Reviewing the impacts of smart energy applications on energy behaviours in Norwegian households

As climate problems escalate, it is crucial to reduce emissions. Understanding the ability of citizens to engage in decarbonization efforts is vital to address the sustainability challenge posed by climate problems. The potential for emissions reductions through changes in environmentally friendly behaviour is significant but often underestimated. Among many environmentally friendly behaviours, sustainable residential energy behaviours can have a direct impact, as a large share of total energy is consumed in the residential sector, and end-user practices can have a significant effect. As smart technology advances, various digital solutions have emerged for the end-users, significantly influencing their daily behaviour. Notably, smart energy applications have gained increased popularity among these solutions. This study aims to examine the potential and opportunities of smart energy apps to promote energy-related behaviour change and sustainable practices in the Norwegian context and to provide an overview of the relevant literature. Our findings suggest a significant lack of empirical research on the effectiveness of energy-related apps in promoting sustainable residential energy behaviour. Additionally, the limited empirical findings that do exist are mainly based on pilot-level projects, with little evidence from population-level adoption. Therefore, further research is needed to gain qualitative and quantitative insights into users' motivations and perceptions and investigate these apps' effectiveness in changing energy-related behaviours and sustaining behaviour change in the residential sector.publishedVersio

Exploring digital narratives: A comprehensive Dataset of Household Energy App reviews

This paper presents an anonymous dataset of 7999 user reviews covering five household energy mobile applications used in Norwegian households. Such reviews are usually available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store platforms. They were collected using Python-based Google-Play-Scraper and App Store Scraper. To the best of our knowledge, this dataset represents a unique and valuable resource for investigating sustainable household energy behaviour within the specific context of Norway, where a considerable proportion of households already use these applications. Given the recent rise of mobile applications and the ongoing development of technological infrastructure worldwide, this dataset holds a potential for empirical research. It can provide valuable insights into daily energy practices, user sentiments, perceptions, and motivations for adopting digital solutions. Further, it can shed light on the potential of these solutions to drive sustainable behavioural change. Moreover, conducting the empirical analysis of this dataset can provide valuable insights to stakeholders involved in policy formulation, utility improvement, emissions reduction, and promotion of technology-driven behavioural change.publishedVersio

Soil Chemical Properties Under Conservation Agriculture and Cereal-Based Cropping System in Eastern Tarai of Nepal

Field experiments were conducted for four years (2014-2017) at five locations namely Salbani, Bhokraha, Simariya, Bhaluwa and Kaptanganj of Sunsari district to assess the changes in soil chemical properties under conservation agriculture (CA)-based practices in two cropping systems namely rice-kidney bean-maize at Salbani and rice-wheat at rest of the locations. In rice-wheat cropping system, there were four treatments: (1) conventional tillage (CT) for rice transplantation and subsequent wheat sowing, (2) conventional tillage rice transplantation followed by zero tillage (ZT) wheat, (3) unpuddled rice transplantation followed by zero tillage wheat, (4) zero tillage in both rice and wheat. Similarly, in rice-kidney bean-maize cropping system, there were four treatments; (1) conventional tillage for rice transplantation and sowing of both kidney bean and maize, (2) conventional tillage rice transplantation followed by zero tillage in both kidney bean and maize, (3) unpuddled rice transplantation followed by zero tillage in both kidney bean and maize, (4) zero tillage in all three crops. Soil samples were taken at initial and every year after rice harvest.The soil samples were analyzed for total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH and soil organic matter.Total nitrogen (N) showed a slightly decreasing trend in the first three years and showed a slight increase at the end of experiment under ZT in all locations. The total N under ZT changed from 0.12 to 0.13%, 0.05 to 0.06%, 0.10 to 0.12%, 0.11 to 0.08% and 0.09 to 0.13% in Salbani, Bhokraha, Simariya, Bhaluwa and Kaptanganj, respectively.  All locations showed the positive values of available potassium; Salbani  revealing considerable change of 64.3 to 78.5 mg/kg in CT while 68.4 to 73.3 mg/kg in ZT condition. The treatment where rice was transplanted in unpuddled condition and zero tilled to wheat, had a mean value of available phosphorus and potassium as 87.3 and 81.9 mg/kg respectively. Soil pH ranged from 4.8 to 7.1 in CT while it was 5.2 to 6.8 in ZT across the locations. The change in soil organic matter in CT of all locations except Salbani was narrower as compared to ZT

Opportunity Cost of REDD+ in Community Forests in the Mid-Hills of Nepal : A Case Study of Thangsa Deurali Community Forest, Dolakha

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) was reformulated to cover deforestation and forest degradation, which, until recently, were overlooked in climate change mitigation initiatives. However, whether REDD+ will benefit countries like Nepal, which has a relatively low deforestation rate, less forest cover, and a population predominantly comprising farmers who are heavily dependent on forests, is being debated. To address this issue, the opportunity cost (OC) of REDD+ need to be analyzed. This study analyzes the OC of REDD+ against high-value and mid-value crops in the Thangsa Deurali Community Forest (TDCF) of Dolakha district in the midhills of Nepal. This community forest has been participating in the REDD+ pilot program since 2009. In the study, household survey, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data on community forest management, including forest harvesting and agricultural practices. To estimate the OC, the 2011 guidelines from the World Bank were followed. Potato was taken as a high-value crop, whereas maize and millet were taken as mid-value crops, considering their importance in the study area. The members of TDCF harvest mainly timber, fuel wood, fodder, and leaf litter from the forest’s 217.1 hectares (ha). The OCs of REDD+ will be US$0.072 million/year and US$0.065 million/year for high- and mid-value crops, respectively. The carbon prices of US$198 and US$179 per ton will be optimal to cover the possible losses for not moving to high- and mid-value crops, respectively, in forestland that can be converted to agricultural land. Co-benefits such as enhancing biodiversity, water recharging, and increasing the role of the forest itself in the farming system could make REDD+ a good choice for managing forests with community participation. The monetary value of such co-benefits is crucial in easing out the optimal carbon price

Economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production and marketing in Darchula district of Nepal

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a popular root vegetable that is grown all over the world. Potato production is popular in Nepal because of its greater adaptability, high yield potential, and high demand, contributing 6.57 percent to AGDP and 2.17 percent to GDP. In Nepal, it is grown on 197,037 hectares (ha) with a yield of 13.13 metric tons per hectare and a total production of 2,586,287 metric tons. The major objective of our research was to analyze the economics and marketing state of potatoes in Api-Himal rural municipality Darchula, Nepal where a survey on potato production and marketing was conducted. A total of 60 households were randomly sampled and interviewed as the primary source of information for the research. For the residents of Api-Himal RM, there are few options for sustenance and revenue generation. The area is ideal for potato farming, and potato trading has a direct impact on rural communities' livelihoods. The B/C ratio was found to be 1.62 in the research area. The average cost of potato production was Rs. 2,67,319 while the average return was Rs. 4,32,804. The research focuses on the marketing and production of potatoes from the growers to the final customers. Low yield, insect and disease infestation, and a lack of government support are among the issues. To promote the production and marketing of potatoes, availability of improved technology, an extension of technical knowledge, efficient management of marketing channels and substantial financial support by the government as well as local bodies are recommended

Intellectual Property Right on Basmati Rice: Current Scenario and Evidences of Origin, Diversity, Cultivation and Use Values of Basmati Rice in Nepal

Basmati rice, also called the king/prince of rice landraces has very special values in Nepalese society as well as in other countries of Indian Subcontinent. With the objectives of collecting, analyzing and documenting Basmati related information in Nepal, we visited different sites; carried out key informant surveys; organized focus group discussions, online interaction and discussion meetings; requested all relevant offices/ persons/ stakeholders through phone, website, and letter to share information; organized high level official meeting, and Basmati rice expert meeting; documented video documentary and did online as well as library search. Because of its high market value at global level, many countries and organizations have been attempting to get intellectual property rights (mainly patent and geographical indication tag) on Basmati rice. India applied for GI tag to Basmati rice in the European Union (EU) in July 2018, and Nepal submitted opposition letter along with proofs and evidences of origin, diversity, cultivation and use values of Basmati rice on 9 December 2020. A total 133 Basmati type rice landraces are grown in 60 districts of Nepal. Basmati rice is traditionally grown, sold, and consumed in geographically localized areas of Nepal since ancient time. International and national scientists have defined lower altitude of Nepal as one of the centers of origin of Basmati rice. Many Nepalese basmati rice landraces have been characterized and evaluated using morphological traits, isozymes and DNA markers. Four basmati type of rice landraces have been registered in National Seed Board. Many community seed banks have maintained different types of Basmati rice landraces. National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center and International genebanks have collected more than 80 and conserved 68 basmati landraces. Basmati rice landraces have geo-linked traits. The historical culture of production, consumption and marketing of native basmati rice in Nepal should always be favored by both national and international rules and regulations. Nepal has ample and valid evidences to get geographical indication (GI) right on Basmati rice

Combination of convalescent plasma therapy and repurposed drugs to treat severe COVID-19 patient with multimorbidity.

Combination of convalescent plasma therapy and repurposed drugs such as dexamethasone and remdesivir could be beneficial for severe COVID-19 patients with obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension

What are the site related and most sensitive parameters to optimize a large-scale PV installation at Stavanger Airport?

Master's thesis in Urban development and designThe climate and energy problems are on the rise as the urban population is growing rapidly. The extensive use of fossil fuels and the increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions still awaits collective abatement policies. In this scenario, the need for innovative urban renewable energy solutions is much more crucial than ever. As Norway envisions to achieve a low carbon society, it mandates abatement measures in all sectors. In the Aviation sector, abatement measures such as renewing of the fleet, electric flights, and use of jet biofuel are potential measures. To achieve 100 per cent electric aviation by 2050, Avinor is exploring innovative local renewable energy solutions at its airports. In the first phase, it plans to install a large-scale PV system of 1000 KWp installed capacity at the preregulated open space inside Stavanger airport. With rapid technology advancement and cost reduction, the photovoltaic (PV) system has gained attention as a potential urban energy solution. The scale of this thesis is to study the planned first phase PV installation through a research methodology that involves site analysis, test rig analysis, spatial calculations, and simulations. The research aims to determine the most sensitive parameters that need to be optimized to maximize the production from planned large scale installation and draw crucial information that would help the stakeholders to draw critical decisions. Site analysis examines extra design considerations, available area, energy demand, and solar resources at Stavanger airport. Similarly, test rig analysis explores and compares the technical specification and power performance of the PV modules used in the test rig at the airport. Spatial calculations present the calculations on land area requirements, spatial setup possibilities, and land-use efficiency. Test rig-scale simulations present a comparative study of various setup possibilities. Similarly, large-scale simulations present the comparison between different alternatives and help to visualize the system at the actual site environment. For a large-scale PV installation, tilt angle, azimuth angle, inter-row spacing, module orientation (portrait vs landscape), and the number of modules alongside the bottom of each row are found to be most sensitive. At Stavanger airport, the optimal values for these sensitive parameters are found as a tilt angle of 45°, azimuth angle of 0 ° (due south), interrow spacing of 17.22m, module oriented portrait and two modules alongside the bottom of each row. For 1000 KWp of a solar PV installation, 5665 m2 of PV generating surface and a total land area of 29615.9 m2 is required. The installation could avoid 496.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The installation cost of the system approximates $1114648.36 with a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) as 0.68 KWh/$. The thesis links the transferability of methodology and results of this research to various urban spaces and to support newer concepts such as Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and positive energy districts (PEDs). Current PV policies are limiting the diffusion of PV systems in Norway. Therefore, the need for liberal PV policies is realized

Python Code

Files with python codes for scrapping app user reviews / plotting graph for reviews volume for each ap

Excel file

Excel file containing scrapped user reviews on its raw format