scholarly journals Development of sustainable solutions to sand encroachment on roads in Kuwait using numerical modeling

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed Abdullah ◽  
◽  
Ahmad Alzaza ◽  
Rafaat Misak ◽  
Mohammed Amjad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Protective System ◽  
Final Design ◽  
Sand Encroachment ◽  
Sand Accumulation ◽  
Prevailing Direction

Site reconnaissance of the threat of sand encroachment in Kuwait outlined major roads that were closed or partially closed for long periods of the year. These roads are AlSubia, AlWafra–Mena Abdallah, and AlWafra-AlZoor. Site surveys of the affected roads were undertaken to investigate the types and thicknesses of accumulated sand layers that were exposed to wind erosion. Soil samples were also collected to assess the particle size distribution. Wind data over the past 35 years were analyzed, which indicated that the prevailing direction is northwest with an average speed of 6–8 m/s. A preliminary concept design based on a composite system of natural and artificial elements was developed to be a sustainable protective system, which included double porous fences and green belts as major elements. Testing of the concept design model was performed in a virtual wind tunnel with different fence porosities and afforestation systems with the aid of the Autodesk Flow numerical model. Virtual wind tunnel results revealed that adopting 50% porosity led to the optimum wind reduction (≈75%), no turbulence area, and maximum sheltered area with no sand accumulation over the fences. The final design adopted was a composite made of artificial fences, green-belt trees, and gravel-stabilized areas, accompanied by removing the street barriers, achieving the aerodynamics concept to provide a long-term sustainable solution for the sand encroachment in those areas.

scholarly journals THE IMPORTANCE OF ECO-CLUSTERS IN THE CONSTANTA COUNTY

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
MIRELA IULIANA SUNDRI
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Smart Specialization ◽  
Ecological Transition

Economic theory and international practice confirm the role of clusters as catalysts for competitiveness based on innovation and internationalization. Europe is facing the challenge of becoming a fair and prosperous society based on a modern, competitive and resource-efficient economy. Mobilizing industrial actors towards a clean and circular economy through in-depth cooperation along value chains as well as the use of new technologies, sustainable solutions and disruptive innovation are critical to achieving this goal. Clusters play an important role in operationalizing smart specialization strategies. Eco-clusters aim to increase the competitiveness of enterprises included in "cluster" structures in sectors of economic relevance, by concentrating resources and developing the production of innovative goods such as technologies, products, services, with the greatest possible reduction of waste. Constanta County, through its strategic positioning, through the concentration of economic activities, education and research is an area of maximum interest for the development of eco-innovation and eco-clusters. This study highlights the premises for the establishment of eco-clusters in the Constanta area, given their role as a driver in greening economic policies in the region and developing partnerships in order to obtain clean products. Through eco-clusters, there are also developments in the process of eco-innovation and implementation of sustainable development strategies in the Constanta area, as a means for a long-term socio-ecological transition.

scholarly journals The Role of Citizen Science in Sustainable Agriculture

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10375
Author(s):  
Khaldoon A. Mourad ◽  
Seyyed Hasan Hosseini ◽  
Helen Avery
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Farmers know much more than we think, and they are keen to improve their knowledge in order to improve their farms and increase their income. On the other hand, decision-makers, organizations, and researchers are increasing their use of citizen volunteers to strengthen their outcomes, enhance project implementation, and approach ecosystem sustainability. This paper assesses the role of citizen science relating to agricultural practices and covers citizen science literature on agriculture and farmers’ participation during the period 2007–2019. The literature was examined for the role of citizen science in supporting sustainable agriculture activities, pointing to opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. The study identified the following gaps: insufficient attention to (1) long-term capacity building and dialogue between academics and farming communities; (2) developing countries in the global South and smallholders; (3) agriculture trading and marketing; (4) the rationales of selecting target groups; (5) contributing to accelerated sustainability transitions. The main aim of the research projects reviewed in this study tended to focus on the research outcomes from an academic perspective, not sustainable solutions in practice or sustainability in general. More research is needed to address these gaps and to widen the benefits of citizen science in sustainable agricultural practices.

The geological research in France - The Dosssier 2005 Argile

2006 ◽  
Vol 985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Plas ◽  
Jacques WENDLING
Keyword(s):  
Near Field ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Dose Calculations ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Geological Medium ◽  
Source Data ◽  
Underground Research Laboratory ◽  
Broad Outline ◽  
Geological Research

AbstractAt the end of fifteen years of researchs defined by the French act of December 30, 1991 on radwaste management, Andra gave a report, “Dossier Argile 2005”, which concluded with the feasibility of a reversible disposal in the argillaceous Callovo-Oxfordien formation studied by means of an underground research laboratory at Meuse/Haute-Marne site. Starting from source data like the characteristics of the geological medium and the waste inventory, the process followed by Andra to achieve at this conclusion is of type sequential and iterative between concept design, scientific knowledge, in particular that of the phenomenological evolution of the reposiroty and its geological environment from operating period to long term, and Safety assessment. The “Dossier Argile 2005” covers a broad radwaste inventory, ILLW, HLW and Spent Fuel, so that it makes it possible to cover whole of the technological, scientific and safety topics. This article will give an overview of the geological disposal studies in France and draw the main conclusion of the Dossier 2005 Argile. It will be focused on the near field (Engineering components and near field host rock), while considering if necessary its integration within the whole system. After a short description of the concepts (incl. waste inventory and the characteristics of the Meuse/Haute the Marne site) and the functions of the components of repository and geological medium, one will describe successively the broad outline of the phenomenological evolution of repository and the geological medium in near field, by in particular releasing the time scales of processes and uncertainties of knowledge. On this basis, one will indicate the safety scenarios which were considered and the broad outline of performance and dose calculations. Lessons learn from the Dossier 2005 Argile will be discussed and perspective and priority for future will be indicated.

scholarly journals Business model development for sustainable apparel consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Holtström ◽  
Charlotte Bjellerup ◽  
Johanna Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Business Model Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify key aspects of business model development for sustainable apparel consumption, as actors show an increasing interest in product‒service systems. This purpose should be seen from a retailers’ perspective so as to develop sustainable solutions for long-term survival in the apparel industry when meeting consumer preferences for fashion as well as an increasing interest in consuming less. Further, this is from a perspective in an economy where sharing and circularity are potential drivers for changing consumer patterns. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the apparel retailer Houdini Sportswear and its business model development from a traditional model of selling sportswear to a more future-oriented model where sustainability is more salient. The data for analysis were collected through interviews with employees within the studied company. The interviews have been guided by overarching themes covering relevant areas of interest for this study. Findings Overall, the paper shows how sustainability can be included in strategic development, from product idea, product development, production and sales/rental to repair, reuse and finally recycling. The paper also highlights potential obstacles in a developed business model with increased sustainability, including technological platforms, distribution networks for collecting and returning products and consumer consumption preferences. There are a few intertwined factors to be considered on different societal levels to achieve long-term success. Originality/value This study contributes an increased understanding of how more sustainable solutions can be included when developing business models. While the manufacture, distribution and consumption of clothes have an impact on the environment, some retailers and producers want to reduce this environmental impact. One alternative is to change the way clothes are consumed, to include more sharing and circularity.

India's Economic Crisis: Nature and Remedies

1991 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Bakul H Dholakia
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Foreign Exchange ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Indian Economy

Currently, the Indian economy is passing through a severe crisis which is due to an accumulation of the combined effect of various forces operating in the domestic as well as the global economy. In this article, Bakul H Dholakia analyses the major elements of the present economic crisis such as foreign exchange crunch, fiscal imbalances and high rate of inflation and suggests various long-term measures for bringing the economy on even keel.

Corruption, the power of state and big business in Soviet and post-Soviet regimes

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Shlapentokh
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
The State ◽  
Large Role ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
State Economy ◽  
Chain Of Command ◽  
Favorable Conditions

The growth of corruption after 1991 was probably unavoidable. The privatization of the state economy created favorable conditions for corruption, which did not exist before. The feudalization of a society, with its weakening of the state and the high autonomy of its office holders, was another major factor behind the outburst of corruption. However, while these “objective” factors account for a great part of corruption’s growth, the transformation of the leaders of the country to people who encouraged corruption for their own benefit—one of the major elements of feudalization—also played an extremely large role in spreading corruption inside the country. Corruption poses greater concerns to society in the long term. Russian corruption undermines labor ethics, particularly among younger generations. Russian youths firmly believe that bribes and connections are the best and perhaps only way to become successful. Widespread corruption creates a parallel, semi-feudal chain of command that competes with the official hierarchy. The weakness of law enforcement agencies, as well as the army—now almost totally demoralized—is, to a great extent, the product of corruption.

Lifecycle Tools As a Support for the Eco-Design Innovation of Domestic Appliances

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Papetti ◽  
Michele Germani ◽  
Marco Marconi ◽  
Claudio Favi
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Life Cycle Thinking ◽  
Benchmark Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Domestic Appliances

The goal of sustainable development through the product innovation is a global challenge that Academia and Industries are addressing. The regulatory pressure and the growing demand of eco-friendly products by consumers are two of its main drivers, especially in the household appliances sector. For this aim, manufactures need to change the design approach in order to extend the boundaries of the benchmark analysis of possible innovations: (i) multi-objective criteria should be taken into account such as the environmental issues, costs, technical performances, etc., and (ii) a life cycle thinking has to be adopted to consider long terms benefits or impacts. However, the literature highlights the lack of structured methods able to support the R&D activity according to these perspectives. For this aim, the present paper provides a systematic approach, which exploits lifecycle and innovation tools to effectively support designers in the development of sustainable solutions in a long term perspective. The proposed approach has been applied in real case study to increase the energy efficiency of a domestic refrigerator. In particular, the insulation module has been redesigned by comparing several alternatives in terms of environmental performances and costs over the product lifespan to effectively evaluate the consistency of the developed eco-innovations.

The Application of Heat Pipe Discharge Containment Heat Experimental Study: New Type of Passive Containment Heat Removal System Concept Design

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiqi Qin ◽  
Daogang Lu ◽  
Shengfei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Heat Removal ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Heat Removal System ◽  
Removal System ◽  
Residual Heat

Practice has proved that nuclear power technology development and operation of nuclear power is a clean, safe and large-scale provided stable power. AP1000 uses a large number of passive safety technologies. Passive residual heat removal system is an important part, in the long-term cooling stage of nuclear reactor normal operating conditions or accident conditions, to prevent the core meltdown. The research of this paper is to solve the long-term discharge of residual heat of the containment in the accident condition of nuclear power plant. Based on the passive heat removal system of AP1000, combined with the heat transfer characteristics and advantages of heat pipes, the PRHR system is further improved on the basis of the present situation, and a conceptual design of passive containment residual heat removal system is proposed. In order to further verify the feasibility of the conceptual design, we make a simplified simulation of small containment test bench to carry out experimental verification and give a detailed experimental design.

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