Advances in Control Technologies for Wastewater Treatment Processes:Status, Challenges, and Perspectives

This paper presents a thorough review of control technologies that have been applied to wastewater treatment processes in the environmental engineering regime in the past four decades. It aims to provide a comprehensive technological review for both water engineering professionals and control specialists, giving rise to a suite of up-to-date pathways to impact this field in light of the classified technology hubs. The assessment was conducted with respect to linear control, linearizing control,nonlinear control, and artificial intelligence-based control. The application domain of each technology hub was summarized into a set of comparative tables for a holistic assessment. Challenges and perspectives were offered to these field engineers to help orient their future endeavor.

Dynamic rupture and crushing of an extruded tube using artificial neural network(ANN)approximation method

A numerical study of the crushing of thin-walled circular aluminum tubes has been carried out to investigate the crashworthiness behaviors under axial impact loading. These kinds of tubes are usually used in automobile and train structures to absorb the impact energy. Previous researches show that thin-walled circular tube has the highest energy absorption under axial impact amongst different structures. In this work, the crushing between two rigid flat plates and the tube rupture by 4 and 6 blades cutting tools is modeled with the help of ductile failure criterion using the numerical method. The tube material is aluminum EN AW-7108 T6 and its length and diameter are 300 mm and 50 mm, respectively. Using the artificial neural network(ANN), the most important surfaces of energy absorption parameters, including the maximum displacement of the striker, the maximum axial force, the specific energy absorption and the crushing force efficiency in terms of impact velocity and tube thickness are obtained and compared to each other. The analyses show that the tube rupture by the 6 blades cutting tool has more energy absorption in comparison with others. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that tube cutting with the help of multi-blades cutting tools is more stable, controllable and predictable than tube folding.

Fluid Activity and Tectonic Evolution in the Northern Qilian High-pressure Metamorphic Belt

The Northern Qilian high-pressure metamorphic belt has experienced multipledeformation-metamorphism, which consists of at least four stages. In 550.8-526 Ma, eclogites wereformed. High temperature and pressure caused the escape of a large quantity of gas-liquid fluidsfrom rocks while silicate melt was generated. In the late stage, small amounts of CO_2 and H_2Oinfiltrating along fractures were introduced. In the formation of glaucophane schist (447-362 Ma),devolatilization reactions were dominated during the subduction-uplift stage of the paleoplate. Inthe uplift-exhumation stage (400-380 Ma) the increase of internal space of fractures in the rocksfavoured fluid infiltration and concentration. These fluids participated in hydration reactions inthe retro-metamorphism. The fluids participating in the mineral reactions have the compositions ofCaCl_2-NaCl-H_2O. In subsequent thrusting (<380 Ma), the metamorphic terrain was uplifted to theshallower crust and ductile-shearing deformation took place, which caused mainly dehydrationreactions of minerals. In a near-surface environment the metamorphic terrain experienced brittledeformation, forming many accompanying fractures. Immiscible CO_2 and low-salinity aqueous fluidsoccurred in these secondary microfractures and were trapped and sealed. The thermodynamic conditionsof different deformation-metamorphic stages of the metamorphic terrain were calculated and thecorresponding P-T-t path was deduced, showing that the metamorphic terrain has experienced aclockwise path indicated by T- and P-rising, and T- and P-falling processes. This reveals that thesubduction zone has undergone multiple tectono-dynamic processes, i.e. initial deep burial,subsequent quick uplift and near-surface tectonism.

Coupled pile soil interaction analysis in undrained condition

The effective stress method is developed to predict the axial capacity of piles in clay. The effective stress state changes due to the resulting pore pressure change and therefore, the strength and stiffness of the soil will change. In this work, the finite element method is utilized as a tool for the analysis of pile-soil systems in undrained condition. The computer program CRISP was developed to suit the problem requirements. CRISP uses the finite element technique and allows predictions to be made of ground deformation using critical state theories. Eight-node isoparametric element was added to the program in addition to the slip element. A pile loading problem was solved in which the pile-soil system is analyzed in undrained condition. The pile is modelled as elastic-plastic material, while the soil is assumed to follow the modified Cam clay model. During undrained loading condition, the settlement values increase by 22% when slip elements are used. The surface settlement increases by about three times when the load is doubled and the surface settlement at all points increases when using slip elements due to the mode of motion which allows smooth movement of the adjacent soil with respect to the pile. The vertical displacement increases as the distance decreases from the pile and negligible values are obtained beyond 10D (where D is the pile diameter) from the center of the pile and these values are slightly increased when slip elements are used. The vertical effective stress along a section at a distance D from the pile center is approximately the same for all load increments and lower values of effective vertical stress can be obtained when slip elements are used.

Linear Complexity of New Generalized Cyclotomic Sequences of Length 2pq

The linear complexity and minimal polynomial of new generalized cyclotomic sequences of order two are investigated.A new generalized cyclotomic sequence Sof length 2pqis defined with an imbalance p+1.The results show that this sequence has high linear complexity.

Obtain the optimal of logistics delivery network with annealing algorithm

Simulated annealing(SA) algorithm is a heuristic algorithm,proposed one approximation algorithm of solving optimization combinatorial problems inspired by objects in the annealing process of heating crunch. The algorithm is superior to the traditional greedy algorithm,which avoids falling into local optimum and reaches global optimum. There are often some problems to find the shortest path,etc in the logistics and distribution network, and we need optimization for logistics and distribution path in order to achieve the shortest,best,most economical,and so on. The paper uses an example of SA algorithm validation to verify it,and the method is proved to be feasible.

Design and energy absorption enhancement of vehicle hull under high dynamic loads

V-shape hulls are widely used in peacekeeping efforts such as demining vehicles in order to deflect the blast energy and reduce the effects of mine blast. Blast resistant design and energy absorption enhancement of V-shape plates were carried out using finite element analysis package ABAQUS. Various geometries of V-shape plates with and without interlayer of materials like Al-foams and honeycomb were employed to analyze their effects on the deformation of the plate and applied stresses and strains. The results obtained show that application of metallic foams leads to better response of the plate and consequently results in more energy dissipation, less dame to vehicle and enhances crew survivability.

Sustainability Assessment for Wastewater Treatment Systems—Case Studies in Egypt

Low sanitation coverage is a significant problem in Egypt, especially in rural areas. The Rapid Sustainability Screening (RSS) model was developed to assess the sustainability of wastewater treatment systems (WWTS), both planned and existing, and support decision-makers in selecting alternatives. The model considers the three fundamental sustainability dimensions, namely, environmental, social, and economic. In the present paper, the model was successfully tested by evaluating the sustainability performance of three operating rural WWTS in Egypt (Constructed Wetland (CW)-BeniSuef, Constructed Wetland (CW)-Dakahlia, and Activated Sludge (AS)-Gharbia). CW-BeniSuef was the most sustainable system based upon environmental and social considerations with values of 2.50 and 2.71, respectively. On the other hand, CW-Dakahlia is the most economically sustainable system, with a value of 2.25. The highest sustainability overall ranking system was CW-BeniSuef with overall sustainability of 2.81, followed by CW-Dakahlia with a value of 2.18, and the least sustainable technology is AS-Gharbia (1.72). The RSS model can support the decision-makers and operators during the different phases of a wastewater treatment project development (e.g., feasibility, operation). The model has been developed in a user-friendly and straightforward manner. The simplicity of the model may encourage the decision-makers and EIA practitioners to expand the assessment to consider sustainability rather than focusing on one or two aspects only (i.e., environment and society) in isolation of the possible interaction between them.

Control of hydrogen sulfide emissions using autotrophic denitrification landfill biocovers:engineering applications

Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)emitted from construction and demolition waste landfills has received increasing attention.Besides its unpleasant odor,longterm exposure to a very low concentration of H_(2)S can cause a public health issue.In the case of construction and demolition(C&D)waste landfills,where gas collection systems are not normally required,the generated H_(2)S is typically not controlled and the number of treatment processes to control H_(2)S emissions in situ is limited.An attractive alternative may be to use chemically or biologically active landfill covers.A few studies using various types of cover materials to attenuate H_(2)S emissions demonstrated that H_(2)S emissions can be effectively reduced.In this study,therefore,the costs and benefits of H_(2)S-control cover systems including compost,soil amended with lime,fine concrete,and autotrophic denitrification were evaluated.Based on a case-study landfill area of 0.04 km^(2),the estimated H_(2)S emissions of 80900 kg over the 15-year period and costs of active cover system components(ammonium nitrate fertilizer for autotrophic denitrification cover,lime,fine concrete,and compost),ammonium nitrate fertilizer is the most cost effective,followed by hydrated lime,fine concrete,and yard waste compost.Fine concrete and yard waste compost covers are expensive measures to control H_(2)S emissions because of the large amount of materials needed to create a cover.Controlling H_(2)S emissions using fine concrete and compost is less expensive at landfills that provide on-site concrete recovery and composting facilities;however,ammonium nitrate fertilizer or hydrated lime would still be more cost effective applications.

Linear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt binders and mixtures containing very high percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement

The primary aim of this study is to correlate the impact of aggregates,if any,on the viscoelastic behavior of rejuvenated asphalt mixtures containing very high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)(>50%).First,gradation of 100%RAP was rectified,using a modified Bailey method by adding virgin aggregates to achieve two coarse dense-graded and one fine dense-graded blends.Complex modulus test was then performed from−35 to+35℃and 0.01–10 Hz.In addition to performance grade(PG)testing,extracted and recovered binders from different asphalt mixtures underwent shear complex modulus test within−8℃to high temperature PG and frequencies from 0.001 to 30 Hz.Cole−Cole,Black space,complex modulus and phase angle master curves were constructed and ShiftHomothety-Shift in time-Shift(SHStS)transformation was used to compare the linear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt binders and mixtures.The influence of aggregates on the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mixtures depends on temperature and/or frequency.The role of asphalt binders in the behavior of asphalt mixtures is more pronounced at high temperatures and the effect of the aggregate structure increases as the temperature falls.The maximum difference(60%to 70%)in the viscoelastic behavior of the binder and mixture based on SHStS transformed Cole−Cole curves is within the phase angle of 15°–20°.

Crop diagnostic system:A robust disease detection and management system for leafy green crops grown in an aquaponics facility

Crops grown on aquaponics farms are susceptible to various diseases or biotic stresses during their growth cycle,just like traditional agriculture.The early detection of diseases is crucial to witnessing the efficiency and progress of the aquaponics system.Aquaponics combines recirculating aquaculture and soilless hydroponics methods and promises to ensure food security,reduce water scarcity,and eliminate carbon footprint.For the large-scale imple-mentation of this farming technique,a unified system is needed that can detect crop diseases and support re-searchers and farmers in identifying potential causes and treatments at early stages.This study proposes an automatic crop diagnostic system for detecting biotic stresses and managing diseases in four leafy green crops,lettuce,basil,spinach,and parsley,grown in an aquaponics facility.First,a dataset comprising 2640 images is con-structed.Then,a disease detection system is developed that works in three phases.The first phase is a crop clas-sification system that identifies the type of crop.The second phase is a disease identification system that determines the crop's health status.The final phase is a disease detection system that localizes and detects the diseased and healthy spots in leaves and categorizes the disease.The proposed approach has shown promising results with accuracy in each of the three phases,reaching 95.83%,94.13%,and 82.13%,respectively.The final dis-ease detection system is then integrated with an ontology model through a cloud-based application.This ontol-ogy model contains domain knowledge related to crop pathology,particularly causes and treatments of different diseases of the studied leafy green crops,which can be automatically extracted upon disease detection allowing agricultural practitioners to take precautionary measures.The proposed application finds its significance as a de-cision support system that can automate aquaponics facility health monitoring and assist agricultural practi-tioners in decision-making processes regarding crop and disease management.

Estimation of morphological traits of foliage and effective plant spacing in NFT-based aquaponics system

Deep learning and computer vision techniques have gained significant attention in the agriculture sector due to their non-destructive and contactless features.These techniques are also being integrated into modern farming systems,such as aquaponics,to address the challenges hindering its commercialization and large-scale implementation.Aquaponics is a farming technology that combines a recirculating aquaculture system and soilless hydroponics agriculture,that promises to address food security issues.To complement the current research efforts,a methodology is proposed to automatically measure the morphological traits of crops such as width,length and area and estimate the effective plant spacing between grow channels.Plant spacing is one of the key design parameters that are dependent on crop type and its morphological traits and hence needs to be monitored to ensure high crop yield and quality which can be impacted due to foliage occlusion or overlapping as the crop grows.The proposed approach uses Mask-RCNN to estimate the size of the crops and a mathematical model to determine plant spacing for a self-adaptive aquaponics farm.For common little gem romaine lettuce,the growth is estimated within 2 cm of error for both length and width.The final model is deployed on a cloud-based application and integrated with an ontology model containing domain knowledge of the aquaponics system.The relevant knowledge about crop characteristics and optimal plant spacing is extracted from ontology and compared with results obtained from the final model to suggest further actions.The proposed application finds its signifi-cance as a decision support system that can pave the way for intelligent system monitoring and control.

Photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump systems for building applications:Integration and design methods

The photovoltaic-thermal collector is one of the most interesting technology for solar energy conversion,com-bining electric and thermal energy production in a single device.Vapour-compression heat pump is already considered the most suitable clean technology for buildings thermal energy needs.The combination of these two technologies in an integrated“photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump”(PVT-SAHP)system allows reaching a high fraction of the building thermal needs covered by renewable energy sources and to improve the performances of both the photovoltaic-thermal collector and the heat pump.The first is cooled down increasing its energy conversion efficiency,while providing low-temperature thermal energy to the second,which benefits from a higher evaporation temperature.The review study presents the state-of-art of photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump systems intended to cover thermal energy needs in buildings,with a particular focus on the integration methodologies,the possible configurations,the use of different sources and the design of sub-system components.These issues are addressed by much scientific research,to improve the reliability and applicability of this technology,as an option for the building decarbonization.This study aims to present PVT-SAHP systems in an organic and critical way to propose a useful tool for future research developments.More in detail,the work highlights the fact that the integration of photovoltaic-thermal collectors as evaporator of the heat pump in direct-expansion systems allows the highest heat recovery and performances.However,the distinction of the two circuits lead to more reliable,flexible and robust systems,especially when combined with a second heat source,being able to cover both heating and cooling needs.The implementation of real-time control strategy,as well as the continuous development of the compressor and refrigerant industries is positively influencing this technology,which is receiving more and more attention from scientific research as a suitable solution for nearly zero energy buildings.

Impact of COVID-19 on daily travel behaviour:a literature review

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic made a perceptible impact on daily travel behaviourworldwide,especially through mode shifts and changes in trip frequencieswith possible long-term repercussions.Non-therapeutic interventions adoptedworldwide(e.g.lockdowns and travel restrictions)to reduce viral contagion need to be understood holistically because it is challenging for people to followthrough these policies and stay home in developing nations.In this context,it is important to have a clear idea of howCOVID-19 is shaping the mobility pattern and what policies must be taken(if not yet)to minimize viral transmission as well as develop a sustainable transportation system.To this end,this study presents a systematically analysed review of 56 international literatures from academic sources(Google Scholar,Scopus and Web of Science)on the impacts of COVID-19 on travel behaviour and focuses on policymaking measures.This article illustrates the modal shift,variation in frequencies of different trips and how sociodemographic characteristics have influenced the mobility pattern in response to COVID-19.Innate changes in travel patterns compared to the pre-COVID-19 era were observed.A noticeable apprehension on viral transmission in public transit has reduced public transit usage while increasing that of private vehicles.This poses challenges to develop sustainable transportation.This study concludes by discussing intervention measures to support transportation planners and policymakers to deal with the current pandemic as well as any future pandemics.