scholarly journals A Multiscale Framework for Sustainable Management of Tufa-Forming Watercourses: A Case Study of National Park “Krka”, Croatia

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3096
Author(s):  
Ante Šiljeg ◽  
Ivan Marić ◽  
Neven Cukrov ◽  
Fran Domazetović ◽  
Vlatko Roland

Tufa sedimentary systems are sensitive fluvial landscapes subject to various external disturbances. Tufa landscape degradation reflected in negative hydrological changes and a decrease in the intensity of the tufa formation process have been detected in National Park Krka (Croatia). The main causes were recognized in the uncontrolled spread of invasive vegetation (Ailanthus altissima) and increased anthropogenic influence. Therefore, the Park administration launched the project, Management and Maintenance of Macro-Vegetation at Skradinski Buk (SB)—Development of a Multicriteria Model for Sustainable Management. The methodological framework was divided into three scales of research. The macro-scale research comprised a set of activities aimed at selecting the most suitable test surface within a wider area of the Skradinski Buk (SB) waterfall. The meso-scale research involved mapping the reference and final state of the vegetation and hydrological network after the removal of invasive vegetation and mitigation of negative anthropogenic impact. At the micro-scale, a monitoring system was established to track the quality of the tufa sedimentary system. Special emphasis was placed on the measurement of tufa formation dynamics (TFD) on limestone plates using a new methodological approach based on structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Implementation of the proposed multiscale framework resulted in reactivation of tufa-forming watercourses, prevention of invasive vegetation regeneration and achievement of sustainable conditions for the tufa formation process. In reactivated watercourses, the average tufa growth rate was 4.267 mm a−1 (n = 18). Potential users of this framework include local authorities and administrators of protected areas.

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Antonella Trombadore ◽  
Dusan Rolovic ◽  
Pier Paolo Congiatu

The paper will present the sustainable and low energy architecture approach that has been developed for a small island in Sardinia, Italy. The island has hosted several prison complexes in the past two centuries, now converted into a National Park, since its creation as a national park its architectural and urban patrimony have been completely abandoned. Its few built-up areas and/or urban developments do have an enormous potential, but past administrations failed in the attempt to offer a commercially attractive model. The project focuses mainly on the development of a Strategic Plan for the regeneration of the island: the main goal is to create completely new activities and functions which are both compatible with its touristic potential and especially with the natural fragility of the ecosystem. These functions have been planned in order to give life and continuous activity to the island, but with extreme care towards its cohesion with the environment and the biodiversity. Results consist in various minor agricultural activities that have been reinstated based on the past activities, and different touristic functions focused on a specific and Eco-responsible market niche. These activities are supported by a complex network of structures and services dedicated to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem intact, while this increases the quality of its offer, thus allowing the creation of a model of sustainable management of natural resources and commercial exploitation without risk for the environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
S. S. BUDARIN ◽  

The article reveals methodological approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of the use of resources of medi-cal organizations in order to improve the availability and quality of medical care based on the application of the methodology of performance audit; a methodological approach to the use of individual elements of the efficiency audit methodology for evaluating the performance of medical organizations and the effectiveness of the use of available resources is proposed.


Meat Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Etaio ◽  
P.F. Gil ◽  
M. Ojeda ◽  
M. Albisu ◽  
J. Salmerón ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6831
Author(s):  
Rosa Marina González ◽  
Concepción Román ◽  
Ángel Simón Marrero

In this study, discrete choice models that combine different behavioural rules are estimated to study the visitors’ preferences in relation to their travel mode choices to access a national park. Using a revealed preference survey conducted on visitors of Teide National Park (Tenerife, Spain), we present a hybrid model specification—with random parameters—in which we assume that some attributes are evaluated by the individuals under conventional random utility maximization (RUM) rules, whereas others are evaluated under random regret minimization (RRM) rules. We then compare the results obtained using exclusively a conventional RUM approach to those obtained using both RUM and RRM approaches, derive monetary valuations of the different components of travel time and calculate direct elasticity measures. Our results provide useful instruments to evaluate policies that promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport in natural sites. Such policies should be considered as priorities in many national parks, where negative transport externalities such as traffic congestion, pollution, noise and accidents are causing problems that jeopardize not only the sustainability of the sites, but also the quality of the visit.


Koedoe ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Wepener ◽  
J.H.J. Van Vuren ◽  
H.H. Du Preez

Large sets of water quality data can leave water quality managers and decision-makers totally overwhelmed. In order to convey the interpretation of the data in a simplified and understandable manner, the water quality results from bi-monthly surveys undertaken at seven different sampling sites in the Letaba, Olifants, and Selati rivers over a two year period (February 1990 to April 1992) were reduced to index values, using a water quality index. The water quality index (Aquatic Toxicity Index or ATI) revealed spatial and temporal trends. The higher index values, recorded for the sampling sites towards the eastern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP), revealed that the water quality was better than the quality measured in the Olifants River on the western bound-ary. The lowest index values were calculated for the Selati River, with index values consistently below 50. Index values indicate that the water quality in the Selati River was unsuitable for supporting normal physiological processes in fish. The water quality of the Selati River had an immediate impact on the water quality of the Olifants River directly below the confluence. Lower index values recorded at sites further downstream was also attributed to the influence of the Selati River since there are no known point sources of contaminants within the boundaries of the KNP. The index scores also elucidated temporal trends with lower scores evident during winter months. This was due to reduced flow in the Olifants River and a greater contribution of contaminated water from the Selati River. Index values increased following the first seasonal rains due to a dilution effect. Very low index values were recorded at certain sites during flood periods due to increased turbidity, reduced oxygen, and increased metal concentrations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Marina Zaki ◽  
Marie Galligan ◽  
Lydia O'Sullivan ◽  
Declan Devane ◽  
Eilish McAuliffe

Trials can be defined as prospective human research studies to test the effectiveness and safety of interventions, such as medications, surgeries, medical devices and other interventions for the management of patient care. Statistics is an important and powerful tool in trials. Inappropriately designed trials and/or inappropriate statistical analysis produce unreliable results, with limited clinical use. The aim of this systematic literature review is to identify, describe and synthesise factors contributing to or influencing the statistical planning, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials. This protocol will describe the methodological approach taken for the following: conducting a systematic and comprehensive search for relevant articles, applying eligibility criteria for the inclusion of such articles, extracting data and information, appraising the quality of the articles, and thematically synthesizing the data to illuminate the key factors influencing statistical aspects of trials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (30 (1)) ◽  
pp. 353-361
Author(s):  
Marie-Pier Côté ◽  
Doina Muresanu

This communication represents a work in progress by the first author, who is enrolled in a research program of master in organizations management. The notion of social corporate responsibility (SCR) is increasingly present in management literature. It is linked to profitability, investor attraction and brand image. More recent research has begun to investigate the link that can be made between SCR and human resources management (HRM). In the vein of this field of research, our paper proposes to take a closer look at how certain SCR models, implemented consciously or not by certain companies, could impact the employee perception of employment relationship quality. The concept of “quality of life at work” and social identity theory will be used to measure the employment relationship quality. To carry out the research, a qualitative methodological approach, based on comparative case study, will be used. A sample of about 20 participants (manager and employees) will be targeted. The results of the research could provide a better understanding of how the decisions taken in relation to SCR could be combined to form original models of social responsibility management. Moreover, the study of the links that can be established between SCR models and the perception of the employment relationship quality could allow companies to better manage their human resources and improve retention and attraction of the employees.


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