Second Year Of Operation Research Articles

Vertical flow constructed wetlands as green facades and gardens for on-site greywater treatment in buildings: Two-year mesocosm study on removal performance

This study focuses on the performance and clogging of vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) planted with climbing ornamentals and ornamental plants for greywater treatment, after two years of operation at mesocosm level. Different substrate (sand, vermiculite) and vegetation (Trachelospermum jasminoides, Lonicera japonica, Callistemon laevis) types were evaluated to determine the optimal removal of pollutants. Results revealed that, during the second year of operation, removal efficiencies of turbidity and COD were significantly higher (1st year: 54–94 %; 71–89 %, 2nd year: 82–98 %; 86–95 %, respectively) for both studied planted substrates, compared to the first year. Moreover, it was found that sand systems from each studied plant as well as from the unplanted systems, were more effective compared to vermiculite for most of the studied parameters (turbidity, TSS, COD, anionic surfactants, pathogens). Sand systems were also quite effective in removing total coliforms (5 log reduction) and Escherichia coli (4 log reduction). At the end of the two-year experiment, all planted systems with sand had significantly higher hydraulic conductivity than the unplanted ones. With reference to evapotranspiration, even though planted systems had significantly higher losses, C. laevis systems demonstrated less water losses than the other vegetated systems. According to the findings, the studied plants managed to continue growing without facing added stress. Therefore, the application of climbing and ornamental plants in VFCWs for greywater treatment in buildings seems a promising option for developing green infrastructures in urban areas and enhancing the removal efficiency of such systems.

Performance of denitrifying bioreactors in southern Alberta

Denitrifying bioreactors are an edge-of-field passive treatment technology that can reduce nutrient export from subsurface drainage waters to aquatic ecosystems. This technology is gaining popularity in many parts of the world including eastern Canada, but has not gained widespread acceptance in the Canadian prairies. This study evaluated the performance of pilot-scale denitrifying bioreactors for removing nitrate under agricultural field conditions in southern Alberta. Local agricultural residues– barley straw and hemp straw– were tested in comparison to wood chips for nutrient removal potential under varying retention times and temperatures during the growing season. Results from this study identified that the primary factors affecting nitrate-nitrogen removal in this region were temperature, flow rate, carbon source material and the age of the materials in the bioreactor. Both agricultural residues exceeded wood chip performance in the first year of operation, but all fill materials performed similarly in the second year of operation– the percent reduction of nitrate-nitrogen dropped from 72% to 34% and 55% to 32% for barley straw and hemp straw, respectively, while increasing from 27% to 29% for wood chips. These results indicate that more research is needed on the use of barley straw and hemp straw in bioreactors after an overwinter period.

The BB&Y Zero Energy House: Report on the Second Year of Operation and Performance Analysis

The BB&Y Zero Energy House: Report on the Second Year of Operation and Performance Analysis

Evaluation of the multifunctionality of a vertical greening system using different irrigation strategies on cooling, plant development and greywater use

Vertical greening systems (VGS) are implemented in the building envelope to address challenges such as the urban heat island effect, energy reduction, air purification, support of biodiversity and recently greywater treatment (wastewater without urine and faeces) for reuse purposes. In this context, providing and using treated wastewater is a crucial point, as generally VGS are irrigated with tap water and thereby increase urban water depletion and pollution. In this study, we evaluate the multifunctionality of a pot-based VGS irrigated with untreated greywater and capable, as well, of acting as a greywater treatment system. The full-scale experimental system uses a low-tech irrigation technique and was investigated for different irrigation water volumes to identify the needed water demand to maximize local cooling by evapotranspiration and suitable plants for the different water conditions and water types. Plant development and greywater treatment capabilities were monitored from April 2020 until September 2021. Based on the highest irrigation volume, a local air temperature reduction of up to 3.4 °C was measured. The removal efficiencies for treating greywater were COD 80 %, TOC 74 %, TNb 70 %, NH4-N 81 % and Turbidity 79 %, respectively, and showed a decrease in the second year of operation. Therefore, the results support the need to develop more robust systems, since up to now mainly short-term experiments have been reported in literature.

Biofouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes caused by dispersal of planktonic particulate bacterial aggregates (protobiofilms) from rotary energy recovery devices

A seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant in the Arabian Gulf region showed serious membrane biofouling that appeared to be due to the presence of planktonic particulate bacterial aggregates that can be termed as “protobiofilms”, which possessed the same characteristics of surface-attached biofilms. This SWRO plant utilized dissolved air flotation and ultrafiltration for pretreatment, high permeable SWRO membranes for desalination and incorporated rotary energy recovery devices (RERD). During the first year of operation, a slow steady increase in TMP and channel ∆P was observed that appeared due to membrane biofouling from either colloidal small bacterial aggregates or individual bacterial cells. After the first year of operation, the TMP and channel ∆P increased at an accelerated rate that appeared due presence of planktonic particulate bacterial aggregates. An internal membrane hybridization (IMH) program was initiated after the second year of operation by replacing the two highly fouled high permeable membranes in the feed-end of the pressure vessel with new low permeable membranes to lower the flux and concentration polarization (CP) of the feed-end membranes and to lower the membrane fouling potential. Biofouling of these new low permeable membranes in the IMH program resulted in an immediate and an accelerated increase in both TMP and channel ∆P, which was attributed to the presence of significant concentration of planktonic particulate bacterial aggregates that appeared due to dispersal of a biofilm from the RERD. An important factor that contributed to the dispersal of bacterial aggregates into the RO feed water was the flow velocity through the RERD. Decreasing the flow velocity into and cleaning of the RERD resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of RERD biofilm dispersal and biofilm formation on the SWRO modules.

Abstract TMP28: Decision For Tpa Administration, Not Drive Time, Contributes Most To Variance In Thrombolysis Times Onboard Mobile Stroke Unit

Introduction: Hospitals have improved stroke thrombolysis times through rigorous assessment of care delays. While mobile stroke units (MSU) expedite intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke, the same rigor has not been applied to this novel setting. Methods: We reviewed all cases of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration onboard our mobile stroke unit in Rochester, NY since its inception in 2019. The dispatch timeline was divided into six intervals: (1) drive time, (2) onboarding time, (3) HCT collection, (4) HCT reading, (5) decision time, and (6) tPA administration. Cases in which tPA was delayed due to medical contraindications or inability to obtain consent were not included in the analysis. Results: The mean ± SD total time between MSU dispatch and tPA was 42 ± 8.4 min (range: 26-60 min; N = 53). The longest interval was (1) drive time (between dispatch and arrival, 12.0 ± 4.7 min). However, the inter-case variation was greatest in (5) decision time (between HCT reading and treatment decision, 6.3 ± 6.2 min). After ranking cases by total time, the interval that had the widest variance between the first and fourth quartiles was decision time (2.45x). The other intervals varied by a factor of 1.50x for (6) tPA administration and less than 1.00x for the other four intervals. Decision time was the interval most closely correlated with total time (Spearman’s ρ = 0.46; p = 0.00051), which was reduced in our second year of operation (38.8 from 44.6 minutes; Mann-Whitney, Z = 2.38, p = 0.02). Decision time was negatively correlated with time since inception of the MSU (Spearman’s ρ = -0.29, p = 0.037), suggesting that improvements in decision time drove improvements in overall thrombolysis time. Conclusion: The largest driver of variation in total time from emergency alert to tPA administration is provider decision time in our MSU program. This observation should be investigated in other settings but may ultimately inform MSU training and staffing.

What’s integrity got to do with it? Second-year experiences of the Path2Integrity e-learning programme

Organisations in Europe differ significantly in how they promote research integrity (RI). Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in disseminating a culture of RI and responsible conduct of research (RCR). Adhering and strengthening mentoring systems, implementing codes of conduct, and raising awareness are just a few initiatives among many to enhance students’ training in RCR. This article describes the Path2Integrity Learning Card (P2LIC) programme, a proactive training programme to foster RI. This programme was further developed in 2020 and the updated feedback loops took place in four countries (Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Poland). We outline the P2ILC development and final design, the trainer feedback on the programme from the second year of operation, and suggest future considerations for RCR training to strengthen research integrity.

Spatio-temporal variation of hydrobiological communities (Animalia: Invertebrata) downstream of the El Quimbo dam, Huila, Colombia

Objective: To analyze preliminarily the hydrobiological communities of macroinvertebrates downstream of the El Quimbo dam, Huila, Colombia, to establish possible changes from the dam construction date to the second year of commissioning, in a period of seven years of samplings (2011-2017). Scope: To establish possible changes in space-time based on the analysis of diversity parameters and the BMWP and ASPT index. Methodology: Aquaticinvertebrates were collected during seven years at six sampling stations using Surber traps in 10 sites along 100 m; the specimens were preserved in ethanol 70%. The diversity parameters (abundance, richness of species, density and Hill numbers) and the BMWP and ASTP indexes were analyzed throughout the sampling period to relate them to some environmental factors. Main results: 36,490 specimens that belong to 11 classes, 26 orders, 79 families and 168 taxa were analyzed. Decreases in the BMWP/Col and ASTP indices were observed in the MGE1, MGE2 and MGE3 sampling stations, during the first phases of the project. Abundance increased significantly in mid 2013, during the river diversion stage, as well as during the operation years, while richness of species and potential richness of species increased at the beginning of 2012, 2015 and 2017, possibly synchronizing with the start of the rainy season. Conclusions: Reductions in the biodiversity indices and parameters were observed in the MGE1, MGE2 and MGE3 stations, in the river diversion and filling phases, which normalized towards the second year of operation of the dam.

EVALUATION OF ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF MODERNIZATION OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIO

The analysis of technical characteristics and cost of modern light sources and motion sensors used in administrative premises is carried out. It has been established that lighting of corridor-type rooms using LED panels of the lower and middle price ranges with a luminous efficiency of 80-85 and 100 lm/W, accordingly, becomes less expensive in the second year of operation compared to fluorescent lighting. Installation of panels with a higher luminous efficiency, up to 120 lm/W, at the current level of prices on them has certain risks, as the payback period of the investment in this case is about 7 years, exceeding the warranty period of these panels. The payback period of investment in the automation of lighting control in corridor-type rooms using relatively inexpensive infrared motion sensors and the expected reduction of energy consumption by 30% does not exceed 5 years, demonstrating the feasibility of this event. Measures for replacing fluorescent lamps with LED panels in less loaded classrooms, up to 510 hours of operation per year, have a payback time of 4-6 years, which exceeds the warranty period of the panels. Therefore, according to the authors of the article, it is appropriate to first replace the lamps in the corridors, and then, after accumulating experience in operating the purchased light sources, to replace them in the classrooms. Due to their high cost in the premises of educational institutions, the use of presence sensors as well as automated lighting level control systems is not economically feasible. The urgency of saving energy by replacing fluorescent lamps with LED and automation of lighting control, due to the trend towards an increase in the cost of electricity, will also grow. The algorithms and formulas given in the article for determining the present value, payback periods are simple and can be applied to other types of light sources and design conditions.

Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF): Ideas to keep African Children learning and communities connected

In 2019, an estimated 100 million African school-age children were designated ‘out-of-school’, the highest numbers in the world. COVID-19 has dramatically worsened that already bleak picture because school closures have cut off any children who cannot access education remotely. Though the new figure is not yet known, it is clear that a generation of children will fall by the wayside unless decisive steps are taken to address the systemic, infrastructural and cultural hurdles that are preventing African children from learning. That would be a huge setback for African development, with potentially disastrous consequences in years to come. In 2021, its second year of operation, the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund, an initiative led by the Geneva-based International Publishers Association, turned its attention to the remote learning challenge in Africa. A decision was taken to sponsor locally-owned projects to keep students learning and give disadvantaged communities ways to access books and premises for community cohesion, skills development, studying and reading. The APIF is not the solution, but it is a sincere attempt by publishers to address some of the problems within the overarching African education emergency.

Numerical investigations of long-term thermal performance of a large water pit heat storage

Water pit heat storage is an effective long-term heat storage. Experimental and theoretical investigations of a 60,000 m3 water pit heat storage in Dronninglund, Denmark was carried out with an aim to study its long-term thermal performance. Experimentally, detailed measurements were analyzed to monitor thermal behavior of the store, including flow rates, temperatures of the inlet and outlet flow, thermal stratification in the store and temperatures of the surrounding soil at four different depths. Theoretically, a simulation model of the water pit heat storage was developed based on the Type 343 model (ICEPIT) in TRNSYS. The calculated temperatures were compared to the measurements. The developed model was used to investigate the influence of soil properties and inlet arrangement on the thermal performance of the store. The result show that the simulation model predicts well the thermal behavior of the store. Over the whole year, the calculated average temperature of the store differed within ±4.7 K from the measured values. The measurements show that the annual charged and discharged heat are 12,787 MWh and 11,957 MWh respectively. The deviation of the charged and discharged energy between the simulation and the experiment did not exceed ±4%. The annual storage efficiency reached 90% in the second year of operation. The calculated ground temperatures were consistent with the measured ones at different depths. Measured heat loss of the store is 1392 MWh. As elucidated by the model, the heat loss from the cover contributed to 60% of the annual heat loss, while the heat loss from the sidewall and the bottom contributed 38% and 2% respectively. The influence of soil types on thermal performance of the store is significant. For a PTES surrounded by dry soil, the storage efficiency can reach 90%, while for a PTES surrounded by wet sandy gravel, the storage efficiency decreases by 7%. Change of the height of the middle inlet/outlet diffuser could slightly improve the storage efficiency by 1%. The restrains of the model were analyzed and the focus areas of further investigations were pointed out. The findings of the paper give good reference for researchers, designers and consultants in planning of a solar heating plant with a large water pit heat storage.

Change of Technical Condition and Productivity of Grain Harvesters Depending on Term of Operation

The regularities of change of technical condition of combine harvester Slavutich KZC-9F depending on service life are determined. It is determined that after the second year of operation, the readiness factors decrease in one season by 0.044 or 5.2%, and the recovery factors increase, respectively, their productivity decreases.Within the normative costs for overhaul repairs of combines and maintenance of their operability during the harvest after the second season of operation, there is an annual decrease in the readiness factor by 0.036.Analysis of rate of change of indicator of selective assessment of the readiness factor allows us to conclude that the service life of the main units, systems, mechanisms of combines is exhausted by the service life of five to six years and a total output of 1200-1400 hours with an average output for the season of 200-280 hours.If the duration of downtime to eliminate failures after the third year of operation changes to a maximum of 22%, the recovery rate increases by 35%.The productivity of the combine harvesters Slavutich KZC-9F increases with increasing service life due to a decrease in the readiness factor. A decrease in the readiness factor by 0.01 causes a decrease in the productivity of the combine by 21.2 tons/season.

A Novel Virtual Partnership to Promote Asian American and Asian International Student Mental Health.

In 2018, the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness (CCCSEW) developed the CCCSEW Consortium, a year-long virtual program for secondary schools, colleges, and universities, to support campus staff in promoting the mental health of Asian American and Asian international students. The program shares similarities with the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes model, including the hub-and-spoke virtual learning environment, development of self-efficacy, and peer learning. The program is in its second year of operation and has been well received by participants. The Consortium, a nonprofit entity, has achieved financial sustainability through support of annual membership fees.

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ ПО СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЮ ТЕПЛОСНАБЖЕНИЯ ЖИЛЫХ МНОГОКВАРТИРНЫХ ДОМОВ

It was noted that among the most important indicators characterizing the effectiveness of enterprises engaged in the field of housing and communal services, the results of the introduction of energysaving technologies and technical solutions are necessarily taken into account. Investment projects are the basis of such decisions. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to improve the heat supply of residential apartment buildings using the example of an investment project in the Vostochny residential complex of Samara. The article highlights the results of the performed economic analysis of the project to improve the supply of hot water to apartment buildings of the residential complex. The reason for the development of the investment project was the lack of a centralized hot water supply system in residential buildings. The situation was due to the failure of the heat exchange equipment. In order to improve the heat supply of residential apartment buildings, the project provides for the laying of a new route with a length of 1,500 meters from the district boiler house of the municipal enterprise to residential buildings. The total amount of funds required for the implementation of the project amounted to 5640 thousand rubles. To invest the project, it is planned to use the own funds of the municipal enterprise providing heat supply to houses - the items «depreciation» and «profit.» The economic indicators expected from the implementation of the measures were investigated. It was revealed that the construction and commissioning of a new hot water supply route in the Vostochny residential complex will ensure the formation of profits: by the end of the first year of operation - 11 thousand rubles, by the end of the second year of operation - 326 thousand rubles, by the end of the third year of operation - 502 thousand rubles. The payback period of the investment project is very significant and will be 19 years. Conclusions: the studies showed the financial feasibility of the investment project and the economic effectiveness of measures to improve the heat supply of residential apartment buildings in a residential microdistrict.

Editorial: The Innovation and Project Management Department in the Journal of Operations Management

Editorial: The Innovation and Project Management Department in the <i>Journal of Operations Management</i>

Opportunities of ‘Waste to (positive) Energy’ project in refugees-hosting communities

The present study investigates the potentiality of organic waste-to-compost production and viability of waste sorting and recycling in vulnerable areas. The study provides financial analysis of the operation of such compost production and waste sorting and recycling facilities in Jordan, while taking into account the facilities' intake capacities, operational costs, and selling prices. The results showed that the facilities are expected to generate profits in the long term. In the case of the compost facilities, both the facilities of Irbid and Karak are expected to generate profits within 12 months of operation. In the case of the sorting facilities, while only some facilities are expected to generate profits in the first year (Irbid and Madaba), most will incur losses by the end of the first 12 months (Mafraq, Karak, Deir Alla, and West Irbid, New Taybah and Wassatiyah) and begin generating net profits by the second year of operation. In the case of sorted recyclables, the establishment of contractual relationships with recyclers in the value chain is essential to maintain viable revenue to ensure operational feasibility; however, in the case of compost, a more diverse array of avenues for marketing needs to be explored and utilised to ensure profitability.

Triangulating Social Networks and Experiences of Early Childhood Educators in Emergent Professional Cultures

Professional culture is a key element for successful implementation and change in schools. The purpose of this paper is to triangulate collaboration networks and experiences of educators to describe the emergent professional cultures in three newly-opened pre-kindergarten schools. This paper uses an exploratory mixed-methods case study approach. The professional cultures of three pre-kindergarten schools were explored using descriptive social network analysis of 75 educators’ collaboration within their schools and semi-structured interviews of 20 selected participants. Findings indicate distinct cultures at each of the three schools. Variations in network cohesion, in the alignment between formal and informal networks, and personnel stability combined into different types of professional culture. Interview statements and examples provide evidence and point to the importance of staff turnover in the development of professional culture among early childhood educators. The key limitation is that this study explores networks at the end of their second year of operation. Given that networks evolve as personnel and structures shift, the findings represent only a moment in time. This study supports the local nature of teaching and suggests that districts and leaders should consider the professional culture, and the specific role of the staff turnover, in that work. This study provides the rare opportunity to explore professional culture within brand-new school sites. It extends the existing literature by comparing three early childhood sites with different daily experiences of the same focused work.

Converting treatment wetlands into “treatment gardens”: Use of ornamental plants for greywater treatment

Nowadays, the use of constructed wetlands for on-site greywater treatment is a very promising option. The successful application of this nature-based solution at full scale requires public acceptance, economic feasibility and the production of high-quality treated greywater. This work focuses on the use of ornamental plants as vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) vegetation for greywater treatment, aiming to improve aesthetic and acceptability of the system. The performance and economic feasibility of the proposed green technology were examined during a 2-years study. Results show that Pittosporum tobira and Hedera helix can grow in VFCW operating with greywater without any visible symptoms. These species tolerated both drought and flooding conditions, making them ideal for use not only in residential buildings but also in seasonal hotels and holiday homes. In contrast, partial defoliation of Polygala myrtifolia plants was observed during the winter period. High average removal efficiencies were observed for BOD (99%), COD (96%) and TSS (94%) in all examined VFCWs including unplanted beds. Phosphorus removal gradually decreased from 100% during first months of operation to 15% during second year of operation. In addition, total coliforms concentration reduced by 2.2 log units in the effluent of all planted systems, while lower removal efficiency was observed in the absence of plants. The mean concentration of BOD and TSS in the treated greywater met the standards for indoor reuse (<10 mg/L). Cost payback periods for the installation of the proposed technology in a multi-family building, a single house and a hotel in Greece were found 4.7, 16.6 and 2.5 years, respectively. Overall, the “treatment gardens” proposed in this study provide a technically and economically feasible solution for greywater treatment, with the additional benefit of improving the aesthetic of urban, semi-urban and touristic areas.

Analysis of Kendal Ferry Terminal Performance

Kendal Ferry Terminal which has been operating since 2016 grows continuously in line with public information. As a unit of Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang, based on Masterplan of Tanjung Emas Port, the initial plan was intended as a terminal for “sharing” function. This function urged Kendal Transportation Agency to measure its existing performance to continue improving its performance. This research applied descriptive-quantitative methods that emphasized observation by examining natural conditions, systematically described as a fact in quantitative form. It was started by analyzing the existing demand and supply which increased about 55% in the second year of operation, followed by predicting the passengers’ trend for ten years to reach the assumption of 30% Semarang-Kumai passengers distracted to Kendal-Kumai route, even though it was only departure. Finally, the research analyzed the existing facilities and performance, where the result showed that 65% from indicators stated that the performance is inadequate. The recommendations to improve the performance and to prepare receiving a “sharing” function are provided by increasing ship schedules and supply such as the depth of port pool, adding facilities such as passenger lounge, and realizing connectivity of transportation modes with Kedungsepur BRT lines.

The Language Commons: An Innovative Space Supporting Second Language Acquisition

In 2015, language faculty and administrators at a large public university met to evaluate the needs of the more than 20 language programs offered on campus. A priority emerged for language learning space better equipped to facilitate authentic interaction and communication. The committee conceived of an alternative language learning space that would be motivating, collaborative, and inviting, and offer a variety of technologies in support of innovative teaching and learning. Now in its second year of operation, the Language Commons facilitates formal and informal learning activities for students and faculty that are aligned with current theory and practice of Second Language Acquisition. Language faculty utilize the space for innovative instructional activities that might otherwise be limited by small, inflexible classroom spaces. This article describes the development of the Language Commons from initial conception through design, and the rich array of activities occurring in the space, featuring examples of faculty uses of Commons spaces and technologies. Preliminary outcomes suggest the Commons is valued for its support of student motivation, lowering of anxiety, opportunities for community engagement, and as a place to disrupt classroom hierarchies and routines.