Development offsets for ecosystem services in a rural residential development context: issues for the Murrindindi Shire application

Rural residential development could have a positive or negative effect on the supply of ecosystem services. In most cases, the effect tends to be negative. One way of managing the impact is through a market based instrument. In this paper we present a development offset MBI as a way of cost effectively managing the ecosystem service impact of development in the Murrindindi Shire, Victoria. In this paper we note that design of the instrument is critical to the success of any MBI, including development offsets. Key development offset design issues discussed in this paper include defining what is traded (the metric), facilitating trades in a thin marketplace with high transaction costs, and ensuring the offset is commensurate with the impact.Rural residential development, development offset,, market based instrument, design, Environmental Economics and Policy,

Improving NRM Investment through a policy performance lens

Choosing a mechanism to encourage landholders to change their land management in order to deliver environmental outcomes is a complicated process. Careful instrument selection may count for little if uptake and adoption are insufficient to meet performance targets. Similarly, investors may require assurance that the proposed investment will deliver the stated goals. In order to reduce the uptake uncertainty facing policy makers we evaluate and describe several possible methods to guide and frame adoption targets. We conclude that referring to past adoption experience of a wide range of mechanisms offers the best approach to setting feasible adoption targets for future mechanisms. We call this adoption points of reference. This approach is tested by application to mechanisms focusing on delivering water quality improvements in GBR catchments. We conclude that the points of reference approach is appropriate and useful but should be supported by processes designed to incorporate the impact of heterogeneity and local knowledge and an emphasis on improving the accuracy of future data.adoption targets, NRM investment, reasonable assurance, water quality,

The role of evolutionary game theory in spatial and non-spatial models of the survival of cooperation in cancer: a review

Evolutionary game theory (EGT) is a branch of mathematics which considers populations of individuals interacting with each other to receive pay-offs. An individual’s pay-off is dependent on the strategy of its opponent(s) as well as on its own, and the higher its pay-off, the higher its reproductive fitness. Its offspring generally inherit its interaction strategy, subject to random mutation. Over time, the composition of the population shifts as different strategies spread or are driven extinct. In the last 25 years there has been a flood of interest in applying EGT to cancer modelling, with the aim of explaining how cancerous mutations spread through healthy tissue and how intercellular cooperation persists in tumour-cell populations. This review traces this body of work from theoretical analyses of well-mixed infinite populations through to more realistic spatial models of the development of cooperation between epithelial cells. We also consider work in which EGT has been used to make experimental predictions about the evolution of cancer, and discuss work that remains to be done before EGT can make large-scale contributions to clinical treatment and patient outcomes

The Use of Remote Sensing Techniques for Monitoring and Characterization of Slope Instability

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Understanding changes in slope geometry and knowledge of underlying engineering properties of the rock mass are essential for the safe design of man-made slopes and to reduce the significant risks associated with slope failure. Recent advances in the geomatics industry have provided the capability to obtain accurate, fully geo-referenced three-dimensional datasets that can be subsequently interrogated to provide engineering-based solutions for monitoring of deformation processes, rock mass characterization and additional insight into any underlying failure mechanisms. Importantly, data can also be used to spatially locate and map geological features and provide displacement or deformation rate information relating to movement of critical sections or regions of a slope. This paper explores the benefits that can be obtained by incorporating different remote sensing techniques and conventional measurement devices to provide a comprehensive database required for development of an effective slope monitoring and risk management program. The integration of different techniques, such as high accuracy discrete point measurement at critical locations, which can be used to complement larger scale less dense three-dimensional survey will be explored. Case studies using a combination of aerial and terrestrial laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicle and hand-held scanning devices will demonstrate their ability to provide spatial data for informing decision making processes and ensuring compliance with Regulations

A combined field/remote sensing approach for characterizing landslide risk in coastal areas

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Understanding the key factors controlling slope failure mechanisms in coastal areas is the first and most important step for analyzing, reconstructing and predicting the scale, location and extent of future instability in rocky coastlines. Different failure mechanisms may be possible depending on the influence of the engineering properties of the rock mass (including the fracture network), the persistence and type of discontinuity and the relative aspect or orientation of the coastline. Using a section of the North Coast of Cornwall, UK, as an example we present a multi-disciplinary approach for characterizing landslide risk associated with coastal instabilities in a blocky rock mass. Remotely captured terrestrial and aerial LiDAR and photogrammetric data was interrogated using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to provide a framework for subsequent analysis, interpretation and validation. The remote sensing mapping data was used to define the rock mass discontinuity network of the area and to differentiate between major and minor geological structures controlling the evolution of the North Coast of Cornwall. Kinematic instability maps generated from aerial LiDAR data using GIS techniques and results from structural and engineering geological surveys are presented. With this method, it was possible to highlight the types of kinematic failure mechanism that may generate coastal landslides and highlight areas that are more susceptible to instability or increased risk of future instability. Multi-temporal aerial LiDAR data and orthophotos were also studied using GIS techniques to locate recent landslide failures, validate the results obtained from the kinematic instability maps through site observations and provide improved understanding of the factors controlling the coastal geomorphology. The approach adopted is not only useful for academic research, but also for local authorities and consultancy's when assessing the likely risks of coastal instability

Bringing Lunar LiDAR Back Down to Earth: Mapping Our Industrial Heritage through Deep Transfer Learning

This is the final version. Available on open access from MDPI via the DOI in this recordThis article presents a novel deep learning method for semi-automated detection of historic mining pits using aerial LiDAR data. The recent emergence of national scale remotely sensed datasets has created the potential to greatly increase the rate of analysis and recording of cultural heritage sites. However, the time and resources required to process these datasets in traditional desktop surveys presents a near insurmountable challenge. The use of artificial intelligence to carry out preliminary processing of vast areas could enable experts to prioritize their prospection focus; however, success so far has been hindered by the lack of large training datasets in this field. This study develops an innovative transfer learning approach, utilizing a deep convolutional neural network initially trained on Lunar LiDAR datasets and reapplied here in an archaeological context. Recall rates of 80% and 83% were obtained on the 0.5 m and 0.25 m resolution datasets respectively, with false positive rates maintained below 20%. These results are state of the art and demonstrate that this model is an efficient, effective tool for semi-automated object detection for this type of archaeological objects. Further tests indicated strong potential for detection of other types of archaeological objects when trained accordingly

The Integration of Laser Scanning and 3D Models in the Legal Process following an Industrial Accident

PublishedThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Background In order to obtain a deeper understanding of an incident, it needs to be investigated to "peel back the layers" and examine both the immediate and underlying failures that contributed to the event itself. One of the key elements of effective accident investigation is recording the scene for future reference. In recent years, however, there have been major advances in survey technology, which have provided the ability to capture scenes in 3D to an unprecedented level of detail, using laser scanners. Methods A case study involving a fatal incident was surveyed using 3D laser scanning and then subsequently recreated through virtual and physical models. The created models were then utilised in both the accident investigation and legal process top explore the technologies use in this setting. Results Benefits include; explanation of the event and environment, incident reconstruction, preservation of evidence, reducing the need for site visits, testing of theories. Drawbacks include; limited technology within court rooms, confusion caused by models, cost, personal interpretation and acceptance in the data. Conclusions The use of laser scanning surveys can be of considerable use in jury trials, for example, if the location supports the use of a high definition survey or if an object has be altered after the accident and has a specific influence on the case and needs to be recorded. However, consideration has to be made in its application and to ensure a fair trial, emphasis being placed on the facts of the case and personal interpretation controlled.The Authors would like to acknowledge the European Social Fund for providing funding for this research. In addition, the authors would also like to acknowledge 3DMSI Ltd for their assistance throughout this research

Application of discrete fracture networks (DFN) in the stability analysis of Delabole Slate Quarry, Cornwall, UK

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from ARMA.50th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Houston, USA, 26-29 June 2016The failure mechanism of rock slopes is mainly controlled by the strength and orientation of discontinuities within the rock mass. A realistic representation of the joint network within the rock mass is therefore an essential component of stability analysis of rock structures (e.g. rock slopes, tunnels etc.). Discontinuity persistence and connectivity are significant parameters which control the stability of rock slopes. A small percentage of rock bridges on the discontinuity surface can significantly increase its strength and prevent slope failure. Discontinuities within the rock mass are rarely fully connected. In practice, however, discontinuities are often assumed fully persistent due to the difficulties both in mapping and simulation of non-persistence. Discrete fracture networks (DFN) provide a rigorous and convenient tool for the simulation of joint systems within a rock mass. Utilizing statistical methods, DFNs consider the stochastic nature of some key parameters (e.g. persistence and orientation) within numerical models. Discrete fracture network engineering is increasingly used due to recent developments in discontinuity data acquisition techniques (e.g. ground-based digital photogrammetry and laser scanning). Recent development in geomechanical modelling codes and increased computing power have also allowed to either import DFN’s into models or to generate DFN’s within the numerical modelling code itself (e.g. 3DEC). This paper describes the use of photogrammetry at the Delabole slate quarry in Cornwall, UK for remotely acquiring key discontinuity parameter data (orientation, intensity and length) and its subsequent use in developing statistically validated discrete fracture network parameters. The 3D distinct element code, 3DEC, is used for the DFN generation and subsequent stability analysis. Several realizations of the 3DEC-DFN models are run to investigate the stochastic nature of discontinuities within the quarry and their potential influence on the stability of the pit. Finally the simulation results are used to determine the slope instability mechanisms and determine the most likely areas of potential instability

Investigation and modeling of direct toppling using a three-dimensional distinct element approach with incorporation of point cloud geometry

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this recordBlock toppling instability can be a common problem in natural rock masses, especially in mining environments where excavation activity may trigger discontinuity-controlled instability by modifying the natural slope geometry. Traditional investigations of block toppling failure consider classic kinematic analyses and simplified two-dimensional limit equilibrium methods. This approach is still the most commonly adopted, but the simple two-dimensional conceptual model may often oversimplify the instability mechanisms, ignoring potential critical factors specifically related to the three-dimensional geometry. This paper uses a three-dimensional distinct element method approach applied to an example case study, identifying the critical parameters that influence direct toppling instability in an open pit environment. Terrestrial laser scanning was used to obtain detailed three-dimensional geometrical information of the slope face geometry for subsequent stability analyses. A series of sensitivity analyses on critical parameters such as friction angle, discontinuity shear and normal stiffness, discontinuity spacing, and orientation was performed, using simple conceptual three-dimensional numerical modeling. Results of the analyses revealed the importance of undertaking three-dimensional analyses for direct toppling investigations that allow identification of critical parameters. A three-dimensional distinct element analysis was then performed using a more realistic complex volumetric mesh model of the case study slope which confirmed the previous modeling results but also identified unstable blocks in high slope angle areas, providing useful information for life of mine design. The paper highlights the importance of slope geometry and fracture network orientation on potential slope instability mechanisms.European CommissionEuropean Commissio