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This experiment was conducted in 2019 major cropping season in the Semi-deciduous forest Agro-ecological zone of Ghana to solve low maize yield and improve maize productivity and enhance farmer’s income using foliar and soil applied fertilizers as nutrient sources. Eight treatments (T) were used; T1= {N, P2O5, K2O (90-60-60) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS); T2= {Poultry manure (4 t/ha)} at 2 weeks before sowing (WBS); T3= {Foliar fertilizer (4 L/ha)} at 2, 4 and 6 WAS; T4= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS; T5= {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 4 WAS; T6= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 2 and 6 WAS; T7= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 4 WAS and T8= Control (No Fertilizer). The results showed that T7 performed better than T8 (Control) in terms of plant height, stem girth, cob length, 1000-grain weight and grain yield as well as economic net benefit. Key words: Semi-deciduous forest, agro-ecological zone, 1000-grain weight, economic benefit analysis, foliar fertilizer, integrated nutrient management.

This paper introduces the composition, properties and uses of DCD, the effect of DCD on various crop, summaries the fertilizer effect test of fertilizer Nano slow release agent, analyzes the economic benefit analysis of fertilizer Nano slow release agent.

Green concrete is the latest development in the field of construction technology which offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution as a building material. The cement used in conventional concrete is responsible for releasing high amount of carbon dioxide which is harmful for the environment. The concept of green concrete renders replacement of cement partially or fully by various materials which are either by-products in the production process of other materials or recycled waste. This paper presents the design of green concrete by partially replacing cement by fly ash, which is obtained by burning pulverized coal in electric power generating plants and completely replacing fine aggregate by a 50%–50% combination of glass powder and demolished waste obtained from the construction site and converted to fine powdered form. Further a comparison has been done among the properties of conventional and green concrete followed by a cost/benefit analysis to recommend the use of green concrete as a sustainable building material.

Prefabricated construction has been widely accepted as an alternative to conventional cast-in-situ construction, given its improved performance. Great efforts have also been made to develop prefabricated construction technologies in China. However, there is a lack of an appropriate pattern for evaluating its comprehensive economic merits, and reasonable mathematical models for providing a comparative analysis of conventional cast-in-situ and prefabricated building projects have yet to be developed. Therefore, the research in this paper aims to comprehensively evaluate the economic benefits of implementing prefabricated construction techniques in order to surpass the economic barrier and promote the development of prefabricated buildings in China. The comprehensive economic evaluation is formulated in terms of resource-use efficiencies, project progress, and incentive policies. An apartment building in Shanghai is selected as a case study. Construction progress is simulated on the BIM platform when the same case study is rationally transformed from the prefabricated to the conventional cast-in-situ construction technique. The results reveal that the comprehensive economic merit can reach ¥739.6/m2 when selecting the prefabricated construction process. The economic benefit brought by shortening the construction period can be regarded as the most significant contributor. Yet, the current incentive policies only contribute 7.1% of the comprehensive economic evaluation. Overall, this research contributes an assessment framework for decision-making in the technique management of building construction. The BIM-based simulation approach can greatly help investors to identify the relevant economic factors and adopt the latest incentive policies.

The strategy of reconnecting rivers with their floodplains currently gains popularity because it not only harnesses natural capacities of floodplains but also increases social co-benefits and biodiversity. In this paper, we present an example of a successfully implemented nature-based solution (NBS) in the Dijle valley in the centre of Belgium. The research objective is to retrospectively assess cost and benefit differences between a technical solution (storm basins) and an alternative NBS, here the restoration of the alluvial floodplain. The method is a comparative social cost–benefit analysis. The case study analysis reveals similar flood security, lower costs, more ecosystem services benefits and higher biodiversity values associated with the NBS option in comparison to the technical alternative. However, the business case for working with NBS depends substantially on the spatial and socio-ecological context. Chances for successful NBS implementation increase in conditions of sufficient space to retain flood water, when flood water is of sufficient quality, and when economic activity and housing in the floodplain is limited. Supplementary Information The online version of this article contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s13280-021-01548-4).

Nanotechnology allows for the possibility to manipulate and modify material and systems on the nanoscale to produce altered characteristics that may differ greatly from those on the macroscale. The potential applications of nanoscale science and technology in the food area are emerging in such areas as safety testing, packaging, authenticity/authentication, and product development through novel functional ingredients and nutrient delivery systems. However, as with all new technologies, it is these potentially new and unique properties that will require rigorous safety testing and risk/benefit analysis to ensure that public and environmental concerns are addressed. The latter will be of particular importance to research in food science and technology at the nanoscale level if products and/or technologies will ever become commercially viable and socially/environmentally accepted. This article briefly addresses some developments and issues for nanoscale science and technology: definitions, applications, education/communication strategies, risk assessment/management activities, and public perception/acceptability.

On-farm demonstration of post-emergence herbicide (Axial 045 EC) was conducted at two districts (Goba and Dinsho) of Bale zone for the control of grass weeds in malt barley in the highlands of Bale during 2017/18 main cropping season. Test crop used was improved malt barley variety IBON 174/03 at the rate of 125 kg/ha. Fertilizer used was NPS at the recommended rate for the area (100 kg ha -1 ). The treatments consisted of 2 4-D, 2 4-D + Axial 045 EC and weedy check. The result obtained from the two districts indicated that the herbicides (2 4-D + Axial 045 EC) are remained the most effective against the broad leaves and grass weeds in malt barley. Maximum barley grain yield was recorded at both districts (2720 kg ha -1 ) at Dinsho and (3680 kg ha -1 ) at Goba in plots treated with 2 4-D + Axial 045 EC with grain yield advantage over check (58.82%) and (67.39%) at Dinsho and Goba respectively. The second maximum grain yield was recorded at both districts in plots treated with 2 4-D. The lowest grain yield was recorded in weedy check at both districts (1120 kg ha -1 ) at Dinsho and (1200 kg ha -1 ) at Goba. The Cost- benefit analysis also revealed that plots treated with 2 4-D + Axial O45EC gave the maximum net benefit at both districts. The lowest was recorded from weedy check plots. Hence, it is recommended that farmers should have to use both herbicides (2 4-D + Axial O45 EC) for the control of weeds (broad leaves and grass weeds) in malt barley. Farmers participated on demonstration and evaluation also selected (2 4-D + Axial O45 EC) as promising herbicides in controlling weeds in malt barley.

The joint operation of cascaded reservoirs can generate various compensation benefits. How to calculate all compensation benefits scientifically and fairly, and how to share these benefits reasonably, will be of great importance for the sustainable development of the basin and for the rolling development of a cascaded reservoir of a hydropower station. This article examines the joint operation of Longyangxia and Liujiaxia reservoirs at the upper reaches of the Yellow River in China. To study the reservoir compensation benefits, the authors have built a compensative regulation model for the joint operation of the reservoir group. The electricity generation compensation economic effects of the joint operation of the Longyangxia and Liujiaxia reservoirs in 2005 were calculated. The results showed that the joint operation of cascaded reservoirs can generate remarkable economic benefits.

Solar energy is one of the major sources of alternative and green energies that humanity need now and will continue to need in the future. There are now a large number of R&D activities on solar po...

A key objective for any oil spill response is to minimize the impacts to ecological, socio-economic and cultural resources at risk. To that end, the contingency planners and incident managers have traditionally utilized a formal or informal Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) for selecting the most appropriate response option(s) to minimize spill impacts and promote recovery. The processes used to conduct a NEBA have varied considerably between industry operators, though the outcomes in terms of strategy development have been similar. This variation in NEBA approaches can lead to challenges with communicating the underlying basis of response strategies to stakeholders. The oil industry published updated guidance in 2015 to explain the general principles of the NEBA process and facilitate stakeholder involvement. However, with industry’s increasing reliance on NEBA to enhance the transparency of response strategy development, a consistent methodology for conducting formal NEBAs was required. In response to the above issue key industry Associations (API, IOGP and IPIECA) initiated a collaborative project on developing a qualitative NEBA methodology that can be utilized if other, fit-for-purpose NEBA methodologies are not applicable or available. Industry has also begun transitioning to a more representative term for the NEBA process which is Spill Impact Mitigation Assessment (SIMA). Therefore, the SIMA term is used henceforth but it is important to note that the method described herein is not exclusive to the SIMA term and, as with NEBA, only represents one of many approaches that can be utilized to conduct a SIMA. This qualitative methodology is designed to give a consistent approach to larger or higher consequence oil spill scenarios, where multiple spill response options are being considered and a formal SIMA is warranted. Several industry spill response specialists and an independent expert participated in this project, resulting in the development of Guidance on Implementing Spill Impact Mitigation Assessment (IPIECA-IOGP-API 2017 in press).

Background: The debate on the question whether biomimetics has a specific potential to contribute to sustainability is discussed among scientists, business leaders, politicians and those responsible for project funding. The objective of this paper is to contribute to this controversial debate by presenting the sustainability assessment of one of the most well-known and most successful biomimetic products: the façade paint Lotusan®.Results: As a first step it has been examined and verified that the façade paint Lotusan® is correctly defined as a biomimetic product. Secondly, Lotusan® has been assessed and compared to a conventional façade paint within the course of a detailed product sustainability assessment (PROSA). For purposes of comparison, the façade paint Jumbosil® was chosen as reference for a conventional paint available on the market. The benefit analysis showed that both paints fulfil equally well the requirements of functional utility. With respect to the symbolic utility, Lotusan® has a particular added aesthetic value by the preservation of the optical quality over the life cycle. Within the social analysis no substantial differences between the two paints could be found regarding the handling and disposal of the final products. Regarding the life-cycle cost, Lotusan® is the more expensive product. However, the higher investment cost for a Lotusan®-based façade painting are more than compensated by the longer life time, resulting in both reduced overall material demand and lower labour cost. In terms of the life-cycle impact assessment, it can be ascertained that substantial differences between the paints arise from the respective service life, which are presented in terms of four scenario analyses.Conclusion: In summary, the biomimetic façade paint Lotusan® has been identified as a cost-effective and at the same time resource-saving product. Based on the underlying data and assumptions it could be demonstrated that Lotusan®-based façade paintings have a comparatively low overall impact on the environment. Summarizing our results, it can be emphasized that Lotusan® is the more favourable product compared to Jumbosil® according to sustainability aspects.

Knowing about big data's potential for exploiting new business ideas is a key capability for staying successful in the market. Potential analysis provides a systematic way to identify and close the gap between big data's possible benefits and the ability to turn that data into business value.

In this paper, the fuel economy benefit of a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) algorithm called Pass-at-Green (PaG) was analysed and compared with different speed profile characteristics. The fuel-optimal speed profile calculated offline using Dynamic Programming (DP) was used for benchmarking. Manual Driving Speed Profile was included in the analysis as the human driver. Intelligent Driver Model (IDM), whose parameters were modified to model cautious, normal and aggressive behaviour, was also used for comparison. The state-of-the-art connected and autonomous driving Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setup enabled the use of Electronic Horizon (eHorizon), which provided localisation and detailed map information to the simulated test vehicle. An eHorizon Informed Manual Driving speed profile, where the eHorizon HIL system provided upcoming STOP sign location information, was also modelled. The results showed that having V2I capability in the longitudinal speed control of a vehicle has potential for substantial fuel consumption reduction while navigating through signalised and non-signalised intersections.

An operational benefit analysis of military small unit power (SUP) equipment is presented in detail. SUP equipment is designed to improve power generation, conservation, and overall power management strategies for dismounted military units. The operational benefit analysis examines four tactical scenarios and considers a naïve power management strategy and a SUP enabled power management strategy. The major findings and conclusions discussed in this paper include: specific conservation and generation strategies for select dismounted tactical scenarios; the importance of proper solar blanket employment; identification of a capability gap between 100W and 1000W in the power generation spectrum; the benefits of using conformal batteries; and the impact of inefficient PRC 154 battery swaps in the naïve case.

The aim of this paper is to explore lean retrofit strategies for transparent envelope of existing Italian office buildings, to improve their performance and to ensure low energy use and a good thermal and visual comfort.Solar and light control is necessary to prevent overheating in office buildings those generally present high internal loads. The effectiveness of solar window films use in Italian buildings context is here investigated, in comparison with other strategies like the use of internal roller blinds and the substitution of the existing window panes with high performance ones. A sensitivity analysis was assessed to evaluate the office unit primary energy use under different retrofit solution, weather conditions and window to wall ratio. A conventional existing office unit was modeled in EnergyPlus and LBNL Radiance to assess heating, cooling and lighting energy demand coupled with visual comfort parameters. Thermal comfort was evaluated hourly in accordance with ISO 7730. The results are presented with a cost - benefit analysis to understand the best retrofit solution.

An effective implementation of District Metered Areas (DMAs) in water distribution systems requires the analysis and cost comparison of various feasible solutions, which differ both in the number and the boundaries of the districts and provide different levels of benefits. The evaluation of the benefits provided by alternative DMA layouts (in terms of reduction of leakage, burst frequency, water and energy consumption) allows practitioners to make sensible decisions and create functional and efficient DMAs. This paper shows an analysis of the costs and benefits following the introduction of DMAs to water distribution systems, providing a framework for assessing the economic performance of DMAs, comparing different possible DMA layouts, and identifying the best solution among different options. A real water distribution network is considered as a case study, various DMA layouts are identified and ranked on the basis of the total benefit provided.

Make sure your selected market countries make sense & cents! • Perform cost/benefit analysis (pros/cons)Building your own knowledgeable & experienced compliance network is important to be successful

In designing flood control projects, engineers must show that the proposed project provides a flood damage reduction benefit in economic terms. For ice control structures, however, cost ben...

For pumped storage hydropower plants with fixed-speed electrical machines, turbines typically operate between 70 and 100 percent of rated power whereas pumps usually run at constant load. If the fixed-speed machine is replaced with an adjustable-speed machine, the operating range of the pump increases, thereby increasing flexibility and enabling the provision of ancillary services in pump mode. This paper estimates the economic benefits of converting an existing fixed-speed pumped storage hydropower plant to adjustable speed. We consider the test case of the Grimsel 2 pumped storage hydropower plant, located in Switzerland. We implement a mixed-integer linear program to optimize operations at Grimsel 2 considering the structure of Swiss energy and ancillary service markets. Our results show that upgrading a fixed-speed plant to adjustable speed could increase total revenue up to 58 percent.

Due to the raising economy development of Shenzhen, environmental problems brought by road transport have become more serious. Promoting liquefied natural gas vehicle in the road freight is a key to reduce emissions, change the direction for road freight development, and build a resource-saving society. This article studies the application of liquefied natural gas vehicle in Shenzhen in-depth through official data sets, field investigation, expert consultation, and so on. Economic benefit analysis shows that liquefied natural gas vehicle has the advantage of saving considerable fuel costs for enterprises. Moreover, the Monte-Carlo method is used to evaluate the economic benefits considering a lot of factors. The economic analysis shows that the liquefied natural gas vehicle is more affordable than the diesel vehicle. Finally, the current issues of liquefied natural gas vehicles on the promotion are discussed and some advices are proposed to improve air quality and reduce emissions.

This study starts with analysis of interaction mechanism of tire and pavement to analyze the factors influencing anti-skid performance in pavement surface characteristics and confirm pavement characteristics related to anti-slide performance. Besides, this paper further analyzes the effect of surface coating on pavement anti-skid performance. The specific experimental study mainly concentrates on raw material selection and evaluation and the study on the performance of different particle anti-skid pavements. This paper also measures friction coefficient of anti-skid section of the extension line of Beiyuan Avenue within the use for one and a half years. The degradation model is set up to evaluate pavement performance degradation. Further, this paper estimates Jinan the service life of the experimental section of coating-type color anti-skid pavement and carries out benefit analysis and development prospect.

Taking the initial design value for target power plant as standard index values, two comprehensive benefit index systems for flue gas desulphurization (FGD) technology were formed by mean square difference method with or without the index of earning of by-product, to analyze the environmental benefit, economic benefit, technology benefit and comprehensive benefit of six flue gas desulphurization technologies on designed power plant and obtained the optimal technology ultimately. For the index system with index of earning of by-product, the optimal FGD technology is wet ammonia desulphurization, not only possesses the biggest comprehensive benefit, but also the biggest economical and technology benefit for designed power plant. For the index system without the index of earning of by-product, the wet ammonia desulphurization, limestone wet desulfurization and simple wet desulfurization have similar comprehensive benefits, but individual advantage on environmental, economic and technology benefit separately.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been applied to the construction industry for improving the efficiency of material and process management. Most RFID-related studies have focused on building or plant construction. The application of RFID has been limited in pipeline construction projects where materials are stored and stacked across a large construction site. This paper investigates practical issues in pipeline construction, improves the read rates of RFID tags, and tests their utility by putting them into practice. This paper demonstrates the benefits that may be expected with the use of improved RFID tags and the development of an automated pipeline construction management system. As a result, pipeline construction management time decreased by 28 hours per month compared to the conventional method. Cost decreased by about 26%.

The rapid development of calcium carbide industry in Shaanxi Province have made significant achievements in the size and yield, low energy efficiency and extensive management, problems still prominent, high energy consumption high emissions and construction of ecological civilization, apparently, does not adapt. Study from two aspects of technology and management of energy saving and emission reduction in the calcium carbide industry, countermeasures for realizing clean production and sustainable development, and the benefit analysis.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Nicaragua (MEM) is planning to launch in 2013 a massive replacement program of 2 million incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This paper explores the expected impacts on a 10 year basis (2013–2023) using cost/benefit analysis for consumers, utility and society. Market conditions for introduction of a 7 W LED in the residential sector were also analyzed. Three prospective scenarios were considered in order to estimate the impact of CFLs penetration. Finally, the analysis is complemented with laboratory tests for eight lamps—three CFLs of the pilot program batch and one incandescent lamp 75 W; three CFLs and a 7 W LED available in the national market. Results supports that for countries like Nicaragua with an energy matrix still dependent on imported petroleum, energy efficiency programs are especially positive in economic and environmental terms. However, it is necessary to implement and to test CFLs programs requirements about high power factor (PF≥0.9) and low total harmonic distortion (THD≤20%).

Reuse is one of the key strategies of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling system in China. Reuse can help realize eco-efficient and sustainable WEEE management, with environmentally friendly materials recovery. At present, reusability of products and components is determined only by the products functional situation or the economic cost benefit analysis. It does not cover all the three pillars of sustainability, including environment, economy and society. In this study, the emerging integrated method, Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), is employed to measure reusability of typical electrical and electronic products and components. The results of case studies show that, LCSA based reusability of typical electrical and electronic products and components will help improve WEEE management policy.

The typical area in Ningbo of China was chosen to conduct the micro spray irrigation construction, and the related economic benefit was analyzed. Results showed that: 776 000 yuan would be cost to construct the micro spray irrigation project in tobacco fields with the area of 350 mu; after the micro spray irrigation program put into use, the income of the area would increase 218 500 yuan per year; the calculated EIRR was 19.5%, the calculated ENPV was 997 100 yuan, and the calculated EBCR was 1.86, from the economical angle, the project was reasonable and practicable. The results could provide the theoretical and practical basis for the widespread of micro spray irrigation project of tobacco fields.

The terrorist and anthrax attacks of 2001 spurred many countries to raise defences against a possible biological weapon attack, and potentially dissuade state and non-state actors from developing these weapons. Yet these programmes' dissuasive value – creating strong barriers to entry – has never been analysed. This article argues that current biodefence efforts are counterproductive and more persuasive than dissuasive, because they rest on a biological threat narrative that emphasizes the benefits of bioweapons rather than their problematic development and use, and they fail to impose a high cost of entry in the bioweapons field. The dominant biological weapons narrative perpetuates several misconceptions, including that there are no barriers to biological weapons development, that expertise is easily acquired from scientific documents, and that new technologies are black boxes with de-skilling effects. The net result is popularization of a cost/benefit analysis in favour of bioweapons development. To re...

A integrated environmental benefit analysis model is established based on China's hydropower installed capacity and power generation data from 2007 to 2012, by using the methods of cost-benefit method, emission reduction calculations and multi-attribute evaluation (MCDM).

Theoretical developments in Building Information Modelling (BIM) suggest that not only is it useful for geometric modelling of a building's performance but also that it can assist in the management of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which the use of BIM has resulted in reported benefits on a cross-section of construction projects. This exploration is done by collecting secondary data from 35 construction projects that utilised BIM. A set of project success criteria were generated and content analysis was used to establish the extent to which each individual project met a criterion. The most frequently reported benefit related to the cost reduction and control through the project life cycle. Significant time savings were also reported. Negative benefits were mainly focused on the use of BIM software. Cost/benefit analysis, awareness raising and education and training are important activities to address the challenges of BIM usage.

A remarkable combined dry jet mixing (DJM) and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) method was used to enhance the performance for soft ground improvement. In the combined method, PVDs are first installed and then DJM columns are installed between the PVDs at larger spacing. This combined method improves the effectiveness of the ground improvement and creates a more economical solution. This paper presents a case study of the combined method for marine clay improvement in Lianyugang of China. The excess pore water pressure in soils created by the installation of DJM columns with and without PVDs was monitored and compared. In situ standard penetration tests were conducted in the DJM columns and before-and-after piezocone penetration tests were performed in soils surrounding the columns. Long-term settlement monitoring under embankment loading was carried out for the ground improved by combined method and DJM method alone. The field tests, settlement monitoring and economic benefit analysis results demonst...

Through research on precast assembling structural design and construction technology in cement concrete pavement maintenance engineering, this paper brings forward reasonable size for precast assembling slab in cement concrete pavement maintenance engineering to improve original precast assembling construction technology and brings forward effective improvement measures for original construction technical difficulties. And simultaneously, through making a comparison of socioeconomic benefits among precast assembling maintenance mode, cast-in-place ordinary concrete maintenance mode , cast-in-place early-strength concrete maintenance mode and cast-in-place reinforced concrete, uses that precast assembling maintenance technology is a cement concrete pavement quick maintenance technology with extremely high performance price ratio.

Combined with the actual case of Punan highway, Long-life pavement structures are analyzed, and the engineering economic cost benefit ratio method and net present value method are applied for the economic benefit analysis. The conclusion is as follows: The research on the asphalt concrete long-life pavement structure includes a complete set of technology, such as the structure, material, construction and economic benefit analysis, and is a complete research system. We should choose the best solution after we fully consider all the factors affecting the economic benefits when we make the decision-making for the pavement structures.

For developing and lower-income countries or jurisdictions, the proposal to establish a 3D cadastre must be supported by a discussion of the situational need and a cost–benefit analysis of the concept. The aim of this exercise is to determine the advisability for introducing a 3D cadastre in Trinidad and Tobago. An assessment is conducted to determine where the existence of a 3D cadastre would improve the activities that are now performed using the 2D cadastre. For this analysis, therefore, an assessment is made of the percentage of the area of the country where 3D rights exist, and are acknowledged and supported, and where 3D restrictions and responsibilities exist and are actively enforced, and the benefits of the use of the 3D cadastre to manage those rights. This is compared with the increases in costs that would come from introduction and maintenance of the 3D cadastre. This paper finds that there is an implied and an expressed need for a 3D cadastre in Trinidad and Tobago but that the optimum effectiveness of its introduction is largely isolated to the urban, densely populated areas and the oil mining areas. The cost/benefit analysis finds a positive benefit/cost ratio. Beyond the economically advisable outcome, the non-quantifiable benefits of introducing a 3D cadastre are several, and, therefore, the introduction of a 3D cadastre, in selected areas only, is recommended to optimise the use of resources. This paper adds to the literature by introducing a procedure that can be replicated in other resource scarce jurisdictions.

Based on the project on F2-4 plot of Pearl River New Town in Guangzhou City, manual plastering protective layer construction technology of exterior mesh for super cross-section CFST cylinder is fully studied in this paper, the proposed new technologies of outer tube mesh and dry mesh are qualified with fast construction, energy conservation and environmental protection, low cost for later maintenance and so on. The new technology has good prospects for development and can be promoted widely.

Power transformer serves as one of the most widely used electrical equipments in power grid. During the operation, terrible losses are produced. With the development of loss reduction technology of power transformers, in order to save energy saving and reduce emissions, the old power transformer should be replaced. The paper summarizes the main method to reduce the losses of power transformers and brings up the improved Total Owning Cost (TOC) algorithm, which applies to 220 kV power transformers’ comprehensive benefit analysis. Using the improved Total Owning Cost (TOC) algorithm, based on today 220 kV energy-saving power transformer manufacturing level, the economic benefits of new energy-saving power transformer and the return period of investment are analyzed. Finally, combined with energy-saving effect, the appropriate replacement proposal of 220 kV power transformers has been given.

Grid-scale energy storage systems are attracting more attention because of increased public-awareness and declining prices. However, there is still one question which needs to be answered: when utilization of Battery Storage System (BSS) is economical? To address this question, problems of simultaneously sizing BSSs and optimal power sharing -with an objective of decreasing daily operational cost- is investigated to assess the economic viability of BSSs. The assessment is carried out by specializing the problem formulation to mid-sized C&I customers associated with PG&E and by simulating scenarios that differ in the size of load, PV installation, cost of BSS and participation in Demand Response (DR). Simulation results indicate that, using price projections from DOE and Navigant, BSSs can be used to shift loads economically (savings of 10%) around the year 2019. Furthermore, the effective daily savings, when participating in DR programs, is noted to be independent of the load, and that participating in DR does not require a significantly up-sized BSS.

Medical waste disposal is an important problem. This paper firstly analyses the classification and present situation of medical waste disposal, then analyzes problems in the process management, and combine with related data to illustrate the necessity of medical waste disposal. Finally, the balance benefit analysis of hospital, government and the public forms a trilateral game model to achieve maximum expected revenue. Based on trilateral benefit analysis, we can provide a solution, which would offer reference for medical waste disposal.

The GB transmission network faces the combined challenges of an aging installed asset base and a major shift in the generation profile towards renewable resources. Due to cost, outage times and other constraints, planning and executing the necessary transmission refurbishment and reinforcement is fast becoming a major challenge. For operational reasons, transmission outage schedules are restricted and often scheduled several years in advance, thus limiting the rate at which transmission work can be carried out. The transition to a digital substation design is considered an important strategic move in order to address the aforementioned issues and facilitate the refurbishment and reinforcement needs of the network over the coming years. This paper discusses the technical and commercial motivations to bring digital substation technology into business-as-usual practice, as well as the outlining the challenges.

The establishment of eco-industrial parks can not only reduce the costs of waste disposal and the purchase of raw materials, but also has a positive impact on both economy and environment. By setting Shanghai as an example, a model of the eco-industrial park was described and the design plan and operating procedures of the park were provided in this paper. Then the benefits of this park were discussed. It may bring about some practicable approaches for the development of China’s eco-industrial parks through a specific analysis as well as the presentation of an operating model.

Effect of the continuous development of economy and society, and changes in water regime and hydraulic structure behavior, the post-economic evaluation on water conservancy project is necessary. By which experiences and lessons can be learned from the river course regulation project under operation, project management and decision-making at all levels can be improved. At the same time, engineering under operation can play better efficiency, and the construction work in progress and projects to be built can be guided through the appraisement. It is proved by example application.

In Switzerland, it is common practice to estimate the total benefits of new roads before they have been built and of road improvement interventions before they have been performed. The guidelines with respect to standardised methodologies and models to be used have been developed (VSS 2003a) and are now in use. It is not yet, however, common practice to estimate the total benefits of road preservation interventions and hence guidelines do not exist with respect to standardised methodologies and models to be used. In order to provide this information, the research package VSS 2004/710-716 was started. This paper presents the methodology and models proposed to be used to evaluate the total benefits of road preservation interventions in Switzerland based on the evaluation and synthesis of existing national and international literature on the relationships between pavement condition and benefits of road use conducted in project 714 of the research package. The use of the methodology and models are demonstrate...

Environmental impact is getting more attention in many feasibility studies for railroad-related projects and research items. For sustainable growth and green transportation, the benefits typically used for feasibility studies in railway-related projects, are composed mostly of economic criterions which is not considering growing attention on changing paradigm. Based on the analysis of current methodologies, improvements in estimating environmental impact especially on noise and pollution are suggested. Active steering bogie has been proposed to satisfy stabilizing and steering performance of railroad. This paper describes the feasibility study of the active steering bogie for a urban railway vehicle based on environment-related criteria.

Railway track switching provides necessary flexibility to a rail network, but also introduces many single points of failure. Other industries have resorted to redundancy to provide the fault tolerance necessary to achieve specified safety and operational goals in similar critical systems, yet this approach has not yet been applied to track switching. This paper explores several system concepts for redundancy in track switching, and attempts a rudimentary cost/benefit analysis of each. Mechanical design is not considered, the paper being a feasibility study only. Finally, concept performance is evaluated in a case study at Derby Midland station (UK). The results show that providing redundancy which utilises only existing technology demonstrates some gains in operational availability. However, it is unlikely to be cost effective, and for redundancy in track switching to be a realistic prospect, novel designs and technologies may be necessary.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) deployed an icy-curve warning system (ICWS) on a 5-mi section of SR-36 in Lassen County, California, over Fredonyer Pass. This section of roadway had a history as a high-crash location, with multiple fatal crashes. The vast majority of these accidents occurred when the pavement was icy, despite static signage that Caltrans had installed to increase motorist awareness. This study presents the results of research that investigated safety effects of the ICWS. An observational before–after study method with the empirical Bayes technique was used to determine the effects of ICWS on crash frequencies. The results showed that the ICWS reduced annual crashes by 18%. Moreover, analysis of ice-related accidents during winters found that the ICWS had reduced crash severities on this roadway section. On the basis of these results, a benefit analysis revealed that the ICWS provided an estimated monetary benefit of $1.7 million per winter season to motorists through reduced crashes. The study results are anticipated to contribute to a better understanding of safety effects of ice (or icy-curve) warning systems and increase the knowledge base of weather-specific treatments and their associated effects.

As a new kind of concrete construction technology, fair-faced concrete is still not mature and applied widely in China by present. But it was successfully used in China Qingdao Zhuoting plaza project. Its No.1 and No.2 dwelling houses are high-rise buildings with thirty-two stories and their external walls were constructed with fair-faced concrete. As it is the highest fair-faced concrete project in China with 99.95m in height and 370 days construction period through four seasons in a year, the project meets a lot of problems and challenges. So some innovative construction technologies were studied and used which make the project smoothly and successfully completed and get many significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

The project of the office building of the People’s Government of Chagan Hada was initiated by the Norwegian government for helping with energy saving reconstruction in undeveloped areas of developing countries. By reconstructing the office building’s external walls, doors, windows, roofs and heating system, the coal consumption of the office building has decreased from 50kg/m2 to 23.8kg/m2, saving raw coal by about 26t each year. After the reconstruction, the temperatures of various zones in the office building have risen by 13°C to 15°C respectively. The project fully adopts existing building energy saving technologies and locally produced building energy saving materials. What’s more, it introduces building energy saving ideas of Norway and has reached three achievements: First, both strict working attitude and skillful operations were ensured in construction; second, demonstration effect was emphasized; third, importance was attached to ability development.