Economic Elements Research Articles

Factors Influencing Thai Muslims' Willingness to Donate Cash Waqf to Religious Projects

Purpose — Muslim communities in Thailand have lately used cash waqf as a creative strategy to raise seed money from Muslim contributors to implement religious projects such as building religious institutions like mosques and Islamic schools. The factors influencing this unique kind of giving have, to date, rarely been studied. This research attempts to examine the motivational and economic elements that impact people’s willingness to donate (WTD) cash waqf to such religious projects. Design/Methodology/Approach — The study utilised a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and an ordinal logistic regression method to examine the effects of various independent variables on the WTD. A validated structured questionnaire was utilised to collect primary data from 404 cash waqf donors in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Findings — When comparing donors with medium income levels to those with higher salary levels, the findings show that donors in the higher salary category were more likely to generate a higher WTD propensity. The probability of donors’ WTD was positively influenced by any reductions in debt levels. Furthermore, factors such as belief in the afterlife, the salience of one’s Muslim identity, and the experience of a warm glow were found to have a positive impact on individuals’ WTD cash waqf to religious projects. Originality/Value — This study utilised the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to examine the cash waqf practices, which has received limited attention in previous scholarly works. Furthermore, the variables employed in this research serve to broaden the scope of understanding in the realm of Islamic philanthropy, surpassing the confines of the attitude-intention framework. Research Limitations/Implications — The factors used in this study encompass the internal drives of potential donors. In reality, a number of external circumstances, such as the validity of the waqf project and the donor’s accessibility to other options, may have an impact on the donor’s choice. Additionally, the scope of this study was restricted to the southern border provinces of Thailand. It would be of interest to conduct additional research that broadens the sample size and geographical scope to include other regions within the country or even other countries with diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts. This would enable the generalisation of the findings obtained from this study. Practical Implications — Waqf fundraising organisations should focus on boosting awareness among high-income, low-debt people. This population group donates more than middle- and lower-class people. Mosques and religious organisations can use a strategy to help donors reassess the spiritual benefits of waqf giving in relation to the afterlife, the reinforcement of their Muslim identity, and the emotional satisfaction of giving. These motivators will increase the likelihood of mosque donations.

Research on the evaluation and configuration path of China's rural common Prosperity—NCA and fsQCA based on provincial panel data

Based on 2013–2019 panel data covering 31 provinces and cities in China, this paper uses the entropy weight technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to measure rural common prosperity (CP). Based on the global and local Moran's I methods, we analyze the dynamic evolutionary characteristics of China's rural CP and the regional differences. Additionally, we use the necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods to explore how six antecedents at the technology-organization-environment (TOE) level interact to affect CP. This research finds that, first, China's rural CP showed a fluctuating upward trend, with the highest level of CP in rural areas in the eastern region, followed by the central and western regions. Additionally, the gap between the three gradually narrowed. Second, China's rural CP had "high-high" and "low-low" agglomeration characteristics, with positive spatial autocorrelation, no transition changes, and strong spatial stability. Third, individual digital economic elements and organizational and environmental elements were not necessary conditions for promoting rural CP. Fourth, the multiple concurrent factors of the digital economy, organizations and the environment constituted three diversified configurations of rural CP, showing that the driving path of rural CP was characterized by "different paths that lead to the same goal”. Moreover, "perfect digital facilities" and "high entrepreneurial activity" had a universal role in promoting rural CP. The conclusions of this research hold important theoretical and practical significance for improving China's rural CP.

Scientific and methodological aspects of the choice of discount rate in the evaluation of investment projects

The article makes a scientific research of existing methodological approaches that have been formed in management. The article also analyses the causes of the collapse of investment projects, in particular in the construction industry, which threaten the stability of the functioning of national economies. All these researches give an opportunity to find the real causes of ineffective implementation of projects. The author offers a methodological approach to the formation of a holistic organizational structure of the socio–economic system, which has the goal to solve the problem of crisis phenomens in management. The author`s approach gives an opportunity to form organizational structure in an organic combination with the economic processes that take place in it and provide the qualitative formation of the organizational structure, which makes it possible to make control over each of its economic elements and ensure an absolutely effective management.
 Based on a systemic approach, the author considers the organizational structure as a dynamic system that consists from economic elements which necessary for the effective implementation of the purpose of the created structure. This approach to considering the organizational structure is different from the traditional one, in which the structure of the organization is a static system, the elements of which are only labor resources with defined functions.
 Consideration of the organizational structure as an integral system that consists from selected homogeneous economic elements which structure on the basis of normative model in which the management and managed subsystems are allocated, and also there are the main, auxiliary and service production in the managed subsystem gives an opportunity to form a normative model of the organizational structure which provides qualitative structuring of all its elements.

Why Is It Challenging to Reverse the Ongoing Decline in China's Birth Rate Despite the Lenient Birth Policies? -An Analysis from Economic Perspective

In response to the potential crises posed by an aging population and labor shortages, the Chinese government took steps to address these challenges after ending the one-child policy. These efforts involved the gradual relaxation of birth policies, transitioning from the two-child policy to the more recent three-child policy. Despite these policy shifts, the persistent downward trajectory of birth rates has shown little sign of abating. This study attempts to analyze the reasons for this phenomenon from an economic perspective; in the pursuit of addressing the multifaceted challenge of declining birth rates, a nuanced understanding of these intertwined economic factors is crucial. These economic elements form a complex tapestry that includes soaring housing prices, the burden of mortgages, expenses associated with childbirth, the costs linked with raising children, and the opportunity cost of childbirth to career women. High property prices make the prospect of homeownership daunting for young families, further compounded by the financial obligations of mortgages. Additionally, the financial implications of education and child-rearing expenses and the opportunity cost of childbirth to career women present substantial considerations for prospective parents, often contributing to the reconsideration of family size.

Influence of Macroeconomics Factors, Profitability, and Stock Trading Volume on Stock Prices in The Years 2019-2021

The Covid-19 pandemic, which struck Indonesia in March 2020, impacted various sectors, including the capital market. The capital market, which primarily served as a source of funding for investors, was also affected. This research was designed to examine the impact of economic elements on the share prices of manufacturing sectors amidst the Covid-19. The aspects under examination encompassed exchange rate, inflation, probability, and stock trading volume. This research employed data from all total of 171 manufacturing industry firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) over the period from 2019 to 2021 . The research method used is a quantitative method. The total sampling technique used resulted in a sample of 59 (fifty-nine) companies that met the research criteria. The method of data analysis employed is panel data regression analysis, utilizing the Random Effect Model (REM) estimation, which is tested using Eviews 12. The findings indicate that profitability significantly influences stock prices, while exchange rate, inflation and stock trading volume do not have a significant effect on the stock prices of manufacturing companies during 2019-2021. Based on the simultaneous test result obtained, exchange rate, inflation, profitability, and stock trading volume have a significant effect on stock prices. 

Evaluation of the Agricultural Reality of the Industrial Yellow Corn Crop in the Iraqi Province of Kirkuk

The agricultural sector is considered one of the important and vital economic sectors in any country due to its role in providing food, clothing, employment opportunities for the population, and the supply of raw materials needed for industries. In Iraq, this sector is the largest non-oil economic sector and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yellow maize (corn) is one of the main economic crops in Iraq. This study evaluates the agricultural situation of yellow maize crop in Kirkuk Governorate. The statistical data pertaining to the crop, including cultivated areas, production, productivity, and crop prices, were assessed descriptively through the calculation of arithmetic averages, percentages, growth rates, and graphical representations. During the study period from 2000 to 2021, approximately 23,000 to 237,000 tons of yellow corn were produced in Kirkuk province, Iraq. This crop was cultivated over an area ranging from 10,000 to 39,000 hectares of cultivated land during various years within the mentioned period. The average contribution of the yellow corn cultivation area in Kirkuk to the total cultivated areas of yellow corn in Iraq was approximately 19%. This study examines the average contribution of yellow corn production in Kirkuk Governorate to the overall yellow corn production in Iraq, which stands at approximately 24%. The contribution of yellow corn production in the region has exhibited considerable fluctuations over the years, with the highest contribution recorded in 2018 at 71.1%, and the lowest in 2006 at 6.3%. These fluctuations can be attributed to insufficient support for yellow corn cultivation, as well as the impact of various factors, including environmental, human, technological, political, and economic elements. The average corn crop yield in Kirkuk Governorate was estimated at around 3904 kg/ha. Notably, the highest yield was achieved in 2013, reaching 7592 kg/ha, while the lowest yield was recorded in 2014 at 1092 kg/ha, primarily due to challenging conditions faced by the region during that year. The annual growth rates for cultivated area, production, productivity, and price demonstrated positive rates, with values of 9.2%, 7.4%, 4.6%, and 6.7%, respectively. This indicates an increase of 9.2%, 7.4%, 4.6%, and 6.7% in the cultivated area, production, productivity, and price of yellow corn in Kirkuk Governorate, respectively. However, these positive rates were insufficient to meet the rising local demand for yellow corn. İn this study, recommendations were made to establish agricultural plans and policies for this crop, as well as to open multiple marketing channels in the Kirkuk province, particularly during the harvesting season. These measures aim to alleviate the burdens on farmers and protect them in order to mitigate the decline in the cultivation of this important crop. Furthermore, additional research is proposed, focusing on aspects related to the crop, such as price and marketing studies, to develop productive and pricing policies that can address the existing deterioration in the production of this crop. Increasing the purchasing price of this crop and providing prior disclosure of the price before the production season for yellow corn is suggested to incentivize farmers to engage in its cultivation. Additionally, granting more agricultural loans is recommended to enhance the production of this strategic crop and activate the role of agricultural guidance in the province. This would facilitate the transfer of modern agricultural techniques and provide clarification to farmers on their implementation.

Tobacco Market Transformation in Hungary

Smoking has emerged as a longstanding global concern, with a significant number of individuals within our immediate and bariatric circles becoming addicted to this detrimental habit. The gravity of the issue is reflected in the staggering statistics, as smoking claims the lives of more than six million people worldwide annually, earning its notorious title as the leading cause of preventable death according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite strict regulations and restrictions on smoking imposed by many countries to combat the escalating health risks, smoking habits persist as a major problem, particularly among young people. In the 1960s, smoking was widely accepted in society, and smoking rates remained high across nations. However, the tides began to turn with the growing awareness of the dire health risks associated with smoking. Health professionals and policymakers took active measures against smoking, contributing to a decline in its prevalence. Nevertheless, the extent of change in smoking habits varies significantly from country to country. The intricate web of factors influencing smoking habits encompasses social and economic elements, stress and mental health considerations, as well as the alluring temptations surrounding tobacco products. Raising awareness about the devastating health impacts of smoking and taking relentless action against this harmful habit are pivotal in reducing smoking rates globally. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and psychological aspects that underpin smoking behavior to implement effective strategies tailored to specific regions and demographics. To combat the persistent smoking epidemic, comprehensive and integrated efforts are required, ranging from targeted public health campaigns to comprehensive tobacco control policies. Empowering individuals with knowledge about the hazards of smoking and equipping them with effective cessation resources can be transformative in curbing the addiction. Equally vital is fostering a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being and addresses stressors, offering healthier alternatives to cope with challenges. In conclusion, the fight against smoking demands unwavering commitment from policymakers, health professionals, and society at large. By understanding the complex drivers behind smoking habits and adopting a multifaceted approach, we can endeavor to save lives, promote healthier communities, and ultimately work towards a smoke-free future for generations to come.

Earlier stage, higher temperature, and deeper space facilitate indium precipitation in a skarn system, as exemplified by the Baoshan Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit, South China

Indium (In), one of the strategic critical metal elements, is preferred to be enriched in the skarn system, but the enrichment regularity in terms of temporal and spatial distribution in a specific skarn Pb-Zn deposit remains unclear. To address the problem, we conducted a systematic geological, mineralogical, and trace element geochemical investigation on the Baoshan In-rich Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit, Hunan Province. This deposit is situated in the central part of the famous Nanling W-Sn-Pb-Zn polymetallic metallogeny belt, South China. Three ore districts in the Baoshan deposit with distinct economic element associations are divided, including the Central District (dominated by Cu-Mo), West District (dominated by Pb-Zn), and North District (dominated by Pb-Zn). They comprise a typical skarn system, including the outcropped granodiorite porphyry, typical skarn mineral assemblages, and Pb-Zn-hosting Carboniferous limestone. We systematically sampled the representative Pb-Zn ores in two ore districts (West and North) and three underground levels (-270 m, −230 m, and −190 m). Four types of sphalerites with different mineral associations and mineralogical characteristics were identified, that is, Sp1a and Sp1b (formed in the early sulfide stage), as well as Sp2a and Sp2b (formed in the late sulfide stage). Our EPMA (Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer) and LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) analyses reveal the four types of sphalerite have distinct chemical compositions. Such as, the mean value of indium is 3524 ppm for Sp1a, 142 ppm for Sp1b, 48.03 ppm for Sp2a, and 87.98 ppm for Sp2b in a decreasing order, and a similar trend of calculated temperatures ranging from 336 to 135 °C using GGIMFis thermometers can be obtained. Further LA-ICP-MS trace elements mapping show that the core of Sp1a is relatively enriched in more In, Cu, Sn, and Ag contents. Spatially, the sphalerites in the deep contain a higher indium content (mean = 1581 ppm) than those in the shallow (107.20 ppm) in the vertical profile. In the planar, indium is more enriched in the West District (mean = 1090 ppm) than in the North District (60.92 ppm). The indium distribution regularity reflects that the metals-carrying magmatic hydrothermal fluids flow from Central District, through the West District, to the North District. Collectively, we conclude that indium prefers to be enriched in the earlier stages, higher temperature, and deeper space during the sphalerite crystallization in the Baoshan skarn system, and therefore highlight the deep space of Baoshan West District is a promising target for indium exploration. This new finding maybe shed light on the scientific understanding on indium enrichment and associated exploration strategies in the similar skarn Pb-Zn metallogenic systems.

UKRAINIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COUNCIL OF EUROPE’S STANDARDS: HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION AND DECENTRALISATION AT THE TIMES OF MILITARISATION

The subject of the study is the relationship between Ukrainian local government structures, municipal standards set by the Council of Europe, and their intersection with human rights and decentralisation policies, especially in the context of ongoing militarisation in certain regions of Ukraine. The study aims to analyse how these elements interact and influence each other in the Ukrainian governance system, exploring the legal, policy and practical aspects of this complex interaction. Methodology. The methodology of a study involves a combination of research methods and approaches in order to comprehensively investigate the subject matter. In addition to the legal analysis, the authors presented the results of the document analysis. Also, because the Ukrainian decentralisation reform has had a major impact on most spheres of local life, the authors have chosen an interdisciplinary approach: given the complexity of the issue, this approach helps to incorporate elements of law, economics and international relations to provide a holistic understanding of the issues at hand. The results of the study showed that: a) the Council of Europe currently lacks human rights standards that are integrated with its municipal standards. This is a significant gap that could be strategically addressed, given the potential of local government bodies in the field of human rights protection; b) Ukraine would benefit from the development of a comprehensive framework outlining actions to be taken by local government bodies to protect human rights and facilitate the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments. Despite the pervasive effects of militarisation throughout the country, post-conflict reconstruction will require the continuation of these policies. This is particularly important as Ukraine seeks to rebuild the nation and resume the reforms that were underway before the outbreak of conflict, including municipal reform with a focus on financial decentralisation and reform of the implementation of ECHR judgments. Conclusion. In summary, militarisation in certain regions of Ukraine has created a number of complex challenges for local governments, affecting security, governance, human rights and social services. The protracted nature of the conflict has made it even more difficult to address these issues. Finding sustainable solutions to these challenges requires a coordinated effort involving local authorities, the national government, international organisations and civil society to promote stability, protect human rights and rebuild affected communities.

Classification of agricultural activities costs in accounting and control in the conditions of using geo- information technologies

Introduction. Activities in the agribusiness sector are characterized by significant variability of costs, which can be explained by the specific organizational and technological features of agricultural production. Among such industry-specific characteristics of the agricultural sphere, in the context of the digitization of socio-economic processes, the impact of geo-information technologies (GIS technologies) is pertinent. For the purpose of effective agribusiness management utilizing modern geo-information technologies, the identification and systematization of costs from the perspective of accounting and control are essential. Operating with high-quality and comprehensive accounting information about agribusiness expenses is an element of management efforts aimed at minimizing and optimizing them, thus defining the relevance of the topic and enabling the formulation of the article’s objective.Purpose. The aim of the article is to identify and classify agribusiness expenses from the standpoint of accounting and control within the framework of implementing advanced geo-information technologies in the management of agricultural enterprises.Methods. In the process of conducting this scientific research, a systematic methodological approach was employed in conjunction with innovative, functional methods, and methodological tools of synthesis, bibliographic, and comparative analysis.Results. The importance and relevance of classifying expenses of agricultural enterprises from the standpoint of accounting and control in agribusiness have been substantiated. The affiliation of classification criteria of agribusiness expenses to three groups (general, industry-specific, specialized) has been explained based on considering the industry-specific functioning of agricultural enterprises. The classification of agribusiness expenses has been carried out according to classification criteria: Inclusion in cost price, Participation in production, Changes in agro-production volume, Economic elements, Expense categories, Production type, Agribusiness stages, Uniform composition, Calculation units, Recognition, Occurrence period, Calendar period, Reporting period, Innovativeness, Capitalization, Appropriateness, Controllability, Relevance, Anticipated occurrence, Extraordinariness, Organic nature, Others. The impact of implementing modern information and communication technologies in the operations of agricultural enterprises on the classification of expenses in agribusiness has been examined. The advantages of utilizing geo-information technologies in expense accounting and control in agribusiness have been identified.Perspectives. The implementation of digitalization advantages in accounting and management processes using geo-information technologies requires the refinement of the methodology for agribusiness expense accounting and control, which will be the subject of subsequent scientific investigations.

Strengthening personal data regulation in Russia: Economic implications and risks

The enormous personal data breach of recent years is pushing regulators to tighten control over big data. The paper aims to analyse changes in big data regulation in Russia, and its possible effects on the competitive environment and economic performance of digital markets. New institutional economics theory, as well as some elements of law economics and industrial organization theory constitute the theoretical framework of the study. The research methods include comparison of structural alternatives and economic and statistical analysis. The empirical evidence covers 2021 data by Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). The results of the study demonstrate that strengthening regulation of personal data (1) will widely affect all businesses involved in big data processing in all sectors of the economy, (2) will reduce innovation activity and investment attractiveness of digital markets in the short term, (3) will have a negative impact on small and medium-sized businesses. The statistical analysis indicates that there is room for applying an industry-wide approach, primarily ‘framework’ regulation, to big data markets. The research findings can be used by the regulator when developing or altering big data legal standards to prevent adverse economic implications.

What Technological and Economic Elements Must be Addressed to Support the Affordability, Accessibility, and Desirability of Alternative Proteins in Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

Populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) typically consume less than the recommended daily amount of protein. Alternative protein (AP) sources could help combat malnutrition, but this requires careful consideration of elements needed to further establish AP products in LMIC. Key considerations include technological, nutritional, safety, social, and economic challenges. This perspective analyzes these considerations in achieving dietary diversity in LMIC, using a combination of traditional and novel protein sources with high nutritional value, namely, soy, mycoprotein, and cultivated meat. Technological approaches to modulate the technofunctionality and bitter off-tastes of plant-sourced proteins facilitate processing and ensure consumer acceptance. Economic considerations for inputs, infrastructure for production, and transportation represent key elements to scale up AP. Dietary diversification is indispensable and LMIC cannot rely on plant proteins alone to provide adequate protein intake sustainably. Investments in infrastructure and innovation are urgently needed to offer diverse sources of protein in LMIC.

Addressing Cross-Sectoral Challenges in Consumer Culture for Sustainability and Social Justice in Indonesia

In the context of Indonesia's dynamic socioeconomic landscape, this research focuses on sustainability and social justice while addressing cross-sectoral concerns in consumer culture. Through the use of a mixed-methods approach that incorporates qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and in-depth case studies, the study sheds light on the complex interactions between environmental, cultural, and economic elements that influence consumer behavior. Results highlight financial limitations by showing a relationship between sustainable practices and socioeconomic level. Traditional and global cultural influences become important, influencing motivations and creating obstacles. Consumer choices are greatly influenced by business practices, which emphasizes the importance of transparency in promoting positive change. Case studies offer practical examples that highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of consumer behavior. Actionable recommendations for businesses, consumers, and politicians are informed by the combination of quantitative and qualitative findings, paving the way for Indonesia to adopt a more socially equitable and sustainable consumption culture.

Prospects for the Development of Ethnocultural Packaging in Ukraine

The article is devoted to the study of prospects for the development of ethno-cultural packaging in Ukraine with an emphasis on the use of traditional design elements that reflect national identity. The purpose of the article is to analyze and evaluate the use of ethnocultural motifs in the design of modern packaging, as well as to study their impact on the interaction between the consumer and the brand. The research methodology is based on a multidisciplinary approach containing elements of sociology, psychology, cultural studies, economics, design and other disciplines; and also – on the analysis of modern examples of packaging using ethno-cultural elements, including the study of colors, shapes, textures and other visual elements. The scientific novelty consists in a comprehensive approach to the study of ethno-cultural elements of national identity in the context of packaging design. In particular, the study revealed several key trends in the use of ethnocultural elements: emphasis on geometric ornaments, emotional resonance, integration of traditional folk symbols into the modern context and adaptation of historical motifs to the needs of the modern consumer; as well as the importance of its promotion to the international level, high interaction of the consumer with the brand. Among the main principles of implementing such a design in product packaging, one can name the focus on authenticity, adaptation to modernity by combining tradition and innovation and maintaining a balance between them. The findings demonstrate the importance of integrating ethno-cultural elements to strengthen brand identity and emotional connection with the consumer, pointing to the potential for innovation and further development in this area. Conclusions highlight the importance of integrating ethnocultural elements to bolster brand identity and foster an emotional connection with consumers, pointing to the potential for innovations and further growth in this domain. The results of research into the design of the packaging of Ukrainian branded products prove that traditional Ukrainian motifs in combination with modern design solutions can expand the possibilities of visual communication, giving the product a unique character, and become a key factor in distinguishing it on the market.

Sovereign Bond and Stock Market Returns in a Rising Economy

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of government bonds on Nigeria’s stock market performance. Theoretical framework: This work adopted the model of Khan and Zaman (2012) which used multiple regression method to investigate the link between macroeconomic factors and stock values in Pakistan's Karachi Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach: The research period runs from 2005 to 2022, and uses the secondary form of data and the ordinary least squares approach. Other analytical examinations include normalcy, stability, interconnectivity, and autocorrelation testing. Findings: The results show that the Federal Government's unique bond does not considerably and favorably impact stock market performance. The stock outcome also demonstrates that interest rates are extremely unfavorable to stock market returns. Research, Practical & Social implications: The study concludes that the government can apply other techniques to diversify bonds sold in the stock market. It is imperative that the appropriate authorities manage interest rates and other economic elements that impact stock market performance. Originality/value: The study is valuable since it is one of the first to assess the influence of government bonds in boosting stock market performance in an emerging nation. Although the outcome of the study calls for government action to ensure that state bonds are fascinating to investors, it should also endeavour to improve the sustainability of the country's stock market.

Consideraciones generales sobre la génesis de la ocurrencia de uranio y vanadio en las rocas sedimentarias Cretácicas del Sinclinal de Berlín Cordillera Central (Andes Colombianos)

The mineralization at the Berlin project in Colombia presents a huge interest based on its relatively high uranium and vanadium concentrations (0.11% U3O8) and (0.45% V2O5), with a suite of other economically interesting elements, all of them necessary to achieve the energy transition, including Y, Re, Ag, and P. The present research suggests a hypothesis for the U and V mineralization: an epigenetic origin. The results indicate that the source for U, V, and the other economic elements associated, were released from the black shales of the Abejorral Formation that is overlying a carbonate succession of Cretaceous wackestone. Those elements were transported in diagenetic fluids under specific physical and geochemical conditions. Efficient strata-bound trap occurred when the carbonate succession triggered a redox front that interacted not only with mineralized fluids, but organic matter and H2S.

Study of storage thermal energy of latent heat Application to the solar collector

The energy production provided by a heat excess or discontinuous source (solar, waste heat...) involve the utilization of a thermal storage in the thermodynamic or recuperation chain. These last years, studies on thermal storage systems have been developed in order to bring technical and economic elements. The study includes two parts. The first one concern a numerical analysis of a latent-heat thermal energy storage unit is conducted. The element of storage is a rectangular closed cavity filled with a phase change material (PCM) initially at the solid state. At t = 0 a heat flux is applied through one of the vertical walls of the cavity. Other one, experimental steady treats a new type of solar collector was developed and tested to valid numerical models.

Study of Mangrove Ecotourism Product Offers in Bali

Bali tourism prioritizes introducing culture and nature throughout the region. Natural tourism offers more of the geographical characteristics of mountains and coastal areas. Among a number of coastal tourism potentials such as the sea and beaches, there are also mangroves which are widely spread in Bali. There are at least 4 mangrove locations in Bali that have been developed as tourist attractions, namely Batu Lumbang, Wanasari, Perancak and Jungutbatu. These four mangrove tourism businesses offer an ecotourism brand in their tourism product offerings. In particular, ecotourism has a number of criteria in its implementation, starting from being carried out by the community, there are elements of education, environmental preservation and economic elements. All of these elements should be included in existing mangrove tourism activity offerings. Not to mention that as a tourism business based on tourist attractions, mangrove ecotourism management and services must prioritize the completeness of tourist attraction elements such as something to see, to buy, to do, to learn. Other complete aspects that a tourist attraction must have are attraction elements, accessibility, amineties and ancillary service. This research will identify and analyze the completeness of attraction elements, tourist attraction elements and their suitability with existing ecotourism elements in mangrove ecotourism in Bali. In a number of locations, utilization activities are often carried out by community groups and not by parties given the authority to manage the area. In a number of locations, the planning and monitoring processes are often carried out by different parties. It is necessary to reaffirm the matters and authority of area management. It is necessary to recapitulate the results of research carried out at the location so that more complete data is obtained regarding the characteristics of the location.

Community-Based Workshops to Involve Rural Communities in Wildlife Management Case Study: Bighorn Sheep in Baja California, Mexico.

The description of natural history, and information on the factors threatening conservation, the distribution area, and the status of species population are necessary for proper wildlife management. The objective of this research was to generate such information in two rural communities and to engage residents in bighorn sheep management through a program of three workshops. The first one covered training regarding natural history and management of the species. The second one consisted in the description of the habitat of the species through a dynamic of participatory mapping. The third, include a design of a one strategy to monitor the bighorn sheep population. The workshops were attended by 37 people from the two rural communities. The results suggest the economic element was the main interest of the inhabitants regarding the bighorn sheep. Eleven risk factors were identified to the bighorn sheep in the study sites, a participatory map with relevant information for the management of the species on each community was developed, and a monitoring strategy of the bighorn sheep population was prepared. The workshop program proposed in this research is a tool that can be applied in rural communities to lay the groundwork for a long-term management project of wildlife species.

Adhesion of titanium coatings applied by cold spraying on selected metal substrates

Measurement of the adhesion of a Ti coating applied by cold spraying on metal substrates with different elastic modulus. An attempt to analytically describe the experimental results, considering cold gas spray parameters such as working gas, pressure p and temperature T.Ti coating was sprayed on flat bars made of metal: copper, magnesium, brass, titanium, Al 7075, Al 2024 and steel with dimensions of 4x50x400 mm. All coatings were applied under the same spray conditions (p = 3.8 MPa, T = 800C, spray distance l = 50 mm, and spray spead V = 400 mm/s). The state of plastic deformation of coatings and substrates was examined using optical methods, and the adhesion strength was measured with the POSITEST tester.The experimental results are presented graphically. The adhesion force as a function of the relative modulus of elasticity showed a maximum. At this time, the mutual penetration depth of the coating and the substrate showed a minimum. The extremes of the relationships mentioned above occurred for points where the relative modulus of elasticity took the value one. The curve described by formula (1) was fitted to the distribution of adhesion points as a function of the relative elastic modulus. The function parameter described by formula (1) is related to the spray parameters (p, T).To achieve a better accuracy of the analytical description of the adhesion of coatings deposited with cold gas, tests should be carried out on a larger number of substrates. The validity of the presented interpretation should be checked by applying coatings from other materials.In coating technologies, adhesion is a key concept. A coating with high adhesion strength is used primarily in regeneration and anti-corrosion protection processes. The analytical relationship between adhesion, relative modulus of elasticity and cold gas spray parameters will significantly speed up the selection of optimal spray parameters. Cold spray technology is a cost-intensive technology, so the economic element is not without significance.The article presents a method for limiting the number of variables on which the quality of the applied coatings depends. The relationship between the adhesion force, the relative elastic modulus and the selected spray parameters are indicated.