bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF METAL IN NON-ALLOY METAL-SEMICONDUCTOR (Si) CONTACT
Authors:   Institute of Physical Problems, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan, Abdullayeva L.K.
Published: April 2024

In the paper is shown that the metal is a more active partner in Schottky diodes (SD) based on metal-semiconductor contact (MSC) from the series of semiconductor devices. It is shown the structural inhomogeneity of the interface, as a result of which the MSC as a parallel connection of numerous subdiodes having different parameters. To reveal the inhomogeneity of the metal on the properties of the MSC, the dependence of the barrier height of Schottky diodes on the contact area was investigated. It was assumed that in the case of a contact of a single-crystal semiconductor with a polycrystalline metal, the degree of inhomogeneity and accordingly, the number of subcontacts grow with increasing area.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PIEZOELECTRIC DEFECT DETECTION DEVICE THROUGH MATHEMATICAL MODELING APPLIED TO POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors:   Azerbaijan Technical University, Baku, Azerbaijan, Hasanov Mehman
Published: April 2024

In this research article, the focus is on examining the strength characteristics of polymer composite materials under various stress states. The investigation into the material dissolution process is conducted in two distinct stages. Initially, the article employs a criterion approach to derive explicit formulas for the latent decay time (incubation period) of materials, considering singular, exponential and Abelian kernels of the damage operator. In the subsequent stage, the classical strength condition is applied to establish a Volterra type integral equation, which characterizes the damage process for hereditary materials. These resulting differential equations are then solved with appropriate initial conditions. The study utilizes the obtained results to create time-dependent graphs of the damage parameter and performs comparisons. A piezoelectric defect detection device for polymer composite materials has been proposed through the application of mathematical modeling.
THEORETICAL STUDY FOR COMPARISON OF pKa OF A NUMBER OF SCHIFF BASES BY EMPLOYING PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM DFT AND MP2 METHOD
Authors:   General Directorate of Education in Nineveh, Iraq, Sheet Salah H.M.
Published: April 2024

The ionization constants of seven compounds derived from Schiff bases have been studied theoretically. In this study, the factors affecting the ionization constant pKa of Schiff bases were found, which are van der Waals forces, energy levels, hardness, chemical potential and spherical electrophile index by conducting a theoretical study of these compounds using two methods of quantum mechanics for the purpose comparison, which is the Ab-initio basic calculation methods. Two methods were chosen, which are the density function theory (DFT) method and the MP2 Mueller-Pleist perturbation theory method using Chem program. Office 2008 the extent to which these two methods correspond to the known chemical bases was determined by discussing the theoretical variables that were calculated using the two methods referred to above and finding the relationship between the calculated physical variables with each other and determining their nature. After conducting the multiple statistical analysis process, it was found that the best variables that affect the ionization constant in the DFT method are (Bond C1-C7, Bend, VDW) and the rest of the variables were theoretically excluded because the coefficients of those variables are very few or equal to zero and accordingly these variables were adopted to obtain A relationship with better results, as it is noted that the values of the correlation coefficient in this DFT method are (0.994). As for the MP2 method, the best variables that affect the ionization constant are (Ƞ, KE, Tors) and the rest of the variables were theoretically excluded because the coefficients of these variables are very few or equal Therefore, these variables were adopted to obtain a relationship with better results, as it is noted that the values of the correlation coefficient in this MP2 method are (0.989). By comparing the theoretical values with the practical values, it was found that the results of the DFT method were closer to the process than the results of the MP2 method.
The Circumstances of Democracy in Europe
Authors:   University of Genoa, Fumagalli Corrado , Ottonelli Valeria ,   University of Genoa
Published: April 2024

This chapter, which draws upon a thorough review of academic articles, reports, policy briefs, books, and media articles, secondary data, annual reviews and datasets compiled by think tanks and international organizations (such as the Economist Intelligence Unit, Freedom House, and Transparency International), the Eurobarometer, OECD country profiles, studies by international organization and government agencies, and the European Social Survey, with a particular focus on outputs published between 2019 and 2021, aims to provide policymakers, politicians, activists, and the general public with an accessible guide to the specific conditions facing European democracies individually and collectively. Against this backdrop, the chapter identifies nine main challenges to democracy in Europe: the democratic deficit in the EU, economic insecurity, the increasing polarization of European public spheres, the rural/urban divide, democratic backsliding in the EU, the pervasiveness of money in democratic campaigning, emergency politics and the COVID-19 pandemic, electoral security and the COVID-19 pandemic, and aging and the generational divide.
Voter-Centred Perspectives on Electoral Democracy
Authors:   Sciences Po Paris, Mráz Attila , Lever Annabelle ,   Sciences Po Paris
Published: April 2024

One of the guiding assumptions of the REDEM project is that shifting the study of the ethics of voting to a voter-centred perspective improves our understanding of the ethical challenges and moral dilemmas facing European voters and opens new avenues of electoral institutional design to mitigate them. The present chapter substantiates this assumption by pursuing the following three aims: 1. To describe ethical considerations relevant to voting choices, including reasons relevant to whether one votes as well as to how one votes; 2. To describe and illustrate how a shift of focus to a voter-centred perspective allows us to appreciate a wider range of ethical considerations; 3. To compare these to the ethical considerations that elitist or pluralist approaches to electoral democracy can account for, as well as describing and analysing the differences between the former approaches, on the one hand, and a voter-centred perspective, on the other. The chapter also serves two more general purposes. First, its findings provide normative input into the ethical burden that European political and electoral systems currently impose on voters. Second, it provides academic input into education for democratic citizenship, to sensitise young voters and future voters to the ethical complexity of the choices they may face, and to the skills and attitudes needed to exercise and defend their democratic rights and responsibilities in society.
How Political Institutions Affect the Conflicts of Duty and Prudence Facing Democratic Voters
Authors:   Sciences Po Paris, Mráz Attila , Lever Annabelle ,   Sciences Po Paris
Published: April 2024

Voters in European democracies regularly face ethical conflicts in deciding whether to vote, and if so, how. Some of these conflicts are unique to - and most are vastly shaped by - local political, social, or economic contexts. However, the kinds of ethical conflict voters face, as well as their severity, also depend on how electoral institutions in which voters make their choices are designed. This chapter surveys those features of electoral institutions which play a significant role in shaping European voters’ ethical conflicts. More specifically, the present chapter has the following two objectives: 1. To describe, using the voter-centric framework we have developed in the REDEM project, those ethical conflicts that are created or shaped by the particularities of a given electoral system or electoral institution; 2. To generate and analyse corresponding scenarios to illustrate these conflicts, based on real-world testimonies of voters. While the chapter builds on empirical, descriptive findings concerning various electoral institutions, its purpose is to provide a normative map of the various issues that could arise in different empirical circumstances. It does not aim to solve ethical dilemmas or resolve conflicts of duty or moral reasons on voters’ behalf. Instead, the chapter supports decision-making in two ways. First, it offers considerations for voters to take into account in exercising their democratic rights - and their franchise, in particular. Second, it offers considerations for decision-makers to consider when designing electoral institutions.
Rompendo O Silêncio Da Razão: A Palavra Viva Segundo Levinas E Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Fabri Marcelo
Published: April 2024

O objetivo da exposição é mostrar a crítica que Levinas e Merleau-Ponty dirigem ao poder neutralizante e totalizante do pensamento em relação às subjetividades humanas concretas. Mesmo existindo uma grande diferença entre os dois filósofos, é possível dizer que ambos defendem a seguinte tese: o pensamento não detém o segredo e as potencialidades da linguagem. Ou seja, a linguagem é a condição do pensamento, e não sua serviçal. Ver-se-á também que Levinas se preocupa mais em descrever o sentido a partir do qual o silêncio produzido pela razão é rompido, ao passo que Merleau-Ponty argumenta que é preciso ouvir as próprias vozes silenciadas pela razão. Ressaltamos em conclusão que, mais do que produzir silêncio, a razão pode descobrir-se como uma forma de sensibilidade entendida como audição, responsabilidade e inquietude ética.
Experiência De Doença E Estoque De Conhecimento No Enfrentamento Do Diagnóstico Psiquiátrico
Authors: Muhl Camila
Published: April 2024

Com a acumulação de experiências adquiridas junto ao mundo da vida cotidiana, a todo o momento, fica à disposição de cada pessoa um estoque de conhecimento que permite que ela opere sobre o mundo. Todas as experiências vividas são acrescidas ao estoque de conhecimento, o que faz com que este exista enquanto um fluxo contínuo que se transforma de acordo com a experiência atual. Se agimos referenciados por um estoque de conhecimento em todos as experiências, assim também o fazemos na experiência de adoecimento: quando a pessoa se descobre em uma situação de sofrimento é a este estoque que ela recorre para compreender, significar e cuidar da sua enfermidade. Nesta investigação fenomenológica, pesquisamos junto a pessoas com diagnóstico de transtorno mental como elas enfrentavam à doença. Foram realizadas 20 entrevistas em profundidade, com pessoas de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 19 e 59 anos e diferentes diagnósticos psiquiátricos, que estavam em atendimento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial na região metropolitana de Curitiba. Ao mobilizarem suas experiências prévias e estoque de conhecimento, identificamos que as seguintes estratégias e fatores de proteção foram usados no enfrentamento da doença: auto-observação, isolamento, arte, laços afetivos, organização/rotina e lazer
Effet de la politique monétaire de pilotage des taux d’intérêt sur l’offre de crédit bancaire dans l’Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine
Authors:   UFR SEG – Université Norbert Zongo, SANON Jean
Published: April 2024

Résumé : L’objectif de ce papier est d’expliquer le paradoxe existant entre l’assouplissement continu de la politique monétaire appliquée dans l’Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) et le faible niveau de financement bancaire des économies de l’Union. Au moyen d’un estimateur à correction d’erreur obtenu par la méthode Pooled Mean Group (PMG), l’article montre que la variation, par la Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO), du taux du marché monétaire est sans effet significatif sur l’offre de crédit bancaire à l’économie. Il établit, également, que le crédit bancaire se contracte quand le taux auquel les banques financent les activités économiques augmente. Enfin, le papier révèle que l’offre de crédit bancaire est dépendante des facteurs internes aux banques. En somme, l’article démontre que l’instrument monétaire utilisé par la BCEAO semble insuffisant pour assurer efficacement la transmission de la politique monétaire au secteur réel dans l’Union. Mots clés : Politique monétaire, Banque Centrale, Taux Directeur, offre de crédit. Effect of the monetary policy of steering interest rates on the supply of bank credit in the West African Economic and Monetary Union Summary: The objective of this paper is to explain the paradox between the continuous easing of the monetary policy applied in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the low level of bank financing of the economies of the Union. Using an error-correction estimator obtained by the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) method, the paper shows that the variation, by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), of the rate of the money market has no significant effect on the supply of bank credit to the economy. It also establishes that bank credit contracts when the rate at which banks finance economic activities increases. Finally, the paper reveals that the supply of bank credit is dependent on factors internal to banks. In sum, the article demonstrates that the monetary instrument used by the BCEAO seems insufficient to effectively ensure the transmission of monetary policy to the real sector in the Union. Keywords: Monetary policy, Central Bank, Policy rate, credit supply JEL Classification : E52 - E58 - F45.
Regional integration in Southern Africa: Evidence from the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Authors: Mahadew Bhavna
Published: April 2024

This article provides an informative review of regional integration in Southern Africa by drawing lessons and evidence from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It provides for a review of literature on the SADC from a regional integration perspective. SADC has expanded into a more expansive regional organisation in response to the challenges faced in the 1990s, and it currently includes South Africa, the region’s superpower. Furthermore, trade integration is receiving more attention, despite not being a main debate point at the Southern African Development Co-Ordinating Conference (SADCC). The SADC Trade Protocol has been decisive in trade integration. The purpose of the Protocol is to ensure that companies operating in each of the nations in the region may fairly compete to service the 150 million customers that comprise the market as a whole. It is anticipated that regional free trade will increase the likelihood of economic growth, increase intra-SADC commercial activity, create jobs, and elevate the standard of living for SADC residents.
Aircraft Interior Noise Reduction through Flame-Retardant Polymeric Porous Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Kunza Arifa , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the high melting temperature polymers of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) incorporated with carbon and ceramic nanoparticles (graphene, multiwall carbon nanotubes, carbon black, TiO2, SiO2) for the reduction of aircraft interior noise. These materials are applicable to form porous nanocomposite structures, which are new in research with lighter weights and are suitable, especially in aircraft and other space applications. The materials' properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser microscope, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FIJI software, and noise absorption and transmission loss units. The testing parameters and variables of these porous materials could supply reliable experimental validation via special characteristics, surface morphology, and geometric microstructural analysis. The test results indicated that these porous nanocomposite materials have extraordinary physical and chemical properties and would have great potential to use in aircraft interior noise reductions and similar other sound absorption purposes.
Development of Green Quality Assessment method integrated to Environment and Safety & Health in the petrochemical process
Authors: Kwon Eunsun , Kim Ik , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

While Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) is evaluating the external environment of the product system based on the functional unit of the system, Risk Assessment(RA) assesses the internal working environment based on the product site. In order to develop a Green Quality Assessment method, both the external and internal aspects of environment are considered in the present study. As the first step, RA is modified to reflect the internal environment based on the product by introducing the EDIP(Environmental Design of Industrial Products)method. Then, the modified BEES(Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability)model is applied to generate the integrated GQI(Green Quality Indicator). This GQI generated is expected to be used as one of the useful indicators which include the aspects of both natural environment and working environment.
A study of LCA and TCA on a manufacturing process in dye industry
Authors: Park Kihak , Hun Kang , Kim Sangyong , Park Chulhwan
Published: April 2024

There are 117(based in 2000) domestic dye manufacturing companies, and 78.29% of the productions are reactivity dye and dispersibility dye. Most of them are small and medium industries which are managed by small quantity batch production system.
In this study, LCA(Life Cycle Assessment) and TCA(Total Cost Analysis) of the dye manufacturing process were tried. The subjects of this study were D company's Black-B, and O company's Yellow 59. They were inventorially analyzed by Batch type and analyzed in Gate-to-Gate way. Because of the weak data base of the middle compound substances, as a specific character of the dye industry, it is hard to estimate LCA at satisfactory level.
The functional unit used for LCA was 100Kg in D company's Black-B, and 1Kg in O company's Yellow 59. The impact assessment was estimated in 8 categories including the global warming using Eco-Indicator 95. As a result of TCA, the largest environmental burden of the dye industry was the global warming. And the reason for the global warming effect of Black-B was the Ethylene glycol in the freezer and, in case of Yellow 59, the use of electric power was the cause of the environmental burden. Yellow 59 was because of the use of electric power.
In this study, the present environmental problems of Korean dye industries were evaluated, and the result of this study could be used as basis materials for the development of the dye industries. This study deals with LCA and TCA of dye industry. So it could be used to analyze the present economical costs and to decide strategies and directions in the change of the production system and the improvement of the progress.
Analysis of a Environmental Impact of the Major Domestic Plastics using Life Cycle Assessment Methodology
Authors: Kim Ik , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes environmental impact of major domestic plastics materials using Life Cycle Assessment methodology. To identify the key environmental issues by holistically analyzing environmental performance of constituent materials of products, this study divides environmental factors into material use, energy use and impact of emission, and also divides manufacturing process into productions of raw material in upstream stage, basic material, intermediates and final products. This study also allocates various key environmental issues into direct processes and indirect processes to properly propose efficient alternatives. As a result, several key issues were identified such as basic unit of naphtha for producing ethylene and propylene, energy use in the PP production and in the PS intermediates production, and finally heavy metal discharged from chlorine production in PVC. Different alternatives are proposed in this study by differentiating direct and indirect processes on the key environmental issues.
Development of the Methodology of Effective Environmental Assessment for Ecodesign
Authors: Kwon Eunsun , Ryu Jiyeon , Lee Jiyong , Kim Ik , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

To save time, effort and cost and at the same time to satisfy the quality of the research while conducting LCA, the study suggests a collection range of data regarding the process within a range of keeping the credibility of research. In order to do so, the paper first distinguished the Life cycle stages as exclusion degree on the basis of the simplicity of data collection. And it suggested six specific simplified LCA methodologies based on the streamlined LCA methods that were suggested by SETAC, and achieved validation about each method through the case studies applied to cell phone, vacuum cleaner, and computer. Improving research quality and efficiency of time and accuracy of expenses to enhance the ease of research conduct were considered when assessing each result according to different methods, and then priority was decided.
Life Cycle Assessment on Textile Printing Products and Its Applications
Authors: Suh Chang Seok , Park JikHwan , Kim KyungShin , Ahn Joong Woo
Published: April 2024

This is the summary of the result in a comparative life cycle assessment between digital textile printing (DTP) and conventional textile printing from raw material acquisition to strike-off sample manufacturing which is to find quantified environmental impact of the product and its strategic applications. In this study, a strike-off sample was selected which satisfies over 4 grade fastness quality with original design. Site-specific data were obtained either by actual measurement or by calculation or by data base of worst case was used when it was impossible to get site-specific data. This study considered nine impact categories: resource depletion, global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidant creation, human toxicity, aquatic eco-toxicity and terrestrial eco-toxicity, and characterization results on the impact categories were analyzed. As the result, environmental burden of DTP is less in the range of 1/5 to 1/126 than that of conventional printing. This study will be utilized to provide environmental information of the product to consumers and customers and to establish the strategies for internal and external purposes such as environmental report and DfE.
The Case Study of Environmental External Cost for LCC
Authors: Kim Haein , Lee Youngil , Yoon Yongbeom , Jung Youngbeom , Kim Hyeonsil
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, there are lots of governments which would consider the environmental impacts of resources as an important factor of decision-making. For that, they have been studying the methodology for monetization of the external cost. ExternE Project, the first study on the scientific method of environmental external cost, is performed through collaboration between European Commission and U.S. government, DOE. IAEA developed the Simpacts, a software for estimating health damage cost by using ExternE methodology but with only simple database. In South Korea, most energy decision makers are recognizing the necessity of the external costing, but studies are not accomplished yet. This Study is the first case study on the external cost of air emission in Korea. The external cost of a oil power plant, which is located near big cities in the middle of Korea, is estimated as 8.6% of the unit generation cost.
Integration of environmental information for sustainability Management
Authors: Moon Jungmin , Kim Sungwoo , Hwang Teayeon , Eun Jongwhan
Published: April 2024

As sustainable management of companies becomes highly necessary, the need to manage various information within a company concerning environment using computerized system is also increasing. Computerized system for environmental information management or environmental regulation response which is gaining new attention lately under the name of "Green IT", can be seen as an extension as well. This paper examines recent corporate issues related to environment and then moves. on to examine the necessity of systemizing environmental data. Furthermore, the functions and benefits of the system are assessed through case studies and the key factors that are to be considered in establishing the system are suggested. SMIS (Sustainable Management Information System) of Samsun SDI as means of sustainable management and Hazardous Substances Management System of Korea Electronics Association as means of environmental regulation response are introduced for case studies.
Life cycle assessment of Tap water treatment process; A Comparison of Tap water, Industrial water and Bottled water
Authors: Na Kwang-ju , Yang Hae-jin , Byun Il-hwan , Kim Jong-suk , Jung Yong-moon
Published: April 2024

This study is about practicing LCA on the Cheongju water treatment plant to produce drinking tap water, industrial tap water and bottle water. The environmental impact categories used is Abiotic Resource Depletion, Global Warming Potentials, Ozone Depletion Potentials, Acidification Potentials, Eutrophication Potentials, Photochemical Oxidant Creation Potentials, Freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity potentials, Terrestial ecotoxicity potentials, Human toxicity potentials. As a result of LCA, the impact category that has the most environmental burden to produce clean water is Abiotic Resource Depletion potentials. The most burdening stage in the entire production and supply system of tap water(drinking, industrials) is transporting process of dehydrated sludge and chemicals. The most burdening stage in the bottle water production and supply system is PET bottle production and transporting process of bottle water injection and packaging. It is important for Cjeongju WTP to shorten the transport distance for reducing environmental impact.
Study on Eco-design Tool for Environmental Assessment in the Product Design Process
Authors: Shin Yoojin , Lee Jiyong , Cha Kyounghoon , Park Heeil , Kim Kyeomsoon , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

This study aims at effectively integrate environmental attributes into the product design and development processes, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Eco-design Checklist which are crucial to identify the significant environmental aspects related to a product system within a relatively short period of time.
For this, a Simplified LCA method that can be applied to Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) was developed to efficiently identify their significant environmental aspects for eco-design, since a Detailed LCA study is usually very detailed, expensive and time-consuming. The Eco-design Checklist is a method, which was also analyzed. Then, the usefulness of each method in eco-design processes was evaluated and compared using the case studies of the refrigerator systems.
In this study, it founded that the Simplified LCA and Eco-design Checklist would provide some information about environmental issues. The Simplified LCA generated more information on the environmental aspects of a product system so that it might be useful for whole product design procedure, when developing a completely new product. On the other hand, Eco-design Checklist would give some information on the potential aspects for improving a product so that it could be effectively used in product design process.
Study on the Development of LCCO2 Program(ECO-pia ver1.0) in the Apartment Housing
Authors: Lee Kang-Hee , Ryu Seung-Hun , Lee Eun-Tack , Jeong Mi-Hong
Published: April 2024

The environment is the important resource to use as well as to conserve for the development. Since 1990s, it has accentuated the importance of the environment and tried to conserve the environment in many areas. Among many area, the building industry has played a role to destruct the environment for providing the living decent space and brought the environmental affect. Therefore, the building industry should endeavor to develop the land with the conservation of the nature. In building life cycle, it consumes the energy and natural resources. But it is difficult to evaluate the environmental affect during the whole building life. It is impossible to calculate CO2 emission without the much time and effort. Therefore. it requires to easily handle the program for calculating the affect to environment in each building life cycle. Until now, many program for assessing the LCCO2 emission the environment have been developed and limitedly used because of the assessment scope and contents. In this paper, it aimed at developing the assessment program of LCCO2, focused on the energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emission compared with the domestic and foreign concerned programs. The developed program is divided into 3 areas; construction, maintenance, demolition.
A comparison study on physical water treatment facilities using LCA
Authors: Kim Hyoungseok , Cha Kyounghoon , Hong Joonsik , Namkung Eun , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to compare the environmental aspects of different water treatment systems using life cycle assessment (LCA). The target system of this study is the three different physical treatment systems which are sand filtration, pressurized type membrane filtration and immersed type membrane filtration. The key environmental issues in this study are analyzed in terms of abiotic resource depletion (ARD) and global warming potential(GWP). As a result, sand filtration represents the worst environmental impact. In case of GWP, sand filtration is about 17 and 27.5% higher than pressurized type and immersed type membrane filtration. ARD has same trend compare with GWP. Impact of sand filtration is about 16.5 and 27.4% higher than. Most of impacts are caused by electricity which considers 40 years operation time of the system. And we can derive benefit from trading of CO2 on market. If we sell tons of CO2 which come from emission reduction, we can earn around 463 thousands and 748 thousands euro from exchange sand filtration for pressurized type and immersed type one. Immersed type by this study is the best choice for reduction of CO2 and sustainable water supply.
Comparison of Environmental Impact of Agricultural Reservoir & Pumping Station using LCA
Authors: Kim Young Deuk , Itsubo Norihiro , Lee Kun Mo , Kim Hae Do
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts of irrigation facilities using a Life Cycle Assessment tool and to compare two different types of water resources, dam and pumping station suppling 78% of irrigation water in Korea. Study facilities, Idong reservoir and Eunsan pumping station, are located in Ansung-Si, Gyeonggi-Do. Life cycle impact methodology used in the study is Eco-indicator99(E) to assess the environmental impacts of 1 m3 of agricultural water supply. This case study is a preliminary work to evaluate environmental impacts associated with water use in the boundary of the existing life cycle impact assessment method. The functional unit for comparison can be defined as a 1.5 billion m3 to supply irrigation water to the paddy field of 2,156 ha for 70 years. As a result of LCA of reservoir, most of environmental impact is derived from the use of construction materials in the construction stage like concrete and cement. Electricity consumption is a key issues of pumping station in the operation stage due to the fossil fuel use. It can be said that dam seems to be a more sustainable facility than the pumping station in the 70-year life cycle of this study excluding ecological impacts, depending on geological condition in Korea, though there is no consideration of land use and ecological impacts by inundation.
Environmental Improvement of Portable Fan Heater Using 6-Step Eco-Design Process
Authors: Yi Hwa Cho , Seo Eung Soo , Jang Phil Jung , Son Chang Min
Published: April 2024

A sustainability assessment, i. e. life-cycle assessment, is conducted to reduce the environmental impacts of all stages of a product’s life cycle, from production to disposal.
This life-cycle assessment is a technique used for the scientific and quantitative measurement of pollutant emissions and resource consumption. During the assessment, a list of inputs and outputs is compiled and analyzed, their environmental impacts are assessed, and the results are interpreted to serve the study purposes, helping develop an environmentally friendly product design and an improvement strategy.
In this study, two types of portable fan heater use (A and B) were evaluated for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. The analysis results revealed that the heating panel and motor parts had high environmental impacts and were therefore selected as environmental improvement targets, and the improvement strategy was developed to divide the airflow rate into high, medium, and low, just like ordinary fans.
Using this technique, the study found that the heating panel and motor parts had poor energy efficiency. Once the strategy was implemented through the life-cycle assessment, their energy efficiency improved dramatically.
Ecosian Academy, The Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Jonghwan Eun
Published: April 2024

우리는 현재 지질학적으로 11,700년 전부터 시작된 충적세(Holocene)에 살고 있다. 빙하기가 끝 나고 인류가 살기에 적합한 현재의 온난학시기가 지속된 시기이다. 지구의 나이로는 짧은 기간이지 만 인류는 이 기간에 역사를 시작하고 문명을 이루었다. 하지만 1980년대부터 몇몇 학자들에 의해 인류세(Anthropocene)라는 용어가 제안된 후 현재 광범위하게 사용되고 있고 공식적인 지질학적 세(世, Epoch)로서의 공인을 앞두고 있다. 인류세의 시작시점에 대해서는 여러 견해가 있지만 대체 적으로 산업혁명을 지칭하고 있다. 산업혁명 이후 인구가 크게 증가하고 산업 활동에 다라 지구의 환경이 크게 바뀌었기 때문이다.
A study on the environmental performance and economic value of recycled resources from spent fluorescent lights
Authors: Ahn Joong Woo , Yang Inmog , Rhee Seung-Whee , Cho Bong Gyoo , Cho Youngju
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to figure out environmental performance and the performance based economic value in order to confirm the value and necessity on the recycling technology of spent fluorescent lights. The comparison result of environmental impact of recycled six materials shows 1.33% of resource depletion, 3.23% of global warming, 1.70% of human toxicity, respectively. The assessment results of economic value of the environmental performance correspond to 266,000won/ton for six impact categories except toxicity. In addition, the environmental impact of recycling process can be improved by yield and energy efficiency increase.
Life Cycle Cost Comparative Evaluation of Rain-water Collecting System
Authors: Woon Kim Young , In Kim Yong , Jung Gong Yun , Hyuk Myung Dae , Woo Hwang Young , Woon Lee Sang
Published: April 2024

As natural disaster like desertification and flood by climate change happen, water management has been interesting more increasingly than before. Especially, South Korea, one of countries of water shortage, makes effort LID using rain-water with the center of government. At the houshold area like apartment, the main system using rain-water is collecting system. Rain-water collecting system is side gutter collecting system and round collecting system. This study aims at evaluating the life cycle cost comparing presently applied collecting systems with drain collecting system which was developed. As a result, life cycle cost of drain collecting system was effected 53% reduction besides of round collecting system.
The Study on Environmental Impacts of Buildingusing Life Cycle Assessment of G-SEED
Authors: Kim Hyunsik , Tae Sung Ho , Kim Rak Hyun
Published: April 2024

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analysis for buildings became a part of G-SEED (Green Standard for Energy and Environmental Design), which is a certificate program for green building in South Korea, to provide additional credits for the certificate. In this research, LCA analysis of a specific building which fulfills G-SEED program is performed to verify the environmental impact during the entire life cycle of the building. Moreover, the results of the analysis are used to identify the period of building life cycle which provides environmental impact the most. As a result, practical solution to reduce environmental impact in architecture field is suggested.
Environmental Impact Evaluation of Plastic Pallet Pooling Systems Using the LCA Methodology
Authors: Lee Young-Seol , Park Kwang-Ho , Wie Dae-Hyeong , Suh Byong-Yoon , Kim Deok-Yeol
Published: April 2024

The plastic pallet is a resource-circulating product that minimizes the production of new products through a closed-loop circulation system as a returnable logistics transport tool that recovers plastic pallets that have been used once in the logistics industry and uses them repeatedly through a pooling system. In this study, the environmental impacts of repetition and reuse of plastic pallet evaluated using LCA. And the results were used to compare with single used plastic pallet. The system boundary was set to raw material extraction stage, product manufacturing stage, use(distribution) stage, cleaning stage, and disposal and recycling stage. And use(distribution) stage was analyzed by subdividing into production plants, users, destinations, collection centers, and washing centers. As a result of the analysis of environmental improvement effects, the plastic pallet pooling system showed an average decrease of 73.3% based on the six impact categories compared to single use, and the impact category of resource depletion among the impact categories decreased by 91.5%, showing the greatest effect, and 72.8% environmental improvement effect on global warming.
Analysis of Environmental Road and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Effects through LCA of the 4 Major Machine Tool Remanufacturing
Authors: Lee Seongwon , Park Jihyoung , Park Myoungsun
Published: April 2024

The industrial sector that can actively respond to the circular economy is remanufacturing. In the case of machine tools, the need for remanufacturing of machine tools is emphasized because it is expected that waste products will increase before the mechanical life expires due to the change in perception of low carbon energy reduction and the increase in demand for advanced high-precision machine tools due to the development of ultra-precision industry. This study calculated the environmental load and greenhouse gas reduction effects through LCA analysis of the remanufacturing of four major machine tools used throughout the industry, such as grinding machines, planar millers, presses, and lathes, using LCA. Due to the nature of the remanufacturing process, some consumables are replaced or put in to improve quality and function by using the core of the product (or part) after use. In the case of cores used in the remanufacturing process, environmental impacts have already occurred during manufacturing by new manufacturers. In remanufacturing, only the environmental impacts caused by the use of newly input auxiliary materials and energy, excluding cores, occur. As a result of the Midpoint LCA analysis, the amount of reduction in environmental impact for each product remanufactured were 4,439 kg CO2 eq. per machine based on the global warming impact category during characterization, the planar miller 90,080 kg CO2 eq., the press 636,390 kg CO2 eq., the lathe 24,638 kg CO2 eq., it was found that the reduction of environmental impact was the highest when one press was remanufactured.
Malnutrition and associated factors among sick children needing hospital care in District Umerkot, Pakistan
Authors: Vistro Jan Muhammad , Mughal Hafiza Summaiyah
Published: April 2024

Background: In the Umerkot area of Pakistan, where malnutrition is common, a local hospital discovered that one-third of the hospitalized children were undernourished. The purpose of this research was to identify the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated among pediatric inpatients.    

Methods: A cross-sectional research was carried out on 298 children who were hospitalized to the District Headquarter Hospital in Umerkot and ranged in age from 06 months to 05 years. In order to determine malnutrition in accordance with WHO guidelines, anthropometry measures such as mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were taken. The clinical diagnosis, immunization history, and food intake were documented. 

Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 34.6%, with moderate (26.5%) and severe (8.1%) cases included. In children, underweight afflicted 29.5%. Common diagnoses during admission were measles (18.8%), pneumonia (17.4%), and diarrhea (15.8%). Malnutrition was significantly correlated with inadequate food intake and an age-inappropriate vaccination rate of 8.7%, which is in agreement with previous research results. 

Conclusions: In order to address the critically high prevalence of inpatient malnutrition, pediatric care must include standards for nutritional assessment and treatment as well as capacity development. In local communities, it's also critical to do routine growth monitoring and to promote immunization, proper hygiene, and balanced diets.

Keywords: Malnutrition; Pediatrics; Nutritional status; Mid-upper arm circumference; Pakistan
Guarding the Vulnerable: Perceptions of Security and Workplace Violence in Pediatric and Gynecological Care Settings of Karachi
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Bilal , Mufaddal Tasneem , Ali Syed Tabeena , Otho Muhammad Suleman
Published: April 2024

Background: Violence in the workplace against medical professionals is a serious problem, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions of medical professionals regarding Karachi's current hospital security protocols and pinpoint opportunities for enhancement.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 414 healthcare providers from public and private hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan was undertaken. The participants' sociodemographic characteristics, encounters with workplace violence, evaluations of hospital security measures, and recommendations for enhancement were all encompassed in the questionnaire. The data were analysed utilising descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: A significant proportion of the participants expressed discontentment with security standards, citing insufficient staffing (71.7%), absence of monitoring systems (72.7%), and inadequate access control guidelines (64.7%). A greater frequency of reported workplace violence was substantially correlated with overall dissatisfaction with security (82.3% vs. 58.1%, p < 0.001). The results of multinomial logistic regression showed that being a nurse (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.12-2.68) and being dissatisfied with security measures (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.87-5.52) were independent risk factors for workplace violence. Increasing security staff, improving surveillance systems, and fortifying access control protocols were among the recommendations for improvement.

Conclusions: Improved hospital security measures are essential to address workplace violence against healthcare providers in Karachi. Implementing the recommended strategies can create a safer work environment and enhance the quality of patient care.

Keywords: Workplace violence, healthcare providers, hospital security, Karachi, Pakistan, perceptions.
Psychological Factors in Continuance Digital Media Behaviour: Smartphone, Internet and Social Media in Young Consumers.
Authors: Andoh-Quainoo L. Andoh-Quainoo
Published: April 2024

Since childhood, young consumers have experienced new digital media, from smartphones to the internet and social media. The purpose of this study was to compare the digital media behaviour of young people by exploring the psychological and antecedents that have sustained usage behaviour through the lens of the Uses and Gratifications Theory. Using a quantitative approach, a survey was conducted in three public universities in Ghana, based on existing scales for psychosocial and individual psychological satisfactions. A sample of 825 respondents between the ages of 18-35 was randomly selected to respond to the questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to analyse the extent to which psychological factors influence digital media behaviour. The findings revealed that young consumers’ mobile internet and social media usage behaviour are greatly influenced by social-psychological gratifications such as social relationships, entertainment, and information. Still, smartphone usage is influenced by business and commercial motives. Individual factors such as self-esteem and self-seeking status did not affect any of the media usage behaviour.
Brain drain and its associated effects on the economy of Ghana
Authors: Gyamfi G. D. Gyamfi
Published: April 2024

This paper looks at the effects of brain drain on the Ghanaian economy. Il is a reflective study based on the premise that brain drain has a negative effect on the Ghanaian economy. It is based on exploratory studies in Ghana, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Malaysia, a literature review and a tracking of contemporary events from professionals from the public sector of Ghana, most especially the health sector. Data gathered were subjected to reflective analysis with an outcome which revealed that even though brain drain from Ghana has negative connotations on the public sector because of loss of vital human resources from Ghana to other countries, there are however some associated benefits to Ghanaian households and firms. The benefits include improvement in labor resources, reduction of poverty; financial deepening through remittances repatriated back home and improvement in macroeconomic effects through foreign exchange rates. It was revealed that both the sending and receiving countries of the 'brains' could strategize to derive mutual benefits.
The prosperity gospel in Ghana and the primal imagination
Authors: Anim E. K. Anim
Published: April 2024

This paper makes the assertion that despite the significant influence of American neo-pentecostalism in shaping prosperity theology in the charismatic churches in Ghana, it is crucial to note that the primal aspirations of prosperity also continue to play a significant role. Second, the thriving prosperity teaching in the charismatic ministries is largely due to the fact that the charismatics have tapped into fertile ground already nurtured by the traditional concept of prosperity, which is to be understood in terms of wealth, longevity and fertility or procreativity. In the African cosmology, the belief and pursuit of prosperity is paramount. Africans do not 'honour' or accept suffering or poverty, it is a battle they have always sought to fight, and the belief in the gods is primarily to ensure prosperity and well-being. Thus the influence of American-type prosperity teaching only served as a catalyst and also reinforced what was already prevailing in the matrix of the primal world-view. The focus of this prayer is centred on material prosperity, fertility (procreation) and long life (health), which cannot come about without the blessing of the divinities. Harmony with the divinities therefore becomes a prerequisite not only for physical and spiritual protection from evil forces but also for the enjoyment of good health, fertility and longevity.
An investigation of the determinants of inward foreign direct investment flow into Ghana’s agricultural sector
Authors: Djokoto J. G. Djokoto
Published: April 2024

The paper investigated the factors that attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Agricultural sector in Ghana over the period 1970- 2009 by estimation of a vector autoregressive model (VAR). Positive and statistically significant elasticities showed that nominal exchange rate, agricultural trade openness, GDP per capita, school enrolment and availability of uncultivated agricultural land were positively related to the dependent variable, FDI into agriculture. Available agricultural land and school enrolment showed the highest elasticities of 41.9 and 2.8 respectively, ahead of economic variables namely; nominal exchange rate, agricultural trade openness and GDP per capita. Policies with the objectives of strengthening school enrolment and access to available uncultivated agricultural land should be pursued. Improvement in international trade in agricultural products, economic growth and the strengthening of the current foreign exchange regime are required if Ghana hopes to attract more FDI into her agricultural sector.