Is there a conflict between cetacean conservation and marine renewable-energy developments?

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Peter Simmonds ◽  
Vicki C. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Pile Driving ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cetacean Species ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Marine Renewable Energy ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

There is currently an unprecedented expansion of marine renewable-energy developments, particularly in UK waters. Marine renewable-energy plants are also being developed in many other countries across Europe and in the wider world, including in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Large-scale developments, in UK waters, covering thousands of square kilometres are now planned; however, data on the likely impact of this expansion on the 28 cetacean species found in UK waters are lacking, or at best limited. However, the available information, including inferences drawn from the impact of other human activities in the marine environment, indicates a significant risk of negative consequences, with the noise from pile driving highlighted as a major concern. The marine renewable-energy industry will also deploy some novel technologies, such as large submerged turbines, with unknown consequences for marine wildlife. Further research is urgently required, including distributional and behavioural studies, to establish baselines against which any changes may be measured. Precautionary actions, particularly with respect to pile driving, are advocated to minimise impacts on cetaceans.

scholarly journals Impact study of NOOR 1 project on the Moroccan territorial economic development

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Amale Laaroussi ◽  
Abdelghrani Bouayad ◽  
Zakaria Lissaneddine ◽  
Lalla Amina Alaoui
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Professional Literature ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Morocco is one of the countries investing more and more in Renewable Energy (RE) technologies to meet the growing demand for energy and ensure the security of supply in this sector. The number of solar projects planned and implemented, as well as solar thermal projects in the form of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) installations is steadily increasing. Many of these installations are designed as large utility systems. In order to provide strong evidence on local, regional and even national impacts, this article examines the impacts of large-scale renewable energy projects on territorial development, based on a case study of the NOOR 1 (Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)) project in Ouarzazate, Morocco. The data collected during this study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with experts, stakeholders, local community representatives and combined with an analysis of documents provided by the NOOR 1 project managers, investors and consulting firms specialized in the field of Renewable Energy, provide detailed evidence on the type and magnitude of impacts on the economic development of the Moroccan southern region where the NOOR 1 plant is located. The data collected is analyzed using NVIVO software. The study results in a consolidated list of many impacts with varying levels of significance for different stakeholder groups, including farmers, youth, women, community representatives and small and medium firms owners. It should be noted that the importance of analyzing the economic impact of large infrastructure projects is widely recognized, but so far, there is little published in the academic and professional literature on the potential impacts of these projects at the local level. Even less information is available on the local impacts of large-scale project implementation in Morocco. While many macroeconomic studies have fed the recent surge in investment in RE projects with the promise of multiple social, economic, environmental, and even geopolitical benefits at the macro level, public debates and discussions have raised considerable doubts. The question of whether these promises would also leave their marks at the local level has also arisen. Despite these uncertainties, very few academics and practitioners have conducted research to empirically develop a good understanding of the impact of RE projects at the local level. To fill this research gap, the economic impact analysis of NOOR 1 provides a detailed empirical overview, which allows a better understanding of the effects that the infrastructure developments of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants can have on the economic environment in which they are located.

Cigarette and cigar sales in Hawaii before and after implementation of a Tobacco 21 Law

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Glover-Kudon ◽  
Doris G Gammon ◽  
Todd Rogers ◽  
Ellen M Coats ◽  
Brett Loomis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
The Us ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Product Sales ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionOn 1 January 2016, Hawaii raised the minimum legal age for tobacco access from 18 to 21 years (‘Tobacco 21 (T21)’) statewide, with no special population exemptions. We assessed the impact of Hawaii’s T21 policy on sales of cigarettes and large cigars/cigarillos in civilian food stores, including menthol/flavoured product sales share.MethodsCigarette and large cigar/cigarillo sales and menthol/flavoured sales share were assessed in Hawaii, California (implemented T21 in June 2016 with a military exemption), and the US mainland using the only Nielsen data consistently available for each geographical area. Approximate monthly sales data from large-scale food stores with sales greater than US$2 million/year covered June 2012 to February 2017. Segmented regression analyses estimated changes in sales from prepolicy to postpolicy implementation periods.ResultsFollowing T21 in Hawaii, average monthly cigarette unit sales dropped significantly (−4.4%, p<0.01) coupled with a significant decrease in menthol market share (−0.8, p<0.01). This combination of effects was not observed in comparison areas. Unit sales of large cigars/cigarillos decreased significantly in each region following T21 implementation. T21 policies in Hawaii and California showed no association with flavoured/menthol cigar sales share, but there was a significant increase in flavoured/menthol cigar sales share in the USA (7.1%, p<0.01) relative to Hawaii’s implementation date, suggesting T21 may have attenuated an otherwise upward trend.ConclusionsAs part of a comprehensive approach to prevent or delay tobacco use initiation, T21 laws may help to reduce sales of cigarette and large cigar products most preferred by US youth and young adults.

scholarly journals The impact of national standardized literacy and numeracy testing on children and teaching staff in remote Australian Indigenous communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susy Macqueen ◽  
Ute Knoch ◽  
Gillian Wigglesworth ◽  
Rachel Nordlinger ◽  
Ruth Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Testing ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Skills Testing ◽  
Australian English ◽  
The Impact

All educational testing is intended to have consequences, which are assumed to be beneficial, but tests may also have unintended, negative consequences (Messick, 1989). The issue is particularly important in the case of large-scale standardized tests, such as Australia’s National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), the intended benefits of which are increased accountability and improved educational outcomes. The NAPLAN purpose is comparable to that of other state and national ‘core skills’ testing programs, which evaluate cross-sections of populations in order to compare results between population sub-groupings. Such comparisons underpin ‘accountability’ in the era of population-level testing. This study investigates the impact of NAPLAN testing on one population grouping that is prominent in the NAPLAN results’ comparisons and public reporting: children in remote Indigenous communities. A series of interviews with principals and teachers documents informants’ first-hand experiences of the use and effects of NAPLAN in schools. In the views of most participants, the language and content of the test instruments, the nature of the test engagement, and the test washback have negative impacts on students and staff, with little benefit in terms of the usefulness of the test data. The primary issue is the fact that meaningful participation in the tests depends critically on proficiency in Standard Australian English (SAE) as a first language. This study contributes to the broader discussion of how reform-targeted standardized testing for national populations affects sub-groups who are not treated equitably by the test instrument or reporting for accountability purposes. It highlights a conflict between consequential validity and the notion of accountability that drives reform-targeted testing.

Modelling the impact of varicella vaccination on varicella and zoster

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. KARHUNEN ◽  
T. LEINO ◽  
H. SALO ◽  
I. DAVIDKIN ◽  
T. KILPI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Varicella Vaccine ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Varicella Vaccination ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Serological Data ◽  
Notification Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Case Notification

SUMMARYIt has been suggested that the incidence of herpes zoster may increase due to lack of natural boosting under large-scale vaccination with the varicella vaccine. To study the possibility and magnitude of such negative consequences of mass vaccination, we built a mathematical model of varicella and zoster epidemiology in the Finnish population. The model was based on serological data on varicella infection, case-notification data on zoster, and new knowledge about close contacts relevant to transmission of infection. According to the analysis, a childhood programme against varicella will increase the incidence of zoster by one to more than two thirds in the next 50 years. This will be due to increase in case numbers in the ⩾35 years age groups. However, high vaccine coverage and a two-dose programme will be very effective in stopping varicella transmission in the population.

scholarly journals Local content requirements and the impact on the South African renewable energy sector: A survey-based analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Ettmayr ◽  
Hendrik Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
South African ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Local Content ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Procurement Programme

Background: Economies aim to grow over time, which usually implies the need for increased energy availability. Governments can use their procurement of energy to increase benefits in their economies via certain policy tools. One such tool is local content requirements (LCRs), where the purchase of goods prescribes that a certain value has to be sourced locally. The argument for this tool is that spending is localised and manufacturing, as well as job creation, can be stimulated because industry will need to establish in the host economy. However, this practice is distortionary in effect and does not create a fair playing ground for global trade. Furthermore, if the local content definition is weak, or open to manipulation, the goals of such a policy may not be achieved at all.Aim: The objective of this study was to determine how LCRs would ultimately impact on the overall procurement programme.Setting: This study took place as South Africa commenced with large scale development of the renewable energy sector. This was largely achieved via the State run Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).Method: This study utilised opinion-based surveys to look into the LCRs of South Africa’s REIPPPP and measure the impact of this policy on the renewable energy sector in general. The mixed method approach was utilised to analyse qualitative and quantitative data and this was then triangulated with an international peer group to arrive at certain conclusions. The Delphi Technique was then employed to achieve population consensus on the findings.Results and conclusion: It was found that, in order to implement a policy such as local content without any negative welfare effects, the host economy had to show certain pre-existing conditions. Because South Africa does not hold all supportive pre-conditions, the impact and effect of LCRs have not been optimal, and it has not been found to be a sustainable mechanism to continue using indefinitely. The pricing of renewable energy was also found to be higher due to local content and such pricing is passed on to the energy consumer. The welfare created for South Africa, which should be in a trade-off for the creation of jobs and manufacturing, is therefore diminished and coupled with unsustainability and potential manipulation of the system, the country does not seem to be benefitting as it should be from this specific application of a local content policy.

scholarly journals Analysis-based results on the delineation of prearrangement areas for marine renewable energy installations in the Western Black Sea Basin

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 01009
Author(s):  
Razvan Mateescu ◽  
Elena Vlasceanu ◽  
Liliana Rusu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Black Sea ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Coastal Zone Management ◽  
Coastal Processes ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Marine Renewable Energy ◽  
Zone Management ◽  
Selection Of

The selection of optimum places for installations and suitable solutions for the use of marine renewable energy requires a complex approach as well as a longer period of time and a spatial scale hydrodynamic characterization, which time-limited and local studies are incapable to provide. To that end, the complex monitoring and modelling approach on the evolution of large-scale marine and coastal processes in response to both direct and indirect human intervention and to natural phenomena variability is an increasingly important issue in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and MSP implementation, all over the world. The installation of wave/currents devices within coastal and marine areas involves the knowledge of the physical, economic and social impact of the continuous modification of the marine hydrodynamics, due to the new changes induced in the marine climate. The present work adequately takes into account the combined results of Marine Spatial Planning Directive applications within Western Black Sea Basin (WBSB). The MSP approach allows the selection of efficient areas for the installation of marine waves and currents devices converters (WECs), in relation with the potential environmental impact of adjacent MPAs, taking into account the induced strong variability of renewable devices/convertors on the coastal processes. Recommended areas for the installation of the above-mentioned devices within highly energetic areas asked for a proper response in order to develop a detailed delineation targeting a sustainable coastal protection.

scholarly journals Smart-Grid-Aware Load Regulation of Multiple Datacenters towards the Variable Generation of Renewable Energy

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peicong Luo ◽  
Xiaoying Wang ◽  
Hailong Jin ◽  
Yuling Li ◽  
Xuejiao Yang
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Smart Grid ◽  
Energy Input ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Stochastic Algorithm ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
The Impact

Recently, as renewable and distributed power sources boost, many such resources are integrated into the smart grid as a clean energy input. However, since the generation of renewable energy is intermittent and unstable, the smart grid needs to regulate the load to maintain stability after integrating the renewable energy source. At the same time, with the development of cloud computing, large-scale datacenters are becoming potentially controllable loads for the smart grid due to their high energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an appropriate approach to dynamically adjust the datacenter load to balance the unstable renewable energy input into the grid. This could meet the demand response requirements by taking advantage of the variable power consumption of datacenters. We have examined the scenarios of one or more datacenters being integrated into the grid and adopted a stochastic algorithm to solve the problem we established. The experimental results illustrated that the dynamic load management of multiple datacenters could help the smart grid to reduce losses and thus save operational costs. Besides, we also analyzed the impact of the flexibility and the delay of datacenter actions, which could be applied to more general scenarios in realistic environments. Furthermore, considering the impact of the action delay, we employed a forecasting method to predict renewable energy generation in advance to eliminate the extra losses brought by the delay as much as possible. By predicting solar power generation, the improved results showed that the proposed method was effective and feasible under both sunny and cloudy/rainy/snowy weather conditions.

scholarly journals Impact of Proactive Postsales Service and Cross-Selling Activities on Customer Churn and Service Calls

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan U. Becker ◽  
Martin Spann ◽  
Christian Barrot
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Telecommunications Industry ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Service Failures ◽  
Customer Churn ◽  
Large Scale Field ◽  
Media Types ◽  
The Impact

In recent years, service providers have identified the proactive postsales service (PPS) as a viable measure for preempting service failures and their negative consequences. Due to the high costs associated with PPSs, companies are looking for ways to increase their efficiency. To understand how companies can increase their revenues and lower their costs, this study investigates how cross-selling activities and different media types affect the impact of a PPS on inbound service calls and customer churn. Based on a large-scale field experiment in the telecommunications industry, as well as a controlled lab experiment, the results demonstrate the overall effectiveness of the PPS and indicate two mediating effects. While the effect of cross-selling on customer churn and service calls is mediated by the customers’ uncertainty regarding the company’s motives, it is the customers’ perception of privacy invasion that mediates the influence of the contact medium on the effectiveness of the PPS. Our finding that PPS contacts have to be clear in their message and should not be perceived as invasive is an indication of the importance of service-(post)sales ambidexterity.

scholarly journals Disentangling shock diffusion on complex networks: identification through graph planarity

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudarshan Kumar ◽  
Tiziana Di Matteo ◽  
Anindya S Chakrabarti
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Shock Propagation ◽  
Propagation Mechanism ◽  
Dynamical Process ◽  
Economic Networks ◽  
Closed Loops ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Large Scale Networks ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Large scale networks delineating collective dynamics often exhibit cascading failures across nodes leading to a system-wide collapse. Prominent examples of such phenomena would include collapse on financial and economic networks. Intertwined nature of the dynamics of nodes in such network makes it difficult to disentangle the source and destination of a shock that percolates through the network, a property known as reflexivity. In this article, we propose a novel methodology by combining vector autoregression with an unique identification restrictions obtained from the topological structure of the network to uniquely characterize cascades. In particular, we show that planarity of the network allows us to statistically estimate a dynamical process consistent with the observed network and thereby uniquely identify a path for shock propagation from any chosen epicentre to all other nodes in the network. We analyse the distress propagation mechanism in closed loops giving rise to a detailed picture of the effect of feedback loops in transmitting shocks. We show usefulness and applications of the algorithm in two networks with dynamics at different time-scales: worldwide GDP growth network and stock network. In both cases, we observe that the model predicts the impact of the shocks emanating from the USA would be concentrated within the cluster of developed countries and the developing countries show very muted response, which is consistent with empirical observations over the past decade.

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