Site Selection Research Articles

Summer roost site selection of a declining bat species

AbstractSummer habitats are critical to bat population persistence as they support multiple life history stages, including maternity colonies, nursery sites, and foraging locations. The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is a hibernating North American bat species that uses forested landscapes during summer months; however, information on the summer habitat requirements is limited. The objective of this work was to quantify the characteristics of roost sites selected by tricolored bats during summer months. We captured, tagged, and tracked 15 bats using radio-telemetry to 55 roost locations. At each roost, we recorded roost habitat characteristics and other forest characteristics within a 0.1 ha circular plot surrounding the roost tree and a 1 km buffer at the landscape scale. We repeated these measurements for three random trees per roost tree to characterize available habitat for selection. We used a suite of mixed conditional logistic regression models to test multiple factors known to influence roost-site selection for various bat species and compared using Akaike information criterion to select the best model. The top model at the roost scale demonstrated that roost selection was influenced by roost tree height, while the landscape scale was influenced by deciduous forest and distance to roads. There is a critical information gap for the ongoing recovery of tricolored bats; better understanding of summer habitat and proper forest management implications, as well as information on scale-specific habitat selection, is needed to better understand tricolored bat management needs.

Locating the suitable large-scale solar farms in China's deserts with environmental considerations

Desert areas offer rich solar resources and low land use costs, ideal for large-scale new energy development. However, desert ecosystems are fragile, and large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power facilities pose ecological risks. Current assessments of PV plant sites in deserts lack consideration of wind-sand hazards and ecological impacts. In this study, we have developed a new large-scale photovoltaic (PV) site selection model that integrates the analytic hierarchy process with geographic information system technology, and applies it to the desert regions of China. The results show that the potential for large-scale PV power plants in China's deserts is significant, with 69.4 % of the region assessed as medium or higher. The most suitable area is 12.7 × 104 km2 (7.6 % of the overall study area), mainly centered in the Tibetan Plateau's Qaidam Basin Desert and the deserts of northern China, characterized by favorable solar resources, climate, and terrain. Across all regions, gravel deserts are recognized as more suitable for the construction of large-scale PV power projects than sandy deserts. Considering varying PV installation density scenarios with an installed capacity potential of 36.4–84.9 TW and system costs ranging from 10.0 to 33.5 trillion USD, the study estimates an annual solar power generation potential of 47–110 PWh which is 1.7–3.9 times the global electricity demand. Carbon emissions could be reduced by 26.8–62.6 gigatons annually, offsetting 73–170 % of global emissions. Covering just 4.8–11.5 % of China's desert area (8 × 104–19.4 × 104 km2) would meet the projected 2025 electricity needs of the country. This study lays the groundwork for spatial planning and benefit assessment of large-scale PV projects in desert regions, and reduces conflicts between PV plant construction and local ecosystem.

‘Grand designs?’ Investigating the cultural and spatial logics of Channel 4’s media hub workspaces in Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow

This article explores the evolving spatiality of media production through an analysis of recent developments in UK broadcaster Channel 4’s move to a multi-site operating model. Historically, media buildings have served as landmarks of power and influence, embodying the aspirations and identities of media organisations and, as such, offer a fruitful lens for the specific exploration of the spaces of contemporary media production. Through a detailed analysis of Channel 4’s decision-making process, site selections and the significance of the chosen buildings within areas with an urban regeneration focus, the study investigates the complex interplay between media industry dynamics, regional development policies, and wider political and economic forces. Drawing on a range of academic literature and evidence from media, industry and policy reporting, the article highlights the strategic motivations behind Channel 4’s decentralisation efforts, positioned by the organisation as an effort to address diversity in terms of nations and regions representation but significantly shaped by political factors. However, it also raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability, economic viability and cultural impact of these relocation decisions. The article discusses how Channel 4’s regional media spaces and decentralisation reflect the impermanence and crisis facing Public Service Media, emphasising the shifting power dynamics within the media landscape and the need for adaptive strategies in an increasingly volatile industry environment. By examining the evolving investment in media buildings, this research contributes to a growing body of research seeking to understand the complex dynamics shaping contemporary media landscapes and urban environments.

Sustainable solution to the critical challenges of an oceanic wave farm for maximizing power generation

In this paper, a general wave farm design procedure has been presented. For example, the design procedure is applied to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Firstly, the most effective site is selected to construct a wave farm considering various techno-economic factors. A coordinated drawing for the proposed site selection procedure is presented, which includes a coastal area map and sea, grid map, wave height, and different assorted factors. Transmission line cost is analyzed for nearly equipotential locations. Then wave height, time period, wave power, and vertical speed are observed for the selected location. In the next step, a wave farm layout has been designed considering point absorber type device and the oceanic wave dataset with statistical analysis. Further, a linear electrical generator (LEG) is designed and analyzed for the wave farm. The generator is simulated in the ANSYS/Maxwell environment. Since the wave parameters vary from time to time, the LEG is simulated for several vertical speeds. To find the highest output power, the load profiles are analyzed for each speed separately. In the next step, the LEG is optimized. Simulation result shows that the flux distribution of optimized LEG is better than its initially designed counterpart. Efficiency of the optimized LEG is 7 % greater than its initial design. The proposed method of site selection, statistical analysis of the wave dataset, and the optimized LEG design are combined in this paper for maximum wave energy extraction.

Site differentiation strategy for selective strontium uptake and elution within an all-inorganic polyoxoniobate framework

Selective uptake and elution of trace amounts of hazardous radioactive 90Sr from large-scale high-level liquid waste (HLW) is crucial for sustainable development. Here, we propose a site differentiation strategy, based on the presence of distinct selective metal capture sites (concavity site and tweezer site) within the giant polyoxoniobate (PONb) nanoclusters of an all-inorganic PONb framework (FZU-1). Through this strategy, FZU-1 can not only effectively remove 98.9% of Sr²⁺ from simulated nuclear liquid waste, performing best among the reported Sr adsorbents, but also achieve desorption of adsorbed Sr²⁺ ions by selectively loading Na⁺ ions, thus enabling the recycling of FZU-1. Based on the well-defined single-crystal structures and theoretical studies, it can be revealed that the rapid and selective uptake of Sr²⁺ is attributed to the strong binding energy between the Sr²⁺ ions and the concavity sites. The effective elution of Sr²⁺, on the other hand, stems from the preferential binding of Na⁺ ions at the tweezer sites, elevating the cluster’s electrostatic potential and indirectly facilitating the elution of Sr²⁺ ions. The exceptional stability of FZU-1, along with its rapid and selective Sr²⁺ capture and elution capabilities, positions it as a promising candidate for large-scale nuclear waste treatment and groundwater remediation applications.

Wind power plant site selection problem solution using GIS and resource assessment and analysis of wind energy potential by estimating Weibull distribution function for sustainable energy production: The case of Bitlis/Turkey

Wind energy, being a sustainable energy source, is a benign, dependable, limitless, and cost-effective source of energy. This study involved the creation of a wind power plant site selection map at a provincial scale using a GIS application. The map took into account both environmental risks and environmental criteria. A wind energy measurement station of the PCE-FWS 20 type, equipped with a touch screen, was installed in the Rahva campus of Bitlis Eren University. Over the course of one year, data on wind direction, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure were collected at 5-s intervals and averaged over 20-min periods. The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of the measured region for wind energy potential. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted using all the data collected during this period to assess the wind energy potential in the studied region. The Weibull distribution was employed to analyse the wind energy potential of this particular region. We employed graphical techniques to ascertain the Weibull distribution. The wind data analysis and simulation were conducted using the Matlab application. Analysed were the monthly statistical wind energy potential of the region, wherein the average wind speed and power density values were determined and presented through graphs at 20-min intervals. Upon analyzing the map generated using the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technique, it has been ascertained that Bitlis Eren University Rahva campus is located in favorable areas.

Performance Evaluation for the Expansion of Multi-Level Rail Transit Network in Xi’an Metropolitan Area: Empirical Analysis on Accessibility and Resilience

As the main form of new urbanization, the coordinated development of cities in metropolitan areas requires reliable and efficient rail transit skeleton support. However, in the rapid development of metropolitan areas, the layout and analysis of multi-level rail transit systems have a certain lag. Taking the Xi’an metropolitan area as an example, this study analyzes the comprehensive accessibility and resilience of the multi-level rail transit network, and proposes an expansion plan accordingly. The traffic analysis zone (TAZ) is divided by towns and streets, and the relationship between points of interest (POIs) and the regional average level is analyzed using DEA. The improved weighted average travel time model is built with the analysis results as regional weights; a site selection model based on multiple construction influencing factors is proposed, and four expansion plans, namely, economic optimal, environmental optimal, transport optimal, and integrated optimal, are designed. The peak passenger flow scenario and the “failure–reparation” scenario during the entire operation period are designed to analyze the resilience of four plans, and the resilience is quantified by the elasticity curve of the maximum connected subgraph ratio (MCSR) changing over time. The research results show that the transport optimal plan has the best comprehensive accessibility and resilience, reducing travel costs in Houzhenzi Town, which has the worst accessibility, by 34%. The expansion model and evaluation method in this study can provide an empirical example for the development of other metropolitan areas and provide a reasonable benchmark and guidance for the development of multi-level rail transit networks in future urban areas.

Research on Natural Disaster Risk Assessment and Real Estate Site Selection Strategies Based on EWM-RSR Algorithm and Arcgis

Research on Natural Disaster Risk Assessment and Real Estate Site Selection Strategies Based on EWM-RSR Algorithm and Arcgis

Exact methods for the Selective Assessment Routing Problem

AbstractThe Selective Assessment Routing Problem (SARP) is a problem in humanitarian logistics addressing the site selection and routing decisions of rapid needs assessment teams which aim to evaluate the post-disaster conditions of different community groups, each carrying a distinct characteristic. The aim is to construct an assessment plan that maximizes the covering of different characteristics in a balanced way. We explore exact approaches based on mixed integer linear programming. Different mathematical formulations are presented, and theoretical results regarding their strengths are derived. The models are experimentally evaluated on a set of test instances including a real-world scenario.

Marine Equipment Siting Using Machine-Learning-Based Ocean Remote Sensing Data: Current Status and Future Prospects

As the global climate changes, there is an increasing focus on the oceans and their protection and exploitation. However, the exploration of the oceans necessitates the construction of marine equipment, and the siting of such equipment has become a significant challenge. With the ongoing development of computers, machine learning using remote sensing data has proven to be an effective solution to this problem. This paper reviews the history of remote sensing technology, introduces the conditions required for site selection through measurement analysis, and uses cluster analysis methods to identify areas such as machine learning as a research hotspot for ocean remote sensing. The paper aims to integrate machine learning into ocean remote sensing. Through the review and discussion of this article, limitations and shortcomings of the current stage of ocean remote sensing are identified, and relevant development proposals are put forward.

How to make cardiology clinical trials more inclusive.

Cardiovascular clinical trials continue to under-represent children, older adults, females and people from ethnic minority groups relative to population disease distribution. Here we describe strategies to foster trial representativeness, with proposed actions at the levels of trial funding, design, conduct and dissemination. In particular, trial representativeness may be increased through broad recruitment strategies and site selection criteria that reflect the diversity of patients in the catchment area, as well as limiting unjustified exclusion criteria and using pragmatic designs that minimize research burden on patients (including embedded and decentralized trials). Trial communications ought to be culturally appropriate; engaging diverse people with lived experience in the co-design of some trial elements may foster this. The demographics of trialists themselves are associated with participant demographics; therefore, trial leadership must be actively diversified. Funding bodies and journals increasingly require the reporting of sociodemographic characteristics of trial participants, and regulatory bodies now provide guidance on increasing trial diversity; these steps may increase the momentum towards change. Although this Perspective focuses on the cardiovascular trial context, many of these strategies could be applied to other fields.

Archaeological cognition of the Eastern mausoleum of Qin state using integrated space-ground observation tools

The Eastern Mausoleum of Qin State is a significant component of the Qin Dynasty's royal tombs, reflecting the social development level during the Warring States period (475 BC ~ 221 BC) in China. At the onset of our investigation, we mapped the site's boundaries utilizing Corona satellite imagery and employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) to identify archaeological features. Additionally, this study is the first to propose the use of thermal infrared band data from the SDGSAT-1 satellite to explore thermal archaeological traces, demonstrating their viability for archaeological site analysis. Subsequently, electromagnetic (EM) prospection was utilized to validate the presence of an ancient burial chamber passage. Landscape monitoring and analysis of the No.1 Mausoleum were performed using Corona and Google Earth images, revealing the accuracy of the Geomancy Theory of Chinese mausoleums through dynamic remote sensing of surface changes. Furthermore, our employment of space-to-ground observational modalities and resultant Digital Elevation Models (DEM) have been used to provided new insights into the application of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geomancy in archaeology, thereby emphasizing the pivotal role of site selection in heritage preservation. This research underscores the promise of synergistic space-ground observations in both exploiting the archaeological riches of cultural heritage sites and ensuring the enduring conservation of these irreplaceable patrimonial assets.

Application of a GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach to the Siting of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Power Plants: A Case Study of the Xisha Sea Area, China

In order to achieve the goals of carbon neutrality and reduced carbon emissions, China is increasingly focusing on the development and utilization of renewable energy sources. Among these, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) has the advantages of small periodic fluctuations and large potential reserves, making it an important research field. With the development of the “Maritime Silk Road”, the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea will see a growing demand for electricity, providing the potential for OTEC development in this region. Optimal site selection of OTEC power plants is a prerequisite for developing thermal energy provision, affecting both the construction costs and future benefits of the power plants. This study establishes a scientific evaluation model based on the decision-making frameworks of geographic information systems (GISs) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, specifically the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for assigning weights, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to reclassify the factors, and weighted linear combination (WLC) to compute the suitability index. In addition to commonly considered factors such as temperature difference and marine usage status, this study innovatively incorporates geological conditions and maximum offshore distances of cold seawater based on cost control. The final evaluation identifies three suitable areas for OTEC development near the Xuande Atoll and the Yongle Atoll in the Xisha Sea Area, providing valuable insights for energy developers and policymakers.

Fair allocation of small-scale finfish mariculture zones in multi-use MPAs using multi criteria evaluation with stakeholder preferences

Mariculture zones in MPAs are primarily determined based on cost-effective/environmental criteria and rarely incorporate local community preferences. This study proposed a GIS-based site selection model to solve the conflicting issues in designing mariculture zones to support small-scale finfish farmers in MPAs. The work was undertaken in the Anambas Archipelago MPA to represent a commonly populated small-island MPA in Indonesia and other developing countries. A three-stage site selection model (constraint, site suitability, and stakeholder preference) with various criteria was employed using a modified parameter-specific suitability function (PSSF) with a non-weighted geometric mean. The stakeholder preference was used to counterbalance the dominance of environmental sub-models. The first stage analysis using the constraint sub-model determined that only 10.16% (1199.70 km2) of the total extent of the study area (11,811.77 km2) was categorized as feasible for finfish mariculture. The subsequent site suitability sub-model determined that only 32.3% (387 km2) and 30.1% (361.6 km2) of the feasible areas were classed best for finfish mariculture in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Areas classified as good covered 41.25% (494.9 km2) and 40.1% (481.65 km2) of the total feasible areas in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The stakeholder preference sub-model had classified 33.21 km2 (2.77%) of the feasible area as the best sites that could be allocated as mariculture zones for the local community. The site selection model successfully incorporates multiple site selection parameters, addresses poor data availability and improves fair allocation of mariculture zone in the MPA via two specific approaches. The nature of the geometric mean prevents the allocation of suitable areas in the MPA-specific zones, such as core zones. Second, the stakeholder preference improves the fairness of the mariculture zone allocation due to the incorporation of local fish farmers' preferences. The proposed site selection model could be used to designate mariculture zones in a data-poor MPA environment and facilitate local communities in developing sustainable small-scale finfish mariculture in MPAs.

Nest site selection by an endangered raptor, the Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae), in a hostile anthropogenic landscape

ABSTRACT The Grey Goshawk is an endangered raptor occurring at low densities throughout its Tasmanian range. Nesting ecology and conservation requirements of the species are poorly understood. Thus, knowledge of nest site selection and breeding habitat preferences is needed to inform conservation management strategies. Here, we investigate nest site selection in a modified anthropogenic landscape in south-east Tasmania, Australia based on 75 active nest sites. Our logistic regression models show that nest site selection is influenced by a range of variables at the landscape, nest stand and nest site level, which likely relate to territoriality, food availability and forest structure. We also used environmental and disturbance-related variables to deliver a management-specific model, which indicated distance to track, dwelling and drainage lines were significant predictors of nest site selection. Our results can be used to improve conservation management and planning strategies.

Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process and GIS: a case study in Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq

Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process and GIS: a case study in Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq

Use of Wireless Sensor Networks for Area-Based Speed Control and Traffic Monitoring

This paper reviews the potential of low-power wireless networks to improve road safety. The authors characterized this type of network and its application in road transport. They also presented the available technologies, highlighting one that was considered the most promising for transport applications. The study includes an innovative and proprietary concept of area-based vehicle speed monitoring using this technology and describes its potential for enhancing road safety. Assumptions and a model for the deployment of network equipment within the planned implementation area were developed. Using radio coverage planning software, the authors conducted a series of simulations to assess the radio coverage of the proposed solution. The results were used to evaluate the feasibility of deployment and to select system operating parameters. It was also noted that the proposed solution could be applied to traffic monitoring. The main objective of this paper is to present a new solution for improving road safety and to assess its feasibility for practical implementation. To achieve this, the authors conducted and presented the results of a series of simulations using radio coverage planning software. The key contribution of this research is the authors′ proposal to implement simultaneous vehicle speed control across the entire monitored area, rather than limiting it to specific, designated points. The simulation results, primarily related to the deployment and selection of operating parameters for wireless sensor network devices, as well as the type and height of antenna placement, suggest that the practical implementation of the proposed solution is feasible. This approach has the potential to significantly improve road safety and alter drivers′ perceptions of speed control. Additionally, the positive outcomes of the research could serve as a foundation for changing the selection of speed control sites, focusing on areas with the highest road safety risk at any given time.

Climate change favors expansion of three Eucalyptus species in China.

Eucalyptus has become one of the most widely planted species in tropical and subtropical regions in China, with important economic, ecological, and social values. However, it is currently unclear how climate change will affect different Eucalyptus species. Therefore, it is urgent to investigate the potential distribution and dynamics of Eucalyptus under current and future climate scenarios. In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution patterns of the three main Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus urophylla, and Eucalyptus tereticornis) under current and future climatic conditions (2041-2060 and 2061-2080) using the optimized MaxEnt model, which integrates a variety of environmental data including climate, topography, soil, and human influence. We also identified the main factors affecting the potential distributions of the three main Eucalyptus species. The model indicated that E. grandis exhibited heightened sensitivity to the mean temperature of the coldest quarter (7.0-20.0 °C) and annual mean temperature (11.9-24.2 °C), whereas E. urophylla displayed heightened sensitivity to precipitation of the warmest quarter (272-1694mm) and annual precipitation (812-2624mm). Conversely, E. tereticornis demonstrated heightened sensitivity to annual mean temperature (12.7-24.5°C) and temperature seasonality (63.8-598.9). Under the current climate, E. tereticornis had the widest suitable distribution area (124.91 × 104 km²), followed by E. grandis (124.89 × 104 km²) and E. urophylla (119.81 × 104 km²). Under future climate change scenarios, the suitable ranges of E. grandis, E. urophylla and E. tereticornis will continue to expand. This study highlights the importance of climate change in Eucalyptus distribution and provides quantified potential distribution maps for three Eucalyptus species under current and future climate conditions in China. This research offers valuable scientific insights pertinent to the management and rational site selection for Eucalyptus plantations.

The Influence of Logistics Activity on Sustainable Performance of Air Cargo Business in Thailand

This research applies logistics management concepts to sustainable business operations in the context of air cargo businesses in Thailand. The study aims to understand how logistics activities impact the sustainable performance of air cargo businesses. The objectives of this study were to examine: 1) logistics activities in air cargo businesses in Thailand, and 2) the influence of logistics activities on the sustainable performance of the air cargo business. This study consists of descriptive research, utilzing a questionnaire for data collection. The sample consisted of 424 employees of air cargo businesses operating in Thailand. The findings reveal that all 9 logistics activities significantly influenced the sustainable performance of air cargo businesses in Thailand, in terms of economic, social, and environmental performance, where Customer Services and Support (CSS) had the highest average value with a mean value of 5.90 (S.D. = 0.723). Regarding the results of the study of influences, Facilities Site Selection, Warehousing, and Storage (FWS) was found to strongly impact Economic Performance (ECOP) with a β value of .740. Meanwhile, Reverse Logistics (RL) had the greatest impact on Social Performance (SOCP) with a β value of 0.843, and Transportation (TRAN) had the greatest influence on Environmental Performance (ENVP), with a β value of 0.749. The findings can support the introduction of business guidelines to enhance competitiveness and enable the achievement of sustainable success, offering encouragement for Thailand as a key air cargo hub for Southeast Asia. Moreover, the study can be used to enhance academic knowledge in the field of logistics and contribute to the future sustainable performance of the air cargo business.

Assessment of Wind Energy Potential and Optimal Site Selection for Wind Energy Plant Installations in Igdir/Turkey

Wind energy is an eco-friendly, renewable, domestic, and infinite resource. These factors render the construction of wind turbines appealing to nations, prompting numerous governments to implement incentives to augment their installed capacity of wind turbines. Alongside augmenting the installed capacity of wind turbines, identifying suitable locations for their installation is crucial for optimizing turbine performance. This study aims to evaluate potential sites for wind power plant installation via a GIS, a mapping technique. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to assess the locations, including both quantitative and qualitative aspects that significantly impact the wind farm suitability map. Utilizing the GIS methodology, all datasets were examined through height and raster transformations of land surface temperature, plant density index, air pressure, humidity, wind speed, air temperature, land cover, solar radiation, aspect, slope, and topographical characteristics, resulting in the creation of a wind farm map. The correlation between the five-year meteorological data and environmental parameters (wind direction, daily wind speed, daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, daily relative humidity, daily average air temperature, solar radiation duration, daily cloud cover, air humidity, and air pressure) influencing the wind power plant in Iğdır province, including Iğdır Airport, Karakoyunlu, Aralık, and Tuzluca districts, was analyzed. If wind energy towers are installed at 1 km intervals across an area of roughly 858,180 hectares in Igdir province, an estimated 858,180 GWh of wind energy can be generated. The GIS-derived wind power plant map indicates that the installation sites for wind power plants are located in regions susceptible to wind erosion.