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Open AccessProject Report Mitigating the Climate Impact from Aviation: Achievements and Results of the DLR WeCare Project

Aerospace 2017, 4(3), 34; doi:10.3390/aerospace4030034

Received: 7 April 2017 / Revised: 12 June 2017 / Accepted: 16 June 2017 / Published: 29 June 2017

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Abstract

The WeCare project (Utilizing Weather information for Climate efficient and eco efficient future aviation), an internal project of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR), aimed at finding solutions for reducing the climate impact of aviation based on an

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The WeCare project (Utilizing Weather information for Climate efficient and eco efficient future aviation), an internal project of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR), aimed at finding solutions for reducing the climate impact of aviation based on an improved understanding of the atmospheric impact from aviation by making use of measurements and modeling approaches. WeCare made some important contributions to advance the scientific understanding in the area of atmospheric and air transportation research. We characterize contrail properties, show that the aircraft type significantly influences these properties, and how contrail-cirrus interacts with natural cirrus. Aviation NO_x emissions lead to ozone formation and we show that the strength of the ozone enhancement varies, depending on where within a weather pattern NO_x is emitted. These results, in combination with results on the effects of aerosol emissions on low cloud properties, give a revised view on the total radiative forcing of aviation. The assessment of a fleet of strut-braced wing aircraft with an open rotor is investigated and reveals the potential to significantly reduce the climate impact. Intermediate stop operations have the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption. However, we find that, if only optimized for fuel use, they will have an increased climate impact, since non-CO₂ effects compensate the reduced warming from CO₂ savings. Avoiding climate sensitive regions has a large potential in reducing climate impact at relatively low costs. Taking advantage of a full 3D optimization has a much better eco-efficiency than lateral re-routings, only. The implementation of such operational measures requires many more considerations. Non-CO₂ aviation effects are not considered in international agreements. We showed that climate-optimal routing could be achieved, if market-based measures were in place, which include these non-CO₂ effects. An alternative measure to foster climate-optimal routing is the closing of air spaces, which are very climate-sensitive. Although less effective than an unconstrained optimization with respect to climate, it still has a significant potential to reduce the climate impact of aviation. By combining atmospheric and air transportation research, we assess climate mitigation measures, aiming at providing information to aviation stakeholders and policy-makers to make aviation more climate compatible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Making Aviation Environmentally Sustainable, Selected Proceedings of the 2nd ECATS Conference)

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Open AccessArticle Conceptual Architecture and Service-Oriented Implementation of a Regional Geoportal for Rice Monitoring

by Carlos Granell, Ignacio Miralles, Luis E. Rodríguez-Pupo, Alberto González-Pérez, Sven Casteleyn, Lorenzo Busetto, Monica Pepe, Mirco Boschetti and Joaquín Huerta

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2017, 6(7), 191; doi:10.3390/ijgi6070191

Received: 3 April 2017 / Revised: 19 May 2017 / Accepted: 19 June 2017 / Published: 23 June 2017

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Abstract

Agricultural monitoring has greatly benefited from the increased availability of a wide variety of remote-sensed satellite imagery, ground-sensed data (e.g., weather station networks) and crop models, delivering a wealth of actionable information to stakeholders to better streamline and improve agricultural practices. Nevertheless, as

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Agricultural monitoring has greatly benefited from the increased availability of a wide variety of remote-sensed satellite imagery, ground-sensed data (e.g., weather station networks) and crop models, delivering a wealth of actionable information to stakeholders to better streamline and improve agricultural practices. Nevertheless, as the degree of sophistication of agriculture monitoring systems increases, significant challenges arise due to the handling and integration of multi-scale data sources to present information to decision-makers in a way which is useful, understandable and user friendly. To address these issues, in this article we present the conceptual architecture and service-oriented implementation of a regional geoportal, specifically focused on rice crop monitoring in order to perform unified monitoring with a supporting system at regional scale. It is capable of storing, processing, managing, serving and visualizing monitoring and generated data products with different granularity and originating from different data sources. Specifically, we focus on data sources and data flow, and their importance for and in relation to different stakeholders. In the context of an EU-funded research project, we present an implementation of the regional geoportal for rice monitoring, which is currently in use in Europe’s three largest rice-producing countries, Italy, Greece and Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in GIS and Remote Sensing for Sustainable Agriculture)

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Open AccessArticle Information Technology Project Portfolio Implementation Process Optimization Based on Complex Network Theory and Entropy

by Qin Wang, Guangping Zeng and Xuyan Tu

Entropy 2017, 19(6), 287; doi:10.3390/e19060287

Received: 4 April 2017 / Revised: 12 June 2017 / Accepted: 13 June 2017 / Published: 19 June 2017

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Abstract

In traditional information technology project portfolio management (ITPPM), managers often pay more attention to the optimization of portfolio selection in the initial stage. In fact, during the portfolio implementation process, there are still issues to be optimized. Organizing cooperation will enhance the efficiency,

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In traditional information technology project portfolio management (ITPPM), managers often pay more attention to the optimization of portfolio selection in the initial stage. In fact, during the portfolio implementation process, there are still issues to be optimized. Organizing cooperation will enhance the efficiency, although it brings more immediate risk due to the complex variety of links between projects. In order to balance the efficiency and risk, an optimization method is presented based on the complex network theory and entropy, which will assist portfolio managers in recognizing the structure of the portfolio and determine the cooperation range. Firstly, a complex network model for an IT project portfolio is constructed, in which the project is simulated as an artificial life agent. At the same time, the portfolio is viewed as a small scale of society. Following this, social network analysis is used to detect and divide communities in order to estimate the roles of projects between different portfolios. Based on these, the efficiency and the risk are measured using entropy and are balanced through searching for adequate hierarchy community divisions. Thus, the activities of cooperation in organizations, risk management, and so on—which are usually viewed as an important art—can be discussed and conducted based on quantity calculations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Systems and Fractional Dynamics)

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Open AccessArticle The Economic Benefits of the Dokdo Seals Restoration Project in Korea: A Contingent Valuation Study

by Seul-Ye Lim, Se-Jun Jin and Seung-Hoon Yoo

Sustainability 2017, 9(6), 968; doi:10.3390/su9060968

Received: 7 February 2017 / Revised: 30 May 2017 / Accepted: 31 May 2017 / Published: 6 June 2017

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Abstract

Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), especially those that live in Dokdo, Korea, represent an endangered species in Korea. Thus, the government is considering the implementation of the Dokdo Seals (DS) restoration project. This article looks at the economic benefits for implementing

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Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), especially those that live in Dokdo, Korea, represent an endangered species in Korea. Thus, the government is considering the implementation of the Dokdo Seals (DS) restoration project. This article looks at the economic benefits for implementing the project, which includes making habitats for the DS, such as an artificial sea ranch, and training DS rescued from fishing nets and wounded in the wild to adapt to the wild so that they can be released into the Dokdo Sea. To this end, we looked at the willingness to pay (WTP) for the implementation of the project by conducting a contingent valuation (CV) survey of 1000 Korean households. We employed a one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice question format. Furthermore, we used a spike model to model the WTP responses with zero observations. The mean yearly WTP for the project implementation was computed to be KRW 4923 (USD 4.86) for next ten years per household, which is statistically significant at the 1% level. The national annual value amounts to KRW 90.9 billion (USD 89.8 million). This value can be taken as an indication of the economic benefits of restoring the endangered species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment, Tourism and Sustainable Development)

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Open AccessArticle A Study Protocol for Applying User Participation and Co-Learning—Lessons Learned from the eBalance Project

by Anna Cristina Åberg, Kjartan Halvorsen, Ingrid From, Åsa Bergman Bruhn, Lars Oestreicher and Anita Melander-Wikman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(5), 512; doi:10.3390/ijerph14050512

Received: 24 January 2017 / Revised: 25 April 2017 / Accepted: 5 May 2017 / Published: 10 May 2017

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Abstract

The eBalance project is based on the idea that serious exergames—i.e., computer gaming systems with an interface that requires physical exertion to play—that are well adapted to users, can become a substantial part of a solution to recognized problems of insufficient engagement in

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The eBalance project is based on the idea that serious exergames—i.e., computer gaming systems with an interface that requires physical exertion to play—that are well adapted to users, can become a substantial part of a solution to recognized problems of insufficient engagement in fall-prevention exercise and the high levels of fall-related injuries among older people. This project is carried out as a collaboration between eight older people who have an interest in balance training and met the inclusion criteria of independence in personal activities of daily living, access to and basic knowledge of a computer, four staff working with the rehabilitation of older adults, and an interdisciplinary group of six research coordinators covering the areas of geriatric care and rehabilitation, as well as information technology and computer science. This paper describes the study protocol of the project’s initial phase which aims to develop a working partnership with potential users of fall-prevention exergames, including its conceptual underpinnings. The qualitative methodology was inspired by an ethnographical approach implying combining methods that allowed the design to evolve through the study based on the participants’ reflections. A participatory and appreciative action and reflection (PAAR) approach, accompanied by inquiries inspired by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) was used in interactive workshops, including exergame testing, and between workshop activities. Data were collected through audio recordings, photos, and different types of written documentation. The findings provide a description of the methodology thus developed and applied. They display a methodology that can be useful for the design and development of care service and innovations for older persons where user participation is in focus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

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Open AccessArticle Stakeholder Participation in REDD+ Readiness Activities for Three Collaborative Projects in Lao PDR

by Saykham Boutthavong, Kimihiko Hyakumura and Makoto Ehara

Forests 2017, 8(5), 150; doi:10.3390/f8050150

Received: 22 January 2017 / Revised: 27 March 2017 / Accepted: 27 April 2017 / Published: 29 April 2017

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Abstract

A key challenge for reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in developing countries is to balance the power of various stakeholders in decision making. This study explores the forms of stakeholder participation in the implementation of three pilot projects in Laos,

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A key challenge for reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in developing countries is to balance the power of various stakeholders in decision making. This study explores the forms of stakeholder participation in the implementation of three pilot projects in Laos, with a focus on who actually makes decisions on project activities. We found that stakeholder roles in making decisions were imbalanced. The central government and development partner organizations were the ones who actually fulfill the roles of decision-makers in most project activities. Although local communities were not the key stakeholders in decision making in most activities, their roles seem to have increased in the activities where participatory approaches were applied. Participation of the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutes and mass organizations was limited. Opportunities to reach decision-makers regarding project activities came through service contract agreements. Our findings suggest that an understanding of who fulfills the key roles will support a decentralization of decision making by balancing power and redistributing the roles from dominant to weaker stakeholders. In addition, the private sector’s participation may enhance opportunities to harmonize their investments for supporting REDD+ development and reduce the negative impacts on the forests and the environment. Full article

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Open AccessReview A Roadmap to Newborn Screening for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

by Samiah A. Al-Zaidy, Michele Lloyd-Puryear, Annie Kennedy, Veronica Lopez and Jerry R. Mendell

Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2017, 3(2), 8; doi:10.3390/ijns3020008

Received: 14 December 2016 / Revised: 25 February 2017 / Accepted: 28 March 2017 / Published: 7 April 2017

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Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, with an estimated frequency of 1:5000 live births. The impact of the disease presents as early as infancy with significant developmental delays, and ultimately loss of ambulation and respiratory insufficiency.

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, with an estimated frequency of 1:5000 live births. The impact of the disease presents as early as infancy with significant developmental delays, and ultimately loss of ambulation and respiratory insufficiency. Glucocorticoids are the only pharmacological agents known to alter the natural progression of the disease by prolonging ambulation, reducing scoliosis, and assisted ventilation. Introduction of therapy at an early age may halt the muscle pathology in DMD. In anticipation of the potentially disease-modifying products that are reaching regulatory review, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) formally initiated a national Duchenne Newborn Screening (DNBS) effort in December 2014 to build public health infrastructure for newborn screening (NBS) for Duchenne in the United States. The effort includes a formalized national Duchenne Newborn Screening Steering Committee, six related Working Groups, a Duchenne Screening Test Development Project led by PerkinElmer, a program with the American College of Medical Genetic and Genomics’ Newborn Screening Translation Research Network (NBSTRN), and collaborations with other Duchenne partners and federal agencies involved in NBS. We herein review the organization and effort of the U.S. DNBS program to develop the evidence supporting the implementation of NBS for DMD. Full article

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Open AccessArticle Multiple Stressors at the Land-Sea Interface: Cyanotoxins at the Land-Sea Interface in the Southern California Bight

by Avery O. Tatters, Meredith D.A. Howard, Carey Nagoda, Lilian Busse, Alyssa G. Gellene and David A. Caron

Toxins 2017, 9(3), 95; doi:10.3390/toxins9030095

Received: 11 February 2017 / Revised: 2 March 2017 / Accepted: 3 March 2017 / Published: 9 March 2017

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Abstract

Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems have received considerable attention in recent years, but their occurrence and potential importance at the land-sea interface has not been widely recognized. Here we present the results of a survey of discrete samples conducted in more

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Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems have received considerable attention in recent years, but their occurrence and potential importance at the land-sea interface has not been widely recognized. Here we present the results of a survey of discrete samples conducted in more than fifty brackish water sites along the coastline of southern California. Our objectives were to characterize cyanobacterial community composition and determine if specific groups of cyanotoxins (anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, microcystins, nodularins, and saxitoxins) were present. We report the identification of numerous potentially harmful taxa and the co-occurrence of multiple toxins, previously undocumented, at several locations. Our findings reveal a potential health concern based on the range of organisms present and the widespread prevalence of recognized toxic compounds. Our results raise concerns for recreation, harvesting of finfish and shellfish, and wildlife and desalination operations, highlighting the need for assessments and implementation of monitoring programs. Such programs appear to be particularly necessary in regions susceptible to urban influence. Full article

(This article belongs to the collection Marine and Freshwater Toxins)

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Open AccessArticle Early REDD+ Implementation: The Journey of an Indigenous Community in Eastern Panama

by Ignacia Holmes, Catherine Potvin and Oliver T. Coomes

Forests 2017, 8(3), 67; doi:10.3390/f8030067

Received: 7 November 2016 / Revised: 15 February 2017 / Accepted: 24 February 2017 / Published: 3 March 2017

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Abstract

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) offers developing countries an opportunity to engage in global climate change mitigation through the sale of carbon credits for reforestation, avoided deforestation and forest conservation projects. Funding for REDD+ projects has increased in recent years

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Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) offers developing countries an opportunity to engage in global climate change mitigation through the sale of carbon credits for reforestation, avoided deforestation and forest conservation projects. Funding for REDD+ projects has increased in recent years and REDD+ projects have proliferated, but relatively few studies have, as yet, examined their implementation. Here, we present a synthesis of the challenges and lessons learned while implementing a REDD+ project in an Emberá community in Panama. Our case study, documented in four cycles of collaborative action research over 11 years, examines how local communities sought to reduce emissions from deforestation and benefit from carbon offset trading while improving local livelihoods. Through semi-structured interviews and participatory methods, we found that success with REDD+ hinges on broader issues than those widely discussed in the literature and in policy circles. Though economic incentives for participants and the equitable distribution of benefits remain important to project participants, our study finds that, in adapting REDD+ strategies to best suit community needs, the role of a support system for implementation (“bridging institutions”) and REDD+’s potential as a conflict resolution mechanism for tenure issues deserve more attention as key factors that contribute to meaningful participation in REDD+. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue REDD+: Politics, Interplays and Impacts)

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Open AccessArticle Assessment of an Adaptive Load Forecasting Methodology in a Smart Grid Demonstration Project

by Ricardo Vazquez, Hortensia Amaris, Monica Alonso, Gregorio Lopez, Jose Ignacio Moreno, Daniel Olmeda and Javier Coca

Energies 2017, 10(2), 190; doi:10.3390/en10020190

Received: 23 November 2016 / Revised: 13 January 2017 / Accepted: 19 January 2017 / Published: 8 February 2017

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Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive load forecasting methodology in two different power networks from a smart grid demonstration project deployed in the region of Madrid, Spain. The paper contains an exhaustive comparative study of different short-term load forecast methodologies, addressing

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This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive load forecasting methodology in two different power networks from a smart grid demonstration project deployed in the region of Madrid, Spain. The paper contains an exhaustive comparative study of different short-term load forecast methodologies, addressing the methods and variables that are more relevant to be applied for the smart grid deployment. The evaluation followed in this paper suggests that the performance of the different methods depends on the conditions of the site in which the smart grid is implemented. It is shown that some non-linear methods, such as support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel and extremely randomized forest offer good performance using only 24 lagged load hourly values, which could be useful when the amount of data available is limited due to communication problems in the smart grid monitoring system. However, it has to be highlighted that, in general, the behavior of different short-term load forecast methodologies is not stable when they are applied to different power networks and that when there is a considerable variability throughout the whole testing period, some methods offer good performance in some situations, but they fail in others. In this paper, an adaptive load forecasting methodology is proposed to address this issue improving the forecasting performance through iterative optimization: in each specific situation, the best short-term load forecast methodology is chosen, resulting in minimum prediction errors. Full article

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Open AccessArticle Linkage of OGC WPS 2.0 to the e-Government Standard Framework in Korea: An Implementation Case for Geo-Spatial Image Processing

by Gooseon Yoon, Kwangseob Kim and Kiwon Lee

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2017, 6(1), 25; doi:10.3390/ijgi6010025

Received: 15 October 2016 / Revised: 23 December 2016 / Accepted: 16 January 2017 / Published: 20 January 2017

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Abstract

There are many cases wherein services offered in geospatial sectors are integrated with other fields. In addition, services utilizing satellite data play important roles in daily life and in sectors such as environment and science. Therefore, a management structure appropriate to the scale

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There are many cases wherein services offered in geospatial sectors are integrated with other fields. In addition, services utilizing satellite data play important roles in daily life and in sectors such as environment and science. Therefore, a management structure appropriate to the scale of the system should be clearly defined. The motivation of this study is to resolve issues, apply standards related to a target system, and provide practical strategies with a technical basis. South Korea uses the e-Government Standard Framework, using the Java-based Spring framework, to provide guidelines and environments with common configurations and functions for developing web-based information systems for public services. This web framework offers common sources and resources for data processing and interface connection to help developers focus on business logic in designing a web system. In this study, a geospatial image processing system—linked with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Processing Service (WPS) 2.0 standard for real geospatial information processing, and based on this standard framework—was designed and built utilizing fully open sources. This is the first case of implementation based on WPS 2.0 running on the e-Government Standard Framework. Establishing a standard for its use will be important, and the system built in this study can serve as a reference for the foundational architecture in building geospatial web service systems with geodata-processing functionalities in government agencies. Full article

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Open AccessArticle No Ifs, No Butts: Compliance with Smoking Cessation in Secondary Care Guidance (NICE PH48) by Providers of Cancer Therapies (Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy) in the UK

by Daniel Hutton, Ivan Gee, Ciara E. McGee and Rebecca Mellor

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(12), 1244; doi:10.3390/ijerph13121244

Received: 30 October 2016 / Revised: 9 December 2016 / Accepted: 9 December 2016 / Published: 15 December 2016

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Abstract

Background: Legislation preventing smoking in public places was introduced in England in July 2007. Since then, smoke-free policies have been extended to the majority of hospitals including those providing cancer therapies. Whilst studies have been conducted on the impact and effectiveness of

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Background: Legislation preventing smoking in public places was introduced in England in July 2007. Since then, smoke-free policies have been extended to the majority of hospitals including those providing cancer therapies. Whilst studies have been conducted on the impact and effectiveness of hospital smoke-free policy in the UK and other countries, there have not been any studies with a focus on cancer care providers. Cancer patients are a priority group for smoking cessation and support and this study aimed to examine implementation of the National Institute Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance (PH48) in acute cancer care trusts in the UK. Methods: Participants were recruited from UK radiotherapy and chemotherapy departments (total 80 sites, 65 organisations) and asked to complete a 15 min online questionnaire exploring the implementation of NICE guidance at their hospital site. Results: Considerable variability in implementation of the NICE guidance was observed. A total of 79.1% trusts were smoke-free in theory; however, only 18.6% were described as smoke-free in practice. Areas of improvement were identified in information and support for patients and staff including in Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provision, staff training and clarity on e-cigarette policies. Conclusions: While some trusts have effective smoke-free policies and provide valuable cessation support services for patients, improvements are required to ensure that all sites fully adopt the NICE guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

Open AccessArticle Examining the Interrelationship among Critical Success Factors of Public Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects

by Shiying Shi, Heap-Yih Chong, Lihong Liu and Xiaosu Ye

Sustainability 2016, 8(12), 1313; doi:10.3390/su8121313

Received: 16 August 2016 / Revised: 18 November 2016 / Accepted: 9 December 2016 / Published: 14 December 2016

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Abstract

Examining the interrelationships among critical success factors (CSFs) for public private partnership (PPP) projects is of importance for improving PPP project performance and maintaining the sustainability of PPP project implementation. Previous studies mostly focused on the identification of the CSFs for PPP projects;

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Examining the interrelationships among critical success factors (CSFs) for public private partnership (PPP) projects is of importance for improving PPP project performance and maintaining the sustainability of PPP project implementation. Previous studies mostly focused on the identification of the CSFs for PPP projects; limited studies investigated the interrelationships among CSFs. Hence, the research objectives are (a) to determine the interrelationships among CSFs of PPP projects taking into account the public and (b) to identify influence paths contributing to take advantage of CSFs in the process of PPP implementation. A literature review and expert interviews were adopted to construct the CSFs framework; nine hypotheses were constructed and tested by the structural equation modelling (SEM) based on the data collected from a questionnaire survey. This research reveals that the relationship between public and private partners is the leader-follower relationship, not the partnership relationship, in PPP projects, indicating that the responsibilities, power or resources existing among partners are very unequal. It also highlights that public involvement has a negative effect on the process of service provisions, and costs and risks exist in the process of public involvement in PPP projects. The determined interrelationships among CSFs will contribute to the sustainability and success of a PPP project. Full article

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Open AccessArticle Design and Implementation of a Robust Decision Support System for Marine Space Resource Utilization

by Jing Xie, Shuxiu Liang, Zhaochen Sun, Jiang Chang and Jianwen Sun

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5(8), 140; doi:10.3390/ijgi5080140

Received: 12 May 2016 / Revised: 24 July 2016 / Accepted: 1 August 2016 / Published: 8 August 2016

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Increasing coastal space resource utilization (CSRU) activities and their impact on coastal environments has been recognized as a critical coastal zone stressor. Consequently, the need for sustainable and valid CSRU management has been highlighted. In this study, a highly-intelligent prototype decision-aided system for

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Increasing coastal space resource utilization (CSRU) activities and their impact on coastal environments has been recognized as a critical coastal zone stressor. Consequently, the need for sustainable and valid CSRU management has been highlighted. In this study, a highly-intelligent prototype decision-aided system for CSRU was developed. In contrast with existing coastal decision-aided systems, this system is aimed at the management of CSRU, providing reliable and dynamic numerical simulation, analysis, and aided decision making for real coastal engineering based on a self-developed fully automatic numerical program. It was established on multi-tier distributed architecture based on Java EE. The most efficient strategies for spatial data organization, automatic coastal numerical programs, and impact assessment modules are demonstrated. In addition, its integrated construction involving the addition of a new coastal project on the webpage, its one-click numerical prediction of coastal environmental impacts, assessments based on numerical results, and its aided decision-making capabilities are addressed. The system was applied to Ningbo Sea, China, establishing the Ningbo CSRU Decision Support System. Two projects were demonstrated: one reclamation project and one land-based outlet planning case. Results indicated that these projects had detrimental effects on local coastal environments. Therefore, the approvals of these projects were not recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Web/Cloud Based Mapping and Geoinformation)

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Open AccessArticle The Socio-Economic Evaluation of a European Project: The DIYLab Case

by Juana M. Sancho-Gil and Pablo J. Rivera-Vargas

Informatics 2016, 3(3), 13; doi:10.3390/informatics3030013

Received: 29 March 2016 / Revised: 30 May 2016 / Accepted: 20 July 2016 / Published: 29 July 2016

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Abstract

This paper builds on the results of a 3-year long European project, the main aim of which was to deeply and sustainably transform teaching and learning practice in primary and secondary schools and higher education, by introducing Do it Yourself (DIY) philosophy in

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This paper builds on the results of a 3-year long European project, the main aim of which was to deeply and sustainably transform teaching and learning practice in primary and secondary schools and higher education, by introducing Do it Yourself (DIY) philosophy in order to expand digital competence and foster students’ agency and collaborative learning. Three universities and three primary and secondary schools have been involved in a Collaborative Action Research (CAR) process in order to analyse their current institutional context and perceive needs, strengths and weaknesses; to undertake professional development activities and the design of DIYLabs; implement DIYLabs in the selected courses; and reflect upon ways of improving the institution’s performance. This paper offers a global vision of the research and implementation processes and the results achieved, from the perspective of the socio-economic dimensions involved in a project aiming to make a difference in teaching and learning to meet the challenges of a society highly permeated by digital technology (DT). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information and Communication Technology in Higher Education)

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Open AccessArticle Applying the Action-Research Method to Develop a Methodology to Reduce the Installation and Maintenance Times of Information Security Management Systems

by Antonio Santos-Olmo, Luis Enrique Sánchez, David G. Rosado, Eduardo Fernández-Medina and Mario Piattini

Future Internet 2016, 8(3), 36; doi:10.3390/fi8030036

Received: 12 February 2016 / Revised: 15 June 2016 / Accepted: 8 July 2016 / Published: 22 July 2016

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Abstract

Society is increasingly dependent on Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), and having these kind of systems has become vital for the development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, these companies require ISMS that have been adapted to their special features and have

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Society is increasingly dependent on Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), and having these kind of systems has become vital for the development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, these companies require ISMS that have been adapted to their special features and have been optimized as regards the resources needed to deploy and maintain them, with very low costs and short implementation periods. This paper discusses the different cycles carried out using the ‘Action Research (AR)’ method, which have allowed the development of a security management methodology for SMEs that is able to automate processes and reduce the implementation time of the ISMS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information Systems Security)

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Open AccessArticle The Importance of the Security Culture in SMEs as Regards the Correct Management of the Security of Their Assets

by Antonio Santos-Olmo, Luis Enrique Sánchez, Ismael Caballero, Sara Camacho and Eduardo Fernandez-Medina

Future Internet 2016, 8(3), 30; doi:10.3390/fi8030030

Received: 12 February 2016 / Revised: 10 June 2016 / Accepted: 13 June 2016 / Published: 7 July 2016

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Abstract

The information society is increasingly more dependent on Information Security Management Systems (ISMSs), and the availability of these kinds of systems is now vital for the development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, these companies require ISMSs that have been adapted to

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The information society is increasingly more dependent on Information Security Management Systems (ISMSs), and the availability of these kinds of systems is now vital for the development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, these companies require ISMSs that have been adapted to their special features, and which are optimized as regards the resources needed to deploy and maintain them. This article shows how important the security culture within ISMSs is for SMEs, and how the concept of security culture has been introduced into a security management methodology (MARISMA is a Methodology for “Information Security Management System in SMEs” developed by the Sicaman Nuevas Tecnologías Company, Research Group GSyA and Alarcos of the University of Castilla-La Mancha.) for SMEs. This model is currently being directly applied to real cases, thus allowing a steady improvement to be made to its implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information Systems Security)

► Figures

Open AccessArticle International Severe Weather and Flash Flood Hazard Early Warning Systems—Leveraging Coordination, Cooperation, and Partnerships through a Hydrometeorological Project in Southern Africa

by Robert Jubach and A. Sezin Tokar

Water 2016, 8(6), 258; doi:10.3390/w8060258

Received: 20 February 2016 / Revised: 8 June 2016 / Accepted: 12 June 2016 / Published: 20 June 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 871 | PDF Full-text (203 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Climate, weather and water hazards do not recognize national boundaries. Transboundary/regional programs and cooperation are essential to reduce the loss of lives and damage to livelihoods when facing these hazards. The development and implementation of systems to provide early warnings for severe weather

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Climate, weather and water hazards do not recognize national boundaries. Transboundary/regional programs and cooperation are essential to reduce the loss of lives and damage to livelihoods when facing these hazards. The development and implementation of systems to provide early warnings for severe weather events such as cyclones and flash floods requires data and information sharing in real time, and coordination among the government agencies at all levels. Within a country, this includes local, municipal, provincial-to-national levels as well as regional and international entities involved in hydrometeorological services and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Of key importance are the National Meteorological and Hydrologic Services (NMHSs). The NMHS is generally the authority solely responsible for issuing warnings for these hazards. However, in many regions of the world, the linkages and interfaces between the NMHS and other agencies are weak or non-existent. Therefore, there is a critical need to assess, strengthen, and formalize collaborations when addressing the concept of reducing risk and impacts from severe weather and floods. The U.S. Agency for International Development/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance; the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO); the WMO Southern Africa Regional Specialized Meteorological Center, hosted by the South African Weather Service; the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service and the Hydrologic Research Center (a non-profit corporation) are currently implementing a project working with Southern Africa NMHSs on addressing this gap. The project aims to strengthen coordination and collaboration mechanisms from national to local levels. The project partners are working with the NMHSs to apply and implement appropriate tools and infrastructure to enhance currently operational severe weather and flash flood early warning systems in each country in support of delivery and communication of warnings for the DRR entities at the regional, national and local levels in order to reduce the loss of life and property. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management) Printed Edition available

Open AccessArticle Implementation of Geographical Conditions Monitoring in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China

by Jixian Zhang, Jiping Liu, Liang Zhai and Wei Hou

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5(6), 89; doi:10.3390/ijgi5060089

Received: 7 March 2016 / Revised: 21 May 2016 / Accepted: 26 May 2016 / Published: 8 June 2016

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Abstract

Increasingly accelerated urbanization and socio-economic development can cause a series of environmental problems. Accurate and efficient monitoring of the geographical conditions is important for achieving sustainable development. This paper presents the first results of the project “Geographical Conditions Monitoring (GCM)” in an exemplified

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Increasingly accelerated urbanization and socio-economic development can cause a series of environmental problems. Accurate and efficient monitoring of the geographical conditions is important for achieving sustainable development. This paper presents the first results of the project “Geographical Conditions Monitoring (GCM)” in an exemplified area “Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH)” in China over the last three decades. It focuses on four hot issues in BTH: distribution of dust surfaces and pollution industries, vegetation coverage, urban sprawl, and ground subsidence. The aim of this project is the detection of geographical condition changes and for the description of this development by indicators, as well as the analysis and evaluation of the effects of such processes on selected environmental perspectives. The results have shown that the contributions of the applied GCM in making the plan of urban design and nature conservation. Valuable experience gained from this project would be useful for further developing and applying GCM at the national level. Full article

Open AccessArticle Using Envision to Assess the Sustainability of Groundwater Infrastructure: A Case Study of the Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project

by Cody R. Saville, Gretchen R. Miller and Kelly Brumbelow

Sustainability 2016, 8(5), 501; doi:10.3390/su8050501

Received: 17 March 2016 / Revised: 22 April 2016 / Accepted: 16 May 2016 / Published: 23 May 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 648 | PDF Full-text (1243 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

The ISI (Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure) Envision rating system is designed to be a comprehensive sustainability assessment that can be applied to a wide range of infrastructure projects, including water supply. With water supply resiliency, a prominent concern in many arid and semi-arid

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The ISI (Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure) Envision rating system is designed to be a comprehensive sustainability assessment that can be applied to a wide range of infrastructure projects, including water supply. With water supply resiliency, a prominent concern in many arid and semi-arid regions, the implementation of a water sustainability metric would be beneficial to both regulators and planners. This review seeks to assess the merit of applying Envision to water infrastructure projects specifically designed to enhance supply resiliency by retroactively rating the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. In this review, we find that the novelty and innovation inherent in ASR is largely overlooked by Envision, which often does not evaluate sector-specific concepts. Furthermore, the project-oriented focus of Envision does not analyze water supply systems, or any infrastructure system, as a whole. This paper proposes that a water specific sustainability index be used in conjunction with Envision, to more specifically address concerns for water supply. Full article

Open AccessArticle Domotics Project Housing Block

by Carlos Morón, Alejandro Payán, Alfonso García and Francisco Bosquet

Sensors 2016, 16(5), 741; doi:10.3390/s16050741

Received: 15 March 2016 / Revised: 10 May 2016 / Accepted: 17 May 2016 / Published: 23 May 2016

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Abstract

This document develops the study of an implementation project of a home automation system in a housing placed in the town of Galapagar, Madrid. This house, which is going to be occupied by a four-member family, consists of 67 constructed square meters distributed

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This document develops the study of an implementation project of a home automation system in a housing placed in the town of Galapagar, Madrid. This house, which is going to be occupied by a four-member family, consists of 67 constructed square meters distributed in lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms, bath, bathroom and terrace, this being a common arrangement in Spain. Thus, this study will allow extracting conclusions about the adequacy of the home automation in a wide percentage of housing in Spain. In this document, three house automation proposals are developed based on the requirements of the client and the different home automation levels that the Spanish House and Building Automation Association has established, besides two parallel proposals relating to the safety and the technical alarms. The mentioned proposed systems are described by means of product datasheets and descriptions, distribution plans, measurements, budgets and flow charts that describe the functioning of the system in every case. An evaluation of each system is included, based on other studies conclusions on this matter, where expected energy savings from each design, depending on the current cost of lighting, water and gas, as well as the expected economic amortization period is evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Sensors and Applications)

Open AccessArticle The RADAR Project—A Service for Research Data Archival and Publication

by Angelina Kraft, Matthias Razum, Jan Potthoff, Andrea Porzel, Thomas Engel, Frank Lange, Karina van den Broek and Filipe Furtado

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5(3), 28; doi:10.3390/ijgi5030028

Received: 26 November 2015 / Revised: 20 January 2016 / Accepted: 17 February 2016 / Published: 4 March 2016

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Abstract

The aim of the RADAR (Research Data Repository) project is to set up and establish an infrastructure that facilitates research data management: the infrastructure will allow researchers to store, manage, annotate, cite, curate, search and find scientific data in a digital platform available

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The aim of the RADAR (Research Data Repository) project is to set up and establish an infrastructure that facilitates research data management: the infrastructure will allow researchers to store, manage, annotate, cite, curate, search and find scientific data in a digital platform available at any time that can be used by multiple (specialized) disciplines. While appropriate and innovative preservation strategies and systems are in place for the big data communities (e.g., environmental sciences, space, and climate), the stewardship for many other disciplines, often called the “long tail research domains”, is uncertain. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the RADAR collaboration project develops a service oriented infrastructure for the preservation, publication and traceability of (independent) research data. The key aspect of RADAR is the implementation of a two-stage business model for data preservation and publication: clients may preserve research results for up to 15 years and assign well-graded access rights, or to publish data with a DOI assignment for an unlimited period of time. Potential clients include libraries, research institutions, publishers and open platforms that desire an adaptable digital infrastructure to archive and publish data according to their institutional requirements and workflows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Data Management)

Open AccessArticle Environmental Capabilities of Suppliers for Green Supply Chain Management in Construction Projects: A Case Study in Korea

by Moon Gyu Kim, Chungwon Woo, Jae Jeung Rho and Yanghon Chung

Sustainability 2016, 8(1), 82; doi:10.3390/su8010082

Received: 6 November 2015 / Revised: 30 December 2015 / Accepted: 31 December 2015 / Published: 18 January 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1133 | PDF Full-text (1488 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Green supply chain management (GSCM) enhances a firm’s competitiveness for sustainable growth. GSCM is especially important in the construction industry, a project-based business that often results in heavy environmental pollution. For the successful implementation of GSCM in the construction industry to occur, contractors

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Green supply chain management (GSCM) enhances a firm’s competitiveness for sustainable growth. GSCM is especially important in the construction industry, a project-based business that often results in heavy environmental pollution. For the successful implementation of GSCM in the construction industry to occur, contractors should make the best use of suppliers’ environmental capabilities based on shared understanding of the capabilities. This paper examines the shared understanding of suppliers’ environmental management capabilities between the contractor and suppliers by assessing the consistency between the contractor’s and suppliers’ evaluations of the capabilities. This explorative case study investigates a supply chain comprised of a major construction firm and 106 suppliers in Korea. The results of the case analysis show that the suppliers’ self-evaluation scores of environmental capability are higher than the contractor’s evaluation scores. Furthermore, from both evaluators, suppliers received the lowest scores in the evaluation item rating the relationship with second-tier suppliers and the highest in the evaluation item rating the relationship with the contractor. The consistency between the suppliers’ and contractor’s evaluation is related to several characteristics of suppliers, such as industry type, firm size and partnership duration with the contractor. This study contributes to the literature of GSCM and strategic alignment amongst supply chain partners for the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic, Business and Management Aspects of Sustainability)

Open AccessProject Report Bringing Community and Academic Scholars Together to Facilitate and Conduct Authentic Community Based Participatory Research: Project UNITED

by Dwight Lewis, Lea Yerby, Melanie Tucker, Pamela Payne Foster, Kara C. Hamilton, Matthew M. Fifolt, Lisle Hites, Mary Katherine Shreves, Susan B. Page, Kimberly L. Bissell, Felecia L. Lucky and John C. Higginbotham

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(1), 35; doi:10.3390/ijerph13010035

Received: 15 August 2015 / Revised: 14 September 2015 / Accepted: 14 September 2015 / Published: 22 December 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 895 | PDF Full-text (365 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Cultural competency, trust, and research literacy can affect the planning and implementation of sustainable community-based participatory research (CBPR). The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight: (1) the development of a CBPR pilot grant request for application; and (2) a comprehensive program supporting

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Cultural competency, trust, and research literacy can affect the planning and implementation of sustainable community-based participatory research (CBPR). The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight: (1) the development of a CBPR pilot grant request for application; and (2) a comprehensive program supporting CBPR obesity-related grant proposals facilitated by activities designed to promote scholarly collaborations between academic researchers and the community. After a competitive application process, academic researchers and non-academic community leaders were selected to participate in activities where the final culminating project was the submission of a collaborative obesity-related CBPR grant application. Teams were comprised of a mix of academic researchers and non-academic community leaders, and each team submitted an application addressing obesity-disparities among rural predominantly African American communities in the US Deep South. Among four collaborative teams, three (75%) successfully submitted a grant application to fund an intervention addressing rural and minority obesity disparities. Among the three submitted grant applications, one was successfully funded by an internal CBPR grant, and another was funded by an institutional seed funding grant. Preliminary findings suggest that the collaborative activities were successful in developing productive scholarly relationships between researchers and community leaders. Future research will seek to understand the full-context of our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings from the 2014 Minority Health & Health Disparities Grantees’ Conference (MHHDGC))

Open AccessArticle Waste Energy Recovery from Natural Gas Distribution Network: CELSIUS Project Demonstrator in Genoa

by Davide Borelli, Francesco Devia, Margherita Marré Brunenghi, Corrado Schenone and Alessandro Spoladore

Sustainability 2015, 7(12), 16703-16719; doi:10.3390/su71215841

Received: 5 October 2015 / Revised: 1 December 2015 / Accepted: 14 December 2015 / Published: 18 December 2015

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 935 | PDF Full-text (4706 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Increasing energy efficiency by the smart recovery of waste energy is the scope of the CELSIUS Project (Combined Efficient Large Scale Integrated Urban Systems). The CELSIUS consortium includes a world-leading partnership of outstanding research, innovation and implementation organizations, and gather competence and excellence

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Increasing energy efficiency by the smart recovery of waste energy is the scope of the CELSIUS Project (Combined Efficient Large Scale Integrated Urban Systems). The CELSIUS consortium includes a world-leading partnership of outstanding research, innovation and implementation organizations, and gather competence and excellence from five European cities with complementary baseline positions regarding the sustainable use of energy: Cologne, Genoa, Gothenburg, London, and Rotterdam. Lasting four-years and coordinated by the City of Gothenburg, the project faces with an holistic approach technical, economic, administrative, social, legal and political issues concerning smart district heating and cooling, aiming to establish best practice solutions. This will be done through the implementation of twelve new high-reaching demonstration projects, which cover the most major aspects of innovative urban heating and cooling for a smart city. The Genoa demonstrator was designed in order to recover energy from the pressure drop between the main supply line and the city natural gas network. The potential mechanical energy is converted to electricity by a turboexpander/generator system, which has been integrated in a combined heat and power plant to supply a district heating network. The performed energy analysis assessed natural gas saving and greenhouse gas reduction achieved through the smart systems integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th CIRIAF National Congress – Environmental Footprint and Sustainable Development)

Open AccessArticle MuSAE: A European Project for the Diffusion of Energy and Environmental Planning in Small-Medium Sized Municipalities

by Giorgio Baldinelli, Francesco Bianchi, Matteo Cornicchia, Francesco D’Alessandro, Gabriele De Micheli, Gaia Gifuni, Andrea Monsignori, Maria Ruggiero, Michele Cenci, Fabrizio Bonucci, Francesco Zepparelli and Claudio Mariotti

Sustainability 2015, 7(12), 16435-16450; doi:10.3390/su71215823

Received: 27 October 2015 / Revised: 25 November 2015 / Accepted: 3 December 2015 / Published: 11 December 2015

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 841 | PDF Full-text (2604 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

The basic idea of the EU LIFE+ 2011 project MuSAE (“Municipalities Subsidiarity for Actions on Energy”, code LIFE11 ENV/IT/000016) consists of transferring the skills and experience related to energy planning, acquired by the leading beneficiary, the Municipality of Perugia, to three small- or

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The basic idea of the EU LIFE+ 2011 project MuSAE (“Municipalities Subsidiarity for Actions on Energy”, code LIFE11 ENV/IT/000016) consists of transferring the skills and experience related to energy planning, acquired by the leading beneficiary, the Municipality of Perugia, to three small- or medium-sized Umbrian Municipalities (Marsciano, Umbertide and Lisciano Niccone). This transfer is aimed, among other objectives, at the drafting of the Municipal Energy and Environmental Plan (MEEP) and the opening of an energy information office in each partner Municipality, in cooperation with CIRIAF and Umbria Region. The present paper provides a summary of MuSAE activities, analyzing the procedures and modalities of implementation of the various phases of the MEEPs, on the basis of the experience gained over the years through the collaboration with the Municipality of Perugia and adapted to smaller territories such as those represented by the other partner Municipalities. A summary of the dissemination activities and pilot projects is also presented, testifying the first concrete results of the planning activity developed by each administration within the project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th CIRIAF National Congress – Environmental Footprint and Sustainable Development)

Open AccessArticle Major Hydraulic Projects, Coalitions and Conflict. Seville’s Harbour and the Dredging of the Guadalquivir (Spain)

by Jesús Vargas and Pilar Paneque

Water 2015, 7(12), 6736-6749; doi:10.3390/w7126658

Received: 2 September 2015 / Revised: 12 November 2015 / Accepted: 20 November 2015 / Published: 30 November 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 809 | PDF Full-text (1073 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Major hydraulic projects have a long tradition in Spain and must be contextualised within the framework of the so-called “hydraulic paradigm”, according to which demand must be met with a sustained increase in supply. These large projects, which include but are not limited

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Major hydraulic projects have a long tradition in Spain and must be contextualised within the framework of the so-called “hydraulic paradigm”, according to which demand must be met with a sustained increase in supply. These large projects, which include but are not limited to the construction of large reservoirs, share a series of characteristics: their implementation relies on state economic and ideological support, their socioeconomic impact tends to be overestimated, their cost tends to be underestimated, they are presented as politically neutral, and they are the source of socio-environmental conflict. In order to gain a better understanding of this, we analyse the conflict generated by the dredging of the Guadalquivir River (Proyecto de Mejora de Accesos Marítimos al Puerto de Sevilla—MAM), a project aimed at improving navigability and access to the harbour of Seville (Spain). This project has highlighted the tensions underlying decision-making processes which pitch hegemonic policy makers against the rest of the stakeholders, as well as the lack of integrative and adaptive perspectives, institutional transparency and effective participation of all stakeholders in hydraulic policies. Full article

Open AccessArticle Evaluating the Alignment of Organizational and Project Contexts for BIM Adoption: A Case Study of a Large Owner Organization

by Hasan Burak Cavka, Sheryl Staub-French and Rachel Pottinger

Buildings 2015, 5(4), 1265-1300; doi:10.3390/buildings5041265

Received: 17 August 2015 / Revised: 9 October 2015 / Accepted: 13 November 2015 / Published: 27 November 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1572 | PDF Full-text (5858 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) has been presented as a potential solution to current facilities management problems related to information exchange during handover, and facilities information management during operations. However, implementing BIM in an owner organization is a complex challenge that necessitates reconfiguration of

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Building information modeling (BIM) has been presented as a potential solution to current facilities management problems related to information exchange during handover, and facilities information management during operations. However, implementing BIM in an owner organization is a complex challenge that necessitates reconfiguration of work practices and internal structures to fully realize the benefits. Owners are often unsure about how or whether they should go through the challenges related to implementation. Although previous studies have documented the potential benefits of BIM adoption for owners, such as improvements in work order processing, very little research has specifically looked at the transition to BIM and the scale of the effort required for large and diverse owner organizations. This paper presents the results of a long-term embedded case study analysis of a large owner-operator institutional organization that investigated the alignment of facility management (FM) practices across organizational and project contexts. The research objective was to examine current organizational practices in order to understand the potential, as well as the challenges, of transitioning from a paper-based to a model-based approach in handover and operations. We describe the current state of handover, information management and facility management practices and developed a framework to characterize the alignment between organizational constructs, available technology, project artifacts and owner requirements. This investigation of the current state of practice enables us to understand the gap between available and required information, processes and technology, and to better understand the enormous challenges owners face when considering the transition to BIM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM in Building Lifecycle)

Open AccessArticle Science-Based IWRM Implementation in a Data-Scarce Central Asian Region: Experiences from a Research and Development Project in the Kharaa River Basin, Mongolia

by Daniel Karthe, Jürgen Hofmann, Ralf Ibisch, Sonja Heldt, Katja Westphal, Lucas Menzel, Saulyegul Avlyush and Marcus Malsy

Water 2015, 7(7), 3486-3514; doi:10.3390/w7073486

Received: 27 March 2015 / Revised: 27 May 2015 / Accepted: 12 June 2015 / Published: 1 July 2015

Abstract

Mongolia is not only a water-scarce but also a data-scarce country with regard to environmental information. At the same time, regional effects of global climate change, major land use changes, a booming mining sector, and growing cities with insufficient and decaying water and

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Mongolia is not only a water-scarce but also a data-scarce country with regard to environmental information. At the same time, regional effects of global climate change, major land use changes, a booming mining sector, and growing cities with insufficient and decaying water and wastewater infrastructures result in an increasingly unsustainable exploitation and contamination of ground and surface water resources putting at risk both aquatic ecosystems and human health. For the mesoscale (≈15,000 km²) model region of the Kharaa River Basin (KRB), we investigated (1) the current state of aquatic ecosystems, water availability and quality; (2) past and expected future trends in these fields and their drivers; (3) water governance structures and their recent reforms; and (4) technical and non-technical interventions as potential components of an integrated water resources management (IWRM). By now, the KRB is recognized as one of the most intensively studied river basins of the country, and considered a model region for science-based water resources management by the Mongolian government which recently adopted the IWRM concept in its National Water Program. Based on the scientific results and practical experiences from a six-year project in the KRB, the potentials and limitations of IWRM implementation under the conditions of data-scarcity are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management and Decision Making under limited Data Availability)

Open AccessArticle Residual Mix Calculation at the Heart of Reliable Electricity Disclosure in Europe—A Case Study on the Effect of the RE-DISS Project

by Markus Klimscheffskij, Thierry Van Craenenbroeck, Marko Lehtovaara, Diane Lescot, Angela Tschernutter, Claudia Raimundo, Dominik Seebach and Christof Timpe

Energies 2015, 8(6), 4667-4696; doi:10.3390/en8064667

Received: 28 January 2015 / Revised: 24 March 2015 / Accepted: 25 March 2015 / Published: 26 May 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1445 | PDF Full-text (1628 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

In the EU, electricity suppliers are obliged to disclose to their customers the energy origin and environmental impacts of sold electricity. To this end, guarantees of origin (GOs) are used to explicitly track electricity generation attributes to individual electricity consumers. When part of

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In the EU, electricity suppliers are obliged to disclose to their customers the energy origin and environmental impacts of sold electricity. To this end, guarantees of origin (GOs) are used to explicitly track electricity generation attributes to individual electricity consumers. When part of a reliable electricity disclosure system, GOs deliver an important means for consumers to participate in the support of renewable power. In order to be considered reliable, GOs require the support of an implicit disclosure system, a residual mix, which prevents once explicitly tracked attributes from being double counted in a default energy mix. This article outlines the key problems in implicit electricity disclosure: (1) uncorrected generation statistics used for implicit disclosure; (2) contract-based tracking; (3) uncoordinated calculation within Europe; (4) overlapping regions for implicit disclosure; (5) active GOs. The improvements achieved during the RE-DISS project (04/2010-10/2012) with regard to these problems have reduced the total implicit disclosure error by 168 TWh and double counting of renewable generation attributes by 70 TWh, in 16 selected countries. Quantitatively, largest individual improvements were achieved in Norway, Germany and Italy. Within the 16 countries, a total disclosure error of 75 TWh and double counting of renewable generation attributes of 36 TWh still reside after the end of the project on national level. Regarding the residual mix calculation methodology, the article justifies the implementation of a shifted transaction-based method instead of a production year-based method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Policy and Climate Change) Printed Edition available

Open AccessArticle Rethinking Sustainability, Scaling Up, and Enabling Environment: A Framework for Their Implementation in Drinking Water Supply

by Urooj Q. Amjad, Edema Ojomo, Kristen Downs, Ryan Cronk and Jamie Bartram

Water 2015, 7(4), 1497-1514; doi:10.3390/w7041497

Received: 31 December 2014 / Revised: 3 March 2015 / Accepted: 18 March 2015 / Published: 3 April 2015

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Abstract

The terms sustainability, scaling up, and enabling environment are inconsistently used in implementing water supply projects. To clarify these terms we develop a framework based on Normalization Process Theory, and apply the framework to a hypothetical water supply project in schools. The resulting

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The terms sustainability, scaling up, and enabling environment are inconsistently used in implementing water supply projects. To clarify these terms we develop a framework based on Normalization Process Theory, and apply the framework to a hypothetical water supply project in schools. The resulting framework provides guidance on how these terms could be implemented and analyzed in water supply projects. We conclude that effective use of the terms sustainability, scaling up, and enabling environment would focus on purpose, process, and perspective. This is the first known attempt to analyze the implementation of the three terms together in the context of water supply services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Treatment and Human Health)

Open AccessArticle Educational Project for the Teaching of Control of Electric Traction Drives

by Pablo Moreno-Torres, Marcos Blanco, Marcos Lafoz and Jaime R. Arribas

Energies 2015, 8(2), 921-938; doi:10.3390/en8020921

Received: 3 November 2014 / Accepted: 13 January 2015 / Published: 28 January 2015

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Abstract

Electric vehicles constitute a multidisciplinary subject that involves disciplines such as automotive, mechanical, electrical and control engineering. Due to this multidisciplinary technical nature, practical teaching methodologies are of special relevance. Paradoxically, in the past, the training of engineers specializing in this area has

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Electric vehicles constitute a multidisciplinary subject that involves disciplines such as automotive, mechanical, electrical and control engineering. Due to this multidisciplinary technical nature, practical teaching methodologies are of special relevance. Paradoxically, in the past, the training of engineers specializing in this area has lacked the practical component represented by field tests, due to the difficulty of accessing real systems. This paper presents an educational project specifically designed for the teaching and training of engineering students with different backgrounds and experience. The teaching methodology focuses on the topology of electric traction drives and their control. It includes two stages, a simulation computer model and a scaled laboratory workbench that comprises a traction electrical drive coupled to a vehicle emulator. With this equipment, the effectiveness of different traction control strategies can be analyzed from the point of view of energy efficiency, robustness, easiness of implementation and acoustic noise. Full article

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Open AccessArticle Ecological Footprint of Biological Resource Consumption in a Typical Area of the Green for Grain Project in Northwestern China

by Jie Hu, Lin Zhen, Chuan-Zhun Sun, Bing-Zhen Du and Chao Wang

Environments 2015, 2(1), 44-60; doi:10.3390/environments2010044

Received: 25 August 2014 / Accepted: 5 January 2015 / Published: 9 January 2015

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Abstract

Following the implementation of the Green for Grain Project in 2000 in Guyuan, China, the decrease in cultivated land and subsequent increase in forest and grassland pose substantial challenges for the supply of biological products. Whether the current biologically productive land-use patterns in

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Following the implementation of the Green for Grain Project in 2000 in Guyuan, China, the decrease in cultivated land and subsequent increase in forest and grassland pose substantial challenges for the supply of biological products. Whether the current biologically productive land-use patterns in Guyuan satisfy the biological product requirements for local people is an urgent problem. In this study, the ecological footprints of biological resource consumption in Guyuan were calculated and analyzed based on the ‘City Hectare’ Ecological Footprint (EF) Method. The EFs of different types of biological resource products consumed from different types of biologically productive land were then analyzed. In addition, the EFs of various biological resource products before and after the implementation of the Green for Grain Project (1998 and 2012) were assessed. The actual EF and bio-capacity (BC) were compared, and differences in the EF and BC for different types of biologically productive lands before and after the project were analyzed. The results showed that the EF of Guyuan’s biological resource products was 0.65866 ha/cap, with an EF outflow and EF inflow of 0.2280 ha/cap and 0.0951 ha/cap, respectively. The per capita EF of Guyuan significantly decreased after the project, as did the ecological deficit. Whereas the cultivated land showed a deficit, grasslands were characterized by ecological surplus. The total EF of living resource consumption in Guyuan was 810,941 ha, and the total BC was 768,065 ha. In additional to current biological production areas, approximately 42,876 ha will be needed to satisfy the demands of Guyuan’s people. Cultivated land is the main type of biologically productive land that is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 2014 Global Land Project (GLP) Asia Conference)

Open AccessArticle Impact Assessment and Multicriteria Decision Analysis of Alternative Managed Aquifer Recharge Strategies Based on Treated Wastewater in Northern Gaza

by Mohammad Azizur Rahman, Bernd Rusteberg, Mohammad Salah Uddin, Muath Abu Saada, Ayman Rabi and Martin Sauter

Water 2014, 6(12), 3807-3827; doi:10.3390/w6123807

Received: 6 June 2014 / Revised: 19 November 2014 / Accepted: 27 November 2014 / Published: 8 December 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1543 | PDF Full-text (1168 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

For better planning of a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project, the most promising strategies should analyze the environmental impact, socio-economic efficiency, and their contribution to the existing or future water resource conditions in the region. The challenge of such studies is to combine

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For better planning of a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project, the most promising strategies should analyze the environmental impact, socio-economic efficiency, and their contribution to the existing or future water resource conditions in the region. The challenge of such studies is to combine and quantify a wide range of criteria from the environment and society. This necessity leads to an integrated concept and analysis. This paper outlines an integrated approach considering environmental, health, social and economic aspects to support in the decision-making process to implement a managed aquifer recharge project as a potential response to water resource problems. In order to demonstrate the approach in detail, this paper analysed several water resources management strategies based on MAR implementation, by using treated wastewater in the Northern Gaza Strip and the potential impacts of the strategies on groundwater resources, agriculture, environment, health, economy and society. Based on the Palestinian water policy (Year 2005–2025) on wastewater reuse, three MAR strategies were developed in close cooperation with the local decision makers. The strategies were compared with a base line strategy referred to as the so-called “Do Nothing Approach”. The results of the study show that MAR project implementation with treated wastewater at a maximum rate, considered together with sustainable development of groundwater, is the best and most robust strategy amongst those analyzed. The analysis shows the defined MAR strategies contribute to water resources development and environmental protection or improvement including an existing eutrophic lake. The integrated approach used in this paper may be applicable not only to MAR project implementation but also to other water resources and environmental development projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policy and Economics of Managed Aquifer Recharge and Water Banking) Printed Edition available

Open AccessArticle Improving China’s Environmental Performance through Adaptive Implementation—A Comparative Case Study of Cleaner Production in Hangzhou and Guiyang

by Ting Guan, Dieter Grunow and Jianxing Yu

Sustainability 2014, 6(12), 8889-8908; doi:10.3390/su6128889

Received: 24 August 2014 / Revised: 5 November 2014 / Accepted: 24 November 2014 / Published: 3 December 2014

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Abstract

This paper examines local policy implementation of Cleaner Production (CP) in China. As the major policy implementer, China’s local government plays a crucial role in promoting CP. A better understanding of the factors affecting local government’s incentives regarding CP and different strategies available

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This paper examines local policy implementation of Cleaner Production (CP) in China. As the major policy implementer, China’s local government plays a crucial role in promoting CP. A better understanding of the factors affecting local government’s incentives regarding CP and different strategies available to the local government can help policy makers and implementers improve CP practices and other environmental policy outcomes. This paper uses the cases of Hangzhou and Guiyang to demonstrate that local conditions of policy implementation have a direct impact on the success of CP promotion. Based on 35 in-depth interviews, statistical data and internal government reports, we find that the location-based incentives of local government strongly influence their implementation strategies; and that the choices of different strategies can bring out various policy results. From this study, the identified location-based incentives are affected by energy resource endowment, economic development stage and technological competence. The successful implementation strategies involve using different policy instruments synthetically, regulating CP service organizations by controlling their qualifications, differentiating CP subsidizations, and improving transparency of project progress and outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in China: Bridging Global Knowledge with Local Action) Printed Edition available

Open AccessArticle Coping with a Self-Induced Shock: The Heterarchic Organization of the London Olympic Games 2012

by Gernot Grabher and Joachim Thiel

Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3), 527-548; doi:10.3390/socsci3030527

Received: 4 May 2014 / Revised: 12 August 2014 / Accepted: 26 August 2014 / Published: 11 September 2014

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Abstract

This paper starts from the assumption of a structural analogy between mega-events and large-scale disasters. Both imply forceful interruptions of everyday routines, and both involve imperatives for imminent action. Similar to the immovable deadline of an opening ceremony, a looming natural disaster triggers

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This paper starts from the assumption of a structural analogy between mega-events and large-scale disasters. Both imply forceful interruptions of everyday routines, and both involve imperatives for imminent action. Similar to the immovable deadline of an opening ceremony, a looming natural disaster triggers a complex set of precautions and preparations to cope with the inescapable forthcoming shock. In the case of mega-events, of course, this shock is self-induced. In fact, cities fiercely compete to host mega-events. In the face of the daunting challenges of hosting a mega-event—the immovable timeframe, the rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies, and the exceptional public visibility—the authorities and organizations in charge traditionally have resorted to strategies of a strict adaptation to the conditions imposed on them. Aligning all available resources and capabilities to match the foreseeable demands, however, undermines the adaptability to cope with unpredictable perturbations. This paper seeks to explore the strategies and practices to attain adaptability during the preparation, staging and implementation of legacy plans of a mega-event with an evidentially noteworthy record: the London Olympic Games 2012. The paper seeks to demonstrate that the project ecology in charge managed to enhance adaptability by implementing three key features of heterarchy: ambiguity, redundancy and loose coupling. By leveraging the principles of heterarchy, the project ecology was able to draw lessons from previous mega-events and both to anticipate and respond to unforeseen challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructing Resilience, Negotiating Vulnerability)

Open AccessArticle Water Banks: Using Managed Aquifer Recharge to Meet Water Policy Objectives

by Sharon B. Megdal, Peter Dillon and Kenneth Seasholes

Water 2014, 6(6), 1500-1514; doi:10.3390/w6061500

Received: 20 February 2014 / Revised: 20 May 2014 / Accepted: 21 May 2014 / Published: 28 May 2014

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Abstract

Innovation born of necessity to secure water for the U.S. state of Arizona has yielded a model of water banking that serves as an international prototype for effective use of aquifers for drought and emergency supplies. If understood and adapted to local hydrogeological

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Innovation born of necessity to secure water for the U.S. state of Arizona has yielded a model of water banking that serves as an international prototype for effective use of aquifers for drought and emergency supplies. If understood and adapted to local hydrogeological and water supply and demand conditions, this could provide a highly effective solution for water security elsewhere. Arizona is a semi-arid state in the southwestern United States that has growing water demands, significant groundwater overdraft, and surface water supplies with diminishing reliability. In response, Arizona has developed an institutional and regulatory framework that has allowed large-scale implementation of managed aquifer recharge in the state’s deep alluvial groundwater basins. The most ambitious recharge activities involve the storage of Colorado River water that is delivered through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). The CAP system delivers more than 1850 million cubic meters (MCM) per year to Arizona’s two largest metropolitan areas, Phoenix and Tucson, along with agricultural users and sovereign Native American Nations, but the CAP supply has junior priority and is subject to reduction during declared shortages on the Colorado River. In the mid-1980s the State of Arizona established a framework for water storage and recovery; and in 1996 the Arizona Water Banking Authority was created to mitigate the impacts of Colorado River shortages; to create water management benefits; and to allow interstate storage. The Banking Authority has stored more than 4718 MCM of CAP water; including more than 740 MCM for the neighboring state of Nevada. The Nevada storage was made possible through a series of interrelated agreements involving regional water agencies and the federal government. The stored water will be recovered within Arizona; allowing Nevada to divert an equal amount of Colorado River water from Lake Mead; which is upstream of CAP’s point of diversion. This paper describes water banking in Arizona from a policy perspective and identifies reasons for its implementation. It goes on to explore conditions under which water banking could successfully be applied to other parts of the world, specifically including Australia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policy and Economics of Managed Aquifer Recharge and Water Banking) Printed Edition available

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Open AccessArticle Multi-Scalar Governance for Restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: A Case Study on Small Landholdings in Protected Areas of Sustainable Development

by Alaine A. Ball, Alice Gouzerh and Pedro H. S. Brancalion

Forests 2014, 5(4), 599-619; doi:10.3390/f5040599

Received: 7 February 2014 / Revised: 14 March 2014 / Accepted: 20 March 2014 / Published: 3 April 2014

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Abstract

Implementation of forest restoration projects requires cross-scale and hybrid forms of governance involving the state, the market, civil society, individuals, communities, and other actors. Using a case study from the Atlantic Forest Hotspot, we examine the governance of a large-scale forest restoration project

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Implementation of forest restoration projects requires cross-scale and hybrid forms of governance involving the state, the market, civil society, individuals, communities, and other actors. Using a case study from the Atlantic Forest Hotspot, we examine the governance of a large-scale forest restoration project implemented by an international non-governmental organization (NGO) on family farmer landholdings located within protected areas of sustainable development. In addition to forest restoration, the project aims to provide an economic benefit to participating farmers by including native species with market potential (fruits, timber) in restoration models and by contracting farmers in the planting phase. We employed qualitative methods such as structured interviews and participant observation to assess the effect of environmental policy and multi-scalar governance on implementation and acceptability of the project by farmers. We demonstrate that NGO and farmer expectations for the project were initially misaligned, hampering farmer participation. Furthermore, current policy complicated implementation and still poses barriers to project success, and projects must remain adaptable to changing legal landscapes. We recommend increased incorporation of social science methods in earlier stages of projects, as well as throughout the course of implementation, in order to better assess the needs and perspectives of participants, as well as to minimize trade-offs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governing Forest Restoration: Social, Environmental and Institutional Dimensions) Printed Edition available

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Open AccessArticle Tenure Issues in REDD+ Pilot Project Sites in Tanzania

by Therese Dokken, Susan Caplow, Arild Angelsen and William D. Sunderlin

Forests 2014, 5(2), 234-255; doi:10.3390/f5020234

Received: 27 November 2013 / Revised: 27 January 2014 / Accepted: 12 February 2014 / Published: 20 February 2014

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Abstract

REDD+ has been proposed as a viable option for addressing climate change in the near term, and at relatively low cost. There is a broad consensus that clearly defined tenure rights are important for the implementation and success of REDD+, both to manage

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REDD+ has been proposed as a viable option for addressing climate change in the near term, and at relatively low cost. There is a broad consensus that clearly defined tenure rights are important for the implementation and success of REDD+, both to manage forests effectively and to protect local communities’ livelihoods. We use primary data from 23 villages in six REDD+ pilot sites in Tanzania to identify causes of deforestation and forest degradation, and tenure rights issues, at the village level prior to project implementation. Further, interviews with project proponents and examination of project documents yields insights into how the proponents plan to address tenure issues. Most villages perceive their tenure as secure and have exclusion rights, while collective action challenges are prevalent in villages experiencing deforestation and forest degradation. These findings suggest that the main tenure issues are related to internal institutional arrangements. While we find that tenure is high on the agenda for all the project proponents, they are mainly focusing on formalization and securing tenure rights from state to community level. Though we do find this to be a precondition for reducing deforestation and degradation, some of their focus should be shifted to strengthening village institutions and enhancing internal compliance. Full article

Open AccessArticle Sustainability Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Roof Waterproofing Methods Considering LCCO₂

by Sangyong Kim, Gwang-Hee Kim and Young-Do Lee

Sustainability 2014, 6(1), 158-174; doi:10.3390/su6010158

Received: 27 September 2013 / Revised: 19 November 2013 / Accepted: 18 December 2013 / Published: 27 December 2013

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1704 | PDF Full-text (671 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

In a construction project, selection of an appropriate method in the planning/design stage is very important for ensuring effective project implementation and success. Many companies have adopted the life cycle cost (LCC) method, one of the methods for analyzing economic efficiency, for appropriate

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In a construction project, selection of an appropriate method in the planning/design stage is very important for ensuring effective project implementation and success. Many companies have adopted the life cycle cost (LCC) method, one of the methods for analyzing economic efficiency, for appropriate decision-making in the basic/detailed design stage by estimating overall costs and expenses generated over the entire project. This paper presents an LCC method for calculating the LCC of CO₂ (LCCO₂), based on materials committed during the lifecycle of a structure for each roof waterproofing method and adding this cost to the LCC for comparative analysis. Thus, this technique presents the LCC that includes the cost of CO₂ emission. The results show that in terms of initial construction cost, asphalt waterproofing had the highest CO₂ emission cost, followed by sheet waterproofing. LCCO₂ did not greatly influence the initial construction cost and maintenance cost, as it is relatively smaller than the LCC. However, when the number of durable years was changed, the LCC showed some changes. Full article

Open AccessArticle Predicting Future Conflict under REDD+ Implementation

by Toral Patel, Ahmad Dhiaulhaq, David Gritten, Yurdi Yasmi, Toon De Bruyn, Naya Sharma Paudel, Harisharan Luintel, Dil B. Khatri, Chandra Silori and Regan Suzuki

Forests 2013, 4(2), 343-363; doi:10.3390/f4020343

Received: 22 February 2013 / Revised: 29 April 2013 / Accepted: 2 May 2013 / Published: 10 May 2013

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Abstract

With the current complexity of issues facing forest and land management, the implementation of the REDD+ initiative comes with significant risks, including conflict. While the exact nature and shape of conflict in REDD+ implementation is difficult to pinpoint, this study aims to build

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With the current complexity of issues facing forest and land management, the implementation of the REDD+ initiative comes with significant risks, including conflict. While the exact nature and shape of conflict in REDD+ implementation is difficult to pinpoint, this study aims to build a preliminary predictive framework to identify possible sources of impairment that may result in conflict over management of forests and natural resources. The framework was developed from an extensive literature review and was tested in three REDD+ pilot project sites in Nepal. The results indicate that most of the sources of impairment are present in all study sites, particularly issues relating to benefit sharing, which have been main drivers of conflict prior to REDD+. While we found that the application of the framework has been useful in the Nepalese context, there are some limitations in its scope and precision. Nonetheless, this study points to important implications with regards to REDD+ implementation and conflict management that can be useful for policy makers and practitioners involved in REDD+ strategy designs, as well as other areas of forest management involving outsiders and communities. Full article

Open AccessArticle Do We Teach What We Preach? An International Comparison of Problem- and Project-Based Learning Courses in Sustainability

by Katja Brundiers and Arnim Wiek

Sustainability 2013, 5(4), 1725-1746; doi:10.3390/su5041725

Received: 11 February 2013 / Revised: 10 April 2013 / Accepted: 11 April 2013 / Published: 23 April 2013

Abstract

Problem- and project-based learning (PPBL) courses in sustainability address real-world sustainability problems. They are considered powerful educational settings for building students’ sustainability expertise. In practice, however, these courses often fail to fully incorporate sustainability competencies, participatory research education, and experiential learning. Only few

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Problem- and project-based learning (PPBL) courses in sustainability address real-world sustainability problems. They are considered powerful educational settings for building students’ sustainability expertise. In practice, however, these courses often fail to fully incorporate sustainability competencies, participatory research education, and experiential learning. Only few studies exist that compare and appraise PPBL courses internationally against a synthesized body of the literature to create an evidence base for designing PPBL courses. This article introduces a framework for PPBL courses in sustainability and reviews PPBL practice in six programs around the world (Europe, North America, Australia). Data was collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews with course instructors and program officers, as well as document analysis. Findings indicate that the reviewed PPBL courses are of high quality and carefully designed. Each PPBL course features innovative approaches to partnerships between the university and private organizations, extended peer-review, and the role of knowledge brokers. Yet, the findings also indicate weaknesses including paucity of critical learning objectives, solution-oriented research methodology, and follow-up research on implementation. Through the comparative design, the study reveals improvement strategies for the identified challenges and provides guidance for design and redesign of PPBL courses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Education: a Critical Reappraisal of Practice and Purpose)

Open AccessArticle Teacher Characteristics and Perceptions of Pest Management Curricula: Clues to Adoption and Continuation

by Makena Mason, Maria Aihara-Sasaki and J. Kenneth Grace

Insects 2013, 4(2), 177-184; doi:10.3390/insects4020177

Received: 25 January 2013 / Revised: 20 March 2013 / Accepted: 2 April 2013 / Published: 15 April 2013

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Abstract

Educate to Eradicate is a K-12 curriculum project using termite biology and control as the basis for science education that has been implemented in over 350 Hawaii public school classrooms. To encourage sustained implementation of the project, we aimed to identify factors that

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Educate to Eradicate is a K-12 curriculum project using termite biology and control as the basis for science education that has been implemented in over 350 Hawaii public school classrooms. To encourage sustained implementation of the project, we aimed to identify factors that influence the adoption and continuation of pest management curricula in public school classrooms. Regression analysis of teacher survey data were used to create predictive models of teacher continuation. Teachers motivated by “exciting students about science”, who perceived increases in “student understanding and comprehension of major termite knowledge concepts” and/or students as “more interested in termites after participating in this project” were more likely to continue curriculum. Teachers who had worked at their current school over 21 years at the time of curriculum adoption, and/or who identified having subject specialties not listed on the survey were less likely to continue curriculum. Additionally, teachers servicing lower socioeconomic level students were less likely to continue the curricula. Full article

Open AccessArticle Partnership Models for Climate Compatible Development: Experiences from Zambia

by Jen C. Dyer, Julia Leventon, Lindsay C. Stringer, Andrew J. Dougill, Stephen Syampungani, Muleba Nshimbi, Francis Chama and Ackson Kafwifwi

Resources 2013, 2(1), 1-25; doi:10.3390/resources2010001

Received: 11 January 2013 / Revised: 25 February 2013 / Accepted: 10 March 2013 / Published: 20 March 2013

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Abstract

Partnership working is necessary to allow nations to harness the evolving opportunities presented by climate finance and to progress towards climate compatible development (CCD). However, the new multi-stakeholder partnerships being formed and the factors affecting their outcomes remain poorly understood. This paper aims

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Partnership working is necessary to allow nations to harness the evolving opportunities presented by climate finance and to progress towards climate compatible development (CCD). However, the new multi-stakeholder partnerships being formed and the factors affecting their outcomes remain poorly understood. This paper aims to identify the characteristics of partnership models that can lead to successful delivery of CCD projects by analyzing case study data from two projects in Zambia. The projects are primarily funded under the umbrella of Corporate Social Responsibility and support activities such as conservation farming which can have carbon storage (mitigation), adaptation and rural development benefits. In each of the case study projects, multiple partnerships have been established between private sector companies, government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), traditional authorities and community stakeholders to achieve project aims. A new partnership evaluation model is developed and applied to analyze the partnerships formed. Findings show that the rationale behind the partnership, partner-related factors, and process-related factors can all affect achievement of the project’s aims. Good practices are identified which can inform future partnerships and projects. For example, when establishing a project, the initiating partner must identify gaps that can be addressed by establishing one or more partnership(s). Careful consideration of which partners can best address these gaps allows for synergies in contributions across the partnership required for successful project implementation. Transparency, openness and communication over roles and responsibilities are key to successful partnerships, and power imbalances between partners will reduce the utilization of each partner’s strengths. When working with communities, extra care must be taken to ensure projects are appropriate and relevant to local needs, as well as allowing goals to be met, by engaging communities from the beginning of the project. Full article

Open AccessArticle Innovative Urban Water Management as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Results from the Implementation of the Project “Water Against Climate Change (WATACLIC)”

by Giulio Conte, Andrea Bolognesi, Cristiana Bragalli, Sara Branchini, Alessandro De Carli, Chiara Lenzi, Fabio Masi, Antonio Massarutto, Marco Pollastri and Ilaria Principi

Water 2012, 4(4), 1025-1038; doi:10.3390/w4041025

Received: 7 October 2012 / Revised: 29 November 2012 / Accepted: 11 December 2012 / Published: 19 December 2012

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Abstract

The excessive use of water is damaging European groundwater and rivers: their environmental conditions are often below the “good status” that—according to Water Framework Directive 2000/60—should be reached by 2015. The already critical situation is tending to get worse because of climate change.

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The excessive use of water is damaging European groundwater and rivers: their environmental conditions are often below the “good status” that—according to Water Framework Directive 2000/60—should be reached by 2015. The already critical situation is tending to get worse because of climate change. Even in water rich countries, urban wastewater is still one of the main sources of water pollution. Currently, urban soil sealing and “conventional” rainwater management, which were planned to quickly move rainwater away from roofs and streets, are increasing the flood risk. “Green” technologies and approaches would permit a reduction in water abstraction and wastewater production while improving urban hydrological response to heavy rains. The Life+ WATACLIC project has been implemented to promote such sustainable technologies and approaches in Italy, however the results show huge difficulties: apparently water saving and sustainable urban water management have only low interest amongst the general public and even with public administrations and the relevant industrial sectors. In such a cultural and technical context, the project is bringing a new point of view to public debate. In the long term, the project will certainly have a positive impact, but most likely it will require more time than initially expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management)

Open AccessArticle Operational Automatic Remote Sensing Image Understanding Systems: Beyond Geographic Object-Based and Object-Oriented Image Analysis (GEOBIA/GEOOIA). Part 2: Novel system Architecture, Information/Knowledge Representation, Algorithm Design and Implementation

by Andrea Baraldi and Luigi Boschetti

Remote Sens. 2012, 4(9), 2768-2817; doi:10.3390/rs4092768

Received: 25 June 2012 / Revised: 3 September 2012 / Accepted: 11 September 2012 / Published: 20 September 2012

Abstract

According to literature and despite their commercial success, state-of-the-art two-stage non-iterative geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) systems and three-stage iterative geographic object-oriented image analysis (GEOOIA) systems, where GEOOIA/GEOBIA, remain affected by a lack of productivity, general consensus and research. To outperform the Quality

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According to literature and despite their commercial success, state-of-the-art two-stage non-iterative geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) systems and three-stage iterative geographic object-oriented image analysis (GEOOIA) systems, where GEOOIA/GEOBIA, remain affected by a lack of productivity, general consensus and research. To outperform the Quality Indexes of Operativeness (OQIs) of existing GEOBIA/GEOOIA systems in compliance with the Quality Assurance Framework for Earth Observation (QA4EO) guidelines, this methodological work is split into two parts. Based on an original multi-disciplinary Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the GEOBIA/GEOOIA approaches, the first part of this work promotes a shift of learning paradigm in the pre-attentive vision first stage of a remote sensing (RS) image understanding system (RS-IUS), from sub-symbolic statistical model-based (inductive) image segmentation to symbolic physical model-based (deductive) image preliminary classification capable of accomplishing image sub-symbolic segmentation and image symbolic pre-classification simultaneously. In the present second part of this work, a novel hybrid (combined deductive and inductive) RS-IUS architecture featuring a symbolic deductive pre-attentive vision first stage is proposed and discussed in terms of: (a) computational theory (system design), (b) information/knowledge representation, (c) algorithm design and (d) implementation. As proof-of-concept of symbolic physical model-based pre-attentive vision first stage, the spectral knowledge-based, operational, near real-time, multi-sensor, multi-resolution, application-independent Satellite Image Automatic Mapper™ (SIAM™) is selected from existing literature. To the best of these authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a symbolic syntactic inference system, like SIAM™, is made available to the RS community for operational use in a RS-IUS pre-attentive vision first stage, to accomplish multi-scale image segmentation and multi-granularity image pre-classification simultaneously, automatically and in near real-time. Full article

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Open AccessArticle Towards a Risk Governance Culture in Flood Policy—Findings from the Implementation of the “Floods Directive” in Germany

by Marc Daniel Heintz, Maria Hagemeier-Klose and Klaus Wagner

Water 2012, 4(1), 135-156; doi:10.3390/w4010135

Received: 1 December 2011 / Revised: 16 January 2012 / Accepted: 16 January 2012 / Published: 2 February 2012

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Abstract

The European Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks is likely to cause changes to flood policy in Germany and other member states. With its risk governance approach, it introduces a holistic and catchment-oriented flood risk management and tries to overcome

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The European Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks is likely to cause changes to flood policy in Germany and other member states. With its risk governance approach, it introduces a holistic and catchment-oriented flood risk management and tries to overcome shortcomings of the past, such as the event-driven construction of mainly structural measures. However, there is leeway for interpretation in implementing the directive. The present paper gives an overview on the implementation of the floods directive in Germany and is divided into two qualitative empirical case studies. Case Study I investigates the level of acceptance of the floods directive among decision-makers in the German part of the Rhine river basin. Findings show that the federal states respond differently to the impulse given by the floods directive. Whereas some decision-makers opt for a pro-forma implementation, others take it as a starting point to systematically improve their flood policy. Case Study II presents recommendations for a successful implementation of flood risk management plans that have been developed within a project for the water authority in Bavaria and might be interesting for other federal/member states. For a participation of the interested parties on the level of shared decision-making, the planning process has to work on sub-management-plan level (15–20 communities). The water resources authority has to adopt a multi-faceted role (expert, responsible or interested party depending on the discussed topics). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Management)

Open AccessArticle Implementing Brief Interventions in Health Care: Lessons Learned from the Swedish Risk Drinking Project

by Per Nilsen, Sven Wåhlin and Nick Heather

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(9), 3609-3627; doi:10.3390/ijerph8093609

Received: 30 June 2011 / Revised: 20 August 2011 / Accepted: 26 August 2011 / Published: 7 September 2011

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Abstract

The Risk Drinking Project was a national implementation endeavour in Sweden, carried out from 2004 to 2010, based on a government initiative to give alcohol issues a more prominent place in routine primary, child, maternity and occupational health care. The article describes and

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The Risk Drinking Project was a national implementation endeavour in Sweden, carried out from 2004 to 2010, based on a government initiative to give alcohol issues a more prominent place in routine primary, child, maternity and occupational health care. The article describes and analyses the project. Critical factors that were important for the results are identified. The magnitude of the project contributed to its reach and impact in terms of providers’ awareness of the project goals and key messages. The timing of the project was appropriate. The increase in alcohol consumption in Sweden and diminished opportunities for primary prevention strategies since entry to the European Union in 1995 have led to increased expectations for health care providers to become more actively involved in alcohol prevention. This awareness provided favourable conditions for this project. A multifaceted approach was used in the project. Most educational courses were held in workshops and seminars to encourage learning-by-doing. Motivational interviewing was an integral aspect. The concept of risk drinking was promoted in all the activities. Subprojects were tailored to the specific conditions of each respective setting, building on the skills the providers already had to modify existing work practices. Nurses were afforded a key role in the project. Full article

Open AccessArticle The “Wireless Sensor Networks for City-Wide Ambient Intelligence (WISE-WAI)” Project

by Paolo Casari, Angelo P. Castellani, Angelo Cenedese, Claudio Lora, Michele Rossi, Luca Schenato and Michele Zorzi

Sensors 2009, 9(6), 4056-4082; doi:10.3390/s90604056

Received: 19 March 2009 / Revised: 1 May 2009 / Accepted: 19 May 2009 / Published: 27 May 2009

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Abstract

This paper gives a detailed technical overview of some of the activities carried out in the context of the “Wireless Sensor networks for city-Wide Ambient Intelligence (WISEWAI)” project, funded by the Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo Foundation, Italy. The main aim

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This paper gives a detailed technical overview of some of the activities carried out in the context of the “Wireless Sensor networks for city-Wide Ambient Intelligence (WISEWAI)” project, funded by the Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo Foundation, Italy. The main aim of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale wireless sensor network deployments, whereby tiny objects integrating one or more environmental sensors (humidity, temperature, light intensity), a microcontroller and a wireless transceiver are deployed over a large area, which in this case involves the buildings of the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Padova. We will describe how the network is organized to provide full-scale automated functions, and which services and applications it is configured to provide. These applications include long-term environmental monitoring, alarm event detection and propagation, single-sensor interrogation, localization and tracking of objects, assisted navigation, as well as fast data dissemination services to be used, e.g., to rapidly re-program all sensors over-the-air. The organization of such a large testbed requires notable efforts in terms of communication protocols and strategies, whose design must pursue scalability, energy efficiency (while sensors are connected through USB cables for logging and debugging purposes, most of them will be battery-operated), as well as the capability to support applications with diverse requirements. These efforts, the description of a subset of the results obtained so far, and of the final objectives to be met are the scope of the present paper. Full article

Open AccessArticle Implementation of a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program among School-Aged Children: A Pilot Study

by Clifton C. Addison, Brenda W. Jenkins, Monique S. White and Lavon Young

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2006, 3(3), 274-277; doi:10.3390/ijerph2006030033

Received: 3 November 2005 / Accepted: 7 July 2006 / Published: 30 September 2006

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to test students’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease information and to determine if a carefully structured training program administered to high school students would increase their knowledge about cardiovascular disease and risk factors that are preventable. A pilot

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The objective of this study was to test students’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease information and to determine if a carefully structured training program administered to high school students would increase their knowledge about cardiovascular disease and risk factors that are preventable. A pilot study was conducted during which fifty high school students from nine counties in the State of Mississippi were measured for their knowledge of hypertension both at baseline and after the completion of an intervention training activity. There were significant gains in knowledge between the pre-test and the post-test that the students completed. The gains in knowledge indicate that elimination of risk factors is possible if all health care and school-based prevention programs are implemented to positively impact changes in eating and physical activity behaviors. Students’ involvement in such activities could translate into significant changes in risk factors at these ages and throughout their lifetime. It is widely accepted that these behavioral changes, if sustained into adulthood, could have the potential to influence cardiovascular risk reduction. Full article

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