Management Scenarios Research Articles

Proposed water valuation scheme for a more sustainable agricultural water productivity

<p>Growing depletion of groundwater resources is a global threat and intensified under improper water valuation systems. Here, we proposed an irrigation water valuation framework based on the opportunity cost concept (IWVF), to better differentiate the value of surface water, renewable, and nonrenewable groundwater. In this study, a 10-years dataset was used in Marvdasht-Kharameh irrigation networks (MKINs) in southern Iran, where groundwater depletion overshoots the sustainable level with an annual average rate of 1.42 m y<sup>−1</sup>. Irrigation water use, net incomes and losses, and economic water productivities (EWP) were estimated under the common and newly developed valuation methods. The reflections of adopting IWVF on EWPs were assessed under current condition and the proposed WP improvement scenarios, including removing irrigation efficiency gaps, changing the cropping calendar, and application of different levels of deficit irrigation. Results showed that the value of irrigation water supply ($436.91 million) exceeds gross income through crop production ($139.01 million) under current condition, which results in a net loss of $297.9 million in the study area. Hence, economic WP loss will be −0.33 $ m<sup>−3</sup>, meaning that consuming a unit of blue water causes $0.33 income loss under current condition. Applying WP improvement scenarios can reduce value of irrigation water by 27%, and gross income by 5.3%. Accordingly, common WP can increase by 6.6% from 1.81 to 1.93 kg m<sup>−3</sup>. However, the negative sign of EWP loss under management scenarios (−0.22 $ m<sup>−3</sup>) indicates that crop production in the study area is not viable due to its considerable environmental damages. Hence, current irrigation system should be revisited when sustainable agriculture is considered. The proposed water valuation method can help decision makers to better assess the consequences of WP improvement strategies, if the true value of different water resources is ignored. </p>

Carbon footprints of greenhouse gas mitigation measures for a grass-based beef cattle finishing system in the UK

Abstract Purpose Agri-food systems across the globe are faced with the challenge of reducing their supply-chain emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). For instance, 10% of the UK’s GHG emissions are generated by agriculture, and ~ 56% of these are generated by livestock production. Numerous mitigation measures are being proposed to reduce GHG emissions from ruminants (representing 70 to 80% of total livestock emissions), particularly from beef cattle (presenting 30–40% of total livestock emissions). Methods To explore such potential, first, a business-as-usual (BAU) partial cradle-to-finishing farmgate scale modelling framework was developed. The BAU systems (i.e. steady-state productivity based on primary data from the North Wyke Farm Platform) were built using ensemble modelling wherein the RothC process-based soil organic carbon (SOC) model was integrated into the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to conduct a trade-off analysis related to mitigation measures applicable to the study system. Potential mitigation measures were applied to the BAU scenario. The interventions assessed included: (i) extensification; (ii) adopting anaerobic digestion technology; and (iii) the use of the nitrification inhibitor DCD and substitution of fertiliser nitrogen with symbiotically fixed nitrogen from legumes. Results The partial carbon footprint for 1 kg of beef liveweight gain leaving the farmgate could be reduced by 7.5%, 12%, or 26% by adopting nitrification inhibitors, white clover introduction (pending establishment success), and anaerobic digestion for manure management, respectively. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of including emissions beyond the farmgate level to analyse the carbon footprint of different management scenarios in order to assess the sustainability of agri-food production systems.

Multi-environment field trials for wheat yield, stability and breeding progress in Germany

Multi-environmental trials (MET) with temporal and spatial variance are crucial for understanding genotype-environment-management (GxExM) interactions in crops. Here, we present a MET dataset for winter wheat in Germany. The dataset encompasses MET spanning six years (2015–2020), six locations and nine crop management scenarios (consisting of combinations for three treatments, unbalanced in each location and year) comparing 228 cultivars released between 1963 and 2016, amounting to a total of 526,751 data points covering 24 traits. Beside grain yield, ten agronomic traits, four baking quality traits, plant height, heading date, maturity date and six fungal disease infection indices are included. Additionally, we provide management records, including fertilizer use, plant protection measures, irrigation, and weather data. We demonstrate how this dataset can address four agronomic questions related to GxExM interactions. Further potential applications of the dataset include empirical analyses, genomic and enviromic analyses for breeding targets, or development of decision-supporting models for agricultural management and policy decisions.

Integrating intuitionistic fuzzy and MCDM methods for sustainable energy management in smart factories.

Improving energy efficiency is crucial for smart factories that want to meet sustainability goals and operational excellence. This study introduces a novel decision-making framework to optimize energy efficiency in smart manufacturing environments, integrating Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFS) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. The proposed approach addresses key challenges, including reducing carbon footprints, managing operating costs, and adhering to stringent environmental standards. Eight essential criteria are identified, such as the use of renewable energy, the efficiency of production, and the health and safety of workers, to evaluate energy performance. Using the entropy method for criterion weighting and the CRADIS technique for alternative ranking, we prioritize a range of energy-efficient solutions. The novelty of our approach lies in its comprehensive assessment of complex real-world energy management scenarios within smart factories, offering a robust and adaptable decision-support tool. Our empirical results, validated through sensitivity analysis, show that alternative 5 delivers the most significant improvement in energy efficiency. This study provides valuable information for industry practitioners seeking to transition to more sustainable production methods and supports the broader sustainability agenda.

A call for transforming physicians-as-administrators into professional hybrid medical leaders: insights from northern India.

The purpose of this paper is to understand the non-clinical challenges of physicians in northern India and to re-imagine an alternative scenario of hybrid professional medical management and leadership where physicians enact roles as strategic boundary spanners. In this qualitative study, 30 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with men and women physicians and thematically analysed. Physicians reported that they were unprepared formally for mainly ad hoc non-clinical responsibilities. Findings identified a range of six types of aspirational, willing, incidental, ambivalent, agnostic and actively resistant behaviours among physicians who were expected to undertake administrative, rather than strategic leadership tasks. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study makes a novel theoretical contribution to the dearth of literature on medical leadership in a low-middle income South Asian country. By examining physicians' views on their non-clinical responsibilities, this study highlights the strategic potential for developing physicians formally as professional hybrid managers and leaders who effectively bridge medical and managerial domains beyond the current scenario of physicians operating as untrained administrators.

Indikator sirkularitas di dalam tata kelola limbah pabrik kelapa sawit studi kasus: limbah cair (pome) pabrik kelapa sawit

This research was motivated by the problem of liquid waste from palm oil mills. The research aims to find out and understand the current form of palm oil mill waste management, to find out the factors that support palm oil mill waste governance in realizing a circular economy. Determining circularity indicators is one method to see the performance of palm oil liquid waste processing (POME) management and is a benchmark for the level of circularity of palm oil mill governance. The research approach uses the MCI circularity indicator developed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in assessing circularity indicators for various POME waste management scenarios in palm oil mills. From various POME processing governance scenarios, namely: 1) Based on field practices in palm oil mills, 2) Based on government regulations regarding POME processing in palm oil mills, 3) Processing POME with biogas technology with an open pond system, 4) Processing POME with biogas technology with a CSTR system, and 5) Processing POME into fertilizer. Based on the assessment results of various scenarios, the MCI circularity values for PKS A, B, and C under existing conditions are as follows: 0.6009 for the current system, 0.5500 for compliance with regulations, 0.5781 for biogas processing with closed ponds, 0.6143 for biogas processing with CSTR, and 0.7065 for fertilizer production. The highest circularity value of 0.7065 is achieved through the scenario of processing POME into fertilizer. This shows that liquid waste management by palm oil mills in Indonesia is still dominated by traditional systems in the form of open ponds.

Assessing the Impacts of Climatic and Water Management Scenarios in a Small Mountainous Greek River

The water resource management of transboundary mountainous river basins under climate change is expected to be challenging. In order to contribute to the better understanding of climate change effects on the water resources of the mountainous and transboundary Prespa Lakes basin, a hydrological model of the Agios Germanos River, one of the main rivers discharging to Great Prespa Lake, was developed, and two water management plans under two different climate scenarios were examined. Based on the results, the impact of climate change on surface water resources was evident in all climate change scenarios examined, even under the most favorable water abstraction practices. Nevertheless, sensible water management can moderate the impact of climate change by up to 10% in an optimistic scenario in both the near- and long-term, and by up to 6% and 1% for the near- and long-term, respectively, in a pessimistic scenario. Integrated water management practices that moderate the impact of climate change on the water ecosystem services should be prioritized. Nature-based approaches could provide solutions regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. Transboundary cooperation, data exchange mechanisms, common policy frameworks, and monitoring, reporting, and evaluation systems, could reduce human and ecosystems’ vulnerabilities and improve the water security of the area.

Evaluation of future hydropower potential for mountainous headwaters in response to climate change

Snowmelt runoff and hydropower generation performance together with reservoir storages were evaluated for climate projections in two mountainous headwaters in Türkiye’s north (Black Sea Region) and south (Mediterranean Region). The EU-CORDEX database was used to obtain an ensemble of different Global Climate Models under two scenarios. Moreover, evaluations were performed regarding the Global Warming Levels. The results indicate that a dramatic increase in temperatures and alterations in precipitation patterns will bring significant decreases in snow variables and inflows, which will be particularly pronounced in the southern basin. HBV-Light and WEAP model were used to estimate future reservoir inflows and hydropower generation projections through reservoir operations, respectively. The hydropower generation is anticipated to decline up to 35% and 9% in the southern and northern basins, respectively, for far future (2075-2099). Four management scenarios (including increased irrigation and operational hydropower capacity) were assessed for reconsideration of operation strategies.

Methodology for Providing Priority to Urban Passenger Transport Traffic

The article considers the efficiency of providing priority conditions for urban passenger transport by allocating separate lanes for public transport on the roadway. The results of modelling the traffic flow on the considered segments of the city street network are complemented by a conclusion about the need to improve road traffic management on these segments, considering the intensity and composition of the traffic flow.Simulation allows creating mathematical or computer models for analysing and assessing the traffic conditions of urban passenger transport. The models are based on various parameters of traffic flows, the schedule of urban passenger transport, the location of public transport stops, etc. Modelling allows conduct of different experiments to assess the effectiveness of various measures and changes in the transport system.The objective of the study is to develop a methodology for analysing traffic conditions that will identify and assign priority to urban passenger transport traffic to achieve efficiency and comfort of its operation, improve transport accessibility and reduce traffic delays.Optimisation of the traffic provides for various management scenarios to find optimal solutions that reduce delays, congestion, traffic intensity, etc.Route planning is necessary for developing an optimal strategy for efficient passenger service. Demand forecasts make it possible to predict not only passenger traffic, but also the need for transportation in different periods, which is necessary for route planning and selection of optimal rolling stock features. All these areas of modelling the urban passenger transport traffic are developed to achieve the goals of increasing efficiency, reducing the risk of road traffic accidents, improving the quality of transport services and the safety of passenger transportation, which should create a sustainable system aimed at satisfying the basic needs of urban transport passengers.

Long-Term Demographic Trends of Near Threatened Coastal Dolphins Living in an Urban Estuary.

Understanding population demography of threatened species and how they vary in relation to natural and anthropogenic stressors is essential for effective conservation. We used a long-term photographic capture-recapture dataset (1993-2020) of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the highly urbanised Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS), South Australia, to estimate key demographic parameters and their variability over time. These parameters were analysed in relation to environmental variables used as indicators of local and large-scale climatic events. Our findings indicate that apparent survival was high (0.98-0.99) and did not vary seasonally. Estimates of abundance were not directly related to environmental variables but were linked to seasonal temporary emigration. Abundance peaked in summer with an average of 85.37 dolphins (SD = 30.23) and was lowest in winter, with 68.57 (SD = 24.70) individuals. Site fidelity at the population level was low, but lagged identification rates revealed a population of approximately 28 individuals at any one time. Trend analysis suggests an increase in dolphin abundance from 1993 and persistence of the population over decades despite significant urbanisation, although numbers have declined in more recent years. Further research is needed to understand the cumulative impacts leading to this population decline and to assess its future viability under different management scenarios. Conservation strategies aimed at increasing reproductive rates and promoting connectivity to adjacent waters are likely to be more effective in reversing population declines.

Management strategies for shrinking and aging tree plantations are constrained by the synergies and trade-offs between carbon sequestration and other forest ecosystem services.

Planted forests have expanded globally over the last three decades and are expected to act as carbon sinks to mitigate further climate change. However, the planted coniferous forests in Japan are now predicted to shrink in area and age in the future. To quantify the impact of the shrinking and aging of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) stands on the carbon sequestration rate in 2010, 2050, and 2090, we estimated net ecosystem production (NEP) at the national scale for Japan. We ran a process-based model under four forest management scenarios, in which 4-34% of the area of Japanese cedar stands were replaced by secondary broadleaf forests by 2050, and the average age of the remaining cedar stands increased from 44.4 to 59.4-80.8 years old. Contrary to our expectations, NEP was estimated to decrease from 2010 to 2050 or 2090 under all climate/forest management scenarios. The average decline in NEP from 2010 to 2050 under the shared socioeconomic pathway 1-2.6 (SSP1-2.6) was -21% across the four forest management scenarios. We also estimated the synergies and trade-offs of NEP values with two types of forest ecosystem service, landslide prevention and habitat provisioning for broadleaf trees. As a result, high rates of cutting and planting of Japanese cedar were presented as a forest management strategy in southern Japan, while low rates were more appropriate in northern Japan. The newly-developed framework for exploring climate change mitigation pathways is likely to be effective in the future, especially in developed countries where planted forests are projected to shrink and age in the coming decades.

Predicting the effect of landscape structure on epidemic invasion using an analytical estimate for infection rate.

The influence of landscape structure on epidemic invasion of agricultural crops is often underestimated in the construction and analysis of epidemiological models. Computer simulations of individual-based models (IBMs) are widely used to characterize disease spread under different management scenarios but can be slow in exploring large numbers of different landscape configurations. Here, we address the problem of finding an analytical measure of the impact of the spatial structure of a crop landscape on the invasion and spread of plant pathogens. We explore the potential of using an analytical approximation for the rate, , at which susceptible crop fields become infected at the start of an epidemic to predict the effect that the spatial structure of a host landscape will have on an epidemic. We demonstrate the validity of this approach using two models: (i) a general IBM of the invasion and spread of a pathogen through an abstract host landscape; and (ii) an IBM of a real-life example for a virus disease spreading through a cassava landscape. Finally, we demonstrate that the analytical approach based on an estimate of the rate, , can be used to identify spatial structures that effect deceleration of an invading pathogen.

Application of the modified RIAM method in assessing the environmental impact of municipal solid waste management scenarios (A case study)

Application of the modified RIAM method in assessing the environmental impact of municipal solid waste management scenarios (A case study)

Life cycle assessment of energy production from municipal solid waste: İstanbul case

Several methods are used during waste management: landfill, incineration, composting, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and recycling etc. In particular, the use of biogas formed through anaerobic digestion in energy production and the energy obtained through the incineration process is very effective in turning the negative effects of wastes into positive ones. In this study, the effects of three different waste management scenarios were examined from a life cycle perspective. According to the results, scenario1 (landfill and incineration), scenario2 (landfill, incineration, and anaerobic digestion), and scenario3 (landfill, anaerobic digestion, and recycle) produced emissions of 3233.1, 328.8, and -848.9 kg of CO2eq, respectively. Accordingly, and in accordance with the results of the previous studies, it is observed that the landfill application gave the worst environmental result, the incineration and anaerobic digestion applications reduce the environmental effects, and the recycling application provides environmental benefits. It is concluded that the best environmental practice is plastic and metal recycling.

Initiating Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients: Case-based Clinical Review

Abstract Mechanical Ventilation continues to be an integral part of critical care on which patients with respiratory failure often depend on for their survival. Specific criteria that need to be met to justify initiating MV include a patient dependency assessment, a clinical indication as well as the ventilator settings that are most appropriate. Hypoxemic respiratory failure, hypercapnic respiratory failure and the need for airway protection are the common indications to initiate MV. This review uses case-based to discuss the initiation of MV. Some of the clinical use settings include Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations, Trauma with altered mental status. Specific scenarios of patients, clinical management and intervention measures are described for every condition to help with the best approach. The review placed special focus on assessment before intubation, the type of mechanical ventilation to choose-VCV or PCV, and the settings to be used: TVs, RR, PEEP and FiO2. Further, it highlights the topic of focussed monitoring, common ventilator problems, and the Weaning phase from MV. The review outlines certain well-documented antecedent knowledge failures of young medicos and also intensivists that need to be corrected in their curriculums for enhancing their ventilator management competencies. Knowledge of MV initiation, strict supervision, and preparation for the cessation of MV is important in order to enhance the results of the patients within the Intensive Care Unit. It is mandatory and more important to see clinical signs like bilateral symmetric chest expansion than looking at the values on the ventilator alone. The presented case-based examples provide practical translation of theoretical information into the clinical practice and enhance the development of the clinical decision-making in the framework of critical care medicine. We definitely need a curriculum integration to decrease the phobia among the new entrants to the intensive care unit whether its medical or paramedical personnel.

Modeling Mastitis Risk Management Effects on Dairy Milk Yield and Global Warming Potential

Mastitis represents a significant challenge for dairy farming, resulting in economic losses and environmental impacts. This study assesses a model for the evaluation of the impact of mastitis on dairy productivity and Global Warming Potential (GWP) under diverse management scenarios. The model considers a range of factors, including bedding materials, milking systems, health surveillance, and overcrowding. The results of the simulation demonstrate that effective management, encompassing the utilization of sand bedding, and the presence of an annual herd health monitoring plan have the potential to reduce the prevalence of mastitis and enhance milk yield by up to 10% in milking parlors and 7% in automatic milking systems. At the herd level, the GWP ranged from 1.37 to 1.78 kg CO2eq/kg Fat- and Protein-Corrected Milk (FPCM), with the use of sand bedding resulting in a 14% reduction in GWP, while the utilization of non-composted manure-based materials led to an increase of 12%. The occurrence of overcrowding and a lack of adequate cleanliness in resting areas were found to have a markedly detrimental impact on both productivity and the environmental performance of cows. These findings illustrate the dual benefits of enhanced mastitis management, namely improved milk production and reduced environmental impact. They offer valuable insights for farmers and policymakers alike.

Инструменты устойчивого планирования сельскохозяйственного землепользования

In the article, the authors address the concept of "land use planning" and analyze agricultural land use planning as a central prerequisite for spatial development. The article examines the tools for sustainable agricultural land use planning that help identify and implement the most suitable and sustainable tools. It is proposed to identify six tools for sustainable land use planning. These tools allow for the development of land use management scenarios to improve the productivity and sustainability of land use.

Evaluation of drain quality and nutrient load management scenarios by using QUAL2kw model.

The examination of wastewater and effluents flowing into receiving water bodies is crucial for identifying pollutant sources and implementing scenarios to reduce them. In this study, QUAL2kw was used to identify, assess, and predict the pollutant load of a drainage canal located 6 km away from Anzali Wetland. Initially, the model was calibrated and validated with data collected in 2017. The NRMSE of the values was mostly less than 20%, except for flow accounting for 37% during calibration. The model did well in simulating EC and ammonium levels, but there is room for improvement in predicting nitrate and inorganic P concentrations. Field visits and sampling were done during the rice growth period in April-June 2021. The model was simulated for a three-time series in 2021; the simulation showed that May was the most critical, as the levels of nitrates, ammonium, and phosphates were at their highest. This study focused on the employment of QUAL2kw to drainage canals, emphasizing its suitability for regions with limited data availability. Scenarios were employed to explore ways to enhance water resource quality, showcasing how targeted interventions can effectively mitigate nutrient loads. Scenarios were considered to reduce nutrient loads. Reducing the amount of fertilizer led to a 9-27% while applying water stress resulted in a 0.1-1% reduction in the discharge outflow from the drain and less than 1% reduction in the amount of ammonium and nitrate. It is concluded that reduction in fertilization is more efficient in reducing concentrations and pollutant loads at the exit point of the canal to water resources compared to applying water stress since urea fertilizer contains a high percentage of nitrogen, and declining water application can enhance the soil's nutrient retention ability but only to a small degree.

Portable Gamma Irradiation System with 57Co, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co for On-site Calibration of Environmental Radiation Monitoring Devices

Background: A portable gamma irradiation system was developed for on-site calibration of environmental radiation monitoring devices. This system uses a portable collimator and gammaray sources such as 57Co, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co, each with a nominal radioactivity of 10 MBq or less.Materials and Methods: The air kerma rate produced by the system was measured using a spherical ionization chamber with a 10 L sensitive volume. This chamber was calibrated against the air kerma rate measured with primary standard ionization chambers. The system’s performance was evaluated by comparing the calibration results of the monitoring device with those obtained using a conventional method involving a standard ionization chamber for outdoor use.Results and Discussion: The calibration coefficient of the spherical ionization chamber was within ±2% of the value of 3.029×103 Gy/C for photon energies ranging from 50 keV to 1,250 keV. The air kerma rate of the irradiation field produced by the portable system ranged from 0.17 μGy/hr to 4.7 μGy/hr, with an uncertainty between 2.4% and 10%. The calibration coefficients obtained using the portable system were consistent with those from the conventional method.Conclusion: The portable gamma irradiation system offers significant advantages, including preventing damage to standard ionization chambers used outdoors and reducing measurement time compared to conventional methods. Due to its ease of construction and implementation, the system is expected to be useful not only for on-site calibration of monitoring devices but also in various radiation safety management scenarios.

Simulated Impacts of Harvesting Chamaedorea linearis and C. pinnatifrons (Arecaceae): Implications for Their Conservation

ABSTRACTPalms are important sources of nontimber forest products. One of their most common uses is as ornamentals, which often involves harvesting whole individuals or plant parts from wild populations. Chamaedorea linearis and Chamaedorea pinnatifrons are still not excessively harvested, but they have substantial ornamental potential, and their populations are decreasing. The use of a wild species can contribute to its conservation if the use is governed by adequate harvest rates. We simulated harvest impacts on the population dynamics of C. linearis and C. pinnatifrons in an Andean montane forest in Parque Natural Chicaque, Colombia, using integral projection models (IPMs) over the period 2019–2021. We projected management scenarios including the harvest of juveniles, as well as leaves and fruits of adults. In our model, the finite growth rate of C. linearis decreased (λ = 0.76–0.91) whereas in C. pinnatifrons it remained stable (λ = 0.98–1.04). The simulations of the harvest of juveniles and leaves suggested negative impacts on the populations' sizes and in the transient growth rate (λ20) in the long term when compared to no harvest. Fruits harvest had no considerable effects under 20% of removal once per year in both of the populations, but had a decrease in populations under 20% of removal twice and four times a year. We conclude that sustainable use strategies should focus on protecting juveniles in both populations. Fruit harvest for propagation can be promoted as a sustainable use strategy that does not endanger their conservation.