scholarly journals Environmental and Social Dynamics of Urban Rooftop Agriculture (URTA) and Their Impacts on Microclimate Change

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9053
Author(s):  
Musammat Shahinara Begum ◽  
Sujit Kumar Bala ◽  
A.K.M. Saiful Islam ◽  
Debjit Roy
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Concentration ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Bottle Gourd ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Water Spinach ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Rooftop Agriculture

Urban cities are facing the challenges of microclimatic changes with substantially warmer environments and much less access to fresh vegetables for a healthier food supply than in adjacent rural areas. In this respect, urban rooftop agriculture is considered as a green technology for city dwellers and the community to attain environmental and socioeconomic benefits in a city. For this purpose, a roof top of 216 square meters was selected as an experimental plot where 70% of the area was covered with the selected crops (Tomato, Brinjal, Chili, Bottle Gourd and Leafy vegetables such as Spinach, Red Spinach and Water Spinach; they were cultivated under fencing panels of Bottle Gourd). The microclimatic parameters such as air temperature, near roof surface temperature, indoor temperature and relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration from different locations of the agricultural roof and from nearby bare roofs were observed during the whole experimental period (November 2018–May 2019). Five existing rooftop gardens with green area coverages of 40, 50, 60, 80, and 85% were selected, and 5 bare nearby roofs were also selected through field visits and questionnaire surveys of 200 existing rooftop gardens. The air and ambient temperature, cooling degree day and energy saving trends were assessed for the selected roofs. The economic assessment was carried out through the net present value and internal rate of return approach of urban rooftop agriculutre. The results showed that the temperature was reduced from 1.2 to 5.5% in different area coverages of agricultural roofs with plants compared to the nearest bare roofs. For the time being, the cooling load was decreased from 3.62 to 23.73%, and energy saving was increased significantly from 5.87 to 55.63% for agricultural roofs compared to bare roofs. The study suggested that the value of urban rooftop agriculture was high environmentally and economically compared to the traditional bare roof, which would be an added amenity by the city dweller’s individual motivations and state interests, and it could be aligned to achieve a more sustainable city.

scholarly journals SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2189
Author(s):  
Cesare Caputo ◽  
Ondřej Mašek
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Tracking Error ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Pyrolysis Unit

Energy access and waste management are two of the most pressing developmental and environmental issues on a global level to help mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change. They are particularly relevant in Sub–Saharan Africa where electrification rates are significantly below global averages and rural areas are lacking a formal waste management sector. This paper explores the potential of integrating solar energy into a biomass pyrolysis unit as a potentially synergetic solution to both issues. The full design of a slow pyrolysis batch reactor targeted at biochar production, following a strict cost minimization approach, is presented in light of the relevant considerations. SPEAR is powered using a Cassegrain optics parabolic dish system, integrated into the reactor via a manual tracking system and optically optimized with a Monte-Carlo ray tracing methodology. The design approach employed has led to the development an overall cost efficient system, with the potential to achieve optical efficiencies up 72% under a 1.5° tracking error. The outputs of the system are biochar and electricity, to be used for soil amendment and energy access purposes, respectively. There is potential to pyrolyze a number of agricultural waste streams for the region, producing at least 5 kg of biochar per unit per day depending on the feedstock employed. Financial assessment of SPEAR yields a positive Net Present Value (NPV) in nearly all scenarios evaluated and a reasonable competitiveness with small scale solar for electrification objectives. Finally, SPEAR presents important positive social and environmental externalities and should be feasibly implementable in the region in the near term.

scholarly journals Potential Risk of Consuming Vegetables Planted in Soil with Lead and Cadmium and the Influence on Vegetable Antioxidant Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 3761
Author(s):  
Wen-Lii Huang ◽  
Wei-Hsiang Chang ◽  
Shu-Fen Cheng ◽  
Huai-Yuan Li ◽  
Hsiu-Ling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Water Spinach ◽  
Potato Leaf ◽  
Cd Accumulation ◽  
Lead And Cadmium ◽  
Cd Exposure

Once in soil and water, metals can enter the food chain, and the consumption of contaminated crops can pose a serious risk to human health. This study used pot experiments to evaluate the accumulation of metal elements and their influence on levels of antioxidants in vegetables. The current study clearly demonstrates that metals accumulated in the five vegetables that were planted in the contaminated soils, especially so for water spinach. Cd accumulation of all of the vegetables planted in the contaminated soils was greater Cu. The low accumulation rate that was seen in sweet potato leaf, potato, and tomato indicated their suitability for planting in suspected contaminated soil, such as at farms nearby metal industries, in replacement of high accumulators, such as leafy vegetables. The non-carcinogenic HI of Cd exposure from water spinach and sweet potato were >1, whereas those for Cu were <1. This study suggests that residents may experience health risks due to vegetable consumption, and that children are vulnerable to the adverse effects of heavy metal ingestion.

Serum Retinol of Chadian Nomadic Pastoralist Women in Relation to their Livestocks’ Milk Retinol and beta-Carotene Content

2002 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Zinsstag ◽  
Esther Schelling ◽  
Saada Daoud ◽  
Josef Schierle ◽  
Peter Hofmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Human Serum ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralists ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralist

Human serum retinol and livestock milk retinol levels were assessed as part of a study on the health status of Chadian nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in close partnership between Chadian public health and livestock institutions. Of the examined women (n = 99), 43% were moderately retinol-deficient (0.35 mol/L < × < 0.7 mol/L 95% CI; 33–54%), and 17% severely retinol-deficient (< 0.35 mol/L 95% CI; 10–26 %). None of the interviewed women (n = 87) reported the consumption of fruit, and only two of fresh vegetables were reported consumed in the past 24 hours. Milk is the almost exclusive source of vitamin A for these populations. Goats (n = 6) had the highest average milk retinol level (329 ± 84 mug/kg [mean ± SEM]), followed by cattle (n = 25; 247 ± 32 mug/kg), and camels (n = 12; 120 ± 18 mug/kg). Milk retinol levels did not differ between the rainy and dry seasons. Human serum retinol depends significantly on livestock milk retinol levels (partial slope 0.23; 95% CI: 0.008–0.47). Our study supports the use of goat and cow milk as an important source of vitamin A in pastoral nomadic settings. However, the levels still require to be complemented further by promoting green leafy vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

scholarly journals Modeling Nearly Zero Energy Buildings for Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Khakian ◽  
Mehrdad Karimimoshaver ◽  
Farshid Aram ◽  
Soghra Zoroufchi Benis ◽  
Amir Mosavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Payback Period ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Multiple Parameters ◽  
Shading Devices ◽  
The Impact

The energy performance of buildings and energy-saving measures have been widely investigated in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to buildings located in rural areas. The aim of this study is to assess the energy performance of two-story residential buildings located in the mountainous village of Palangan in Iran and to evaluate the impact of multiple parameters, namely building orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), glazing type, shading devices, and insulation, on its energy performance. To attain a nearly zero energy building design in rural areas, the building is equipped with photovoltaic modules. The proposed building design is then economically evaluated to ensure its viability. The findings indicate that an energy saving of 29% can be achieved compared to conventional buildings, and over 22 MWh of electricity can be produced on an annual basis. The payback period is assessed at 21.7 years. However, energy subsidies are projected to be eliminated in the near future, which in turn may reduce the payback period.

Technical and Economic Assessment on Various Energy-Saving Reconstruction of Public Buildings

2013 ◽  
Vol 368-370 ◽  
pp. 1289-1295
Author(s):  
Ren Jun ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
Xiang Yang Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Public Buildings ◽  
Benefit Ratio ◽  
Financial Assessment ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio

The Paper, based on the theory of technical and economic assessment, puts forward to make financial assessment (on net present value, payback time, risk-benefit ratio, etc.) as the economic control index in accordance with the ideology of entire life cycle during the energy-saving reconstruction of public buildings. Then the Paper makes analysis on cost-benefit ratio of energy-saving reconstruction measures taken on various parts and equipment of outer protective structure, finds out approaches to energy-saving reconstruction with high efficiency, and finally adopts the method of sensitivity analysis on individual energy-saving reconstruction measures to further optimize reconstruction plan, thus improving economic benefits of energy saving.

Development of Production and Investment Measures for Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency in Rural Areas

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1251
Author(s):  
Kaparov Nurtaza MARATOVICH ◽  
Zhibek OMARKHANOVA ◽  
Rakhisheva Aida BEKARYSOVNA ◽  
Saulebaevna Saule SAPARBAYEVA ◽  
Zakirova Dilnara IKRAMKHANOVNA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Electric Power Industry ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Energy Audit ◽  
Additional Energy

The relevance of the research topic is that energy-saving is the key element of modern energy development in the country. In Kazakhstan, energy-saving, and improving the energy efficiency of agriculture is currently a priority task that will solve energy, environmental and economic problems. Without a solution to these problems, the country's development will inevitably hold back. The head of state in the field of energy conservation has set a goal to reduce the energy intensity of the gross domestic product by at least 25% by 2020, and annual energy-savings of 3.5% after 2020. Industry in rural areas consumes more than 70 % of all electricity. As part of the comprehensive plan, their energy audit was conducted 50/50 (50 % of the financing is the enterprises' funds, the remaining 50 % is the state budget). As a result of the energy audit, systematic measures were developed to reduce the energy intensity of the industry, including the electric power industry. Large unproductive losses of energy resources are in the private sector, in this connection, since 2019, the energy audit of JSC "Kazakhstan center for modernization and development of housing and communal services (housing and communal services)" is conducted on budget funds in the private sector. Energy conservation is one of the most important and strategic tasks of the country. Rapidly developing production requires additional energy costs. This is confirmed by the annual increase in energy tariffs. In turn, resources are not unlimited, and their irrational consumption will inevitably lead to not only economic but also to an environmental crisis.

Business valuation strategy for new hydroponic farm development – a proposal towards sustainable agriculture development in United Arab Emirates

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyanendra Singh Sisodia ◽  
Raweya Alshamsi ◽  
Bruno S. Sergi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Real Options ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Present Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Options Approach ◽  
Fresh Vegetables

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate a hydroponic farm (through nutrient film technique) while considering uncertainty, sustainability and the system's utility in the dominant desert geography. The idea of the hydroponic farm is to allow individuals/businesses to grow plants. Given the geographical condition, the hydroponic system may be useful in the Gulf context and may lead to food security and sustainability. Additionally, the UAE government has initiated several support schemes that can be availed for investing in such businesses that can contribute to the nation's food security.Design/methodology/approachThe hydroponic farm is evaluated using the net present value and real options approach. The authors studied five scenarios: 1. business as usual, 2. 50% subsidy on initial investment through Khalifa funding, 3. 4% premium, 4. Subsidy plus premium and 5. solar panel installation with bore well.FindingsAs per the assumptions and data usage, all the scenarios shows a positive net present value (NPV); Nevertheless, scenarios 4 and 5 report the significant highest net present and delay value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has environmental, economic and social implications. Lower imports indirectly lead to lower carbon footprints. The local production of food ensures higher employability in the sector and increase in local consumption. Additionally, fresh food consumption is directly associated to good health.Practical implicationsSupportive policies such as subsidies through Khalifa funding may accelerate the expansion of such projects through domestic and foreign investments. One of the important takeaway from the study is to invest in the training of the workforce.Social implicationsGiven the geographical condition, the UAE usually depends on food imports. If the hydroponic farms become popular, the residents will have access to fresh vegetables and fruits. Higher engagement in agriculture activities also ensures a significant increase in agriculture-related businesses and higher employability.Originality/valueThe study adds novelty to the literature because the effect of Khalifa funding and investment analysis on solar (wells) has not been evaluated in any hydroponic studies. We presented the results with tornado graphs using NPV risk and real options approach in the Gulf context. The study represents functional scenarios that were previously not found in the literature.

scholarly journals Community Assessment of Availability, Consumption, and Cultural Acceptability of Food Sources of (PRO)Vitamin A: Toward the Development of a Dietary Intervention among Preschool Children in Rural Burkina Faso

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance P. Nana ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Noel-Marie Zagré ◽  
Frans J. Kok ◽  
Alfred S. Traoré
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables

Background Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in the developing world. Dietary diversification is a promising strategy that needs to be explored to strengthen the country's ongoing supplementation program. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify locally available and acceptable (pro)vitamin A–rich foods to be included in a dietary intervention addressing vitamin A deficiency in children aged six months to three years. Methods A food ethnographic study combining recall methods, observation, and focused group discussion was conducted in the dry and rainy seasons. Thirty-five mother–child pairs were randomly selected and included in the study. Results The dietary pattern of children was characterized by low diversity with extremely low energy and vitamin A intake in both seasons. The study identified the availability of numerous (pro)vitamin A–rich foods, but these foods are either not consumed or consumed by few in low amounts and/or in low frequencies. The main constraining factors identified are related to financial accessibility (for liver), seasonal availability (for egg, milk, mango, papaya, and green leafy vegetables), and beliefs related to consumption and preparation (for green leafy vegetables). However, the study also revealed that the study population associated all identified (pro)vitamin A–rich foods with positive attributes such as health, strength, and vitamin richness, which might offer an entry point for designing and implementing dietary interventions. Conclusions Based on the findings of this formative research, intervention strategies with mango and liver are proposed to improve the vitamin A intake and status of children in the rural areas of Burkina Faso.

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