Amount Of Savings Research Articles

Why do people dislike inflation? The role of missing debt erosion channel

ABSTRACT This paper conducts a survey on the preferred inflation rates among Japanese consumers. People’s optimal inflation rate is −0.55% on average, which is below the 2% target of the Bank of Japan. To delve deeper into the cause of people’s aversion to inflation, this paper conducts an information provision experiment with three group. While the two treatment groups are provided with information that inflation could erode the amount of savings or debt, the control group is not provided with any information about erosion. We then examine the impact of the information provision on people’s optimal inflation rate. The findings are as follows. First, providing information on debt erosion increases people’s optimal inflation rate by about one percentage point. Second, the above is only observed among debt holders, particularly high debt holders. Third, providing information on savings erosion does not significantly affect people’s optimal inflation rate, even for those with high savings. These results suggest that the failure to understand the debt erosion channel of inflation could partly explain people’s aversion to inflation.

Electricity Bill Savings from Reduced Household Energy Consumption in Apartment Complexes

Apartments account for 64.6% of all housing units in the Republic of Korea, and most of them receive electricity under a contract, which includes a progressive rate plan. Recently, due to the electrification of energy used in homes and the growing adoption of electric vehicles, electricity consumption in apartment complexes has been gradually increasing. Given the characteristics of the progressive rate system, an increase in electricity usage results in a significant higher rise in electricity bills. Thus, an effective alternative is required to reduce electricity bills for each household. In this paper, the savings in electricity bills achieved by reducing household electricity usage are analyzed from both apartment complex and individual household perspectives, using metering data from 13,332 households. When households are sorted by the amount of savings in descending order, the resulting values are found to follow a negative exponential curve. This indicates that the benefits from reducing electricity usage in households with higher saving are significantly larger compared to other ones. We analyzed bill savings when electricity usage reductions were selectively applied to the top 10%, 20%, and 30% of households with the largest savings. From the results, it is found that the largest savings in electricity bills for households are achieved when usage reductions are applied to the top 10% of households. It is expected that this amount of savings would encourage these households to reduce their electricity consumption. Additionally, it is found that the savings for apartment complexes and the total savings for selected households are not the same, resulting in changes in the bills for households that do not reduce their usage. From the results, it was observed that when the usage reduction of selected households is small or the proportion of households reducing usage is low, the common area charges for non-reducing households tend to increase, leading to higher electricity bills. On the contrary, when the usage reduction of selected households is large or the proportion of households reducing usage is high, the common area charges for non-reducing households tend to decrease, resulting in lower electricity bills.

Private banking market developments: Evidence from Hungary

Private banking institutions serve the financial sector’s wealthiest clientele via a dedicated value proposition. Based on the relevant tendencies and statistics, a remarkable expansion can be outlined since the mid-1990s. The aim of this study is to elaborate the Hungarian private banking market’s development as a case study. The paper also intends to add to the literature on this unique segment of the financial market. Based on the available statistics, the analysis primarily focuses on the Hungarian private banking market’s rapid development process. This can be underpinned by the clientele’s savings, number of accounts and respective segmentation limits of the institutions. Referring to the amount of savings, a correlation analysis indicates significant co-movements with specific social and economic variables. The growth rate of the Hungarian clientele’s savings outperformed the respective indicator in Western Europe during the review time period (2007–2020). The current paper also includes a section that summarises general challenges that private banking managers need to address during the development process. Generally, the literature on private banking can still be considered scarce, whereas there is a lack of studies on the Central-Eastern European region. The analysis of the Hungarian sector’s development path can serve with relevant information to any financial expert in the field.

Potential and Challenges in Adapting Green Behavior Towards Energy-Efficient Educational Building (Case Study: i-CELL FTUI)

Abstract The amount of energy consumption in the building sector has led to the concept of green buildings. This concept is more familiar with focusing on technical aspects, where, in fact, the factor that causes the amount of energy consumption comes from the human factor. This paper aims to examine green behavior in the consumption of electrical energy in green buildings. The case study used is the FTUI i-CELL Building, which is a green building. The method used is a literature study and a questionnaire to find the potential for behavior change, savings, and challenges or obstacles from the perspective of users and managers. Based on the study’s results, the building users’ role can provide potential savings in the coverage of cooling, lighting, and electrical equipment that is greater than that of the manager. it was found that green behavior by users of the building could save 26.60%-36.55% of the energy consumption, whereas behavior by building managers only saved 8.73%-23.67%. Even so, both of them still have to work together to achieve savings in electricity consumption through green behavior. This is because the manager has an important role, such as equipment maintenance, which can affect electricity consumption. In addition, in achieving potential savings, both users and managers experience challenges or obstacles in terms of knowledge, norms, and perceptions of control that shape green behavior in electricity consumption. Suggestions for further development are adding simulation to determine the amount of savings and identify the correlation and significance of knowledge, norms, and perceptions of control that play a role in shaping green behavior.

Optimization of combined algorithms control electric drives of installations natural gas cooling

The relevance of the problem of reducing energy consumption by electric drives of natural gas cooling units at compressor stations of main gas pipelines is substantiated. The possibility of solving this problem with the help of a combined control system containing two groups of gas air cooling devices is considered: with continuously and discretely controlled speed of electric fan drives. An algorithm for control that is optimal according to the criterion of maximum power savings is obtained, taking into account the peculiarities of temperature distribution along the length of the heat exchanger of the cooling apparatus. It is shown that under conditions of restrictions on control actions, the optimal control algorithm consists of several intervals. Relationships were obtained for calculating the optimal speed of electric fan drives of the first group, the number of switched on electric fan drives of devices of the second group, and power savings at individual control intervals. The influence of the number of devices with continuous fan speed control on the amount of power savings was assessed. The possibility of using a simplified methodology for assessing energy savings based on average indicators of the operating mode of a cooling installation is discussed.

Assessing Building Energy Savings and the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential of Green Roofs in Shanghai Using a GIS-Based Approach

Climate change can significantly affect building energy use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas, as fossil fuels remain a significant energy source. Green roofs can offer multiple benefits to the urban environment, but their effects on GHG mitigation have not been fully investigated, especially under climate change. This study assessed green roofs’ contribution to GHG mitigation by saving building energy and absorbing CO2 under the present (2017–2019) and future (2049–2051) climate scenarios (SSP2-45 and SSP5-85) in Shanghai, China, at the city and township scale. A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial statistical method was developed based on climate change modeling and building energy simulation. The results suggested that installing green roofs can effectively save building energy regardless of building type, yet the amount of savings can vary depending on the weather conditions within the city. The contribution analysis indicated that most saved building energy was attributed to the Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system, with more energy saved under warmer climate scenarios in the future, particularly during the summer months. More energy was saved from shopping malls on an annual and monthly scale, regardless of the climate scenarios and weather zones. Finally, a case study indicated installing green roofs on all five types of buildings (office, hotel, hospital, shopping mall, apartment) of less than 50 m in height can reduce 8.28% of the CO2 emitted during the building operation stage in the entire city under the present climate scenario. The annual CO2 reduction varied with the location of townships, ranging from 2.18% to 13.78%, depending on the composition of building types and local weather conditions in Shanghai. This study offered policymakers a reference on the environmental benefits and investment values of installing green roofs in large cities.

Field-grown lettuce production optimized through precision irrigation water management using soil moisture-based capacitance sensors and biodegradable soil mulching

AbstractScientists, environmentalists, and farmers are currently in pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices that can effectively ensure global food security while simultaneously mitigating environmental degradation. A field experiment was conducted to elucidate the impact of low-cost capacitance soil moisture-based sensors on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) irrigation water conservation, agro-physiological aspects, and nutritional characteristics. The experiment also involved the use of five different types of soil mulching films: white geotextile (WGup), green geotextile (GGup), black plastic (BPup), white geotextile for both above and below ground (WGup-down), green geotextile for both above and below ground (GGup-down), in addition to un-mulched soil (control). The findings demonstrated that the application of WGup, BPup, WGup&down, and GGup&down resulted in a significant improvement in irrigation water conservation, with WGup exhibiting the highest savings at 41.86%, while the control group exhibited the least amount of water savings at 19.87%. Moreover, the highest productivity levels were observed in plants mulched with GGup&down, reaching 47,944.68 kg ha−1, whereas the lowest productivity was recorded in plants mulched with green geotextile GGup at 22,377.89 kg ha−1. In terms of irrigation water productivity (IWP), the order of effectiveness was BPup > GGup-down > WGup > WGup-down > GGup > Control, with BPup achieving the highest IWP at 60.19 kg m−3 and the control treatment reporting the lowest at 27.80 kg m−3. The percentage of the irrigation water applied for crop evapotranspiration (Irc) showed that the control treatment saved the least amount of irrigation water, saving only 19.87%, while the best treatment was WGup, achieved the highest percentage of irrigation water savings at 41.86%. Additionally, mulched plants exhibited higher levels of nutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn), ascorbic acid (AsA), and total phenol content (TPC), while showing lower nitrate content in the leaves compared to non-mulched plants. Overall, the utilization of soil moisture-based capacitance sensors and biodegradable mulching films has proven to be highly effective and low cost by 16.633 US$ year−1 to enhance irrigation water productivity, growth performance, nutritional quality, and overall productivity of lettuce crops, thereby contributing to the sustainability of lettuce production in arid regions.

On the dynamics of a financial system with the effect financial information

This study aims to investigate a financial system consisting of four ordinary differential equations associated with the rate of interest, investment demand, price index, and the density of financial information gained by the population. The equilibrium and local stability of the system are investigated numerically. The impact of saving amounts and the rate of investment demand increases after getting financial information on the system are discussed. The findings of the study are verified graphically. It is found that the system becomes stable if the rate of investment demand increases after getting financial information kept at a certain level, such that the savings amount is maintained at a higher level. Also, the bifurcation diagrams of the system for various significant parameters that affect the system’s stability have been depicted.

ANALISIS YURIDIS BESARAN SIMPANAN PESERTA TAPERA BERDASARKAN PERATURAN PEMERINTAH TENTANG PENYELENGGARAAN TABUNGAN PERUMAHAN RAKYAT

This research analyzes the Indonesian government's policy regarding the amount of savings for Public Housing Savings (Tapera) participants based on Government Regulation Number 21 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Government Regulation Number 25 of 2020. This research uses a regulatory and conceptual approach, as well as a normative type of research. The Tapera policy aims to provide low-cost, long-term funds to meet the community's adequate housing needs. However, the contribution amount of 3% of salary, which is 2.5% borne by workers and 0.5% by employers, is considered burdensome for workers. In addition, Tapera benefits are limited to owning, building or repairing a first home, which creates benefits for participants. The research results show that this policy, although well-intentioned, does not fully take into account the additional burden on low-fatality workers and is not commensurate with the expected benefits. The government needs to review the amount of contributions and improve the Tapera management mechanism to ensure fairer and more equitable benefits for all participants.

IoT-based Smart Piggy Bank Design Implementation Using RFID and Telegram Notification

Saving is one of the most important things in financial management. Saving is beneficial for the long term for life. In the conventional way, people can save in a closed container or generally use an object called a piggy bank. However, there are still many shortcomings of the current conventional piggy bank, such as having to be disassembled to take the money and it is difficult to monitor the amount of savings in it so that it can only be used once. With the help of technology, these conventional tools can be used better and more efficiently. This smart piggy bank can be integrated with the Telegram when money is inserted so that it becomes more monitored in saving. The money inserted is detected by infrared sensors and color sensors which are then accumulated and sent via Telegram. Previously, there has been similar research in using sensors to detect money and send notifications based on the Internet of Things. This research aims to develop the existing research by integrating some of its features. Testing was conducted using the Black Box method, focusing on the functionality of the device. As a result, the money inserted into the piggy bank can be accumulated properly and monitored via Telegram with a calculation according to the amount of money inserted and can be used by many people because it uses an RFID card that contains user data and savings so that it becomes more efficient and recorded.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Financial inclusion is the expanding outreach of banking or financial services at an affordable cost to a vast section of disadvantaged groups of society which may provide them a financial cushion for their sustenance as well as social empowerment. In India where women constitute 46% of total population majority of them are denied to opportunities and rights due to their financial dependence. Financial inclusion is much needed for women as it helps in increasing amount of regular savings along with enabling women to pay for micro insurance and obtain credit. It also helps in increasing income from employment and micro enterprise, usage of mainstream banking services that offer appropriate designed products and service. In other words, financial inclusion makes women informed about their role and right in economic development to improve access to markets and other information for overall empowerment. By helping women to meet their practical needs, micro finance may help women to gain respect and achieve more in their socially defined roles along with wellbeing. This paper mainly deals with-Importance of women’s financial inclusion, Women’s specific financial needs in respect to men’s, Functions of finance and role of women, Growth, development and financial inclusion, financial literacy as a tool for women empowerment, Institutional framework in India for financial education, Economic and socia development of women and financial inclusion, Gender inequality and lack of access to financial services, Certain issues and aspects related with financial inclusion and women empowerment. The paper calls for women empowerment by means of effective financial inclusion and financial literacy by studying the relationship between women empowerment and financial inclusion.

Financial toxicity and unmet essential needs in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

3527 Background: Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers face complex, multimodality treatment and often experience financial toxicity (FT), which can negatively affect both psychosocial and oncologic outcomes. Despite increased recognition of the role of the social determinants of health in driving cancer disparities, best practices in screening for FT and assessment of unmet essential needs in this population is still unknown. Methods: From 6/2022-8/2023, cross-sectional FT assessments were conducted at a comprehensive cancer center for all patients with gastrointestinal cancers. The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) assessed FT; ability to meet essential needs, financial concerns, and quality of life (QOL) were also queried. Multivariate linear and logistic regression tested for predictors of FT and unmet needs and were adjusted for patient and clinical characteristics. Results: There were 8,335 patients with GI cancers who completed the FT and essential needs assessment. Mean age was 63.0 years (SD 12.6) and 76% were non-Hispanic white (NHW). GI subsites were most commonly colon (29%), rectum (21%), and pancreas (18%). 54% had active cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) within 120 days of assessment. Mean COST score was 24.3 (SD 10.7; scale 0-44, lower scores indicate worse FT). 63% had COST <26 diagnostic of FT. Regression analysis found greater FT was associated with non-NHW race/ethnicity (β 4.43, P<0.001), advanced disease [stage III (β 1.34, P<0.001), stage IV (β 1.68, P<0.001)], and recent treatment (β 3.23, P<0.001). Patients ≥65 years had lower FT (β -3.67, p<0.001). 28% reported difficulty meeting an essential need including paying for transportation (12%), housing (12%), food (11%), and medications (11%). Regression analysis found unmet needs were associated with non-NHW race/ethnicity (OR 2.34, 95% CI 2.09-2.62, p<0.001), advanced disease [stage III (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.49, p=0.002), stage IV (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.49, p=0.003)] and recent treatment (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.39, p<0.001). FT and unmet needs did not vary significantly by disease subsite. 26% reported using savings to pay for cancer treatment; an additional 7% had no savings to begin with. 10% took less medications than prescribed due to cost. Mean QOL score was 7.2 [(SD 2.0) 0 “as bad as it can be” to 10 “as good as it can be”]. Regression analyses found greater FT was associated with lower QOL (β -0.98, p<0.001), increased amount of savings to pay for treatment (β 0.48, p<0.001), and taking less medications than prescribed due to cost (β 0.11, p<0.001). Conclusions: Screening for FT and essential needs is possible in a diverse cohort of patients with GI cancers. Over half were identified to have FT and over one fourth had unmet essential needs. Identifying and addressing the financial burdens of cancer treatment and essential needs may improve QOL, medication adherence, and cancer survivorship.

МОДЕЛІ БІЗНЕСУ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ ОЩАДНИХ БАНКІВ

In the banking system, savings banks represent a special component, as they form their resource base mainly due to the accumulation of population savings. Problem Statement. Ukrainian savings banks are a factor in ensuring financial stability, but at the same time they are vulnerable to depositors’ panic in conditions of systemic stresses. Therefore, the analysis of their activities is important for understanding the prospects of the banking system. Savings banks in Ukraine differ significantly in scale and level of business technology. Leading savings banks are planned by the state for privatization, so they are designed to improve their investment attractiveness, at the same time, the status of state ownership gives such banks additional advantages in the market. The purpose is a comparative analysis of the business models of savings banks in Ukraine and the behavior of such banks on the market. Methods. The authors used the methods of comparative analysis, logical generalization, analysis and synthesis. Results. In Ukraine, savings banks are divided by origin into two categories ( state and private capital), and by a business model into those, focused on lending to business clients and those with a balanced composition of the loan portfolio. The monopoly of the state bank was broken by the entry of banks with private capital to the market. Savings banks are identified based on the ratio of funds raised by individuals to the total amount of balances on customer accounts. A blueprint of two business models for the savings bank segment was built, the structure of assets and liabilities, the development of the branch network and market positions in terms of deposits were compared. The analysis of the efficiency of a sample of savings banks was carried out and compared with the indicators of the banking system (profitability, return on operating expenses, profitability of the loan portfolio, cost of funds of individuals, the branching of branch network), as well as the impact of the business model on the investment attractiveness of banks was assessed, the volumes of savings and allocation of funds in loans to individuals were compared. Conclusions. The research made it possible to identify a specific group of banks with heterogeneous business models: firstly, banks that use public funds mainly to finance business clients, secondly, banks that have a relatively balanced credit portfolio for individuals and legal entities. The segment of Ukrainian savings banks is clearly dominated by two large state-owned banks, and given the state of war and citizens' trust in the state itself, there is no reason to expect a change in leaders. Digitization of products and processes will allow savings banks to compensate for the reduction of the branch network, but other banks also take advantage of this opportunity. and return on investment in technological innovation projects will bring effect in the medium term. To a large extent, the amount of savings accumulated by banks depends on two factors - customer trust and assessment of service quality. Savings bank managers should pay primary attention to this. Excessively high dependence of banks on the funds of individuals can be considered as a disadvantage, rather than as an advantage, if a bank itself works inefficiently.

Study on the Impact of Exercise Prescription on Medical Insurance Cost Control

This study examines the role of exercise prescriptions in controlling medical insurance costs amidst the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising healthcare expenses. Exercise prescriptions are customized physical activity plans issued by healthcare professionals that aim to improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative data from electronic health records (EHRs) with qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups involving healthcare providers, patients, and insurance professionals. The quantitative analysis shows significant health improvements among patients with exercise prescriptions, including a 20% reduction in hospitalization rates and a 15% decrease in medication usage. The cost-benefit analysis suggests that the annual cost of implementing an exercise prescription program is approximately $150,000, whereas the resulting healthcare savings amount to $250,000, leading to a net saving of $100,000. Participants in these programs also see a 12% reduction in insurance premiums due to decreased healthcare utilization and improved health outcomes. Qualitative insights highlight better patient engagement, stronger provider-patient relationships, and perceived benefits like enhanced physical fitness and more effective chronic disease management. However, challenges such as limited resources and insufficient coverage for exercise prescription services are noted. Case studies from the United Kingdom and the United States affirm the cost-effectiveness of exercise prescriptions, displaying significant health benefits and financial savings. The study concludes that exercise prescriptions are a cost-effective strategy for managing chronic diseases and reducing healthcare costs. It recommends integrating exercise prescriptions into routine clinical practice and supporting their adoption through strategic policies and incentives, paving the way for substantial health and economic gains for healthcare systems. Further research should investigate the long-term effects and ways to improve patient adherence to exercise prescriptions.

Optimalisasi Rute Dan Biaya Distribusi Menggunakan Metode Saving Matrix Dan Metode Traveling Salesman Problem (Tsp) Pada Depot Air Minum Splazz

Splazz drinking water depot is a refill drinking water depot and drinking water supplier in the Yogyakarta area which has a distribution/delivery route for drinking water to consumers in several different locations. The distribution carried out does not take into account optimal routes so that the costs incurred in distribution are not optimal. By Therefore, research was carried out at the Splazz drinking water depot to optimize routes and costs for distributing drinking water to consumers using the saving matrix method and the branch and bound method. The initial route for the distribution/delivery of drinking water carried out at depots based on days from the data collected shows a total distance of 66.6 Km to 35 delivery points. Processing the data using two different methods resulted in a route saving of 16 - 18% of the delivery distance with a total distance savings of 54.9 Km for the saving matrix method and 55.8 Km for the branch and bound method, the distribution vehicle used uses a modified motorbike with a carrying capacity of 5 gallons. Then calculate the amount of cost savings after saving the distance on the distribution/delivery routes, resulting in fuel cost savings of 16 – 17%.

Pengaruh Modal Sendiri, Total Aset, Volume Usaha, Jumlah Anggota dan Modal Luar terhadap Sisa Hasil Usaha Koperasi Simpan Pinjam

This research aims to determine the influence of own capital, total assets, business volume, members and outside capital on the remaining business results in Savings and Loans Cooperatives. Sampling in this research used a purposive sampling method by analyzing 32 cooperatives from 83 Savings and Loans Cooperatives in Banyumas Regency from 2019-2022. Data analysis was carried out using the multiple linear regression method. The results of this research show that the variables of own capital, business volume, have a positive and significant effect on the remaining business results, while the variables total assets, members, external capital do not have a significant effect on the remaining business results. The research results showethat own capital is a variable that has a relatively large influence on the remaining business results, so it is best for savings and loan cooperatives to maintain the condition of their own capital structure, and try to develop their members so that members increase the amount of principal savings and mandatory savings, so that they can increase their own capital.

Enhancing the efficiency of a gas-fueled reheating furnace of the steelmaking industry: assessment and improvement

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a Brazilian steelmaking company’s reheating process of the hot rolling mill.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is a quantitative modeling. The main research techniques are data envelopment analysis, TOBIT regression and simulation supported by artificial neural networks. The model’s input and output variables consist of the average billet weight, number of billets processed in a batch, gas consumption, thermal efficiency, backlog and production yield within a specific period. The analysis spans 20 months.FindingsThe key findings include an average current efficiency of 81%, identification of influential variables (average billet weight, billet count and gas consumption) and simulated analysis. Among the simulated scenarios, the most promising achieved an average efficiency of 95% through increased equipment availability and billet size.Practical implicationsAdditional favorable simulated scenarios entail the utilization of higher pre-reheating temperatures for cold billets, representing a large amount of savings in gas consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions.Originality/valueThis study’s primary innovation lies in providing steelmaking practitioners with a systematic approach to evaluating and enhancing the efficiency of reheating processes.

Impact of a pharmacy-driven culture callback protocol on antimicrobial therapy optimization in the emergency department

BackgroundTimely assessment of cultures for discharged patients from the emergency department (ED) is crucial for quality patient care and safety outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a standardized pharmacy-driven culture callback protocol on antimicrobial therapy optimization for patients discharged from the ED with positive urine, blood, or sexually transmitted infection (STI) cultures. ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a pharmacy-driven culture callback process on antimicrobial therapy optimization in the ED. MethodsThis study was a single-centered, institutional review board-exempt quality improvement project conducted in the ED of an acute care facility. Patients were included if they were at least 18 years old and were discharged from the ED with positive cultures collected for suspected urinary, sexually transmitted, or bloodstream infections. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving optimal therapy after the culture callback was completed. Secondary outcomes included time from culture results to review by nursing or pharmacy, return visits to the ED and admissions within 30 days due to infection, and total pharmacist time spent reviewing cultures. ResultsWhen assessing 200 cultures, optimal therapy was greater in the postintervention group compared to the preintervention group (49 vs. 33; P = 0.021). Combined optimal and appropriate therapy was greater in the postintervention group (60 vs. 78; P = 0.006). There was no significant difference for other secondary endpoints; however, there was a great amount of time savings for nursing and providers. ConclusionThis study demonstrated an increase in optimal therapy for urinary and STIs with a pharmacy-driven culture callback protocol.

Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of Poultry Houses in Türkiye

Türkiye is an important producer, consumer and exporter in the poultry farming industry across the world. The poultry farming is one of the fastest growing sectors in the field of food and agriculture and has become one of the strongest sectors over time. Especially with the development of industrial sectors, the effective usage and management of energy, which is the most important issue of almost every business, has recently become an important structure in the building sector in Türkiye. This study examined optimum insulation layer thickness, energy savings, and emissions of CO2 for the exterior walls and roofs of poultry farming facilities. The study used the degree day method, which is widely used in standard insulation calculations, in accordance with broiler production. As the equilibrium temperature, the desired temperature values of broilers for each week in the 6-week period were taken as the basis (31, 29, 25, 23.50, 22.50, 20.50°C). Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was applied to identify the optimal values of insulation thickness in the facilities. Accordingly, the optimum insulation layer thickness, savings amount, and payback period for the walls and roofs ranged between 0.043-0.270 m and 0.022-0.094 m, 7.53-164.65 S/m2 and 12.85-319.62 S/m2, 1.19-2.19 years and 1.18-1.99 years, respectively. It has been calculated that a 70-80% reduction in CO2 emissions could be managed by applying the optimum insulation layer thickness.

Quantifying Resource Nexus: Virtual Water Flows, Water Stress Indices, and Unsustainable Import Fraction in South Korea’s Grain Trade Landscape

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of South Korea’s grain production and trade, specifically scrutinizing water resource management and sustainability trends from 1991 to 2022. The primary objective was to assess the temporal evolution of South Korea’s agricultural virtual water trade in maize, soybeans and wheat. Employing the virtual water flows assessment method, water stress index, and an unsustainable import fraction (UIF) analysis, this research aimed to uncover key patterns and dynamics within the agricultural grain trade landscape. Utilizing comprehensive datasets encompassing grain trade, as well as water and land footprint data, this study assessed the intricate interplay between agricultural production, trade, and resource utilization. Results showed a reduction in local production for soybeans and a slight increase in domestic wheat production over the study period. In addition, the study revealed an overall increase in the virtual water imports associated with grain crops, with maize exhibiting the steepest upward trend in comparison with the other grains (wheat and soybeans). Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the import of maize contributed the highest amount of water and land savings, implying that this grain crop had the most significant impact on conserving local water and land resources. Environmental impact assessments, including water stress indices and the unsustainable import fractions, contributed to a comprehensive understanding of grain trade sustainability with concrete result values and insights, highlighting the intricate interplay of international grain trade and local water resource conservation in South Korea. By scrutinizing the virtual land and water dimensions of grain trade, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and researchers striving to navigate the nexus of agriculture, trade, and resource management. The findings hold significance in the context of ensuring food security, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in a dynamically evolving global landscape.