The monetary facilities payment for ecosystem services as an approach to restore the Degraded Urmia Lake in Iran.

peer reviewedThis study analyzed the potential use of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) as a strategy for improving water supply management. This study focused on the Siminehroud Sub-basin due to its high importance to the Basin of Urmia Lake (UL). Siminehroud is the second provider of water (by volume) to Urmia Lake. To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a PES scheme, the current land use map was extracted using satellite imagery. In addition, the two algorithms of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) are used for Landsat images classification, rather than analyzing the relationship between land use and ecosystem services. Then, the most relevant ecosystem services provided in the region were evaluated using the Benefit Transfer Method. In the last step, by designing and implementing a survey, on the one hand, the local farmers' Willingness to Accept (WTA) cash payments for reducing the area they cultivate, and on the other hand, the farmers' Willingness to Pay (WTP) for managing the water consumption were determined. The results illustrated that the WTA program is more acceptable among the beneficiaries. It is also notable that this program needs very high governmental funding. Furthermore, the results of the program indicate that the land area out of the cultivation cycle will gradually increase while the price of agricultural water will also increase

Carbon dioxide hydrogenation over the carbon-terminated niobium carbide (111) surface: a density functional theory study

Carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation is an energetic process which could be made more efficient through the use of effective catalysts, for example transition metal carbides. Here, we have employed calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the reaction processes of CO2 hydrogenation to methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), methanol (CH3OH), formaldehyde (CH2O), and formic acid (HCOOH) over the carbon-terminated niobium carbide (111) surface. First, we have studied the adsorption geometries and energies of 25 different surface-adsorbed species, followed by calculations of all of the elementary steps in the CO2 hydrogenation process. The theoretical findings indicate that the NbC (111) surface has higher catalytic activity towards CO2 methanation, releasing 4.902 eV in energy. CO represents the second-most preferred product, followed by CH3OH, CH2O, and HCOOH, all of which have exothermic reaction energies of 4.107, 2.435, 1.090, and 0.163 eV, respectively. Except for the mechanism that goes through HCOOH to produce CH2O, all favourable hydrogenation reactions lead to desired compounds through the creation of the dihydroxycarbene (HOCOH) intermediate. Along these routes, CH3* hydrogenation to CH4* has the highest endothermic reaction energy of 3.105 eV, while CO production from HCO dehydrogenation causes the highest exothermic reaction energy of −3.049 eV. The surface-adsorbed CO2 hydrogenation intermediates have minimal effect on the electronic structure and interact only weakly with the surface. Our results are consistent with experimental observations

Potential of Acid-Activated Bentonite and SO3H-Functionalized MWCNTs for Biodiesel Production From Residual Olive Oil Under Biorefinery Scheme

Application of acid-activated bentonite and SO3H-functionlized multiwall carbon nanotubes (SO3H-MWCNTs) for lowering free fatty acids (FFAs) content of low-quality residual olive oil, prior to alkali-catalyzed transesterification was investigated. The used bentonite was first characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and was subsequently activated by different concentrations of H2SO4 (3, 5, and 10 N). Specific surface area of the original bentonite was measured by Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) method at 45 m2/g and was best improved after 5 N-acid activation (95–98°C, 2 h) reaching 68 m2/g. MWCNTs was synthesized through methane decomposition (Co-Mo/MgO catalyst, 900°C) during the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. After two acid-purification (HCl, HNO3) and two deionized-water-neutralization steps, SO3H was grafted on MWCNTs (concentrated H2SO4, 110°C for 3 h) and again neutralized with deionized water and then dried. The synthesized SO3H-MWCNTs were analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The activated bentonite and SO3H-MWCNTs were utilized (5 wt.% and 3 wt.%, respectively), as solid catalysts in esterification reaction (62°C, 450 rpm; 15:1 and 12:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 27 h and 8 h, respectively), to convert FFAs to their corresponding methyl esters. The results obtained revealed an FFA to methyl ester conversion of about 67% for the activated bentonite and 65% for the SO3H-MWCNTs. More specifically, the acid value of the residual olive oil was decreased significantly from 2.5 to 0.85 and 0.89 mg KOH/g using activated bentonite and SO3H-MWCNTs, respectively. The total FFAs in the residual olive oil after esterification was below 0.5%, which was appropriate for efficient alkaline-transesterification reaction. Both catalysts can effectively pretreat low-quality oil feedstock for sustainable biodiesel production under a biorefinery scheme. Overall, the acid-activate bentonite was found more convenient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly than the SO3H-MWCNTs

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Toward comprehensive zero energy building definitions: a literature review and recommendations

Buildings are one of the most important emitters of CO2, causing climate change. This fact, together with the finiteness of conventional energy, results in the Zero Energy Building (ZEB) being future buildings. Although ZEB is a simple concept, but there is no valid universal definition. This is one of the significant building's energy systems challenges, which need to be appropriately addressed. Thisreview paper is going to review and summarize existing definitions to address a comprehensive definition of ZEB. The published articles were reviewed, and the definitions of zero energy buildings were drawn out. Then the differences in the existing definitions were analysed. Finally, suggestions are presented on suitable definitions from four perspectives, including energy, carbon, exergy, and economics. This definition is used as a standard communication by energy planners and policymakers to facilitate their decision making on energy transition

Relationship of oxidative stress with male infertility in sulfur mustard-exposed injuries

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a cytotoxic and chemical agent that targets different tissues such as reproductive system. SM causes a wide variety of pathological effects on reproductive system such as disturbance in reproductive hormones, testis atrophy, spermatogenesis deficiency, low quality of sperm and fertility problem. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms of its adverse effects are still not well known. General events such as tissue damage, inflammation, DNA alkylation, cell membrane defects, apoptosis and cell death are observed frequently in SM-exposed subjects. Oxidative stress (OS) and antioxidants depletion induced by SM seem to be one of the main factors that lead to low sperm quality and male infertility among exposed patients. It is believed that SM can trigger several molecular and cellular pathways linked to OS and inflammation in reproductive system that can cause impaired spermatogenesis, sperm apoptosis and poor sperm quality as well as loss of tissue structure and function. Identification of these signaling pathways and molecules gives us valuable information regarding the mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive dysfunction and the way for developing a better clinical treatment. Therefore, in this review we aimed to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive system, the significance of oxidative stress and the mechanisms by which SM induces OS and antioxidants depletion in SM exposed men

Sustainable energy system modelling with a high renewable energy penetration rate for rich oil regions

The power supply and demand have been studied, modelled, analysed, and foresighted as one of the most important energy carriers. The Business as usual (BAU) scenario was compared based on continuing the status quo with seven other proposed possible scenarios up to the horizon 2050. Possible solutions such as demand management, increased productivity, upgrading power plant technology, and development of energy resources attempt to reduce electricity demand, as well as improving and promoting the share of renewable energies in power generation and reducing emissions. The cost–benefit technique has also been used to analyse the economic and environmental benefits. As a results, a Khuzestan electricity policy scenario that has a well-coordinated and cost-effective solution for both supply and demand. It is preferred scenario for flexibility and stability of grid with a $3,549 million profit with 35% renewable energy share

Valuing the Economic Damage of the Dust Phenomenon on the Agricultural Sector (Case Study: Alborz Province, Iran)

Introduction: In recent years, the phenomenon of dust has become one of the most important environmental challenges around the world, which is one of its negative effects on the agricultural sector. Dust on agriculture can affect the growth and performance of plants by affecting the photosynthesis process and also by increasing the leaf temperature, and by providing favorable conditions for the occurrence of diseases and disrupting the population balance of pests against beneficial and predatory insects and Also, the effect of reducing the efficiency of spraying plants against pests and diseases creates the grounds for causing damage and reducing production in various agricultural and horticultural products. The purpose of this research is to estimate the willingness to pay to reduce the effects of dust on the agricultural sector of the centers of dust production and its surrounding areas in Alborz province.Materials and Methods: In order to achieve the goal of this research, first, according to the map of dust centers prepared in Alborz province, the affected villages were determined. Ahmedabad areas are affected by dust. Then, using the Contingent valuation method (CVM), the willingness of people to pay to prevent and reduce the negative effects of the dust phenomenon on the agricultural sector was calculated using 400 questionnaires. It should be noted that the number of questionnaires was determined by using the Cochrane relationship and the population of the villages affected by dust.Results: According to the results of this research, the correct percentage of the estimated willingness of farmers to pay in order to reduce dust damage is 73% in the derived model. Also, the amount of expected value (WTP) was calculated equal to 165423 rials (approximately equal to 5.5 dollars). According to the population of the affected area, the total value of preserving agricultural products against the phenomenon of dust is equal to 2743375032 rials ($9144.58) per year. The results showed that the variables of age, number of working people, education, income and environmental awareness index have a positive and significant effect on the willingness of farmers to pay to preserve agricultural products against dust. In other words, the increase in age, the number of working people in the family, the increase in the level of education, the increase in income and the increase in awareness of farmers increase their willingness to pay.Discussion: The evaluation of the willingness to pay of farmers in Alborz province in order to reduce the dust damage on the agricultural sector showed that increasing awareness, education and experience (age) increases the willingness of farmers to pay dust control costs. Therefore, it can be said that in order to control and stabilize the sources of dust production in Alborz province, the knowledge and awareness of farmers regarding the negative effects of dust on the agricultural sector should be increased by using advertising training classes and so on. As a result, the willingness to pay farmers will increase. Then, in the form of non-governmental organizations or cooperative projects with the government, he designed and implemented programs to control and stabilize dust production sources with the participation of farmers