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Abstract This paper investigates the role of digitalization in enhancing wastewater treatment processes, emphasizing its potential to optimize resource utilization, reduce energy consumption, and improve water quality. By examining the implementation of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), the study demonstrates how these tools enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent decision-making in wastewater treatment operations. The paper provides a comparative analysis based on key performance indicators (MAPE, RMSE, R 2 ) to evaluate the effectiveness of these digital solutions. Additionally, it discusses the benefits and challenges associated with integrating digital tools in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including cost, complexity, and data security concerns. The study also addresses the impact of digitalization on carbon neutrality goals, highlighting how data-driven approaches can enhance resource allocation and management. By offering insights into current practices and future directions, this paper aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment and support the achievement of UN SDG#6, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

The present study investigated the impact of settling time on the turbidity of treated water using a systematic approach by coupling jar test experiments, micro-scale investigations, and artificial neural network (ANN) modelling for polyalumunium chloride and Moringa oleifera coagulants. Nature-based materials like Moringa Oleifera are recognized for water treatment for their environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity and flexibility, and community engagement. The efficacy of the treatment process is dependent on the dosage, which is usually optimized through jar test experiments on a daily basis and imparts resource, time and energy wastage. This necessitates the development of artificial intelligence models that can predict turbidity removal based on influencing parameters, namely dosage, pH, and initial turbidity. However, the settling time also affects the turbidity removal, but has not been considered while modelling turbidity removal prediction. Thus, the study examined the characteristics of flocs and their rate of change during settling, elucidating the mechanism of coagulation and the floc dynamics. We developed three predictive models to validate the hypothesis: a linear regression model, a non-linear regression model, and an ANN model for two scenarios: Scenario I, which used initial turbidity, pH, and coagulant dose to predict final turbidity; and Scenario II, which also included settling time. The results indicated that the removal of turbidity and the resulting final water turbidity exhibit non-linear relation with settling time. The inclusion of settling time in the models improved their predictability. Among the three models, the ANN model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an R2 value of 0.99 for polyaluminium chloride and 0.87 for Moringa oleifera. The ANN model for scenario II was less sensitive to fluctuations in pH, initial turbidity, and dosage for both coagulants.

The water quality in Pasig River has been impacted by urbanization, industrialization, and the pandemic conditions. This study involved comparative analysis of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels before and during the pandemic. Field measurements, including water temperature, salinity, and DO, were conducted during neap and spring tides. To further understand and simulate DO distribution, a one-dimensional mathematical model, specifically Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System, was employed. Results showed that DO increased during the pandemic, ranging from 3.26 to 7.25 and 1.08 to 5.69 mg/L during neap and spring tide. From the minimum standard DO level, out of eight stations, seven passed during neap tide, while one station passed during spring tide. Salinity levels were higher during spring tide, which may have affected the DO. Salt intrusion was evident until 4 km from the confluence. The hydraulic model yielded average water level differences of 5.1 and 8.3 cm during calibration and validation, respectively. The DO calibration and simulation exhibited very good statistical evaluation outcomes, with values of 0.9 for Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency and 0.3 for Root Mean Standard Deviation Ratio. These findings hold significant potential for formulation of water quality enhancement plans and implementation of solid waste management and pollution policies. HIGHLIGHTS Dissolved oxygen (DO) increased during the pandemic in upstream and downstream areas.; The hydraulic model showed very good statistical evaluation results of 0.94 for Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and 0.24 for root mean standard deviation ratio (RSR) for calibration and 0.91 for NSE and 0.29 for RSR for validation.; The hydraulic model validation generated average water level difference of 8.3 cm during spring tide.; The DO simulation showed very good statistical evaluation results of 0.9 for NSE and 0.3 for RSR during the neap and spring tide, respectively.;

The present paper examines, based on literature review and data from Africa Energy Outlook 2019, the feasibility of adoption of renewable energy from the ocean for socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa, given the enormous potential the region has for ocean-based sources of energy. The study concludes that mini tidal power plants and salt gradient power are the ocean energy sources most suitable for coastal development. It recommends a gradual reduction in subsidies of fossil fuel-based energy sources in favour of support to renewable energy, building human resources and technical capacity, the establishment of smart partnerships and mobilisation of resources for an effective promotion of ocean renewable energy. It recommends further, that community engagement is needed to assure ownership and acceptance.

* Introduction The aerospace value chain consists of several processes, and digitizing it first requires an assessment of these processes and their ability to be transferred to the fully integrated digital thread perspective of smart factories. A digital thread refers to the continuous flow of data and information related to a product throughout its life cycle, integrating and connecting all aspects of a product’s journey. Within this framework, digital twin technology, an essential element of Industry 4.0, comprises the implementation of a virtual presentation of a physical object, system, or process. It brings together the digital replica not only of the physical attributes but also of the behavioral performance of the physical twin. Methods To achieve a digital thread perspective for aeronautics, a research agenda is proposed, including all breakpoints in the current value chain through a PESTLE Analysis, which defines the value-added areas targeted by this transition to digital technology. An aeronautics 4.0 model Digital Thread Twin Smart Aeronautics D2TSAero is proposed, which provides a new perspective in the aeronautics field by integrating its main ecosystems into an interconnected model made possible by the integration of digital twin agent instances. Proof of Concept A use case that deals with the dependability management of an aircraft fuel distribution system is presented. Based on these results, we can see that the proposed twin model can help in reducing real system parts down time, and it can also improve the management of maintenance across the system life cycle by offering a single source of trust for all stakeholders involved in the digital thread cycle of the real twin. Conclusion A forward-looking perspective on the future of aeronautics with this integrated approach is presented, summarizing all the discussed points and the importance of digital twins in supporting the digitalization of the field.

This paper presents the results of a study of ocean wave energy in the Mozambique Channel, an open channel located in the Western Indian Ocean and oriented north-southwards. Weekly data of significant wave height and wave period, obtained from marine-analyst, on the web, were analysed in 10 selected coastal sites, 5 on each side of the channel. The channel receives swell waves from the extratropical South Indian Ocean in the south and monsoon-generated swell from the north, modified by trade winds and cyclones. The results indicate that the waves are highly variable (≥80%), with high (1.5–2 m on average), longer (8–20 s, on average), and more energetic (10–23 kW m−1, on average) waves found in the southern part of the channel, followed by the northern part of the channel (1.2–1.4 m, 6–8 s, 6–7 kW m−1, on average), with the middle part displaying a lower energy (6 kW m−1, on average) wave climate. Peaks of high waves (up to 5 m) and high-energy waves (up to 90 kW m−1), attributed to storm conditions, were observed throughout the study period. Despite high variability in wave characteristics, the probability of waves exceeding the threshold values for viable exploitation for electricity production was about 61 and 63% for the western and eastern sides of the channel, respectively. HIGHLIGHTS Ocean wave energy in the Mozambique Channel, an open channel located in the Western Indian Ocean and oriented north-southwards is studied.; A recommended location for the deployment of energy extraction devices for electricity production.;

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is an essential indicator for assessment of estuary ecosystems. According to our knowledge, there is no research on the depth profiles of the DO and associated water quality variables of the entire Bouregreg estuary (Morocco). Water samples were collected from three stations at 0.5-m depth intervals during high and low tides (10/11/2021, 20/03/2022, and 02/07/2022). Our study shows that the DO concentrations ranged between 5.5 and 11.8 mg/L and demonstrated an inconsistent stratification pattern. When the tide was high and low in most of the study area, the bottom layer had a higher concentration of DO than the surface layer. There was a relatively high concentration of DO in the bottom layer of the estuary and a relatively low concentration in the surface layer of the estuary due to a high rate of freshwater flow on the surface (the release of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam and the existence of estuarine gravitational circulation). Salinity, pH, water temperature, and water transparency ranged from 19.4 to 35.8 ppt, 7.0 to 8.7, 17 to 23 °C, and 16 to 21 cm, respectively, considering the depth profiles in the study area. The study provides scientific support for ecology operation and considerable advances in understanding the ecosystem dynamics of the Bouregreg estuary. HIGHLIGHT Depth profiles of the DO and associated water quality variables are studied.; The result shows that the DO concentrations ranged between 5.5 and 11.8 mg/L and demonstrated an inconsistent stratification pattern.; The study provides scientific support for ecology operation and considerable advances in understanding the ecosystem dynamics of the Bouregreg estuary.;

Following the eruption of the Taal Volcano in January 2020 and its continuous signs of unrest in the preceding years, this study delves into the investigation of sediment transport in the Pasig River, Philippines. The historical data of total suspended solids (TSS) and arsenic indicated a notable increase starting from the year 2020. The field measurements were conducted in February and March of 2022, two years after the eruption. Due to the observed homogeneity in the river’s mixing, a refined 1D sediment transport model was developed. In this study, HEC-RAS modeling software was employed. The calibration process using the Laursen transport function yielded an impressive R2 value of 0.9989 for the post-eruption model. This predictive accuracy underscores the robustness of the developed model. The study’s scope was further expanded by creating a model for February 2020, incorporating water quality data gathered by the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office. The model simulation results showed peak TSS values of 120.63 mg/L and 225.15 mg/L in February 2022 and February 2020, respectively. The results of the study highlight the probable impact of geological events on sediment dynamics within the Pasig River, which could help manage and sustain ongoing river improvements.

Limb body wall complex (LBWC) is a complex and rare poly-malformative syndrome. We report a case of this syndrome diagnosed antenatally in a 37-year-old primiparous woman, by a first obstetrical ultrasound performed at 22 weeks of amenorrhea and one day. After termination of pregnancy, macroscopic examination revealed a male newborn with all the diagnostic criteria of LBWC.

In the context of ongoing environmental changes, particularly against the backdrop of global warming, significant attention is being given to areas of exceptional natural value that, in many aspects, retain a pristine character. One such area is the Biebrza River in northeastern Poland, which, together with the wetlands in its basin, forms one of the most valuable ecosystems of its kind in Europe. This study analyses the changes in the thermal and ice regime for two hydrological stations, Sztabin and Burzyn, in the period from 1959 to 2023. It was found that the average annual water temperature in this period for the Biebrza River increased by 0.28 °C/decade, and in the case of ice phenomena, statistically significant changes for both stations showed a decline, with an acceleration of the ice cover disappearance by an average of 3 days/decade. These recorded changes should be considered unfavourable, as they will affect the transformation of both the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the river itself, as well as the natural elements associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the constant development of the sector and differentiating themselves from the competition, automotive organizations aim to control their operations, improve their performance, and respond to customers' needs. Lean management has become a universal management method adopted by organizations wishing to ensure their operational continuity. Compliance of quality management systems with the requirements of the international automotive standard IATF 16949:2016 is one of the major challenges facing automotive companies. Industry 4.0 enables organizations to improve their effectiveness, flexibility, and performance. The objective of this article is to demonstrate to automotive organizations the synergistic impact of the combined implementation of lean management tools in correlation with the requirements of the automotive standard and the adoption of Industry 4.0 pillars on operational excellence dimensions. Following the correlation analysis carried out, an original model specific to the automotive sector was developed with a view to guiding automotive organizations wishing to improve their operational excellence while controlling the value chain, establishing an effective management system, and creating a smart factory. This study demonstrates that, for a better result of operational excellence, it is necessary to implement lean management tools in correlation with the compliance of systems with IATF requirements and the adoption of Industry 4.0 pillars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the intersection of women's empowerment and water management throughout Africa, examining the diverse roles women undertake in water governance through the lens of case studies and initiatives showcasing their contributions to sustainable development. Utilising interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper scrutinises policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and challenges confronting women in water management, emphasising the necessity of gender-responsive approaches and collaborative efforts to foster equitable and resilient water systems. Through empowerment, innovation, and partnership, women emerge as pivotal catalysts for change in navigating the intricate landscape of water governance across the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular Mozambique, has considerable potential of salinity gradient energy, which could foster coastal development. However, the lack of scientific based information hinders the development of policies and investments in harnessing this source of energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The present study, used historical data of temperature and salinity and estimated the potential of salinity gradient power in four main estuaries in Mozambique. The theoretical salinity gradient power ranged, on average, from 843.6 MW, in Incomati River estuary to 2,800.0 MW in Zambezi Delta. The Bons Sinais Estuary and Limpopo Estuary had 1,086.8 MW and 1292.0 MW, on average, respectively. The salinity power estimated in the Mozambique estuaries studied was above the maximum power densities for electrodialysis osmotic energy storage systems, which is set at 5 W m−2, and has potential extractable energy of about 3,000MW, and could benefit about 2 million coastal rural households (about 7% of the total Mozambican population) on irrigation and lighting houses. Further studies may be focused in determining the seasonal and salinity intrusion effects on salinity power gradient in the Mozambican estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]