Water Transmission Research Articles

Improper Risk Management Outcomes and Lessons Learned from an EPC Water Transmission Project

Improper Risk Management Outcomes and Lessons Learned from an EPC Water Transmission Project

Field study on proactive pipe condition assessment using hydroacoustic noise

Condition assessment of water transmission pipelines is of important necessity for prioritizing rehabilitation and preventing catastrophic pipe failure. Hydraulic transient analysis has been investigated for three decades for this purpose and applied to many field studies. However, the significant pipe vibrations caused by the transient generation process and the limited energy and bandwidth of conventional discrete transient pressure waves (e.g., step and pulse waves) limit the accuracy and resolution of the analysis. This paper reports a pilot field study of noninvasive and nondestructive pipe condition assessment using small amplitude and persistent hydroacoustic noise instead of conventional large and discrete hydraulic transient waves. By opening a discharge valve installed at an existing access point, such as an air valve, on the field pipe, hydroacoustic noise was generated at the valve due to the turbulence of the discharge. The hydroacoustic noise was measured by pressure transducers at this access point as well as some other access points along the field pipe. A signal deconvolution process was then applied to the measured hydraulic pressures to transfer them to a compositional impulse response function (IRF), which is composed of IRFs of different pipe sections. A mathematical model was derived to interpret the anomaly-induced spikes on the deconvolution trace. A time-shifting process on the compositional IRFs was proposed to find the locations with pipe condition changes from a specific direction of the pipe. The field study has shown that small-amplitude persistent hydroacoustic noise can replace conventional large hydraulic transient waves for pipe condition assessment.

Characterisation of metamaterials for underwater acoustics using the 5-point method

The characterization of metamaterials by measurement is essential to reveal the true efficiency of a material's reflection and transmission in water. The current 3-point method developed by L. Roux et al, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 147, 2 (2020) 1104-1112 provides important advantages, such as consideration of the pressure field diffracted by the edges of the panel and late reflections, due respectively to the finite size of the panel and the water tank. However, this method only considers specularly reflected and transmitted waves. For metamaterial panels based on periodic arrays of macro-inclusions there exists a diffraction cut-off frequency, above which several propagating waves are generated in water, with frequency-dependent propagation directions, in both the reflected and transmitted fields. Due to this multiplication of waves, the 3-point method is no longer adequate. The 5-point method consider these components, in addition to those considered by the 3-point method allowing measurement beyond the material's first cut-off frequency by using 5 hydrophone position instead of three. Tests were carried out on a panel with an adaptable grating periodicity to test the robustness of the 5 points method. Results are compared with the 3-point method when both are valid and numerical results obtained by FEM.

Integrity Management of Subsea Pipelines for Water and Gas Transportation in Offshore Gas Storage Facilities

Abstract In the pilot test stage of N gas storage, relying on the construction of D oilfield, the injection production operation was achieved. The D355 subsea water transmission pipeline from the old A artificial island to the B artificial island was converted into a gas transmission pipeline. To ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline during the test stage, the feasibility was determined through verification and analysis of the pipeline; High consequence area identification and risk assessment have been carried out on the pipeline, and the risk level is within an acceptable range; Due to the lack of internal testing conditions, a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the pipeline was conducted, including underwater magnetic memory non-destructive testing, external testing, and pressure testing; In response to the detected problem of exposed pipelines, concrete pads were used for interlocking treatment; In response to the scaling on the inner wall of the pipeline, conservative cleaning measures have been taken, including neutral immersion cleaning and non clogging cleaning with steel wire balls. After thorough argumentation, testing, and treatment, the pipeline has operated well after being put into operation, which is a successful practice for the integrity management of old submarine pipelines. It provides valuable integrity management experience for the gathering and transformation of various offshore oil and gas fields and the construction of offshore gas storage facilities.

Signals denoising of leakage pressure in water supply pipelines using an improved wavelet filter algorithm

Abstract Accurate identification of leakage pressure signal is crucial for leakage detection and location of water supply pipelines. However, there is a lot of noise signals in the negative pressure waves generated during leakage accidents, making it difficult to identify leakage signals, and thus seriously affecting the accuracy of leakage detection. Therefore, in this study, we carried out leakage test of water transmission pipeline on our self-built test platform for transient flow with long-distance water transmission pipeline (pipeline length is 160 m, and diameter is 100 mm), and obtained the transient leakage pressure signals under various flow rates (15–55 m3/h). An improved wavelet filtering algorithm was proposed to filter the leakage pressure signal by optimizing the calculation of decomposition layers and the threshold processing strategy, and then compared with the traditional wavelet filtering method. The results show that the improved algorithm can denoise the leakage signals effectively, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are all superior to those of the traditional wavelet algorithm. The results can provide support for leakage detection and location of water supply pipeline systems.

Coupled Modelling of Brine Availability in Salt-Based Disposal Facilities - Learning from DECOVALEX 2023

Salt is a potential host rock or caprock for deep geological disposal facilities for radioactive waste and has several favourable properties compared to other candidate rock types. In particular, intact salt has an extremely small porosity and permeability, which limits water availability and transmissivity. This has tended to lead to disposal concepts in salt being considered as ‘mostly dry’ and hence ideally suited to limiting groundwater interactions that could otherwise lead to corrosion of waste packages and mobilisation of radionuclides over isolation timescales (10 5 -10 6 years). However, there is plentiful experimental evidence to suggest that excavations in bedded salt can exhibit non-trivial inflows. These inflows often increase on heating and are thought to arise due to complicated interactions between thermal, hydrogeological and mechanical processes in the salt. Task E in the international collaborative DECOVALEX 2023 programme was established to attempt to better understand how these coupled processes affect brine availability in bedded salt. A summary of the UK team's learning from the task is given in this paper that may be of relevance when constructing models to inform future safety cases for radioactive waste disposal in salt, and other energy geoscience applications where brine interactions are a potentially complicating factor.

3D Biomass‐Based Interfacial Solar Steam Generation: Component, Optimization, and Application

The seawater desalination and wastewater treatment by the interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) technique is considered as a green, economical, sustainable, low‐energy‐consumption, and potential fresh water production strategy to solve the water shortage and energy crisis. Recently, efficient biomass‐based ISSGs (BISSGs) have been widely reported due to its efficient photothermal conversion efficiency and good hydrophilic performance. The BISSGs with efficient solar absorption and water transmission performance by design and optimization their various forms and structures and related photothermal properties is also significantly great for its scale application. This review highlights recent advancements in 3D BISSG systems, with a focus on the design and optimization of photothermal conversion materials and substrate materials. Then, the review also discusses the potential of biomass materials in BISSG applications, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for developing cost‐effective, efficient, and sustainable water purification technologies. Finally, the challenges and development prospects of the BISSG system in basic research and practical application will provide theoretical guidance for the further development of this technology.

Earthquake damage mitigation methods for buried pipelines under compressive loads: A case study of the Thames water pipeline

Promoting tensile failure by providing a proper orientation angle between the pipe axis and the fault line is the main seismic design philosophy for buried steel pipelines. However, most of the severe damage and failures experienced by pipelines are mainly due to negative crossing angle and thus compressive loads acting along the pipeline. This paper investigates different earthquake damage mitigation methods such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wrapped pipes, Steel Pipes for Fault Crossing (SPF), and corrugated pipes for buried steel pipelines which are mainly subjected to compressive loads. Therefore, the Thames water transmission pipeline, which is a well-known case study, that suffered major and minor damage due to compressive forces in the 1999 Kocaeli earthquake, is considered to simulate and compare the earthquake damage mitigation capabilities of these countermeasures. The numerical studies are performed by using a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model. The results show that the use of CFRP composites in buried pipelines, regardless of their thickness, wrapping length, or layer orientation, does not have the expected damage reduction effect, but does increase the effective length between major wrinkles or change the type of pipe failure. On the other hand, SPFs and corrugated pipes are more effective in earthquake damage reduction due to their high axial and rotational capabilities.

Composition and Distribution of Bacteria, Pathogens, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes at Shanghai Port, China

As one of the biggest ports, the aquatic ecology of Shanghai Port has a significant impact on the health of surrounding residents and aquatic animals. Therefore, this study explored the composition and distribution of bacteria, pathogens, and ARGs at Shanghai Ports by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the bacterial community was dominated by the Proteobacteria at the phylum level. With the refinement of classification level, the main composition of bacteria in different samples shows significant differences. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the composition and distribution of pathogens among the samples. It indicates that pathogens and ARGs have steady community composition at Shanghai Port. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica could be regarded as candidate indicator pathogens. macB, tetA (58), and evgS were the main ARGs, and they showed a close relationship with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Magnaporthe oryzae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Xanthomonas oryzae, and Vibrio cholerae in different sites and layers. This may lead to the transfer of ARGs between different pathogens, resulting in more threatening pathogens. The results showed that the pathogens and ARGs present posed a risk of transmission and were potentially harmful to residents in the environment. They can spread to any other ports in the world through the transmission of ballast water, posing a threat to humans and local ecology. In order to keep human health, it is necessary to pay more attention to the water environment of ports and increase the monitoring. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the supervision of external source pollution input due to the special features of the port.

Intercalation of V2O5 and Polypyrrole into a Graphene Oxide Layer: A Hybrid Multifunctional Photothermal Structure for Efficient Solar Evaporation, Water Purification, Disinfection, and Power Production.

Development of a hybrid multifunctional photothermal structure with multifunctional capabilities is deliberated as an effective approach for harvesting abundant solar energy for sustainable environmental applications. Achieving enhanced solar to thermal conversion efficiency utilizing a suitably designed, environmentally compatible thermal management structure however remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the intercalation of V2O5 and polypyrrole into a graphene oxide layer to design a hybrid photothermal assembly (PPy-V2O5-GO) and its multifunctional proficiencies. The hybrid photothermal structure demonstrated synergistic photothermal conversion, buoyant porous structure sustaining water transmission, and efficient steam release. V2O5 and polypyrrole-intercalated optimized graphene oxide structure attained an evaporation rate of 1.9 kg m-2 h-1 with a conversion efficiency of 92% under 1 sun solar radiation. At maximum, the assembly's surface temperature hit 64 ± 2 °C, suggesting its suitability as a solar water purifier. Outdoor experiments suggest the evaporator assembly's capability to accumulate a total output of 15 kg m-2 over a single day. Cell viability investigations revealed strong antimicrobial properties of PPy-V2O5-GO against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, eliminating nearly all under 1 sun, making it a potential candidate for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, when combined with a commercial thermoelectric module, the framework displayed exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency, hinting at its potential for electrical power generation. The integration of PPy-V2O5-GO with a Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric module significantly boosted the thermoelectric generator's performance, offering an enhanced power output of 2.8 mW and a high power density of 1.24 mW/cm2, making them suitable for off-grid or remote-area application. Overall, the PPy-V2O5-GO photothermal assembly's stability, lack of leaching, effectiveness in producing pure water from seawater, antimicrobial efficacies, and recyclability make it an excellent choice for sustainable water treatment and power generation.

Flexible supply-demand side management towards a sustainable decentralized distribution network: A net-negative Water-energy-emissions Nexus assessment

Severe water and energy shortfalls hinder widespread access and challenge sustainable resource management in various supply systems. This study proposed a new decentralized distribution network with net-negative emissions concept and flexible strategies to ensure efficient water and mix-energy with low-carbon emissions The proposed net-negative water-energy emission decentralized distribution network (N-NWEE-D2N) was formulated by assessing spatio-temporal interactions at local-regional scale of multi-sector water and energy demand and supply using flexible nexus regulation strategies. The feasibility of self-production and CO2-based regeneration from biogas recovery in activated sludge process and non-renewable energy generation, respectively, was investigated. The N-NWEE-D2N-based water-energy distribution showed an effective balance between supply and demand, with low deficits, efficient surplus utilization, and reduced CO2 emissions. The water and energy management efficiencies based on N-NWEE-D2N improved by 67.196% and 78.11%, respectively, compared to scenarios without such considerations, due to the effective decentralized distribution of water and energy among the regions. Thus, proposed N-NWEE-D2N can contribute to the sustainable operation of WWTPs and promoting long-term sustainability in water and energy distribution transmission.

The model and characteristics of polarized light transmission applicable to polydispersity particle underwater environment

The information about the polarization of underwater objects can be affected by the absorption and scattering of water particles, making it challenging to detect underwater targets accurately. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the characteristics of polarization transmission in water. Traditional Monte Carlo simulations have yet to effectively treat particle size in water, which is unsuitable for the underwater environment of polydispersity particles with significant particle size differences. In this paper, a new simulation model using a Monte Carlo method with random sampling fitting phase functions is proposed, which makes the transmission characteristics of water particles more in line with the actual probability model of complex water bodies. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed Monte Carlo method produces polarization closer to experimental results. The larger the particle size of water suspensions, the greater change of the polarization degree of polarized light. The polarization-maintaining characteristics of circularly polarized light are better than those of linearly polarized light, providing data support for the transmission and detection of underwater light.

Activation of NFE2L2 Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Pyroptosis in Murine Hippocampus: A Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation.

Pyroptosis has been implicated in many pathologic processes, including endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets of ERS affecting pyroptosis still need further exploration. We obtained gene sets associated with ERS and pyroptosis, and the common genes were regarded as crosstalk genes linking ERS and pyroptosis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the hub genes were obtained via Cytoscape. Moreover, to validate the efficacy of the therapeutic target, neurological tests, brain water content measurements, Nissl staining, Western blot, ELISA, TUNEL analyses, and transmission electron microscopy were performed in a mouse model. A total of 13 crosstalk genes were acquired, and enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in stress-associated cellular processes and pathways, including KEAP1-NFE2L2 pathway. The hub gene, NFE2L2, was identified by Cytoscape, and tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) was screened as candidate drug to activate NFE2L2. Western blot and ELISA results showed that activation of NFE2L2 could attenuate the expression of ERS and pyroptosis-related proteins by promoting nuclear translocation of Nrf2 (encoded by NFE2L2). Pathological evaluation by Nissl staining and TUNEL assay reflected a similar trend. Furthermore, activation of NFE2L2 ameliorated neurological deficits and reduced brain edema. In conclusion, our bioinformatic analysis results established the theoretical foundation of NFE2L2 as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, in the mouse model, tBHQ pretreatment further confirmed the effectiveness of this target. We hypothesized NFE2L2 may play a key role in the progression of ERS-mediated pyroptosis. These findings may inspire new ideas to treat neurological disorders.

Occurrence and identification of microplastics retained in corrosion deposits of drinking water transmission pipes

The irregular structure and high porosity of corrosion deposits create suitable conditions for the retention, accumulation and adsorption of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) transported by distributed water. Due to the low mass and continuous degradation of MPs, under certain conditions (e.g., changes in water composition or hydraulic conditions, network failures), these particles can be re-released into the water, causing secondary contamination. This paper presents preliminary results on the degree of MP contamination of sediments lining the inner surface of metal alloy pipes taken from a municipal drinking water distribution network. The isolated particles were assessed in terms of number, shape, residence time in the network, and origin. Plastic fragments classified as MPs and NPs were found in all analyzed corrosion deposits. Fragments smaller than 50 μm predominated, indicating a high level of plastic fragmentation associated with advanced degradation and prolonged residence in the environment. The predominant plastics identified were polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamides. High-carbon particles, most likely NP particles, whose presence in drinking water may pose a high health risk to consumers due to their potential to migrate into body tissues, were very abundant in the sediments but impossible to count with the techniques used. The results indicate the need to intensify research on the content of MPs and NPs not only in drinking water, but also in the sediments covering the interior of distribution pipes, and to identify factors that may cause their secondary release into bulk water.

Enhancing Water Pollution Management Through a Comprehensive Fractional Modeling Framework and Optimal Control Techniques

Water pollution poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in developing nations. This study aims to enhance our understanding of water pollution transmission dynamics by introducing a novel mathematical model within a general fractional framework. The model offers a comprehensive analysis, including assessing solution feasibility and the stability of equilibrium points. To effectively implement this model, we develop an efficient numerical scheme based on the trapezoidal method. Furthermore, we conduct a thorough error discussion and convergence analysis. Notably, we devise and evaluate a new strategy to effectively tackle the associated fractional optimal control problem concerning water pollutant transmission. Applying this approach to a real case demonstrates its substantial impact, notably in reducing non-soluble contaminants within the water transmission system.

Screening of New Dendrobium officinale Strains Adapted to Karst Forest Environmental Stress Based on Electrophysiological Detection Method

At present, the main methods of breeding Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) include introduction and domestication, selective breeding, hybrid breeding, and mutation breeding. In the process, traditional methods of field investigation of agronomic traits are often used to select resistant varieties. Although these breeding methods are effective, they have a certain degree of subjectivity and empiricism, and the breeding cycle is long. Electrophysiological instruments were used in this experiment to test the material transport and metabolic capacity of D. officinale in a karst forest epiphytic environment and to quickly evaluate the suitability of different strains of D. officinale in a drought environment. These instruments detected the data on electrophysiological information of leaves of different strains of D. officinale under long-term drought conditions, providing immediate access to the inherent electrophysiological information of the leaves of these strains. Based on the electrophysiological parameters of D. officinale leaves as defined by the inherent electrophysiological information of plants, the water metabolism, nutrient transport, and metabolic capacity in different leaves were evaluated. The key electrophysiological indexes were verified by combining the results of chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content. The results indicate the following: (1) Parameters defined based on electrophysiological information effectively characterized the differences in intracellular water utilization, the nutrient transport status, and the metabolic capacity of different D. officinale strains. (2) The intrinsic physiological resistance, intrinsic physiological reactance, active nutrient transport capacity, and passive nutrient transport capacity were closely related to the growth status and chlorophyll function of D. officinale leaves. These electrophysiological parameters could serve as critical indicators for evaluating the drought resistance of D. officinale. (3) Under severe drought stress, strain LH1 exhibited less leaf damage, adequate water/nutrient supply, vigorous life activities, and excellent drought resistance. We found that strain LH1 demonstrates better adaptation to the arid environment of karst forest lands. The electrophysiological detection method employed in this study offers a new technique for screening wild-cultivated D. officinale resistance strains. The results indicate that the real-time online leaf electrophysiological information measured by the method in this study can characterize the energy and material metabolism of crops, greatly improving the efficiency of crop-variety selection and reducing costs. These conclusions can be used to obtain real-time information on the transmission of water and nutrients within plant cells and can provide theoretical support for studying the adaptation mechanisms of crops to adverse environments.

Polyurethane Based Smart Composite Fabric for Personal Thermal Management in Multi-Mode.

Textiles with thermal/moisture managing functions are of high interest. However, making the textile sensitive to the surrounding environment is still challenging. Herein, a multimodal smart fabric is developed by stitching together the Ag coated thermal-humidity sensitive thermoplastic polyurethane (Ag-THSPU) and the hybrid of polyvinylidene fluoride and polyurethane (PU-PVDF). The porous PU-PVDF layer is used for solar reflection, infrared emissivity, and water resistance. The Ag-THSPU layer is designed for regulating thermal reflection, sweat evaporation as well as convection. In cold and dry state, the Ag domains are densely packed covering the crystalline polyurethane matrix, featuring low water transmission (102.74gm-2·24h-1), high thermal reflection and 2.4°C warmer than with cotton fabric. In the hot and humid state, the THSPU layer is swollen by sweat and expands in area, resulting in the formation of micro-hook faces where the Ag domains spread apart to promote sweat evaporation (2084.88g/m-2·24h-1), thermal radiation and convection, offering 2.5°C cooler than with cotton fabric. The strategy reported here opens a new door for the development of adaptive textiles in demanding situations.

Examining Crop Yield Losses in Iğdır Plain Irrigation Systems in Türkiye Amidst Water Constraints

Water stands as a crucial component of agricultural production. This study aims to propose water efficiency measures in agriculture as an essential element for climate change adaptation. In this study, yield losses in staple crops in agricultural regions are analyzed by using the most suitable methodologies, particularly in agriculture-reliant developing nations. Furthermore, this study seeks to determine the financial consequences of such losses. The methodology applied for this purpose was implemented in Türkiye’s Iğdır Plain, selected as the study site. As the first step, the yields of the first three most cultivated products in each product group were assessed under normal climatic conditions in terms of their crop water requirements and irrigation water requirements. Subsequently, the irrigation water supply was reduced by 10%, and the resulting yield losses were calculated per hectare. Then, the overall crop losses after applying the 10% water constraint were determined in the total cultivation area. Among the crops cultivated in the region, the analysis reveals that clover from the field crops category exhibits the highest water dependence, while apricot demonstrates the least reliance on water resources. As a result, the recommended crop rotation for the Iğdır Plain under water constraints comprises wheat, apricot, watermelon, maize, melon, apple, tomato, peach, and clover. The following measures are proposed to ensure sustainable use of water resources and reduce exposure to climate change: increasing the water transmission efficiency and water use efficiency in irrigation areas, allocating more space to water-stress-resistant crops in the crop pattern in basins, and substituting crops requiring excessive water with less water-dependent crops.

Assessment of spatiotemporal risks for nationwide groundwater nitrate contamination

National assessments of groundwater contamination risks are crucial for sustaining high-quality groundwater supplies. However, traditional methods often treat groundwater contamination risk as a steady-state indicator without considering spatiotemporal variation in risk, both geographically and over time, caused by anthropogenic and climatic factors. In this work, XGBoost, a tree-based algorithm, was applied to comprehensively analyze the drivers of groundwater contamination from nitrate, using data on 13 physical features (as used by the index-based ranking method DRASTIC) and 30 anthropogenic features from 1985 to 2010 in the contiguous United States (CONUS). The results indicate that physical features controlling the transport processes, particularly those affecting contaminant travel time from land surface to groundwater (depth to water table and transmissivity), were the dominant factors for nitrate contamination in groundwater. This was followed by features representing the potential nitrogen loading. Positive correlations between most features and the nitrogen loading time (year) were found, suggesting their growing influence on contamination risk. Based on the drivers identified for nitrate concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L in groundwater and their varying temporal contributions, this study proposes a reformulated index-based method for contamination risk assessment. With this method, an overall accuracy of around 70 % was achieved based on the validation data set. The predicted high-risk areas are mainly intensive irrigation regions, such as the High Plains, northern Midwest, and Central Valley. This new approach contributes to a more accurate and effective assessment of the contamination risks of groundwater on a regional and national scale under temporally varying environmental conditions.

Investigation of optical, mechanical, thermal, wettability, and antibacterial activity of polyvinyl alcohol mixed with clay nanoparticles

In this research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was mixed with clay nanoparticles with weight ratios of 1, 3, or 5 wt% to form PVA/clay composites using the solvent casting method for food packaging uses. Chemical bonds and function groups were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while mechanical parameters e.g. tensile strength (Ts), elongation (Eb), and Young modulus (Ym) of the synthesized PVA/clay film were examined. Other characteristics were studied and discussed such as water uptake (swelling and porosity), contact angle, optical qualities (transmission, brightness), barrier properties i.e. water vapor transfer rate, and antimicrobial performance. The addition of clay nanoparticles raised Ym from 1.3 MPa to 2.9 MPa, while decreasing Ts and Eb from 77 MPa and 3.8 % to 59 MPa and 3.6 %, respectively. Also, incorporating clay nanoparticles reduces water absorption, moisture level, transmission, and brightnesswhile improving the thermal conductivity and water vaportransport rates of PVA. Furthermore, the incorporation of clay nanoparticles improves thermal, mechanical, optical, and antibacterial performance, which could be beneficial for food packaging applications.