scholarly journals Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems as Defense Against Flood Damages: An Economic Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward B. Barbier

The rapid loss of estuarine and coastal ecosystems (ECEs) in recent years has raised concerns over their role in protecting coastal communities from storms that damage property, cause deaths, and inflict injuries. This paper reviews valuation studies of the protective service of ECEs in terms of reducing flood damages. Although the number of studies have grown significantly, there is still a need for a greater range of studies in more locations and for a wider variety of ecosystems. This review also examines, from an economic perspective, the issues and challenges surrounding estimating the protective benefits of ECEs, as exemplified by some of the recent valuation studies. Recent developments in valuation methods are summarized and critically reviewed. Important challenges remain in valuing coastal ecosystems as a defense against flood damages. The review discusses two of them, such as how protective benefits are subject to spatial variability and dependent on connectivity across “seascapes.” These challenges, along with analyzing the multiple benefits of estuarine and coastal ecosystems, are important areas of future research priority.

Nanophotonics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Taeño ◽  
David Maestre ◽  
Ana Cremades

Abstract Nickel oxide (NiO) is one of the very few p-type semiconducting oxides, the study of which is gaining increasing attention in recent years due to its potential applicability in many emerging fields of technological research. Actually, a growing number of scientific works focus on NiO-based electrochromic devices, high-frequency spintronics, fuel cell electrodes, supercapacitors, photocatalyst, chemical/gas sensors, or magnetic devices, among others. However, less has been done so far in the development of NiO-based optical devices, a field in which this versatile transition metal oxide still lags in performance despite its potential applicability. This review could contribute with novelty and new forefront insights on NiO micro and nanostructures with promising applicability in optical and optoelectronic devices. As some examples, NiO lighting devices, optical microresonators, waveguides, optical limiters, and neuromorphic applications are reviewed and analyzed in this work. These emerging functionalities, together with some other recent developments based on NiO micro and nanostructures, can open a new field of research based on this p-type material which still remains scarcely explored from an optical perspective, and would pave the way to future research and scientific advances.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-285
Author(s):  
Mason D. Lancaster

This article provides an overview of metaphor theories and research on their own terms, as well as their use in Hebrew Bible (HB) studies. Though metaphor studies in the HB have become increasingly popular, they often draw upon a limited or dated subset of metaphor scholarship. The first half of this article surveys a wide variety of metaphor scholarship from the humanities (philosophical, poetic, rhetorical) and the sciences (e.g., conceptual metaphor theory), beginning with Aristotle but focusing on more recent developments. The second half overviews studies of metaphor in the HB since 1980, surveying works focused on theory and method; works focused on specific biblical books or metaphor domains; and finally noting current trends and suggesting areas for future research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 686-707
Author(s):  
Marcus Conlé

Purpose The paper aims to take stock of China’s recent biopharmaceutical industry development by analyzing product innovation and changes in the firms’ product portfolios during the five-year period between 2012 and 2017. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a classification of biopharmaceutical products. By applying the classification to the product data of China’s drug regulator, the CFDA, it becomes possible to trace the developments within the sector by looking at changes in the number of firms within each subgroup and changes in the number of subgroups in which each firm is involved. The classification allows an evaluation of the latest product innovation achievements. Findings The paper demonstrates a mild shakeout of firms in the relatively long-existing domestic market segments, a trend toward more specialized product portfolios and an enduring prevalence of innovation strategies aimed at exploiting relatively unpopulated domestic market niches instead of pioneering entirely new products. Especially the capability of upgrading to second-generation protein therapeutics has become a key criterion for separating the wheat and the chaff in China’s domestic sector. The paper moreover points out the relevance of acquisitions as a corporate growth strategy. Research limitations/implications The research does not consider complementary indicators, product pipelines in particular. Future research should compare patterns across emerging economies. Originality/value The paper is unique in using the CFDA database for systematic academic research on (bio)pharmaceutical innovation and in introducing a biopharmaceutical product classification to trace innovative activities and changes in corporate product portfolios over time.


Climate ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Samantha Gauthier ◽  
Bradley May ◽  
Liette Vasseur

Coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and its effects may push coastal ecosystems to undergo irreversible changes. This is especially true for shorebirds with the loss of biodiversity and resource-rich habitats to rest, refuel, and breed. To protect these species, it is critical to conduct research related to nature-based Solutions (NbS). Through a scoping review of scientific literature, this paper initially identified 85 articles with various ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies that could help conserve shorebird populations and promote ecotourism. Of these 85 articles, 28 articles had EbA strategies that were examined, with some like coral reefs and mangroves eliminated as they were inappropriate for this region. The scoping review identified four major EbA strategies for the Greater Niagara Region with living shorelines and beach nourishment being the most suitable, especially when combined. These strategies were then evaluated against the eight core principles of nature-based solutions protecting shorebird as well as human wellbeing. Living shoreline strategy was the only one that met all eight NbS principles. As the coastline of the region greatly varies in substrate and development, further research will be needed to decide which EbA strategies would be appropriate for each specific area to ensure their efficacy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Pallant ◽  
Sean Sands ◽  
Ingo Oswald Karpen

Purpose Increasingly, customers are demanding products that fit their individual needs. Many firms respond by cultivating product individualization via mass customization, often integrating this capability via interactive platforms that connect them with customers. Despite such customization, research to date has lacked cohesion, often taking the organizational, rather than customer, view. The purpose of this paper is to provide inconclusive theorizing in regard to customization from the consumers’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach The review and synthesis of the literature revealed that co-configuration is an underexplored domain of mass customization. Consequently, an initial conceptualization of co-configuration is developed and compared with current customization strategies. Specifically, the definition and boundary conditions of co-configuration are compared with three domains of mass customization, namely, co-production, co-construction and co-design. This led to the development of research priority areas to establish an agenda for future research on mass customization and its role in customer’ firm relationships. Findings This paper provides the delineation of four distinct consumer customization strategies, conceptualized in a matrix, and proposes separate customer journey visualizations. In advancing the theoretical understanding by means of a unifying typology, this paper identifies three existing Cs of mass customization (co-production, co-construction and co-design) and focuses specifically on a fourth (co-configuration), identified as an understudied mass customization strategy. Originality/value This paper extends the previous conceptualizations of mass customization comprising co-production, co-design and co-construction. The proposed typology establishes a foundation for four research priority areas that can improve both academic rigor and practical application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-35
Author(s):  
Baile Lu ◽  
Shuai Hao ◽  
Michael Pinedo ◽  
Yuqian Xu

In this paper, we provide a survey of recent developments in the fintech (financial technology) industry, focusing on the operational structures, the technologies involved, and the operational risks associated with the new systems. In particular, we discuss payment systems, algorithmic trading, robo-advisory, crowdfunding, and peer-to-peer lending. In the conclusion section, we discuss various promising research directions.


1996 ◽  
Vol 49 (10S) ◽  
pp. S55-S62 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sathyamoorthy

This paper comprises a survey on the nonlinear vibration analysis of plates, with emphasis on research carried out since 1987. Most of the research reviewed here deals with the effects of geometric nonlinearity on the vibration behavior of plates. Complicating factors such as material nonlinearity, geometric imperfections, transverse shear and rotatory inertia effects, and magnetic fields on the vibration behavior are included. Recent developments in the analytical and numerical methods of solution of isotropic, orthotropic as well as laminated, composite plates are presented. Experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations are included for all the cases reviewed and some general remarks are presented along with suggestions for future research directions.


JOM ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B. Kustas ◽  
Donald F. Susan ◽  
Todd Monson

AbstractSoft-magnetic alloys exhibit exceptional functional properties that are beneficial for a variety of electromagnetic applications. These alloys are conventionally manufactured into sheet or bar forms using well-established insgot metallurgy practices that involve hot- and cold-working steps. However, recent developments in process metallurgy have unlocked opportunities to directly produce bulk soft-magnetic alloys with improved, and often tailorable, structure–property relationships that are unachievable conventionally. The emergence of unconventional manufacturing routes for soft-magnetic alloys is largely motivated by the need to improve the energy efficiency of electromagnetic devices. In this review, literature that details emerging manufacturing approaches for soft-magnetic alloys is overviewed. This review covers (1) severe plastic deformation, (2) recent advances in melt spinning, (3) powder-based methods, and (4) additive manufacturing. These methods are discussed in comparison with conventional rolling and bar processing. Perspectives and recommended future research directions are also discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-37
Author(s):  
Kraetschmer K

Background and Aim: On the background of recent developments revealing the harmful effects of contraceptive devices which are recommended by health agencies the paper aims at analyzing publications and other information material emanating from these agencies. This analysis – guided by the bioethical principle of informed consent — focuses on flawed science, ambiguous language, and misleading data. Method and Material: The method consists of collecting and analyzing information provided by health agencies for consumers inquiring about the safety and efficacy of contraceptive products. The material comprises documents, charts, leaflets and other publications emanating from the most authoritative and most frequently consulted health agencies, in particular those active in the US and European countries. Results and Implications: As a result of the investigation women must be advised to consult only a selected number of health agencies, especially those which take into account findings of pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutical vigilance, and scholarly publications focusing on the safety of contraception. The implications from an economic perspective are the discontinuation of funding through taxpayer money for those health agencies which continue to disseminate flawed science and demonstrate incompetence in questions about the safety of contraception.


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