scholarly journals A Thermal Analysis-Based Approach to Identify Different Waste Macroplastics in Beach Litter: The Case Study of Aquatina di Frigole NATURA 2000 Site (IT9150003, Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3186
Author(s):  
Mariaenrica Frigione ◽  
Gabriele Marini ◽  
Maurizio Pinna
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Sandy Beaches ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Beach Recreation ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Beach Litter ◽  
Natura 2000 Site

The dispersion of commercial plastics in the marine environments is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services of the last decades. The lower density of the plastics with respect to marine water density determines their floating, transferring, and accumulation in sandy beaches. Sandy beaches represent a natural sink ecosystem for marine plastics, where the latter are fragmented and photo-degraded in relation to the kind of polymer. Here, we propose an accurate and cost-effective method, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to identify different polymers from plastic samples collected on the Aquatina di Frigole beach (Apulia Region, Southeast of Italy), included in the NATURA 2000 Site coded as IT9150003. Our results reveal the exclusive presence of thermoplastic polymers in the beach plastic samples, mostly belonging to the polyolefin family. They appear to be remnants of larger plastic fragments, which could impact biodiversity and ecosystem services such as beach recreation activities and tourism.

scholarly journals Facile Fabrication of Biochar from Palm Kernel Shell Waste and Its Novel Application to Magnesium-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Luther Yeboah ◽  
Xinyuan Li ◽  
Shixue Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Storage ◽  
Palm Kernel ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Decomposition Temperature ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Palm Kernel Shell ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Facile Fabrication

In this investigation, an easily-operated and cost-effective method is utilized to synthesize biochar in ambient air, and the prepared biochar is used in a novel manner as a milling aid for fabricating Mg-biochar composites for hydrogen storage. X-ray diffractometry reveals that increasing the content of palm kernel shell biochar (PKSBC) from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.% enhances the hydrogen absorption performance by increasing the conversion of Mg into MgH2 from 83% to 93%. A 40 °C reduction in decomposition temperature of MgH2 is recorded from differential scanning calorimetry curves when the content of PKSBC is increased to 20 wt.%. Magnesium is milled and hydrided under the same experimental conditions and used as a reference material. It is proposed that these property enhancements can be attributed to the fact that PKSBC acts as an anti-sticking agent for elemental Mg powders, helping in the achievement of a more dispersed composite with reduced Mg particle size due to its layered-like carbon structure.

Stern Flap for Resistance Reduction of Planing Hull Craft: A Case Study with a Fast Crew Boat Model

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Yaakob ◽  
Suhaili Shamsuddin ◽  
Kho King Koh
Keyword(s):  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Percent Reduction ◽  
Geometrical Characteristics ◽  
Resistance Reduction ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Zero Degree ◽  
Resistance Performance

Kajian terhadap pelbagai cara mengurangkan rintangan bot peronda telah dilakukan oleh ramai penyelidik. Kaedah yang dikaji termasuk penggunaan kepak buritan, baji buritan dan suntikan gelembung mikro. Walau bagaimanapun, disebabkan oleh sifatnya yang mudah dan praktikal, kepak buritan didapati amat berpotensi. Kertas kerja ini membentangkan kajian terhadap kesan kepak buritan terhadap prestasi rintangan bot kelasi berbentuk planing. Ujian model dijalankan bagi membuktikan keberkesanan kepak bagi mengurangkan rintangan. Lima kepak berlainan telah digunakan dalam rangka kajian sistematik bagi menentukan ciri geometrik optimum kepak buritan. Hasil ujian model menunjukkan empat kepak menambah rintangan kapal manakala kepak kelima pada sudut sifar mengurangkan rintangan sehingga 7.2 peratus pada 23 knots dan pengurangan purata sekitar 4.5 peratus. Pada 23 knots, pengurangan 8.2 peratus kuasa berkesan diperolehi. Kata kunci: Reka bentuk bot peronda, ujian model, pesawat laju The study on various methods of reducing the resistance of patrol craft have been carried out by many researchers. These methods included the application of stern flaps, stern wedges, and microbubble injection. However, due to its simplicity and practicality, stern flap is the most promising and cost effective method. The effect of a stern flap on the resistance performance of the planing hull crew boat is presented. Model tests were conducted to prove the effectiveness of the stern flap on reducing planing hull craft resistance. Five different stern flap designs were tested as part of systematic investigation to determine the optimum geometrical characteristics of the stern flap. Results of model resistance experiments showed that four of the flaps tested showed an increase in resistance while the flap at zero degree angle reduced the total resistance by 7.2 percent at 23 knots, and an average reduction rate of 4.5 percent. At 23 knots, an 8.2 percent reduction in effective power was predicted. Key words: Patrol boats design, model testing, fast craft

scholarly journals The Contribution of Ecosystem Services in Developing Effective and Sustainable Management Practices in Marine Protected Areas. The Case Study of “Isola dell’Asinara”

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maddalena Floris ◽  
Vittorio Gazale ◽  
Federica Isola ◽  
Francesca Leccis ◽  
Salvatore Pinna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Coastal Zone Management ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Zone Management

Ecosystem Services (ESs) are assuming a constantly increasing importance in management practices due to their key role in ensuring a sustainable future to fauna and flora on Earth. In addition, ES degradation and quality loss jeopardize current human activities. For this reason, it is essential to develop methodologies and practices able to efficiently assess environmental and socio-economic impacts in terms of ES deterioration, especially within protected areas. Norms and regulations have to be able to identify habitat and species categories to be preserved, and to determine the cost of their destruction and decline, according to a holistic vision, which includes social and economic impacts, besides the environmental ones. The paper illustrates the case study of the “Isola dell’Asinara” Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Sardinia, where an experimental methodology was developed with the aim to draw new regulations that integrate conservation measures of Natura 2000 sites included in its territory, provisions determined by the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) protocol and the Standardized Actions for Effective Management of MPAs (ISEA) project. Subsequently, in order to assess the status of ESs and impacts on ESs located within the MPA territory, an ecosystem-based approach was implemented and applied to the actions defined for the new regulation proposal. Results show that regulations are in this way valuably enriched by environmental aspects of the MPA that would otherwise be overlooked.

scholarly journals The colour analysis method applied to homogeneous rocks

Geologos ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-239
Author(s):  
Amadé Halász ◽  
Ákos Halmai
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Rock Type ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Natural Gamma ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
High Level

Abstract Computer-aided colour analysis can facilitate cyclostratigraphic studies. Here we report on a case study involving the development of a digital colour analysis method for examination of the Boda Claystone Formation which is the most suitable in Hungary for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Rock type colours are reddish brown or brownish red, or any shade between brown and red. The method presented here could be used to differentiate similar colours and to identify gradual transitions between these; the latter are of great importance in a cyclostratigraphic analysis of the succession. Geophysical well-logging has demonstrated the existence of characteristic cyclic units, as detected by colour and natural gamma. Based on our research, colour, natural gamma and lithology correlate well. For core Ib-4, these features reveal the presence of orderly cycles with thicknesses of roughly 0.64 to 13 metres. Once the core has been scanned, this is a time- and cost-effective method.

scholarly journals Terrestrial and aquatic flora along a mesotrophic lake shore remaining under increasing human impact: a case study of Lake Powidzkie (Poland)

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-90
Author(s):  
Wojciech Stachnowicz
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Human Impact ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Lake Shore ◽  
Mesotrophic Lake ◽  
Aquatic Flora ◽  
Impatiens Parviflora ◽  
Natura 2000 Site

Terrestrial and aquatic flora along a mesotrophic lake shore remaining under increasing human impact: a case study of Lake Powidzkie (Poland) Floristical investigations were carried out in 2009 in both terrestrial and littoral zones along the NW shore of the mesotrophic Lake Powidzkie (a Natura 2000 site: PLH300026). The results comprise: a general comparison of aquatic vs. terrestrial species richness; a census of 296 species of vascular plants and 7 species of charophytes; the taxonomical, biological (life forms) and geographical-historical (native vs. alien taxa) structure of vascular flora. Distribution of nationally and regionally threatened and legally protected species is presented on maps which illustrate that most of these taxa are concentrated in Lake Powidzkie and in its neighbourhood. The ongoing synanthropization of the flora is assessed and discussed considering localities of chosen alien species and their occurrence within natural plant communities: 21 of 27 aliens were recorded at least once in natural vegetation, whereas 4 of them (Aster lanceolatus, Elodea canadensis, Impatiens parviflora and Rhus typhina) formed their own, xenospontaneous communities. The main conclusion is that while the area still abounds in regionally valuable components of native biodiversity, it simultaneously is more and more threatened by increasing anthropopressure, which has already been manifested by the presence of many potentially invasive alien species.

Electrofacies in gas shale from well log data via cluster analysis: A case study of the Perth Basin, Western Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Torghabeh ◽  
Reza Rezaee ◽  
Reza Moussavi-Harami ◽  
Biswajeet Pradhan ◽  
Mohammad Kamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Sonic Log ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Distance Data ◽  
Resistivity Log ◽  
Gamma Ray Log

AbstractIdentifying reservoir electrofacies has an important role in determining hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In this study, electrofacies of the Kockatea Formation in the Perth Basin were determined via cluster analysis. In this method, distance data were initially calculated and then connected spatially by using a linkage function. The dendrogram function was used to extract the cluster tree for formations over the study area. Input logs were sonic log (DT), gamma ray log (GR), resistivity log (IND), and spontaneous potential (SP). A total of 30 reservoir electrofacies were identified within this formation. Integrated geochemical and petrophysics data showed that zones with electrofacies 3, 4, 9, and 10 have potential for shale gas production. In addition, the results showed that cluster analysis is a precise, rapid, and cost-effective method for zoning reservoirs and determining electrofacies in hydrocarbon reservoirs.

scholarly journals Quantification of Kaolinite and Halloysite Using Machine Learning from FTIR, XRF, and Brightness Data

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1350
Author(s):  
Pieter I. Du Plessis ◽  
Michael F. Gazley ◽  
Stephanie L. Tay ◽  
Eliza F. Trunfull ◽  
Manuel Knorsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Yilgarn Craton ◽  
Weathering Profile ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Clay Deposits ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Quantified Analysis

Quantification of halloysite and kaolinite in clay deposits from X-ray diffraction (XRD) commonly requires extensive sample preparation to differentiate the two phyllosilicates. When assessing hundreds of samples for mineral resource estimations, XRD analyses may become unfeasible due to time and expense. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis is a fast and cost-effective method to discriminate between kaolinite and halloysite; however, few efforts have been made to use this technique for quantified analysis of these minerals. In this study, we trained machine- and deep-learning models on XRD data to predict the abundance of kaolinite and halloysite from FTIR, chemical composition, and brightness data. The case study is from the Cloud Nine kaolinite–halloysite deposit, Noombenberry Project, Western Australia. The residual clay deposit is hosted in the saprolitic and transition zone of the weathering profile above the basement granite on the southwestern portion of the Archean Yilgarn Craton. Compared with XRD quantification, the predicted models have an R2 of 0.97 for kaolinite and 0.96 for halloysite, demonstrating an excellent fit. Based on these results, we demonstrate that our methodology provides a cost-effective alternative to XRD to quantify kaolinite and halloysite abundances.

scholarly journals A cost-effective method to monitor vegetation changes in steppes ecosystems: A case study on remote sensing of fire and infrastructure effects in eastern Mongolia

2021 ◽  
Vol 132 ◽  
pp. 108331
Author(s):  
Batnyambuu Dashpurev ◽  
Karsten Wesche ◽  
Yun Jäschke ◽  
Khurelpurev Oyundelger ◽  
Thanh Noi Phan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vegetation Changes ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Eastern Mongolia

Cost-effective fuel treatment planning: a theoretical justification and case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Jason Kreitler ◽  
Matthew P. Thompson ◽  
Nicole M. Vaillant ◽  
Todd J. Hawbaker
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Treatment Planning ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cost Effectiveness Ratio ◽  
Fuel Treatments ◽  
Fuel Treatment ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Planning Algorithm

Modelling the spatial prioritisation of fuel treatments and their net effect on values at risk is an important area for applied work as economic damages from wildfire continue to grow. We model and demonstrate a cost-effective fuel treatment planning algorithm using two ecosystem services as benefits for which fuel treatments are prioritised. We create a surface of expected fuel treatment costs to incorporate the heterogeneity in factors affecting the revenue and costs of fuel treatments, and then prioritise treatments based on a cost-effectiveness ratio to maximise the averted loss of ecosystem services from fire. We compare treatment scenarios that employ cost-effectiveness with those that do not, and use common tools and models in a case study of the Sisters Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon, USA. Using cost-effectiveness not only increases the expected averted losses from fuel treatments, but it also allows a larger area to be treated for the same cost, simply by incorporating costs and cost-effectiveness into the prioritisation routine. These results have considerable implications for policymakers and land managers trying to minimise risk. Incorporating costs into the spatial planning of treatments could allow more effective outcomes without increasing fuel treatment budgets.

SUSTAINABLE IMPACT OF BUILDING ENERGY RETROFIT MEASURES

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 69-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhosein Jafari ◽  
Vanessa Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Impact Index ◽  
The Impact

Energy retrofitting is argued to be the most feasible and cost-effective method for improving existing buildings' energy efficiency. As a sustainable development, building energy retrofits require the consideration and integration of all three sustainability dimensions: environmental, economic and social. The objective of this study is to estimate and compare the sustainable impact of building energy retrofits to determine the maximum sustainable benefit when implementing different energy-related measures. The proposed analysis consists of integrating three approaches for evaluating these benefits. Economic benefits are measured by estimating the payback period of energy-related measures, environmental benefits are measured by estimating the CO2 equivalent saving per year due to the implementation of energy-related measures, and social benefits are measured by defining a “social impact index” that establishes the impact of energy-related measures on buildings' users. A case study is used to demonstrate the framework for four potential scenarios. The results show that for the case study, energy-related “controlling” and “upgrading mechanical system” measures have the highest sustainable impact among the identified energy retrofitting measures.

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