Fair Conditions Research Articles

Effect of Pavement Conditions on Urban Road Accidents

Traffic accidents represent a serious problem in Jordan. The major objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pavement conditions on urban road accidents. To achieve the objective of the study, 25 urban pavement sections were selected. A comprehensive data base, including pavement conditions in terms of pavement condition index (PCI), traffic volume, and traffic accidents, for the selected sections, was developed. Regression analyses were carried out to explore possible relationships between PCI and the number of accidents and accident rates. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that urban pavement conditions had a significant effect on accident occurrences and accident rates. The relationship between accidents and PCI had a parabolic shape. The regression models explained 69% and 61% of the variation in accident frequency and rate, respectively. It was found that urban pavement sections with PCI lower than 50 were consistently associated with higher accident frequency or accident rate. Also, a notable increase in accidents was observed for all sections having a PCI greater than 85. The results of the study are comparable with the results found for rural pavement sections. To provide a safe urban environment; therefore, municipal engineers should keep urban pavement in fair conditions and implement appropriate calming measures for good pavement conditions. Keywords: Accident occurrence, Accident rate, Road safety, Pavement condition index (PCI), PAVER system, Pavement management system (PMS), Pavement distresses.

State policy regarding tariff formation of freight railway transportation

The article examines the current issue of state policy regarding freight railway tariff formation in Ukraine, which has a significant impact on the country’s economic development and the competitiveness of domestic industry. The current state of freight railway transportation in Ukraine is characterized by a number of problems, including outdated infrastructure, insufficient funding, and tariff policy issues. In the context of ongoing economic instability, it is crucial to balance the needs of shippers, market requirements, and the interests of the state, which must regulate tariffs in a way that ensures the economic viability and competitiveness of railway transportation. The administrative and legal framework for tariff formation in the field of freight transportation in Ukraine is based on regulatory legal acts that govern the activities of state bodies and economic entities in the transport sector. Central to these acts is legislation that defines the mechanisms for regulating tariffs and the responsibility for their compliance. The state’s influence on tariff regulation in the field of freight railway transportation is an important tool for ensuring market stability. State bodies influence the level of tariffs through the development and implementation of strategies and policies that promote the growth of this sector, as well as through the definition and adjustment of tariff formation mechanisms, which allow for the consideration of the country’s economic situation. The establishment of appropriate tariffs ensures not only the profitability of railway transportation but also fair conditions for all market participants. Furthermore, effective state policy in this area allows for attracting investment in infrastructure and improving the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods on international markets. Thus, the issue of state policy in the field of freight railway tariff formation is extremely important for the sustainable development of the transport sector and the country’s economy as a whole. The article provides an analysis of the current state of this sector, explores the main problems and trends, and assesses the role of the state in optimizing tariff policy and its impact on the effectiveness of freight transportation in Ukraine.

Assessment of recent lake sediment conditions in the conterminous U.S.

This study provides the largest sediment quality assessment of lakes in the conterminous United States (U.S.). A variety of lakes (n = 1005) were selected based on the randomized, probabilistic sampling design of the broader 2017 National Lakes Assessment study. Surficial sediment samples (0–5 cm) were collected at one representative site (generally the deepest point) for each lake (n = 969). The samples were analyzed for 16 metal(loid)s, 25 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 53 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 27 legacy pesticides and metabolites, total organic carbon, and grain size. Metal(loid)s and PAHs were widely distributed due to natural and potential anthropogenic sources, with regional variations observed for lakes in the nine ecoregions encompassing the U.S. Most sites did not have detectable PCB congeners or legacy pesticides. An integrative chemical index of mean probable effect concentration quotients, composed of seven metal(loid)s and ƩPAH13, was used to assess sediment quality for the estimated population of 224,916 lakes in the conterminous U.S. Nationally, 26.5% (CI of 20–33%) of lakes were in good condition (corresponding to predicted low incidences of toxicity to benthic organisms), 69.3% (CI of 63–76%) of lakes were in fair condition, and 1.8% (CI of 0.6–3%) of lakes were in poor condition (corresponding to predicted high incidences of sediment toxicity). Unweighted metal(loid) and ƩPAH13 concentrations were compared to lake, watershed, and land use data. Deeper lakes were significantly more contaminated (or naturally enriched) with As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn, and ƩPAH13 than shallow lakes. Lakes at lower elevation were also associated with more contamination (or natural enrichment) of As, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, and ƩPAH13 than higher elevation lakes. Greater contamination was associated with watersheds containing larger percentages of developed land. This study demonstrates an approach which can be used by others to assess sediment quality in their jurisdictions.

Optimal design of spatial structures by a novel meta-heuristic algorithm: Sound energy optimizer

Sound signals are used by various species of living creaters to commonicate with each other. Scientific experiments have demonstrated that sound energy can travel through media and cause the receiver objects to vibrate or move. The present work simulates such a phenomenon in development of a new meta-heuristic algorithm called: Sound Energy Optimizer (SEO). Concerning physical rules, SEO leverages natural or ambient sounds for optimization. SEO utilizes a tunable virtual machine to control the decaying pattern of the sound energy in a medium representing the search space. Performance of the proposed algorithm is first evaluated on unconstrained optimization of some mathematical test functions. Then, a variety of pin-jointed structural problems are optimized including space tower, double-layer grid, barrel vault, helipad structure and power transmission towers. In this set, performance evaluation is done not only against the previous works but also by running SEO versus eight recent meta-heuristics under fair comparison conditions. New quantitative indices are introduced and traced as well as the common statistical measures and convergence curves. The results demonstrate competitive performance of SEO versus recent meta-heuristics in the discrete and continuous design of spatial structures.

Gender and sustainability at the heart of the Amazon: a look at the bioentrepreneurs

The popular and solidarity economy (PSE) aims to achieve collective well-being through activities based on solidarity. The Amazon region of the Republic of Ecuador is closely linked to extractive activities, which risk affecting the health of local populations and accelerating forest degradation. Furthermore, poverty in this region affects 57% of the population, forcing families to engage in harmful forestry activities with significant environmental consequences. International cooperation, providing financing to promote bioenterprises, has generated sustainable alternatives for these populations. In this context, associativity emerges as a mechanism that generates sources of income for families dedicated to the preservation of forests, presenting itself as a viable solution to this problem. This research aims to determine how the financing of international cooperation influences the associative processes of the PSE, taking as a case study the Association of Wayusa Producers of Limoncocha, Ecuador. This association is part of the " Proamazonía " project financed by the Ecuadorian government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Data was collected through semi-structured surveys and focus groups with key stakeholders. The results suggest that it is possible to achieve both economic and social benefits through the associative process. These include empowering Indigenous women, integrating them into the production process under fair conditions and preserving local culture. Consequently, this improves the quality of life of families and, at the same time, prevents the expansion of the agricultural frontier, promoting the economic and environmental sustainability of the area.

Absolute Fairness and Weighted Lotteries

Abstract Weighted lottery proposals give guidance in rescue dilemma situations by balancing the demands of comparative and absolute fairness. While they do not advocate for saving the greater number outright, they are responsive to absolute fairness insofar as they show a certain sensitivity to the numbers involved. In this paper we investigate what criterion of absolute fairness we should demand weighted lotteries to fulfill. We do so by way of critically examining what is probably the most sophisticated weighted lottery on the market: Gerard Vong's Exclusive Composition-Sensitive (EXCS) lottery. We find that both the standard that seems most common in the debate, and a different standard Vong uses to criticize Jens Timmermann's Individualist Lottery are in contradiction to basic demands placed upon weighted lotteries and are therefore unsuitable as necessary conditions for absolute fairness. We instead propose a purely gradual understanding of absolute fairness.

Woody Species Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Hereje Natural Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

Determining the population structure and regeneration status of woody species in Hereje Natural Forest, Ethiopia, is essential for identifying potential management interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation and forest degradation. Three parallel transect lines (every 100 m) were established along altitudinal gradients, and 45 plots of 20 m x 20 m were used to collect vegetation data. Living woody species diameter breast height (DBH) was measured in each plot for those with height ≥2 m and DBH ≥ 2.5 cm at about 1.3 m from the ground. For this study seedlings and saplings inventory was made using five subplots of 2 m X 2m, four on each corner of the main plots and one in the center, In this study we have used appropriate formulas to analyze basal area, density, regeneration status and important value index. A total of 44 plant species were identified and classified into 41 genera and 28 families. The most relatively dominant species in the Hereje forest were Syzygium guineense (24.47%), Ficus sur (20%), Combretum molle (18.58%), Croton macrostachyus (18.11%), and Terminalia schimperiana (9.29%). According to this study, the density of tree species in the forest decreases as DBH classes increase. The predominance of small DBH classes is due to the excessive cutting of certain size classes by the local communities, indicating extensive changes in the woody plant diversity and age structure. The result of the study also revealed that diameter and height class distribution showed an inverted J-shape indicating the majority of the species had the highest number of individuals at lower DBH. Maytenus gracilipes has the highest number of seedlings in the study area. However, the overall regeneration status of the study forest was in fair condition. Hence, immediate conservation is required for these species with poor regeneration and least IVI should be given conservation priority.

Skill-Biased Technical Change, Again? Online Gig Platforms and Local Employment

This study explores the impact of online gig platforms like TaskRabbit on the employment of incumbent service workers, focusing on the housekeeping sector. It highlights how TaskRabbit’s entry correlates with a decrease in middle-skilled roles such as supervisors due to automation, whereas low-skilled jobs like janitors remain stable because of their manual nature. Notably, many middle-skilled workers transition to self-employment within the sector instead of facing layoffs. Amidst competing narratives about the gig economy’s influence on labor markets, this research offers critical insights into how gig platforms redistribute the workforce and create new employment opportunities, suggesting significant implications for policymakers and practitioners. Policymakers should recognize the shift from traditional roles to self-employment facilitated by these platforms, which enhances local entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, it is crucial for them to ensure fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. Practitioners can see that gig platforms not only improve operational efficiency but also enable middle-skilled workers to launch their own businesses, indicating a potential strategy for new platforms looking to increase their service offerings and client base. Traditional companies, in response, need to adapt their job designs, incentive structures, and company culture to align with the changing needs for flexibility and autonomy in the gig economy.

Investigating the Impact of Multiphysics on Modeled Planetary Boundary Layer Height Estimates during the PECAN Field Campaign

Abstract Accurate representation of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in numerical weather prediction is crucial to air quality, weather forecasting, and climate change research and operations. Here, we evaluate the estimates of PBL height (PBLH) from a set of convective-permitting simulations conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) campaign (from June to mid-July 2015). Our analysis aims to quantify the variability in PBLH, along with its associated surface variables and atmospheric profiles, to gauge the influence of model physics on the accuracy of simulated PBL properties. Specifically, we conducted twenty-four 45-day retrospective simulations encompassing different combinations of three PBL and two microphysics schemes, two initial and boundary condition (ICBC) datasets, and two model vertical grid spacings. We compare these simulations with measurements from surface sites and radiosonde launches across four sites in the southern Great Plains during PECAN. Our findings indicate that deriving PBLH from modeled atmospheric profiles yields a narrower spread (200–300 m) compared to PBLH calculated from the model’s PBL scheme (400–500 m) relative to radiosonde-derived PBLH under fair weather conditions. The choice of PBL scheme and ICBCs exerts the most significant impact (by up to 400 m) on the spread of modeled PBLH and associated atmospheric profiles, primarily influencing the representation of surface heating, transport, and mixing processes in the model. The model has difficulty reproducing the correct thermodynamic profile under cloud-intense conditions. These results underscore the benefit of using the physically consistent approach in retrieving, evaluating, and assimilating PBLH estimates, as well as the utility of multiphysics to better address model uncertainties. Significance Statement Studies on weather forecast models typically involve running the model multiple times and adjusting model inputs slightly each time to produce a range of predicted variables. This range is crucial for evaluating forecast probabilities and integrating observations into the model. We found that using different model physics schemes can result in an equal or greater spread for predicted variables (here, we focus on boundary layer height and related variables), compared to input tweaks alone. Additionally, a particular scheme can introduce biases. These findings underscore the importance of employing multiple physics schemes in the model, as they widen the coverage (potentially doubling) of outputs, and thus better address forecast uncertainties.

3D-printed tooth for caries excavation

BackgroundTo date, no suitable model tooth has been available for all standard restorative and prosthodontic procedures. To fill this gap, a realistic multilayer tooth with enamel, dentin, integrated caries, pulp, and electrometric and X-ray imaging abilities was developed. The aim of this study was to test the printed tooth while focusing on caries excavation and pulp capping.MethodsBased on micro-CT data, a tooth was designed and produced via 3D printing. A total of 396 teeth were tested and evaluated by 66 fourth- and fifth-year students experienced in caries excavation at standard typodonts, extracted teeth and patients. They excavated the caries and capped the pulp on six teeth and rated them in a questionnaire.ResultsCompared with natural teeth, the printed teeth were generally rated positively and significantly better in all criteria than typodonts used previously (p < .001). They were rated as a suitable training option (Ø 2.3 ± 0.9) with fair examination conditions (Ø 2.1 ± 0.8) and easy to use (Ø 2.0 ± 0.8). Subjective learning success was also significantly greater (Ø 2.3 ± 0.9) than that of standard typodonts (Ø 3.2 ± 1.1) (p < .001). In general, the students desired more exercises with 3D-printed teeth for their studies (Ø 1.8 ± 0.8).ConclusionsMultilayered 3D-printed teeth were successfully tested and can improve and extend the teaching methods used for caries excavation and pulp capping. Its other abilities will be tested in subsequent studies.Year of the Study2023.

What’s Impossible about Algorithmic Fairness?

The now well-known impossibility results of algorithmic fairness demonstrate that an error-prone predictive model cannot simultaneously satisfy two plausible conditions for group fairness apart from exceptional circumstances where groups exhibit equal base rates. The results sparked, and continue to shape, lively debates surrounding algorithmic fairness conditions and the very possibility of building fair predictive models. This article, first, highlights three underlying points of disagreement in these debates, which have led to diverging assessments of the feasibility of fairness in prediction-based decision-making. Second, the article explores whether and in what sense fairness as defined by the conjunction of the implicated fairness conditions is (un)attainable. Drawing on philosophical literature on the concept of feasibility and the role of feasibility in normative theory, I outline a cautiously optimistic argument for the diachronic feasibility of fairness. In line with recent works on the topic, I argue that fairness can be made possible through collective efforts to eliminate inequalities that feed into local decision-making procedures.

The role of tax policy in ensuring the financial and economic security of the state

The initiated scientific research is devoted to the urgent issue of determining the role of tax policy in ensuring the sustainable functioning of the financial and economic security of the state. It has been proven that the proper provision of such a component is one of the important prerequisites for the necessary stability of the entire national economic system and is a guarantee of its progressive development. In view of the importance of this component, the need to implement all the available potential of means of all its authorized support is emphasized. It is indicated and argued that the tax policy is one of the most promising measures for the fulfillment of such tasks in the current period. The peculiarities of the financial and economic security of the state are defined and analyzed. It was found that the category of the same name is an understudied but promising object of scientific knowledge. It is emphasized that a wide range of mutual relations with the financial component in comparison with the rest of the subsystems of the economic security of the state are in favor of its use. Its exceptional importance is emphasized from the point of view of direct and indirect prevention and counteraction of many challenges, threats and risks to the national security of Ukraine. The tax policy in modern domestic realities is characterized. It is noted that it is characterized as the activity of many state bodies on issues of establishment, organization, as well as legal regulation of tax administration and tax payments. Such activity itself involves the active application of various management forms, methods, and methods and is carried out with the help of appropriate tools. The role of such a tool from the point of view of influence on the course of processes under the auspices of the financial and economic security of the state is evaluated. It was noted that tax policy in current conditions is often of decisive importance from the standpoint of mobilization, distribution and redistribution of financial resources, stability of the financial and economic component, support and growth of its potential, guaranteeing the interests of taxpayers, ensuring fair conditions for the latter, etc.

Strategies for achieving the sustainable development goals across the wine chain: a review

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations present a comprehensive blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The wine industry, with its extensive global reach and significant economic impact, holds a unique position to contribute toward these goals. This review examines how the wine industry can, directly and indirectly, support all 17 SDGs through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating extensive literature analysis. The study explores the alignment of wine industry practices with the SDGs across three key pillars: social, environmental, and governance goals. Social initiatives focus on enhancing livelihoods, food security, fair and safe working conditions, inclusive and ethical development among the workers and communities, education, and economic growth. Environmental efforts emphasize reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, conserving water, improving water and energy use efficiency, improving grapevine resilience against adverse environmental conditions, minimizing pollution, protecting biodiversity, creating more sustainable cities, and promoting moderate wine consumption. Governance goals highlight the importance of regulatory frameworks, wine industry standards, and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable, responsible and ethical practices, contributing to effective partnerships and institutional capacity. Conclusions highlight the wine industry’s commitment to sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can coexist. Future perspectives call for enhanced collaboration, research, education, supportive policies, robust monitoring, and equality initiatives. By embracing sustainable practices, the wine industry can play a vital role in advancing the global agenda for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.

The Role of Benthic Fluxes in Acidifying the Bottom Waters in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone Based on an Updated Water Column Biogeochemical‐Seabed Diagenetic and Sediment Transport Model

AbstractThe seabed and the water column are tightly coupled in shallow coastal environments. Numerical models of seabed‐water interaction provide an alternative to observational studies that require concurrent measurements in both compartments, which are hard to obtain and rarely available. Here, we present a coupled model that includes water column biogeochemistry, seabed diagenesis, sediment transport and hydrodynamics. Our model includes realistic representations of biogeochemical reactions in both seabed and water column, and fluxes at their interface. The model was built on algorithms for seabed‐water exchange in the Regional Ocean Modeling System and expanded to include carbonate chemistry in seabed. The updated model was tested for two sites where benthic flux and porewater concentration measurements were available in the northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone. The calibrated model reproduced the porewater concentration‐depth profiles and benthic fluxes of O2, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), TAlk, NO3 and NH4. We used the calibrated model to explore the role of benthic fluxes in acidifying bottom water during fair weather and resuspension periods. Under fair weather conditions, model results indicated that bio‐diffusion in sediment, labile material input and sediment porosity have a large control on the importance of benthic flux to bottom water acidification. During resuspension, the model indicated that bottom water acidification would be enhanced due to the sharp increase of the DIC/TAlk ratio of benthic fluxes. To conclude, our model reproduced the seabed‐water column exchange of biologically important solutes and can be used for quantifying the role of benthic fluxes in driving bottom water acidification over continental shelves.

Assessment of impacts of air pollution on people living in Ezza North close to quarry operation sites in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Quarrying activities have become lucrative work for low income people in low income countries most found in Africa. This study aimed assess the impacts of air pollution on people living in Ezza North close to quarry operation sites in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study was used and pollution level was determined with the use of calibrated Handheld GPS, Amex multiple gas meter, Sound meter and interview of participants with a questionnaire on the health status. The collected data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 21). The one sample T-test was used to test the hypotheses at 95% confidence interval and 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 31–40 years had 19(5.37%) males and 20(5.65%) females as highest quarrying workers. The concentration of carbon monoxide was highest at 193ppm, Sulphur dioxide at 568ppm, nitrogen dioxide at 1.9ppm, Suspended particulate Matter (SPM) at 1982ppm and sound level at 82.9dB. The concentrations of these pollutants were found to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than normal levels apart from sound level without significant impact at P = 0.285. The 93.3% of the participants reported blasting of rocks produced highest air pollution, 87.5% that reported crushing, conveying, sieving produce a lot of dust. Also, 80% of participants reported high level of noise came from machinery blasting rocks, processing and haulage trucks. In all, 35% reported they had fair health condition when asked about the health status since they started quarrying work. In conclusion, the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides were all higher than normal. It was observed air pollutants had association with respiratory system. Therefore, the air pollution at quarrying site can be mitigated through dust suppression techniques and treating quarry pit with water before discharging.

지속가능성을 위한 텍스타일디자인 산업의 도전과 혁신사례 연구

This study aims to systematically analyze the challenges and innovative cases for implementing sustainability in the textile design industry. The textile design industry plays a significant role in the global economy but also causes problems such as environmental pollution, resource waste, and social inequality due to large-scale production and consumption. This study presents various approaches to solve these problems and seeks strategic approaches for the sustainable development of the industry. From an environmental perspective, it emphasizes the importance of improving resource efficiency and adopting eco-friendly materials and production methods. From a social perspective, it presents cases that protect workers' rights and welfare and ensure fair working conditions. From an economic perspective, it analyzes the need for strategic approaches to secure technological innovation and global competitiveness. The study found that innovative companies such as Spinnova, DyeCoo, and Human Material Loop are attempting various innovative approaches to implement sustainability. This study provides concrete action plans to enhance sustainability in the textile design industry and contribute to promoting sustainable development across the industry.

Workers with Disabilities and the Challenges of Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

Introduction. Creating a workplace for workers with disabilities is a difficult task that requires considering a variety of factors. Many workplaces are not equipped with the necessary devices, such as height-adjustable tables, office chairs for disabled, or wheelchair lifts. Also, buildings may lack wheelchair ramps, elevators or wide doorways, which makes it difficult for people with limited mobility to access the workplace. These and many other factors significantly limit the possibilities of professional integration of persons with disabilities.The purpose of this work was to identify the main challenges of creating an inclusive working environment in order to increase the employment rates of workers with disabilities. In this research, an analysis of Russian and foreign literature was carried out.Materials and methods. The issues of the employment of workers with disabilities and the creation of an inclusive working environment were considered on the basis of a content analysis of scientific, review, and expert literature published both in scientific peer-reviewed publications and on the Internet. Papers by Rus-sian and foreign authors, analytical data from national statistical agencies, and materials from government and corporate programs aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into social and professional life were studied.Results. Discussions on disability in the workplace have been extremely limited for a long time. However, statistics show that 5–8% of the working-age population have health problems that limit their ability to carry out professional activities. The workplace should be accessible to all employees, whether for routine work or emergency evacuation. Effective use of international experience as well as continuous improvement of inclu-sive practices will help to create more accessible and fair working conditions for all.

Macroeconomic determinants of labour costs in the EU: a comprehensive panel and cluster analysis

Abstract Labour costs are a fundamental component of production expenses, significantly impacting both the quantity and quality of output. This study explores the determinants of labour costs within EU member states that have implemented minimum wage policies over the past two decades. The research technique includes a comprehensive panel analysis of EU member states to identify significant variables influencing labour costs, as well as cluster analysis to discover underlying patterns across the nations under examination. Our findings reveal that higher minimum wage levels, higher employment rates, increased labour productivity, and greater trade openness are positively correlated with higher labour costs. Specifically, increases in these variables lead to higher wages and a broader tax base, while greater trade openness results in elevated labour costs due to expanded market opportunities. Conversely, gross fixed capital formation negatively affects labour costs, as investments in production assets tend to reduce labour requirements or hours worked. The cluster analysis led to the identification of three distinct groups. The first cluster consists of well-developed economies with modest labour cost increases and average minimum wages. The second cluster includes countries with substantial labour cost increases, low minimum wages, and significant productivity gains. The third cluster features nations with high minimum wages and high employment rates. This paper contributes to the field by highlighting the complex interplay between labour costs and economic factors, offering insights for decision-makers to tailor macroeconomic and company-level strategies to specific local conditions. The findings emphasise the importance of balancing wage policies with sustainable economic development to enhance competitiveness while ensuring fair labour conditions.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Implementation on Reducing Emission in the ASEAN Energy Sector

Abstract In the context of global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a low-carbon economy, the European Union (EU) has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as part of its ambitious Green Deal. This mechanism aims to address carbon leakage from high-emitting industries and ensure fair conditions for European industries. The ASEAN region, as highlighted in the 7th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO7) study, is projected to experience a substantial increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reaching 6,704 Mt CO2-eq by 2050 compared to a baseline scenario of 1,815 Mt CO2-eq in 2020. Consequently, ASEAN has recognized the urgency to earnestly reduce its emissions in response to the global push for carbon neutrality. The implementation of CBAM by the EU has prompted many countries, including ASEAN Member States (AMS) exporting goods to the EU and beyond, to consider the adoption of CBAM policies. This study examines the potential implications of CBAM for the emission reduction in high-emitting industries in ASEAN (such as cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity generation). The findings indicate that the implementation of CBAM may result in higher product prices for these industries, as they will be required to account for the climate footprint of their manufacturing activities through additional fees. However, it also presents an opportunity for emission reductions within these industries by incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate their carbon footprint during manufacturing processes. To effectively respond to the implementation of CBAM, the region should adopt three key strategies: 1) active participation in and implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms, 2) increased investments in low carbon technologies, and 3) establishment of strategic partnerships to enhance trade relations between the EU and ASEAN.

Realization of a high-efficient GDI-based 4:2 compressor for sum of absolute difference detection in image and signal processing

A new 4:2 approximate compressor is designed based on gate diffusion input (GDI), which has 14 transistors and only 6 errors in its outputs. The integration of the GDI with the dynamic threshold (DT) overcomes the body effect by the selection of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFET) technology. By embedding the proposed compressor in the 8-bit sum of absolute difference (SAD) system, an area of 284.6 µm2 is occupied and a reliable system for difference detection between two images and electrocardiogram (ECG) results. Considering the fair conditions of comparison, the proposed circuit has significant performance in terms of circuitry parameters such as power, delay, and figure of merits (FoMs). In terms of power-delay-product (PDP) and power-delay-area-product (PDAP) the proposed cell shows a saving of 27 % and 47 %, respectively. A 40 % improvement in terms of a FoM containing PDP and power signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) compared to the closest competitor qualifies the proposed circuit over the other counterparts. The proposed cell has a high performance under the difference detection in images and ECGs.