Field Observations Research Articles

Assessment of Food Safety Regulation and Assurance System in Bangladesh's Milk Value Chain: Addressing Discrepancies and Strategies for Improvement

This study assesses the food safety regulation and assurance systems in Bangladesh's milk value chain, identifying discrepancies and proposing strategies for improvement. Conducted in three phases, it begins with a comprehensive review of secondary sources and consultations with experts, leading to the development and validation of checklists based on international food safety standards such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), and the Global GAP system. These standards were harmonized with national regulations, and data were collected using actor-specific checklists via a mobile application. The final phase involved field observations, stakeholder workshops, and expert panel discussions, using triangulation and Delphi techniques to validate findings and develop improvement strategies. The study reveals distinct challenges in both the formal and informal milk marketing sectors, with the informal sector often bypassing essential safety measures. Even within the formal sector, small and medium-scale operations struggle with maintaining adequate safety protocols. Specific concerns included the lack of registration and licensing, especially for cattle and buffalo farms, and the absence of certification for milk collectors. While chilling centers and sweetmeat shops showed moderate compliance with regulatory standards, significant gaps remain in biosecurity measures, waste management, animal housing, and record-keeping. Challenges in animal health management, such as improper disposal of veterinary waste and inadequate isolation of sick animals, were prevalent. Concerns about poor hygienic practices during milking, insufficient cool chain facilities, and inconsistent use of quality control measures were also noted. Only a small proportion of chilling plants and sweetmeat shops followed proper labeling and traceability protocols, posing risks to consumer safety. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening the regulatory framework, improving laboratory testing, and ensuring comprehensive record-keeping. A theory of change approach is proposed, focusing on capacity building, harmonizing regulations with international standards, and engaging stakeholders to improve food safety outcomes. The findings underscore the urgent need to address critical gaps in the food safety system in Bangladesh’s dairy sector to safeguard public health and promote the sustainability of the industry. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 257-273 (2024)

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Bridging Health and Sustainability: Evaluating Siloam Hospital Denpasar's Role in Advancing Medical Tourism Aligned with SDG 3

Objective: This study investigates the readiness of Siloam Hospital, Bali, to become a competitive player in medical tourism, with a focus on its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being). The aim is to assess the hospital's operational network and propose strategies for sustainable growth in healthcare. Theoretical Framework: Utilizing Actor-Network Theory (ANT), the research analyzes the interactions between human and non-human actors within the hospital’s ecosystem. This provides insights into operational readiness and outcomes directly supporting SDG 3. Method: The qualitative case study incorporates semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and field observations. Key stakeholders, including hospital staff, government officials, and international insurance officers, were examined to map their interactions within the hospital’s network. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal the centrality of the Medical Tourism Package in achieving SDG 3, while identifying weaknesses such as limited external collaborations and underutilization of cultural identity. Recommendations include fostering stronger external partnerships and integrating Balinese cultural elements into patient care to enhance healthcare accessibility and sustainability. Research Implications: The study provides practical recommendations for aligning medical tourism with SDG 3, offering insights for healthcare providers aiming for sustainable growth in health systems.

Persisting Rock-Buffered Conditions in the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic Dolomites of the Central Apennines (Italy) During Diagenesis, Burial, and Thrusting

Basin-scale dolomitization of carbonate sequences occurs over long time spans and results from diagenesis, burial, and tectonically driven fluid fluxes. Depicting the different geological processes producing dolomitized carbonate sequences requires combining accurate field, petrographic, and geochemical analyses. Here, we investigate the dolomitization processes in carbonates of the Norian to Toarcian age exposed in the Gran Sasso Massif, Central Apennines of Italy, by integrating field observations, standard and CL petrography, carbon, oxygen, strontium and clumped isotopes, minor elements, and X-ray diffractometry. The carbonates show pervasive replacive dolomitization, and dolomite cements are observed in bed-parallel and thrust-related veins. Replacive dolomites show incomplete replacement from modified seawater in oxidizing conditions, with minimum temperatures of 40–65 °C and a 87Sr/86Sr lower than coeval seawater. The first dolomitization event started at shallow burial in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and was later affected by replacement at intermediate burial depths. Bedding-parallel dolomite veins crystallized due to fluid overpressures at deep burial depths in a rock-buffered system without variations in geochemistry. Fault-related dolomites cemented thrust-related fractures during compressional deformation in the Messinian–Early Pliocene from seawater modified by mixing with external fluids. Precipitation temperatures of replacive, bedding-parallel, and fault-related dolomite veins are similar. Despite the dolomite types being characterized by different textures and petrographic features, rock-buffered conditions resulted in insignificant variations of their geochemical properties.

Summer urban synergistic effects of anthropogenic pollutants and low-molecular-weight biogenic volatile organic compounds on secondary organic aerosol presented by PM1.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are emitted by urban vegetation and can interact with anthropogenic pollutants to generate secondary organic aerosols (SOA) that are atmospheric pollutants in urban environments. In urban forests, SOA comprise up to 90% of all fine aerosols (particulate matter smaller than 1μm [PM1]) in the summer. PM1 can greatly affect urban air quality and public health. The formation of SOA is affected by both environmental conditions and the presence of light BVOCs-predominantly isoprene, pentene, butene, and 1,3-butadiene. These factors exhibit complex interactions and nonlinear relationships. In this study, high-frequency field observations were conducted in two urban forest sites in Shanghai during the summers of 2022 and 2023. Data were collected regarding the concentrations of light BVOCs; SOA; and the anthropogenic pollutants NOx, O3, and SO2, as well as solar radiation, temperature, and humidity. A model was developed to identify the synergistic effects of anthropogenic pollutants, meteorological factors, and BVOCs on SOA concentrations. Increases in short-term SOA concentrations were most strongly correlated with O3, which had a synergistic effect alongside NOx. The empirical analysis indicated that 0.144-0.585μg/m3 SOA is produced per μg/m3 of urban BVOCs but can be augmented by 0.072-0.491μg/m3 in the presence of O3, NOx, and SO2. However, long-term feedback mechanisms in urban forests contribute to the maintenance of stable SOA concentrations. The field data and models in this study provide a scientific basis for regulating atmospheric pollutants in urban forests under real-world conditions and offer intuitive and straightforward solutions for managing complex urban air pollution. Synopsis: Anthropogenic pollutants NOx, O3, and SO2 boost BVOCs' SOA production in summer urban forests. Short-term, pollutants are restrictive factors in SOA generation, but long-term forest SOA production exhibits negative feedback.

Application of structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate reworks in sustainable buildings

PurposeSustainable buildings are designed to minimise the adverse impacts of buildings on users, occupants, communities and the environment while enhancing client investment, contractors’ productivity and profit margins. However, sustainable buildings often experience significant rework. This research aims to evaluate the complex interrelationships among the causes of rework in sustainable buildings using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. By testing the theory and validating a framework addressing the causes of rework in sustainable buildings, the construction sector can make a meaningful contribution towards a sustainable future.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed a questionnaire comprising 24 identified causes of rework in sustainable buildings, derived from an extensive literature review and field observations. The causes were evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from less occurrence to very high occurrence. The survey was administered to construction professionals via online platforms and direct hand delivery.FindingsThe identified causes of rework were grouped into four components through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and subsequently validated using SEM. These components are competency, information, framework and plan. While the measurement model demonstrated robustness, the structural model indicated the need for further refinement. The study provides actionable strategies to mitigate rework, supporting the advancement of sustainable practices within the construction sector.Originality/valueThe findings of this research carry substantial theoretical and practical significance for advancing knowledge and practices in the sustainable buildings market. Theoretically, the study enriches the understanding of rework causes and their interrelationships, providing a foundation for future research. Practically, the results serve as a vital resource for stakeholders in the construction sector and offer actionable insights to enhance decision-making, improve project outcomes and foster sustainable building practices.

Determinants and Strategies for Tourism Development at Gumumae Beach, Bula District, East Seram

Gumumae Beach is one of the leading tourist destinations in East Seram Regency. The attraction is beach tourism characterized by brown sand and sloping and dominated by coastal vegetation in the form of coastal cassowaries and mangroves. The problem is the increase in the number of visitors only on certain holidays. The purpose of this research is to formulate a development strategy for Gumumae Beach Tourism. This study uses qualitative methods, data collected through interviews, field observations and documentation. Data analysis used multiple regression and SWOT. The regression results show that the cost of travel and the length of visit are inversely proportional to the frequency of visits. That is, the greater the travel cost and the longer the visit, the frequency of visits will decrease. SWOT analysis resulted in three prioritized tourism development strategies, namely: 1) optimize the potential of natural beauty, beaches and mangroves and improve culinary infrastructure and local culture through cooperation with the private sector; 2) develop environmentally friendly, clean and adaptive coastal tourism to the impacts of climate change; and 3) improve the knowledge and skills of human resources to serve visitors and increase the contribution of tourism to local revenue.

Penerapan Nilai-Nilai Etika Dalam Filsafat Pendidikan Untuk Membangun Karakter Siswa

The purpose of this study is to find out the application of ethical values of educational philosophy in building students' character. This research method uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques through interviews and field observations. The data analysis technique uses qualitative analysis. The results of the study show that the inclusion of the character education program in the curriculum of SMP Setia Budi Binjai is considered a significant and valuable investment based on the findings of the study. The program's success in shaping and improving children's morals and ethics highlights the importance of building and promoting a systematic and sustainable character education program in schools. This study highlights the value of character education as a component that helps children's overall development, not just as a complement to the curriculum. As a result, when developing and implementing curricula in schools, educators and policymakers need to pay serious attention to character education.

VEGAS-SSS: An intra-group component in the globular cluster system of the NGC 5018 galaxy group using VST data

Globular clusters (GCs) offer a valuable tool as a fossil tracer of the formation and evolution of galaxies and their environment. Studying the properties of these stellar systems provides crucial insights into the past formation and interaction events of the galaxies, especially in galaxy group and cluster environments. We study the properties of globular cluster (GC) candidates in an area of 1.25 times 1.03 square degrees centred on the NGC,5018 galaxy group. We use the deep, wide field, and multi-passband (ugr) observations obtained with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) as part of the VST Elliptical GAlaxy Survey (VEGAS). With a focus on studying small stellar systems (SSS) associated with bright galaxies, this paper constitutes an extension of the VEGAS-SSS series investigating GCs in the NGC,5018 group. We derived photometric catalogues of compact and extended sources in the area and identified GC candidates using a set of photometric and morphometric selection parameters. A GC candidate catalogue has been provided and inspected using a statistical background decontamination technique, benefiting from the wide area coverage of the data. The 2D distribution map of GC candidates reveals an over-density of sources on the brightest member of the NGC,5018 group. No significant GC over-densities are observed in the other bright galaxies of the group. We report the discovery of a candidate local nucleated low-surface-brightness (LSB) dwarf galaxy that may possibly be engaged in a tidal interaction with NGC,5018. The 2D map also reveals an intra-group GC population aligning with the bright galaxies and along the intra-group light (IGL) component of the group. The radial density profile of GC candidates in NGC,5018 follows the galaxy surface brightness profile. The (g-r) colour profile of GC candidates centred on this galaxy shows no evidence of the well-known colour bimodality; however, it is observed instead in the intra-group population. From the GC luminosity function (GCLF) analysis, we find a low specific frequency N =0.59 ± 0.27 for NGC,5018, which is consistent with previous results based on less deep optical data over a smaller area. This relatively low S_! N value, coupled with the lack of colour bimodality, might be due to a combination of observational data limitations as well as the post-merger status of NGC,5018, which might host a population of relatively young GCs. For the intra-group GC population, we obtained a lower limit of N,gr ∼0.6. Using the GCLF as a distance indicator, we estimate that NGC 5018 is located $38.0 ± 7.9$ Mpc away, which is consistent with values reported in the literature.

High-Andean Vernacular Architecture: Sustainable Design for Healthy, Inclusive, and Sustainable Communities (SGD 3 and 11)

Objective: The objective of this research was to characterize thermal conductivity, spatial organization, ancestral beliefs, and customs, reflecting the economic, social, ideological, and psychological identities embedded in the landscape of rural vernacular dwellings in the Atuncolla municipality, Puno, Peru. Theoretical Framework: The vernacular architecture of the high-Andean regions of Peru has inspired sustainable design innovations, fostering environmental harmony while offering climatic solutions. This study explores its application in the context of Atuncolla, Puno. Method: A qualitative approach was used, combining field observations, architectural measurements, and interviews with residents. Data collection included spatial analysis, thermal performance testing, and ethnographic research on cultural adaptation strategies. Results and Discussion: Findings highlight adobe’s superior thermal performance due to its low thermal conductivity, measured between 0.182 and 0.225 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹. The thermal conductivity of concrete, in comparison, ranges from 0.35 to 0.791 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, indicating adobe's better insulating properties. Spatial analysis revealed key distances within residential complexes: kitchens were positioned 4.10 m from bedrooms, 5 m from bathrooms, and 12.5 m from stables. Courtyards measured 174 m² on average. These configurations, adapted to harsh climatic conditions, enhance energy efficiency and environmental resilience. Research Implications: The study suggests practical applications for improving rural housing by integrating traditional designs with modern sustainable technologies, promoting eco-efficient and culturally respectful housing models that address local climatic challenges. Originality/Value: This research rescues ancestral knowledge and integrates it with sustainable design principles. Its originality lies in combining ethnographic insights with architectural analysis, offering innovative perspectives on eco-friendly and culturally appropriate housing in high-Andean contexts, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements in sustainable rural architecture.

UNESCO Geopark Designation Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Econometric Descriptive Analysis Before and After

This study analyzes land-use changes in the lakeside area of Lake Toba in Toba Regency before and after its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020. Using satellite imagery, drone-assisted surveys, and field observations, the study quantifies specific changes in land cover and evaluates the impact of Geopark designation on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Between 2015 and 2023, natural vegetation increased by 8%, erosion-prone areas reduced by 12%, and compliance with zoning regulations improved by 15%. Environmental indicators such as phosphate concentrations dropped from 0.5 mg/L to 0.2 mg/L, while dissolved oxygen levels rose from 4.5 mg/L to 6.0 mg/L, signaling better water quality. However, challenges remain, including uneven community participation and gaps in zoning enforcement. Socially, community income from ecotourism activities increased by 25%, based on surveys and interviews conducted with local residents and stakeholders. The study highlights the importance of collaborative management frameworks involving governments, communities, and private sectors to ensure sustainable development. The findings provide strategic policy recommendations for adaptive environmental management, offering a replicable model for other tourism regions in Indonesia and beyond.

Integrasi Bahan Ajar Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Kajang dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis

Challenges in globalization highlight the need to integrate education, local wisdom, and environmental sustainability. Local wisdom-based education bridges science and culture, fostering critical thinking skills vital for global challenges. This research examines how teaching materials based on the local wisdom of the Kajang Ammatoa indigenous community can play a role in developing students' critical thinking skills. Literature review and field observation were used to identify potential local wisdom values of Kajang Ammatoa, such as Pasang ri Kajang, traditional rituals, and plant conservation, which were integrated into teaching modules, LKPD, and Digital Storytelling. The results of the analysis show that local wisdom-based teaching materials can be a bridge between science and culture, enriching students' scientific understanding through cultural contexts relevant to everyday life. In addition, this learning enhances students' critical thinking skills through multidisciplinary analysis that includes natural science and local cultural practices. This research also found that the integration of local wisdom in science learning can directly support in facing the challenges of the times in the era of globalization, such as quality education, handling climate change, and environmental preservation. Therefore, local wisdom-based teaching materials should be considered as an effective strategy in achieving a more holistic and sustainable education.

Impact of aerosol-photolysis interaction on the ozone concentration in the upper boundary layer on Mountain Everest.

Previous research has revealed that, during the late afternoon, the ozone (O3) concentration tends to elevate at the northern perimeter of Mount Everest (5200m above sea level). This increase is attributed to the natural gradient of rising O3 concentration with height, exacerbated by the corresponding downstream mountain winds. Our recent field observations corroborate this finding, showing a consistent increase in O3 concentrations by approximately 13.5±2.5 ppbv/km at a similar observational site. Despite these observations, the precise cause of this height-dependent increase in O3 remains elusive. In this study, we show that the influence of aerosol-photolysis interaction can partially explain the increment of O3 with height based on the field measurement results of the aerosol microphysical properties. Results show that the mean aerosol single scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, scattering angstrom index, and absorption angstrom index on the edge of the Mountain Everest were 0.98, 0.70, 1.3, and 0.66 respectively. The photolysis ratio increases with the height based on the tropospheric ultraviolet and visible model simulations with the measured aerosol optical properties. Sensitivity experiments further demonstrate that the unique microphysical properties of aerosols at Mount Everest result in a higher increment rate of the nitrate oxide photolysis rate with height (1.93×10-3/kms) compared to those observed in Beijing (1.53×10-3/kms). This difference leads to an additional increase in ozone concentration by 1.8 ppbv (from 69.1 ppbv to 70.9 ppbv) at the top of the boundary layer. Our study underscores the significant impact of aerosol-photolysis interactions on ozone concentrations and offers insights that could potentially advance our understanding of the sources of ozone in the upper troposphere over the Tibetan Plateau.

Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour of Elderly Indigenous Malayali Tribal Women in South India

Indigenous people inhabit forests and hilly regions and hereditarily follow certain healthcare beliefs and practices. This study explicitly focuses on the healthcare-seeking behaviour of elderly Malayali tribal women (MTW), with special emphasis on their knowledge, practices and use of indigenous plants, as well as their awareness of healthcare systems. The study aims to explore all aspects related to the health of elderly tribal women. For the purpose of this study, elderly MTW are defined as individuals above 60 years of age. The quota sampling method is employed, along with other characteristics. This phenomenological study utilizes methods including group discussions, interviews, field observations and informal meetings. The experiences of the participants were collected through in-depth interviews, analysed thematically to identify common patterns and interpreted to understand their healthcare-seeking behaviours within their cultural context. The study found that 60% of women above 70 years of age used medicinal plants. Formal literacy was not found to be a determining factor in the usage of medicinal and traditional knowledge. Illiterate elderly women possess more knowledge about traditional herbal medicines than their literate counterparts.

Marketing Strategy Using SWOT Analysis in Increasing Sale Nasi Kuning Mak’im in Selangor Malaysia

Nasi Kuning Mak’Im is a culinary business founded in Malaysia in 2016, specializing in Indonesian cuisine using high-quality ingredients at affordable prices. However, increasing competition from similar businesses poses a challenge to sustaining and growing the enterprise. Developing an effective marketing strategy is crucial to addressing these challenges and ensuring business growth. This study aims to evaluate the marketing strategies of Nasi Kuning Mak’Im using SWOT analysis to enhance sales performance. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach conducted at the Nasi Kuning Mak’Im SME in Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected through direct interviews with key stakeholders, field observations, and literature review. Key informants included the business owner and loyal customers, providing insights into both operational and customer perspectives. The findings from the SWOT analysis and the internal-external matrix indicate that the most appropriate strategy for Nasi Kuning Mak’Im is the Strengths-Opportunities (S-O) strategy. This approach leverages the business's strengths, such as product quality and affordability, to capitalize on market opportunities and build competitiveness while fostering customer loyalty. The application of the S-O strategy demonstrates that by aligning internal strengths with external opportunities, Nasi Kuning Mak’Im can enhance its market position and maintain sustainable operations amid a competitive landscape. Recommendations for further implementation of the strategy are provided to support long-term growth and customer retention.

PENGEMBANGAN GASTRONOMY GARDEN SEBAGAI WISATA EDUKASI DI DESA TARO KABUPATEN GIANYAR BALI

With the development of new tourism will be able to increase the interest of tourists to visit Taro Village. The development of Gastronomy Garden is more to the concept of educational tourism development and tourism activities. The purpose of this study was to identify the tourism potential of tourist attractions in Gastronomy Garden and the potential development of educational tourism in Taro Tourism Village. This research is in the form of primary data in this research in the form of field observation results, while secondary data in the form of location description data and and the history of the formation of these tourist attractions. Data collection in this study using observation, interviews and literature studies with analyzed with descriptive qualitative. The results of this study indicate the potential of educational tourism that can be developed in the gastronomy garden. The potential is seen from cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects. Cognitive aspects can be seen through the procedures for planting plants used as food ingredients, caring for plants, choosing plants used and procedures for processing food ingredients. From the affective aspect, it can be seen about the attitude and way of thinking of the community, which includes the procedures for selecting and using plants. Then from the behavioral aspect regarding skills in processing food. Therefore, it is important for tourism stakeholders to develop this educational tourism. This is so that it can provide educational value to tourists who visit and can maintain this tour in a sustainable manner.

Investigation of the thermal structure in the atmospheric boundary layer during evening transition and the impact of aerosols on radiative cooling

AbstractThe evening transition is crucial in various phenomena, including boundary‐layer stability, temperature inversion, radiation fog, vertical mixing, and pollution dispersion. We have explored this transition using data from 80 days of observations across two fog seasons at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB). Through field experiments and simulations integrating aerosol interaction in a radiation–conduction model, we elucidate the impact of aerosols on longwave cooling of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Field observations indicate that, under calm and clear‐sky conditions, the evening transition typically results in a distinct vertical thermal structure called the lifted temperature minimum (LTM). We observe that the prevailing profile near the surface, post‐sunset is the LTM profile. Additionally, the occurrence of LTM is observed to increase with decreases in downward and upward longwave flux, soil sensible heat flux, wind speed, and turbulent kinetic energy measured at 2 m above ground level (AGL). In such scenarios, the intensity of LTM profiles is governed primarily by the aerosol‐induced longwave heating rate (LHR) within the surface layer. Furthermore, the presence of dense clouds leads to increased downward flux, causing the disappearance of LTM, whereas shallow fog can enhance LTM intensity, as observed in both field observations and simulations. Usually, prevailing radiation models underestimate aerosol‐induced LHR by an order of magnitude compared with actual field observations. We attribute this difference to aerosol‐induced radiation divergence. We show that the impact of aerosol‐induced LHR extends hundreds of meters into the inversion layer, affecting temperature profiles and potentially influencing processes such as fog formation. As the fog layer develops, LHR strengthens at its upper boundary. However, we highlight the difficulty in detecting this cooling using remote instruments such as microwave radiometers.

Carbon Dioxide Migration Along Faults at the Illinois Basin—Decatur Project Revealed Using Time Shift Analysis of Seismic Monitoring Data

AbstractLarge scale geological storage of CO2 is being deployed worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Previous modeling studies have investigated the potential for CO2 migration along faults. We observe such migration at a commercial‐scale, demonstration CO2 storage project, including subsequent emergence of the CO2 into overlying permeable layers. Previous attempts at interpreting the time‐lapse seismic data using amplitude attributes were hindered by noise from the limited survey repeatability combined with a weak signal due to the stiffness of the rock. Here we apply an alternative interpretation of the seismic data using time shift attributes, resulting in clear plume anomalies. In addition to migrating up the fault, we observe the plume diverted by the start of injection at a neighboring project. This work provides field observations of theorized plume behaviors and demonstrates an alternative approach to overcome challenges in interpreting seismic monitoring data for geological CO2 storage.

Evaluating the Effects of Biomass Burning on Severe Haze Formation in a Megacity of Sichuan Basin, Southwestern China

AbstractSevere haze pollution has long been an environmental problem, which is complicated and poorly understood in the Sichuan Basin (SCB). In this study, a field observation was carried out to investigate the factors driving haze formation in urban Chengdu, a typical megacity in the SCB. It was found that the accumulation of biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) played an important role in haze formation in urban Chengdu. The average mass fraction of BBOA in PM2.5 increased from ∼1% during clear days to ∼10% during severe haze episodes. A method combining backward trajectory analysis with fire spot distribution was used to evaluate the effects of regional transport of biomass burning (BB) emissions. The results showed that BBOA concentration increased by ∼3 times and PM2.5 concentration increased by ∼54% when BB emissions were transported from adjacent areas to urban Chengdu. Moreover, the parameter f60 (the ratio of the integrated signal at m/z 60 to the total signal in the organic component mass spectrum), which indicated the impacts of BB emissions, was reassessed to be 0.54% instead of the widely used value 0.3% previously. Our results uncovered the importance of BB emissions on haze formation in urban areas in the SCB and provided new insights into pollutant mitigation strategies in the region.

Influence of Air-Void System Parameters on Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Pavement Concrete – Lessons Learned from Field and Laboratory Observations

Influence of Air-Void System Parameters on Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Pavement Concrete – Lessons Learned from Field and Laboratory Observations