Advances in Understanding Landscape Influences on Freshwater Habitats and Biological Assemblages

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Aquatic Biota ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
Freshwater Habitats ◽  
Landscape Scales

<i>Abstract.</i>—Over the past decade, numerous studies have identified correlative relationships between aquatic biota and human activities at landscape scales. In addition to demonstrating the pervasive effects of these activities on aquatic biota, these findings have encouraged researchers to suggest that predictive relationships between human activities and aquatic biota could be used to enhance diagnostic power of biological assessments, predict future changes in species distributions, and inform land-use planning. However, to achieve these important goals, descriptions of human activities will need to become more detailed than the simple land use/land cover classifications frequently used. Our purpose is to highlight four sources of human activity data (existing geographic information system layers, census data, remotely sensed images, and visual landscape surveys) that can be used to increase the level of detail with which the human environment is described. Strengths and weaknesses of each data source are discussed and methods for adapting those data to aquatic studies are described by drawing on experiences from studies in the agricultural landscapes of southern Manitoba and southwestern Ontario, Canada. Based on the observations and lessons learned from our previous experiences, we make recommendations for how researchers can identify and apply the data sources that best meet their needs. We also discuss challenges and possible solutions for applying the described data sources as well as for improving data availability in the future. Moreover, we encourage aquatic researchers to allot more time to detailed description of human activities because we believe this to be an effective approach to improving our ability to predict the effects of human activity and thus better assist decision makers in protecting aquatic ecosystems.

scholarly journals Estimation of land-use change using a Bayesian data assimilation approach

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Levy ◽  
Marcel Van Oijen ◽  
Gwen Buys ◽  
Sam Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Likelihood Function ◽  
Skewed Distribution ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Modelling Uncertainty ◽  
Bayesian Data Assimilation ◽  
Posterior Estimate

Abstract. We present a method for estimating land-use change using a Bayesian data assimilation approach. The approach provides a general framework for combining multiple disparate data sources with a simple model. This allows us to constrain estimates of gross land-use change with reliable national-scale census data, whilst retaining the detailed information available from several other sources. Eight different data sources, with three different data structures, were combined in our posterior estimate of land-use and land-use change, and other data sources could easily be added in future. The tendency for observations to underestimate gross land-use change is accounted for by allowing for a skewed distribution in the likelihood function. The data structure produced has high temporal and spatial resolution, and is appropriate for dynamic process-based modelling. Uncertainty is propagated appropriately into the output, so we have a full posterior distribution of output and parameters. The data are available in the widely used netCDF file format from http://eidc.ceh.ac.uk/ (doi pending).

Advances in Understanding Landscape Influences on Freshwater Habitats and Biological Assemblages

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Benthic Macroinvertebrate ◽  
Tolerance Index ◽  
Neotropical Savanna ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Assemblages ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Freshwater Habitats ◽  
Landscape Scales ◽  
The Many

<i>Abstract.</i>—Despite its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot, the Neotropical savanna is threatened by rampant agricultural, hydropower, and mining development. This chapter describes the influence of landscape patterns and land uses on the taxonomic composition and structure of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in wadeable streams and hydropower reservoirs in the Neotropical savanna, southeastern Brazil. We used the following approaches: (1) an environmental fragility (erodibility) index, (2) an integrated disturbance index, (3) a hemeroby index of natural vegetation change, (4) the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, (5) macroinvertebrate multimetric indices, and (6) a simplified macroinvertebrate tolerance index for urban streams. We found that land use and anthropogenic disturbances at the catchment scale had significant effects on the structure and functioning of lotic ecosystems, thereby reducing their ability to deliver ecosystem services. Our results also showed that citizen science projects can successfully apply simple, inexpensive methodologies and open an important dialogue between academia and the society at large. This chapter is a synthesis of multistatus and multispatial scale assessment of landscape effects on benthic macroinvertebrates living in headwaters and hydropower dam reservoirs in the Neotropical savanna. Future challenges include incorporating novel ecological methodologies in ecological syntheses (e.g., eco-bioinformatics), functional trait-based indices and holistic thermodynamic indices, and standardized assessment methodologies. Doing so will further our understanding of the many-layered ecological effects of land use and other anthropogenic disturbances on aquatic biota at landscape scales.

Estimation of total nitrogen transport and retention during flow in a catchment using a mass balance model incorporating the effects of land cover distribution and human activity information

2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 1837-1847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goro Mouri ◽  
Seirou Shinoda ◽  
Taikan Oki
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Industrial Wastewater ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Wastewater Discharge ◽  
Pollutant Load

The load of total nitrogen (TN) in stream water was surveyed in the Nagara River Basin (2,000 km2), central Japan. Multivariate analysis placed the TN data in an environmental and social context, relating TN to land use conditions such as geologic features, population density, and percentage of the population using the sewer system. Multivariate analysis was used to examine relationships among the land use distribution with and without human activity and the amount of pollution effluent from waste water treatment plants (WWTP). The pollution load in stream water is related to characteristics of the land cover in the river basin, so the influence of land use on the pollutant load was investigated. However, key factors affecting the pollutant load are human activities associated with the land use. In this study, a relationship between pollutant load, land use, and human activity is developed. Land use was estimated from Landsat data using ISODATA clustering. The distribution of the land cover factors was related to human activities, i.e. population density, agricultural production, industrial wastewater discharge, percentage of sewered population, and stock breeding in the catchment. Multivariate analysis related the TN data to land use and human activities. However, the types of land use were found to be insufficient to evaluate the TN, which appeared to be largely governed by other human-related factors such as industrial wastewater discharge, agricultural production, population density, and livestock density. Socioeconomic data, were obtained from government agencies. The results indicate that the TN load outflow characteristics of the study catchment were affected not only by outside human activity, but also largely by the various human activities in the small drainage basin. Industrial waste water contributed as much to the pollution load outflow as did human activity. This is shown quantitatively in that land use information collected at the same time as that collected on human activities provides effective baseline data. The model proposed here is suitable for evaluating best management practices.

scholarly journals Estimation of gross land-use change and its uncertainty using a Bayesian data assimilation approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 1497-1513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Levy ◽  
Marcel van Oijen ◽  
Gwen Buys ◽  
Sam Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Likelihood Function ◽  
Skewed Distribution ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Modelling Uncertainty ◽  
Bayesian Data Assimilation ◽  
Posterior Estimate

Abstract. We present a method for estimating land-use change using a Bayesian data assimilation approach. The approach provides a general framework for combining multiple disparate data sources with a simple model. This allows us to constrain estimates of gross land-use change with reliable national-scale census data, whilst retaining the detailed information available from several other sources. Eight different data sources, with three different data structures, were combined in our posterior estimate of land use and land-use change, and other data sources could easily be added in future. The tendency for observations to underestimate gross land-use change is accounted for by allowing for a skewed distribution in the likelihood function. The data structure produced has high temporal and spatial resolution, and is appropriate for dynamic process-based modelling. Uncertainty is propagated appropriately into the output, so we have a full posterior distribution of output and parameters. The data are available in the widely used netCDF file format from http://eidc.ceh.ac.uk/.

scholarly journals Patient and public involvement of young people with a chronic condition: lessons learned and practical tips from a large participatory program

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Femke van Schelven ◽  
Eline van der Meulen ◽  
Noortje Kroeze ◽  
Marjolijn Ketelaar ◽  
Hennie Boeije
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Patient And Public Involvement ◽  
English Summary ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities

Plain English summary Background Young people with a chronic condition are increasingly involved in doing research and developing tools and interventions that concern them. Working together with patients is called Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). We know from the literature that PPI with young people with a chronic condition can be challenging. Therefore, it is important that everyone shares their lessons learned from doing PPI. Aim We want to share our lessons learned from a large program, called Care and Future Prospects. This program helps young people with a chronic condition to, for example, go to school or to find a job. It funded numerous projects that could contribute to this. In all projects, project teams collaborated with young people with a chronic condition. What did we do We asked young people with a chronic condition and project teams about their experiences with PPI. Project teams wrote reports, were interviewed, and filled out a tool called the Involvement Matrix. Young people filled out a questionnaire. Findings In the article, we present our lessons learned. Examples are: it is important to involve young people with a chronic condition from the start of a project and everyone involved in a project should continuously discuss their responsibilities. We provide practical tips on how young people with a chronic condition and project teams can do this. A tip for young people is, for example: ‘discuss with the project team what you can and want to do and what you need’. An example of a tip for project teams is: ‘Take time to listen attentively to the ideas of young people’. Abstract Background The Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) of young people with a chronic condition receives increasing attention in policy and practice. This is, however, not without its challenges. Consequently, calls have been made to share lessons learned during PPI practice. Methods We share our lessons learned from a large participatory program, called Care and Future Prospects. This program aims to improve the social position of young people aged 0–25 with a physical or mental chronic condition by funding participatory projects. We have drawn our lessons from 33 of these projects, using four data sources. One data source provided information from the perspective of young people with a chronic condition, i.e. questionnaires. Three data sources contained information from the perspectives of project teams, i.e. project reports, case studies of projects and Involvement Matrices. For most of the projects, we have information from multiple data sources. Results We have combined the findings derived from all four data sources. This resulted in multiple lessons learned about PPI with young people with a chronic condition. Those lessons are divided into six themes, including practicalities to take into account at the start, involvement from the start, roles and responsibilities, support, flexibility and an open mind, and evaluation of process and outcomes. Conclusions The lessons learned have taught us that meaningful PPI requires effort, time and resources from both young people and project teams, from the beginning to the end. It is important to continuously discuss roles and responsibilities, and whether these still meet everyone’s needs and wishes. Our study adds to previous research by providing practical examples of encountered challenges and how to deal with them. Moreover, the practical tips can be a valuable aid by showing young people and project teams what concrete actions can support a successful PPI process.

scholarly journals Cropland Abandonment in Slovakia: Analysis and Comparison of Different Data Sources

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 334
Author(s):  
Juraj Lieskovský ◽  
Dana Lieskovská
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Communist Regime ◽  
Corine Land Cover ◽  
Cropland Area ◽  
Cropland Abandonment ◽  
Multi Temporal

This study compares different nationwide multi-temporal spatial data sources and analyzes the cropland area, cropland abandonment rates and transformation of cropland to other land cover/land use categories in Slovakia. Four multi-temporal land cover/land use data sources were used: The Historic Land Dynamics Assessment (HILDA), the Carpathian Historical Land Use Dataset (CHLUD), CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data and Landsat images classification. We hypothesized that because of the different spatial, temporal and thematic resolution of the datasets, there would be differences in the resulting cropland abandonment rates. We validated the datasets, compared the differences, interpreted the results and combined the information from the different datasets to form an overall picture of long-term cropland abandonment in Slovakia. The cropland area increased until the Second World War, but then decreased after transition to the communist regime and sharply declined following the 1989 transition to an open market economy. A total of 49% of cropland area has been transformed to grassland, 34% to forest and 15% to urban areas. The Historical Carpathian dataset is the more reliable long-term dataset, and it records 19.65 km2/year average cropland abandonment for 1836–1937, 154.44 km2/year for 1938–1955 and 140.21 km2/year for 1956–2012. In comparison, the Landsat, as a recent data source, records 142.02 km2/year abandonment for 1985–2000 and 89.42 km2/year for 2000–2010. These rates, however, would be higher if the dataset contained urbanisation data and more precise information on afforestation. The CORINE Land Cover reflects changes larger than 5 ha, and therefore the reported cropland abandonment rates are lower.

The Future of the Planetary Trust in a Kaleidoscopic World

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Edith Brown Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Nuclear War ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
The Past ◽  
Resource Degradation ◽  
Shared Goal

Today, it is evident that we are part of a planetary trust. Conserving our planet represents a public good, global as well as local. The threats to future generations resulting from human activities make applying the normative framework of a planetary trust even more urgent than in the past decades. Initially, the planetary trust focused primarily on threats to the natural system of our human environment such as pollution and natural resource degradation, and on threats to cultural heritage. Now, we face a higher threat of nuclear war, cyber wars, and threats from gene drivers that can cause inheritable changes to genes, potential threats from other new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and possible pandemics. In this context, it is proposed that in the kaleidoscopic world, we must engage all the actors to cooperate with the shared goal of caring for and maintaining planet Earth in trust for present and future generations.

scholarly journals New localities of Orobanche bartlingii Griseb. in the Silesian-Cracow Upland as a result of the spread of Libanotis pyrenaica (L.) Bourg. due to the changes in land use

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Babczyńska-Sendek ◽  
Agnieszka Błońska ◽  
Izabela Skowronek
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Host Plant ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Secondary Succession ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Ecological Characteristics ◽  
Current State ◽  
New Localities ◽  
Traditional Land Use

Abstract Human activity is a factor strongly influencing the current state of vegetation. The abandonment of traditional land use enables uncontrolled secondary succession. Libanotis pyrenaica, a host plant for Orobanche bartlingii, is a great example of species that spread as a result of this process, especially in the area of the Silesian-Cracow Upland. The aim of this study is to show that the expansion of L. pyrenaica caused by changes in land use promotes spreading of O. bartlingii - a species rare in Poland and Europe. During the field research conducted in the last decade, further localities of O. bartlingii were found. The gathered data were summarized to supplement the known distribution of the species and to present floristic and ecological characteristics of the phytocenoses with the participation of L. pyrenaica and O. bartlingii.

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