk of cognitive disorders in children and sometimes do not provide sufficient postoperative analgesia.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of transscleral DLTCPC in children under regional anesthesia and identify factors predisposing to the choice of this anesthesia method.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 33 children aged 1017 years who had undergone 57 transscleral DLTCPCs in IRTC Eye Microsurgery Ekaterinburg Center between 01.09.2017 to 31.08.2022. In each case, the anesthesia method was selected individually according to the principle of reasonable sufficiency.&#x0D; RESULTS: Of 57 operations, 36 (73%) were performed under regional and 21 (37%) were under general anesthesia. Factors that favor regional anesthesia include (1) psycho-emotional maturity of the patient, (2) older age, and (3) greater number of previous operations. An algorithm for the selection of the anesthesia method is presented, as well as a plan for the conversation with the patient and his / her legal representatives. Regional anesthesia provides good intra- and postoperative anesthesia and prophylaxis of postoperative cognitive disorders in children who are emotionally stable and suitable for this type of anesthesia.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Considering the psycho-emotional features of children, general anesthesia remains the main method in ophthalmic anesthesiology. Nevertheless, following the principle of reasonable sufficiency and accounting for the short duration of DLTCPC and the large extent of general anesthesia survived by these children previously, regional anesthesia can be successfully used in a portion of these children.

P12 Assessing the clinical utility of antibiotics for urinary tract infections in India: findings from a questionnaire survey

Abstract Background We aimed to formulate a consensus for the therapeutic utilization of antibiotics based on contemporary evidence and the real-world experiences of the clinicians at the forefront of the care of patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods We developed customized technological response system for mapping exercise and panel of eminent specialists was convened. Prior consent was obtained, and the weblink of the questionnaire was provided. Sub-expert nationwide panel (n=397), across India (PRISM Survey group), rated their level of agreement with 11 questions with each item on a five-point Likert scale and 5 objective response questions. The consensus was pre-defined if the weighted mean score for the Likert scale was &amp;gt;100. Data were statistically analysed by GraphPad software version 9.5.0. Results The mean years of experience were 9.2 years (SD ±10, 95% CI 8.2–10), and cumulative clinical experience was 3669 person-years. The predominant clinical practice setting of the respondents was a public hospital (58.6%). The highest agreement score in the decreasing rank order (of adjusted weighted mean score) for UTI were: antibiotic resistance is a major challenge (126.1), oral fosfomycin-based regimens are effective against MDR pathogens (123.4), is a good option for bacterial biofilm reduction (121.7), the potential to manage recurrent lower UTI (121.6), oral fosfomycin along with nitrofurantoin is been useful to manage MDR UTI (106.8), nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are chosen as empirical treatment (103.7), fosfomycin has stood the test of time (120.2). Adjusted mean response scores (±SD, 95% CI) for consensus were: agree (73±9.4, 95% CI 66 to 79) followed by strongly agree (32±13, 95% CI 24 to 41), neither agree nor disagree (13±4.9, 95% CI 9.8 to 16), disagree (−6.5±4.7, 95% CI −9.7 to −3.4), strongly disagree (−0.86±0.9, 95% CI −1.5 to −0.26). Conclusions In the era of MDR UTI, time-tested oral fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin can improve management of UTI without increasing the complexity.

Trends and psychosocial correlates of same day polysubstance use among people who inject drugs in Australia, 2012-2022.

Polysubstance use is associated with negative health and social outcomes among people who inject drugs. We aimed to describe trends in polysubstance use and identify psychosocial correlates and associated drug use risk behaviours. We defined polysubstance use as intentional same day use of more than one of three drug classes: opioids, other non-opioid depressants (hereafter 'depressants'), and stimulants. We used 10 years (2012-2022, excluding 2020) of data from annual surveys in Australian capital cities with people who inject drugs (N=5657) to construct five mutually exclusive polysubstance use profiles: opioid-depressant, opioid-stimulant, stimulant-depressant, opioid-stimulant-depressant, and single drug class use. We examined time trends using the Mann Kendall test and identified correlates using multinomial logistic regression. Same day polysubstance use was relatively common among this sample (43.6%). Opioid-depressant use was the most frequent polysubstance use profile, but this decreased over the study period (32.6% to 13.3%, p<0.001). This aligned with observed decreases in use of pharmaceutical opioids (p<0.001), opioid agonist treatment (p=0.007), and benzodiazepines (p=0.001). There was no evidence for any trend in the other polysubstance use profiles, although single drug class use increased (51.9% to 64.7%, p=0.031). The different polysubstance use profiles were variously associated with psychosocial factors, including unstable housing and very high psychological distress, and other drug use risk behaviours, including non-fatal overdose, receptive and/or distributive needle sharing, and reusing one's own needles. Same day polysubstance use has remained relatively common among this sample over time, although the typology has changed. Collectively, our findings point to diverse drug use patterns among people who inject drugs and reiterate the need for a range of harm reduction, treatment, and support options.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Perceptions of Smoking and Tobacco Products and Vape Among SEPAR Members

IntroductionThe professional dedicated to respiratory health has an exemplary role in tobacco control, promoting smoking cessation in their patients. However, multiple circumstances cause a low implementation. Therefore, the objective of the study is to identify the consumption, knowledge and perception of tobacco and its emerging products in a representative sample of professionals involved in the treatment of respiratory patients integrated into the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). Material and methodsDescriptive analysis of a structured online interview addressed to 5340 SEPAR members. ResultsIn a sample of 802 respondents, more than 33% have smoked at some time and 6.6% continue to smoke. More than 66% consider smoking as a chronic disease. More than 90% consider their role model important and advise their patients to quit smoking, but less than half carry out a smoking intervention. Only 35% of them believe that the ban on smoking in health centers is always complied. More than 75% do not consider nicotine delivery devices an option for smoking cessation or harm reduction. 22% are unaware of water pipes and 29% of heated tobacco. ConclusionsProfessionals specialized in respiratory diseases are highly sensitized to smoking. Despite this, there are still weak points such as the insufficient implementation of smoking cessation interventions or the scant training in smoking and in new emerging products.

Agricultural drought severity in NE Italy: Variability, bias, and future scenarios

This study investigated the variability of agricultural drought severity, as depicted by vegetation indices, and the bias in identifying drought events when considering a stationary vs nonstationary climate reference. The work leveraged gridded climate data (NCEP CFSv2, CHIRPS 1981–2022), soil properties (OpenLandMap), satellite imagery (Sentinel2/Landsat, 2000–2022), and future climate projections (NEX-GDDP, 2050) together with local knowledge of selected farms, to augment drought monitoring techniques and identify potential issues for agriculture. For the study domain, significant differences were observed when comparing drought characteristics using stationary and nonstationary drought indexes, with biases being not ubiquitous in either space or time of year. When developing sustainable drought mitigation and adaptation strategies, decision-makers should carefully address this uncertainty to avoid a possible underestimation of drought magnitude. Results showed a drought increase (∼50%) by the mid and late twenty-first century. Projection of future climate highlighted an even more significant impact (∼80%) with a wide variability of risk across the domain. As drought impact was also related to soil organic carbon (SOC), our results suggest that improving SOC content could be a sustainable strategy for enhancing soil drought resilience, especially in areas commonly characterized by low concentrations of organic carbon and nutrients. The analysis highlighted that drought impacts were also modulated by investment in irrigation infrastructure and irrigation efficiency. Researchers and land managers could apply the proposed analysis design to address historical, current and future indicators of vegetation conditions within irrigated regions. By providing spatio-temporal information on the patterns of drought impacts and their bias, this study supports identifying priority regions for targeted drought risk reduction and adaptation options, including water resources and soil management sustainability criteria, to move towards more resilient agricultural systems.

Electro-oxidation: An Effective Alternative for the Degradation of Textile Dyes and Reduction of Toxicity in Industrial Effluents

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of electro-oxidation as a treatment option for textile effluents containing industrial dyes, with the goal of minimizing their environmental impact. Theoretical framework: The textile industry is known for its high water demand and generation of effluents containing dyes, posing an environmental challenge. Electro-oxidation is a promising technology for the degradation of pollutants that are difficult to mineralize. Method: The treatment process and operational conditions were described, utilizing a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode. Three ranges of electric current (6, 12, and 18 mA cm-2) were tested to degrade the Procion Yellow (PY) dye. The removal of the dye, energy consumption, reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and effluent toxicity were evaluated. Results and conclusion: The treatment resulted in the removal of 91.4% of the dye, with an energy consumption of 88.4 kWh/m³ for a concentration of 150 mg/L of PY, following a first-order kinetics. Significant reductions in COD (74%) and TOC (85.2%) were observed. The effluent toxicity decreased at currents of 6 and 12 mA cm-2 but increased at 18 mA cm-2. Electro-oxidation proved to be a promising option for treating textile effluents containing industrial dyes. Research implications: The results contribute to the advancement of science and socio-environmental management practices in the textile industry, providing a viable option for effluent treatment and reduction of environmental impact. Originality/value: This study highlights the efficiency of electro-oxidation in the degradation of industrial dyes present in textile effluents, presenting relevant results on dye removal, energy consumption, COD and TOC reduction, as well as the evaluation of treated effluent toxicity.

Reducing energy consumption without compromising food security: the imperative that could transform agriculture

Abstract The imperative of carbon neutrality requires a drastic, rapid, and sustained reduction in fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Russia-Ukraine war has led to a major energy crisis, whose end does not seem imminent. The sudden and major increase in energy prices resulting from this crisis has major impacts on many sectors of the societies. This is especially true for agriculture, a direct consumer of energy that also has considerable indirect consumption through the manufacture, transport, and distribution of chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Taking the example of France, from July 2021 to July 2022, farmers were challenged with price increases as high as 48% and 111% for energy and fertilizers, respectively (Agreste, 2022). At the global scale, in 2018, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil energy consumption in agriculture represented 0.9 Pg CO2 eq. (against 9.3 Pg CO2 eq. due to agriculture, excluding emissions due to this energy consumption) and those emissions have increased by 23% since 2000 (FAO, 2020). &amp;#xD;This context calls for in-depth transformation of agriculture, which is currently overly dependent on non-renewable energy in high-income economies. While research on the subject continues to grow (Box 1), this large body of work focuses more on assessing the energy consumption of current agricultural systems using multiple metrics (Box 2) than on developing supply- or demand-side alternatives that use less energy. In response to these trends, Ramankutty and Dowlatabadi (2021) suggested pathways to sustainable food systems. However, while their recommendations included energy reduction options on the food consumption side, their focus on farming practices was restricted to improving the energy efficiency of current agricultural systems and missed the necessary redesign of farming and food systems.&amp;#xD;In this article, we look back to understand how agricultural systems came to progressively depend on non-renewable energy. We then briefly review agricultural practices and systems reducing energy consumption without compromising energy efficiency. Finally, we propose future research avenues to explore pathways for reducing energy consumption without compromising food security and sustainability challenges.

Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study

Purpose The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable populations, and consumption is common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs. The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to cannabis and methods to reduce those risks. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design and thematic analysis were used to understand the perspectives of youth in EPI programs (n = 15) towards cannabis risks and harm reduction. Findings Participants associated Δ−9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with problems related to cognition, psychosis, respiration, addiction, motivation, finances, relationships and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) was believed to be safe and risk-free. To reduce the risks associated with THC, participants suggested using in moderation, delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoiding high THC dosages and using non-combustible methods. Research limitations/implications Participants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically stable and may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychotic symptoms. Practical implications Assessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between cannabis and psychosis to facilitate early intervention. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction methods and gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth.

Frame-rate reduction to reduce radiation dose for cardiac device implantation is safe.

Radiation exposure to patient and surgeon during cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED) procedures remains a substantial health hazard to date. Advanced technical options for radiation dose reduction often pose considerable financial hurdles. We propose a near-zero cost, low-effort modification to a clinical x-ray system significantly reducing radiation dose during CIED implantation. We aim to evaluate a reduced frame rate protocol in CIED implantation for complication rates and reduction in radiation exposure. Starting May 2019, the frame rate during CIED implantations at our hospital was halved from 7.5 frames/s to 3.8 frames/s, and no further technical changes were made. During the following year, 264 patients were operated using this protocol and retrospectively compared with 231 cases implanted in the year before the protocol change, totaling 495 cases. Of these, 17%, 63%, and 19% were single-chamber, dual-chamber, or resynchronization devices, respectively. Incidence of complication prior to hospital discharge was considered the primary endpoint of the analysis. Radiation dose and procedural parameters were secondary endpoints. There was no increase in complications with the reduced frame rate protocol. Regression analysis further supported that the reduced frame rate radiation protocol was not associated with complication rates. Radiation exposure measured as dose area product was significantly reduced by ∼62% (median 369 [interquartile range 154-1207] cGy·cm2 via the reduced frame rate protocol vs median 970 [interquartile range 400-1906] cGy·cm2 with the standard frame rate; P < 0.01). A reduction of frame rate during CIED implantation is safe in terms of complication incidence and effective in terms of reducing radiation exposure.

Modelling the impacts of carbon pricing in India’s power system using a dynamic optimization approach

India has a significant importance in achieving the global Paris agreement’s long-term goal as it is the world's third-largest consumer of energy. This paper aims to improve the understanding of the opportunities and constraints of decarbonizing India’s electricity sector and adds to the growing body of literature by modelling the electricity sector in India with a dynamic optimization approach that assesses options for effective greenhouse reductions through carbon pricing. Attaining significant variable renewable energy penetration in India by 2050 is consistent with the lowest cost power generation options identified through our simulations, where solar and wind can provide 66 % of the electricity needs by 2050, even without a carbon price. With a carbon price of US$50/tCO2e, the simulations project that wind and power generation share in the electricity mix will rise to 81 %, leading to significant emission reductions. In this scenario, power sector emissions will be 164 million tCO2e by 2050, which is only about 14 % of the emissions levels in 2019. The analysis also indicates that fossil fuels remain part of India’s electricity mix in 2050, but their role and operation would dramatically change. When a carbon price of US$50/tCO2e is introduced, coal capacity remains valuable to fill demand when solar and wind are not available. This would require modifications in operation schedules and repurposing coal power plants for frequent ramping up and down.

Carbon offset potential of biochar based straw management under rice- wheat system along Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

The Paris Agreement goal of a net-zero equation will require decarbonization technologies in agriculture. Agri-waste biochar offers huge potential for carbon abatement in agricultural soils. The present experiment was carried out to compare the effects of residue management, viz., no residue (NR), residue incorporation (RI), and biochar (BC), as well as nitrogen options for emission reduction and carbon capture under the rice-wheat cropping sequence (RWCS) of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), India. After two cycles of cropping pattern, the analysis revealed that the biochar application (BC) reduces the RWCS's annual CO2 emissions by 18.1 % over residue incorporation (RI), while CH4 and N2O emissions were reduced by 23 % and 20.6 % over RI and 11 % and 29.3 % over no residue (NR), respectively. The application of biochar-based nutrient composites with rice straw biourea (RSBU) at 100 % and 75 % significantly reduced greenhouse gases (CH4 and N2O) compared to commercial urea at 100 %. The global warming potential of cropping systems recorded with BC was 7 % and 19.3 % lower than NR and RI, respectively, while 6–15 % under RSBU over urea 100 %. The annual carbon footprint (CF) under BC and NR decreased by 37.2 % and 30.8 % over RI, respectively. The net CF under residue burning was estimated to be the highest (132.5 Tg CO2-Ce), followed by RI (55.3 Tg CO2-Ce), showing net positive emissions; however, net negative emissions were found under a biochar-based system. The estimated annual carbon offset potential of a complete biochar system over residue burning, incorporation, and partial biochar as calculated was 189, 112, and 92 Tg CO2-Ce yr−1, respectively. A biochar-based approach to managing rice straw had great carbon offset potential through a large drop in greenhouse gas emissions and an improved soil carbon pool under the rice wheat system along the IGP, India.

Risk Management in Agricultural Business: Insurance as a Viable Option in Nigeria

Agriculture contributes to the economy, provides employment, export revenue earnings and poverty eradication. Although huge capital investment is usually involved, however, a crisis in the sector is capable of crippling the nation.&#x0D; Agriculture depends heavily on nature and because of the unpredictability of nature, a lot of natural disasters capable of taking investors out of the business are associated with farming.&#x0D; Agricultural risks are usually multi-perils, and characterized by high severity and frequency.&#x0D; The need to identify, analyze and consider economic and effective control of the risks can not be overemphasized. Hence, different control measures such as avoidance of risk, loss reduction, loss prevention, retention and risk transfer options were discussed in the paper.&#x0D; Insurance, a risk management strategy that involves the transfer of the associated uncertainties of an event or activity to a professional risk carrier was identified as a viable option that could effectively mitigate the inherent natural disasters threatening national food security. Stakeholders, especially extension personnel and those saddled with the operation of the Agricultural Insurance Scheme are admonished to create awareness and educate agro-prenuers on the scheme.

Evaluating the Capability of Woody Plants to Capture Atmospheric Heavy Metals in Budapest

Urban green infrastructure planning plays an important role in aspects of pollution reduction, such as heavy metal trapping. However, the reduction effects are both influenced by the different pollution conditions in each city and the species-specific interaction of trees and pollution. Herein, we investigated three common urban woody plants (Acer platanoides L., Fraxinus excelsior L. Westhof’s Glorie, and Tilia tomentosa Moench) in Budapest to compare their heavy metal trapping abilities from the airborne in leaf dust deposits and leaves. All samples were deconstructed by a wet digestion method. Four high traffic-related heavy metal elements (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni) were determined by using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The investigated results showed that the relevant concentration of all measured elements was constant in all species, namely Zn &lt; Cu &lt; Pb &lt; Ni. Although the total heavy metal content in the dust deposit increased towards the end of one vegetation period, the highest percentage of total metal concentration was in the summer season as the particulate matter sources varied in each season. These indicate that woody plants are ideal candidates for pollution monitoring. All of the evaluated elements were loaded highest in the dust deposit of T. tomentosa during all sampling times, followed by A. platanoides, and the least in F. excelsior. A significant correlation between metal contents in the dust deposit and leaf was found in T. tomentosa (0.926 at a p&lt;0.01 level). Therefore, we suggest T. tomentosa, which has better atmospheric trace element capturing capacity than A. platanoides and F. excelsior and thus it is a better option for pollution reduction in the urban area.

AI-enabled case detection model for infectious disease outbreaks in resource-limited settings

IntroductionThe utility of non-contact technologies for screening infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can be enhanced by improving the underlying Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and integrating them into data visualization frameworks. AI models that are a fusion of different Machine Learning (ML) models where one has leveraged the different positive attributes of these models have the potential to perform better in detecting infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Furthermore, integrating other patient data such as clinical, socio-demographic, economic and environmental variables with the image data (e.g., chest X-rays) can enhance the detection capacity of these models.MethodsIn this study, we explore the use of chest X-ray data in training an optimized hybrid AI model based on a real-world dataset with limited sample size to screen patients with COVID-19. We develop a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Random Forest (RF) model based on image features extracted through a CNN and EfficientNet B0 Transfer Learning Model and applied to an RF classifier. Our approach includes an intermediate step of using the RF's wrapper function, the Boruta Algorithm, to select important variable features and further reduce the number of features prior to using the RF model.Results and discussionThe new model obtained an accuracy and recall of 96% for both and outperformed the base CNN model and four other experimental models that combined transfer learning and alternative options for dimensionality reduction. The performance of the model fares closely to relatively similar models previously developed, which were trained on large datasets drawn from different country contexts. The performance of the model is very close to that of the “gold standard” PCR tests, which demonstrates the potential for use of this approach to efficiently scale-up surveillance and screening capacities in resource limited settings.

Continuous CO2 abatement via integrated carbon capture and conversion over Ni-MgO-Al2O3 dual-functional materials

Massive emission of CO2 is one of the main contributors to global warming, and CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) was proposed as an indispensable option for carbon reduction. Recently, integrated carbon capture and conversion (ICCC) was regarded as a potential approach to lower the cost of CCUS, and development of efficient dual-functional materials (DFMs) is among the top priority in the area. Herein, Ni-MgO-Al2O3 DFMs were prepared by calcination of Ni-impregnated Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH), as such, the pre-loaded Ni species was actively involved in the decomposition of MgAl-LDH, therefore the synergy and balance of the adsorption and catalytic functionalities for ICCC can be promoted in the resulted DFMs. The optimized sample (20NiMgAl(500)) showed excellent ICCC performance. At 300 °C, continuous abatement of CO2 from simulated flue gas (15 vol.%CO2/N2) was achieved with an excellent efficiency of 280 L·h−1·kg−1. Composition analysis of the effluent gas demonstrated that over 97 % CO2 in the feed could be captured, and over 95 % of the captured CO2 was converted to CH4 with ∼ 100 % selectivity. Full retention of the adsorption capacity was observed for 10 adsorption-methanation cycles, and the post-reaction characterization of the DFMs indicated little structure change. This work may pave a way to the practical application of the ICCC technology, and also inspire other integration approaches between CO2 capture and the following mitigation technologies.