Abstract: Standalone micro-hydrokinetic river (MHR) system is
one of the promising technologies to be used for remote rural
electrification. It simply requires the flow of water instead of
elevation or head, leading to expensive civil works. This paper
demonstrates an economic benefit offered by a standalone MHR
system when compared to the commonly used standalone systems
such as solar, wind and diesel generator (DG) at the selected study
site in Kwazulu Natal. Wind speed and solar radiation data of the
selected rural site have been taken from national aeronautics and
space administration (NASA) surface meteorology database. The
hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software
was used to determine the most feasible solution when using MHR,
solar, wind or DG system to supply 5 rural houses. MHR system
proved to be the best cost-effective option to consider at the study site
due to its low cost of energy (COE) and low net present cost (NPC).
Abstract: This paper analyzes the linkage between migration,
economic globalization and terrorism concerns. On a broad level, I
analyze Canadian economic and political considerations, searching
for causal relationships between political and economic actors on the
one hand, and Canadian immigration law on the other. Specifically,
the paper argues that there are contradictory impulses affecting state
sovereignty. These impulses are are currently being played out in the
field of Canadian immigration law through several proposed changes
to Canada-s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). These
changes reflect an ideological conception of sovereignty that is
intrinsically connected with decision-making capacity centered on an
individual. This conception of sovereign decision-making views
Parliamentary debate and bureaucratic inefficiencies as both equally
responsible for delaying essential decisions relating to the protection
of state sovereignty, economic benefits and immigration control This
paper discusses these concepts in relation to Canadian immigration
policy under Canadian governments over the past twenty five years.
Abstract: In this paper, we combine a probabilistic neural method with radial-bias functions in order to construct the lithofacies of the wells DF01, DF02 and DF03 situated in the Triassic province of Algeria (Sahara). Lithofacies is a crucial problem in reservoir characterization. Our objective is to facilitate the experts' work in geological domain and to allow them to obtain quickly the structure and the nature of lands around the drilling. This study intends to design a tool that helps automatic deduction from numerical data. We used a probabilistic formalism to enhance the classification process initiated by a Self-Organized Map procedure. Our system gives lithofacies, from well-log data, of the concerned reservoir wells in an aspect easy to read by a geology expert who identifies the potential for oil production at a given source and so forms the basis for estimating the financial returns and economic benefits.
Abstract: Globalization, supported by information and
communication technologies, changes the rules of competitiveness
and increases the significance of information, knowledge and
network cooperation. In line with this trend, the need for efficient
trust-building tools has emerged. The absence of trust building
mechanisms and strategies was identified within several studies.
Through trust development, participation on e-business network and
usage of network services will increase and provide to SMEs new
economic benefits. This work is focused on effective trust building
strategies development for electronic business network platforms.
Based on trust building mechanism identification, the questionnairebased
analysis of its significance and minimum level of requirements
was conducted. In the paper, we are confirming the trust dependency
on e-Skills which play crucial role in higher level of trust into the
more sophisticated and complex trust building ICT solutions.
Abstract: This paper explores the features of political economy in the dynamics of representative politics in India. Politics is seen as enhancing economic benefits through acquiring and maintenance of power in the realm of democratic set up. The system of representation is riddled with competitive populism. Emerging leaders and parties are forced to accommodate their ideologies in coping with competitive politics. Electoral politics and voting behaviour reflect series of influences mooted by the politicians. Voters are accustomed to expect benefits outs of state exchequer. The electoral competitors show a changing phase of investment and return policy. Every elector has to spend and realize his costs in his tenure. In the case of defeated electors, even the cost recovery is not possible directly; there are indirect means to recover their costs. The series of case studies show the method of party funding, campaign financing, electoral expenditure, and cost recovery. Regulations could not restrict the level of spending. Several cases of disproportionate accumulation of wealth by the politicians reveal that money played a major part in electoral process. The political economy of representative politics hitherto ignores how a politician spends and recovers his cost and multiples his wealth. To be sure, the acquiring and maintenance of power is to enhance the wealth of the electors.
Abstract: The use of contour strips of perennial vegetation with
bio-fuel potential can improve surface water quality by reducing
NO3-N and sediment outflow from cropland to surface water-bodies.
It also has economic benefits of producing ethanol. In this study,
The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was applied to
a watershed in Iowa, USA to examine the effectiveness of contour
strips of switch grass in reducing the NO3-N outflows from crop
fields to rivers or lakes. Numerical experiments were conducted to
identify potential subbasins in the watershed that have high water
quality impact, and to examine the effects of strip size on NO3-N
reduction under various meteorological conditions, i.e. dry, average
and wet years. Useful information was obtained for the evaluation of
economic feasibility of growing switch grass for bio-fuel in contour
strips. The results can assist in cost-benefit analysis and decisionmaking
in best management practices for environmental protection.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to develop and apply the
RSCMAC to enhance the dynamic accuracy of Global Positioning
System (GPS). GPS devices provide services of accurate positioning,
speed detection and highly precise time standard for over 98% area on
the earth. The overall operation of Global Positioning System includes
24 GPS satellites in space; signal transmission that includes 2
frequency carrier waves (Link 1 and Link 2) and 2 sets random
telegraphic codes (C/A code and P code), on-earth monitoring stations
or client GPS receivers. Only 4 satellites utilization, the client position
and its elevation can be detected rapidly. The more receivable
satellites, the more accurate position can be decoded. Currently, the
standard positioning accuracy of the simplified GPS receiver is greatly
increased, but due to affected by the error of satellite clock, the
troposphere delay and the ionosphere delay, current measurement
accuracy is in the level of 5~15m. In increasing the dynamic GPS
positioning accuracy, most researchers mainly use inertial navigation
system (INS) and installation of other sensors or maps for the
assistance. This research utilizes the RSCMAC advantages of fast
learning, learning convergence assurance, solving capability of
time-related dynamic system problems with the static positioning
calibration structure to improve and increase the GPS dynamic
accuracy. The increasing of GPS dynamic positioning accuracy can be
achieved by using RSCMAC system with GPS receivers collecting
dynamic error data for the error prediction and follows by using the
predicted error to correct the GPS dynamic positioning data. The
ultimate purpose of this research is to improve the dynamic positioning
error of cheap GPS receivers and the economic benefits will be
enhanced while the accuracy is increased.
Abstract: Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has many social and
economic benefits. However, IK is at the risk of extinction due to the
difficulties to preserve it as most of the IK largely remains
undocumented. This study aims to design a model of the factors
affecting the adoption of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) for the preservation of IK. The proposed model
is based on theoretical frameworks on ICT adoption. It was designed
following a literature review of ICT adoption theories for households,
and of the factors affecting ICT adoption for IK. The theory that
fitted to the best all factors was then chosen as the basis for the
proposed model. This study found that the Model of Adoption of
Technology in Households (MATH) is the most suitable theoretical
framework for modeling ICT adoption factors for the preservation of
IK.
Abstract: Mega urban transport projects (MUTPs) are
increasingly being used in urban environments to ameliorate the
problem of congestion. However, a number of problems with regard
to mega projects have been identified. In particular the seemingly
institutionalised over estimation of economic benefits and persistent
cost over runs, could mean that the wrong projects are selected, and
that the projects that are selected cost more than they should. Studies
to date have produced a number of solutions to these problems,
perhaps most notably, the various methods for the inclusion of the
private sector in project provision. However the problems have
shown significant intractability in the face of these solutions. This
paper provides a detailed examination of some of the problems
facing mega projects and then examines Foucault-s theory of
'governmentality' as a possible frame of analysis which might shed
light on the intractability of the problems that have been identified,
through an identification of the art of government in which MUTPs
occur.
Abstract: Using entropy weight and TOPSIS method, a
comprehensive evaluation is done on the development level of
Chinese regional service industry in this paper. Firstly, based on
existing research results, an evaluation index system is constructed
from the scale of development, the industrial structure and the
economic benefits. An evaluation model is then built up based on
entropy weight and TOPSIS, and an empirical analysis is conducted on
the development level of service industries in 31 Chinese provinces
during 2006 and 2009 from the two dimensions or time series and
cross section, which provides new idea for assessing regional service
industry. Furthermore, the 31 provinces are classified into four
categories based on the evaluation results, and deep analysis is carried
out on the evaluation results.
Abstract: The purposes of this study were as follows to evaluate
the economic value of Phu Kradueng National Park by the travel cost
method (TCM) and the contingent valuation method (CVM) and to
estimate the demand for traveling and the willingness to pay. The
data for this study were collected by conducting two large scale
surveys on users and non-users. A total of 1,016 users and 1,034
non-users were interviewed. The data were analyzed using multiple
linear regression analysis, logistic regression model and the
consumer surplus (CS) was the integral of demand function for trips.
The survey found, were as follows:
1)Using the travel cost method which provides an estimate of direct
benefits to park users, we found that visitors- total willingness to pay
per visit was 2,284.57 bath, of which 958.29 bath was travel cost,
1,129.82 bath was expenditure for accommodation, food, and
services, and 166.66 bath was consumer surplus or the visitors -net
gain or satisfaction from the visit (the integral of demand function for
trips).
2) Thai visitors to Phu Kradueng National Park were further willing
to pay an average of 646.84 bath per head per year to ensure the
continued existence of Phu Kradueng National Park and to preserve
their option to use it in the future.
3) Thai non-visitors, on the other hand, are willing to pay an average
of 212.61 bath per head per year for the option and existence value
provided by the Park.
4) The total economic value of Phu Kradueng National Park to Thai
visitors and non-visitors taken together stands today at 9,249.55
million bath per year.
5) The users- average willingness to pay for access to Phu Kradueng
National Park rises
from 40 bath to 84.66 bath per head per trip for improved services
such as road improvement, increased cleanliness, and upgraded
information.
This paper was needed to investigate of the potential market
demand for bio prospecting in Phu Kradueng national Park and to
investigate how a larger share of the economic benefits of tourism
could be distributed income to the local residents.
Abstract: The paper presents an overview of environmental
issues that may be expected with nuclear desalination. The analysis
of coupling nuclear power with desalination plants indicates that
adverse marine impacts can be mitigated with alternative intake
designs or cooling systems. The atmospheric impact of desalination
may be greatly reduced through the coupling with nuclear power,
while maximizing the socio-economic benefit for both processes. The
potential for tritium contamination of the desalinated water was
reviewed. Experience with the systems and practices related to the
radiological quality of the product water, shows no examples of
cross-contamination. Furthermore, the indicators for the public
acceptance of nuclear desalination, as one of the most important
sustainability aspects of any such large project, show a positive trend.
From the data collected, a conclusion is made that nuclear
desalination should be supported by decision-makers.
Abstract: Most people know through experience and intuition what the word „sport“ means. Sport includes a combination of these configurations when it involves team competitions, tournaments, or matches in dual sports or individual sports. Sport management - it is an area of professional endeavor in which a variety of sport-related managerial careers exist and it is also an area of academic professional preparation. Exists three unique aspects of sport management: sport marketing, sport enterprise financial structures and sport industry career paths. The aim of the paper was to highlight the growing importance of sport in contemporary society, especially to emphasize its socio-economic benefits and refer to the development of sport management and marketing. The article has shown that sport contributes 2-3% to gross domestic product in the Czech Republic and that the demand for experts, specialists educated for the sports manager profession is growing.
Abstract: Green- spaces might be very attractive, but
where are the economic benefits? What value do nature and
landscape have for us? What difference will it make to jobs,
health and the economic strength of areas struggling with
deprivation and social problems? [1].There is a need to consider
green spaces from a different perspective. Green planning is not just
about flora and fauna, but also about planning for economic benefits
[2]. It is worth trying to quantify the value of green spaces since
nature and landscape are crucially important to our quality of life and
sustainable development. The reality, however, is that urban
development often takes place at the expense of green spaces.
Urbanization is an ongoing process throughout the world; however,
hyper-urbanization without environmental planning is destructive,
not constructive [3]. Urban spaces are believed to be more valuable
than other land uses, particular green areas, simply because of the
market value connected to urban spaces. However, attractive
landscapes can help raise the quality and value of the urban market
even more. In order to reach these objectives of integrated planning,
the Green-Value-Gap needs to be bridged. Economists have to
understand the concept of Green-Planning and the spinoffs, and
Environmentalists have to understand the importance of urban
economic development and the benefits thereof to green planning. An
interface between Environmental Management, Economic
Development and sustainable Spatial Planning are needed to bridge
the Green-Value-Gap.
Abstract: Use of fly ash as a supplementary cementing material
in large volumes can bring both technological and economic benefits
for concrete industry. In this investigation mix proportions for high
volume fly ash concrete were determined at cement replacement
levels of 50%, 55%, 60% and 65% with low calcium fly ash. Flexural
and compressive strengths of different mixes were measured at ages
of 7, 28 and 90 days. Flexural strength of composite section prepared
from pavement quality and lean high volume fly ash concrete was
determined at the age of 28 days. High volume fly ash concrete mixes
exhibited higher rate of strength gain and age factors than
corresponding reference concrete mixes. The optimum cement
replacement level for pavement quality concrete was found to be
60%. The consideration of bond between pavement quality and lean
of high volume fly ash concrete will be beneficial in design of rigid
pavements.
Abstract: In order to optimize annual IT spending and to reduce
the complexity of an entire system architecture, SOA trials have been
started. It is common knowledge that to design an SOA system we
have to adopt the top-down approach, but in reality silo systems are
being made, so these companies cannot reuse newly designed services,
and cannot enjoy SOA-s economic benefits. To prevent this situation,
we designed a generic SOA development process referred to as the
architecture of “mass customization."
To define the generic detail development processes, we did a case
study on an imaginary company. Through the case study, we could
define the practical development processes and found this could vastly
reduce updating development costs.
Abstract: Contour filter strips planted with perennial vegetation
can be used to improve surface and ground water quality by reducing
pollutant, such as NO3-N, and sediment outflow from cropland to a
river or lake. Meanwhile, the filter strips of perennial grass with biofuel
potentials also have economic benefits of producing ethanol. In
this study, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was
applied to the Walnut Creek Watershed to examine the effectiveness
of contour strips in reducing NO3-N outflows from crop fields to the
river or lake. Required input data include watershed topography,
slope, soil type, land-use, management practices in the watershed and
climate parameters (precipitation, maximum/minimum air
temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and relative humidity).
Numerical experiments were conducted to identify potential
subbasins in the watershed that have high water quality impact, and
to examine the effects of strip size and location on NO3-N reduction
in the subbasins under various meteorological conditions (dry,
average and wet). Variable sizes of contour strips (10%, 20%, 30%
and 50%, respectively, of a subbasin area) planted with perennial
switchgrass were selected for simulating the effects of strip size and
location on stream water quality. Simulation results showed that a
filter strip having 10%-50% of the subbasin area could lead to 55%-
90% NO3-N reduction in the subbasin during an average rainfall
year. Strips occupying 10-20% of the subbasin area were found to be
more efficient in reducing NO3-N when placed along the contour
than that when placed along the river. The results of this study can
assist in cost-benefit analysis and decision-making in best water
resources management practices for environmental protection.
Abstract: Cloud Computing (CC) has become one of the most
talked about emerging technologies that provides powerful
computing and large storage environments through the use of the
Internet. Cloud computing provides different dynamically scalable
computing resources as a service. It brings economic benefits to
individuals and businesses that adopt the technology. In theory
adoption of cloud computing reduces capital and operational
expenditure on information technology. For this to be a reality there
is need to solve some challenges and at the same time addressing
concerns that consumers have about cloud computing. This paper
looks at Cloud Computing in general then highlights the challenges
of Cloud Computing and finally suggests solutions to some of the
challenges.