Onshore Activities Research Articles

Design and Dynamic Analysis of a Co-Existence Solution Between a Semi-Submersible Offshore Fish Cage and a Spar-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

Abstract Clean energy captured by offshore wind turbines has been widely used for supporting onshore activities. In the near future, facilities such as offshore wind turbines can also play an important role in the energy transition of offshore activities. Offshore wind energy can be employed for electrifying operations in offshore fish farms, which are traditionally supplied by diesel-engine barges/generators. Based on this motivation, this study focuses on the design of a shared mooring system between a semi-submersible offshore fish cage and a spar-type floating wind turbine. A numerical model of the proposed shared mooring system is implemented in a global response analysis software sima for performing fully coupled time-domain simulations. The configuration of the shared mooring line is determined using an engineering approach, which comprises Irvine’s formulation, system eigenvalue analysis, and cost estimation. Moreover, relevant case studies by altering the environmental conditions are performed. Extreme operational conditions that may give large relative motions are investigated thoroughly. The dynamic performance of the integrated system is compared with that of individual structures. The global motion of the floating wind turbine and its mooring line’s tension behavior are obviously influenced by the existence of the shared line. In general, the present work investigates the feasibility of a shared mooring system for these types of offshore structures and further gives insights into the engineering design procedure.

Spatio-temporal coupling analysis and tipping points detection of China's coastal integrated land-human activity-ocean system

The coastal zone is typically highly developed and its ocean environment is vastly exposed to the onshore activities. Land-based pollution, as the “metabolite” of terrestrial human activities, significantly impacts the ocean environment. Although numerous studies have investigated these effects, few have quantified the interactions among land-human activity-ocean across both spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we have developed a land-human activity-ocean systemic framework integrating the coupling coordination degree model and tipping point to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamic interaction mechanism among the land-based pollution, human activities, and ocean environment in China from 2001 to 2020. Our findings revealed that the overall coupling coordination degree of the China's coastal zone increased by 36.9 % over last two decades. Furthermore, the effect of human activities on China's coastal environment remained within acceptable thresholds, as no universal tipping points for coastal pollution or ocean environment has been found over the 20-year period. Notably, the lag time for algal blooms, the key indicator of ocean environment health, was found to be 0–3 years in response to the land economic development and 0–4 years in response to land-based pollution. Based on the differences in spatiotemporal interactions among land-human activity-ocean system, we employed cluster analysis to categorize China's coastal provinces into four types and to develop appropriate management measures. Quantifying the interaction mechanism within the land-human activity-ocean system could aid decision-makers in creating sustainable coastal development strategies. This enables efficient use of land and ocean resources, supports coastal conservation and restoration efforts, and fosters effective management recommendations to enhance coastal sustainability and resilience.

Cruise shore excursion planning based on accessibility of scenic spots

The accessibility of scenic spots is crucial due to the limited docking time of cruise ships, which directly determines the feasibility of various onshore activities arrangements. This study investigates and designs shore excursion and tourism products considering the accessibility of scenic spots. The study uses Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Port as an example to explore onshore resource development and design cruise tourism products based on scenic spots' accessibility using the accessibility measurement. The results highlight that the overall accessibility of onshore attractions in Shanghai is acceptable, especially since the access time of most attractions under the optimal path is within 60–120 min. Generally, tourist cruising activities are unevenly distributed in the Shanghai area. However, most itineraries in Shanghai are dominated by the city-sightseeing-themed tour that is a single cruise product type and provides a boring experience to travelers. The breadth and depth of Shanghai's shore excursions are insufficient. This paper provides some constructive suggestions to optimize the accessibility of scenic spots and useful guidance on enhancing authorities to develop regional cruise tourism and design excursions for cruise ports.

Examining the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishermen at James Town in Ghana

This study examined the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishers in Ghana using James Town as the study location. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics, Fishing patterns and characteristics, dynamics of expenditure and catch, Dynamics of distance to fishing grounds/area, catch and selling strategy/mode and practices, investment and financing of fishing activities as well as challenges of fishing from respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) using Stata version 17. The results shows that 4.0 ± 1.07 people are engaged in onshore activities for an average of 9.45 ± 2.19 h. Also, fishers averagely spend 3.09 ± 1.49 days at sea. Respondents who have not accessed loan over the last 12 months are 78 whilst 23 have accessed same. Similarly, 86 out of 101 respondents representing 85.14% have not insured their operations. Also, no transparency in distribution of pre-mix, high cost of equipment, high cost of premix and dumping of waste in the sea by foreign vessels are the major problems faced by fishers. The results also showed that boat size, repairs and maintenances of boats, household size, boat age and position of respondents on boat (captain or otherwise) are the factors that can likely determine the volume of fish catch among fishermen. The study therefore, concluded that socio-economic characteristics and fishing patterns of fishes are highly variable.

Impact of epidemic outbreaks (COVID-19) on global supply chains: A case of trade between Turkey and China

COVID-19 has negative impacts on supply chain operations between countries. The novelty of the study is to evaluate the sectoral effects of COVID-19 on global supply chains in the example of Turkey and China, considering detailed parameters, thanks to the developed System Dynamics (SD) model. During COVID-19 spread, most of the countries decided long period of lockdowns which impacted the production and supply chains. This had also caused decrease in capacity utilizations and industrial productions in many countries which resulted with imbalance of maritime trade between countries that increased the freight costs. In this study, cause and effect relations of trade parameters, supply chain parameters, demographic data and logistics data on disruptions of global supply chains have been depicted for specifically Turkey and China since China is the biggest importer of Turkey. Due to this disruption, mainly exports from Turkey to China has been impacted in food, chemical and mining sectors. This study is helpful to plan in which sectors; the actions should be taken by the government bodies or managers. Based on findings of this study, new policies such as onshore activities should consider to overcome the logistics and supply chain disruptions in global supply chains. This study has been presented beneficial implications for the government, policymakers and academia.

Prospective life cycle assessment of metal commodities obtained from deep-sea polymetallic nodules

Sustainable metal supply will be essential to achieve climate and sustainability goals (e.g., Paris agreement), for instance by providing the necessary raw materials for renewable energy infrastructure systems. The potential exploitation of mineral resources from the deep sea (e.g., polymetallic nodules) can play a major role in this supply. A holistic environmental analysis is needed, in order to consider the entire value chain of the products obtained out of deep-sea exploitation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of deep-sea-sourced commodities and compare it to equivalent products obtained from terrestrial mining. It considered as reference flow one tonne of (dry) nodules, using a cradle-to-gate approach up to the final metal commodities, analyzing the delivery to the market of 10.5 kg of copper, 12.8 kg of nickel, 2.3 kg of cobalt and 311.3 kg of ferromanganese. Three environmental impact categories were analyzed, i.e., climate change, acidification and photochemical oxidant formation. Overall, onshore activities (e.g., hydrometallurgical processing) are the main hotspots for environmental impacts of metals sourced from the deep sea; offshore activities play a minor role in the value chain. While photochemical oxidant formation impacts would be similar to terrestrial alternatives, the deep-sea-sourced commodities can bring environmental gains in the order of 38% for climate change and up to 72% for acidification. As this study shows, a strategic selection of the location for onshore processing of the polymetallic nodules is key to target cleaner production, not only because of the distance from the nodules site, but especially because of the available energy mix. The results should be interpreted with care, though, due to intrinsic limitations of the LCA study, e.g., the prospective nature of this study, the limited access to terrestrial mining data, amongst others. Nonetheless, regardless the limitations a prospective LCA imposes, this study highlights some important potential benefits that commodities from deep-sea polymetallic nodules can bring to society with respect to three important environmental impacts.

309 metagenome assembled microbial genomes from deep sediment samples in the Gulfs of Kathiawar Peninsula

Prokaryoplankton genomes from the deep marine sediments are less explored compared to shallow shore sediments. The Gulfs of Kathiawar peninsula experience varied currents and inputs from different on-shore activities. Any perturbations would directly influence the microbiome and their normal homeostasis. Advancements in reconstructing genomes from metagenomes allows us to understand the role of individual unculturable microbes in ecological niches like the Gulf sediments. Here, we report 309 bacterial and archaeal genomes assembled from metagenomics data of deep sediments from sites in the Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch as well as a sample from the Arabian Sea. Phylogenomics classified them into 5 archaeal and 18 bacterial phyla. The genomes will facilitate understanding of the physiology, adaptation and impact of on-shore anthropogenic activities on the deep sediment microbes.

A Big-Data–Based Analysis on the Impact of Cruise Tourism Image on Chinese Tourist Satisfaction and Behavioral Intentions

Wu, L.; Dong, C., and Xiong, G., 2020. A big-data–based analysis on the impact of cruise tourism image on Chinese tourist satisfaction and behavioral intentions. In: Gong, D.; Zhang, M., and Liu, R. (eds.), Advances in Coastal Research: Engineering, Industry, Economy, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 106, pp. 314–318. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.This research, targeted at Chinese cruise tourists, divides the cruise tourism image into five dimensions: cruise infrastructure, services, leisure and entertainment, cruise brand, and atmosphere. The purpose is to explore the impact of cruise image on Chinese tourists' satisfaction and behavior intention. In this research, all comments on popular cruises “Royal Caribbean International-Spectrum of the Seas,” “Princess-Sapphire Princess,” “Costa-Venezia,” and “Star Cruises-Explorer Dream” on popular China-Japan lanes posted by Chinese cruise tourists on Ctrip in 2019 are extracted with Python software. Word frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and sentiment analysis in big data text analysis are applied. The results indicate that the image of infrastructure, service image, leisure & entertainment image, cruise brand image and the image of tourism atmosphere of cruises have a significant positive impact on the satisfaction and behavioral intentions of Chinese tourists. In this regard, the recommendations for cruise brands are as follows: (1) To update entertainment items on cruises and improve the maintenance of infrastructure from time to time. (2) To make on-shore activities more interesting. (3) To strengthen the uniqueness of cruise brands. (4) To expand the target customer group. (5) To provide more customized services.

E&P Leaders Gather for Arctic Technology Conference

More than 250 industry leaders involved in Arctic E&P gathered for the 2018 Arctic Technology Conference recently in Houston. Supported by the Offshore Technology Conference’s network of scientific and professional societies, the conference provided a platform for collaboration among colleagues, vendors, and academia to reveal innovations, solutions, ideas, and emerging technologies for both onshore and offshore activities in the Arctic basins. The conference presented a highly specialized program that included more than 70 technical presentations, six panel discussions, and four topical breakfasts and luncheons. The Distinguished Achievement Award ceremony recognized the major technological, humanitarian, environmental, and leadership contributions of an individual and an organization. Due to his contributions and accomplishments in the industry, Kenneth Bird was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals. As a petroleum geologist, Bird led assessment teams to produce a series of scientifically sound, methodologically rigorous, and policy-neutral products widely accepted in Alaska and the global Arctic regions. Since the 1980s, Bird has been at the forefront of resource-assessment projects that have been executed by the US Geological Survey. The National Research Council (NRC) of Canada was presented the Distinguished Achievement Award for their involvement in the development of Arctic tools and technologies. For more than 60 years, NRC Canada has provided regulatory, operational, and engineering design support to clients. There is a Future in the Arctic The current economic and business environment is challenging to conduct safe and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon exploration and development in the Arctic. However, the Arctic continues to be a region of close observation to use relevant technology, respecting local requirements, and be ready for a time when we see a step up and acceleration of activity. In spite of a reduction of E&P activity in the Arctic, this conference continues to attract interest for several reasons: It is by far the premier event focused on the Arctic, not just E&P but also mining, shipping, logistics, environment, and, most importantly, the local people and communities. It is a platform for the passionate community to meet, network, and present quality technical papers. The 2018 event attracted 103 abstracts, which translated to 70 presentations split into 12 technical sessions. Six panel discussions, and four topical breakfasts and luncheons focused on current themes with specific regional focus from the Chukchi (US), through Beaufort, (Canada), through Barents (Finland and Norway) seas. Exhibiting companies showcased their latest products and innovations to specialized decision makers focused on finding unique solutions for successful operations in this area. This was the sixth OTC Arctic Technology Conference to be held. For more information, visit www.otcnet.org/arctic.

Characterization of atmospheric corrosion near the coastal areas of Arabian Sea

Atmospheric corrosion near the coastal areas of Karachi is a subject of great interest where seasonal variation of north Arabian Sea, high onshore activities, high levels of atmospheric pollutants, high humidity, and low temperature range affects the service life of structural materials. Mild steel test coupons were exposed at the two atmospheric corrosion stations located in National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) along the coastal line of Karachi, Pakistan for a period of 12 months. During the exposure period, the sulfur dioxide and chloride levels, corrosion rates and kinetics parameters were determined. The corrosion rates are high on both sites, but the corrosivity found in NIO is higher (C5) than in KPT (C4). Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the corrosion products. Lepidocrocite is the main compound in NIO corrosion products, while in KPT are goethite and magnetite. The composition and morphology of corrosion products help to explain the difference in the corrosivity of both sites.

The Performance of Employees Who Works at Foreign Banks in Indonesia

The purpose of this reserach is to discuss the performance of foreign banking in Indonesia, including the performance of onshore and offshore banking activities, and local security devices. Although the offshore business of foreign banks has been relatively more active over the years than the onshore business, there has been a recent sharp increase in onshore business, and some indication of a more sympathetic attitude to onshore foreign banking by the regulatory authorities. This suggests that it is an appropriate time for surveying the foreign bank performance of Indonesia. Indonesia's banks still achieve the highest margins among their regional peers, maintaining their allure for investors, despite the headwinds and occasional crises they have faced in recent and perhaps upcoming years. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia is more attractive compared to its neighbors. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the performance of employees working at foreign banks in Indonesia, this study was conducted in 2017, The research question lies in whether each of those factors has a simultaneous and partial effect on the employees performance or otherwise. Using the quantitative method, the population of this study was 550 respondents employees of foreign banks at the level of staff until the director with N = 1565. The results in this study are servant leadership employee engagement and organizational citizenship behavior greatly affect job performance.

Angler and non-angler preferences for non-consumptive value-added products and services associated with charter boat trips

This study used choice modeling to assess demand by saltwater anglers and non-anglers, visiting the South Carolina coast, for value-added experiences and services associated with charter boat trips. Diverse non-fishing trip attributes including onboard amenities, onshore activities, quality of captain and crew, onboard nature-based tourism, onboard culture-based tourism and interpretation and education services were tested. Sampling of saltwater, recreational fishing, license owners and coastal tourists in 2013 produced 544 surveys (anglers = 277, non-anglers = 267). Study results showed that both groups placed importance on Quality of Captain and Crew, Onboard Amenities and Boat Fee. Only non-anglers placed importance on Onboard Nature-based Tourism. The marginal willingness to pay of Quality of Captain and Crew (high level) was $115 for anglers and $69 for non-anglers and of Onboard Amenities (high level) was $41 for anglers and $63 for non-anglers.

Specific Allergen Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Atopic Eczema: A Cochrane Systematic Review

Pierrick Cros, MD, Brice Lodde, MD, Anne-Marie RoguedasContios, MD, Jd Dewitte, MD, PhD, Laurent Misery, MD, PhD; Service de p ediatrie CHRU Morvan, Brest, France, Service de Dermatov en er eologie, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France, Service de Sant e au Travail et Maladies Li ees a l’Environnement, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France, Universit e Europ eenne de Bretagne, Universit e de Brest, EA 4686, CS 93837, Brest Cedex 3, France, Service de Dermato-v en er eologie, Brest, France, and Service de Sant e au Travail et Maladies Li ees a l’Environnement, CHRUMorvan, Brest, France, Universit e Europ eenne de Bretagne, Universit e de Brest, EA 4686, CS 93837, Brest, France. RATIONALE: Although there are a number of case reports of contact dermatitis caused by seafood products, few case series have been published. The primary objective of the present study was to determine and compare the incidences of protein contact dermatitis among professional seafaring fishermen in France and in onshore workers exposed to seafood. The secondary objective was to identify explanatory factors for any observed differences between these two populations. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data collected over a 12-year period by the French National Occupational Disease Surveillance and Prevention Network and the French National Network for the Monitoring and Prevention of Occupational Disease RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2012, we identified eight cases of seafoodrelated protein contact dermatitis in onshore workers (primarily fish allergies, and mainly affecting chefs). Atopy was frequent. In the seafaring population, we found several cases of eczema (due to bryozoans and gloves) but no cases of protein contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Chefs who prepare and cook seafood are at a greater risk of occupational protein contact dermatitis than fishermen. We suggest that skin protection (i.e. use of gloves, primarily) is better in the fishing sector than in the catering profession and other onshore activities. Atopy appears to be a risk factor for sensitivity to fish proteins in chefs but is rare among professional fishermen in France. Asthma may prevent atopic individuals from going to sea.

Destination attributes, satisfaction, and the cruise visitor's intent to revisit and recommend

ABSTRACTThe cruise industry has seen its revenues more than double since the year 2000. Hence, it has become even more important for planners and managers to pinpoint those destination attributes that make a difference in satisfying cruise ship passengers. This is especially crucial since the extant literature established that visitors' overall satisfaction with the destination strongly influences intent to return or recommend the destination to others. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the satisfaction of cruise visitors regarding various destination attributes may relate to their satisfaction with the destination and how this may influence declared intent of repeat visits or intent to recommend the destination to those within their social and professional networks. This study is based on the data collected for the island of Oahu in 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our analysis makes use of the logistic regression, and our results indicate that distance deters passengers from repeat visits, whereas the influence of satisfaction with the destination is positive not only for revisits, but also for word-of-mouth recommendations. Satisfaction with attributes such as transportation, safety and prices strongly influences satisfaction with the destination, whereas satisfaction with other attributes such as on-shore activities or sightseeing tours were found not to be as influential. The results delineate the factors planners and managers should focus on in their efforts to increase visitor satisfaction with a destination and thereby increase the likelihood of repeat visits and positive word of mouth.

Avoiding Somalia: what prevents onshore solutions to piracy?

The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly stated that onshore solutions have to be carried out in Somalia in order to end piracy in the Horn of Africa. Yet, the primary responses from the international community have been focused at sea and within neighbouring countries. In this article, we identify, explain and analyse the obstacles to onshore and long-term policy responses to piracy in the Horn of Africa. In the first section, while using semi-structured interviews with government diplomats, members of international organizations and industry leaders, we examine the rationales given as to why the world community is reluctant to engage with onshore solutions – that is, state-building and development initiatives. Interviewees identified four factors: lack of credible national partner; competing priorities; corruption; and divisive internal Somali politics. We then discuss the current onshore initiatives and activities that the international community has carried out so far. In the final part, we provide analyses and implications of the findings.

Up in the air: an examination of the work–life balance of fly-in–fly-out academics

There is a dearth of research on the work–life balance experiences of academics who undertake short-term international teaching assignments. Academics who teach offshore are also accountable for onshore activities including lecturing, research, supervision of higher degree students, mentoring, publishing and administrative obligations inter alia. These responsibilities pose further challenges to work and life. Within the context of a qualitative design, 11 academics were interviewed in depth regarding their short-term international teaching experiences. Specific issues relating to family separation, excessive work hours, poor assignment planning and lack of organisational recognition were identified. Findings have important implications for academics, and university policy and practice.

Land Ahoy: How Cruise Passengers Decide on Their Shore Experience

Today, the cruise industry has become one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry with an ever increasing number of international ports-of-call welcoming cruise ships to their shore. Whereas once the cost of a cruise ship vacation included accommodation, meals, entertainment, and onshore activities, pressure to reduce prices and increasing competition has meant that onshore activities are mostly no longer included in the overall ticket price. As a result, passengers individually decide and purchase any onshore activities they may wish to engage in (although much of this "purchasing" takes place on board, which means the cruise ship collects a large fee for making the sale). While there has been an abundance of academic literature that has focused on the information search processes general tourists undertake, there is a gap in the literature surrounding the processes that cruise ship passengers undertake both before and during their cruise. To understand passenger information search procedures, we undertook in-depth interviews with cruise passengers during their cruise. In total, 140 interviews were undertaken, with a main objective being to understand the amount of information sourced on the destinations that were being visited as ports of call. This article reports on the analysis of the results and discusses the implications for port development as well as cruise marketing.

Adsorptive removal of oil spill from oil-in-fresh water emulsions by hydrophobic alumina nanoparticles functionalized with petroleum vacuum residue

Oil spills on fresh water can cause serious environmental and economic impacts onshore activities affecting those who exploit freshwater resources and grassland. Alumina nanoparticles functionalized with vacuum residue (VR) were used as a low-cost and high hydrophobic nanosorbents. The nanomaterial resulting showed high adsorption affinity and capacity of oil from oil-in-freshwater emulsion. The effects of the following variables on oil removal were investigated, namely: contact times, solution pH, initial oil concentrations, temperature, VR loadings and salinity. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption was fast and equilibrium was achieved in less than 30min. The amount adsorbed of oil was higher for neutral system compared to acidic or basic medium. Increasing the VR loading on nanoparticle surface favored the adsorption. Results of this study showed that oil removal for all systems evaluated had better performance at pH value of 7 using nano-alumina functionalized with 4wt% VR. Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were evaluated using the Polanyi theory-based Dubinin–Ashtakhov (DA) model, and pseudo-first and pseudo-second order-models, respectively.

The Fisherman’s Wife: Vulnerabilities and Strategies in the Local Economy; The Case of Lake Victoria, Kenya

AbstractThe fisherman’s wife occupies a central place in the fishing sector of Lake Victoria. She dominates the onshore postharvest activities that complement offshore fishing, which in turn is dominated by men. This article is focused on fishwives’ economic activities, together with their coping strategies and their vulnerabilities. Our source of information is the field notes we compiled from interviews with women. The fishery is open access, and the fishwife is faced with competition in her trade from women within her own community, women at local landings, and from those who are now joining the fish trade. While in the past the fishwife walked all the way to the hinterland markets to sell her commodities, today her trade is done right on the shoreline, and outsiders are involved in a more attenuated marketing chain. With their influence now threatened by outsiders, the wives have formed strong social networks with fish suppliers in order to be supplied with enough fish. The fishwife may exert influenc...

A passage to India: A dual case study of activities, processes and resources in offshore outsourcing of advanced services

Research has shown that offshore outsourcing processes may influence the behavior and strategic choices of firms, but little is known about the determining factors that influence the evolution and outcomes of those processes. Furthermore, longitudinal studies able to generate such insights are lacking. This paper suggests a detailed, activity-based approach to the study of the process of offshore outsourcing of high-value, advanced service activities. While earlier research has considered either firm-internal or firm-external sources of resource building, this study offers a more comprehensive theoretical model that combines resource-based theory and international business network theory. It aims to investigate how determinants of the offshore outsourcing process contribute to the resource stocks of client firms. Based on two longitudinal case studies of offshore outsourcing to India, the study finds that offshore outsourcing operations, in general, make positive contributions to the resource stocks of client firms. Some determinants contribute to the building of resources (partnership commitment decisions, knowledge creation and learning, trust building, the interconnectedness of resources) while others impede resource building (time compression diseconomies, lack of resource mass efficiencies). Notably, the interconnectedness among onshore activities, offshore activities and the underpinning knowledge resources reduces the risk of erosion of client firm resources, although this remains a long-term risk.