Conservation of the false water rat (Xeromys myoides) depends on landscape complementation

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya L. Russell ◽  
Peter T. Hale
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Patch Occupancy ◽  
Landscape Complementation ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Animal Presence ◽  
Habitat Variables

Identification of habitat variables that are associated with patch occupancy can provide a solid foundation for conservation, especially when habitats and landscapes are affected by human activities. As a case study to investigate the importance of landscape complementation and habitat quality for conservation, we examined the habitat preferences of a vulnerable native rodent, the false water rat (Xeromys myoides Thomas). In this study, results from surveys for animal presence and recording of habitat attributes in localities in south-east Queensland showed that X. myoides prefers a habitat with a wide mangrove zone of short mangroves and a high percentage of relatively tall vegetation cover in the sedge/saltmarsh zone. The absence of X. myoides from areas of likely habitat at a large scale can be attributed, at least in part, to the local habitat variables that overrode predictions based at a large scale. The findings suggest that availability of suitable habitat is a factor limiting the distribution and abundance of X. myoides. It is clear that landscape complementation influences patch occupancy and should be an essential consideration for conservation programs.

scholarly journals Anatomical, morphological and phytochemical properties of Aegopodium alpestre Ledeb.: a case study of Kazakhstan

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1473-1482
Author(s):  
Elzira A. KYRBASSOVA ◽  
Akmaral A. SARTAYEVA ◽  
Elmira M. IMANOVA ◽  
Nurdana N. SALYBEKOVA ◽  
Gulraikhan E. ZHANTEYEVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Inorganic Compounds ◽  
Biologically Active Substances ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Vegetative Organs ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Cultivation Practice ◽  
Active Substances

This article deals with the phytochemical, morphological and anatomical investigation of ethanol-based extracts derived from the leaves and stems of the Aegopodium alpestre. The vegetative organs of A. alpestre were conserved according to Strasburger-Fleµming method using a 1:1:1 mixture of alcohol-glycerin-water. A total of 1200 ethanol-based extracts (2 from leaves and 2 from stem tissues per plant) were prepared using the Soxhlet extractor. All extracts were used to identify organic and inorganic compounds in the leaves and stems of the studied plant. Contents of biologically active substances, microelements, vitamins and amino acids were determined. This article is the first paper to display very high concentration and diversity of vitamins (6 types), micronutrients (5 types), and aminoacids (13 types) in the leaves and steams of A. alpestre. Findings conclude that identification of biologically active substances in the above the ground vegetative organs of A. alpestre may be a common practice in the future. Considering the study results, A. alpestre may be used as a medicinal plant on a large scale. For this, the cultivation practice needs to be scaled up.

Risk-Averse Optimization for Resilience Enhancement Under Uncertainty

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxin Wu ◽  
Pingfeng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Risk Measure ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Network Systems ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
Deterministic Equivalent ◽  
Study Results

Abstract With the growth of complexity and extent, large scale interconnected network systems, e.g., transportation networks or infrastructure networks, become more vulnerable towards external disturbances. Hence, managing potential disruptive events during design, operating, and recovery phase of an engineered system therefore improving the system’s resilience is an important yet challenging task. In order to ensure system resilience after the occurrence of failure events, this study proposes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) based restoration framework using heterogenous dispatchable agents. Scenario based stochastic optimization (SO) technique is adopted to deal with the inherent uncertainties imposed on the recovery process from the nature. Moreover, different from conventional SO using deterministic equivalent formulations, additional risk measure is implemented for this study because of the temporal sparsity of the decision making in applications such as the recovery from extreme events. The resulting restoration framework involves with a large-scale MILP problem and thus an adequate decompaction technique, i.e., modified Langragian Relaxation, is also proposed in order to achieve tractable time complexity. Case study results based on the IEEE 37-buses test feeder demonstrate the benefits of using the proposed framework for resilience improvement as well as the advantages of adopting SO formulations.

Risks in extrapolating habitat preferences over the geographical range of threatened taxa: a case study of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) in the southern forests of Western Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlene Bain ◽  
Adrian Wayne ◽  
Roberta Bencini
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
Occupancy Patterns ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Threatened Taxa ◽  
Feral Animals ◽  
Habitat Variables

Context Extrapolation of knowledge for threatened taxa between parts of their range that are disconnected and/or ecologically diverse can result in significant sources of error that undermine the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Aims We investigated the risks associated with extrapolation of ecological information across environmental gradients, using the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) as a case study. Information documented in the northern part of its range is currently used to manage this species across its range in south-western Australia. We examined the suitability of this approach by developing a habitat suitability model (HSM) for the quokka in the southernmost areas of its range and comparing this with existing knowledge for the species. Methods We surveyed 327 sites, representative of a range of ecotypes, for presence/absence of quokkas. Occupancy models were applied to select a subset of habitat variables that best predicted occupancy patterns. Key results Occupancy patterns were influenced by complex vegetation structure, low levels of woody debris and habitat patchiness. HSMs developed for quokkas in the north could not predict occupancy patterns in the south. Significant fragmentation of subpopulations was observed due to patchiness in the availability of suitable habitat. Conclusions The choice of predictor variables in HSMs that are not transferrable between regions could contribute to inappropriate management of habitat for quokkas and an increased risk of local extinctions. In addition, failure to consider processes that affect preferred habitat variables could contribute to the segregation of habitat patches and intervening distances that are too great for successful dispersal, immigration and recolonisation processes. Implications The extrapolation of HSMs between geographical areas can increase the risk of outcomes that are detrimental to the conservation of threatened species. Where such extrapolation is necessary, actions guided by the HSMs should be implemented in a management framework that can detect adverse effects, allow for inclusion of new ecological information and explicitly consider the limitations and assumptions of this approach. In addition, perceptions of habitat fragmentation need to include processes such as fire regimes and feral animals that affect the availability and connectivity of habitat and have the potential to adversely affect population viability.

scholarly journals Economic Evaluation of Large-Scale Biorefinery Deployment: A Framework Integrating Dynamic Biomass Market and Techno-Economic Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Zetterholm ◽  
Elina Bryngemark ◽  
Johan Ahlström ◽  
Patrik Söderholm ◽  
Simon Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Market Effects ◽  
Product Demand ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Study Results ◽  
End Use

Biofuels and biochemicals play significant roles in the transition towards a fossil-free society. However, large-scale biorefineries are not yet cost-competitive with their fossil-fuel counterparts, and it is important to identify biorefinery concepts with high economic performance. For evaluating early-stage biorefinery concepts, one needs to consider not only the technical performance and process costs but also the economic performance of the full supply chain and the impacts on feedstock and product markets. This article presents and demonstrates a conceptual interdisciplinary framework that can constitute the basis for evaluations of the full supply-chain performance of biorefinery concepts. This framework considers the competition for biomass across sectors, assumes exogenous end-use product demand, and incorporates various geographical and technical constraints. The framework is demonstrated empirically through a case study of a sawmill-integrated biorefinery producing liquefied biomethane from forestry and forest industry residues. The case study results illustrate that acknowledging biomass market effects in the supply chain evaluation implies changes in both biomass prices and the allocation of biomass across sectors. The proposed framework should facilitate the identification of biorefinery concepts with a high economic performance which are robust to feedstock price changes caused by the increase in biomass demand.

Dragon head enterprises in China's wine production – case study results

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Richter ◽  
Yanlin Yang ◽  
Jon H. Hanf
Keyword(s):  
Operating System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Chinese Wine

PurposeIn 1998, the Chinese Communist Party introduced the strategy for modernizing agriculture with large-scale production and launching large commercial enterprises known as dragon head enterprises (DHEs) to process and market agricultural products. Although scholars have raised awareness of the development of DHEs in China, there has been little investigation on DHEs in the Chinese wine business. Based on the existing theoretical background on the concept of DHEs, this study aims to identify the structure and operating system of a DHE in the Chinese wine business. Changyu is chosen as an example because it is the oldest and largest wine company in China, operating in various grape-growing regions.Design/methodology/approachDue to the research's explorative character, the qualitative approach and case study focus were considered adequate. In-depth interviews have been conducted with the employees of the company. The authors analysed data with a qualitative content approach of Gläser and Laudel (2010).FindingsResults show that the grape procurement of Changyu is organized in an integrated system, which consists of the DHE (Changyu), the Changyu-led cooperative, and the grape producers who have a contract with the cooperative. The company takes different measures in terms of intra-organizational coordination to secure the required quantities and qualities of its grape supply base.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, the authors could only access three interview partners of Changyu's grape procurement department, and it was not possible to conduct interviews with the management of Changyu. Another limitation is that it is difficult to collect adequate data in the Chinese wine industry.Originality/valueThere has been little investigation on DHEs in the Chinese wine business. This research contributes to the existing literature as it takes a closer look at the structure and operating system of a DHE in the Chinese wine business. The case study and chosen example (Changyu) allow a better understanding of DHEs and provide first insights into their operating principle.

scholarly journals Economic Evaluation of Large-Scale Biorefinery Deployment: A Framework Integrating Dynamic Biomass Market and Techno-Economic Models

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Zetterholm ◽  
Elina Bryngemark ◽  
Johan Ahlström ◽  
Patrik Söderholm ◽  
Simon Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Market Effects ◽  
Product Demand ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Study Results ◽  
End Use

Biofuels and biochemicals play significant roles in the transition towards a fossil-free society. However, large-scale biorefineries are not yet cost-competitive with their fossil-fuel counterparts, and it is important to identify biorefinery concepts with high economic performance. For evaluating early-stage biorefinery concepts, one needs to consider not only the technical performance and process costs but also the economic performance of the full supply chain and the impacts on feedstock and product markets. This article presents and demonstrates a conceptual interdisciplinary framework that can constitute the basis for evaluations of the full supply-chain performance of biorefinery concepts. This framework considers the competition for biomass across sectors, assumes exogenous end-use product demand, and incorporates various geographical and technical constraints. The framework is demonstrated empirically through a case study of a sawmill-integrated biorefinery producing liquefied biomethane from forestry and forest industry residues. The case study results illustrate that acknowledging biomass market effects in the supply chain evaluation implies changes in both biomass prices and the allocation of biomass across sectors. The proposed framework should facilitate the identification of biorefinery concepts with a high economic performance which are robust to feedstock price changes caused by the increase in biomass demand.

The effect of resistance in organizational change programmes

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 274-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Canning ◽  
Pauline Anne Found
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Organizational Change ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Weight Of Evidence ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
Study Results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contributing factors that lead to resistance to change, and to ascertain the relationship between organizational culture and employee resistance in organizational change programmes, such as lean. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology for this research is in three main parts. Firstly, a systematic review of the literature pertaining to resistance to change is, secondly, followed by a case study involving an anonymous survey and semi-structured interviews to test the assumptions drawn from the literature. Finally, the literature research and case study results are drawn together to present a new model of resistance. Findings – The finding of the literature, along with the finding of the case study confirm that lack of communication and participant involvement during change are highlighted as significant contributing factors to resistance and that these are related to organizational culture. Research limitations/implications – Whilst the secondary sources of information provide a significant weight of evidence to support the results from the case study, the results of the research are based on a single case study; therefore, caution should be applied before making generalizations from the data. Practical implications – The findings can provide organizations, and change practitioners, with an insight into a number of the issues that should be considered in relation to an organizations culture before attempting large-scale change programmes. Originality/value – The research findings provide a new model, the “resistance model” that identifies the interconnected issues that affect employees’ attitude to, and thus acceptance of, organizational change.

scholarly journals Decarbonising real estate

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-408
Author(s):  
Sara Jane Wilkinson ◽  
Sarah Sayce
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Residential Property ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose About 27 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions are attributed to residential buildings; therefore, improvements to the energy efficiency of the stock offers great potential. There are three main ways to achieve this. First is a mandatory approach, minimum energy efficiency standards are set and applied to new and existing buildings. Option 2 is voluntary, using energy ratings that classify performance to stimulate awareness and action. Third, financial measures, incentives and taxes, are applied to “nudge” behaviours. Most westernised countries have adopted a combination of Options 2 and 3, with the belief that the market will incentivize efficient properties. The belief is voluntary measures will stimulate demand, leading to value premiums. This paper aims to seek a deeper understanding of the relationship between energy efficiency and the value of residential property in Europe and, by so doing, to determine whether stronger policies are required to realise decarbonisation. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the current academic literature and large-scale quantitative studies conducted in Europe, mostly using hedonic pricing analysis to seek a relationship between energy performance certificates (EPCs) and either capital or rental values. It compares these to the reported findings of three case study projects that take a variety of different research approaches, all of which have the ambition to understand market behaviours and stimulate occupier or/and owner demand for energy efficient buildings. Findings The large-scale academic study results generally show a positive relationship between observed market prices and EPCs, which are commonly taken as surrogates for efficiency; however, outcomes are variable. One large study found energy upgrades may increase value, but not to the point where costs outweigh the value gain. Other studies found high returns on investment in energy efficiency technologies. The case study projects, however, revealed a more nuanced set of arguments in terms of the relationship between energy efficiency and market behaviours. Whilst there is some evidence that energy efficiency is beginning to impact on value, it is small compared to other value drivers; other drivers, including health, well-being and private sector finance deals, may prove more powerful market drivers. Further, the empirical findings reported point towards the emergence of a “brown” discount being more likely to be the long-term trend than a green premium. It is concluded that the current levels of action are unlikely to deliver the levels of decarbonisation urgently needed. Research limitations/implications This is a desktop study of other European studies that may have collected data on slightly different variables. Practical implications This study shows that more action is required to realise decarbonisation in new and existing residential property in the European states considered. The sector offers potential for substantial reductions, and other mandatory approaches need to be considered. Originality/value This is a timely review of the current outcomes of European programmes (EPCs) adopted in several countries to increase energy efficiency in the residential sector through a voluntary mechanism. The results show that more action is needed.

scholarly journals Automatic Construction of Indoor 3D Navigation Graph from Crowdsourcing Trajectories

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Xin Fu ◽  
Hengcai Zhang ◽  
Peixiao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Indoor Navigation ◽  
Floor Plan ◽  
3D Navigation ◽  
Graph Reconstruction ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Floor Plans

Lacking indoor navigation graph has become a bottleneck in indoor applications and services. This paper presents a novel automated indoor navigation graph reconstruction approach from large-scale low-frequency indoor trajectories without any other data sources. The proposed approach includes three steps: trajectory simplification, 2D floor plan extraction and 3D navigation graph construction. First, we propose a ST-Join-Clustering algorithm to identify and simplify redundant stay points embedded in the indoor trajectories. Second, an indoor trajectory bitmap construction based on a self-adaptive Gaussian filter is developed, and we then propose a new improved thinning algorithm to extract 2D indoor floor plans. Finally, we present an improved CFSFDP algorithm with time constraints to identify the 3D topological connection points between two different floors. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach, we conducted a real-world case study using an indoor trajectory dataset of over 4000 indoor trajectories and 5 million location points. The case study results showed that the proposed approach improves the navigation network accuracy by 1.83% and the topological accuracy by 13.7% compared to the classical kernel density estimation approach.

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