bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPETITIVENESS ASSESSMENT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ENERGY CAPACITY MARKET IN BRAZIL
Authors: Prandini Thaís Mélega , Oliveira Junior Moacir de Miranda , De Faria Aline Mariane 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This article investigates issues related to the need to implement a capacity market in the Brazilian electricity sector to add security to the system and increase market competitiveness to benefit its energy consumers, as well as attract investments to the supply segments of this industry.

Theoretical Framework: This research focuses on the Market Design Theory and the transition to the capacity market, detailing its principles and relevance in the current context. Through it, we seek to understand the mechanisms that shape the contemporary market.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopts an applied research approach. It is structured as a case study, where Brazil is analyzed in the context of implementing a capacity market. Techniques such as interviews, and documentary research were used to collect data.

Findings: The study delves into the intricacies of establishing a capacity market in a competitive environment. The central findings encompass distinctions between the separation of backing and energy versus the capacity market; the blueprint of the auction and regulation of contracting; shaping the long-term market perspective; and the methodology for deducing the capacity market demand.

Research, Practical & Social Implications: This article contributes to the literature by surveying cases on capacity market development in developed countries. Furthermore, as a practical contribution, it details the benefit of implementing a capacity market in the Brazilian case.

Originality/Value: This research provides innovative solutions for Brazil, drawing from global benchmarks and tailoring them to Brazil's unique challenges and recent legal changes.
Lipid Yields and Fatty Acid Composition if Indigenous Microalgae, Isolated from the Beira, and Diyawanna Urban Lakes, for Sustainable Biofuel Production in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasekara, J.K.D.M.  , Wanasekara, L.  , Saputhanthri, P.S.  , Perera, S.  
Published: February 2024

Biofuels are carbon-neutral combustibles produced from renewable biomass. Third generation biofuels, derived from microalgal biomass, are distinctly superior to their preceding generations, due to higher productivity and resource use efficiency of microalgae compared to conventional energy crops. It is a viable source of sustainable energy for our country due to the availability of water, ambient temperatures and year-round sunlight needed for microalgae cultivation, and most importantly, the abundance of diverse microalgae species. However, these native microalgae are relatively unexplored for their productivities and thereby, greatly underutilized. This research was aimed to investigate the lipid yields and fatty acid compositions of local freshwater microalgae, and to identify their potential for biodiesel production. This was carried out by (1) microalgae isolation and morphological identification (2) microalgae cultivation (3) biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, gravimetric measurement of extracted lipids and (4) acid-catalysed transesterification, followed by GCMS analysis of the biodiesel product. Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. were isolated from Beira/ Diyawanna Lakes using streak plate technique in solid standard BBM media. They were next cultivated under axenic conditions in liquid standard BBM media under 16: 8 (light: dark), at 25°C for 20 days in duplicates. The biomass was then harvested using alum, dried to reach a constant weight and the Bligh and Dyer lipid extraction was done in triplicate. The extracted lipids were trans-esterified with methanol, using sulfuric acid catalyst at 90° C for 60 minutes. The separated product was analysed by GCMS. Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. cultivated under standard conditions gave average lipid yields of 11.34±1.01%, 15.00±1.40% and 2.10±0.50% respectively. Average lipid yield of Chlamydomonas sp. was significantly lower than the other two species at 95% confidence level (Two-sample T test on SPSS Version 21). GCMS analysis of the biodiesel product from Chlorella sp. indicated significant levels of saturated fatty acids including palmitic and stearic acids, monounsaturated fatty acids like cis-11- eicosenoic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and linolenic acids. The fatty acid ratios were used to calculate the saturation value, cetane number, density, iodine value and pour point of the produced biodiesel. These quality parameters were in accordance with the ASTM D6751- 20a standards. Therefore, with a substantial yield and fatty acid composition of intracellular lipids, this local species of Chlorella can be a prospective candidate for sustainable bioenergy production in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Chlorella, Chlorococcum, Chlamydomonas, Microalgal lipids, Biodiesel
Sustainable Coastal-Based Tourism in Southern Sri Lanka: Assessing the Potentials of Blue Flag Certification’s Criteria
Authors: Thirukeswaran, S.  , Jayawardena, N.K.R.N.  
Published: February 2024

As an Island nation, Sri Lanka depends on coastal ecosystems to develop its economy by enhancing coastal-based tourism activities. Sri Lanka’s beaches are an essential part of coastal tourism as they attract many local and foreign tourists. With the ever-increasing demand for coastal tourism-based development, the beaches in Sri Lanka are susceptible to environmental degradation and pollution. The Blue Flag Certification (BFC), recognized globally for its stringent environmental standards, serves as a potential framework for promoting coastal tourism while ensuring the conservation of coastal ecosystems. The BFC requires any beach to achieve and sustain high standards in 33 criteria under the four categories: Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety and Services. Although many attractive beaches in the southern part of Sri Lanka usually receive a larger proportion of tourists annually, Sri Lanka has not obtained BFC for any of its beaches so far. Therefore, through a comprehensive assessment, including field surveys and analysis of the applicability of blue flag criteria, this study aims to gauge the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating BFC into the development of sustainable coastal-based tourism. Three beaches located in the Southern Province, namely Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Polhena were selected for this study. Observations and data gathered during the field investigations were analyzed for 30 criteria (excluding water quality criteria) using the guidelines and explanatory notes provided by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It was identified that Unawatuna has fully or partially achieved 13 criteria out of 30, while Mirissa and Polhena achieved only ninth and seventh criteria respectively. All three beaches have achieved most of the criteria under the environmental management category while lacking significant achievements in the safety and services category. However, all three beaches have achieved at least one criterion under the environmental education and information category. Enhanced cleanliness and aesthetic values of beaches were observed where the environmental management criteria were prioritized especially in Mirissa. This study ensures that accomplishing all BFC criteria helps to enhance the region’s coastal tourism potential while continuing to preserve its unique and pristine coastal ecosystems. Further, this research also provides valuable insights and a holistic approach for policymakers, local councils, and tourism development stakeholders to implement the necessary strategies to fulfil all the criteria. Therefore, this study recommends a steady and efficient incorporation of all the criteria by relevant authorities to promote sustainable tourism and therefore contribute to economic development.

Keywords: Sustainable tourism, Environmental management, Blue flag, Water quality, Development
Application of Geospatial Technology to Assess Pressures and Threats to Nature Related to Human Activities in Wilpattu National Park
Authors: Kumara, U.I.  , Jayawardana, D.T.  , Gunathilake, B.M.  
Published: February 2024

Expanding agricultural land is one of the humanities largest and most considerable environmental impacts. It has transformed habitats and is one of the greatest pressures and threats to biodiversity. By 2020, with an estimated population of 22 million, the per capita arable land is about 0.158 hectares. This indicates heavy pressure on agricultural land use. This agricultural land use causes deforestation. Illegal deforestation results in the destruction of habitat and the restriction of wildlife movements. Apart from the direct destruction of habitats of flora and fauna that provide humans with valuable resources, removing forest cover puts many essential natural functions out of order, which may lead to a range of severe consequences. There have been many attempts at human encroachment at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka, and its Forest Reserves; however, it has never been done at this scale with the awareness of the Government Authorities, who failed to act. The Easter end of the Wilpattu National Park lies between the divisional secretariat of Mahaviachchi, Karuwalagasweva, Nochchiyagama, and Rajanganaya. The buffer zone of 1.6km has been marked from the Wilpattu reserve boundary. This study uses the integrated land use assessment by applying a land use evaluation model that evaluates biophysical and human-related data in eight GN Divisions (Hunuvilagama, Kuda Vilachchiya, Track 13, Matha Kiramam, Palaikuli, Pahalapuliyankulam, Parana Eluwankulam, and Andiyapuliyankulam) in buffer zone in Wilpattu National Park. Environmental impact has been assessed based on image classification and area calculations. According to the analysis done in the human settlement, it indicates encroachment of the restricted zone for human settlement. The area of this buffer zone is approximately 33,147 ha. About 9,190 ha of this buffer zone area has been utilized by humans in various ways. Spatial- temporal data in 2003-2019 satellite image classification identified permanent building/housing units within the 1.6 km restricted zone, which has been increased in marginal villages. Mullikulam and Eluwankulam GN Divisions are the most critical and rapidly encroached areas in the forest village in the Wilpattu National Park. According to the GIS-based maps, cultivation, road construction, and residence are significant factors influencing the major ecosystems in the eastern part of the Wilpattu Park Boundary. Mahavilachchi and Nochchiyagama can be identified as the villages where elephants roam more and the areas where elephant-human conflict occurs regularly. Paddy and hay farming are primarily practiced in the areas close to the Wilpattu reserve zone. Additionally, coconut, banana, mango, and cashew crops are cultivated.

Keywords: Wilpattu, Agriculture, Deforestation, Buffer zone, Human
Towards Sustainable Cities: Challenges and Way Forward
Authors: Ranasinghe, D.M.S.H.K.  
Published: February 2024

A city is a sizable and enduring human settlement distinguished by its intricate network of structures, infrastructure, and social, economic, and cultural institutions. Cities play a vital role in a country's global economic growth and development, fostering agglomeration of economies, serving as centres of innovation and technological advancement, acting as major hubs for finances and employment, and facilitating infrastructure development while providing access to broader markets. Often specializing in specific industries or sectors, cities offer amenities such as healthcare, education, employment, and recreational opportunities that enhance their appeal to residents seeking a high quality of life. However, the majority of unplanned cities grapple with the challenge of balancing economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Key issues include rapid population growth, urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, conflicting interests among stakeholders-particularly regarding development versus conservation and pressing environmental concerns like pollution, improper waste management, health issues, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires cities to evolve into 'Living Cities,' where human settlements can flourish indefinitely as part of nature's beauty and diversity. Achieving this balance involves integrating economic, social, and environmental perspectives. This paper presents detailed strategies under various subheadings, including Integrated Urban Planning with a focus on promoting public transport, increasing green spaces, and conserving biodiversity. It also covers Water Conservation, measures to enhance resilience to climate change impacts, such as strategic infrastructure siting and nature-based solutions, and the promotion of renewable energy and green building concepts to conserve finite resources. Efficient waste management is highlighted to ensure a waste-free urban environment. The paper underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement, involving the public, private sector, NGOs, and communities in the decision-making process through participatory planning and citizen engagement. While acknowledging existing supportive policies and strategies in the country, the paper emphasizes the need for their enforcement and proper implementation to achieve the desired target of sustainable cities-living cities where human populations thrive harmoniously as part of nature's beauty and diversity.

Keywords: Living city, Sustainable city, Urban, Settlement, Integrated planning
Suppression of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Soil Amended with Autoclaved Lightweight Aerated Concrete Under Different Compaction and Moisture Conditions
Authors: Rathnayake, N.R.R.W.S.  , Maeda, M  , Leelamanie, D.A.L.  
Published: February 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has been highlighted worldwide as a contributor to the greenhouse effect. Soil physical characteristics such as bulk density and moisture content can influence the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) from soil. Soil conditioners applied to soil can also affect the terrestrial CO2 emissions. Autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete (ALC) is in use at present as a soil conditioner or calcium silicate fertilizer, it is a type of porous material made from industrial waste. In this study, we determined the effect of ALC (Inenica, Clion Co., Ltd, Japan) on CO2 emissions from paddy soil with considering soil compaction and moisture content. Laboratory experiments were conducted using soils with and without ALC (0 and 5%), under two levels of compaction (compacted and non-compacted), and two soil moisture contents (60% and 100% water holding capacity: WHC) in 200 mL glass vials. All treatments with triplicates were incubated at 25° C for 21 days under aerobic conditions. Emissions of CO2 were determined at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days using gas chromatography with the thermal conductivity detector. The addition of ALC significantly decreased CO2 emissions from soil at the early stages of incubation. Emissions of CO2 were significantly lower at 100% WHC than at 60% WHC. Non-compacted treatments showed significantly higher emissions of CO2 than compacted treatments during the incubation time period. This is possibly due to improved soil aeration and porosity, which enhanced the activity of soil microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic matter. The interactions between moisture content with ALC addition and compaction on cumulative CO2 emissions were statistically significant (p<0.05). The effect of ALC addition on CO2 suppression was more effective at compacted and 100% WHC (51% reduction compared with control). Our study suggested that precise dosage of ALC application (5%) can effectively reduce CO2 emissions from soil, under 100% WHC and compaction conditions than 60% WHC and non-compaction conditions.

Keywords: Aerobic, Autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete, Carbon dioxide, Compaction, Moisture content
Utilization of Palm Oil Effualant and Empty Fruit Benches as a Fertilizer Marginal Oil Palm Fields at Talgaswella Estate, in the Low Country Wet Zone Agro-Ecological Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Bulugahapitiya, D.U.H.  , Palihakkara, I.R.  , Ariyasoma, U.M.U.R.  , Balasuriya, A.  
Published: February 2024

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) was first introduced to Sri Lanka, as a commercial crop, about 55 years ago and was first established in Galle District as a rain fed perennial cash crop. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is identified as a problematic waste while releasing directly to the water streams. Both POME and Empty Fruit Benches (EFB) consists of all these required nutrients in higher proportions for oil palm plants. This study was carried out with the duel intentions (objectives) of finding a solution to the disposal of waste material accumulated in oil palm factories over many years and to improve the productivity of marginally yielding oil palm fields in Thalgaswella estate Talgaswella. The study was designed using RCBD and there are eleven treatments. Fertilizer/mixtures were prepared based of the Nitrogen amount (0.63 kg/palm/year) supplied from the recommended inorganic fertilizer mixtures and rest of the organic fertilizer mixtures were prepared with using different proportions of POME and EFB to balance Potassium (K) & Prosperous (P). A ten-year-old oil palm field was selected in year 2019 for this experiment and maintained the field for three years before the data collection. There were 33 plots, each containing six palm trees. Organic treatments included different quantities of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Oil content of the fruits was analyzed at AEN oil palm factory using (Instrument-FOSS DA1650) in year 2023. All the data were analyzed with Minitab and mean separations were done using DMRT at α≤0.05 level. Results clearly show that the application of organic fertilizer to the oil palm cultivation gives significantly higher oil yield. These findings can help to improving the productivity of marginal oil palm cultivations, while providing a sustainable solution to the disposal of POME and EFB.

Key words: Oil palm, Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), Empty Fruit Benches (EFB), Waste, productivity
Analysing Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Coastal Pollution from Inland Urban Waterways in Galle City, Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando, I.H.L.  , Chandrathilake, G.G.T.  
Published: February 2024

The coastal stretch of Galle city is currently facing an acute pollution with the aggregation of various types of waste on beaches due to malpractices of the community living around the coastal as well as inland areas of the country. Rivers or canals play a key role in the transport of wastes from source to sea and are estimated to emit around 1 metric ton of plastics into the ocean annually. Mainly five sea outfalls are existing along the Galle coastal zone and those transfer various waste towards the beaches. The present case study aims to identify the coastal pollution caused by inland waterways in Galle municipal council area and to detect the main plastic pollutants flow into coastal zone through inland waterways from month of April to June 2023. The waste trap constructed at the main inland waterway located at Galle municipal council area, the Moda Ela trapped different types of waste and the CCTV camera fixed directing to the above-mentioned canal, captures images, uploaded to a cloud system and feed the data to an Artificial Intelligence model to detect the litter type and their counts which flows along the canal daily and get recorded in the smart plastic litter monitoring web-based system using feature extraction techniques in AI. This smart system has mainly identified the count of plastic fragments, plastic bottles, Styrofoam, and trash bags separately, as the main pollutants of this canal and has interpreted graphically and numerically in the smart system which can be freely accessed. Weights of waste were taken manually. Finally, recorded counts of waste in the smart system emphasis that most abundant causative agent affected on pollution of Moda Ela was plastic bottles (58%) while effect of Styrofoam and trash bags were 34% and 8% respectively. Further, average weight of plastic bottles was recorded highest during the study period (130 kg) when compared to other waste categories. According to the results, plastic bottles have become the main source of pollution comes through inland canals which contribute to coastal pollution. Visual observations further convince that the highest pollution source was Moda Ela while less contribution was from Mahamodara canal. The present study highlights plastics as the main pollutants in inland waterways which effect on coastal pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the polluters and need to implement proper rules and regulations while suggesting any alternatives for plastics.

Keywords: Coastal pollution, Inland waterways, Waste trap, Galle Municipal Council area, Artificial intelligence technology
Rethinking affects of care through power
Authors: Drotbohm Heike , Dilger Hansjörg 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This introduction outlines the contemporary emergence of new forms of informal crisis-related care, which both complement and contradict classical forms of humanitarian assistance. The introduction traces the spread, blurring, and differentiation of novel forms of non-state assistance and support against the backdrop of increasingly widespread criticism of large-scale international aid. Tackling regimes of care beyond the exceptionality of a crisis notion, the introduction then summarizes how the three contributions and the commentary to this theme section employ the lens of affect for exploring how these highly intersubjective forms of encounter are experienced, performed, and reflected on.
Disappointment and awkwardness as ugly feelings
Authors: Brković Čarna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
What does transnational humanitarianism look like when considered from the perspective of a “Global East”? Ethnographically studying the disappointment and awkwardness generated by two transnational humanitarian projects illuminates a sense of suspended agency among Montenegrin citizens that was developed after the end of the Cold War. Montenegrins are often simultaneously included in the racialized and class-based humanitarian discourses of the Global North and excluded from actual participation in transnational humanitarian projects due to structural constraints. The article suggests that suspended agency emerges when there is both a sense of belonging to a certain humanitarian endeavor that should enable particular kinds of action (e.g., transnational humanitarianism) and a lack of infrastructure capable of sustaining such a sense.
Slingers and Sling Bullets in the Roman Civil Wars of the Late Republic, 90-31 BC
Authors: Lawrence Keppie 
Published: February 2024

<p>Slingers were an element in the Roman army over many centuries. Their activities are frequently reported in literary accounts of battles and sieges during the civil wars of the Late Republic. Sling bullets, in stone, clay and lead, have been found at many scenes of conflict. Lead bullets often bear brief inscriptions addressed to the recipients, naming military units, their commanders and centurions; others carry sexual insults. This is an ever-expanding body of ancient evidence. Yet some books on the Roman army scarcely mention slingers. This monograph seeks to redress the balance and draws attention to their role and effectiveness. It covers the period between the Social War of 90-89 BC and the close of the civil wars at the battle of Actium in 31 BC, encompassing the campaigns of Julius Caesar in Gaul between 58 and 50 BC, including his expeditions to Britain, the wars between Caesar and Pompey the Great (and his sons) in 49-45 BC, and between Caesar’s heirs and successors in 44-31 BC, including Mark Antony and the future emperor Augustus.</p>