Building cooling load depends on heat gains from the outside environment. Appropriate orientation and masonry materials play vital roles in the reduction of overall thermal loads buildings. A net-zero energy building performance has been analyzed in order to ascertain the optimum orientation and wall material properties, under the climatic conditions of Owerri, Nigeria. Standard cooling load estimation techniques were employed for the determination of the diurnal interior load variations in a building incorporating renewable energy as the major energy source, and compared with the situation in a conventionally powered building. The results show a 19.28% reduction in the building’s cooling load when brick masonry was used for the wall construction. It was observed that a higher heat gain occurred when the building faced the East-West direction than when it was oriented in the North-South direction. Significant diurnal cooling loads variation as a result of radiation through the windows was also observed, with the east facing windows contributing significantly higher loads during the morning hours while the west facing windows contributed higher amounts in the evening. The economic analysis of the net-zero energy building showed an 11.63% reduction in energy cost compared to the conventional building, with a 7-year payback period for the use of Solar PV systems. Therefore, the concept of net-zero energy building will not only help in energy conservation, but also in cost savings, and the reduction of carbon footprint in the built environment.

The efficiencies and performance of gas turbine cycles are highly dependent on parameters such as the turbine inlet temperature (TIT), compressor inlet temperature (T1), and pressure ratio (Rc). This study analyzed the effects of these parameters on the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and specific fuel consumption (SFC) of a simple gas turbine cycle. The analysis found that increasing the TIT leads to higher efficiencies and lower SFC, while increasing the To or Rc results in lower efficiencies and higher SFC. For a TIT of 1400 ℃, T1 of 20 ℃, and Rc of 8, the energy and exergy efficiencies were 32.75% and 30.9%, respectively, with an SFC of 187.9 g/kWh. However, for a TIT of 900 ℃, T1 of 30 ℃, and Rc of 30, the energy and exergy efficiencies dropped to 13.18% and 12.44%, respectively, while the SFC increased to 570.3 g/kWh. The results show that there are optimal combinations of TIT, To, and Rc that maximize performance for a given application. Designers must consider trade-offs between efficiency, emissions, cost, and other factors to optimize gas turbine cycles. Overall, this study provides data and insights to improve the design and operation of simple gas turbine cycles.

Catfish (Pangasianodon hypothalamus) are known in Asia, specifically in Southeast Asia. Currently, this fish has been exported to almost all countries in the world. This research aimed to examine the existing conditions of the solid waste produced, analyze the chemical composition of the waste, and look for alternatives for the policy and economical use of waste in the catfish processing business. Using the survey method, data were gathered through measurement at the research location and laboratory, interviews with business owners, and field observations. Proximate analysis was conducted on pink slime meat, belly fat, bones, and fish innards. Analysis of acid number, saponification number, iodine number, and fat fatty acid was carried out on stomach fat. Meanwhile, amino acid analysis was carried out for pink slime meat. Handling catfish industrial waste has yet to be carried out properly, which causes a foul smell and disturbs the environment. The catfish industry waste’s chemical content (protein, fat, water content, carbohydrates, and fatty acids) (pink slime meat, belly fat, fish bones, and innards) is still relatively applicable. The study processed fish waste into products like instant porridge, analogous fish sago rice, and fish sago noodles. The proximate analysis results of these products show figures that exceed the minimum standards for similar products.

Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to fire disasters due to high population density, sprawling infrastructure, and often inadequate safety measures. This study aims to analyze the capacity of the DKI Jakarta government in terms of human resource capabilities, asset readiness, and budget planning capabilities. Furthermore, it measures the government’s success as evidenced by the public response to the achievement of firefighter performance. This study uses qualitative analysis with a content analysis approach. Data sources come from annual performance report documents and the content of the DKI Jakarta Fire Department website containing city disaster information. Performance report and website data are analyzed and used as research data to support qualitative analysis. This research shows that command decisions are essential in the organizational structure of the fire brigade. Both laboratory services are carried out optimally as a concrete effort to map fire potential. The laboratory tests the safety and suitability of firefighting equipment. Available budgetary support provides broad operational powers for the fire service. The government’s strength in minimizing or overcoming fire problems has received a positive response from the public. The operational achievements of firefighting continue to be consistent and increase. Ultimately, this research provides scientific insight into disaster mitigation and reducing the fire risk in cities.

It is critical for urban and regional planners to examine spatial relationships and interactions between a port and its surrounding urban areas within a region’s spatial structure. This paper seeks to develop a targeted framework of causal relationships influencing the spatial structure changes in the Bushehr port-city. Hence, the study utilizes Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs), a computational technique adept at analyzing complex decision-making processes. FCMs are employed to identify concepts that act as drivers or barriers in the spatial structure changes of Bushehr port-city, thereby elucidating the causal relationships within this context. Additionally, the study evaluates these concepts’ relative significance and interrelationships. Data was collected through interviews with ten experts from diverse backgrounds, including specialists, academics, policymakers, and urban managers. The insights from these experts were analyzed using FCMapper and Pajek software to construct a collective FCM, which depicts the influential and affected concepts within the system. The resulting collective FCM consists of 16 concepts, representing the varied perspectives and expertise of the participants. Among these, the concepts of management and planning reform, economic growth of the city-port, and port development emerged as the three most central concepts. Moreover, the effects of all influential concepts on the spatial structure change in Bushehr port-city were evaluated through simulations conducted across four different scenarios. The analysis demonstrated that the system experiences the most significant impact under the fourth scenario, where the most substantial changes are observed in commercial and industrial growth and the planning of port-city separation policies.

This study delves into the dynamic landscape of pension funds in Colombia, examining both its current research status and practical implications. Understanding the state of pension systems is crucial for individuals' financial security and a country's overall economic stability, especially given factors such as an aging population and evolving socio-economic dynamics. By comprehensively analyzing scholarly publications on Colombian pension funds using the Scopus database, this research sheds light on key trends and contributors shaping policy formulation and financial planning. The analysis covers a period from 1987 to 2023, identifying 71 relevant articles through keyword searches and filters. Various metrics, including publication trends, citations, international collaboration, and authorship dynamics, were quantitatively assessed. The results reveal an annual growth rate of 5.37%, with research articles comprising 81.69%, review articles 7.04%, and other formats like books, book chapters, and conference papers making up 11.27% of the total documents. Notably, countries such as the UK, the USA, Spain, and Colombia emerge as key contributors to the literature. Among authors, Mesa-Lago, L., stands out as a significant figure, with one of the earliest publications on the topic. The findings underscore the growing importance of pension funds in Colombia, particularly in the context of fund performance research amid financial crises. The prevalence of international collaboration suggests a global interest in understanding and contributing to the development of Colombian pension systems. Furthermore, the study identifies research gaps, particularly in areas concerning the socio-economic impact of pension policies, providing a roadmap for future investigations. Policymakers, financial practitioners, and researchers can leverage these insights to inform strategic decision-making and address critical challenges in optimizing pension fund management in Colombia.