scholarly journals Micro Sand Engine Beach Stabilization Strategy at Puerto Morelos, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireille Escudero ◽  
Edgar Mendoza ◽  
Rodolfo Silva
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Morphological Response ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Small Bell ◽  
Waves And Currents ◽  
Maintenance Work ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Waves

In the last decade, innovative beach nourishment strategies have been developed, driven by the increased worldwide interest in environmentally friendly coastal protection measures. In this context, the massive nourishment project of the Netherlands, known as Sand Engine, begun in 2011, has been hailed as a successful means of beach protection. Continuous monitoring, field campaigns, and numerical modeling have shown that the great volume of sand deployed is gradually transported by the waves and currents along the coastline, avoiding the need for repeated invasive, small scale beach replenishments. A very small, bell-shaped Sand Engine was designed to protect the beachfront at a tourist resort near Puerto Morelos, Mexico. To estimate the morphological response of the beach and the functioning of the micro Sand Engine as a sand reservoir, XBeach numerical modelling was applied to the project. The micro Sand Engine is seen to be a sustainable and eco-friendly coastal protection measure, especially applicable when a large nourishment project is not viable. Maintenance work for the nourishment is cost and time effective, and any negative impacts to sensitive ecosystems nearby can be detected and controlled quickly.

scholarly journals COUPLED COASTAL TOWN RISK FRAMEWORK TO EVALUATE MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

2018 ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Ayse Karanci ◽  
Casey Dietrich
Keyword(s):  
Scenario Analysis ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Morphological Response ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Risk Framework

Past research has shown feedback between natural and human decision systems in coastal areas influence the efficiency of management actions. To capture these feedbacks, a coupled coastal town risk framework was developed (Karanci et. al., 2017) which uses storms and sea level rise as exogenous drivers and simulates the evolution of the morphological landscape, implementation of soft-engineered coastal protection measures and household’s occupation/abandonment decisions through the years. Employing scenario analysis, the framework can be used to illustrate and explore the ramifications of coastal management decisions and policies. Numerous scenarios with diverse conditions can be considered by varying natural (storm frequency, SLR) and socio-economic conditions (insurance rates, flooding risk perception, costs of prevention measures). The utilization of the process-based model XBeach (1-D) to determine the coastal response and inundation depths due to storms enables the framework to accurately estimate the morphological response (Roelvink et al., 2009). However, it also imposes steep computational time requirements when conducting scenario analysis which call for numerous XBeach simulations (~2100 simulation runs for a single scenario of 50-year time frame). Additionally, the implementation of XBeach requires broad knowledge of coastal processes and modeling skills which constrains the potential user community. To overcome this challenge, a Bayesian network (BN) was created to act as a surrogate for XBeach simulations in the framework. This study describes the surrogate storm impact estimation BN and demonstrates its integration to the framework through a scenario analysis study.

scholarly journals Geological Evidence of Shoreline Erosion and Mitigation Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Anthony Woode ◽  
David Kwame Amoah
Keyword(s):  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Sea Waves ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Geological Evidence ◽  
Waves And Currents ◽  
Coastal Cliffs ◽  
Coastal Landform ◽  
Coastal Land

A survey was carried out along parts of the coastal stretch of Accra, the capital of Ghana, to determine the existence andthe extent of erosion. The survey was also to determine the effectiveness of the engineering solutions that have been put inplace. Coastal land forms as evidence of erosion were identified during the field survey. These include landslides of steepcoastal cliffs, coastal caves and arches, retreat of coastal cliffs, headlands, stacks and sand dunes. These pieces of evidenceconfirm earlier findings that the coastal shoreline of Accra is being eroded. The extent of erosion, however, is high in soft rocks and low in hard rocks. Several coastal protection measures have been put in place to address the effects of erosion by the sea waves and currents. These include revetments, jetties, ripraps and beach nourishment. Some of the mitigation measures however have shown signs of failure. The signs include rusted metal basket supporting cobbles of gabions, jetties causing down-current erosion of shoreline cliffs, and reduction in coconut population along the shoreline owing to human activities, such as sand winning and diseases attacks. Sand winning along the shore is lowering shoreline morphology and enhancing sea transgression and the destruction of coastal structures. Keywords: Erosion; Coastal landform; Coastal protection; Revetments; Shoreline morphology

Filtering of large wood in torrential catchments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Beck ◽  
Johannes Hübl
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
River System ◽  
Flood Protection ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Large Wood ◽  
River Section ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Debris Accumulation ◽  
The Impact

<p>Large wood can cause serious damage on existing structures like bridges, dams and flood protection measures. Therefore, large wood recruitment in rivers became an important topic concerning risk mitigation and flood protection both in mountainous areas and in lowland rivers all around the world. However, former mitigation constructions like check dams, often don’t consider the impact of single wood pieces or the effect of a dense wood accumulation on the stability and function. To avoid potential negative effects, several strategies have been established. An often-used strategy is to filter out the wood pieces before a critical river section or structure is affected.</p><p> </p><p>In the year 2002, a flood event in the Naarn river in Perg, Austria, mobilized and transported large wood pieces along the river path and caused damage at a bridge in the downstream settlement area. The mobilization was mainly caused by side erosion along the wooded hillslopes connected to the river system. To avoid this problem in future, a protection measure to filter out large wood is planned in the above situated river section. To estimate the effect of the planned measure, different scenarios will be analyzed, based on a small scale hydraulic physical model with compliance to Froude scaling. The research focus lies on the effectivity of the measure with a discharge ranging from a frequent (one-year recurrence) discharge event (HQ1) to a design event of a 100 year recurrence discharge (HQ100) as well as the case of a system overload. Forces, flow velocity and flow depths and the effect of debris accumulation are also part of the research. The main goal is to find the optimal filter structure with the highest effectivity. The results of this model will be realized at the Naarn river.</p>

A qualitative exploration of parental perceptions regarding children’s sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Sun protection among children is of utmost importance since sunburn in early life is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. Because parents play a vital role in enhancing sun safety among children, this study explored parental perceptions concerning sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and sunburn in children. Additionally, the context in which children experience sunburn in order to assist the development, optimization, and targeting of sun safety interventions for parents is revealed.A qualitative study design, using a semi-structured interview guide addressing several themes (e.g. sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn experiences), was used. Data were collected in the Netherlands in the fall of 2019. Parents were recruited via purposive sampling at schools, youth services centers, and social media. In total, 26 interviews were performed. Execution, transcription, and coding of the interviews was done by two researchers, using the qualitative analyzing program Nvivo (interrater reliability of d =.84). Comprehensive findings concerning various themes were retrieved. It was found that sunburn was frequently prevalent among children, even though all parents reported using at least one sun protection measure. Parents were often unaware of their child’s sunburn and its severity. Regarding sun protection measures, parents demonstrated an overreliance on sunscreen, often failing to adequately protect their children’s skin. Water-related activities, a lack of shade, and lack of knowledge regarding UV-index were often related to sunburn. Moreover, unexpected sun exposure or longer exposure duration than initially planned were reported as challenging situations. The majority of parents had positive perceptions regarding tanned skin for both themselves as for children.This study provides directions for future skin cancer prevention efforts targeted at both parents and their children. Since a lack of knowledge regarding sufficient sun protection measures and sunburn occurrence in various situations was reported, educational efforts are warranted. Additionally, focusing on clothing, shade-seeking, and adequate sunscreen use is recommended to increase children’s sun safety. By intervening in the physical environment as well (e.g. providing shady areas), sun protection barriers can be reduced. Lastly, the general positive attitude toward tanned skin evident in this study is certainly worthy of attention in future interventions.

scholarly journals A broadbanded pressure differential wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Righi ◽  
Giacomo Moretti ◽  
David Forehand ◽  
Lorenzo Agostini ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Large Deformations ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Pressure Differential ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Waves

AbstractDielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are a promising option for the implementation of affordable and reliable sea wave energy converters (WECs), as they show considerable promise in replacing expensive and inefficient power take-off systems with cheap direct-drive generators. This paper introduces a concept of a pressure differential wave energy converter, equipped with a DEG power take-off operating in direct contact with sea water. The device consists of a closed submerged air chamber, with a fluid-directing duct and a deformable DEG power take-off mounted on its top surface. The DEG is cyclically deformed by wave-induced pressure, thus acting both as the power take-off and as a deformable interface with the waves. This layout allows the partial balancing of the stiffness due to the DEG’s elasticity with the negative hydrostatic stiffness contribution associated with the displacement of the water column on top of the DEG. This feature makes it possible to design devices in which the DEG exhibits large deformations over a wide range of excitation frequencies, potentially achieving large power capture in a wide range of sea states. We propose a modelling approach for the system that relies on potential-flow theory and electroelasticity theory. This model makes it possible to predict the system dynamic response in different operational conditions and it is computationally efficient to perform iterative and repeated simulations, which are required at the design stage of a new WEC. We performed tests on a small-scale prototype in a wave tank with the aim of investigating the fluid–structure interaction between the DEG membrane and the waves in dynamical conditions and validating the numerical model. The experimental results proved that the device exhibits large deformations of the DEG power take-off over a broad range of monochromatic and panchromatic sea states. The proposed model demonstrates good agreement with the experimental data, hence proving its suitability and effectiveness as a design and prediction tool.

scholarly journals The Role of Biophilic Agents in Building a Green Resilient City; the Case of Birmingham, UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5033
Author(s):  
Linda Novosadová ◽  
Wim van der Knaap
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Climate Resilience ◽  
Natural Land ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Community Projects ◽  
Business As Usual ◽  
The City

The present research offers an exploration into the biophilic approach and the role of its agents in urban planning in questions of building a green, resilient urban environment. Biophilia, the innate need of humans to connect with nature, coined by Edgar O. Wilson in 1984, is a concept that has been used in urban governance through institutions, agents’ behaviours, activities and systems to make the environment nature-inclusive. Therefore, it leads to green, resilient environments and to making cities more sustainable. Due to an increasing population, space within and around cities keeps on being urbanised, replacing natural land cover with concrete surfaces. These changes to land use influence and stress the environment, its components, and consequently impact the overall resilience of the space. To understand the interactions and address the adverse impacts these changes might have, it is necessary to identify and define the environment’s components: the institutions, systems, and agents. This paper exemplifies the biophilic approach through a case study in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom and its biophilic agents. Using the categorisation of agents, the data obtained through in-situ interviews with local professionals provided details on the agent fabric and their dynamics with the other two environments’ components within the climate resilience framework. The qualitative analysis demonstrates the ways biophilic agents act upon and interact within the environment in the realm of urban planning and influence building a climate-resilient city. Their activities range from small-scale community projects for improving their neighbourhood to public administration programs focusing on regenerating and regreening the city. From individuals advocating for and educating on biophilic approach, to private organisations challenging the business-as-usual regulations, it appeared that in Birmingham the biophilic approach has found its representatives in every agent category. Overall, the activities they perform in the environment define their role in building resilience. Nonetheless, the role of biophilic agents appears to be one of the major challengers to the urban design’s status quo and the business-as-usual of urban governance. Researching the environment, focused on agents and their behaviour and activities based on nature as inspiration in addressing climate change on a city level, is an opposite approach to searching and addressing the negative impacts of human activity on the environment. This focus can provide visibility of the local human activities that enhance resilience, while these are becoming a valuable input to city governance and planning, with the potential of scaling it up to other cities and on to regional, national, and global levels.

scholarly journals EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURES FOR SMALL ISLANDS IN THE WADDEN SEA

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (34) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theide Wöffler ◽  
Holger Schüttrumpf ◽  
Roger Häußling ◽  
Hilmar Von Eynatten ◽  
Arne Arns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wadden Sea ◽  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Small Islands ◽  
Protection Measures

scholarly journals MECHANICAL PROTECTION GUIDELINES1

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 (1) ◽  
pp. 841-842
Author(s):  
Frank Whipple ◽  
Sharon Christopherson ◽  
Jacqueline Michel
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Exchange Of Information ◽  
Shoreline Protection ◽  
National Response ◽  
Protection Strategies ◽  
Operational Constraints

ABSTRACT The recently published Mechanical Protection Guidelines will:provide guidelines for identifying and prioritizing areas of economic, environmental, and cultural sensitivity, including formats for mapping sensitive areas;describe the types of shoreline protection measures available, with emphasis on limits and requirements of each protection measure;provide guidance on developing site-specific protection strategies, including equipment and logistics needed, operational constraints, and physical conditions of the site (charts and tables are included as tools for development of the most feasible and successful strategies); andprovide continuity among area plans, to facilitate exchange of information and use by regional and national response teams.

scholarly journals Integration Efforts in Agriculture

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 91-96
Author(s):  
Judit Beke Lisányi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Consumer Prices ◽  
Downward Pressure ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Capital Intensive

The economic and political transition brought many challenges for the Hungarian agricultural sector. The break-up of large agricultural holdings had serious negative impacts on food production and on the export of agricultural products. Capital intensive profit-seeking intermediaries dominate the trading of agricultural goods that has injurious effects in terms of downward pressure on production prices and an increase in consumer prices. Cooperatives have a key role in effectively tackling the common challenges that small-scale producers have to face. More vertical integration along the food chain could contribute to providing rural employment and to an increase in living standards in rural areas. This study reviews the development, the specific features and the driving forces of modern cooperatives in Central Europe in general, and in Hungary in particular. The focus is on the integrator role of cooperatives and their future role in our globalised world. JEL Classification: Q10, Q13

Coastal protection measures, case study (Mediterranean zone, Egypt)

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Masria ◽  
Moheb Iskander ◽  
Abdelazim Negm
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Protection ◽  
Protection Measures
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