Integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process into a multi-objective optimisation model for planning sustainable oil palm value chains

This study presents a novel integrated decision model for optimal planning oil palm value chains (OPVC) incorporating decisions to minimise biodiversity losses by limiting the expansion of oil palm plantations as needed and generate value from its waste products. The model can answer the following types of question: The planning model developed involves two components: (1) a decision framework using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to incorporate experts’ knowledge in planning and design under uncertainty and (2) a mixed integer linear program (MILP) to determine the optimal expert-based OPVC design. The framework was applied to different scenarios for the Malaysian palm oil industry. Results show that the demand for crude palm oil (CPO) in Malaysia can be fully satisfied while the international demand can be satisfied by about 60% in 2050. However, in order to minimise environmental impacts and risks of biodiversity losses, the contribution of Malaysia towards satisfying global demand for palm oil should be kept to a minimum. Moreover, the current plantations can satisfy future CPO demand after 5 to 10 years, after which best practices to improve palm oil yield and alternatives comparable to palm oil will be needed. The framework can potentially contribute to the development of better policies in the future through the proposed systematic approach in dealing with sustainability issues in the palm oil industry.</p

Role Playing Next Generation 9-1-1: Sensemaking with Social Media in Public-Safety Answering Points

For over a decade, research has suggested that social media can enhance the situational awareness of emergency responders during a crisis. Rarely, however, do studies examine the sensemaking processes of emergency responders by which situational awareness is achieved. We examine sensemaking in a Public-Safety Answering Point (PSAP) through role plays with 9-1-1 telecommunicators that imagine how social media analysts can contribute to sensemaking processes among 9-1-1 call takers, dispatchers, and emergency responders. These role plays suggest social media can address information gaps that emerge when 9-1-1 callers fail to provide critical information and vice versa, suggesting social media enhances situational awareness only when integrated into sensemaking processes that synthesize information across multiple, incomplete, but complementary data sources. This synthesis, however, requires cooperative information gathering and sharing among call takers, dispatchers, and social media analysts that PSAPs can coordinate using common interpretive frameworks and common information spaces

Optimization of oil palm empty fruit bunches value chain in Peninsular Malaysia

Empty fruit bunches (EFB) are valuable palm oil mill waste that could be used to produce multiple products in the form of energy, chemicals, and materials. Therefore, efficient utilization of these biomass resources is essential to optimize the profitability of the industry while addressing environmental issues. In this study, a decision-support tool is developed to perform economic and environmental analyses of the future expansion of the palm oil industry. The sequential steps in the modeling and optimization of the EFB value chain are discussed. This study consists of four processing stages: converting EFB into intermediates and products, transportation networks, direct sale of products, and further processing of products. The proposed tool includes a mathematical model that considers biomass, production, transportation, and emission treatment costs from transportation and production activities. The model is solved with the Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modeling System to determine the maximum profit and analyze biodiesel production. Peninsular Malaysia is selected as a case study. Results reveal the significant economic benefits of EFB utilization. The most profitable cases of EFB utilization are Case A, C, and D, which have the same 47 % profit margin. The maximum profit of the selected utilization pathways in Case A is USD 151,822,904 per year based on different ownerships of all EFB processed, which is 79 % lower than the result of a previous study that ignores the capacity limitations of the respective processing facilities. The environment–food–energy–water nexus is also elaborated in this study. The conclusions are obtained based on the limitation, availability, and parameters or data used in this study

Optimization of oil palm empty fruit bunches value chain in Peninsular Malaysia

Empty fruit bunches (EFB) are valuable palm oil mill waste that could be used to produce multiple products in the form of energy, chemicals, and materials. Therefore, efficient utilization of these biomass resources is essential to optimize the profitability of the industry while addressing environmental issues. In this study, a decision-support tool is developed to perform economic and environmental analyses of the future expansion of the palm oil industry. The sequential steps in the modeling and optimization of the EFB value chain are discussed. This study consists of four processing stages: converting EFB into intermediates and products, transportation networks, direct sale of products, and further processing of products. The proposed tool includes a mathematical model that considers biomass, production, transportation, and emission treatment costs from transportation and production activities. The model is solved with the Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modeling System to determine the maximum profit and analyze biodiesel production. Peninsular Malaysia is selected as a case study. Results reveal the significant economic benefits of EFB utilization. The most profitable cases of EFB utilization are Case A, C, and D, which have the same 47% profit margin. The maximum profit of the selected utilization pathways in Case A is USD 151,822,904 per year based on different ownerships of all EFB processed, which is 79% lower than the result of a previous study that ignores the capacity limitations of the respective processing facilities. The environment–food–energy–water nexus is also elaborated inthis study. The conclusions are obtained based on the limitation, availability, and parameters or data used in this study

Índice de progreso social del distrito de Chorrillos

El Índice de Progreso Social (IPS) fue formulado por el Social Progress Imperative como un índice agregado de indicadores sociales y ambientales que capturan tres dimensiones del progreso social: necesidades humanas básicas, fundamentos de bienestar y oportunidades. El IPS va más allá de la medición del Producto Bruto Interno (PBI) al haber incorporado aspectos sociales y medioambientales, de esta forma mide lo que es más importante para la población, es decir, los resultados en vez de medir los esfuerzos. El IPS tiene como objetivo ser una herramienta práctica y pueda ser utilizado por las autoridades, instituciones o personas que toman las principales decisiones en términos de progreso social. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo calcular el IPS para el distrito de Chorrillos y sus dos zonas, utilizando el modelo elaborado por el Social Progress Imperative; así mismo, al ser el primer estudio de este tipo, representa una línea base para futuras investigaciones. La investigación tiene un enfoque cuantitativo, con un alcance descriptivo, de tipo no experimental y transversal. Se utilizaron datos de fuentes primarias mediante la aplicación de una encuesta de 58 preguntas a los jefes de hogar del distrito de Chorrillos, así como datos de fuentes secundarias confiables. La muestra que se trabajó en total fue de 406 encuestas con un margen de error de +- 4.85%. Para el cálculo del IPS, se siguieron una serie de pasos dentro de un proceso iterativo para obtener el mejor índice planteado por la metodología del Social Progress Imperative y proporcionado por CENTRUM PUCP para medir el IPS a nivel distrital, que consistió en: (a) la identificación de los conceptos a medir, (b) identificar y seleccionar los indicadores y las fuentes de datos para los conceptos a medir, (c) consolidar la base de datos de indicadores, (d) definir las utopías y distopías para los indicadores en base a referencias distritales, regionales, nacionales o globales, (e) realizar el análisis estadístico, las pruebas de consistencia interna de los indicadores y las pruebas de bondad de ajuste de los datos, (f) calcular el índice beta, (g) ajustar el índice de acuerdo a los análisis de sensibilidad, Benchmark y de expertos; y (h) calcular el índice final y comunicar los resultados. El distrito de Chorrillos obtuvo un resultado del IPS de 57.43, lo que representa una clasificación medio bajo; el puntaje obtenido de la zona uno fue de 57.19, con una clasificación medio bajo y la zona dos obtuvo un puntaje de 57.53, también con una clasificación medio bajo. En el análisis se puede identificar que el distrito de Chorrillos ha logrado un desempeño satisfactorio en los componentes de Agua Potable y Saneamiento Básico, Vivienda y Servicios Públicos, Acceso al Conocimiento Básico, Acceso a la Información y Telecomunicaciones y Tolerancia e Inclusión. Sin embargo, las debilidades del distrito se encuentran en los componentes de Derechos Personales, Seguridad Personal, Acceso a Educación Superior, Sostenibilidad Ambiental y Nutrición y Cuidados Médicos Básicos.The Social Progress Index (IPS) was formulated by the Social Progress Imperative as an aggregate index of social and environmental indicators that capture three dimensions of social progress: basic human needs, welfare fundamentals and opportunities. The IPS goes beyond the measurement of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by incorporating social and environmental aspects, thus measuring what is most important to the population, that is, the results instead of measuring the efforts. The purpose of the IPS is to be a practical tool that can be used by the authorities, institutions or people who make the main decisions in terms of social progress. The objective of this study is to calculate the IPS for the Chorrillos district and its two zones, using the model developed by the Social Progress Imperative; likewise, since it is the first study of its kind, it represents a baseline for future research. The research has a quantitative approach, with a descriptive, non-experimental and transversal scope. Data from primary sources were used by applying a survey of 58 questions to the heads of households in the Chorrillos district, as well as data from reliable secondary sources. The sample that was worked in total was 406 surveys with a margin of error of + - 4.85%. For the calculation of the IPS, a series of steps were followed within an iterative process to obtain the best index proposed by the Social Progress Imperative methodology and provided by CENTRUM PUCP to measure the IPS at the district level, which consisted of: (a) the identification of the concepts to be measured, (b) identifying and selecting the indicators and the data sources for the concepts to be measured, (c) consolidating the indicator database, (d) defining the utopias and dystopias for the indicators in base to district, regional, national or global references, (e) perform the statistical analysis, the internal consistency tests of the indicators and the suitability tests of the data, (f) calculate the beta index, (g) adjust the index according to sensitivity analyzes, Benchmark and experts; and (h) calculate the final index and communicate the results. The district of Chorrillos obtained a result of IPS of 57.43, which represents a low average classification; the score obtained from zone one was 57.19, with a low average classification and zone two obtained a score of 57.53, also with a low average classification. In the analysis it can be identified that the district of Chorrillos has achieved a satisfactory performance in the components of Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation, Housing and Public Services, Access to Basic Knowledge, Access to Information and Telecommunications and Tolerance and Inclusion. However, the weaknesses of the district are found in the components of Personal Rights, Personal Security, Access to Higher Education, Environmental Sustainability and Nutrition and Basic Medical Care.Tesi

Modelling and Optimisation of Oil Palm Biomass Value Chains and the Environment–Food–Energy–Water Nexus in Peninsular Malaysia

This study aims to develop a decision model to optimise the oil palm biomass value chains by minimising the environmental impact whiles generating economy value from their bioproducts. The model considers two major components, namely, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy (FAHP) framework and a multi-objective optimisation model. Both components will be used by integrating the priorities of the environmental and economic impacts obtained from experts' judgement with the multi-objective optimisation model to generate an optimal solution based on expert's judgement. The framework used to study different case study for the oil palm industry in Peninsular Malaysia. Results show that a maximum profit of 267,116,398 USD per year can be achieved. However, to minimise the environmental impact, a 34% cut of the profit is needed to reduce 91% of CO2 emissions generated and 97% of water consumption. Moreover, the model generates optimal pathways by selecting the processing facilities that are needed in the value chain to achieve the objectives. The biomass or bio-product distribution networks around Peninsular Malaysia are also presented in this paper. Several scenarios are discussed to observe the effects on the optimal value chain solutions by manipulating the production level. On the basis of the results, the interactions of the environment–food–energy–water nexus are investigated. Therefore, this study can contribute to the improvement of oil palm industry policies while addressing sustainability issues through the proposed value chain model

Sustainable bio-economy that delivers the environment-food-energy-water nexus objectives::the current status in Malaysia

Biomass is a promising resource in Malaysia for energy, fuels, and high value-added products. However, regards to biomass value chains, the numerous restrictions and challenges related to the economic and environmental features must be considered. The major concerns regarding the enlargement of biomass plantation is that it requires large amounts of land and environmental resources such as water and soil that arises the danger of creating severe damages to the ecosystem (e.g. deforestation, water pollution, soil depletion etc.). Regarded concerns can be diminished when all aspects associated with palm biomass conversion and utilization linked with environment, food, energy and water (EFEW) nexus to meet the standard requirement and to consider the potential impact on the nexus as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the detail interactions between all the components in the nexus once intended to look for the best solution to exploit the great potential of biomass. This paper offers an overview regarding the present potential biomass availability for energy production, technology readiness, feasibility study on the techno-economic analyses of the biomass utilization and the impact of this nexus on value chains. The agro-biomass resources potential and land suitability for different crops has been overviewed using satellite imageries and the outcomes of the nexus interactions should be incorporated in developmental policies on biomass. The paper finally discussed an insight of digitization of the agriculture industry as future strategy to modernize agriculture in Malaysia. Hence, this paper provides holistic overview of biomass competitiveness for sustainable bio-economy in Malaysia

Complete genome sequence of Dehalogenimonas lykanthroporepellens type strain (BL-DC-9T) and comparison to “Dehalococcoides” strains

Dehalogenimonas lykanthroporepellens is the type species of the genus Dehalogenimonas, which belongs to a deeply branching lineage within the phylum Chloroflexi. This strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, non spore-forming, Gram-negative staining bacterium was first isolated from chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater at a Superfund site located near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. D. lykanthroporepellens was of interest for genome sequencing for two reasons: (a) an unusual ability to couple growth with reductive dechlorination of environmentally important polychlorinated aliphatic alkanes and (b) a phylogenetic position that is distant from previously sequenced bacteria. The 1,686,510 bp circular chromosome of strain BL-DC-9T contains 1,720 predicted protein coding genes, 47 tRNA genes, a single large subunit rRNA (23S-5S) locus, and a single, orphan, small subunit rRNA (16S) locus

Measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum above 4×10184{\times}10^{18} eV using inclined events detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory

A measurement of the cosmic-ray spectrum for energies exceeding $4{\times}10^{18}$ eV is presented, which is based on the analysis of showers with zenith angles greater than $60^{\circ}$ detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013. The measured spectrum confirms a flux suppression at the highest energies. Above $5.3{\times}10^{18}$ eV, the "ankle", the flux can be described by a power law $E^{-\gamma}$ with index $\gamma=2.70 \pm 0.02 \,\text{(stat)} \pm 0.1\,\text{(sys)}$ followed by a smooth suppression region. For the energy ($E_\text{s}$) at which the spectral flux has fallen to one-half of its extrapolated value in the absence of suppression, we find $E_\text{s}=(5.12\pm0.25\,\text{(stat)}^{+1.0}_{-1.2}\,\text{(sys)}){\times}10^{19}$ eV.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO