Abstract: Green hydrogen development is still at a niche stage and faces several technical & commercial barriers. Among them is the high LCOH (Levelized Cost of Hydrogen) of green hydrogen, predominantly due to the cost of renewable electricity. In recent years, several research studies have focused on finding the most cost-effective renewable electricity option to feed electrolyzers for producing green hydrogen. However, their findings suggest that renewable electricity costs vary widely between solar, onshore wind, and offshore wind technologies based on the meteorological conditions of the location. With a focus on the United Kingdom (UK), this paper does a high-level business case analysis to assess renewable electricity options considering their impact on the green hydrogen LCOH in off-grid configuration. The paper uses the cost and capacity factors of renewable electricity generated from solar, onshore wind, and offshore wind in the UK. The paper discusses how offshore wind electricity in an off-grid configuration could be the most effective in bringing down the green hydrogen LCOH and reducing offshore wind curtailments in the UK. PubDate: Thu, 04 May 2023 05:25:38 +000
Abstract: The Geographical Indication (IG) is an Industrial Property asset that relates and distinguishes the geographic origin of a product or service. In Brazil, it can be classified as an Indication of Origin (IP) or Denomination of Origin (DO). This study aims to provide an overview of the deposits of Geographical Indications in Brazil, from the publication of Law nº 9.279, of May 14, 1996, the Industrial Property Law, and the recognition of Indications of Origin and Denomination of Origin by the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) between 1996 and 2022. Given this context, theoretically based on the concepts of territory and territoriality, the highlight of initiatives to register GIs of Cachaça in Brazil is highlighted. The exploratory research was carried out through secondary sources and the method chosen was of a qualitative nature, using the techniques of bibliographic and document review. As a result, it was found that, during the study period, there was an expansion in the number of GI records, concentrated mainly in the Southeast and South regions, but far below the existing potential in Brazil, given the existence of socioeconomic, geographic factors, environmental, ethnocultural, institutional, in addition to the characteristics of agricultural activity. Furthermore, the number of IPs registered with the INPI corresponds to approximately 70% of Brazilian GIs and only 3 of them have cachaça-type sugarcane brandy as a product. PubDate: Thu, 04 May 2023 02:21:42 +000
Abstract: The evidence of climate change and variability in semi-arid Ghana is glaring and the adverse impact is being felt mostly by smallholder farmers because of their over dependence on agriculture for livelihood and subsistence. As a solution to building the resilience of the smallholder farmers, the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) concept was introduced a decade ago by the Food and Agriculture Organization, guided by three key principles of adaptation to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and promotion of food security. The paper sought to assess the level of awareness of climate smart agriculture practices and the respective rate of adoption of these practices. Moreso, this paper established how Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) affects the adoption rate of CSA practices or technologies. The study employed the explanatory sequential mixed research methods. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 300 smallholder farmers and 16 focus group discussions were conducted, with a total of 180 persons taking part in the focus group discussions. Key informant interviews were also conducted for 11 relevant stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental institutions. Findings from this study reveal that CSA practices such as intercropping, manure management and mulching had a 100% adoption rate, and the least adopted practice was irrigation followed by dry season gardening. The NDWI and LST analysis concluded that Nandom is the most viable among the two municipals to support irrigation projects since it has more capacity to retain surface water during the dry and wet seasons. PubDate: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:17:21 +000
Abstract: This research investigated the impact of urea-intercalated-biochar (ICB) on nitrogen release as well as on humified soil organic matter (SOM) distribution in highly weathered soil. Incubation studies were performed with a typical dystrophic red Ultisol and with 10 treatments: soil without amendment (control, CON), soil with three doses of biochar (BC75, BC145, and BC 290), and soil with ICB doses (ICB75, ICB145 and ICB 290). BC and ICB were characterized by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 13C-NMR CP/MAS spectroscopy and elemental analyses. N-extractable forms were periodically determined by Kjeldahl method and humic substances (HS) distribution was analyzed on the 28th day after incubation begins (DAI). Intercalation of urea in BC increased sample N content from 2.7 to 22 %, whereas that of C decreased from 40 % to 28 %. As a consequence, C: N decreased from 14.9 to 1.3. The 13C NMR spectra of BC and ICB were similar but relative abundance of major organic functional groups differs, for example, ICB presented a greater proportion of C=O groups due to the carbonyl group of urea and a greater proportion of N/O alkyl C, O-alkyl C, and anomeric C groups due to the addition of starch. There was a significant increase in the concentration of extractable N-NH4+ by addition of urea from the onset of incubation down late period and a significant difference (P> 0.05) was obtained between the ICB and BC over time. This could be as a result of the less accessible form of N in the biochar materials due to the pyrolysis process. There was no evidence of extractable N-NO3- ion until 14 DAI, significant difference in N-NH4+ concentrations at 28 DAI between the ICB and control was observed over time and the highest value recorded from ICB treated pots at 145 and 290 kg N ha-1. PubDate: Sat, 15 Apr 2023 03:14:11 +000
Abstract: The pursuit of greater competitiveness and efficiency today goes hand in hand with concerns directly linked to sustainable development. The traditional sugar-energy sector, with a strong influence on the economy since colonial Brazilian periods, not only played a pioneering role in replacing fossil fuel with renewable resources but is also characterized by substantial production-related differences. The Brazil is currently the largest global producer of sugarcane, and the state of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil, leads this production. The objective of this research was to analyze the sustainable efficiency of sugarcane mills in the state of São Paulo, through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). For this, the work was based on the Triple Bottom Line, considering environmental, economic and social approaches to the performance of the mills. Regarding the main results, it was possible to notice that the production scale factor favored large mills in some points of analysis, while at other times, small mills were highlighted. PubDate: Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:12:57 +000
Abstract: Coffee cultivation is of great importance in the world economy. Due to consumers' demand for products with quality and geographic certification, the topic is relevant. The research objective is to portray the international and Brazilian scenario of the coffee production chain, based on production and Geographical Indications (GIs) for the product. The research is classified as exploratory and descriptive in relation to the approach, and as bibliographical and documental in relation to the means of investigation. It was found that the world's largest coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. There was a reduction in world production for the 2021/22 crop, due to the low production of arabica coffee in Brazil, but for the 2022/23 crop, an increase in this production is estimated. Most coffee-producing countries follow specific legislation to protect Geographical Indications and others protect them through trademarks. In Brazil, the definition of GI is explained by its species, Indication of Origin (IO), and Denomination of Origin (DO). Brazil is the second with the highest number of GIs for coffee in the world. El Salvador has a GI that represents the entire coffee value chain. Indonesia is the country with the highest number of GIs for coffee in the world and has state support for its promotion. Given this scenario, there is a need to develop public policies aimed at this product. It is indicated for future research the study of these policies and the performance of bodies responsible for the consolidation of GIs in their respective countries. PubDate: Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:28:27 +000
Abstract: Successful execution of projects is critical to the development and strategic variations within an institution. However, there have been setbacks due to the deficiencies in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. M&E is an important part of any project’s success story because they oversee project effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability, among other things. A background review discloses the insufficiency of M&E practices within the institution. The purpose of the study was to examine how M&E budgetary practices affect project service delivery. The study’s theoretical foundation was based on resource-based theory. A descriptive study design was employed targeting administrators, project managers, nurses, chief of centers, and data collection staff. The study focused on a target population of 140 people. The study employed a sample size of 103 respondents using Fisher’s exact formula. The researcher exploited the purposive sampling technique during the study. Data collection instruments administered were questionnaires and key informant interviews. Reliability of instruments was through internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient of 0.70 or greater while the validity of these instruments was done using content, face, and constructs validity. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics used including frequencies, standard deviation, mean, and percentages with the aid of a statistical package for social science (SPSS). Pearson Coefficient Correlation and Multiple regression models were used to make inferences and generalizations. The hypotheses test was graded at the 0.05 level of significance. The study findings indicated that there was a statistically strong significant positive effect of M&E budgetary practices on project service delivery (r=0.622; p PubDate: Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:19:26 +000
Abstract: Civil society organizations are often limited to providing social assistance without having an influential role in the progress of societies and the achievement of sustainable development. Therefore, the researcher highlights the influential role of civil society and its institutions in raising awareness and improving sustainable development in society through the Ethics Kiosks project. The researcher aimed to study the impact of Awareness Kiosks (Ethics Kiosks) on achieving sustainable development in society. The Ethics Kiosk project has been applied in the old Labbana district of Port Said Governorate in Egypt since 2018 by the Meshakat Nour Foundation. The study depends on a descriptive theoretical approach and a questionnaire. The data were processed using (SPSS 25) and various statistical methods including testing reliability through Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Model Summary, ANOVA Test, and T-test. The results showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the independent variables (social, health, educational, economic, and environmental fields) and the dependent variable (achieving sustainable development in society) and there was a significant impact of social, health, educational, economic, and environmental fields on achieving sustainable development in society. The kiosk achieved 12 of the United Nations sustainable development goals, and even added a basic goal that was overlooked by the United Nations, which is "modifying human behavior." These goals have been achieved through the various sub-programs of Ethics Kiosks, which are concerned with home repair, modifying infrastructure, economic empowerment of families, health, education, and recreational aspects for citizens in slums and impoverished areas. PubDate: Sun, 02 Apr 2023 05:26:56 +000
Abstract: Smuggling of cocoa between Ghana and its neighbouring producing countries such as Cote d’Ivoire and Togo is a frequent occurrence often to the advantage of the country posting higher producer price. Ghana is a net loser with regards to the smuggling of cocoa given relatively lower real producer price compared to its counterparts in production. Additionally, the close geographical location of key producing regions to the border lends support to such activities. This study investigates the supply response of cocoa in producing region such as Western North, Western South and Brong-Ahafo with proximity to Cote d’Ivoire and Volta which shares borders with Togo using data from 1981 to 2017. The study further estimates the volume of cocoa crop lost from these regions to the country’s neighbours from 2000 to 2017. In the findings, relative price differences significantly impact the volumes of reported crop for the country with 1% higher price abroad driving down production volumes in Western North, South and Brong-Ahafo by 0.53%, 0.48%, and 0.11% respectively. In 2013/14 crop year the country lost averagely 25,494 MT and 21,883 MT due to smuggling out of Western North and South, moderating to 1,559 and 1,358 in 2016/17. The Volta region consistently records outflow in each crop year except for 1999/2000, with peak losses in 2010/11 of 2,160 MT moderating to 1,197 in 2016/17. Net gains into the country from cocoa smuggling spanning from 1999/2000 to 2016/17 is averagely 23,534 MT and 15,336MT into Western North and South. However cocoa smuggling for both Ghana and its neighbours is on the descent in recent years as price disparities reduce. Intensifying the collaboration between Ghana and its close counterparts to minimize real crop price differences will effectively curtail the menace and the negative fallout of this to each country. PubDate: Fri, 24 Mar 2023 02:27:17 +000
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