Average Annual Output Research Articles

Global Research on Terminalia arjuna: A Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Publications during 2004-18

683 global research publications on Terminalia arjuna were derived from the Scopus database during the last 22 years (1997-18) with a view to study its quantitative and qualitative aspects. The global publication data showed that the average annual and eleven-year cumulative global output of Terminalia arjuna research registered 8.33% and 169.19% growth. The plant global citation impact averaged to 16.92 citations per paper (CPP) in twenty-two years, which decreased from 36.02 CPP to 9.82 CPP from 1997-07 to 2008-18. The top 10 most productive countries together accounted for more than 100.0% global publication share and 99.13% global citation share during 1997-18. India, alone accounting for the highest and largest publication share of 82.43% and other 9 countries from 1.02% to 5.27% during 1997-18. Five out of top 10 countries, namely Iran (2.85), U.K. (1.94), Japan (1.22), USA (1.16) and Pakistan (1.09) registered relative citation index above the global average of 0.97. Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics, among seven broad subjects, contributed the largest publications share of 50.51%, followed by medicine (30.31%), biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (26.52%), agricultural and biological sciences (21.52%) and other 3 sub-fields contribution varying from 4.54% to 10.83% during 1997-18. 239 global organizations and 309 global authors in global Terminalia arjuna research during 1997-18, of which the 15 most productive global organizations and authors together contributed 30.16% and 15.37% global publication share and 36.87% and 20.68% global citation share respectively during 1997-18. Hamdard University, Delhi, India (with 30 papers), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India (22 papers) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India (19 papers), S. Dwivedi (with 11 papers), S.K. Maulik (10 papers) and P.C. Sil (8 papers) and Journal of Ethnopharmacology (with 26 papers), International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (15 papers), Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (14 papers) were the three leading organizations, authors and journals reporting global research in Terminalia arjuna during 1997- 18.

Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira: a review of volcanic activity in the Kivu rift, western branch of the East African Rift System

Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are two active volcanoes of the Western branch of the East African Rift in the Virunga area. They were built at the Kivu rift axis ca. 12,000 years ago and set above two tectonic steps separated by the Kameronze Fault. Both volcanoes have displayed a succession of intra-crater and flank eruptions that have been observed and documented since the end of the nineteenth century. Here, we have collated and reviewed these publications and reports. Nyiragongo is famous for its semi-permanently active lava lake, which at the time of writing (2020) was the largest in the world. During the construction of the main stratovolcano, which ended a few centuries ago with a caldera collapse, the lava composition changed from melilitite to leucite and then to melilite-bearing nephelinite. The historically active lava lake is believed to be directly fed from an upper intra-volcano reservoir, a shallow reservoir situated a few kilometres below the volcano in the granite basement, and a deeper intra-crustal magma chamber. Historic activity has been documented since 1894 and can be divided into eight stages, on the basis of sudden changes between lava filling and draining, with cycles of rising lava lake activity and overflows, followed by sinking and complete or partial drainage. Twice in recent history (in 1977 and 2002), major flank eruptions were accompanied by complete drainage of the lava lake and the upper plumbing system. The lava that filled the crater since 1948, and then again after the 1977 and 2002 drainage events have been calculated at a cumulative volume of around 324 × 106 m3. In comparison, the 1977 and 2002 flank eruptions involved 47 × 106 m3 of lava. The average annual output rate associated with crater filling is thus estimated at between 4 and 13 × 106 m3. Lava lake behaviour changes from equilibrium, with alternation between gas pistoning and spattering regimes through disequilibrium with intermittent activity, to complete disappearance of the lava lake. These changes can be related to the conditions of the descent of dense degassed magma from the upper conduit into the shallow reservoir. However, since 1959, the chemical composition of the leucite and melilite-bearing nephelinite lavas has not significantly changed, which implies a magma supply from the same magma batch. Nyamuragira was characterised by a shield building phase of activity until a caldera collapse, ca. 300 to 500 years ago. The post-caldera phase has involved effusive activity in the caldera and at numerous flank fissures. The plumbing system consists of an upper reservoir roughly at the basement-volcano interface and averaging a volume of 400 × 106 m3, a shallow upper-crust stratified reservoir, and a middle-crust mafic magma chamber. Volcanic activity has involved a succession of filling and emptying events at the upper reservoir. Lava volumes of historic eruptions reveal annual output rates averaging 14 × 106 m3 between 1901 and 1976, and 40 × 106 m3 between 1976 and 2012. A drastic increase in activity occurred in December 1976. This event coincided with the January 1977 flank eruption of Nyiragongo and resulted from a main tectonic event in the rift basement that improved the efficiency of magma ascent at both volcanoes. The historic lava composition can be related to six cycles of magma accumulation in, and withdrawal of, the upper reservoir from the shallow stratified reservoir. Similar magma storage and transport systems are known in many effusive systems: the Nyiragongo lava lake shares behavioural characteristics similar to those observed at Kilauea, Erebus, and Erta’Ale. At Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, magma supply and persistent activity with sudden changes of the magma output rates in relation to tectonic events are also comparable with those of Kilauea, Piton de la Fournaise of Reunion island, and Mount Etna.

Localized economic contributions of renewable wood-based biopower generation

We assessed the role of renewable wood-based biopower generation in supporting local economies by deriving multiplier effects from a sample of U.S. power plants representing 348.3 MW of installed capacity (1.2 million MWh of power generation for 2016) with annual expenditures of over US$117 million. Average annual employment, labor income, value-added, and gross output values associated with the generation of wood-based power were contrasted with those from power generated from coal and natural gas. Economic multiplier effects of localized operation and maintenance expenditures were derived following an input-output analysis. Results, expressed in 2017 US$, show the economic contribution of wood-based biopower was lower (US$123.96 per MWh) than power generated from coal (US$386.55 per MWh) and natural gas (US$989.79 per MW). However, wood-based biopower value-added localized multiplier effects were nearly 20% higher than coal-based power, at US$2.80 per dollar spent in operation and maintenance. Our findings suggest that, after considering sustainability thresholds for woody biomass availability, its expanded utilization could contribute between US$5.00 billion to US$22.00 billion in value-added to local economies across the U.S.

Production Function and Efficiency of Indonesian Fisheries Agroindustry (A study in East Kalimantan Province)

Agroindustry development is an effort to improve the quality of human resources in utilizing natural resources optimally. This study aims to determine the production efficiency and competitiveness of fisheries agro-industries in East Kalimantan Province. The analysis model used is the stochastic frontier production function to determine technical, allocative and economic efficiency. This research was conducted in East Kalimantan Province, by taking locations in 5 districts and cities. The types of fisheries agroindustry that are sampled are Amplang agroindustry and salted fish.The results showed that the amplang agro-industry business technically, allocation and economy had an average value that was higher than the salted fish agro-industry. Amplang agro-industry still has a chance to improve technical efficiency by increasing productivity through better management. The average annual output of agang industry is 2010 kg, while the average value of inputs for fish is 714.4 kg, eggs 183.1 kg, flour 1,319.9 kg, and working time is 247.5 HOK. The salted fish industry produces an output of 5,456.7 kg with an average fish input of 9,716.1 kg, 2,110.1 kg of salt and 829.4 HOK working time. Keywords : agro-industry, fisheries, production function, efficiency, Indonesia DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-24-09 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Методика визначення енергоємності продукції на прикладі меблевої фабрики

Formulation of the problem. InUkraine, since 2007, enterprises, especially those involved in exporting products, have begun to be certified by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. The first of these standards was ISO 9001 - the product quality standard. Nowadays, the implementation of ISO 50001 "Energy Management Systems" is spreading. One of the criteria for the implementation of this system is the development of energy efficiency indicators, one of which is the energy intensity of products: the ratio of the amount of fuel and energy resources (FER) spent on its production to output [1]. At present, there are no current methods of calculating the energy intensity of products inUkraine, but there are significant developments in this area. Until 2014, there was a system of normalization of fuel and energy resources costs. The development of specific rates of FER (energy consumption) was compulsory for enterprises of all industries with an annual consumption of 1000 tonnes or more of conditional fuel [2]. The governing bodies of the state in this area were regional energy efficiency inspectorates, which were subordinated to the State Energy Efficiency. The development of standards was, in most cases, based on a calculation and analysis method based on techniques developed during theUSSRwith adjustments related to technological progress, climate change, and the like. Purpose of research – calculate the energy intensity of products by the example of a furniture factory. Research methodology. Calculation of energy consumption of products made on the example of furniture factory LLC "Ukryug" is located in the village. Shkarovka Belotserkovsky district of Kiev region. The enterprise is engaged in production of furniture of the following types: cabinet furniture, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, children's, modular systems. Raw materials for furniture production are wood (particle board). The output of the enterprise is measured in square meters of processed raw materials, for 2016-2018 the average annual output was 3157,287 thousand square meters. Research results Calculation of energy intensity of products was carried out by determining the specific norms of consumption of heat and electric energy per unit of output, as well as the norms of fuel consumption for the supply of heat energy to the boiler plant of the enterprise. Calculation of heat energy consumption for heating and ventilation of industrial and office buildings is carried out according to the method of increased indicators [3], data on the external temperature and duration of the heating period were taken from [4], the standard for losses in the heat networks of the enterprise is taken from [5]. Norms of fuel consumption for heat supply to the boiler house were developed according to the method [6]. The calculation of consumption of electric energy was calculated according to [7]. The initial data for the calculations were provided by authorized employees of the enterprise. Conclusion The following indicators of energy intensity of products are calculated: - the norm of electric energy consumption for production; - rate of heat energy consumption for production; - rate of fuel consumption for heat supply to the boiler room; - rate of electric energy consumption for heat supply to the boiler room. These indicators are indicators of energy efficiency of the enterprise, which are designed taking into account the technical characteristics of the equipment, its operating time, climatic conditions, etc. According to these indicators, in the future periods energy efficiency of technological and auxiliary equipment will be evaluated as well as the boiler-house which produces heat.

Prospect for small-hydropower installation settled upon optimal water allocation: An action to stimulate synergies of water-food-energy nexus

The incorporation of renewable power generation into existing water supply systems is known to have far-reaching influences on system operation in response to booming urbanization. This study proposed a holistic system-wide solution driven by water resources perspectives encouraging small-hydropower generation using artificial intelligence techniques to leverage the synergies of the Water-Food-Energy (WFE) Nexus. The Shihmen Reservoir and its water supply system serving the public and agricultural sectors in northern Taiwan constituted the study case. The proposed three-faceted approach was explored systematically through: optimizing multi-sectoral water allocation, maximizing the installation of small-hydropower turbines aligned with the obtained optimal multi-sectoral water allocation, and uplifting the synergistic benefits of the WFE Nexus steered by the optimal water allocation and small-hydropower installation. The findings pointed out that the derived optimal water allocation could greatly alleviate water shortage conditions and improve reservoir water retention while the acquired optimal small-hydropower installation scheme could favor hydropower output without reducing water supply to demanding sectors. Taking the M-5 operational rule curves simulation as the benchmark, the comparative results demonstrated that the multi-year joint optimization under the collaboration of water allocation and small-hydropower installation could offer mutually beneficial outcomes on the WFE Nexus: largely mitigate the average annual water shortage index by up to 40.0% (water sector), boost the average annual food production by as high as 10.6% (food sector), and lift the average annual hydropower output by 7.5% (17 million USD/yr; energy sector), respectively. This study not only opens new perspectives on cleaner energy production benefiting WFE Nexus synergies but suggests policymakers with executable strategies on small-hydropower practice in the light of sustainable development, which carves a niche in small-hydropower practice and contributes to the fulfillment of future energy needs.

Закупки инновационной продукции в системе инновационно-инвестиционной политики государства

<span>Автор, опираясь на существующие исследования мировой практики реализации инновационно-инвестиционной политики, определяет модель такой политики, практикуемую в России, как неоклассическую, базирующуюся на прямом перераспределении ресурсов. Некоторые аспекты реализации этой модели показаны на примере Ростовской области. Проведен анализ динамики среднегодовой выработки на одного работника крупных и средних организаций по шести инновационным кластерам области, выявлены основные факторы, влияющие на изменение показателей инновационной деятельности региона. В качестве важнейшего инструмента инновационно-инвестиционной политики идентифицированы закупки инновационной продукции для государственных, муниципальных и корпоративных (регулируемых организаций госсектора) нужд. На основе аудита эффектов формирования единой контрактной системы выделены противоречия и сохраняющиеся проблемные зоны закупок инновационной продукции для нужд общественного сектора. Предложены приоритетные направления стимулирования спроса на инновации со стороны его организаций.</span>

Modern Research Progress of Jujube Leaves

Jujube is a unique tree species native to China. It has strong adaptability and can grow in drought, sand and alkali. It is cultivated throughout the country and is mainly produced in Henan, Hebei, Shandong, and Shaanxi. Jujube leaves are extremely rich in chemical composition and have significant medicinal value. Through consulting the relevant data in recent years, the chemical substances in jujube leaves have been summarized and analyzed, their pharmacological mechanisms have been deeply discussed, and the application of jujube leaves in medical and health care has been explored. , providing theoretical basis for the clinical application, new drug development and comprehensive utilization of jujube leaves. The jujube leaf is the leaf of Ziziphus jujube Mill. It was first introduced in the Shennongboshi Caojing. It was harvested in the spring and summer seasons. It was freshly used or sun dried. It was warm, sweet, and spleen, lung, and two classics. With heat dissipation and dehumidification. Jujube cultivation throughout the country, and large production. The study of jujube mostly tends to its fruit, jujube fruit has a high value of food and medicinal, has received widespread attention. In contrast, the study of jujube leaves is very rare. According to reports, jujube leaves are rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids and minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, etc., and their nutritional value and medicinal value are Very high. Jujube leaf as a rich potential resource has been buried by people for many years. According to statistics, the average annual output of jujube leaves per acre of jujube is 200kg. However, such rich natural resources are abandoned after the jujube has matured every year, resulting in A serious waste of resources.

Methods of estimating reserves of productivity growth

Two levels of the estimation of labor productivity reserves are considered: for lower-level (secondary) subdivisions and a construction enterprise. For secondary subdivisions it is recommended to implement the full-scale approach through interconnected single-factor, multifactor and predictable methods. The ground of these methods is based on corre-lation-regressive models of changes in natural output by types of construc-tion and installation works. For the construction enterprise, the authors have allocated groups of factors that determine the average annual output per worker-production of contract works, their structure, production assets and circulating assets, labor, prime cost and operational management. The foregoing provisions are illustrated by examples based on a large body of statistical information from construction practice.

Participatory forest management: A case of equity in the forest plantation establishment and livelihood improvement Scheme in Gathiuru and Hombe forests in Central Kenya

The study analysis equity in participatory plantation establishment and livelihood scheme (PELIS) formally known as shamba (farm) system in Gathiuru and Hombe forests Kenya. This is done by determining annual inputs and outputs of three partners in PELIS including the Kenya forest service (KFS), three saw milling companies and the communities farming in Hombe and Gathiuru forests. The study uses Adams equity theory and applies the equity theory ratios as the basis of formulating equity under PELIS arrangements. The analysis is limited to a three year period (2012 to 2014), which corresponds to the number of years farmers cultivate in one plot under the scheme. Equity ratio analysis based on annual average annual output: input ratios for KFS 2012-2014 were 4.1:1; 2.6:1; and 3.1:1; for the three timber companies were 2.8:1; 3.1:1 and 1.9:1 while for community were 2.8:1; 2.4:1 and 2.8:1. The three year average ratios were 3.2:1 for KFS, 3.0:1 for the timber companies and 2.7:1 for communities. This indicates that the equity ratios were very close meaning that they all benefitted at the same level of respective inputs between 2012 and 2014. The study therefore concludes that applying the equity theory ratios can provide an opportunity to address inequity in PELIS under participatory forest management

Research on the Effect of Internet Development on Labor Productivity

With the implementation of the “Internet plus” strategy, an unprecedented digital revolution is spreading like a storm in China. Based on the panel data of China's 31 provinces from 2003-2014, this paper empirically study the influence of Internet penetration rate on labor productivity, and compares the differences between the eastern, middle and western regions. The results show that the Internet penetration rate has a significant positive impact on the labor productivity. In the long run, assuming other factors stay constant, increasing the Internet penetration rate by one percent increases the labor productivity by about 0.357%, that is, the average annual output of each worker increased about 35.7 yuan. And this positive effect is different between regions, the eastern is the largest, followed by the central, and the western is the minimum. Finally, the paper puts forward some corresponding countermeasures and suggestions on the basis of the empirical analysis.

Impacts of climate change on stream flow and hydro power generation in the Alpine region

Electricity generated by hydro power is the most widely used form of renewable energy, and as such, its vulnerability to climate change is of great interest. The aim of this work is to estimate the change in river discharge characteristics in the Alpine region due to possible impacts of climate and the related changes in the power generation of run-of-river hydro power plants up to 2050. Four representative bias-corrected climate simulations from the ENSEMBLES project are chosen based on the SRES greenhouse gas emission scenario pathway A1B. Data of these simulations serve as input for a lumped-parameter rainfall-runoff model at a monthly time step, which is calibrated on discharge data of gauging stations along important rivers in the Alpine region. A power plant model fed with runoff data generated by the hydrological model is used to compute changes in the long-term average annual net electrical energy output of hydro power plants for the whole Alpine region; while the model for Austria is based on known technical parameters of the power plants, a more simplified approach is employed elsewhere. The general warming trend observed in all four climate scenarios causes to various degrees a seasonal shift towards earlier runoff. However, more diverse changes in precipitation for the different climate scenarios and time periods result in diverging hydrological projections. Although the annual runoff is found to decrease in some scenarios, the generally observed shift of runoff towards the winter season that typically shows higher energy consumption in the Alpine region suggests that the overall impact for the electricity sector tends to be positive rather than negative. Estimated changes in the average annual electricity generation of run-of-river plants are generally found to be within a single-digit percentage range but can be either positive or negative depending on the climate scenario. The estimated ranges reflect the diversity (uncertainty) of the climate models; the total bandwidth of possible changes in the water availability and hydro power generation in the Alpine region up to 2050 is assumed to be even higher, because of other uncertainties in the model chain that are not explicitly considered here. Nevertheless, as the general regional trends and bandwidth of changes in runoff and hydro power production strongly depend on the future changes in precipitation, the results of this work provide reasonable orders of magnitude of expected changes and are seen as a first step towards an improved understanding of climate impacts on hydro power production within the entire Alpine region.

Application of OSCAT Satellite Data for Offshore Wind Power Potential Assessment of India

Abstract In the present study the summary of offshore wind resources of the India has been provided by analyzing the OSCAT satellite data measured over the period of 2 years (2012-2013). In order to determine the feasibility of wind power development in the region of interest and to calculate the offshore wind potential available therein, the Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used to generate wind maps at turbine hub height of 80 m. The calculation shows that maximum range of annual mean wind speed and wind power density (WPD) are 9.7-13.4 m/s and 1048.7-1632.5W/m 2 respectively, followed by estimation of generated power using a wind turbine of 2.1 MW rated capacity. The total area of interest was further divided into zones having different wind classes and foundation technology. Nearly 74% of the area within the region of interest was found to be of class 1. The average annual output power including and excluding conflict areas were found to be approximately 2897.7 GW and 1738.6 GW respectively. Considering area available to matured foundation technology for offshore wind development, India is capable of generating at least 1.6 times of the electricity requirement for FY 2015-16.

Monitoring the performance of the building attached photovoltaic (BAPV) system in Shanghai

This work presents the performance monitoring of the first home-based grid-connected roof-mounted building attached photovoltaic (BAPV) system located in Shanghai, China. The system, whose capacity is ∼2992Wp, began to operate in late December, 2006. The photovoltaic performance is monitored and analyzed from years 2007 to 2009. The average annual output and average daily output are 3189.13kWh and 8.74kWh. The predicted yearly energy output is 3220.21kWh by software of PVSYST. The annual global solar radiation on horizontal, predicted and measured on tilt are 1315.15kWh/m2, 1320.24kWh/m2 and 1323.09kWh/m2, respectively. The daily reference yield, array yield and final yield are 3.62h/d, 3.01h/d and 2.86h/d, respectively. The average daily capture loss and system loss of the overall BAPV array per month are very low and ∼0.61h/d and 0.16h/d in value, respectively, which means that the BAPV array matches well with the inverters. The average monthly performance ratio, system efficiency and array efficiency are 80.66%, 10.73% and 11.34%, respectively. The difference between system efficiency and array efficiency is ∼0.60%, which means the average inverter efficiency is about 94.60%.

The validation of peer review through research impact measures and the implications for funding strategies.

There is a paucity of data in the literature concerning the validation of the grant application peer review process, which is used to help direct billions of dollars in research funds. Ultimately, this validation will hinge upon empirical data relating the output of funded projects to the predictions implicit in the overall scientific merit scores from the peer review of submitted applications. In an effort to address this need, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) conducted a retrospective analysis of peer review data of 2,063 applications submitted to a particular research program and the bibliometric output of the resultant 227 funded projects over an 8-year period. Peer review scores associated with applications were found to be moderately correlated with the total time-adjusted citation output of funded projects, although a high degree of variability existed in the data. Analysis over time revealed that as average annual scores of all applications (both funded and unfunded) submitted to this program improved with time, the average annual citation output per application increased. Citation impact did not correlate with the amount of funds awarded per application or with the total annual programmatic budget. However, the number of funded applications per year was found to correlate well with total annual citation impact, suggesting that improving funding success rates by reducing the size of awards may be an efficient strategy to optimize the scientific impact of research program portfolios. This strategy must be weighed against the need for a balanced research portfolio and the inherent high costs of some areas of research. The relationship observed between peer review scores and bibliometric output lays the groundwork for establishing a model system for future prospective testing of the validity of peer review formats and procedures.

Will Flat-lining Become Normal?: An Analysis of Britain’s Worst Period of Peacetime Growth Since the Industrial Revolution

Leading economists warn 1% growth could become the UK’s new norm Summary: The UK’s sustainable growth rate has been much lower than that calculated by the OBR and used by the government to forecast public finances. The lack of growth is important in its own right. However, it is also important as far as the government’s 2010 deficit reduction plan is concerned. This plan relied upon economic growth raising tax receipts for 70 per cent of the deficit reduction. Lack of growth is the key factor behind the government’s deficit reduction plan being off target. There is no reason, given the fall in the sustainable growth rate, why we should expect high levels of ‘catch-up’ growth to compensate for the loss of output after the 2008 crash. From Q1 2008 to Q1 2013, average annual output growth has been -0.7 per cent. Such a disappointing growth performance has no modern historical precedent. Gross domestic product dropped 6.3 per cent from the peak level reached in 2008 and is still some 3 per cent lower than its peak five years later. That is unprecedented in 170 years of shocks that have hit the UK economy since industrialisation. It is clear that poor total factor productivity has driven the poor growth performance. Capital stock – and changes in it – has played very little direct part. The poor growth performance will not be addressed by increased investment or increases in ‘aggregate demand’. Loosening fiscal policy by increasing government spending will worsen rather than improve the situation. Productivity growth has been -0.4 per cent in recent years. Productivity often falls in a recession due to labour hoarding but recent performance is especially bad compared with previous recessions. Productivity growth has, on average, been unsatisfactory compared with past norms, by almost 1 per cent a year for five years. In the medium term, the UK’s sustainable growth rate is likely to be very low for a number of reasons. These include: Increased public spending and taxation as a proportion of GDP due to the rapid increase in the early twenty-first century. This factor alone has reduced the sustainable growth rate by around 0.5 per cent – possibly more. Increased government, corporate and household debt relative to GDP. Demographic pressures from an ageing population. Increased regulation of the energy and financial services sectors. These sectors had contributed substantially to the productivity performance of the economy in earlier decades. The depletion of North Sea oil. The arithmetical affect of low-productivity immigrant workers being added to the working population The huge growth in credit before the crisis, followed by its contraction since – partly driven by increased banking regulation As a result of these policies, the sustainable growth rate has fallen by over 1 per cent compared with the level before the crisis. Actual growth rates might be higher than 1 per cent, of course, if the economy recovers some of the lost output caused by the crash. However, high ‘catch-up’ levels of growth are unlikely in the medium term. Low interest rates and government bond yields are a further indicator that the medium-term sustainable growth rate is very low. The factors causing low growth are generally policy induced and could be changed. Furthermore, policies could be followed that would increase productivity growth such as radical reform of our education and health systems. There will be some natural improvement in the sustainable growth rate after 4-5 years if the government manages to reduce spending as a proportion of national income as planned and if household, corporate and government debt fall. Also, the productivity levels of the energy sector may increase if shale gas is developed. These factors may lead to the sustainable growth rate rising. It may even reach the level of around 2.3 per cent which is the current rate currently used by the OBR for its unrealistic short-term projections.

Full-Scale Experiment on Domestic Wastewater Treatment by Combining Artificial Aeration Vertical- and Horizontal-Flow Constructed Wetlands System

To improve domestic wastewater treatment for total nitrogen (TN) removal, a full-scale constructed wetlands combining an artificially aerated vertical- (AVCW) and a horizontal-flow constructed wetland (HCW) was completed in July 2007. The system covered a total area of 7,610 m2. From 2 July 2007 to 7 August 2008, the treatment capacity was 2,076 m3 day−1 with an aeration quantity of 7,400 m3 day−1. The system effectively reduced the average annual output of BOD5 (52.0 %), NH4–N (58.41 %), and TP (41.61 %), although the percentage reductions of other pollutants, including chemical oxygen demand (34.1 %), suspended solid (38.9 %), and TN (31.05 %) were lower. The purpose of the HCW was for denitrification of the effluent from the AVCW, and annual average of 34.27 % of NO3–N was removed compared with the reading at the AVCW outlet. With hydraulic loading increased to 4,152 m3 day−1 from 9 September to 23 November 2007, the removal rate for NO3–N from the HCW decreased substantially from 48.80 to 18.86 %. The total removal rates of NH4–N showed significant positive correlation with DO content in the AVCW and with total TN removal rates for the combined system (P < 0.05). The study indicated that, even with limited artificial aeration, nitrification was very effective for NH4–N removal.

A new start: Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology re-launches with BioMed Central.

A new start: Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology re-launches with BioMed Central.

Piggerywaste management and profitability of pig farming in Imo State Nigeria

The indiscriminate dumping of piggery waste especially in areas where pig farms are located necessitated this study which assessed piggery waste management systems and profitability of pig farming in Imo state Nigeria. Piggery waste management systems in the study area were identified and described, the farm profitability were assessed based on these systems. Primary data were colleted from 60 pig farms selected using multi -stage sampling technique. Cost-route approach was used to collect information on the income statement of the farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, operating net returns and benefit cost ratio. Net profits of the different categories of pig farms based on their waste management systems were compared using ANOVA statistics. The result shows that 75% of the pig farms managed their waste by open dumping, produced an average annual output of 67952. 4kg of dung with an average net profit of N863252.98 and a BCR of 1.66. Those that manage their waste by using it for crop and fish production constituted 20% of the farms studied. This group produced an average annual out put of 40447kg of dung with an average net profit of N711858.08 and a BCR of 1.67. Also, 5% of the pig farmers dumped their waste into moving streams. They produced an average annual output of 27470kg of dung with an average net profit of N592035.83 and a BCR of 1.74. Statistical analysis indicated that the net profits did not differ significantly across the systems of wastemanagement. Therefore pig farming is profitable in the study area and the profit is not significantly influenced by the waste management systems.Keywords: piggery waste management, profitability, pig farming, net profit

Fuel Consumption and CO2/Pollutant Emissions of Mobile Air Conditioning at Fleet Level - New Data and Model Comparison

Mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems are the second-largest energy consumers in cars after driving itself. While different measurement series are available to illustrate their behavior in hot ambient conditions, little data are available for lower temperatures. There are also no data available on diesel vehicles, despite these being quite common in Europe (up to 70% of the fleet in some countries). In the present study, six representative modern diesel passenger cars were tested. In combination with data from previous measurements on gasoline cars, a new model was developed - EEMAC = Empa Emission model for Mobile Air Conditioning systems - to predict emissions from air conditioning. The measurements obtained show that A/C activity still occurs at temperatures below the desired interior temperature. The EEMAC model was applied to the average meteorological year of a central European region and compared with the US EPA MOBILE6 model. As temperatures in central Europe are often below 20 degrees C (the point below which the two models differ), the overall results differ clearly. The estimated average annual CO(2) output according to EEMAC is six times higher than that of MOBILE6. EEMAC also indicates that around two-thirds of the fuel used for air conditioning could be saved by switching the MAC system off below 18 degrees C.