Health Risk Assessment of Employees Exposed to Chlorination By-products of Recreational Water in Large Amusement Parks in Shanghai

Objective Chlorination is often used to disinfect recreational water in large amusement parks;however,the health hazards of chlorination disinfection by-products(DBPs)to occupational populations are unknown.This study aimed to assess the exposure status of chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and the health risks to employees of large amusement parks.Methods Exposure parameters of employees of three large amusement parks in Shanghai were investigated using a questionnaire.Seven typical chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and spray samples were quantified by gas chromatography,and the health risks to amusement park employees exposed to chlorinated DBPs were evaluated according to the WHO's risk assessment framework.Results Trichloroacetic acid,dibromochloromethane,bromodichloromethane,and dichloroacetic acid were detected predominantly in recreational water.The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the five DBPs did not exceed the risk thresholds.In addition,the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of mixed exposure to DBPs were within the acceptable risk limits.Conclusion Typical DBPs were widely detected in recreational water collected from three large amusement parks in Shanghai;however,the health risks of DBPs and their mixtures were within acceptable limits.

Progress in Analytical Methods of Halogenated Disinfection By-Products

Ensuring the health and safety of drinking water is crucial for both nations and their citizens.Since the 20th century,the disinfection of drinking water,effectively controlling pathogens in water sources,has become one of the significant advances in public health.However,the disinfectants used in the process,such as chlorine and chlorine dioxide,react with natural organic matter in the water to produce disinfection by-products(DBPs).Most of these DBPs contain chlorine,and if the source water contains bromine or iodine,brominated or iodinated DBPs,collectively referred to as Halogenated disinfection byproducts(X-DBPs),are formed.Numerous studies have found that X-DBPs pose potential risks to human health and the environment,leading to widespread concern.Mass spectrometry has become an important means of discovering new types of X-DBPs.This paper focuses on the study of methods for analyzing X-DBPs in drinking water using mass spectrometry.

An Optimized Method for Information System Transactions Based on Blockchain

Accounting Information System(AIS),which is the foundation of any enterprise resource planning(ERP)system,is often built as centralized system.The technologies that allow the Internet-of-Value,which is built onfive aspects that are network,algorithms,distributed ledger,transfers,and assets,are based on blockchain.Cryptography and consensus protocols boost the blockchain plat-form implementation,acting as a deterrent to cyber-attacks and hacks.Blockchain platforms foster innovation among supply chain participants,resulting in ecosys-tem development.Traditional business processes have been severely disrupted by blockchains since apps and transactions that previously required centralized struc-tures or trusted third-parties to authenticate them may now function in a decentra-lized manner with the same level of assurance.Because a blockchain split in AIS may easily lead to double-spending attacks,reducing the likelihood of a split has become a very important and difficult research subject.Reduced block relay time between the nodes can minimize the block propagation time of all nodes,resulting in better Bitcoin performance.In this paper,three problems were addressed on transaction and block propagation mechanisms in order to reduce the likelihood of a split.A novel algorithm for blockchain is proposed to reduce the total pro-pagation delay in AIS transactions.Numerical results reveal that,the proposed algorithm performs better and reduce the transaction delay in AIS as compared with existing methods.

An Interoperability Cross-Block Chain Framework for Secure Transactions in IoT

The purpose of this research is to deal with effective block chain framework for secure transactions.The rate of effective data transactions and the interoperability of the ledger are the two major obstacles involved in Blockchain and to tackle this issue,Cross-Chain based Transaction(CCT)is introduced.Traditional industries have been restructured by the introduction of Internet of Things(IoT)to become smart industries through the feature of data-driven decision-making.Still,there are a few limitations,like decentralization,security vulnerabilities,poor interoperability,as well as privacy concerns in IoTs.To overcome this limitation,Blockchain has been employed to assure a safer transaction process,especially in asset exchanges.In recent decades,scalable local ledgers implement Blockchains,simultaneously sustaining peer validations of transactions which can be at local or global levels.From the single Hyperledger-based blockchains system,the CCT takes the transaction amid various chains.In addition,the most significant factor for this registration processing strategy is the Signature to ensure security.The application of the Quantum cryptographic algorithm amplifies the proposed Hyperledger-based blockchains,to strengthen the safety of the process.The key has been determined by restricting the number of transactions that reach the global Blockchain using the quantum-based hash function and accomplished by scalable local ledgers,and peer validations of transactions at local and global levels without any issues.The rate of transaction processing for entire peers has enhanced with the ancillary aid of the proposed solution,as it includes the procedure of load distribution.Without any boosted enhancement,the recommended solution utilizes the current transaction strategy,and also,it’s aimed at scalability,resource conservation,and interoperability.The experimental results of the system have been evaluated using the metrics like block weight,ledger memory,the usage of the central processing unit,and the communication overhead.

Securing Stock Transactions Using Blockchain Technology: Architecture for Identifying and Reducing Vulnerabilities Linked to the Web Applications Used (MAHV-BC)

This paper deals with the security of stock market transactions within financial markets, particularly that of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data in the stock market being crucial, the implementation of robust systems which guarantee trust between the different actors is essential. We therefore proposed, after analyzing the limits of several security approaches in the literature, an architecture based on blockchain technology making it possible to both identify and reduce the vulnerabilities linked to the design, implementation work or the use of web applications used for transactions. Our proposal makes it possible, thanks to two-factor authentication via the Blockchain, to strengthen the security of investors’ accounts and the automated recording of transactions in the Blockchain while guaranteeing the integrity of stock market operations. It also provides an application vulnerability report. To validate our approach, we compared our results to those of three other security tools, at the level of different metrics. Our approach achieved the best performance in each case.

A Novel High-Efficiency Transaction Verification Scheme for Blockchain Systems

Blockchain can realize the reliable storage of a large amount of data that is chronologically related and verifiable within the system.This technology has been widely used and has developed rapidly in big data systems across various fields.An increasing number of users are participating in application systems that use blockchain as their underlying architecture.As the number of transactions and the capital involved in blockchain grow,ensuring information security becomes imperative.Addressing the verification of transactional information security and privacy has emerged as a critical challenge.Blockchain-based verification methods can effectively eliminate the need for centralized third-party organizations.However,the efficiency of nodes in storing and verifying blockchain data faces unprecedented challenges.To address this issue,this paper introduces an efficient verification scheme for transaction security.Initially,it presents a node evaluation module to estimate the activity level of user nodes participating in transactions,accompanied by a probabilistic analysis for all transactions.Subsequently,this paper optimizes the conventional transaction organization form,introduces a heterogeneous Merkle tree storage structure,and designs algorithms for constructing these heterogeneous trees.Theoretical analyses and simulation experiments conclusively demonstrate the superior performance of this scheme.When verifying the same number of transactions,the heterogeneous Merkle tree transmits less data and is more efficient than traditional methods.The findings indicate that the heterogeneous Merkle tree structure is suitable for various blockchain applications,including the Internet of Things.This scheme can markedly enhance the efficiency of information verification and bolster the security of distributed systems.

TRADE DEPENDENCIES AND TRANSACTION COSTS: THE OC-CUPATION OF DECELEA HIGHLIGHTS BOTH THE BENEFITS AND THE DRAWBACKS OF A MARITIME ECONOMY

Thucydides asserts that the occupation of Decelea by the Spartans in 413 BC made the grain supply for Athens costly by forcing the transport from land onto the sea.This calls into question the well-established consensus that sea transport was far cheaper than land transport.This paper contends that the cost of protecting supply lines-specifically the expenses associated with the warships which escorted the supply ships-rendered the grain transported on the new route exceptionally costly.In this paper,the benefits and drawbacks of a maritime economy,including transaction costs,trade dependencies,and the capabilities of warships and supply ships are discussed.

Effects of molasses on the fermentation characteristics of mixed silage prepared with rice straw, local vegetable by-products and alfalfa in Southeast China

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of molasses on the fermentation characteristics of mixed silage ensiled rice straw and vegetable by-products with alfalfa.Mixture（202 g kg^-1 dry matter（DM））consisting of rice straw,broccoli residue and alfalfa at the ratio of 5：4：1 was ensiled with three experimental treatments：（1）no additives（control）;（2）molasses at 2.5%（M1）;（3）molasses at 5%（M2）on a fresh matter basis of mixture,respectively.All treatments were packed into laboratory-scale silos,and three silos per treatment were sampled on days 1,3,5,14 and 30.The result showed that the p H value of all mixed silages decreased gradually with the time of ensiling except for the control silage,in which a significant increase（P〈0.05）on day 30 occurred.The lactic acid content increased gradually with the time of ensiling and reached the highest value on day 14,and a marked decrease（P〈0.05）was found in the control silage on day 30.The changes of acetic acid content showed similar pattern with lactic acid content.A trace amount of propionic and butyric acid contents were found in the three mixed silages during the fermentation period.Comparing to the control,M1 and M2 treatments improved the fermentation quality of mixed silages as indicated by higher（P〈0.05）lactic acid contents and lower（P〈0.05）p H and ammonia-N contents.The Flieg points also showed that M1 and M2 silages were well preserved,whereas the control silage had a bad quality.Overall,the findings of this study suggested that adding molasses could improve fermentation quality of mixed silage,and M1 was more suitable for practical application.

Simultaneous Control of Microorganisms and Disinfection By-products by Sequential Chlorination

Objective To introduce a new sequential chlorination disinfection process in which short-term free chlorine and chloramine are sequentially added. Methods Pilot tests of this sequential chlorination were carried out in a drinking water plant. Results The sequential chlorination disinfection process had the same or better efficiency on microbe （including virus） inactivation compared with the free chlorine disinfection process. There seemed to be some synergetic disinfection effect between free chlorine and monochloramine because they attacked different targets. The sequential chlorination disinfection process resulted in 35.7%-77.0% TTHM formation and 36.6%-54.8% THAA5 formation less than the free chlorination process. The poorer the water quality was, the more advantage the sequential chlorination disinfection had over the free chlorination. Conclusion This process takes advantages of free chlorine＇s quick inactivation of microorganisms and chloramine＇s low disinfection by-product （DBP） yield and long-term residual effect, allowing simultaneous control of microbes and DBPs in an effective and economic way.

Neem by-products in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases:Biotoxicity of neem cake fractions towards the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective: To evaluate the ovicidal, larvicidal and adulticidal potential of neem cake fractions of different polarity against the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies(An.culicifacies).Methods: Neem cake fractions' total methanol extract(NTMeOH), total ethyl acetate extract(NTAc OEt), ethyl acetate fraction after repartition with NTMe OH(NRAc OEt),butanol fraction after repartition with NTMeOH(NRBuOH), and aqueous fraction after repartition of NTMeOH(NRH2O) were tested against An. culicifacies eggs, fourth instar larvae and adults.Results: In larvicidal experiments, NTMeOH, NTAcOEt, NRAcOEt, NRBuOH and NRH2O achieved LC50 values of 1.32, 1.50, 1.81, 1.95 and 2.54 mg/L, respectively. All fractions tested at 150 mg/L were able to reduce egg hatchability of more than 50%, with the exception of NTAc OEt and NRAc OEt. In adulticidal assays, NTMeOH, NTAcOEt,NRAcOEt, NRBuOH and NRH2O achieved LC50 values of 3.01, 2.95, 3.23, 3.63 and3.00 mg/L, respectively.Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that the methanolic fractions of neem cake may be considered as a new and cheap source of highly effective compounds against the rural malaria vector An. culicifacies.

Unit Commitment under the Environment of Wind Power and Large-Scale Bilateral Transactions

Bilateral electric power contract is settled based on contract output curve. This paper considered the bilateral transactions execution, new energy accommodation, power grid security and generation economy, considering the executive priority of different power components to establish a multi-objective coordination unit commitment model. Through an example to verify the effectiveness of the model in promoting wind power consumption, guaranteeing trade execution, and improving power generation efficiency, and analyzed the interactions to each other among the factors of wind power, trading and blocking. According to the results, when wind power causes reverse power flow in the congestion line, it will promote the implementation of contracts, the influence of wind power accommodation to trade execution should be analyzed combined with the grid block, the results can provide reference for wind power planning.

Comprehensive utilization of corn starch processing by-products:A review

Corn is a high starchy cereal crop with the highest production and provides over 85%of the starch produced worldwide.Various by-products,differentiated by technological process features such as steep liquor,corn germ,corn bran,gluten,are created largely during corn starch processing.They are inexpensive,nutrient-rich,and vary widely in chemical composition such as proteins,oils,carbohydrates,and minerals.In an increasingly resource-constrained modern world,the utilization approach of these by-products for non-starch industrial processing is attractive widely considering both nutritive value and economic aspects.In fact,at present,applications of these by-products can often be found in feed,fermentation,nutrient extraction and other industries.For example,protein-rich corn gluten can be used as a good animal feed,and corn germ can be used as a raw material for the high-quality edible oil industry.Undoubtedly,increasing utilization means that these by-products will no longer be treated as waste but will be transformed into high value-added products.In this work,the separation process and chemical composition of several main by-products of the corn starch industry is briefly described,and the application in many industrial fields of these by-products over the last ten years are discussed in particular.This review attempts to summarize all aspects of the application and research of these by-products.For the by-products of the corn starch industry,the most promising way is to be utilized in high value and used to produce high value-added products.According to the characteristics of their chemical composition,they have a better application prospect and research significance in the industries directly related to human beings,such as medicine,green food and health care products.In fact,in recent years,some researchers have recognized this and carried out the research.It is clear fromthese studies that the main issues to be faced nowand in the future are how to produce efficiently while maintaining the quality of the product and using it effectively.The retrospective discussions also provide some ideas for other grain and oilseed crops to be fully utilized.

Removal of disinfection by-products formation potential by biologically intensified process

The removal of disinfection by-products formation potential(DBPFP) in artificially intensified biological activated carbon(IBAC) process which is developed on the basis of traditional ozone granular activated carbon was evaluated. By IBAC removals of 31% and 68% for THMFP and HAAFP were obtained respectively. Under identical conditions, the removals of the same substances were 4% and 32% respectively only by the granular activated carbon(GAC) process. Compared with GAC, the high removal rates of the two formed potential substances were due to the increasing of bioactivity of the media and the synergistic capabilities of biological degradation cooperating with activated carbon adsorption of organic compounds. A clear linear correlation(R 2=0.9562 and R 2=0.9007) between DOC HAAFP removal rate and Empty Bed Contact Time(EBCT) of IBAC process was observed, while that between THMFP removal rate and EBCT of GAC was R 2=0.9782. In addition certain linear correlations between THMFP, HAAFP and UV 254 (R 2=0.855 and R 2=0.7702) were found for the treated water. For IBAC process there are also more advantages such as long backwashing cycle time, low backwashing intensity and prolonging activated carbon lifetime and so on.

Annual Report of SGCC on Transactions of Electric Power Market in 2009

Market construction Overview In 2009, the electric power market expanded continuously. New installed capacity put into production within the coverage of the State Grid Corporation

The Budget Execution Quality of Related Party Transactions: Evidence from Hong Kong

This paper proposes to use the related party transactions’(RPT)budget completion ratio(BCR)as indicator of RPT’s execution quality.This paper studies BCR by defining budget ceiling through RPTs announcement and comparing the amount disclosed in annual report as budget execution result.Through statistical analysis of 285 RPT announcements,we classify RPT’s BCR into four benchmark grades.This paper sums up the BCR of RPT from the samples,and deduces moral obligation and moral judgement curve(OJ curve)in terms of BCR.OJ curve is the real dynamic equilibrium after the struggle agency problems.From our statistical results,we verified that Weitzman’s ratchet effect exists in the budget formulation of RPTs,and it is a solid proof of Weitzman’s ratchet effect applied to real business scenarios.The empirical results show ratchet effect exists in BCR of RPTs before and after the change from GEM board listing to main board listing in Hong Kong(Transfer).This paper also finds that it is significant to find the estimated actual amount in the coming year through the budget completion ratio(BCR)of RPT from last year.This paper is a pioneer to examine the execution quality of RPT by the means of(i)Weitzman’s Truth Inducing Model,(ii)BCR,and(iii)SGR as well as(iv)estimated actual amount.

Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Information for Contributors

Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (TNUAA) is a bimonthly journal facing international academic community.Emphasizing prompt and effective dissemination of key data and new scientific insights,TNUAA offers publication of new experimental and theoretical papers bearing on applications to all branches of aeronautics,astronautics and civil aviation.

Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Information for Contributors

Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics&Astronautics (TNUAA) is a bimonthly journal facing international academic community. Emphasizing prompt and effective dissemination of key data and new scientific insights, TNUAA offers publication of new experimental and theoretical papers bearing on applications to all branches of aeronautics, astronautics and civil aviation.

Transactions of Tianjin University

Transactions of Tianjin University (ISSN 1006-4982) is an academic journal sponsored by Tianjin University under the administration of Ministry of Education of China. This bimonthly journal mainly publishes novel research articles in natural science and engineering fields, including Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering,Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, etc.Contributions within the above scope all over the world are welcome.Transactions of Tianjin University is indexed by Engineering Index (EI), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts (CA), Cambridge Abstract, etc.

Brief Introduction of Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics

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