Yoshiro Higano

Perspective assessment of algae-based biofuel production using recycled nutrient sources: The case of Japan

In this study, an upper limit in the solar energy conversion efficiency which can be translated to a maximum potential algal yield of a large-scale culture is calculated based on the algal productivity model in which light and nutrient are made the growth rate limiting factors, and taking the design characteristics of the cultivation system into account. Our results indicate that for the production of low-cost biodiesel within the limits of the wastewater quality standards, that the culturing of high lipid content algae within a raceway pond would provide an appropriate solution for manufacturing biodiesel from algae. However, due to inefficient sunlight utilization and due to the large amount of fertilizer required in raceway ponds, a greater effluent recycle rate would have to be implemented to reduce the amount of fertilizer discharge to meet the wastewater quality standards and to maximize the attainable productivity of algal biomass.

On the exclusion theorem

Abstract This paper examines the locational decision of the firm in a linear space economy under increasing returns to scale and imperfect competition. All intermediate locations are excluded by the firm from its possible location without being adversely affected. This is a stronger result than Sakashitas and Mathurs which require non-increasing returns to scale and perfectness in input markets. In this sense, our paper leads to a more general version of the Exclusion Theorem.

Agglomeration Diseconomies of Traffic Congestion and Agglomeration Economies of Interaction in the Information‐Oriented City

A partial equilibrium model of land, labor, and transportation markets in an information-oriented city with traffic congestion of commuting and agglomeration economies of interaction is presented. The equilibria are derived by numerical computations using specific utility, production, and congestion functions. The laissez-faire equilibrium is compared with the optimum. In contrast with the results of many prior papers in this area, at the optimum the central business district becomes compact and the city more suburbanized than the laissez-faire equilibrium. The paper also analyzes the effects of a Pigouvian tax system and subsidies on the spatial structure in the city.

A study on synthetic regional environmental policies for utilising biomass resources.

Due to the principles of mass balance, there is a trade-off between regional water pollution and global warming. However, local governments in charge of water pollution control usually try to reduce water pollution loads without thinking of the influences on global warming. This study aims to formulate a simulation/evaluation model that reflects material balance and evaluates the regional environmental policies with utilising biomass resources. In the simulation, introduction of biomass utilisation plants was chosen as an effective tool to reduce environmental pollutants and substitution occurs between nitrogen monoxide and Total Nitrogen during the emission of nitrogen into the environment. These results implies that promotion of biomass resource utilisation can improve both the environment and economy and policy making for water quality improvement should also take into account the effects on global warming of policy measures. Eliminating vertically divided administrative functions becomes essential for resolution of global environmental problems.

An Environmental Socioeconomic Framework Model for Adapting to Climate Change in China

Global warming will be a significant common issue facing society in the 21st century. At the Third Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP3) held in Kyoto, it was agreed by 161 participating nations to do their best in the period from 2008 to 2012 to curtail global warming gases as per the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Kyoto Protocol came into force on 16 February 2005.

Optimal Reorganization of Greater Tokyo: An Industrial Complex of Agglomeration and Scale Economies. 1:

An analytical method for evaluating the optimal reorganization of Greater Tokyo is presented and its properties are examined. The model used is a large-scale nonlinear programming model. The essential advantages and disadvantages of production concentration are simultaneously optimized in accordance with the synthesized dynamic opportunity-cost criterion. We especially emphasize the net scale and agglomeration economies of the large city, taking account of the causal relation among the acceleration and retardation factors of those economies.

How to reach haze control targets by air pollutants emission reduction in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China?

Currently, Haze is one of the greatest environmental problems with serious impacts on human health in China, especially in capital region (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region). To alleviate this problem, the Chinese government introduced a National Air Pollution Control Action Plan (NAPCAP) with air pollutants reduction targets by 2017. However, there is doubt whether these targets can be achieved once the plan is implemented. In this work, the effectiveness of NAPCAP is analyzed by developing models of the statistical relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and air pollutant emissions (SO2, NOx, smoke and dust), while taking into account wind and neighboring transfer impacts. The model can also identify ways of calculating the intended emission levels in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei area. The results indicate that haze concentration control targets will not be attained by following the NAPCAP, and that the amount of progress needed to meet the targets is unrealistic. A more appropriate approach to reducing air emissions is proposed, which addresses joint regional efforts.

A New approach for municipal solid waste governance aiming to become green city bases on a sound material – cycle society initiative in Hanoi, Vietnam

This study aims to analyze the Japanese Sound materialcycle society (SMCS) model in compatible condition with current municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hanoi, Vietnam at the first step: waste classification. About household waste, author cooperated with some workers, officers and experts in Hanoi Urban Environment Company (URENCO) in 3Rs (ReduceReuseRecyle) project in 4 main wards of Hanoi: Phan Chu Trinh, Lang Ha, Nguyen Du and Thanh Cong. This project supplies collection containers for households and public places for separate waste at source with 3 categories: Organic waste, Inorganic waste and Recyclables. In comparison with old state, household waste at these places are classified properly with higher value for recyclable and organic waste. About waste from commercial activities, author conducted a sitestudy in some big and media size super markets, shopping malls, open markets and restaurants about waste classification at source. Author interviewed collectors and directly classified and measured the composition of waste in 2 weeks with collectors. The author also went to Nam Son sanitary landfill site, the biggest MSW treatment facility of the North in Soc son (Hanoi) to survey the real situation of MSW when it is buried. The capacity and environmental impacts from landfill activities are also quantified. The output of this study is to identify MSW composition and material cycle aim to increase composting and recyclable material amount, quantify the reduction in landfill load and propose some policies to improve local people awareness for better MSW governance. Basing on collected data from these activities, author expects to propose a new scenario for MSW treatment by using Integrated Waste Management Model (IWM2) to improve the current situation aiming to build a cleangreenbeautiful Hanoi as local government target

Guidelines for Siting Community-based Solid Waste Facilities in Beijing, China

Beijing, the capital of China, has a land area of approximately 1368.32km2 with an urban population of about 19.61 million in 2010. Over the past three decades, MSW generation in Beijing City has increased tremendously from 1.04 million tons in 1978 to 4.134 million tons in 2006. (BMAC2010)The average generation rate of MSW in 2006 was 0.85kg/capita/day. Currently, more than 80% of MSW generated in Beijing is land filled, 10%is incinerated and 10% is composted. (WANG, 2010) If these trends continue the amount of waste will surpass the capacity of transfer stations, treatment plants and final disposal sites. In addition due to environmental and health problems occurring in the vicinity of current waste treatment and final disposal plants, residents show strong rejection to the construction of such facilities. Solid waste management facilities represent long-term commitments of public resources that can dramatically alter the quality of life in a community. In order to address this urgent challenges this research proposes the introduction of an integral waste management system that includes not only technological and logistics aspects associated with waste collection, treatment and disposal but will also incorporate the local community and stakeholder participation, in the process of decision-making. Using integrated evaluation and assessment methodology including Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costs, as well as social assessment tools, we will introduce guidelines that will help design not only environmentally friendly and economically affordable but also socially acceptable waste management practice.

Agriculture and sustainable development: policies analysis of the Taihu Economic Circle in China

The purpose of this study was to establish a method to truly realise sustainable agricultural development. In this study, sustainable agricultural development is defined as the following conditions: The biomass gasification is a process which converts renewable resources into a synthetic fuel with less air pollution, water pollution and GHG emission. Environmental financial policy includes WPERT to improve environmental efficiency by optimal resource allocation and fair trade. We structure an IBMS that presents the environment system, WPERTS and socioeconomic activities situational changes over a ten-year period to analyse the effectiveness and efficiency of the policies to enhance agricultural production and improve the environment by simulation. Finally, we propose an optimal plan to achieve sustainable development of TEC in China.