Search Results (88)

Why do environmental regulators allow some facilities to discharge more water pollution than similar facilities in other locations? Drawing on general theories of regulatory decisionmaking, this study assesses four possible reasons: (1) variation in governments’ ability to export pollution to other political jurisdictions, (2) variation in the demographic composition of the neighborhood surrounding the facility, (3) variation in local communities’ ability to mobilize for effective collective action, and (4) variation in subnational political context. Analyses of effluent discharge limits imposed by the U.S. states on two common classes of water pollution indicate that state regulators allow greater discharges when the receiving river crosses state lines, and that they are responsive to a variety of other demographic and political factors. The specific factors, however, often vary across the two pollutants assessed. These results suggest that subnational political considerations may shape the conditions imposed in water pollution permits, and, ultimately, water quality outcomes. Full article

The recent improvements in streamflow measurement approaches have boosted the reliability and accuracy of river flow measurement. In this study, long-term measurements of river discharge in the Tokoro River, Japan, were conducted. The key objective of this work is to investigate the extent of river flow measurement in a very shallow and narrow silt stream using the fluvial acoustic tomography system (FAT). Despite the preliminary nature of the measurement results, the recorded data were subject to analysis from three different outlooks. First, examinations were performed under very shallow and high-water conditions. Second, examinations were performed using double acoustic frequency. Third, examinations were performed using multiple independent flow datasets. As a new achievement in terms of advanced monitoring capabilities, it was documented that the measurement by the FAT was possible even in extremely shallow conditions. However, the minimum water depth along the measured cross-section must be ≥9 cm. Moreover, the FAT system demonstrated its capability to monitor streamflow in high water levels. In addition, it was found that using high transmission frequency can provide shorter wavelengths, permitting better spatial resolution and higher velocity resolutions and hence desirable measurement accuracy. Nevertheless, measurements in the presence of high suspended sediment particles were lacking. Alternatively, a lower transmission frequency offers a longer wavelength, which might be less sensitive to small-scale variations and results in an imprecise degree of measurements. Nonetheless, measurements can be accomplished even during the mobilization of a high concentration of suspended sediment matters. Finally, using multiple independent streamflow measurement records, the results proved that the flow measured by the FAT system was in very good agreement with the records acquired using sophisticated measurement approaches such as HADCP and STIV with a very low range of uncertainty. Full article

The volume of food waste is increasing, and research has highlighted the issues related to its disposal methods. Disposers are emerging as a solution for food waste recycling; they are already used in various countries. Only a limited portion of solid waste discharge has been permitted depending on the infrastructure capacity. Although additional administrative costs are required to adapt the existing food waste disposal system to include disposers, research on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for such changes is lacking. Therefore, this study analyzes consumer WTP to increase the capacity of infrastructure. In this study, contingent valuation methods are employed to evaluate WTP, and data are collected based on a one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice model with 1155 residents. In addition, this study considers the relevant knowledge, satisfaction, and expectations of the service. The results show that the average WTP for additional sewage rates is KRW 6860 (USD 5.2). Covariate models show that knowledge of water quality and awareness of the extent of untreated sewage discharge during rainfall in CSOs significantly influence WTP. Additionally, satisfaction with sewage odor, expectations regarding sewerage fees, and concerns about preventing sewer backflow impact WTP. However, satisfaction with the disposer does not significantly affect WTP. Additionally, a regional analysis is conducted to determine the priority of regional infrastructure improvements. In Incheon and Seoul, where the number of complaints was higher than the average, WTP showed a positive influence. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers, as they can be used to determine regional policy priorities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), associated with long-term cannabinoid use, has been increasingly observed in emergency room visits as more states in the U.S. have legislatively permitted medical and recreational marijuana use. The acute management of CHS primarily focuses on antiemetic treatment and supportive care. However, both the condition itself and the antiemetic drugs, such as haloperidol, may cause QTc prolongation. Methods: We reported two adolescent cases admitted to the emergency department for acute antiemesis management of CHS who received haloperidol treatment. A literature review was performed through October 2024 for previously published cases of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes (TdP) in adolescents and young adults. Results: A 15-year-old female presented with hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia upon admission. She complained of chest pain and tachycardia, and the electrocardiogram (EKG) showed prolonged QTc (528 msec). The haloperidol infusion was discontinued. She recovered well post-discharge without complaints. A 17-year-old female had a borderline prolonged QT interval (476 msec). Her nausea and vomiting improved with a three-dose course of intravenous fosaprepitant before discharge. Our literature search identified five severe cases with life-threatening episodes of QTc prolongation and/or TdP in adolescents and young adults. Conclusions: Patients with CHS are at higher risk of QTc prolongation due to cannabis use, electrolyte imbalance, and antiemetic medications. We recommend vigilant EKG monitoring, particularly before initiating and throughout haloperidol treatment. If the patient presents with an increased risk of QTc prolongation, consider using topical capsaicin, lorazepam, aprepitant/fosaprepitant, and olanzapine as alternatives. Full article

Introduction: Hospitalisation and prolonged length of stay is associated with deconditioning that risks adverse outcomes after discharge. Less is known about the psychological impact on older people after hospital discharge. The purpose of this systematic review was to elucidate factors contributing to psychological stress in older patients post-discharge to inform better discharge planning. Methods: A systematic search for studies reporting poor discharge outcomes in older people between 2010 and 2022 was performed in Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Search terms were ‘older patients > 65 year’, ‘post-discharge’, ‘psychological distress’, ‘loneliness’, ‘anxiety’, ‘depression’, and ‘length of hospital stay’. Exclusion criteria included COVID-19 disease, dementia (±severe cognitive impairment), individuals aged <65, and those under palliative care services. Results: A total of 1666 records were identified, of which 878 were excluded as they were outside of our date limits or were not written in the English language, 681 were excluded after application of exclusion criteria, and 699 were excluded because of insufficient details. A total of 31 duplicates were removed, leaving 38 articles that were assessed for eligibility; 7 of these reports were found suitable, comprising 1131 patients. Three highly relevant themes identified relating to post-discharge outcomes were social isolation, lack of support, depression and anxiety. Older patients with a tendency toward depressive symptoms had an increased likelihood of death. Conclusions: It appears that the discharge process from hospital fails to address psychological factors that permit a successful transition from hospital. Pre-discharge screening of psychological symptoms and coping ability may assist in identifying older patients who are at risk of mental as well as subsequent physical deterioration. Better knowledge of positive and negative predictors of a successful transition from hospital to home would enable more holistic, effective, and inclusive discharge planning processes for older adults. Full article

Infiltration-based stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are progressively being utilized to mitigate issues such as increased runoff and poor water quality associated with urbanization. However, they are often difficult to accurately model due to the extensive design variables involved, particularly in high water table regions where groundwater mounding can cause primary infiltration to shift from vertical to horizontal. This study assessed an infiltration-based stormwater management system for a commercial property in Southwest Florida using integrated ArcMap 10.8.2 -ICPR4 software. A unique modeling technique captured the shift from vertical to horizontal infiltration in high water table conditions, employing ICPR4’s “percolation ring” and “percolation link”. The integration of GIS with the ICPR model enabled detailed modeling, assessment, and visualization of runoff in high water table areas. Three site-specific design storms were employed to analyze the pre- and post-developed conditions of the study area and assess whether existing BMPs met Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements. While the system complies with ERP standards, it was found to be oversized based on storage basin stages and stormwater discharges from the simulated 100-year/24-h storm event. This is because 45–68% of the total volume entering the stormwater management basins infiltrated during the analysis period. The infiltration rate in the models was initially heavily dependent on vertical infiltration. However, horizontal groundwater flow substantially increased with the increasing water stage in the detention ponds after vadose zone saturation. These findings highlight the significance of modeling techniques in accurately capturing the performance of infiltration-based stormwater management systems in high water table conditions. Full article

Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted on Carboniferous Limestone gravels from the Mendip Hills area, England; sandstones from the Pirambóia and Botucatu formations, Paraná sedimentary basin, Brazil; samples of schist and quartzite from Caldas Novas Hydrothermal Complex, Brazil; and the minerals tantalite, cassiterite, and columbite from mining areas at Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, with the purpose of evaluating the release of ²²²Rn to the water phase. The specific surface area of the samples corresponded to 1.69–81.36 cm²g⁻¹, which provided values of 0.001–1.68 dpm/g and 3.18 × 10⁻⁶ to 0.59 for the radon released and radon emanation coefficient, respectively. These results allowed us to calculate the radon flux with respect to the radon leakage, which corresponded to values of 0.00016–0.00158 Bq/m²/d for the denser materials and 0.018–0.43 Bq/m²/d for limestones and sandstones. They also permitted us to find an inverse, significant relationship between the radon generated by the minerals/rocks and the radon flux into the water phase, which was tested for sediments in coastal and inland Brazilian areas, demonstrating utility for evaluating the diffusive radon flux from the sediments, which is an important parameter to monitor submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) by means of radon as a natural tracer. Full article

Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stone disease, is a significant global health issue in urology, requiring effective management strategies. The management of nephrolithiasis through flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is increasingly gaining acceptance; however, it is associated with significant costs related to consumables, pharmacotherapy, specialized equipment, and general anesthesia (GA). Limited resources and the need to optimize the cost effectiveness ratio have driven the shift to day-case procedures, offering financial and operational benefits and improving patient satisfaction. This outpatient care approach addresses clinical and economic challenges. For same-day discharge, spinal anesthesia (SA) is essential for fURS, as GA does not permit safe immediate discharge. This retrospective study investigates the feasibility of same-day discharge following fURS procedures performed under SA. Analyzing data from 401 patients who underwent 414 fURS procedures between January 2020 and December 2023, this study aims to evaluate whether same-day discharge is a viable option compared to conventional fURS under GA. The primary objectives are to assess the outcomes, including efficacy, stone-free rate (SFR), pain management, and complication rates, in the context of same-day discharge. Additionally, this study seeks to identify patient and kidney stone characteristics that may influence the suitability of one-day fURS under SA. Outcomes will be measured using the Dindo–Clavien (D-C) classification and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores post-procedure. Full article

Small-scale open-pit, non-artisanal mining of low-value ores is an understudied practice despite its widespread occurrence and potential impact on freshwater resources due to mining-induced land-use/cover changes (LUCCs). This research investigates the long-term impacts of andesite mining in Pasuruan, Indonesia, on the Umbulan Spring’s water discharge within its watershed. System Dynamics (SD) modeling captures the systemic and systematic impact of mining-induced LUCCs on discharge volumes and groundwater recharge. Agricultural and reservoir-based land reclamation scenarios then reveal post-mining temporal dynamics. The no-mining scenario sees the spring’s discharge consistently decrease until an inflection point in 2032. With mining expansion, reductions accelerate by ~1.44 million tons over two decades, or 65.31 thousand tons annually. LUCCs also decrease groundwater recharge by ~2.48 million tons via increased surface runoff. Proposed post-mining land interventions over reclaimed mining areas influence water volumes differently. Reservoirs on reclaimed land lead to ~822.14 million extra tons of discharge, 2.75 times higher than the agricultural scenario. Moreover, reservoirs can restore original recharge levels by 2039, while agriculture only reduces the mining impact by 28.64% on average. These findings reveal that small-scale non-artisanal andesite mining can disrupt regional hydrology despite modest operating scales. Thus, evidence-based guidelines are needed for permitting such mines based on environmental risk and site water budgets. Policy options include discharge or aquifer recharge caps tailored to small-scale andesite mines. The varied outputs of rehabilitation scenarios also highlight evaluating combined land and water management interventions. With agriculture alone proving insufficient, optimized mixes of revegetation and water harvesting require further exploration. Full article

This study was conducted to examine the operation statuses of on-site swine wastewater treatment facilities through surveys and field surveys on pig farms and to propose effective operation models. Field analyses and surveys of pig farms indicate that technical and financial support systems are required for both farms and on-site swine wastewater treatment facilities. Public environmental services have been proposed as an effective support system, in which private sewage treatment facilities are entrusted to professional environmental management agencies, and the costs are shared by local governments and facility owners. However, securing a stable budget represents a challenge to implementing public environmental services. Thus, this study proposes a collaborative manure management model composed of individual farms, professional environmental management agencies, and local governments to address the shortcomings of public environmental services. To effectively manage pig manure, the flexible application of discharge standards, diversification of pollutant reduction management techniques (e.g., feed management), and periodic review of permits must be considered. Additionally, the reinforcement of discharge standards for individual purification facilities, control of the livestock density and number, and impacts of livestock manure discharge on riverine ecosystems must be considered. Full article

The measurement of blood glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) may assist in the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This study aims to compare GFAP and UCH-L1 values measured using a handheld device with those measured using a core laboratory platform. We enrolled 230 mTBI patients at intermediate risk of complications. Following French guidelines, a negative S100B value permits the patient to be discharged without a computed tomography scan. Plasma GFAP and UCH-L1 levels were retrospectively measured using i-STAT^® and Alinity^® i analyzers in patients managed within 12 h post-trauma. Our analysis indicates a strong correlation of biomarker measurements between the two analyzers. Cohen’s kappa coefficients and Lin’s concordance coefficients were both ≥0.7, while Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.94 for GFAP and 0.90 for UCH-L1. Additionally, the diagnostic performance in identifying an intracranial lesion was not significantly different between the two analyzers, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of approximately 30%. GFAP and UCH-L1 levels measured using Abbott’s i-STAT^® and Alinity^® i platform assays are highly correlated both analytically and clinically in a cohort of 230 patients managed for mTBI according to French guidelines. Full article

Global warming, pollution, and increasing energy demand have compelled electrification of the transport sector. Electric vehicles are not only an attractive and cleaner mode of transport, but they also possess the capacity to offer flexible storage alternative based on bidirectional vehicle-to-grid schemes. Vehicle-to-grid or V2G technology permits electric vehicles’ batteries to store energy and discharge it back to the power grid during peak-load periods. However, the feasibility and economic viability of V2G is still a matter of concern and needs investigation. In this paper, the authors delved into the feasibility of V2G technology by analysing the real time-charging data of a V2G demonstration project named EV-elocity, located at the University of Nottingham campus in the UK. The authors analysed the charging data and trip-status data of two charging sites and put forward some insights regarding the feasibility of V2G and the behavioural traits of the vehicles. This paper will enlighten the research community regarding the feasibility and benefits of V2G in a real-world environment by analysing the charging/discharging and vehicle behaviour and reporting the opportunities and benefits of vehicle-to-grid technology. Full article

In this study, the performances of a pouch Li-ion battery (LIB) with respect to temperature, pressure and discharge-rate variation are measured. A sensitivity study has been conducted with three temperatures (5 °C, 25 °C, 45 °C), four pressures (0.2 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 0.8 MPa, 1.2 MPa) and three electrical discharge rates (0.5 C, 1.5 C, 3.0 C). Electrochemical processes and overall efficiency are significantly affected by temperature and pressure, influencing capacity and charge–discharge rates. In previous studies, temperature and pressure were not controlled simultaneously due to technological limitations. A novel test bench was developed to investigate these influences by controlling the surface temperature and mechanical pressure on a pouch LIB during electrical charging and discharging. This test rig permits an accurate assessment of mechanical, thermal and electrical parameters, while decoupling thermal and mechanical influences during electrical operation. The results of the study confirm what has been found in the literature: an increase in pressure leads to a decrease in performance, while an increase in temperature leads to an increase in performance. However, the extent to which the pressure impacts performance is determined by the temperature and the applied electrical discharge rate. At 5 °C and 0.5 C, an increase in pressure from 0.2 MPa to 1.2 MPa results in a 5.84% decrease in discharged capacity. At 45 °C the discharge capacity decreases by 2.17%. Regarding the impact of the temperature, at discharge rate of 0.5 C, with an applied pressure of 0.2 MPa, an increase in temperature from 25 °C to 45 °C results in an increase of 4.27% in discharged capacity. The impact on performance varies significantly at different C-rates. Under the same pressure (0.2 MPa) and temperature variation (from 25 °C to 45 °C), increasing the electrical discharge rate to 1.5 C results in a 43.04% increase in discharged capacity. The interplay between temperature, pressure and C-rate has a significant, non-linear impact on performance. This suggests that the characterisation of an LIB would require the active control of both temperature and pressure during electrical operation. Full article

Low-volume meat processing facilities often rely on decentralized wastewater treatment due to cost constraints and the lack of access to centralized treatment. Improved characterization of these facilities’ wastewater is crucial for meeting local groundwater discharge permits. This study also directly correlates treatment systems and facility characteristics to the results of the characterization. The total nitrogen (TN), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and phosphorus (P) reductions ranged from −15% to 83%, 43% to 95%, and −75% to 62%, respectively. Slaughtering and smoking were found to significantly increase nutrient concentrations. The average TN leaving the slaughterhouses and processing-only facilities was 519 mg/L-N and 154 mg/L-N, respectively. The average BOD produced by the slaughterhouses and processors was 3002 mg/L and 1660 mg/L, respectively. Filtration was found to reduce BOD, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and trace metals. Aeration in a treatment lagoon was found to significantly reduce BOD, COD, and N compounds. The results indicate that even simple decentralized wastewater treatment systems, combined with facility management practices, can substantially reduce permitted wastewater characteristics. The facility with the best BOD removal had an effluent value of 71.3 mg/L, representing a 96% reduction. The facility with the best TN removal had an effluent value of 20 mg/L, representing a 92% reduction prior to discharge. Full article

Rivers adjacent to industrial zones usually suffer from severe pollution issues. Industrial wastewater that has undergone sewage treatment processes may be legally discharged into rivers under water quality permits. Previous studies have frequently employed isotopic tracers to identify potential contaminants for pollution control. Conventional radiogenic isotopes utilized in tracing studies cannot discern whether the source is untreated (primary) industrial wastewater, which can have serious impact to the environment. By analyzing the iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) isotopic compositions in original industrial wastewater and treated effluent, this study aims to investigate whether the heavily polluted Agongdian River is contaminated by the untreated wastewater. Based on the results from this study, the original industrial wastewater exhibits higher concentrations of metallic elements and heavier Fe and lighter Mo isotopic compositions, compared to the treated effluent. Consequently, it appears that Agongdian River water indeed exhibits evidence of untreated industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the volume of original industrial wastewater entering the river can be estimated from these results. This research offers a more precise and accurate approach to monitor potential industrial wastewater pollution in natural water bodies, contributing to the goal of environmental protection and sustainable development. Full article