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Simulation of a Marine Ecosystem Using Swarm Intelligence
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
71-75
Received:
31 August 2021
Accepted:
30 September 2021
Published:
19 October 2021
Abstract: The coexistence of multiple species and their interactions have been a topic of interest for hundreds of years. Humans have been taking advantage of species to maximize surplus or control our environment. Nowadays with the growing complexity of our effect on the Earth, it has become more difficult than ever to understand and plan how we are to use our environment. In this paper we attempt to simulate a marine ecosystem and investigate the factors Based on the boids algorithm and the population growth equation that are important for a sustainable system. This simulation will help us understand how marine populations grow and reach an equilibrium, how sudden spurts in one species affect the others and how even in the most devastating scenarios nature exhibits its incredible ability to replenish itself. We observed some interesting emergent behaviors and how the two species interacted with each other. Then with the use of such simulations, we plotted a population graph by collecting data of the number of sharks and fishes for each frame, and an equilibrium was created. As long as the predator relies on the prey, this equilibrium may have its ups and downs but will always stay in a stable range. This however becomes a different story when humans interfere with the food chain.
Abstract: The coexistence of multiple species and their interactions have been a topic of interest for hundreds of years. Humans have been taking advantage of species to maximize surplus or control our environment. Nowadays with the growing complexity of our effect on the Earth, it has become more difficult than ever to understand and plan how we are to use ...
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The Impacts of Microfinance Activities in Developing Human Capital for Sustainable Livelihood in Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Do Van Toan,
Nguyen Dinh Nghiep,
Ngo Van Huan
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
76-84
Received:
29 September 2021
Accepted:
21 October 2021
Published:
30 October 2021
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present how microfinance activities (MF) implemented via village savings & loan associations (VSLAs) can affect the human capital for sustainable livelihood (SL). To this end, we will discuss the practical social impacts to the beneficiaries of social security policies and propose solutions to promote the activities of VSLAs, improve the members' capacity, develop human capital and sustainably develop community. The study used mixed methods with a survey and in-depth interviews. A survey was conducted with 356 VSLA members participating in different VSLAs under the management of social and political organizations in 04 ethnic minority communes of Duc Trong district. Besides the survey, the study also conducts qualitative research by in-depth interviewing stakeholders. The results showed the effectiveness in the social aspect of VBSP's loan program with the VSLA model. The development of human capital manifested through improving members' common knowledge, business experience, and skills such as problem-solving and the increase in their willingness to support others. Among them, the most drastic changes are the growth in members' business experience and mutual support. By building capacity, self-confidence, and voluntary spirit during group activities, members can acquire skills and knowledge to develop sustainable community development.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present how microfinance activities (MF) implemented via village savings & loan associations (VSLAs) can affect the human capital for sustainable livelihood (SL). To this end, we will discuss the practical social impacts to the beneficiaries of social security policies and propose solutions to promote the activities ...
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Study on Urban Regeneration Decision Making Map: A Case Study of the Core Cities of Pearl River Delta in China
Peng Jian,
Bai Jie,
Zhang Xiaoyong,
Ge Jie,
Wang Pingping,
Hu Chen
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
85-101
Received:
15 October 2021
Accepted:
5 November 2021
Published:
17 November 2021
Abstract: In the urban stock development stage, it is essential to clarify urban regeneration characteristics, market maturity, urban regeneration potential, and development direction of objective cities for enterprises. However, previous studies lack concrete analysis for the urban regeneration system and potential, particularly with respect to quantitative research. This study evaluated the urban regeneration decision making map of the core cities of the Pearl River Delta in China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Dongguan), including system analysis and potential space evaluation. For the system analysis, through the horizontal comparison of the four target cities' regeneration system based on the sustainability of local policies, it was found that Shenzhen has the highest degree of perfection of urban regeneration system, followed by Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. Especially in the three aspects of protecting public interests, reserving industrial development space, and urban sustainable development, Shenzhen has formulated a series of supporting urban renewal laws and regulations, with the most standardized urban renewal management and the most mature urban renewal market. For the potential space evaluation, the spatial factors affecting urban regeneration potential were selected for the superposition analysis to obtain the distribution and data characteristics of the target cities' regeneration potential with the Analytic Hierarchy Process. It was found that Dongguan has the highest proportion of high potential regeneration land, accounting for 29.4%, while Shenzhen has the lowest proportion of high potential regeneration land. Regarding the four objective cities, it is more difficult to carry out urban regeneration project in Shenzhen and Guangzhou due to complex control conditions and earlier projects’ accomplishment. The system of Zhuhai and Dongguan needs to be further adjusted in practice and there is a relatively more flexible space for these two cities. The current land development intensity in Dongguan far exceeds that in Zhuhai, and the demand for its urban renewal is more urgent. Therefore, this study suggests that Dongguan's urban regeneration market should become the focus of enterprises.
Abstract: In the urban stock development stage, it is essential to clarify urban regeneration characteristics, market maturity, urban regeneration potential, and development direction of objective cities for enterprises. However, previous studies lack concrete analysis for the urban regeneration system and potential, particularly with respect to quantitative...
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Interplay of Climate Variability, Land Use Change, Crop Yield and Farm Households Food Security in Offin River Basin, Ghana
Mensah-Brako Bismark,
Nyatuame Mexoese,
Yakanu Nutifafa Pearl,
Ahorsu Kojo Samuel,
Oppong Kwabena Paul
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
102-116
Received:
3 November 2021
Accepted:
27 November 2021
Published:
3 December 2021
Abstract: Climate variability and adapted land use systems have altered climate systems. Their impact on agro-ecosystems adversely affects crop yield, food security and livelihoods of farm households. This paper examines the coupled effects of climate variability and land use change on crop yield and food security among farm households in the Offin River Basin. The study used remote sensing, geographic information systems, time series climate and crop yield data and farm household survey in examining the impacts of climate variability and land use change on crop yield and farm household food security. Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS), Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) were used to assess land use and land cover change and agricultural drought conditions in the area. Spline interpolation techniques and Spearmans’ rank correlation were employed to assess the trend and spatial distribution of rainfall and temperatures in the basin. Multiple linear regression model (MLRM) and Pearson correlation were used to assess the effect of rainfall and temperature on major food crop yields. Household Food Balance Model (HFBM) was used to measure food security status at farm household level. The results revealed that climate variability coupled with adapted land use systems in Offin River basin have contributed to massive deforestation, accelerated soil degradation and recurrent agricultural droughts resulting in the loss of productive farmlands and low food crop yields. Household food balance model (HFBM) analysis revealed that 60.8% of the farm households in the basin could not meet the minimum recommended energy level of 2900 kilo calories intake per person per day while 39.2% of farm households were food secured subsisting on more than recommended kilo calories per person per day. Utilization of inland valleys, food crop management practices, soil and water conservation and management technologies, mixed cropping systems and crop diversification were found to have contributed positively and significantly to farm household food security. It is recommended that Government agencies such as MoFA, GASIP and existing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should increase investment in soil and water conservation strategies (SWCS) and inland valleys food production systems to enhance food production and food security systems among farm households.
Abstract: Climate variability and adapted land use systems have altered climate systems. Their impact on agro-ecosystems adversely affects crop yield, food security and livelihoods of farm households. This paper examines the coupled effects of climate variability and land use change on crop yield and food security among farm households in the Offin River Bas...
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Determinates of Migration from and Within Bangladesh: A Household Level Analysis
Shaikh Shamim Islam,
Mosammod Mahamuda Parvin,
Anika Nawar Fagun,
M. Mizanur Rahman Sarker
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
117-127
Received:
10 November 2021
Accepted:
29 November 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: The number of international migrants is continuously and rapidly growing worldwide. It increased to 244 million in 2015, up from 222 million in 2010 and 173 million in 2000. In Bangladesh, there is lack of sufficient resources and facilities to provide all its people with satisfactory working, earning, studying, health care, business and other opportunities, so, people migrate either simply from rural to urban, rural to rural and urban to urban destinations within the country or from the country to abroad either for short periods or for long duration. Lack of effective out migration policies, weak governance, and a hostile investment climate are all significant challenges to the sector's growth and attainment of the SDGs. The aim of this paper is to explore some ‘household level determinants’ for migration in Bangladesh when migration is internal and also external. Among the found determinants, researchers would like to know which determinants are more important and thus find the important reasons behind migration of the Bangladeshi people, thus enabling the proposing of policy recommendations. In the study the cross-section data of Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2010 was used. In the survey data, 612 Primary Sampling Unit (PSU) were selected systematically from 16 Strata and a total of 12,240 households was present. Probit model was used to analyze the determinants of the household migration decision. The study found that age of household head, farm area, value of other assets, number of young dependents on family head, economically favored districts are significant determinants of migration. Regression results shows that increase in ‘farm area’ and ‘value of other assets’ increases the probability of both internal and external migration. Households having loans are more likely to take a decision for internal migration. The study found that external migration is more popular among Bangladeshi households than internal district to district migration. In case of both internal and external migration, probability of migration is greater from rural area than from urban area. Oil rich Middle East countries and OECD countries are the main destinations for external migrants and earnings not very attractive as most migrants work there as unskilled, semi-skilled or low-skilled workers. Government agencies should take steps to provide poor or insolvent households with appropriate information and guidance. Loan facilities for these people could be arranged so that for going to a job outside the country they need not sell their last assets.
Abstract: The number of international migrants is continuously and rapidly growing worldwide. It increased to 244 million in 2015, up from 222 million in 2010 and 173 million in 2000. In Bangladesh, there is lack of sufficient resources and facilities to provide all its people with satisfactory working, earning, studying, health care, business and other oppo...
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