Old-Age Security Abroad: The Background of Titles II and VIII of the Social Security Act

This research is an attempt to create a comprehensive assessment framework for identifying and assessing potential improvement options of cement production systems. From an environmental systems analysis perspective, this study provides both an empirical account and a methodological approach for quantifying the CO2 footprint of a cement production system. An attributional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is performed to analyze the CO2 footprint of several products of a cement production system in Germany which consists of three dierent plants. Based on the results of the LCA study, six key performance indicators are dened as the basis for a simplied LCA model. This model is used to quantify the CO2 footprint of dierent versions of the cement production system. In order to identify potential improvement options, a framework for Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) is developed. The search and classication guideline of this framework is based on the concepts of Cleaner Production, Industrial Ecology, and Industrial Symbiosis. It allows systematic identication and classication of potential improvement options. In addition, it can be used for feasibility and applicability evaluation of dierent options. This MCA is applied both on a generic level, reecting the future landscape of the industry, and on a production organization level re ecting the most applicable possibilities for change. Based on this assessment a few appropriate futureoriented scenarios for the studied cement production system are constructed. The simplied LCA model is used to quantify the CO2 footprint of the production system for each scenario. By integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Multi-Criteria Assessment approaches, this study provides a comprehensive assessment method for identifying suitable industrial developments and quantifying the CO2 footprint improvements that might be achieved by their implementation. The results of this study emphasis, although by utilizing alternative fuels and more ecient production facility, it is possible to improve the CO2 footprint of clinker, radical improvements can be achieved on the portfolio level. Compared to Portland cement, very high reduction of CO2 footprint can be achieved if clinker is replaced with low carbon alternatives, such as Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) which are the by-products of other  industrial production. Benchmarking a cement production system by its portfolio product is therefore a more reasonable approach, compared to focusing on the performance of its clinker production. This study showed that Industrial Symbiosis, that is, over the fence initiatives for material and energy exchanges and collaboration with nontraditional partners, are relevant to cement industry. However, the contingent nature of these strategies should always be noted, because the mere exercise of such activities may not lead to a more resource ecient production system. Therefore, in search for potential improvements, it is important to keep the search horizon as wide as possible, however, assess the potential improvements in each particular case. The comprehensive framework developed and applied in this research is an attempt in this direction

Multi-criteria decision analysis for benchmarking human-free lifting solutions in the offshorewind energy environment

With single components weighing up to hundreds of tonnes and lifted to heights of approximately 100 m, offshore wind turbines can pose risks to personnel, assets, and the environment during installation and maintenance interventions. Guidelines and standards for health and safety in lifting operations exist; however, having people directly beneath the load is still common practice in offshore wind turbine installations. Concepts for human-free offshore lifting operations in the categories of guidance and control, connections, and assembly are studied in this work. This paper documents the process of applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), using experts' opinions for the importance of defined criteria obtained by conducting an industry survey, to benchmark the suitability of the concepts at two stages. Stage one streamlined possible options and stage two ranked the remaining suite of options after further development. The survey results showed that criteria such as 'reduction of risk', 'handling improvement' and 'reliability of operation' were most important. The most viable options, weighted by industry opinion, to remove personnel from areas of high risk are: Boom Lock and tag lines, a camera system with mechanical guidance, and automated bolt installation/fastening for seafastening. The decision analysis framework developed can be applied to similar problems to inform choices subject to multiple criteria

Combine harvesting: spreading success in South East Asia

IRRI spearheaded facilitation of technology improvement and multi-sectoral collaboration through public-private partnerships. Activities involved assessment of harvesting systems and promotion of mechanized options to address labor shortage and high cost of traditional harvesting. Business models were established with special focus on marginalised groups, women and youth.Analysis of the existing harvesting system within a value chain context, harvesting and postharvest losses, identification and demonstration of mechanised options and stakeholder analysis conducted.Used Life Cycle assessment for sustainability criteria in different harvesting systems

Selection of Best Available Wastewater Treatment Technology: Case of Bahir Dar University, Gish Abay Campus, Ethiopia

Wastewater treatment in developing countries is not always sustainable due to the application of inappropriate treatment technologies. Construction of best available wastewater treatment technology is a possible solution for the improvement of environmental impact of the available treatment system (septic tank) for Gish Abay Campus, Bahir Dar University. In this study a Multi-Criteria Analysis Decision Making tool is adopted to evaluate different wastewater treatment technologies. A hybrid multiple-criteria decision making model based on the analytic hierarchy process and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution is proposed as a tool to evaluate and prioritize various wastewater treatment technologies. Wastewater treatment alternatives were evaluated according to economical, technical, environmental and social criteria in which there are ten indicators by equal weight and unequal weight scenarios. Expert responses were used in the selection of wastewater treatment technologies to form different weight matrices. Depending on the priorities of the scenario the alternatives are ranked based on their relative closeness to the ideal solution. The model is finally applied to select best available wastewater treatment technology alternative among three options of sequential batch reactor, up flow anaerobic sludge blanket, and septic tank with horizontal constructed wetland. The result of this study reveal that UASB is best available wastewater treatment alternative. Sensitivity analysis also showed that a very stable ranking with the leading alternative of up flow anaerobic sludge blanket. Keywords: waste treatment alternatives, Multi Criteria Analysis Decision, up flow anaerobic sludge blanket, Analytical Hierarchy Process. DOI: 10.7176/CER/13-4-02 Publication date:June 30th 202

Building Resilient Cities: A Simulation-Based Scenario Assessment Methodology for the Integration of DRR and CCA in a Multi-Scale Design Perspective

Resilience of the built environment and communities to natural and man-made hazards is consolidating worldwide as a key requirement in the field of urban planning and building design, and there is an increasing awareness that Sustainable Development Goals and priorities of the Sendai Framework cannot be achieved without a comprehensive approach able to promote the effective implementation of DRR and CCA measures within regeneration processes at various scales. In this sense, an “all-hazards” approach, addressing multiple risk conditions (including Natech and cascading effects) and integrating DRR and CCA design strategies, show a highly cost-effective potential, maximizing the effect of complementary measures and optimizing mitigation/adaptation design techniques within a multi-scale (building/neighbourhood/city) resilience perspective, delivering at the same time socio-economic benefits linked to the improvement of urban spaces’ liveability and environmental quality. Vulnerability and impact assessment represent an essential component of a simulation-based methodology aimed at increasing the potential for use of scientific results by decision-makers, through multi-hazard and dynamic impact scenarios combined with cost-benefit and multi-criteria analyses to assess the effectiveness of alternative options. The paper presents the methodological approach developed at PLINIVS Study Centre and the experimental applications implemented within recent EU and National projects, such as H2020-ESPREssO and SIMMCITIES_NA

The Role of Exchanges in Quality Improvement

Explores state options and considerations for driving healthcare quality improvement and delivery system reform at the plan and provider levels through insurance exchanges, including the need to involve all stakeholders in developing and executing policy

Building Medical Homes in State Medicaid and CHIP Programs

Presents strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from ten states' efforts to advance the medical home model of comprehensive and coordinated care in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs in order to improve quality and contain costs