scholarly journals Direct environmental impacts of solar power in two arid biomes: An initial investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 113 (11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Rudman ◽  
Paul Gauché ◽  
Karen J. Esler
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Areas

According to recent national energy plans and policy documents, the number of renewable energy developments is expected to increase in South Africa, thus contributing to the diversification of the country’s energy system. Consequently, numerous solar power developments are being deployed in the sunny arid interior – areas generally represented by the Nama-Karoo and Savanna Biomes. These developments come with a range of novel environmental impacts, providing opportunities for multidimensional exploratory research. Here, a mixed-method approach was used to identify and investigate possible environmental impacts associated with two types of solar power plants: concentrating solar power and photovoltaic. Structured interviews conducted with experts and experienced professionals, together with observations from site visits generated complementary findings. In addition to the risk of cumulative ecological impacts associated with individual solar plant developments, landscape impacts of multiple power plants and the direct impact on avifauna were found to be the most significant environmental impacts. These direct impacts appear to be most significant during the construction stage, which represents an intensive 10% of the total power plant lifespan. This investigation provides an early, broad and informative perspective on the experienced and expected impacts of solar power in South African arid regions as well as insights to possible future research areas.

Practices and perceptions of German itinerant teachers in the field of visual impairment: Exploratory research focussing on three types of itinerant services

2020 ◽  
pp. 026461962097214
Author(s):  
Hisae Miyauchi ◽  
Wiebke Gewinn
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
School Based ◽  
Itinerant Teachers ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Collaborative Skills

This study aimed to clarify the practices and perceptions of itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) in inclusive education following three different types (i.e., school-based, school-based single role, and centre-based), identifying the salient factors that enable them to fulfil their roles. To date, the majority of the existing research has focussed on centre-based itinerant TVIs, with scant attention paid to the other itinerant types. This study mitigates this lack of research. Designed as an exploratory study to provide a useful reference for future research, the study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with nine German TVIs. The results showed more similarities than differences among the three types of TVIs in their daily tasks, needed qualities and skills, and overall perceptions of the job. Two crucial elements enabled these TVIs to work effectively: the existence of a large community of TVIs and TVIs possessing good ‘collaborative skills’. The school-based dual role seemed to provide much-needed emotional and technical support. Further investigations are needed on the factors that contribute to a good ‘team’ or a ‘community’ of TVIs and on the effectiveness of the school-based dual role.

scholarly journals The influence of solar energy on the development of the mining industry in the Republic of Cuba

2021 ◽  
Vol 249 ◽  
pp. 427-440
Author(s):  
Yaroslav Shklyarskiy ◽  
Daniel Díaz Guerra ◽  
Emiliia Iakovleva ◽  
Anton Rassõlkin
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Tracking Systems ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
The Republic

Cuba is traditionally considered a country with an underdeveloped industry. The share of the mining and metallurgical industries in the gross industrial production of the republic is small – about 3 % of GDP. The development of deposits and the extraction of nickel ores is an important sector of the economy of the Republic of Cuba, since the largest reserves of nickel and cobalt on the North American continent are located on the territory of the country. The development of the country energy system can serve as a growth factor in this sector of the economy. Due to climatic features and impossibility of integrating new capacities into the energy system through the construction of hydroelectric power plants, solar energy is a promising direction. Determining the feasibility of using solar tracking systems to increase the generation of electricity from solar power plants is one of the main challenges faced by engineers and renewable energy specialists. Currently, there are no solar tracking systems in Cuba that can provide information to assess the effectiveness of this technology in the country. The lack of the necessary technologies, as well as the high cost of developing solar power plants with tracking systems, limit the widespread introduction of such complexes. Hence follows the task of creating an inexpensive experimental model that allows assessing the effectiveness of tracking systems in specific weather conditions of the Republic of Cuba. This model will allow in future to increase the efficiency of electrical complexes with solar power plants, which provide power supply to the objects of the mineral resource complex and other regions.

scholarly journals Understanding Cognitive Engagement in Online Discussion: Use of a Scaffolded, Audio-based Argumentation Activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunjung Grace Oh ◽  
Hyun Song Kim
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Liberal Arts University ◽  
Research Areas

<p class="2">The purpose of this paper is to explore how adult learners engage in asynchronous online discussion through the implementation of an audio-based argumentation activity. The study designed scaffolded audio-based argumentation activities to promote students’ cognitive engagement. The research was conducted in an online graduate course at a liberal arts university. Primary data sources were learners’ text-based discussions, audio-recorded argumentation postings, and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that the scaffolded, audio-based argumentation activity helped students achieve higher levels of thinking skills as well as exert greater cognitive efforts during discussions. In addition, most students expressed a positive perception of and satisfaction with their experience. Implications for practice and future research areas are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Environmental Sustainability in the Follow-Up and Evaluation Stage of Logistics Services Purchasing: Perspectives from UK Shippers and 3PLs

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Witold Bahr ◽  
Edward Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Evaluation Stage

The purpose of the research described in this paper is to investigate the role played by the green agenda and sustainability in the follow-up and evaluation stage of the purchasing of logistics services. This stage is relatively under-explored in the extant academic literature. However, there is some evidence of a divergence between the perspectives of shippers and forwarders in this area. In this context, therefore, two carefully selected groups of UK-based supply chain management professionals—from shippers (i.e., manufacturers and retailers) and third-party logistics (3PLs)—were investigated using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were based on a data collection guide informed by the authors’ three overall research objectives. Data from the interviews were analysed using a combination of content analysis and grounded analysis. The findings suggest that, while shippers and 3PLs recognise a positive link between cost savings and the development of green initiatives, there is considerable room for improvement in this area in order to reorient the focus of the follow-up and evaluation stage from price and service levels towards sustainability. The authors’ exploratory research leads to the identification of a number of potentially fruitful areas for future research.

Sharia disclosures

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Che Azmi ◽  
Norazlin Ab Aziz ◽  
Normawati Non ◽  
Rusnah Muhamad
Keyword(s):  
Financial Statement ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Full Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to examine the reasons behind the low level of Sharia-related disclosures, particularly Sharia-compliant companies, to gain an understanding on how these companies disclose Sharia-related information in their annual reports, and how professional users of these reports search for such disclosures. Design/methodology/approach The study is an exploratory research based on structured interviews with individuals involved in the preparation of annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies and professional users of annual reports. Findings Most Sharia-compliant companies and professional users interviewed agree that the most relevant Sharia-related information is most commonly understood as the information found in the financial statement and its notes (accounting-related disclosures). Their responses indicate that there is a disjoint between the conventional disclosure practices on corporate social responsibility items and the Sharia-related information. Research limitations/implications The idea of full disclosure needs to be further understood from the perspectives of Sharia. This study provides insights into the types of Sharia-related information that are important for disclosure. Future research should focus on examining a larger number of companies and interviewing more professional users from different jurisdictions to generate more knowledge about the nature of Sharia information and its disclosure. Practical implications Users of the Sharia screening methods, especially regulators, such as the Securities Commission Malaysia should encourage the disclosure of the required aspects of Sharia in the annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies, as professional users are interested in this type of information. Originality/value This study offers insights into the reasons behind low Sharia disclosures in annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies.

Comparative Economic Analysis of Concentrating Solar Technologies

2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Duquette ◽  
Todd Otanicar
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid System ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Thermal Power ◽  
The Cost

One of the noted benefits of concentrating photovoltaics (PV) is the reduced cell area which results in reduction of the overall system cost. A variety of studies have looked at the cost for concentrating PV systems and made comparisons to concentrating solar thermal power plants, typically resulting in concentrating solar thermal power having lower system costs. Recently, a widespread design space was assessed for the potential efficiency improvements possible with a coupled hybrid PV/thermal solar energy system for electricity generation. The analysis showed that modest efficiency improvements could be made but no assessment of the economic impact was made. Although modest efficiency gains can be made, such a hybrid system requires more components than one of the conventional stand alone concentrating solar power plant on its own resulting in significantly different system costs. As a result, we look to compare the overall system costs of three different solar power technologies: concentrating PV, concentrating solar thermal, and the concentrating hybrid approach. Additionally, we will focus on documenting the necessary hybrid efficiencies to make a hybrid system competitive as well as the feasibility and means for achieving these efficiencies.

The Environmental Impacts of Militarization in Comparative Perspective: An Overlooked Relationship

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew K. Jorgenson ◽  
Brett Clark ◽  
Jennifer E. Givens
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Sociological Research ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Narrative Assessment ◽  
Us Military ◽  
Treadmill Of Production

Drawing from emergent areas of sociological research and theorization, the authors consider the environmental impacts of militaries from a comparative-international perspective. The article begins with an overview of treadmill of production and treadmill of destruction theories, the latter of which highlights the expansionary tendencies and concomitant environmental consequences of militarization. This theoretical overview is followed by a narrative assessment of military growth and energy consumption, with a particular focus on the US military over the past century. Next, the authors detail the various environmental impacts associated with the growth and structure of national militaries, briefly discuss potential future research directions, and conclude by calling for scholars in future studies on society/nature relationships to seriously consider the environmental and ecological impacts of the world's militaries.

scholarly journals Utilization of Renewable Energy: A Study on the Utilization of Solar Energy for Power Plants at the Campus of Universitas Samudra, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 76-79
Author(s):  
Hamdani Umar ◽  
Munira Amudy ◽  
T. Azuar Rizal
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Unused Land ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Power Installations ◽  
Parabolic Collector

The availability of solar energy is higher than global energy consumption, affordable by many users, simple to use, and relatively more environmentally friendly. Complexes of higher education institutions in Indonesia, in general, consist of many buildings with large roofs and stretches of unused land, which are suitable for solar power installations. This study analyzes the feasibility of constructing a solar power plant at an educational institution facility, with a specific case study on the Universitas Samudra campus. The analysis results have shown that for the supply of electricity with a total power of 10 MW, PV panels are superior to parabolic collectors. The cost of producing electricity using PV panels is 6.60 ¢/kWh, while the parabolic collector costs 26.42 ¢/kWh. And the total area required for the installation of PV.

scholarly journals Data Visualisation Literacy in Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of Understanding of a Learning Dashboard Tool

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (17) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
David Donohoe ◽  
Eamon Costello
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Choice Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Data Visualisation ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
User Data ◽  
The Impact

The visualisation of data has become ubiquitous. Visualisations are used to represent data in a way that is easy to understand and useful in our lives. Each data visualisation needs to be suitable to extract the correct information to complete a task and make an informed decision while minimising the impact of biases. To achieve this, the ability to create and read visualisations has become as important as the ability to read and write. Therefore, the Information Visualisation community is applying more attention to literacy and decision making in data vis-ualisations. Until recently, researchers lacked valid and reliable test in-struments to measure the literacy of users or the taxonomy to detect biased judgement in data visualisations. A literature review showed there is relatively little research on data visualisations for different user data literacy levels in authentic settings and a lack of studies that pro-vide evidence for the presence of cognitive biases in data visualisa-tions. This exploratory research study was undertaken to develop a method to assess perceived usefulness and confidence in reporting dashboards within higher education by adapting existing research in-struments. A survey was designed to test perceived usefulness, per-ceived skill and 24 multiple-choice test items covering six data visuali-sations based on eight tasks. The study was sent to 157 potential par-ticipants, with a response rate of 20.38%. The results showed data vis-ualisations are useful, but the purpose of some data visualisations is not always understood. Also, we showed there is a consensus that re-spondents perceive their data visualisation literacy is higher than they believe their peers to be. However, the higher their overconfidence, the lower their actual data visualisation literacy score. Finally, we discuss the benefits, limitations and possible future research areas.

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