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Issue
1, Volume 7, January 2011
Title of the Paper:
Research Stage of the La Tene and Thracian Scheme Fibulae in Romania -
Dynamics and Exclusion. Critical General Approach
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Authors:
Vlad Vintila Zirra
Abstract: In this presentation, the author brings some general comments
concerning the archaeological finds containing La Tene and Thracian scheme
fibulae from Romania. The critical approach refers to the research stage,
discovery circumstances, state and interpretation of the items and to the
publication conditions. Globally, the author considers that these artifacts,
present over the nowadays Romanian territory between the 4th century BC to
first century AD, through their important number (still growing each year)
represent a good beginning for considerations of chronological, typological,
social status, trade and cultural relations point of view.
Keywords:
La Tene scheme fibulae, Thracian scheme fibulae, statistics, material
conditions, research stage, geographical distribution, typology, chronology
Title of the Paper:
Natural Dimension of Sustainable Development and Economic and Ecological
Integration in the Evaluation of Social Welfare
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Authors:
Toba Daniel, Simion Dalia, Vochita Luminita, Toba Elena
Abstract: The evolution of the report needs - resources emphasises the
contradiction between the more and more social needs and the natural
resources, relatively limited, between the frame and the given planetary
space. The dynamics of the contradiction depends on the level of the
production factors drawn, level capable to ensure the more or less optimal
satisfaction of the consumption needs. The needs for natural resources and for
the maintenance of a healthy natural environment must be correlated with the
exploitable known reserves, and as a perspective with the probable ones.
Starting from the five factors that influence each other in the process of
development - the population, the natural resources, the natural environment,
the agricultural production, the industrial production and the pollution - the
new strategies of the sustainable development aim at finding the adequate
criteria to optimise the resources - needs report, as well as the necessary
means to achieve this purpose. The economic environment of the future, through
the inputs and outputs, must be in a dynamic compatibility with the rural
environment, but also with the present and future needs and interests of the
generations that evolve and succeed.
Keywords:
Sustainable Development, Natural Environment, Ecological Economy,
Sustainability Rules, Substitution of the Natural Capital, Environmental
Assessment
Title of the Paper:
Economic Assessment of a Two-Stage Heat Pump with Heat Exchanger to Exploit
Low-Temperature Geothermal Energy
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Authors:
Sven H. De Cleyn, Amaryllis Audenaert
Abstract: Within the context of sustainable housing, considerable research
attention has been on different devices and techniques to lower energy
consumption and alternative, environmental-friendly alternatives to generate
energy. Recently, scholars engage increasingly in the economic aspects of
these devices and techniques. This study elaborates on the study of Kulcar et
al. [1], which have investigated the economy of exploiting a two-stage heat
pump with heat exchanger using low-temperature geothermal sources for building
heating purposes. The results of the analysis suggest that under the
circumstances defined in [1], the system is an interesting investment from a
financial viewpoint. However, the results turn out to be strongly dependent on
the evolution of the electricity and heat prices. It turns out that the net
present value of the investment is more sensitive to changes in heat prices
than it is to variations in electricity prices.
Keywords:
Economic analysis; Payback time; Geothermal energy; Heat pump
Issue
2, Volume 7, February 2011
Title of the Paper:
Effective Solution to Improve Citizenship Education as a Part of Culture
Identity, Citizenship, Sustainability
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Authors:
Fattaneh Daneshmand Malayeri
Abstract: One of the factors of growth and prosperity of cities in developed
countries leading role "of citizens in determining their fate. Move towards
achieving the community-developed societies depends on movement toward
"citizen orientation" and people's adherence to the principles of citizenship.
The word "citizen" during various historical (from ancient to date) according
to the environment and the concept of geographic space . By studying the
historical concept of citizenship in our country which does We can Citizenship
in there and it is so light that one can get is not a plan. Circuit City
citizens need access to citizenship education and creating civil society and
development NGOs as between government agencies and Retaining citizens and to
achieve such a situation the first step to increase awareness and knowledge of
rights and citizenship laws and creating areas for citizen participation
Governance is in the cities. will try in this article refers briefly to the
purpose of this research is understanding the concept of "citizenship" and
"citizen orientation" and its position in the country and the culture of
citizenship education as an effort to develop is stable. Research methods and
types of documents and library research and check with regard to understanding
the problem and respond to questions of the type of research is applied.
Keywords:
Citizen, Citizenship, citizenship role, Urban Planning, Sustainable
Development
Title of the Paper:
Sustainable Development and the Need to Manage Taxes on Pollution
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Authors:
Marius Bulearca, Marina Badileanu, Catalin Popescu, Mihai Sabin Muscalu,
Constantin Ghiga
Abstract: The extractive industry is unanimously acknowledged as being a vital
sector of any country which owns workable natural resources. The experts claim
that this industry is a source of foreign income, of direct foreign
investments and it is also the main and sometimes the only energy provider of
a country. The activities carried out within the extractive industry of any
country provide employment to population and contribute to the public budget
by taxes and dues, while the incomes resulted from these activities can be
directed towards charity; however, at the same time, there is a certain
environmental risk related to each initiative that is being carried out in
this industry.Given that ecological research has begun to study environmental
phenomena and interpret data and information on economic and social relations
taking into account environmental restrictions, as to draw conclusions about
the effects that such restrictions have on economic and social life, this
paper intends to determine the extent to which costs provide maximum benefits
for quality of life in general and human in particular.
Keywords:
Environment, extractive industry, impact, marginal cost and benefit, models,
taxes on pollution, non-renewable resources, sustainable energetic development
Title of the Paper:
Determination of Carbon Sequestration Rate in Soil of a Mangrove Forest in
Campeche, Mexico
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Authors:
J. G. Ceron-Breton, R. M. Ceron-Breton, M. Rangel-Marron, M. Murielgarcia, A.
V. Cordova-Quiroz, A. Estrella-Cahuich
Abstract: It was determined carbon sequestration rate, total nitrogen content
and several important physicochemical parameters (electrical conductivity,
gravimetric moisture, salinity, pH and soil texture) in mangrove forest soil
located within the natural protected area named “Terminos Lagoon” in Carmen
Island, Campeche-Mexico. Six sampling zones were considered within a mangrove
forest located in the Botanical Garden of the Autonomous University of Carmen
City. Samplings were carried out from February to August during 2009
considering three climatic periods (“Norths” season, dry season and rainy
season). The electrical conductivity was within the range of 1.38 to 26.2 dS
m-1 and the highest values were found during the rainy season when the study
sites were flooded most of the time. The seasonal influence on carbon storage
was evident (from 1.2 to 22.2 kg C / m-2), with the highest rate of carbon
sequestration in the dry season, in flooded soils with greater predominance of
red mangrove, and is lower in those soils rarely flooded with a higher
prevalence of buttonwood mangrove individuals. The organic matter content and
organic carbon was greater at 30 cm depth for flooded areas, where long
periods of flood tides and low rates of decomposition maintain anoxic
conditions. Due to soils are sandy in the study areas and have high pH values
with red mangrove associations, we can suggests that they have a high
potential for carbon sequestration and it could be increased in future years.
Keywords:
Carbon sequestration potential, carbon sinks, mangrove forest, Terminos
Lagoon, wetlands, Campeche, Mexico
Issue
3, Volume 7, March 2011
Title of the Paper: The
Influence of Photovoltaic Systems on Low-Voltage Grids
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Authors:
Traian Daniel Ivanovici, Marcel Ionel, Valentin Dogaru-Ulieru, Simona Mihaescu
Abstract: The public support in photovoltaic (PV) technologies and increasing
markets have resulted in extensive applications of grid-connected PV, in
particular in the consumer side and electricity distribution grid. In this
paper, the effects of a high level of grid connected PV in the low voltage
distribution network have been analyzed with a case study. In the European
Research Program ICOP DEMO 4080-98 there was installed a photovoltaic system
of 10kWp made of 66 photovoltaic modules model OPTISOL SFM 72 Bx made by
Pilkington Solar International and 24 ST 40 modules made by SIEMENS at the
University of Valahia in Targoviste. The DC energy producted by the modules is
inverted through the 8 SWR Sunny Boy inverter and directed to the network; in
case the solar energy isn’t enough the deficit is compensated by the network
to ensure functionability of all the connected devices. The analysis of the
connection to the system of an electric solar based source it’s made in the
purpose of analyzing the quality of the energy used to power up the consumers,
to decrease the negative influences of perturbations over the parameters of
the energy distributed and to see in what manner the consumers connected to
the source measure in the allocated perturbance.
Keywords:
Renewable energy, photovoltaic system, low-voltage grids, harmonic analysis,
distributed power generation, quality parameters, LabVIEW
Title of the Paper:
Iranian Mothers Role to Dissatisfied with Health Services by Statistical and
Approval Experiments
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Authors:
Mohsen Rasoulian, Marzieh Kazemipour
Abstract: In organizations providing health services based activities should
be given the needs and opinions are based comrade and how health services to
be evaluated continuously. Health Center health services received from the
Social Security Organization and dependent care Health Center Iran University
of Medical Sciences in 2010 is the year. This study is a descriptive study. In
this study, 300 randomly referred from clients to health centers affiliated
with both organizations were selected. Information based on Likert scale and
using interviews and questionnaires were collected. Analyze the data using
descriptive statistical methods were performed.
Keywords:
Satisfaction, clients, health, social security, medical sciences
Title of the Paper: A
Parallel Energy-Sharing Control for the Fuel cell-Battery-Ultracapacitor
Hybrid Vehicles
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Authors:
Jennhwa Wong, N. R. N. Idris
Abstract: This paper proposes a parallel energy-sharing control for fuel cell
electric vehicles (FCEVs) application. The hybrid source consists of a fuel
cells (FCs) generator, battery packs and Ultracapacitor (UC) modules. In the
proposed parallel energy-sharing control, each source is connected to the
direct current (DC) bus via power electronics converters. A total of six
control loops are applied in the supervisory system in order to regulate the
DC bus voltage, control of current flow and at the same time to monitor the
state of charge (SOC) of each energy storage device. Simulations as well as
experimental test bench are carried out to verify on the proposed energy
control system.
Keywords:
Fuel cell, battery, Ultracapacitor, Hybrid source, Fuel cell hybrid vehicle,
Energy management control and Parallel energy-sharing control
Issue
4, Volume 7, April 2011
Title of the Paper: Key
Conservation Principles of Old Traditional Mosque in Malaysia
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Authors:
S. Johar, A. I. Che-Ani, N. M. Tawil, M. M. Tahir, N. A. G. Abdullah, A. G.
Ahmad
Abstract: This paper reviews the conservation activities, particularly on
traditional old mosque in Malaysia. It comprise the definition, concept and
importance of conservation in general, the present of conservation activities
on historic buildings and mosque in Malaysia, and the approaches used for
conserving to preserve Muslim’s house of worship. The finding of this paper
highlights the four key conservation principles namely minimal intervention,
conducting scientific research and laboratories testing, documentation of
conservation work and applying effective methods and techniques for
conservation. Meanwhile for conservation program, the seven approaches are
preservation, reproduction, restoration, maintenance, redevelopment,
rehabilitation and consolidation. Several approaches are normally adopted for
one building conservation project. What most important is the justification in
adopting the approaches so that it comply to one of the key conservation
principle, namely minimal intervention.
Keywords:
Architectural heritage, Building conservation, Building maintenance, Building
repair, Building survey, Cultural significance, Historic building, Malaysia,
Place of worship, Traditional mosque
Title of the Paper:
Trihalogenmethanes in Drinking Water and Quantification of Health Risks
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Authors:
Frantisek Bozek, Milos Bozek, Jiri Dvorak
Abstract: The paper deals with the quantification of health risks resulting
from the disinfection of drinking water and covers both non-carcinogenic and
genotoxic risks. The monitoring and calculations were focused on four types of
trihalogenmethanes as the main products of such disinfection having potential
health risks for the exposed population. Gas chromatography with mass detector
was used for the determination of the trihalogenmethanes concentrations in the
drinking water. The measured concentrations of individual pollutants with
probable human hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic
and embryotoxic effects were used for the risk assessment. The risk assessment
was carried out in compliance with the national methodology, respecting the
standard operational procedure of U.S. EPA. The analysis was carried out in a
selected region of the Czech Republic and three age groups of population were
considered. It was discovered on the basis of appropriate developed exposure
scenarios and the determined concentrations of contaminants that the summary
non-carcinogenic risks are acceptable and genotoxic risks are tolerable.
Keywords:
Dermal contact, Disinfection, Drinking water, Exposure, Genotoxic risk,
Ingestion, Inhalation, Non carcinogenic risk, Risk, Trihalogenmethanes
Title of the Paper: The
Issue of Nitrates in Drinking Water and their Removal
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Authors:
Jaromira Chylkova, Ilona Obrsalova, Renata Selesovska, Tomas Brunclik, Kwasi
Asare Baffour Danquah
Abstract: The aim of this work was to monitor the quality of drinking water
taken from wells in the region of Eastern Bohemia. The parameter monitored was
the nitrate content in water. The samples were repeatedly collected from 33
wells, and the nitrate content was determined by the method of simultaneous
photometric neutralisation micro-titration. The results obtained show that the
drinking water standard of nitrate content is met by only 60 % of the samples
analysed. The relation between the nitrate content in water and the effect of
surrounding agricultural activities, the position and, as the case may be, the
depth of the wells was proved. Also observed were changes in the nitrate
concentrations during various plant growing seasons. When there is excess
concentration of nitrate, there are existing technologies that could be used
to clean drinking water these are ion exchange and reverse osmosis.
Keywords:
Analysis, Nitrates, Drinking water, Wells, Neutralization titration,
Spectrophotometric detection
Issue
5, Volume 7, May 2011
Title of the Paper: The
Influence of Urban Form on Facades Noise Levels
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Authors:
Marta F. Oliveira, Ligia T. Silva
Abstract: The urban form affects directly the natural habitats, ecosystems and
the different species. Indirectly the urban form influences the behavior of
the trajectory, which in turn affects the air quality, the global climate and
of course the noise propagation. This paper seeks to address the problems of
the urban environment as an area of interaction between urban forms and urban
noise. This interaction is intended to be monitored by urban indicators,
comparing the effects of noise propagation in model of urban forms. The model
of noise prediction (NMPB96), allowed to develop studies about noise in
facades (Ld, level of noise during the day), resulting in colors associated to
noise categories. The study will allow the creation of different scenarios and
foresee still in the draft fase, the facades exposed to a higher noise level.
The effects of noise in facades can be then minimized in advance, by adjusting
the layout of their typology.
Keywords:
Urban noise, Urban form, Urban indicators, Noise indicators
Title of the Paper:
Analysis of Passive Architectural Roof Cooling Potential to Decrease the
Cooling Demand for Northern European Office Buildings Based on Energy
Modelling and Laboratory Tests
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Authors:
Hendrik Voll, Erkki Seinre, Mati Soot
Abstract: Passive architectural roof cooling or vegetated roofs, also called
green roofs, have been shown to reduce rooftop heat transfer, offering
enhancement to a building’s thermal resistance or R-value in warm climate
zones. However a comprehensive study of the magnitude of that effect has not
been conducted previously, nor on the impact of green roof design variables
and climatic effects in Northern European conditions at latitudes of 55° and
higher. The objective of the research was to investigate the cooling potential
of green roofs through building energy modelling and laboratory tests for
Northern European conditions. The findings in this study show that unlike
previous studies carried out in warmer climates, the main role in cooling the
building is played by night-time cooling of the building enclosure. All
measures, including green roofs, that decrease the thermal conductivity of the
roof construction cause heat accumulation inside the building. In conclusion,
green roofs do not have a significant cooling potential for office buildings
in Nordic conditions.
Keywords:
Green roofs, Energy efficiency, Energy simulation, Cooling Load
Title of the Paper:
Bicyclists’ Braking Profile on Typical Urban Road Pavements
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Authors:
Athanasios Galanis, Nikolaos Eliou
Abstract: This study examines the bicyclists’ braking profile on four typical
pavement types in the urban road environment: asphalt, concrete plate,
concrete bricks and thermoplastic material. The experiment took place in the
city of Volos, Greece, in a pedestrian area provided with a bikeway across the
port, under good weather conditions. Five volunteer bicyclists, men and women
of different physical weight took part in the experiment, riding a brand new
city bike. The experiment was conducted with the use of state of the art
equipment: VBOX (Racelogic, UK) that could trace the bicyclists’ movement and
collect data of position, speed etc using GPS signal. Each participant
accelerated the bike on 15km/hr or 20km/hr, kept the speed steady riding the
bike in straight line and then applied the brakes with maximum force until the
bike stops. This test was revised for each pavement type. After the data
analysis, we estimated the braking time and distance for each pavement type
for the two speed levels according to the bicyclists’ weight. Finally, we
concluded that the shortest braking distance was noticed on the pavement made
from asphalt. Furthermore, we concluded that a 5km/hr rise of bicyclists’
speed resulted to a much longer braking distance.
Keywords:
Bicycle, Pavement, Braking profile, Time, Distance, VBOX
Issue
6, Volume 7, June 2011
Title of the Paper:
Grading Methodology of the Pedestrian Urban Road Environment
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Authors:
Athanasios Galanis, Nikolaos Eliou
Abstract: The improvement of pedestrian safety, mobility and convenience is an
important step for the promotion of sustainable mobility in urban areas. This
study presents the grading process and walkability score of the pedestrian
urban environment of six selected roads in the city of Volos, Greece. The
roads were characterized as main, collector or local urban arterials, located
inside or close to the center of the city. Four suitably trained auditors
walked across the streets and using a questionnaire graded independently the
pedestrian urban road environment features in each road segment and crosswalk.
The auditors’ team included three undergraduate students as the team members
and a PhD candidate as the team leader. The questionnaire included 9 questions
for the road segments and 6 questions for the crosswalks. The rating scale
varied between 1 (awful) and 5 (very good) score. We calculated the average
score of each question for the road segments and crosswalks across each
street. Furthermore, we calculated the walkability score for each road segment
and crosswalk and as an average the total walkability score of each street.
The innovation of our study was that we graded separately the walkability
features of each road segment and crosswalk, concluding to a total walkability
score of a street as a synthesis of the auditors’ grades.
Keywords:
Walkability score, Pedestrian, Auditor, Road segment, Crosswalk,
Sustainability
Title of the Paper:
Turfgrass Plant Quality Response to Different Water Regimes
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Authors:
Manuel Costa, Jose Beltrao, Joao Carrasco De Brito, Carlos Guerrero
Abstract: This scientific work aims to contribute to the sustainable
management of water resources in golf courses of arid and drought-prone
regions of Mediterranean, through the evaluation of water demands, regarding
to different ways of environmental and socio-economic development and water
resources, and through examining the possibilities to reuse treated effluent
as an alternative source for potable water. Its main objective is to reach the
response of fairway turfgrass of golf courses to several levels of sprinkle
irrigation water. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) was selected as the most
common turfgrass used in the many golf courses of the Algarve (southern
Portugal), where this water consumption is responsible, for the decreasing of
the level of aquifers and of their salinity elevation. Sprinkle point source
experimental design was used to simulate several water regimes, expressed by
the crop coefficients. Irrigation water sources were well potable water and
two treated wastewater origins. Standard crop coefficient Kc values were
evaluated between 0.92 and 0.99, being non standard crop coefficient Ks values
for good appearance (GA) of lawn grass, very similar and computed between 0.52
and 0.55. Thus, significant economy of water could be achieved, in golf
courses, if Ks values are used related to GA, instead of the usual standard
Kc. The yield of the three experimental lawns was determined for several
values of the crop coefficient under non standard conditions, due to the
management of the sprinkler point source experimental design Ka, between 0.2
and 1.6. On the other hand, it was shown that the quality of turfgrass was
independent of salinity of irrigation water for levels of ECw lower than 2.1
dS m-1 to the studied turfgrass. As concluding remarks, as the principal
objective is the quality of the turfgrass of the golf courses and not the
yield, it was shown that it is possible to consider treated final effluents as
an alternative disposal to potable water, to be applied in golf courses. The
application of wastewater in golf courses is important in terms of water and
fertilization savings and represents a more correct environmental alternative
to the dumping of this waste in the rivers, lakes and seaside, since all cares
are taken.
Keywords:
Crop coefficient, evapotranspiration, fertilisers, golf courses, good visual
appearance, sprinkler point source
Title of the Paper: The
Role of Farm Advisors in Reducing Wastes in Wheat Production (Case Study,
Qazvin Province, Iran)
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Authors:
Vahideh Birjandi
Abstract: Wheat was one of the first domesticated food crops and for 8000
years has been the basic staple food of the major civilizations of Europe,
West Asia and North Africa. Today, wheat is grown on more land area than any
other commercial crop and continues to be the most important food grain source
for humans. Agricultural waste was considered as an irrational behaviour of
agricultural man power, i.e., producers, processors and consumers. Due to the
role of reducing wheat waste in increasing production of wheat, Iran's
Ministry of Agriculture commenced a program to reduce the waste and increase
production of wheat and hired university graduated students in field of
agriculture to work as advisors to train farmers the methods to increase
production and reduce wastes in the Wheat Self Sufficiency Plan (WSP). The
major purpose of this study was investigating of the role's farm advisors in
reducing wastes in wheat production in Qazvin Province. The population for the
study was 112 advisors in Qazvin Province and data collected by using a
questionnaire. The data was analyzed by using statistical methods in SPSS. The
results of the study showed there was a meaningful and positive relation
between farm advisors' role in reducing wastes in wheat production as
dependent variable and number of farm advisors' contacts with extension
experts in Ministry of Agriculture in cultivation, rate of attending of farm
advisors in ducational courses on reducing wastes, adaptability of farm
advisors' educational courses on reducing wastes with their needs, applying
farm advisors' advices by farmers to reduce waste in plantation period,
awareness of farm advisors about methods of reducing wastes in plantation
period, using educational tools by farm advisors in farmers' education on
reducing wheat wastes as independent variables.
Keywords:
Farm Advisors, Waste Reduction, Wheat, Iran, Qazvin Province
Issue
7, Volume 7, July 2011
Title of the Paper:
Reinforcing Self-Controlling Among Employees, Consequence of Information
Technology
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Authors:
Mohsen Rasoulian, Atousa Aryanpour Kashani
Abstract: Information & Communication Technology (ICT) penetration in
developed countries has been for years, as the African countries also that
lave poor people have used this technology and employ it well for developing
human life, learning and.... Iran is one of the large developing countries of
the world and regarding its strategic situation in Middle East and in the
world, comparing to other countries, more than any country to be equipped with
the technology and knowledge of the world. For many years, that Iranian
individuals and organizations, in the form of hardware and software, use this
technology. Thus, regarding information and communication technology as the
development and is so important and we are estimating the way of influencing
of this technology to indices of developing human resources in organization.
The research is in type of understanding and the main tool for gathering data
is the question Nair. For this reason, we use different statistic test like
holograph Smirnoff, will Cookson test two told mono- sample, one –sided
monosample Wilcoxon test, two fold mono- sample symbol test, one- sided mono –
sample symbol test and freedom test. The results show that information
technology has a direct effect on the indices of developing human resources.
Keywords:
Technique, Technology, Information, Information Technology, Communication,
ICT, Developing Human Resources (HRD)
Title of the Paper:
Using Integrated Hierarchical Model to Assess Corporate Social Responsibility
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Authors:
Chi-Horng Liao
Abstract: To face with the environmental problems, the corporation social
responsibility (CSR) is necessary to realize. However, CSR realizing exists
many influences form economic, society, and environmental dimensions. This
study focus on environmental aspect to draw out the way for company can
consider their capability to realize CSR efficiently. This study use the
interpretive structure modeling (ISM) to understand the interactive relations
of criteria which help companies do environmental CSR efficiently and then set
up the hierarchical structure for them to help recognize the steps and the
priority criteria for efficient environment CSR realizing. Driving and
dependence power also use in this study to analyze deeper about the
significant role of each criterion in the hierarchical structure. This study
includes seven criteria to consider.
Keywords:
Corporation social responsibility (CSR), driving and dependence power (DDPA),
interpretive structure modeling (ISM), efficiency, environment
Title of the Paper:
Dynamic Balanced Scorecard: Model for Sustainable Regional Development
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Authors:
Kozena Marcela, Striteska Michaela, Svoboda Ondrej
Abstract: With the growing importance of sustainability issues many regions
try to integrated environmental and social aspects into the strategic
management system. However, these attempts were not always successful. The
purpose of the paper is to present one way how sustainability could be
incorporated into the strategic management of region development. On the base
of literature review and analyses of selected case study the draft of
sustainable Balanced Scorecard framework for region was developed. The main
component of the proposed framework is dynamic strategic model which easily
and clearly explains the whole strategy of the region as well as the links
between economic, environmental and social aspects.
Keywords:
Sustainable development, Balanced Scorecard, dynamic model, environmental and
social aspect, performance indicators, region
Issue
8, Volume 7, August 2011
Title of the Paper:
Managerial Tools to Promote Aspects of Sustainable Region Development
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Authors:
Striteska Michaela, Svoboda Ondrej
Abstract: In recent years, the sustainable development of regions is widely
discussed topic not only in the world and the European Union, but now also
within the Czech Republic. Hence, the analyses of strategic documents and
budgets that primarily allow create and implement regional policics leading to
sustainability are performed. The main aim of the analysis of strategic
documents is to evaluate the quality of the currently existing strategic plans
with regard to the policies and principles of sustainable development. On the
basis of results, the analysis of the relations between selected regional
budgets and aspects of sustainability was carried out. Subsequently managerial
tools that have the potential to eliminate revealed questionable points are
proposed.
Keywords:
Sustainable development, region, strategic management, budget, performance
measurement, tools
Title of the Paper:
Emissions of Selected Pollutants While Applying of Specific Additive EnviroxTM
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Authors:
Frantisek Bozek, Jiri Huzlik, Jaromir Mares, Hana Malachova
Abstract: The value of selected emission factors was monitored in operation on
older type of engine testing bench using diesel and being compared with the
same parameters monitored under similar conditions with addition of additive
EnviroxTM. It was found out that additive based on dispersed nanoparticles of
cerium dioxide reduces emission of particulate matter, hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides, while emissions of carbon dioxide remained comparable or
slightly lower and carbon monoxide emissions even significantly increased.
Dependence of tested emission on reduced torque, engine power and revolutions
was observed as well.
Keywords:
Additive, atmosphere, carbon oxides, cerium dioxide, diesel fuel, emission
factor, nanoparticles, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, pollutant.
Title of the Paper:
Economic, Environmental and Social Aspects of Renewable Energy Using for Small
Sources of Heating
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Authors:
Renata Myskova, Ilona Obrsalova, Petr Langasek
Abstract: Decisions on the selection and promotion of various energy scenarios
in the region is not just a matter of economic considerations.The situation
concerning use of renewable resources in the EU and the Czech Republic is
discussed, focusing on the use of biomass. Alternative resources can
contribute very significantly to energy independence and financial advantages
for a region. The Vysocina region in the Czech Republic, where the option of
expanded assessment is illustrated, was selected for a case study. The
suitability of energy sources is assessed from the economic aspect and also
environmental and social aspects. As possible variants were chosen natural
gas, coal and biomass. These were further evaluated using one of the
multi-criteria methods techniques. Use of biomass is a very promising area,
which provides opportunities and also specific risks with regard to further
development.
Keywords:
Sustainable development, energy intensity, renewable energy, household
heating, biomass, decision method, multi-criteria methods, energy
self-sufficiency
Issue
9, Volume 7, September 2011
Title of the Paper:
Environmental Vibration Monitoring & Assessment At Sencitive Receptors During
Metro Construction In Urban Centre Of Thessaloniki, Greece
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Authors:
Konstantinos Vogiatzis
Abstract: The construction of the Thessaloniki Metro integrates
state-of-the-art technology and the most demanding standards concerning both
quality and operation, rendering it, thus, the most modern Metro System in the
whole of Europe and ensuring the protection of the urban environment. The
network consists of 2 Depots, 13 modern center platform stations, 9.5 km of
Line (with two independent single track tunnels), 18 ultra-automatic and
state-of-the-art trains. The elaboration of an extensive Environmental
Monitoring Programme as part of the “Required Pertinent Monitoring
Designs-Programmes” of the project specifications for the “DESIGN,
CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING OF THESSALONIKI METRO” was enforced in order to
ensure the protection and minimization of annoyance from worksite operation in
the network. For each construction site and in the location of the closest
receptors, Vibration Acceleration in time domain (m/sec2), Vibration velocity
(mm/sec) were recorded and then ppv for all recordings was calculated as well
as rms weighted acceleration (m/sec2) and VDV values , following Fourier
analysis for the vibration velocity recordings according to DIN 4150 (Part 3).
Included in this article are the relevant assessment and evaluation results of
this state of the art monitoring program with emphasis on sensitive receptors
such as archaeological areas and sensitive land uses (e.g. schools and
hospitals..)
Keywords:
Environmental Vibration, Metro, Environmental monitoring, Vibration dose,
Transportation vibration
Title of the Paper:
Modeling of Environmental Impacts of Waste Paper Transport
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Authors:
Robert Bata
Abstract: The article focuses on issues of energy generation from municipal
waste paper in context of energy use for transport. Two base model types are
presented – first for the combined production of thermal and electrical energy
and the other for determination of waste paper purposeful transport distance.
The theoretical background and proposed models are verified for concrete
calculation on the basis of waste management in the chosen city in the Czech
Republic. Software based on Petri nets was used for model construction; this
allows the inclusion of the most relevant material and energy flows associated
with energy production from waste paper, guaranteeing the high accuracy of the
calculated results. The advantage of the model proposed in this manner is the
simple and precise quantification of the environmental and economic impacts of
the proposed measures; these are the main reasons for its good utilization as
a tool for supporting managerial decision-making.
Keywords:
Waste Management, Paper, Recycling, Combustion, Modeling, Petri Nets,
Environmental Protection
Title of the Paper:
Integrated Design: Lifecycle Eco-Consistency
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Authors:
Rinaldo C. Michelini, Roberto P. Razzoli
Abstract: The XXI century engineer’s activity is deemed facing the eco-targets
required by the sustainable growth mandatory requirements. The technical
challenge is impressive, not less than the socio-cultural efforts. The paper
presents a survey of the state of the arts, especially discussing: the
development requirements at the product-service design phases, purposely
dealing with the lifecycle and end-of-life key prerequisites; the integration
conditions at the supply chain management phases, wittingly discussing the
networking aids and related business changes. The presentation is limited to
important hints. The usefulness of the discussion concerns the consideration
of the lifecycle eco-consistency as total entrepreneurial challenge: it is not
enough to separately tackle the design prerequisites out of the enterprise
integration, with all needed functions and facilities; and vice-versa.
Keywords:
Integrated Design, Lifecycle Eco-compliance, Extended Enterprise,
Product-Service, Reverse Logistics
Issue
10, Volume 7, October 2011
Title of the Paper:
New Approaches for Surface Water Quality Estimation in Lake Erken, Sweden,
Using Remotely Sensed Hyperspectral Data
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Authors:
Hamed Hamid Muhammed
Abstract: This work demonstrates the efficiency of using linear statistical
modelling for estimation of concentrations of various substances in lake water
using remotely sensed multi- and hyperspectral images together with extensive
field measurements collected over Lake Erken in Sweden. A linear relationship
was assumed between image data and the corresponding field measurements, and
the transformation coefficients were estimated using the least squares method.
The resulting coefficients were used to transform new image data into the
corresponding substance concentrations. Estimation errors were computed and
concentration maps were generated for chlorophyll-a and phaeophytine-a,
suspended particulate organic matter SPOM, suspended particulate inorganic
matter SPIM, as well as total suspended particulate matter SPM (SPOM+SPIM).
Good correlation was obtained between estimated and measured values. Backward
elimination was performed to find the most useful spectral bands for the case
study of this work. Descriptive spectral signatures, describing the impact of
underlying processes on the spectral characteristics of water, were generated,
analysed and also used to predict the corresponding water quality parameters
in image data, with the same estimation accuracy as the linear statistical
model. Feature vector based analysis FVBA was also employed to generate
transformation coefficients that could be used to estimate water quality
parameters from image data, also, with the same accuracy as the previous
methods. Finally, the impact of performing atmospheric correction was
investigated, in addition to applying linear statistical modelling for the
purpose of combined atmospheric correction and ground reflectance estimation.
Keywords:
Remote sensing, Statistical modelling, Water quality, Descriptive spectral
signatures
Title of the Paper:
Strategic Environmental Noise Mapping & Action Plans in Athens Ring Road
(Atiiki Odos) - Greece
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Authors:
Konstantinos Vogiatzis
Abstract: Attica Tollway, a modern motorway extending along 65 km, constitutes
the ring road of the greater metropolitan area of Athens and the backbone of
the road network of the whole Attica Prefecture. Attiki Odos during 2008-2010,
in close collaboration with the University of Thessaly -Faculty of Civil
Engineering (Laboratory of Transportation Environmental Acoustics (L.T.E.A.),
has complete a full SNM & NAP (Strategic Noise Maps & Noise Action Plans)
study for the road network which resulted in the implementation of an
extensive NAP 2010 introducing an important quantity of PMMA transparent noise
barriers : some 87.000 sqm of transparent noise barriers in some 138 different
locations along the road network. This article presents the main results and
conclusion of this research that was completed according to the Directive
2002/49/EC of 25 June 2002 adopted by the European Parliament and Council and
the COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON AUGUST 6th 2003 (2003/613/EC). A full
evaluation of the relevant Strategic Noise Maps & Noise Action Plans is also
presented in this article along with comparative analysis of the population
exposed to various noises according to the existing legal framework and
further the criteria A & B suggested by the Ministry of the Environment for
the EU noise indicators Lden & Lnight' Further future action plans which are
already under consideration are also presented.
Keywords:
Environmental Noise, Environmental monitoring, Road Traffic Noise,
Transportation noise
Title of the Paper:
Concrete Experience of Collaboration between Secondary School and University
in a Sustainable Development Project: Design of a Realistic Small Scale House
to Study Electronic and Thermal Aspect of Energy Management
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Authors:
Ph. Dondon, P. Cassagne, M. Feugas, C. A. Bulucea, D. Rosca, V. Dondon, R.
Charlet De Sauvage
Abstract: A full academic year was required to complete the first phase of
this innovative realistic small scale house design to introduce sustainable
development concept in an electronic engineer school. A few ten young pupils
from 12 to 14 years old and their secondary school professors, 5 students and
researchers from ENSEIRB-MATMECA engineer school, members of University of
Craiova Romania, were involved in this project with the help of the national
French agency ADEME (Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maitrise de
l’Energie), and MNE of Bordeaux (Maison de la Nature et de l’environnement).
While the small scale genuine materials house was realised by the secondary
school’s pupils, electronic and energy management system are designed at
ENSEIRB-MATMECA and Craiova University, This 1/20 house model in now
operational for practical lessons (renewable energy study, energy saving,
infrared thermography measurement…) and for supporting electronic projects at
ENSEIRB-MATMECA.
Keywords:
Sustainable Development, Didactical model making, Low power electronic,
Renewable energy systems
Issue
11, Volume 7, November 2011
Title of the Paper:
Modeling a Hierarchical Structure of Municipal Solid Waste Management Using
Interpretive Structural Modeling
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Authors:
Ming-Lang Tseng, Yuan Hsu Lin
Abstract: Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is the fundamental
environmental management in urban area, the characteristic of uncontrolled
burning of wastes and improper incineration contributes significantly to urban
air pollution needed for citizen life. This study proposed 18 criteria on
Taipei metropolitan using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) with
interrelationships among the criteria, influencing MSWM activities which have
been derived. However, there are few studies proposed this analytical
technique in building the hierarchical structure and result in driving and
dependence power, none of them are proposed in environmental management. The
ISM provides a means by which order can be imposed on the complicated
interrelations of criteria. The proposed criteria categorizes according to
driving and dependence power into a hierarchical structure model. The insight
from model would help the management in strategic planning for improving MSWM
activities. The results and concluding remarks are discussed.
Keywords:
municipal solid waste management; interpretive structural modeling;
hierarchical structure
Title of the Paper:
Changes of Wastewater Characteristic during Transport in Sewers
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Authors:
Omar Qteishat, Sylwia Myszograj, Monika Suchowska-Kisielewicz
Abstract: The main function of sewage system is disposal of wastewater. The
intercepting sewer is a part of the municipal system: water supply system,
sewage network and sewage treatment plant. The fact that a sewer is a
biological reactor, in which biochemical processes occur, is often
disregarded. They can significantly influence the physical-chemical
composition of sewage, operation of the treatment plant and the receiver.
Therefore, it is necessary to change the conventional thinking which perceives
that sewage treatment begins at the treatment plant, because in specific
conditions, these processes begin already in the sewage system.
This article presents results of research concerning changes in the
physical-chemical composition of wastewater, especially COD and nitrogen
compounds divided into fractions. The data relate to the main sewage collector
in town of 20000 habitants in Poland. The town has a good working combined
sewage system: about 30 km of gravitational collectors and about 4 km of
pressure pipes. The total length of the inspected collectors was 12,13 km. On
the basis of COD and BOD values in raw and treated sewage, the “f” coefficient
which determine the organic nitrogen fractions, were appointed. The largest
part in TKN in raw wastewater was accounted ammonia nitrogen and
biodegradable, soluble (easily amonifiable) nitrogen. Part of
non-biodegradable fraction of organic nitrogen in the sewage changed slightly
with their inflow to the treatment plant. On the basis of the obtained
results, it was also found that regardless of the value of Kjeldahl total
nitrogen concentration in sewage collected at subsequent points of the
collector, values of the suspension organic fraction of nitrogen – limited
biodegradation was very similar in all research series.
Keywords:
wastewater characteristic, sewers, COD, nitrogen fraction
Title of the Paper:
On Environmental Ground Borne Noise & Vibration Abatment by Implemeting
Floating Slabs at Athens Metro Network - Measurements Campaign Results
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Authors:
Konstantinos Vogiatzis
Abstract: This paper describes the FS implementation , on 4 major extensions
of Athens Metro lines 2 and 3, already in service: (a) extension of line 2
from Sepolia to Ag.Antonios station, (b) extension of line 2 from Dafni to
Ilioupoli (Ag. Dimitrios station), (c) extension of line 3 from Ethniki Amyna
to Stavros (D.Plakentias station)and, extension of line 3 from Monastiraki to
Egaleo. Ground borne noise and vibration mitigation measures evaluation in
normal operation conditions presented hereafter guarantees, especially in TO
location along these extensions, allowable ground borne noise and vibration
levels in nearby buildings & sensitive receptors. The measured Floating slab
solutions measured within an extensive measurements campaign proven to
achieving an overall ground borne and vibration attenuation of approx.15-16
dB(A) in soil surface. A comprehensive comparative presentation of the results
is an important tool in evaluating the expected environmental protection
potential of similar mitigation measures regarding noise & vibration emissions
& generated annoyance from urban railway networks operation.
Keywords:
environmental noise, urban LRT operation, Metro, Ground borne noise, vibration
Issue
12, Volume 7, December 2011
Title of the Paper:
A Cost-Benefit Model to Evaluate Energy Saving Measures in Office Buildings
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Authors:
Amaryllis Audenaert, Vanessa Timmerman
Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate potential energy-saving
measures in office buildings by preparing a cost-benefit model. The reach of
this model includes all non-renovated office buildings in Flanders. The
measures are chosen based on findings of a literature review. There is decided
to include 7 energy-saving measures and 1 renewable energy system in the
model. A cost-benefit analysis is a method to determine the return on
investment. The mathematical model is established using the Excel software. In
a cost-benefit model, the benefits of the investment are compared to its cost.
The benefits are the savings that the investment realizes. The profitability
of the measures is evaluated based on the results. The payback time is the
output of the model. In the mathematical model, the payback period is
calculated with and without financial aid. The model also allows to calculate
the results for combinations of measures. To be able to test the
mathematicalmodel, a case study is applied. It concerns an older office
building in Antwerp, the district house. The data from this building are
entered into the model to get a realistic representation of the payback
periods for the applied measures. According to these results, the economical
most efficient measure is the implementation of insulation in the roof. The
payback period is just over one year. The least cost-effective measure is the
replacement of double glazing through high efficiency glazing. The investment
cost is very high and the payback time is slightly more than 47 years.
However, various combinations of measures are advisable. When adjusting the
building envelope by adding insulation, the current gas consumption is reduced
by approximately 10%. In combination with replacement of the boiler, the
payback period is approximately 6,5 years. When placing a photovoltaic system,
the financial aid has much influence on the payback time. Without the
contributions the payback time is about 19 years. With the contributions, it
is about 7 years.
Keywords:
cost-benefit model, energy, energy-saving measures, office buildings, payback
time
Title of the Paper:
Evaluation of the Pedestrian Infrastructure Using Walkability Indicators
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Authors:
Athanasios Galanis, Nikolaos Eliou
Abstract: The promotion of pedestrian safety, mobility and convenience is an
important step to raise sustainable mobility in urban areas. This study
presents the development and implementation of indicators that evaluate
pedestrian infrastructure in urban streets. The study area was six selected
roads in the city of Volos, Greece. The roads were characterized as main,
collector or local urban arterials, located inside or close to the center of
the city. Four suitably trained authors walked across the streets, took
pictures and charted the pedestrian infrastructure for each side of the street
and each road segment and crosswalk. The auditors’ team included three
undergraduate students as the team members and a PhD candidate as the team
leader. After this step, the auditors created a drawing of the pedestrian
infrastructure and counted indicators for road segments, street corners and
crosswalks. The road segment indicators were split into two categories: the
infrastructure ones and the street furniture ones. The result of the study was
to compare the pedestrian infrastructure of the streets in terms of
walkability and evaluate the convenience of pedestrians to walk on their
desire route across the streets. The outcome of this study was that these
indicators could be used in a pedestrian walkability study in order to notice
the main problems of pedestrian infrastructure and propose focused remedial
actions.
Keywords:
Pedestrian infrastructure, Indicators, Road segment, Corner, Crosswalk,
Walkability, Sustainability
Title of the Paper:
Forest Protection and the Legal Regime of the National Forest Organization and
Management
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Authors:
Florin Fainisi
Abstract: The European Commission adopted in 2010 a Green Paper establishing
the options for the approach on the forest protection and awareness on the
forest resources and their status at the level of European Union, called „On
Forest Protection and Information in the EU: Preparing forests for climate
change”. The Green Paper sets the main challenges of the European forests,
presenting the existing information systems in the forestry field and the
instruments available for the forest protection, but also measures of
sustainable management of the forests in order to protect them. In order to
apply these measures, the article describes the implementation methods of the
forest policy in few European countries, both from the European Union
(Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Romania) and from outside (Norway),
countries that have significant forest surfaces.
Keywords:
Forest protection, National forest, Organization of the national forest,
Management of the national forest, European law, Comparative legislation
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