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Abstract : Implementation of Open Source GIS Tools to Identify Bright Rooftops for Solar Photovoltaic Applications – A Case Study of Creek Lanes, DHA, Karachi
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Abstract: The mega city of Karachi is still mainly dependent on conventional sources of energy to cater its daily electricity requirements. Dependence on conventional sources of energy for power production results in environmental degradation and depletion of fossil fuel resources. In particular, it also highlights an immense need of alternate sustainable solution for current electricity generation scenario. In this research work, an innovative methodology has been proposed to identify bright rooftops using open source geographic information system (GIS) tools which may be utilized for sustainable power generation in Karachi metropolis. First, bright rooftops have been extracted using open source Quantum GIS (QGIS) software. Edge extraction technique using gradient filter; an open source algorithm of QGIS has been utilized. Furthermore, image processing techniques have been used to extract and refine building rooftops. Then, rooftops have been polygonized and their area has been calculated using Measure Area function of QGIS. To assess the accuracy of the extracted rooftops, field validation work has been performed and sample rooftops have been physically measured. A comparison of extracted and physically measured sample rooftops yielded 90.45% accuracy. Reduction in total roof area has been made considering different roof uses and shading effect from nearby trees and buildings. Then, unshaded bright rooftops area of 4,626 m2 has been calculated which can be used for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications in Creek Lanes, DHA Phase 7 Karachi. An annual energy output of 2.1 MWh has been estimated using Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) solar PV panel and available rooftop area. The methodology adopted can be extrapolated to macro-scale as well. However, challenges and limitations for extrapolation of methodology have also been highlighted. Solar radiation studies that demonstrate the use of open source GIS tools for sustainable power generation for this region have been scarce. Thus, this study is a preliminary research work to highlight an immense solar electricity potential that exists for Karachi metropolis. Keywords: Solar PV, QGIS, Karachi, electricity generation, rooftops. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Assisting Disabled Persons in Online Shopping: A Knowledge-Based Process Model
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Abstract: Knowledge management is gaining more and more attention from business management with a consideration of knowledge as a critical intellectual resource for organization in getting successful competitive advantage. The aim of integrating of KM processes with business processes is to add value, provide supports and increase productivity. The role of technology for knowledge management processes, i.e., capture, codification, dissemination, is very important. Organization are readily adapting e-commerce and shifting business activities over web to maintain competitive advantage and building strong relationship with suppliers, employees, and customers. E-retailing emerged as a new way of shopping; people search/browse products online, compare and purchase with great convenience. It also eliminates barriers that disabled persons encounter when they visit shopping stores such as inaccessible entrance for wheelchair shoppers. However, still there is a significant part of disabled population is neglected from getting benefits of online shopping because of lack of accessibility features in websites. Understanding the knowledge about them can lead business managers to better facilitate in online shopping. This paper proposed a model based on the Nonaka Knowledge Spiral model to support business managers to capture knowledge about disabled person’s online shopping behaviors; supplement this knowledge into their website to support disabled persons. This also helps business managers to capture the un-attended population in their business net. Keywords: Knowledge management, Nonaka SECI model, disability support, e-commerce. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Urban Development and Industrial Clustering in Pakistan: A Study Based on Geographical Perspective
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Abstract: The urban clusters serve as powerful magnets of economic opportunities and facilities for a large number of population. The only space they are able to grab are shanty town which are either very closely located or adjacent to major industrial zones in large cities of the world including Pakistan. Certainly these industrial estates capture the labor markets located nearby. These shanty towns have emerged as a result of in-migrant influx from the interior of the country and provinces. The clusters are geographical and sector wise concentration of numerous producers and ancillary agents, engaged in production, supply or trade activities. These are directly associated with the manufacturing of a specific product or set of products hence clusters constitute the core of industrial districts. An industrial district can now be defined as a geographical and spatial concentration of firms whose organization of products is marked by a dense network of local inter-firm relations. In order to investigate the urban development and geo-spatial agglomeration in Pakistan PCA has been run using eleven variables representing urban industrial infrastructure. The results reveal the significant role played by large industrial clusters contained in various urban centers of the country. This role is well reflected in the population potential of each of these urban centers. Keywords: Geo-spatial agglomeration, industrial clusters, PCA and population potential. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Effect of Biopesticides Against Sucking Insect Pests of Brinjal Crop Under Field Conditions
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Abstract: A field study was carried out during 2013 at the experimental area of Entomology Section, Agriculture Research Institute, (ARI) Tando Jam to examine the effect of bio-pesticides against sucking insect pests of brinjal crop under field conditions. Five treatments with three replications were applied. The treatments were: T1=chemical control (confidor/Diamond), T2=Neem (Azadirachta indica), T3= Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), T4= Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus), T5= Untreated (Control). Three insect pests were found infesting brinjal including white flies, jassid and mites. Pre treatment- and post-treatment observations were recorded. The results revealed that against white fly, the first spray of chemical control(confidor) showed highest reduction percent (96.62%) followed by Neem extract (82.60%), Tobacco extract (75.95%), Eucalyptus extract (73.93%) and lowest for untreated control (11.07%); while in the second spray also, chemical control(Diamond) showed highest effect against white fly (78.32%); followed by Neem extract (67.53%), Tobacco extract (56.43%), Eucalyptus extract (42.25%) and least by untreated plot (5.49%). Against jassid, chemical control (confidor) showed highest effect (77.90%) as observed during 1st spray, followed by Neem extract (55.95%), Tobacco extract (53.38%), Eucalyptus extract (53.99%) and untreated control (8.00%), while after second spray also chemical control (Diamond) showed highest reduction percent (81.70%) followed by Neem extract (68.73%), Tobacco extract (55.72%), Eucalyptus extract (50.66%) and the lowest was resulted by untreated control (13.91%). Against mites population on brinjal the first spray results showed that chemical control (confidor) showed highest effect (98.19%) followed by Neem extract (96.19%), Tobacco extract (95.75%), Eucalyptus extract (86.86%) and least population was recorded in untreated control (9.96%). After second spray, chemical control (Diamond) showed highest reduction percent (99.65%), followed by Neem extract (98.33%), Tobacco extract (92.85%), Eucalyptus extract (88.93%) and the lowest reduction percent was resulted by untreated control (9.14%) respectively. Chemical control (confidor/Diamond) showed its superiority in effect to combat sucking insect pests studied in brinjal, followed by Neem extract, Tobacco extract, Eucalyptus extract and untreated control remained the least. Keywords: Plant extract, Synthetic pesticides, Sucking pests, Brinjal. Download Full Article |
