Using the Gini Index to Measure the Inequality in Infrastructure Services Provided within an Urban Region

In this article, we suggest the use of the Gini Index to measure the inequality in infrastructure services provided within an urban region. We develop a functional form for the Lorenz Curve, the basis of measurement of the Gini Index. The sparse nature of data available to measure the distribution of infrastructure services within an urban region results in a challenge in estimating the Lorenz Curve.

The flip side of metcalfe's law: multiple and growing costs of network exclusion

The study of networks has grown recently, but most existing models fail to capture the costs or loss of value of exclusion from the network. Intuitively, as a network grows in size and value, those outside the network face growing disparities. We present a new framework for modeling network exclusion, showing that costs of exclusion can be absolute, and might, at the extreme, eventually grow exponentially, regardless of underlying network structure.

Technology Options for Faecal Sludge Management in Developing Countries: Benefits and Revenue from Reuse

This article provides technology options for the treatment of Faecal Sludge (FS) in developing countries to minimise exposure to FS and assesses its benefits along with possible revenue generation from reuse. FS that is collected from septic tanks poses management challenges in urban areas of developing countries. Currently, FS is dumped into the urban and peri-urban environment, posing great risks to the soil, surface water and groundwater quality.

Taking lessons from refugees in Europe to prepare for climate migrants and exiles

With millions of refugees pouring into countries in Europe, renewed attention is being paid to those who are displaced. This article combines some of the current lessons learned from Europe with previous studies on migration related to climate change and provides recommendations to be included in policy. Preparation in advance, regional agreements, and mechanisms for better integration of those who are displaced are highlighted.

Solar Energy for Process Heating: A Case Study of Select Indian Industries

The annual consumption of petroleum products in India was about 221 million metric tons in 2015. Of this, 84% was imported. The Indian industrial sector accounts for about 16%–20% of the total fuel consumption for thermal energy for different heating applications in the temperature range of 50°C–250 °C. Solar collectors can meet these temperature requirements and offer the possibility to mitigate the consumption of oil.

Quality of life for all: A sustainable development framework for India's climate policy

This study placed improving quality of life at the centre of India's national climate policy and asked what happens to greenhouse gas emissions with such an approach. Using bottom-up scenario analyses, the sectoral interventions modelled in this research demonstrate that it is possible to get close to achieving the country's climate targets while improving quality of life at the same time. 

Preliminary design of heliostat field and performance analysis of solar tower plants with thermal storage and hybridisation

Solar tower technology has gained considerable momentum over the past decade. In a solar tower plant, a single receiver is used and the power collected by the heliostat field is strongly coupled to the tower height and its location with respect to the field. The literature available focuses largely on the component-level details of the heliostat field, ray-tracing mechanisms, receiver heat transfer analyses, etc.