Value Of Project Research Articles

Real options analysis of seawater desalination with solar photovoltaic energy systems: A least-squares stochastic perspective

Real Options Analysis (ROA) offers a modern theoretical framework to evaluate the impact of managerial flexibilities and uncertainties on the intrinsic investment value of renewable-powered desalination projects. This study analyzes Photovoltaic-powered Reverse Osmosis (PV-RO) desalination plants using a novel Least Square Monte-Carlo Real Options Analysis (LSMC-ROA) to assess the deferral of investment decisions. Three scenarios for powering RO are explored: reliance on the national grid with a subsidized electricity tariff for of $0.085/kWh, which applicable only to governmental sections in Saudi Arabia, full PV power with grid balancing ($0.083/kWh), and PV with a battery storage system (average electricity cost of $0.138/kWh). The presented modeling results reveal that considering the flexibility to defer and wait for new information, the total investment values would be $43.9 million, $59.6 million, and $30.5 million, respectively. Therefore, the optimal investment timing might be to defer investment to the second year. Additionally, the analysis reveals an unexpected outcome: a threshold salinity level for feedwater exists that can affect the economic viability of renewable-powered desalination. The proposed LSMC-ROA framework emerges as a robust tool for addressing uncertainties and assessing economic feasibility in the context of PV-RO desalination projects.

Analysis and Real-Time Monitoring of the Influence of Wind Load on a High-Altitude Steel Connecting Bridge with Small Spacing

With the development of steel-structure construction technology in high-rise buildings, the design and construction of high-rise steel structures tend to be complicated. Based on the Zhuhai Tiejian Square project, the fluid-structure coupling calculation analysis and on-site monitoring are carried out in view of the wind load of the high-altitude steel-structure connecting bridge in the hoisting stage of the Zhuhai Tiejian Square project. The main structure of the project is four towers and five high-altitude, small-spacing steel structures connecting the four towers. The lifting process of the third zone is taken as the analysis object, and the hoisting idea of “low-altitude hoisting, overall lifting” is adopted. Because the span of the high-altitude steel-structure connecting bridge is small and the installation height is high, the influence of wind load on the hoisting process cannot be ignored. Therefore, the unidirectional fluid-structure coupling model of the high-altitude small-space steel-structure connecting bridge in the third zone was established by using CFD calculation software ANSYS Fluent 2022 R1, and the corresponding flow field and solid calculation results were obtained and analyzed. The analysis results show that the lifting structure still produces a certain deformation when the wind speed is 5 m/s or 10 m/s, and the calculation results show that the stress calculation results are still within the safe range of steel strength for the sensitivity of the lifting structure under wind load. With the increase of wind speed, the local maximum stress of the structure increases greatly, but the overall deformation remains stable, which indicates that the greatest challenge of hoisting steel structures under wind load may be the stability direction rather than the strength, so it is necessary to strictly monitor the displacement deformation of the structure during construction. Then, through the monitoring of the overall lifting process of the high-altitude, large-span, steel-connected structure of Zhuhai Tiejian Square from pre-lifting to formal lifting, real-time monitoring and data analysis show that the lifting process of the high-altitude steel bridge of Zhuhai Tiejian Square is safe and reliable, the force transformation of each component is reasonable, the lifting process is relatively stable, the external environment has little impact, and the expected monitoring effect has been achieved. The calculation simulation and on-site monitoring in this paper can provide theoretical and practical guidance for the construction safety under the influence of wind load in the construction process of high-altitude steel-structure hoisting, and provide an important reference value for similar projects.

A dynamic routing scheme for underwater acoustic sensor networks in submarine disaster applications

IntroductionThe ocean economy serves as a critical engine for the development of human society and economy, and its stable growth is of utmost importance. However, the frequent and unexpected occurrence of natural disasters, such as submarine disasters, poses significant threats to human society, especially disasters related to wave phenomena like the Ekman current, which has particularly prominent impacts.MethodsThe study proposes a dynamic routing scheme for underwater acoustic sensor networks. It establishes a cone-shaped distributed network, utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles to collect crucial data from nodes deployed on the seabed and transmitting it through the underwater cone-shaped distributed sensor network. Additionally, it adopts source location protection (SLP) technology to ensure the privacy of source locations. To validate the practicality and stability of this scheme, simulation experiments targeting the Ekman current were conducted in MATLAB.ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that the cone–SLP network significantly reduces the frequency of routing information exchange and energy consumption among acoustic sensors, effectively enhancing the economy and durability of the sensor network. Furthermore, it exhibits robust practicality and high stability in complex and variable submarine environments.DiscussionThis research not only provides a practical method for effectively monitoring submarine disasters but also offers valuable experience and significant reference value for other similar projects, playing a more crucial role in the sustainable development of the ocean economy.

The Community is the Cure: How African American Washington, DC Residents Informed Opioid Treatment Engagement

Abstract: Background: Recent data indicate rising opioid overdose deaths among African American residents of Washington, DC. Objectives: We highlight a community-informed approach to assessing attitudes toward opioid use disorder treatment among DC residents (February 2019 to March 2020). Methods: A listening tour with trusted community leaders led to the formation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB). When the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in March 2020, community dialogues became exclusively virtual. The CAB partnered with academic leaders to co-create project mission and values and center the community’s concerns related to opioid use and its causes, treatment structure, and facilitators of effective engagement. Results: Interview guides were created for the engagement of community members, using values highlighted by the CAB. The CAB underscored that in addition to opioid problems, effective engagement must address community experience, collective strengths/resilience, and the role of indigenous leadership. Conclusions: Engaging community prior to project implementation and maintaining alignment with community values facilitated opioid use disorder assessments. Community-informed assessments may be critical to building community trust.

Quality control mode between Lonicera macranthoides and L. japonica based on multi-elemental difference through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Numerous studies show that Lonicera macranthoides and L. japonica have significant differences in organic matter. However, there is still a lack of research on inorganic elements between them. In this study, a non-targeted elemental metabolomics method was established by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS), so as to compare the overall differences of inorganic elements between L. macranthoides and L. japonica. In addition, the differential markers were screened, and these differential markers were quantitatively analyzed by the targeted method. The non-targeted elemental metabolomics showed that the established mathematical model could reflect the difference in element content between L. macranthoides and L. japonica. Four inorganic elements such as ~(55)Mn, ~(209)Bi, ~(111)Cd, and ~(85)Rb were confirmed as the differential markers of L. macranthoides and L. japonica based on the screening principles of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>2.0, P<0.01 and fold change(FC) value>1.2 or <0.80. The targeted quantitative results showed that the content of ~(209)Bi in L. japonica was significantly higher than that in L. macranthoides, while ~(55)Mn, ~(111)Cd, and ~(85)Rb in L. macranthoides were significantly higher than that in L. japonica. The non-targeted and targeted elemental metabolomics methods based on ICP-MS can significantly reflect the overall differences in inorganic elements between L. macranthoides and L. japonica. Exploring the differences between them from the perspective of elements can partly reflect the differences in their drug properties and lay a foundation for further study on the quality control mode of inorganic elements in L. macranthoides and L. japonica and their pharmacological effects.

Regulatory effect of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthmatic rats by urine metabolomics

Urine metabolomics based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was utilized to investigate the metabolic regulation mechanism of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction(TLDZ) in rats with allergic asthma. SD male rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a dexamethasone group, and a TLDZ group. The allergic asthma model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA) to induce allergy, combined with atomization excitation. Urine metabolites from all rats were collected by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The metabolic profiles of rats in each group were built by principal component analysis(PCA). Besides, the differential metabolites between the model group and the TLDZ group were selected by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), t-test(P<0.05), and variable importance in the projection(VIP) values of more than 3. The differential metabolites were identified through HMDB, METLIN, and other online databa-ses. Heat maps and clustering analysis for relative quantitative information of biomarkers in each group were drawn by MeV 4.8.0 software. Finally, MetaboAnalyst, MBRole, and KEGG databases were used to enrich related metabolic pathways and construct metabolic networks. The result demonstrated that TLDZ could effectively regulate the disordered urine metabolic profiles of asthmatic rats. Combined with multivariate statistical analysis and online databases, a total of 45 differential metabolites with significant changes(P<0.05) between the model group and the TLDZ group were screened out. Metabolic pathways including histidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism were enriched. TLDZ could improve asthma by regulating related metabolic pathways and interfering with pathological processes such as immune homeostasis airway inflammation. The study investigates the molecular mechanism of anti-asthma of TLDZ from the perspective of urine metabolomics, and combined with previous pharmacological studies, it provides a scientific basis for the clinical development and application of TLDZ in the treatment of asthma.

Эффективность преференциального режима для предприятий российской Арк­тики: инструментарий и результаты оценки

The preferential regime for business activities in the Russian Arctic is a new regulatory mechanism that requires monitoring of implementation and evaluation of effectiveness. The issues of the effects of preferential treatment at the enterprise level fail essential study, which complicates the further development of this regulatory instrument. The authors focus their study at developing and testing tools for assessing the effectiveness of the preferential regime at the level of hotel companies, as well as identifying general trends in the implementation of the regulatory mechanism. They reveal that the revenue of resident companies have increased by an average of 4.6 times since receiving the status. In the structure of production factors, there is an increase in the importance of the labor factor in generating revenue for new resident companies and an increase in the importance of the capital factor for old resident companies (opened before 2020). The value of projects of new residents for the development of the local regions may be largely associated with the implementation of the function of the labor market social stabilization. The significance of the projects of “old residents” for the local regions lies in the intensification of the development of propulsion industries and specialization industries.

Characterization of the volatile organic compounds and sensory properties of fermented soymilks as affected by carbohydrates and starter cultures

Soymilks were fermented by two starter cultures and with different levels of added glucose or lactose respectively. GC-MS, HS-GC-IMS and GC × GC-TOFMS were compared and the latter reported much more volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs profiles of the fermented soymilks were divided into four groups using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Based on the variable importance in the projection value greater than 1.0 and one way ANOVA (P < 0.05), 22 VOCs were respectively identified as the critical differential VOCs in starter culture A and B fermented soymilk, and the concentrations of the critical differential VOCs changed in different patterns in response to the addition of carbohydrates. Four significant metabolic pathways were involved via the metabolite set enrichment analysis, including the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism. Among critical differential VOCs, there were 11 and 13 aroma-active compounds with odor activity values greater than 1.0, for starter culture A and B fermented soymilks respectively. The deductive sensory properties of the fermented soymilks as affected by carbohydrate addition were evaluated. This study provides experimental and theoretical bases for improving flavor quality of fermented soymilks.

Using Hyperlocal Projects to Teach Entrepreneurial Skills

This article presents a comprehensive exploration of employing hyperlocal projects as a pedagogical approach to teach entrepreneurship. Hyperlocal projects entail focusing on specific, localized communities to address real-world business challenges and opportunities. The study emphasizes the significance of integrating hyperlocal projects into entrepreneurship curricula, offering educators innovative methods to engage students and cultivate essential entrepreneurial skills. The paper outlines the implementation of the Madison Square Business Association project at Grand Valley State University, where students collaborated with a local non-profit to support businesses within a designated area. Through extensive data collection and collaboration with businesses, students developed persona descriptions, identified critical business issues, and proposed tailored support services. The project spanned two semesters, allowing students to iteratively refine their solutions and engage with local stakeholders. Key findings highlight the benefits of hyperlocal projects in entrepreneurship education. These projects foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by immersing students in real-world business contexts. Moreover, hyperlocal projects facilitate community engagement, providing students with hands-on learning experiences while addressing local economic challenges. The article also offers practical insights into the implementation of hyperlocal projects, including strategies for project planning, stakeholder engagement, and assessment. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of hyperlocal projects for future research, emphasizing the need for long-term outcome evaluations, examinations of their impact on underserved populations, comparative analyses with other educational methods, and exploration of cross-disciplinary applications. Overall, this study underscores the value of hyperlocal projects in entrepreneurship education, encouraging educators to embrace innovative teaching approaches that promote real-world problem-solving and community engagement. By incorporating hyperlocal projects into curricula, institutions can empower students to become entrepreneurial leaders equipped to drive local economic development and social change.

Effect of SlSAHH2 on metabolites in over-expressed and wild-type tomato fruit.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an annual or perennial herb that occupies an important position in daily agricultural production. It is an essential food crop for humans and its ripening process is regulated by a number of genes. S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase, EC 3.3.1.1) is widespread in organisms and plays an important role in regulating biological methylation reactions. Previous studies have revealed that transgenic tomato that over-express SlSAHH2 ripen earlier than the wild-type (WT). However, the differences in metabolites and the mechanisms driving how these differences affect the ripening cycle are unclear. To investigate the effects of SlSAHH2 on metabolites in over-expressed tomato and WT tomato. SlSAHH2 over-expressed tomato fruit (OE-5# and OE-6#) and WT tomato fruit at the breaker stage (Br) were selected for non-targeted metabolome analysis. A total of 733 metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the Human Metabolome database (HMDB). The metabolites were divided into 12 categories based on the superclass results and a comparison with the HMDB. The differences between the two databases were analyzed by PLS-DA. Based on a variable important in projection value >1 and P < 0.05, 103 differential metabolites were found between tomato variety OE-5# and WT and 63 differential metabolites were found between OE-6# and WT. These included dehydrotomatine, L-serine, and gallic acid amongst others. Many metabolites are associated with fruit ripening and eight common metabolites were found between the OE-5# vs. WT and OE-6# vs. WT comparison groups. The low L-tryptophan expression in OE-5# and OE-6# is consistent with previous reports that its content decreases with fruit ripening. A KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the significantly different metabolites revealed that in the OE-5# and WT groups, up-regulated metabolites were enriched in 23 metabolic pathways and down-regulated metabolites were enriched in 11 metabolic pathways. In the OE-6# and WT groups, up-regulated metabolites were enriched in 29 pathways and down-regulated metabolites were enriched in six metabolic pathways. In addition, the differential metabolite changes in the L-serine to flavonoid transformation metabolic pathway also provide evidence that there is a phenotypic explanation for the changes in transgenic tomato. The metabolomic mechanism controlling SlSAHH2 promotion of tomato fruit ripening has been further elucidated.

Comparative study on chemical constituents of different medicinal parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb. Based on LC-MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Lonicerae japonicae caulis (LJC), Lonicerae folium (LF) and Lonicerae fructus (LFR) are derived from Lonicera japonica Thunb., which are formed due to different medicinal parts. The efficacy of the 4 medicinal materials has similarities and differences. However, little attention has been paid to illustrate the differences in efficacy from the perspective of phytochemistry. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the ingredients in 4 herbs. A total of 86 compounds were plausibly or unambiguously identified, there were 54 common components among the 4 medicinal materials, and each kind of medicinal materials had its own unique components. On the basis of qualitative analysis, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively analyze 31 components contained in 4 medicinal materials, and principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other multivariate statistical analysis were furtherly performed for comparing the component contents. The results showed that the samples from the same parts were clustered into one group, and the samples from different medicinal parts were significantly different. The analysis of variable importance projection (VIP) value of the OPLS-DA model showed that 10 components including chlorogenic acid, secologanic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, loganin, lonicerin, loganic acid, secoxyloganin, sweroside, luteolin and rhoifolin were the main difference components among the 4 medicinal materials. The study not only lays a solid foundation for the intrinsic quality control of 4 medicinal materials and the study of different effects of the 4 medicinal materials at the phytochemical level, but also provides a basis for more rational utilization of various parts of L. japonica and expansion of medicinal resources.

Factors That Affect Cost and Time Using Earned Value In Development Projects

Factors That Affect Cost and Time Using Earned Value In Development Projects

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

The cost benefit analysis helps in finding out the relationship of costs and revenues to output. It enables the financial manager to study the general effect of the level of output upon income and expenses and therefore upon profits. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) estimates and totals up the equivalent money value of the benefits and costs to the community of projects to establish whether they are worthwhile. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) measures a project's societal value by quantifying the project's societal effects and making costs and benefits comparable in monetary terms.

Comparative Three-dimensional Analysis of Philtral Ridge Projection in Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair enhanced with Muscle to sub-Dermis suture

Introduction: Recreating the philtral ridge and restoring orbicularis oris muscle continuity in cleft patients is a challenging task. Our muscle to sub-dermis technique introduces an effective method for achieving the desired philtral ridge reconstruction. Method: From August 2015 to July 2023, a retrospective study was conducted with a follow-up period of at least 6 months. This procedure involved a suture technique using muscle-to-sub-dermis sutures. Measurements of philtral projection were taken at two distinct points: one above the cupid's bow and the other at the mid-philtral level. In the comparative analysis of philtral ridges between the cleft and non-cleft sides, the root mean square (RMS) projection value was assessed. Additionally, an analysis of the restoration of the orbicularis oris muscle included the use of color mapping from the mid-sagittal plane and covered seven different points across three distinct horizontal planes: below subnasale, at the mid-philtral level, and above the cupid's bow. Results: Total 134 patients were included with a 37.8-month follow-up(SD 9.4). Philtral side projection was well-maintained, measuring -0.36(0.43)mm, -0.24(0.49)mm on the classical group vs. 0.23(0.29)mm, 0.20(0.21)mm on the muscle to sub-dermis group(p=0.001). The RMS projection value was 0.57(0.46) vs. 0.14(0.046), indicating greater symmetry in the muscle to sub-dermis group, with no difference in sagittal vector analysis of the orbicularis oris muscle between normal and cleft sides. Conclusion: A suturing technique utilizing muscle to sub-dermis sutures has shown promising results in philtral projection and dimple formation. This improvement can be attributed to the combined effect of sub-dermis and less muscle sutures.

Comparison of bias correction methods to regional climate model simulations for climate change projection in Muger Subbasin, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the best performed bias correction methods to simulate the regional climate models for future climate change projections in Muger Subbasin. Delta change methods perform very well with a coefficient of correlation of 0.99 and a percent of bias –3. When we compare its corrected simulation result with observed data, the delta change method seems to have with no biases for maximum temperature, but increases by 1.67 °C from the mean for minimum temperature of 0.39 and 38.41 mm for monthly and annual precipitation, respectively. Delta change methods underestimate the model result for both temperature and precipitation. Linear scaling and variance scaling methods overestimate the maximum temperature of the simulation by 0.002 and 0.004 °C from the mean of the observed data, but it underestimates 1.59 and 1.56 °C the minimum temperature, respectively. The long-term temperature projection values (2060–2090) are higher than the near-term projections (2030–2060) for both RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Similarly, the change in annual precipitation for the long-term is higher than the near-term projections. As a conclusion, the results draw attention to the fact that bias-adjusted regional climate models data are crucial for the provision of local climate change impact studies in the Muger Subbasin.

Divergent future change in South Atlantic Ocean Dipole impacts on regional rainfall in CMIP6 models

The South Atlantic Ocean Dipole (SAOD) exerts strong influence on climate variability in parts of Africa and South America. Here we assess the ability of an ensemble of 35 state-of-the-art coupled global climate models to simulate the SAOD impacts on regional rainfall for the historical period (1950–2014), and their future projections (2015–2079). For both periods we consider the peak phase of the dipole in austral winter. Observational analysis reveals four regions with spatially coherent SAOD impacts on rainfall; Northern Amazon, Guinea Coast, Central Africa, and Southeast Brazil. The observed rainfall response to the SAOD over Northern Amazon (0.31 mm d−1), Guinea Coast (0.38 mm d−1), and Southeast Brazil (0.12 mm d−1) are significantly underestimated by the modeled ensemble-mean response of 0.10 ± 0.15 mm d−1, 0.05 ± 0.15 mm d−1, −0.01 ± 0.04 mm d−1, respectively. A too southerly rain belt in the ensemble, associated with warmer-than-observed Atlantic cold tongue, leads to better performance of models over Central Africa (46% simulate observations-consistent SAOD-rainfall correlations) and poor performance over the Guinea Coast (only 5.7% simulate observations-consistent SAOD-rainfall correlations). We also find divergent responses among the projections of ensemble members precluding a categorical statement on the future strength of the SAOD-rainfall relationship in a high-emissions scenario. Our results highlight key uncertainties that must be addressed to enhance the value of SAOD-rainfall projections for the affected African and South American countries.

Subsidy Policies and Economic Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy Storage Integration in China

In the context of China’s new power system, various regions have implemented policies mandating the integration of new energy sources with energy storage, while also introducing subsidies to alleviate project cost pressures. Currently, there is a lack of subsidy analysis for photovoltaic energy storage integration projects. In order to systematically assess the economic viability of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects after considering energy storage subsidies, this paper reviews relevant policies in the Chinese photovoltaic energy storage market. It analyzes the cost and revenue composition of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects, and constructs a system dynamics model for the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of such projects. Taking a specific photovoltaic energy storage project as an example, this paper measures the levelized cost of electricity and the investment return rate under different energy storage scenarios. Combining energy storage allocation ratios and internal rate of return indicators, this paper analyzes the net present value of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects under different subsidy standards. The results indicate that, while the current energy storage subsidy policies positively stimulate photovoltaic energy storage integration projects, they exhibit a limited capacity to cover energy storage investment costs, thereby failing to incentivize capital market participation in the construction of such projects. Rational allocation of energy storage capacity and optimization of corresponding subsidy policies are crucial prerequisites for enhancing the economic viability and widespread adoption of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects. This study not only aids in investment decision making for photovoltaic power stations but also contributes to the formulation of energy storage subsidy policies.

Transdisciplinary Research in Marine Science: What’s the added value of involving stakeholders?

The holistic solution of complex, global problems in marine topics requires innovative research formats - which can be served by transdisciplinarity. To assess the success of the transdisciplinary approach for marine research, several case studies from marine research at Kiel University (Germany) were analysed for this study. Interviews with both scientists and stakeholders were carried out to 1) clarify whether stakeholder involvement in scientific projects provides additional knowledge and to 2) identify the underlying success factors. Both groups see added value in transdisciplinary projects and name positive aspects of cooperation, mutual interaction and information exchange. Essential are the applicability of research results, and the formation and maintenance of networks enabling further joint activities. Stakeholders add practical contexts to scientific knowledge so that the results of this transdisciplinary research can be translated into practical actions. Resource availability sets clear limits within the project framework. Successful transdisciplinary approaches require standardized definitions of terms, the selection of suitable participation formats and continuous, clear communication. Transdisciplinary projects proved suitable as a tool for sensitizing the general public and raising awareness of complex marine challenges.

Integrated geo-techno-economic and real options analysis of the decision to invest in a medium enthalpy deep geothermal heating plant. A case study in Northern Belgium

Deep geothermal energy (DGE) is a renewable energy source that is considered to cause a low global warming impact. The potential of DGE for heating is widespread and interest in deep geothermal heating (DGH) has been growing in Europe to help achieving the decarbonization of the heating mix. Nevertheless, despite its large potential, DGH development in Europe remains underexplored. DGH investments are hindered by the risks born by geological and market uncertainties. However, various flexibility options inherent to the development process, such as the option to abandon or defer, could partly mitigate these risks. To account for managerial flexibility in the investment analysis, this study suggests a novel real options (RO) framework. The RO model splits DGH development into five phases, and considers several compound options and geological and market uncertainties to investigate the timing and value of DGH development at the Campine Basin in Northern Belgium. The RO model is coupled to a geo-techno-economic model and is solved using the Least Squares Monte Carlo algorithm. The RO analysis finds a 51% probability of abandonment and an average deferral time for the development of 12 years. The abandon option mitigates the risk of large financial losses in case of inadequate geological conditions. The defer option allows the investors to wait for more favorable market conditions before investing, to increase the project value. The results show that DGH development in the investigated area is not economically desirable. However, the investors' flexibility increases the project value by 12.16 million EUR, compared to a conventional techno-economic analysis. The implementation of supporting policy measures improves the economic performance of the plant. The consideration of flexibility leads to supporting policy measures with 3–4 times lower governmental expenditure, compared to a conventional techno-economic analysis. This study shows that a RO approach is more suitable to investigate DGH investments than static techno-economic methods. The inclusion of flexibility allows for identifying development pathways that increase the project value and for designing more cost-efficient supporting policy schemes.

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Assessing the Impact of the Food Acquisition Program (Paa) on Family Farming in the Western Region of São Paulo, Mirante do Paranapanema, Brazil

Purpose: The objective of the research was to analyze, based on the interfaces between gender and family farming, how access to a public policy, in this case, the Food Acquisition Program (FAP), influences (or not) the empowerment of participating female farmers. Theoretical framework: The methodology used in the research was a case study and interviews were carried out based on elaborate semi-structured scripts (Triviños, 1987). A bibliographical survey was carried out using HERÉDIA; CINTRÃO, 2006, BRASIL, 2011, HAESBAERT (2004), among other literature publications, and systematization of data from secondary sources with National Supply Company. Conception/Methodology/Approach: We took as empirical reference the “Associação Força Feminina” in the municipality of “Mirante do Paranapanema”, in the State of São Paulo. This Association participated of FAP between 2011 and 2016, and it was verified through data from secondary sources that there was growth in terms of values of approved projects. Findings: We consider that the PAA was an action that made it possible to expand the participation of family farming and that generated economic autonomy for women. The PAA provided advances in relation to the quality of life to the women farmers of the Associação Força Feminina, as it valued agricultural products, increased the diversity of production, brought producers and consumers closer together, offered sales guarantees and paid more advantageous prices. Research, practical and social implications: The study deals with issues related to public policies and issues of empowerment in the state of São Paulo – BR. Access to the Food Acquisition Program (SAP), aimed at rural women workers, intends to take into account the social and cultural specificities of family farming, and makes it possible to understand that public policies are an important instrument, that can change the living situation of the families involved and of their beneficiaries. Originality/Value: In this article, a careful case study was developed, based on research into the participation of women farmers in the Food Acquisition Program (PAF), establishing parameters for analysis of whether this participation increased their level of economic and personal empowerment.