Source Of Supply Research Articles

Application of Game Theory in Solving Urban Water Challenges in Ibadan-North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

The significance of water in human life cannot be ignored, but in most of the developing countries; availability, provision and access to good water source to the citizens has post major challenges. The nature of water scarcity has been majorly attributed to seasonal factor and high population pressure. This study therefore aimed at developing a practical approach and mechanism to solving water challenges in urban areas in Nigeria by means of game theory. The findings revealed that majority of respondents lack access to portable or drinkable water from water agency and that regular water supply sources have been traced to be borehole or well which was provided by citizens in the community at a cost. Applying the game theory approach, the outcome of the game indicates that the equilibrium value for the two players (the water agency and the residents) is N2,000 for 1,000 liters of water supply monthly. However, the payoff can be maiximised by every player (monetary values for the water agency and satisfactory water consumption for the residents). It is therefore importance that water agency should improve in the quality of their work in providing adequate water supply to the community to reduce or eradicate ailment arises from non availability of quality water.

Recovery of rare earth elements from low-grade coal fly ash using a recyclable protein biosorbent

Rare earth elements (REEs), including those in the lanthanide series, are crucial components essential for clean energy transitions, but they originate from geographically limited regions. Exploiting new and diverse supply sources is vital to facilitating a clean energy future. Hence, we explored the recovery of REEs from coal fly ash (FA), a complex, low-grade industrial feedstock that is currently underutilized (leachate concentrations of REEs in FA are < 0.003 mol%). Herein, we demonstrated the thermo-responsive genetically encoded REE-selective elastin-like polypeptides (RELPs) as a recyclable bioengineered protein adsorbent for the selective retrieval of REEs from coal fly ash over multiple cycles. The results showed that RELPs could be efficiently separated using temperature cycling and reused with high stability, as they retained ∼95% of their initial REE binding capacity even after four cycles. Moreover, RELPs selectively recovered high-purity REEs from the simulated solution containing one representative REE in the range of 0.0001–0.005 mol%, resulting in up to a 100,000-fold increase in REE purity. This study offers a sustainable approach to diversifying REE supplies by recovering REEs from low-grade coal fly ash in industrial wastes and provides a scientific basis for the extraction of high-purity REEs for industrial purposes.

Australia’s gas markets: similar problems…similar solutions?

Declining supply and entrenched demand in all three of Australia’s domestic gas markets – the East Coast, Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory (NT) – is creating similar issues. We tend to think of these as essentially separate, disconnected and divided by vast swathes of land. But the reality is that scarce local supply has been sanctioned in all three markets – despite around 16 tcf being sanctioned for export as liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and domestic demand remains resilient, as per both Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Wood Mackenzie forecasts. Starting with the largest, the increasingly tight East Coast market continues to hit headlines as it deals with supply crises, government interventions and new regulations. Undersupplied, underinvested and underexplored, it is also divided by activism and state and federal politics. Traditionally more sedate, the WA market has slowly drifted in a similar direction. New forecasts highlighting potential gas shortages have sparked more state intervention in the market, including banning LNG exports by certain suppliers. The NT market might be the smallest, but it’s ahead of the curve, already experiencing emergency upstream shortages that sparked increased domestic supply from LNG exporters. While there is a less diverse range of supply sources in the NT, the answer to current shortages matches the options currently being looked at by regulators on both coasts.

Local car markets in an emerging economy: exploring the dichotomous nature of car ownership growth

The intensive motorization growth observed in emerging and developing economies has attracted increased academic attention. However, many existing studies frequently investigate the car ownership determinants that are typical of Western countries and use aggregate measures that mask the role of imported used cars. This implies that there is an important research gap concerning the role of the second-hand vehicles as a source of car ownership growth in emerging and developing countries. This paper aims to reveal the dichotomous character of car ownership growth in an emerging economy and identify the determinants of local primary (new cars) and secondary (imported used cars) car markets. Using data from the Polish Central Vehicle Register containing entries for more than 20 million cars registered and applying the spatial regression models, we disclose that in addition to well-known determinants of car ownership growth, such as income, population density, and housing types, there may be other factors specific to emerging economies driving this process. Specifically, we test the influence of geographical distance on the source of the car supply and the number of companies and entrepreneurs importing and repairing used cars. The findings suggest that future investigations of motorization processes concerning developing and emerging economies should consider the scale of second-hand car imports and its impact on car ownership and seek country-specific determinants of the phenomenon.

Assessment of the green hydrogen value chain in cases of the local industry in Chile applying an optimization model

This study assessed the feasibility of integrating a green hydrogen value chain into the local industry, examining two case studies by comparing four scenarios. The optimization focused on generating electricity from stationary renewable sources, such as solar or through Power Purchase Agreements, to produce sufficient hydrogen in electrolyzers. Current demand profiles, renewable participation targets, electricity supply sources, levelized costs of energy and hydrogen, and technology options were considered. The most cost-effective scenario showed a levelized cost of energy of 0.032 and 0.05 US$/kWh and a hydrogen cost below 1.0 US$/kgH2 for cases 1 and 2, respectively. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the critical influence of fuel cell technology on cost modification, underscoring the importance of focusing cost reduction strategies on these technologies to enhance the economic viability of the green hydrogen value chain. Specifically, a high sensitivity towards reducing the levelized costs of energy and hydrogen in the port sector with adjustments in fuel cell technology costs was identified, indicating the need for specific policies and supports to facilitate their adoption.

Bioactive Compounds from Organic Waste

The reuse and reincorporation of waste are the principles of circular economies. Compost, biofuels, animal feed, dyes, and bioactive compounds can be obtained from the revaluation of organic waste. Research on this subject is scarce and limited to specific sectors, such as agriculture and agroindustry, leaving aside others that generate large quantities of organic waste, such as floriculture. The remains of these sectors have a low decomposition rate compared to other organic wastes. They are a source of bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils, pigments, phenols) that can be reincorporated into the production chain of various industries. This review describes the composition of waste from agroindustry, agriculture, and floriculture, analyzing their potential revalorization as a source of bioactive compounds and an alternative supply source.

Rational or altruistic: the impact of social media information exposure on Chinese youth’s willingness to donate blood

BackgroundNon-remunerated blood donation is the main approach for various medical institutions to get the source of blood supply, but the blood supply shortage is still a problem in today’s society. Social media has become the main approach of information acquisition for youth groups nowadays, and the information on social media will have an impact on people’s behavioral decisions. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the correlation between social media exposure to relevant information about blood donation and the willingness of youths to donate blood.MethodsWe collected data from 455 questionnaires through an online questionnaire and structural equation modeling was constructed for validation. Data were analyzed for reliability, validity, and demographic differences using IBM-SPSS 26.0, and IBM-SPSS-AMOS 26.0 was used for model fit analysis and path analysis.ResultsThe results of the study showed that there was a positive correlation between social media exposure to relevant blood donation information and willingness to donate blood (β = 0.262, p < 0.001), altruism (β = 0.203, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.170, p < 0.001). While there was also a positive correlation between attitude toward blood donation and self-efficacy (β = 0.560, p < 0.001), there was no positive correlation between it and willingness to donate blood (β = −0.180, p = 0.786). There was also a positive correlation between altruism and willingness to donate blood (β = 0.150, p < 0.05) and attitude toward blood donation (β = 0.150, p < 0.001). Similarly, there was a positive correlation between self-efficacy and willingness to donate blood (β = 0.371, p < 0.001).ConclusionExposure to more information related to blood donation on social media can increase the willingness of the youth population to donate blood, while exposure to information related to altruism and self-efficacy on social media can also enhance young people’s attitudes toward blood donation, while further strengthening their willingness to donate.

The dominance of dorsal scapular artery as the blood supply to muscles of the back in the absence of two primary vessels: a cadaveric case report.

Understanding of rare or unknown anatomical variations of the vasculature of the neck is critical to reduce the risk of complications during surgeries and other invasive procedures in the neck and shoulder regions. Bilateral dissection of the neck and muscles of the back of an 87-year-old Caucasian male donor was performed to demonstrate the origin, course and termination of the arteries that arise in the neck. Several anatomical variations were noted on the right side of the neck of the donor body - (i) only inferior thyroid and ascending cervical arteries originated from the thyrocervical trunk (TCT), from the first part of the subclavian artery (SA), whereas the transverse cervical (TCA) and suprascapular (SSA) arteries were entirely absent, (ii) Dorsal scapular artery (DSA) emerged normally from the third part of the SA. However, after supplying the rhomboids and levator scapulae muscles, DSA provided two additional branches to the trapezius muscle and a branch to the supraspinatus muscle. Interestingly, the branches to the trapezius muscle from the DSA were the only sources of blood supply to the muscle. We report a unique anatomical variation involving the absence of the TCA and SSA from the TCT. The unilateral absence of these major vessels and the branches of DSA supplying the trapezius and supraspinatus muscles have not been reported previously in the literature in a single case report. This case study may provide useful information for head and neck reconstruction and shoulder repair surgeries.

Self-Powered and Self-Recoverable Multimodal Force Sensors Based on Trap State and Interfacial Electron Transfer.

Multi-dimensional force sensing that combines intensity, location, area and the like could gather a wealth of information from mechanical stimuli. Developing materials with force-induced optical and electrical dual responses would provide unique opportunities to multi-dimensional force sensing, with electrical signals quantifying the force amplitude and the luminescence output providing spatial distribution of force. However, the reliance on external power supply and high-energy excitation source brings significant challenges to the applicability of multi-dimensional force sensors. Here we reported the mechanical energy-driven and sunlight-activated materials with force-induced dual responses, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of self-sustainable force sensing. Theoretical analysis and experimental data unraveled that trap-controlled luminescence and interfacial electron transfer play a major role in force-induced optical and electrical output. These materials were manufactured into pressure sensor with renewable dual-mode output for quantifying and visualization of pressures by electrical and optical output, respectively, without power supply and high-energy irradiation. The quantification of tactile sensation and stimuli localization of mice highlighted the multi-dimensional sensing ability of the sensor. Overall, this self-powered pressure sensor with multimodal output provides more modalities of force sensing, poised to change the way that intelligent devices sense with the world.

An Extensive Review on Gas Hydrates: Recent Patents, Properties, Formation, Detection, Production, Importance, and Challenges

Introduction:: Gas Hydrates, or Clathrate Hydrates, have been the subject of increasing scientific and industrial attention due to their potential as an alternative energy source, their role in climate change, and their association with geohazards. The growth of new indigenous gas supply sources could impart a significant positive ripple effect on a country's economy, ecological balance, and energy landscape. This burgeoning interest has led to a surge in research and development, resulting in numerous patents related to the extraction, processing, and utilization of gas Hydrates. Objectives:: This review paper aims to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the properties, formation, detection, production, importance, challenges, and patent landscape of Gas hydrates. The integration of patented technologies into the field underscores the importance of intellectual property in shaping the future of energy, environment, and economic development. Methods:: Patented technologies in this field are contributing to making this resource more accessible and commercially viable. Moreover, the development of gas hydrates as an energy source could act as a safeguard for manufacturing jobs that are sensitive to gas prices, with proprietary technologies enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the production process. Results:: On the environmental front, an uptick in the consumption of natural gas, known for its cleaner combustion, could herald positive change. Patented innovations in clean and efficient extraction and utilization methods for Gas Hydrates are instrumental in reducing the environmental impact. From the standpoint of energy security, a larger domestic slice of the energy pie, complemented by an extensive array of gas supply alternatives, could equip the nation to better navigate the unpredictable terrain of future energy scenarios. Conclusion:: The strategic patenting of key technologies in the exploration, production, and application of Gas Hydrates ensures competitive advantage and fosters innovation, driving forward the energy industry's evolution.

Data-driven Wasserstein distributionally robust dual-sourcing inventory model under uncertain demand

Dual-sourcing inventory management, which is aimed at replenishing inventory through two supply sources, has been extensively incorporated across various industries as it can mitigate supply chain related operational risks. Given the practical relevance of this framework, many dual-sourcing inventory models based on stochastic and robust optimization approaches have been developed. However, these approaches encounter challenges such as the curse of dimensionality or solution conservativeness. In this study, we developed a data-driven distributionally robust optimization model for dual-sourcing inventory management under uncertain demand conditions, in which partial information regarding the distribution of the uncertain demand is available. A tractable model was constructed to solve the problem, and an optimal solution was derived in a closed-form expression. Numerical experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed model in comparison with benchmark models in terms of the order-, stock-, and rolling-horizon-related parameters and demand distributions. The results demonstrated the benefit of adopting the dual-sourcing strategy in inventory management based on the distributionally robust optimization approach. In addition, the proposed model outperformed the benchmark models in terms of mitigating the bullwhip effect.

Geophysical and physicochemical assessment of groundwater and the implication on the public health in rural and semi-urban areas of Northern Nigeria

Groundwater resource plays a central role in every sector of life globally. Unfortunately, the roles of groundwater are often unappreciated in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations. The paper applied a combined geo-electrical method and hydrochemical analysis alongside physical surveys to investigate aquifer promising zones, the quality and the source of water supply in the selected regions. The geo-electric resistivity data were used to select the most aquifer-promising zone for groundwater development with a key interest in groundwater potential and aquifer overburden protective capacity overlying the water-bearing unit. Seventeen (17) vertical electrical sounding (VES) acquired in four regions reveals that the regional weathered/fractured unit which constitutes the aquifer unity extends from 13.4 m to 41.3 m in depth with the subsurface resistivity value varying between 53 Ωm–1013 Ωm in terms of resistivity values. The overburdened thickness (protective soil layers) stretches from 2.5 m to 13 m with a resistive layer of resistivity values ranging from 111 Ωm to 2877 Ωm, which could provide high aquifer protective cover for the regional groundwater systems. The computed aquifer transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity range from 0.54 m2/h\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${m}^{2}/h$$\\end{document}–15.85 m2/h\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${m}^{2}/h$$\\end{document}, and 0.95 m/day–9.19 m/day, respectively. The estimated average longitudinal conductance (0.2 moh) reveals that the regional groundwater systems are moderately protective against surface contaminants. In addition, the physicochemical water analysis was examined, which exposes the level of heavy metals (HMs) compositions in the regional groundwater systems and the possible public health risks compared to WHO permissible drinking water limits. The sample water from the Rivers had the highest concentration of HMs (0.089 mg/I–2.012 mg/l), followed by the hand-dug wells (HWDs) (0.033 mg/l–1.555 mg/l) and the lowest in the borehole (0.011 mg/l–0.511 mg/l). In contrast, the borehole water sample shows a moderation where the HMs presence falls within the WHO standard for drinking water. The outcomes of the study show that 63% of the investigated region consumed water with a high concentration of HMs above the WHO permissible standard allowance for drinking water, while only 37% took water that falls within the WHO permissible standard. In conclusion, the study showed significant impacts of anthropogenic activities on the regional water quality, which provides vital information about the regional groundwater systems and the quality of water supply for adequate groundwater development and sustainability.

Implementing pictorial health warning labels on waterpipe tobacco products in Lebanon: A policy framework analysis of content, actors, context, and process.

Lebanon has one of the world's highest waterpipe (WP) consumption rates. Research has documented the effectiveness of implementing pictorial health warning labels (PHWLs) on WP products at encouraging smoking cessation and discouraging youth uptake of smoking. This study aims to gain insight into key informants' (KIs) views on the issuance, implementation, and compliance of a decree for PHWLs on WP products. Thirteen KIs (policymakers, media, and international/local non-government organization representatives) were interviewed online and asked about potential barriers and facilitators they saw to issuing and implementing a PHWL decree. They were shown examples of PHWLs and asked about processes needed for implementation and compliance. The policy triangle framework (content, actors, context, and process) was used to interpret findings. Although there was clear discrepancy and ambiguousness among the KIs' views regarding process and actors, there was more consensus and clarity around context and content. Challenges to implementation were: (1) multiple sources of production and supply of WP (2) uncertainty regarding the responsible actors for each step, (3) prioritization of a tobacco control decree amidst a political and economic crisis, and (4) challenges to practicality of applying PHWL on the WP given its multi-component nature. This research provides an in-depth understanding of KI's views regarding content, actors, context, and process in relation to the issuance, implementation, and compliance to PHWLs on WP products. Noted challenges require careful consideration if progress is to be made to introduce PHWLs. A growing research base has documented the potential effectiveness of PHWLs on reducing WP consumption.Findings of this study show that implementing PHWLs on WP products requires a distinct understanding of the policy environment and context, as well as content, actors, and processes.Implementing PHWLs on waterpipe tobacco products needs to address the complex nature of waterpipe smoking as a multi-component tobacco use method.

Do Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions Significantly Influence Green Tax Levels in European Countries?

In this article, we analyze the correlation between GDP/capita variation, primary and renewable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on the one hand, and green taxes on the other. Green taxes are the main instruments used to limit activities that have a negative impact on the environment. These consist of taxes paid by producers and/or consumers for any activity that generates pollution. The results of dynamic regressions, validated by the applied robustness tests, indicate a significant and positive correlation between primary energy consumption and total environmental taxes, respectively energy taxes. At the same time, this shows that variation in GDP/capita significantly and positively influences transport taxes and pollution taxes. In contrast, net greenhouse gas emissions and the supply, transformation and consumption of renewable sources and waste do not significantly influence the total green taxes and their components. This finding is useful to both academic research and government policies for the realistic substantiation of the levels of green tax revenues and for establishing appropriate measures meant to reduce CO2 emissions.

Increasing flood awareness through dam-break serious games

Dams are one of the most important human-made structures ever conceptualized and allow the development of society by providing multiple uses, such as the development of hydroelectric plants and as a source of water supply. A dam break problem is a catastrophic event that evolves rapidly, causing uncontrollable large floods downstream. In this paper, we develop a simplified modeling approach to assess flood characteristics associated with dam-break problems. The method offers a useful tool to improve the perception of dam safety in terms of the hydrodynamic impacts associated with a dam break. We apply our framework to 20 dams in Brazil, in addition to the Brumadinho dam failure at Córrego do Feijão. This event occurred in Brazil in 2019 leading to almost 300 fatalities. The second case study demonstrates the use of the modelling framework developed in this paper through the simulation of 20 dams in Brazil. The modeling approach uses GIS databases, Google Earth, and National Water Agency (ANA) databases and can be replicated whenever GIS information on dam characteristics, downstream channel, and downstream community is available. The results of this modeling approach indicate that several dams in the northeast of Brazil have relatively large flood hazards. A simplified dam-break hazard index was developed to establish a relative hazard impact that considers only deterministic factors such as the hydrodynamic force, velocity, and depth, as well as the arrival time of the maximum values of these states. These values are determined by a 1-D full momentum solver model (HydroHP-1D).

Building Characteristics and Incompatible Land Uses as Drivers of Fire Disaster Risk

Risk-based land use planning is regarded as a controlling tool for reducing environmental disasters in urban settlements. However, unsustainable land use practices allow building and infrastructural developments in fire disaster-risk areas. Losses to urban fires are largely dependent on building and land use characteristics across settlements. This paper examines the underlying characteristics that increase fire risks in urban buildings by analyzing the relationship between land use patterns, types of building use, and fire disaster risk in the metropolitan area of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected through a field survey using a structured questionnaire supplemented by focus group discussion. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 88 neighborhoods and 1,803 building occupants were selected using systematic random sampling. Findings indicate incompatible land use developments in many areas of the city. The study revealed that one out of five buildings were not accessible to fire-fighting vehicles owing to inadequate road widths (43.7%) and pot-holes (39.8%). One out of seven buildings (14.1%) had no water supply. About 10% of the buildings had emergency doors on permanent lock. About half of the building occupants relied on power supply sources that increased risks of fire occurrence (52%) and 49.4% used unsustainable waste disposal methods that threatened fire safety. The paper concluded that land use attributes, such as accessibility, compatibility of uses, water supply sources, sources of electricity supply and solid waste disposal method, and building characteristics, such as burglar proofs, nature of entrance/exit, type of lighting fuel are factors that are relevant in fire disaster risk analysis.

The determination of the features of the process of mixture formation of hydrogen burner

The determination of the features of the process of mixture formation of hydrogen burner

Drip Irrigation System Designed for Drought Areas

Abstract: This paper presents an innovative prototype that harnesses Thermo-Electric devices (TEDs) to condense water vapor from the atmosphere in drought-stricken regions. Powered by solar energy and main supply sources, TEDs cool the air to generate water droplets for irrigation. Paired with a drip irrigation system, controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and soil moisture sensors, the setup ensures efficient plant hydration while conserving water. Rigorous testing across diverse soil types validates the system's efficacy in responding to varying moisture levels. This integrated approach offers a promising solution to address water scarcity in drought-affected areas.

Microplastic Pollution in High Population Density Zones of Selected Rivers from Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia (SEA) faces significant environmental challenges due to rapid population growth and economic activity. Rivers in the region are major sources of plastic waste in oceans. Concerns about their contribution have grown, but knowledge of microplastics in the area is still limited. This article compares microplastic levels in sediment and water from urban zones of three major rivers in SEA: Chao Phraya River (Thailand), Saigon River (Vietnam), and Citarum River (Indonesia). The study reveals that in all three rivers, microplastics were found, with the highest concentrations in Chao Phraya's water (80 ± 60 items/m3) and Saigon's sediment (9167 ± 4559 items/kg). The variations in microplastic sizes and concentrations among these rivers may be attributed to environmental factors and the exposure duration of plastic to the environment. Since these rivers are important water supply sources, rigorous land-use regulations and raising public awareness are crucial to mitigate plastic and microplastic pollution.

TEST RESULTS OF DOMESTIC RECUPERATIVE COALS

Adsorption steam recovery plants (VRS) of oil and petroleum products are among the most common in the world. This is facilitated by their relatively high throughput, low energy consumption, and a sufficiently high achievable degree of purification of the gas-air mixture (GAM) from hydrocarbons. The main consumable material in this case is an adsorbent – a substance capable of first selectively attaching hydrocarbon gases contained in hot water to its surface, and when thermodynamic conditions change, it detaches them. Most often, recuperative (activated) coal is used as an adsorbent. During operation, the adsorption capacity of recuperative coal gradually decreases. This is facilitated by the mechanical destruction heavy hydrocarbons contained in the hot water, which cannot be fully isolated during the desorption operation. Therefore, periodically recuperative coal requires replacement.Until recently, it was purchased abroad. Usually, recuperative coal was supplied complete with the recuperation units themselves, supplied from abroad. However, to date, adsorption VRS have begun to be produced in Russia. In addition, the endless sanctions of the West are forcing us to look for sources of supply of this adsorbent inside the country.The article presents the results of comparative laboratory tests of a number of recuperative coals for use in the adsorption of hydrocarbons from hot water. According to the of coal granules, as well as water vapor and value of the integral efficiency indicator, the best of them was the Sorber-30 brand coal. In addition, the enterprise at which it is produced has the necessary production facilities, human resources, capabilities for conducting input quality control of raw materials and the quality of finished products, and also supplies recuperative coal to consumers in sufficiently large volumes, i.e. is a reliable supplier.The article also describes the results of comparative industrial tests of the recovery coal «Sorber-30» and imported coal of the brand «CGF4 plus», operated in the adsorption VRSin LLC «Transneft – Port Kozmino» since 2014.