scholarly journals Vulnerability Concepts and its Application in Various Fields: A Review on Geographical Perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 63-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shitangsu Kumar Paul

Vulnerability has no universal definition. Experts from various disciplines use the concept and define vulnerability, which leads diverse measuring methods to serve their own purpose and interests. Approaches to define vulnerability vary among the disciplines because of the various components of risk, household response and welfare outcomes. The objective of this paper is to present an overview based on available scientific literature from various disciplines to examine the origin, evolution and use of the vulnerability concept across different field of studies. Vulnerability is exclusively used in various disciplines such as geography, anthropology, economics, ecology, public health, poverty and development, sustainable livelihoods, famine and food security, sustainability science, land management, disaster management and climate change. Therefore, different disciplines have their own reasons for defining, measuring and developing conceptual models of vulnerability; hence there is no reason to presume that concepts, measures and methods will be universal across the disciplines. Lessons learned from one area may not be equally suitable for all. Hence, differences between various fields need to be bridged by a holistic approach and multidisciplinary research cooperation, and geography as a unique multidisciplinary field of study has the major disciplinary legitimacy to fill up the gaps and to create a common platform to work together in vulnerability research among the various research traditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v8i0.20150 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 63-81, 2013

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-35
Author(s):  
Boubakr Nour ◽  
Hakima Khelifi ◽  
Rasheed Hussain ◽  
Spyridon Mastorakis ◽  
Hassine Moungla

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has recently emerged as a prominent candidate for the Future Internet Architecture (FIA) that addresses existing issues with the host-centric communication model of the current TCP/IP-based Internet. Named Data Networking (NDN) is one of the most recent and active ICN architectures that provides a clean-slate approach for Internet communication. NDN provides intrinsic content security where security is directly provided to the content instead of communication channel. Among other security aspects, Access Control (AC) rules specify the privileges for the entities that can access the content. In TCP/IP-based AC systems, due to the client-server communication model, the servers control which client can access a particular content. In contrast, ICN-based networks use content names to drive communication and decouple the content from its original location. This phenomenon leads to the loss of control over the content, causing different challenges for the realization of efficient AC mechanisms. To date, considerable efforts have been made to develop various AC mechanisms in NDN. In this article, we provide a detailed and comprehensive survey of the AC mechanisms in NDN. We follow a holistic approach towards AC in NDN where we first summarize the ICN paradigm, describe the changes from channel-based security to content-based security, and highlight different cryptographic algorithms and security protocols in NDN. We then classify the existing AC mechanisms into two main categories: Encryption-based AC and Encryption-independent AC . Each category has different classes based on the working principle of AC (e.g., Attribute-based AC, Name-based AC, Identity-based AC). Finally, we present the lessons learned from the existing AC mechanisms and identify the challenges of NDN-based AC at large, highlighting future research directions for the community.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204512532199127
Author(s):  
Adele Framer

Although psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes have been recognized since the 1950s – recent studies confirm antidepressant withdrawal syndrome incidence upwards of 40% – medical information about how to safely go off the drugs has been lacking. To fill this gap, over the last 25 years, patients have developed a robust Internet-based subculture of peer support for tapering off psychiatric drugs and recovering from withdrawal syndrome. This account from the founder of such an online community covers lessons learned from thousands of patients regarding common experiences with medical providers, identification of adverse drug reactions, risk factors for withdrawal, tapering techniques, withdrawal symptoms, protracted withdrawal syndrome, and strategies to cope with symptoms, in the context of the existing scientific literature.


Author(s):  
Krzysztof Wróbel ◽  
Mateusz Gil ◽  
Przemysław Krata ◽  
Karol Olszewski ◽  
Jakub Montewka

Although the safety of prospective Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships will largely depend on their ability to detect potential hazards and react to them, the contemporary scientific literature lacks the analysis of how to achieve this. This could be achieved through an application of leading safety indicators. The aim of the performed study was to identify the research directions of leading safety indicators in three safety-critical operational aspects of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: collision avoidance, intact stability, and communication. To achieve this, literature review is performed, taking into account scientific documents including journal and conference papers. The results indicate that the need for establishing operational leading safety indicators is recognized by numerous scholars, who sometimes make suggestions of what the set of indicators shall consist of. Some leading safety indicators for autonomous vessels are readily identifiable in the scientific literature and used in current practice. However, the research effort is lacking a holistic approach to the issue.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Nijboer ◽  
Shirin Senden ◽  
Jan Telgen

All countries use public procurement to some degree to further policy objectives such as sustainability, innovation, fighting fraud and corruption, value for taxpayers' money etc. Countries may learn from past successes and failures in other countries while implementing these policies: cross-country learning. In this exploratory study, we investigate cross-country learning across two frequently used policy areas: sustainability and innovation. A threefold methodology was used that consisted of (1) an extensive review of scientific literature complemented by (2) a thorough examination of policy documents and (3) interviews with leading public procurement experts from 10 countries including both developing and developed countries. The main findings indicate that there is no hard evidence for cross-country learning. Even if cross-country learning would exist, the lessons learned seem to remain largely implicit.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.N.. N. Naidu ◽  
E.A.. A. Guevara ◽  
A.J.. J. Twynam ◽  
J.. Rueda ◽  
W.. Dawson ◽  
...  

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing is a commonly used completion approach for extracting hydrocarbon resources from formations, particularly in those formations of very low permeability. As part of this process the use of Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests (DFIT) can provide valuable information. When the measured pressures in such tests are outside the expected range for a given formation, a number of possibilities and questions will arise. Such considerations may include: What caused such inflated pressures? What is the in-situ stress state? Was there a mechanical or operational problem? Was the test procedure or the test equipment at fault? What else can explain the abnormal behaviour? While there may not be simple answers to all of these questions, such an experience can lead to a technically inaccurate conclusion based on inadequate analysis. A recently completed project faced just such a challenge, initially resulting in poor hydraulic fracturing efficiency and a requirement to understand the root causes. In support of this, a thorough analysis involving a multi-disciplinary review team from several technical areas, including petrophysics, rock/geo-mechanics, fluids testing/engineering, completions engineering, hydraulic fracture design and petroleum engineering, was undertaken. This paper describes the evolution of this study, the work performed, the results and conclusions from the analysis. The key factors involved in planning a successful DFIT are highlighted with a general template and a work process for future testing provided. The importance of appreciating the impact of the drilling and completion fluids composition, their properties and their compatibility with the formation fluids are addressed. The overall process and technical approach from this case study in tight gas fields, will have applicability across similar fields and the lessons learned could help unlock those reserves that are initially deemed technically or even commercially unattractive due to abnormal or unexpected behaviour measured during a DFIT operation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woraphat Pongpitukkul ◽  
Thotsaphon Chaianansutcharit ◽  
Suppakit Learduchasai ◽  
Thunyarak Suankaew ◽  
Satiraporn Sirisampan

Abstract Following Tantawan field suspension of production, considerable volume of contaminated crude (high level of mercury and arsenic content) remains on board in Tantawan FPSO. These volumes are deemed as waste hydrocarbon sludge that hold no commercial value and must be urgently removed from the vessel as per safety requirements to maintain the vessel class and certification, according to Tantawan FPSO integrity condition. After review of many alternatives, offshore subsurface disposal initiative is the safest and most cost-effective means for disposal. Since subsurface disposal of such waste, highly mercury and arsenic contaminated crude, has never been performed in the Gulf of Thailand, several aspects need to be considered from technical and environmental perspective and public sector concerns. A cross functional team of Reservoir Engineer, Geologist, Facilities Engineer, Health and Safety, Policy, Government and Public Affair and commercial advisor, has co-devised a holistic waste management plan to inject waste into Tantawan reservoirs after obtaining required approvals by the government. Many challenges including limitation of the FPSO pumping system, sludge properties and seasonal increment weather, were encountered during the execution phase and many remedial actions were taken to mitigate their impact. Cross functional team initiatives on heater installation, adjusting injection procedure, and additional disposal well approval helped address project challenges. Entire volume of sludge was safely injected to subsurface reservoirs with cost effective operation. The success of this offshore injection process has reduced the cost to less than 10% compared to onshore disposal option to asset joint venture. The results set a new standard for Thailand petroleum waste management policy. Following this success, decommissioning of all remaining of Tantawan field are progressing as scheduled. This paper will outline the holistic approach of hydrocarbon sludge management process including the subsurface injection identifcation, stakeholder engagement, environmental impact assessment and execution challenges. Lessons learned from this paper would help other offshore operators to effectively manage hydrocarbon sludge, which demonstrate how the oil and gas industry plays a vital role in protecting the environment.


2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Washington Luiz Vinturini ◽  
Gabriel Barbosa De Castro ◽  
Joao Hermes Crespo ◽  
Julio Albernaz ◽  
Marcos Lopes ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 07 (04) ◽  
pp. 1025-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Combi ◽  
Gabriele Pozzani ◽  
Giuseppe Pozzi

SummaryBackground Developing countries need telemedicine applications that help in many situations, when physicians are a small number with respect to the population, when specialized physicians are not available, when patients and physicians in rural villages need assistance in the delivery of health care. Moreover, the requirements of telemedicine applications for developing countries are somewhat more demanding than for developed countries. Indeed, further social, organizational, and technical aspects need to be considered for successful telemedicine applications in developing countries.Objective We consider all the major projects in telemedicine, devoted to developing countries, as described by the proper scientific literature. On the basis of such literature, we want to define a specific taxonomy that allows a proper classification and a fast overview of telemedicine projects in developing countries. Moreover, by considering both the literature and some recent direct experiences, we want to complete such overview by discussing some design issues to be taken into consideration when developing telemedicine software systems.Methods We considered and reviewed the major conferences and journals in depth, and looked for reports on the telemedicine projects.Results We provide the reader with a survey of the main projects and systems, from which we derived a taxonomy of features of telemedicine systems for developing countries. We also propose and discuss some classification criteria for design issues, based on the lessons learned in this research area.Conclusions We highlight some challenges and recommendations to be considered when designing a telemedicine system for developing countries.Citation: Combi C, Pozzani G, Pozzi G. Telemedicine for developing countries: a survey and some design issues.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Iniguez

The transfer of animal genetic improvement strategies in the environments of resource-poor smallholder producers in developing countries has not been successful. Therefore, the access by farmers to sources of animals with high genetic potential is difficult or just not possible. As producers improve or intensify their systems to capture market opportunities, this access need is accentuated. This paper reviews identified constraints to the transfer of breeding plans, the need for a new approach, and the lessons learned in applying a better-targeted approach. The issues and thoughts were derived from the experience of a working group involving the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas; Austrian University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences; Argentinean National Institute of Agriculture Technology; Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Goats and Sheep); and National Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Animal Production-Mexico. The transfer of breeding strategies in smallholder systems is not a straightforward task. Contrasting a successful application in commercial livestock production environments, the achievement of the primary objectives in smallholder systems requires a holistic approach beyond pure technical matters. Of all identified aspects with direct incidence in the implementation of breeding plans, the lack of specific national policies coupled with long-term funding to support the improvement of smallholder production systems, and the lack of involvement and participation of the communities emerge as issues that gravitate more to achieve sustainability and meet the objectives of a given breeding plan.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document