scholarly journals Exploring ecosystem-based adaptation in Durban, South Africa: “learning-by-doing” at the local government coal face

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Roberts ◽  
Richard Boon ◽  
Nicci Diederichs ◽  
Errol Douwes ◽  
Natasha Govender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Coal Face ◽  
Ongoing Development

The lack of progress in establishing ambitious and legally binding global mitigation targets means that the need for locally based climate change adaptation will increase in vulnerable localities such as Africa. Within this context, “ecosystem-based adaptation” (EBA) is being promoted as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to improving adaptive capacity. Experience with the ongoing development of Durban’s Municipal Climate Protection Programme indicates that achieving EBA in cities means moving beyond the conceptualization of a uniform, one-size-fits-all layer of street trees and parks to a more detailed understanding of the complex ecology of indigenous ecosystems and their resilience under climate change conditions. It also means engaging with the role that this “bio-infrastructure” plays in improving the quality of life and socioeconomic opportunities of the most vulnerable human communities. Despite the long-term sustainability gains of this approach, implementation in Durban has been shown to be both technically challenging and resource intensive. The close association between human and ecological systems in addressing climate change adaptation has also led to the development of the concept of “community ecosystem-based adaptation”.

Research in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Aspects of Forests in India - An Overview

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Tajinder Singh ◽  
R.S. Rawat ◽  
V.R.S. Rawat
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mitigation Potential ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Local Levels ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Climate change is recognized as a significant man-made global environmental challenge and it is also treated as threat. It may alter the distribution and quality of natural resources. Considering the vulnerabilities of forests and irreversible impacts of climate change on forests, long term planning for forest conservation and management is the urgent need of the hour to ensure and maintain the long-term mitigation potential of forests. In this study multi-disciplinary literature review, interviews with researchers in a variety of related fields, and consultation meetings with selected practitioners at the national, regional, and local levels were conducted. The findings of study highlighted the current status of knowledge, strengths, gaps and constraints in research pertaining to climate change adaptation and mitigation aspects of forests in India.

scholarly journals Assessment of Energy Transition Policy in Taiwan—A View of Sustainable Development Perspectives

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4402
Author(s):  
Chun-Kai Wang ◽  
Chien-Ming Lee ◽  
Yue-Rong Hong ◽  
Kan Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Power Generation ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Adaptive Policy ◽  
Electricity Saving ◽  
Transition Policy ◽  
Development Perspective

Energy transition has become a priority for adaptive policy and measures taken in response to climate change around the world. This is an opportunity and a challenge for the Taiwan government to establish a climate-resilient power generation mixed to ensure electricity security as well as climate change mitigation. This study adopted a sustainable development perspective and applied optimal control theory to establish a cost-effective model to evaluate a long-term (2050), climate-resilient power generation mix for Taiwan. Furthermore, this study applies the STIRPAT approach to predict the demand of electricity by 2050 for the demand side management. The results not only showed the share of various power generation mixed, but also recommended the trajectory of electricity saving by 2050.

scholarly journals INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES AS A PROSPECTIVE DIRECTION OF PLANNING ACTIVITIES OF HOTEL AND RESTAURANT ENTERPRISES OF UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljudmila Neshchadym ◽  
Svetlana Тymchuk
Keyword(s):  
Internal State ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Restaurant Industry ◽  
Product Portfolio ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
Fierce Competition ◽  
High Level

The article monitors and analyzes the main strategies for the development of hotel and restaurant enterprises and, accordingly, increase their efficiency and competitiveness; the process of organization and economic planning of hotel and restaurant enterprises has been improved. It is investigated that the enterprises of hotel and restaurant industry of Ukraine partially provide the necessary quality indicators for the provided services, and this is the reason for the insufficient level of competitiveness of services in the domestic market and in European countries. An urgent problem of planning and organizing the activities of hotel and restaurant enterprises is the use of innovative strategies and areas of long-term development to increase the level of competitiveness and quality of services provided. This will intensify innovation processes in Ukraine in the field of services. Innovative strategies and promising areas of development of hotel and restaurant enterprises are extremely important in the management of hotel and restaurant complexes. Innovative strategies in the hotel and restaurant industry are cost-effective and feasible provided a high level of profitability, improving the service process, expanding the range of services, reducing costs, increasing competitiveness, improve and optimize the work of all hotel or restaurant services. The application of innovative strategies in the process of hotel and restaurant enterprises allows them to compete in the field of service. In conditions of fierce competition and rapidly changing market conditions, it is very important not only to focus on the internal state of affairs of the enterprise, but also to develop a long-term strategy. Economic activity requires constant innovation. All services offered by hotel and restaurant enterprises must be introduced in modern innovative ways. This is the basis for successful business, maintaining a consistently high level of competitiveness and improving the quality of service. The selection of the optimal innovation strategy for a hotel or restaurant company is carried out by its management based on the analysis of key factors that characterize its condition and the state of the product portfolio.

The economic benefits of rehabilitation for neurological conditions

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Rory J. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Healthcare Intervention ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Economic Analyses

Rehabilitation programmes are highly cost-effective interventions that restore people’s independence, dignity, and quality of life. In the past there was an impression that they appeared expensive, which resulted in a lack of enthusiasm to develop them by funding bodies and commissioners. However, the evidence demonstrating the long-term cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation is robust. Many people with long-term neurological conditions will live for many years after the onset of the condition and investment in their physical and psychological functioning early on will, over that person’s lifetime, will result in substantial savings. Nevertheless, calculating economic evaluations can be complicated and the correct measure must be chosen to identify the change produced by the rehabilitation intervention. These data must then be handled appropriately, and any ancillary costs included. The economic impact of the rehabilitation programme is wider than a purely healthcare intervention and will include potential earnings and reduced costs to social care. The economic analyses will also include housing, education, and vocational outcomes, and the effect of the long-term condition on family members who may have a caring role.

Rail Highway Grade Crossing Roughness Quantitative Measurement Using 3D Technology

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teng (Alex) Wang ◽  
Reginald R. Souleyrette ◽  
Daniel Lau ◽  
Peng Xu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Actual Condition ◽  
Subjective Rating ◽  
3D Surface ◽  
Grade Crossing ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Quality of surface is an important aspect affecting both the safety and the performance of at-grade rail-highway crossings. Roughness may increase the risk of crashes for both trains and automobiles. Varying grades in crossing profiles increase the likelihood of high-centered crossing collisions between train and truck [1]. The US DOT Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Handbook [2] suggests that rough surfaces could distract a driver’s attention from oncoming trains and that the unevenness of the crossing could result in a driver losing control of their vehicle resulting in a crash. No quantitative method currently exists to quickly and economically assess the condition of rail crossings in order to evaluate the long term performance of crossings and set a quantitative trigger for their rehabilitation. The conventional method to measure the surface of quality of crossings is based on expert judgment, whereby crossing surfaces are classified as poor, fair or good after an inspector visits and drives over the crossing. However, actual condition of the crossing could be different from the subjective rating. Poor condition rating crossings may not always present the most cost-effective locations for preventive maintenance to lower overall life-cycle costs. Conventional ratings may derive from driving a passenger car of pickup once over the crossing. Effects of various speed, on various vehicles (suspension), and at various places (laterally) cannot be determined or even estimated except at the smoothest of crossings. A quantifiable and extensible procedure is desired. With rapid advances in computer science, 3D sensing and imaging technologies, it seems logical that a cost-effective quantitative method could be developed to determine the need to rehabilitate rail crossings and assess long term performance. Fundamental to the quantification of crossing condition is the acquisition of an accurate 3D surface model of the crossing in its present state. This paper reports on the development of an accurate, low cost and readily deployable sensor capable of rapid collection of this 3D surface. The research is seen as a first step towards automating the crossing inspection process, ultimately leading to the quantification and estimation of future performance of rail crossing.

Treatment with rhEPO Decreases the Need for Transfusion in Patients with βThalassemia.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3778-3778
Author(s):  
Dora Bachir ◽  
Anoosha Habibi ◽  
Serge Pissard ◽  
Zohra Ourabah ◽  
Frederic Galacteros
Keyword(s):  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Red Blood Cell Transfusion ◽  
Recombinant Erythropoietin ◽  
Human Recombinant Erythropoietin ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Transfusion Requirements

Abstract The usage of human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) in βthalassemia shows in many sudies, that not only it increases the synthesis of γ chains, but it also improves erythroid parameters. Among our population of thalassemic patients, eight patients with βthalassemia intermedia that were regulary transfused, were given escalating doses of rhEPO mostly darpoietin-α. Before receiving rhEPO, all patients had undergone splenectomy, also received iron chelation therapy, and folic acid supplementation. No patient received iron supplementation together with rhEPO. With rhEPO, two patients were able to discontinue their requirements for transfusions. In the others, haemoglobin level was maintained above 8 g/dl. Four patients experienced bone pain which was successfully treated with hydroxyurea. All patients had improvement in their quality of life. This small series illustrates that rhEPO may be useful and cost effective in the long term (considering the risks of red blood cell transfusion) in some selected splenectomized transfusion-dependent patients with βthalassemia intermedia. Results Transfusion requirements (ml/kg/year) Patients Year of birth Sex Final doses of rhEPO (UI*kg/week) Follow-up (months) Before After Hydroxyurea * interruption of rhEPO because of participation to ICL 670 A 0107 protocol 1 1975 M 970 33 150 75 + 2 1973 F 1365 34 125 0 + 3 1965 M 820 33 130 0 + 4 1959 F 650 27 125 98 + 5 1979 F 715 15 210 160 * + 6 1978 M 1035 7 255 90 − 7 1987 F 450 3 135 80 − 8 1974 M 900 7 190 75 +

The Quality of Military Grade Electronic Parts

1986 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-45
Author(s):  
Howard Perlstein
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Component Part ◽  
Screen Program ◽  
Full Support ◽  
Electronic Parts ◽  
Effective Component

What greater pay-off is there than to detect defects at the lowest level? One of the answers to that question is to have cost-effective component part screening. This paper provides both the premises and the results of a long term comprehensive parts screen program. Evidence is presented to prove its cost effectiveness. This program is active and continuing at present and has the full support of Litton management.

scholarly journals Knowledge politics in participatory climate change adaptation research on agroecology in Malawi

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Bezner Kerr ◽  
Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong ◽  
Laifolo Dakishoni ◽  
Esther Lupafya ◽  
Lizzie Shumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
Agricultural Knowledge ◽  
Sources Of Knowledge

AbstractClimate change is projected to have severe implications for smallholder agriculture in Africa, with increased temperatures, increased drought and flooding occurrence, and increased rainfall variability. Given these projections, there is a need to identify effective strategies to help rural communities adapt to climatic risks. Yet, relatively little research has examined the politics and social dynamics around knowledge and sources of information about climate-change adaptation with smallholder farming communities. This paper uses a political ecology approach to historically situate rural people's experiences with a changing climate. Using the concept of the co-production of knowledge, we examine how Malawian smallholder farmers learn, perceive, share and apply knowledge about a changing climate, and what sources they draw on for agroecological methods in this context. As well, we pay particular attention to agricultural knowledge flows within and between households. We ask two main questions: Whose knowledge counts in relation to climate-change adaptation? What are the political, social and environmental implications of these knowledge dynamics? We draw upon a long-term action research project on climate-change adaptation that involved focus groups, interviews, observations, surveys, and participatory agroecology experiments with 425 farmers. Our findings are consistent with other studies, which found that agricultural knowledge sources were shaped by gender and other social inequalities, with women more reliant on informal networks than men. Farmers initially ranked extension services as important sources of knowledge about farming and climate change. After farmers carried out participatory agroecological research, they ranked their own observation and informal farmer networks as more important sources of knowledge. Contradictory ideas about climate-change adaptation, linked to various positions of power, gaps of knowledge and social inequalities make it challenging for farmers to know how to act despite observing changes in rainfall. Participatory agroecological approaches influenced adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in Malawi, but most still maintained the dominant narrative about climate-change causes, which focused on local deforestation by rural communities. Smallholder farmers in Malawi are responsible for <1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet our results show that the farmers often blame their own rural communities for changes in deforestation and rainfall patterns. Researchers need to consider differences knowledge and power between scientists and farmers and the contradictory narratives at work in communities to foster long-term change.

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