An overview of monitoring methods for assessing the performance of nature-based solutions against natural hazards

To bring to fruition the capability of nature-based solutions (NBS) in mitigating hydro-meteorological risks (HMRs) and facilitate their widespread uptake require a consolidated knowledge-base related to their monitoring methods, efficiency, functioning and the ecosystem services they provide. We attempt to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing and compiling the existing scientific literature on methods, including ground-based measurements (e.g. gauging stations, wireless sensor network) and remote sensing observations (e.g. from topographic LiDAR, multispectral and radar sensors) that have been used and/or can be relevant to monitor the performance of NBS against five HMRs: floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, and storm surges and coastal erosion. These can allow the mapping of the risks and impacts of the specific hydro-meteorological events. We found that the selection and application of monitoring methods mostly rely on the particular NBS being monitored, resource availability (e.g. time, budget, space) and type of HMRs. No standalone method currently exists that can allow monitoring the performance of NBS in its broadest view. However, equipments, tools and technologies developed for other purposes, such as for ground-based measurements and atmospheric observations, can be applied to accurately monitor the performance of NBS to mitigate HMRs. We also focused on the capabilities of passive and active remote sensing, pointing out their associated opportunities and difficulties for NBS monitoring application. We conclude that the advancement in airborne and satellite-based remote sensing technology has signified a leap in the systematic monitoring of NBS performance, as well as provided a robust way for the spatial and temporal comparison of NBS intervention versus its absence. This improved performance measurement can support the evaluation of existing uncertainty and scepticism in selecting NBS over the artificially built concrete structures or grey approaches by addressing the questions of performance precariousness. Remote sensing technical developments, however, take time to shift toward a state of operational readiness for monitoring the progress of NBS in place (e.g. green NBS growth rate, their changes and effectiveness through time). More research is required to develop a holistic approach, which could routinely and continually monitor the performance of NBS over a large scale of intervention. This performance evaluation could increase the ecological and socio-economic benefits of NBS, and also create high levels of their acceptance and confidence by overcoming potential scepticism of NBS implementations

Impacts of soil conditions and light availability on natural regeneration of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in low-elevation mountain forests

& Key message Natural regeneration of P. abies (L.) H. Karst. may reach high densities in lower mountain elevations. The highest densities were found in sites with moderate light availability, with low pH, and not near the riverbank. However, age-height classes differed in the predicted magnitude of response, but were consistent in response directions. Mosses and understory species typical of coniferous forests were positively correlated with regeneration density. & Context Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in Central Europe is at risk under climate change scenarios, particularly in mountain regions. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the natural regeneration of P. abies in lowelevation mountain forests. & Aims We aimed to assess impacts of distance from the riverbank, soil pH, and light availability on natural P. abies regeneration. We hypothesized that (1) natural P. abiesregeneration would depend on light availability and soil pH and (2) there are understory plant species which may indicate the microsites suitable for natural regeneration of P. abies. & Methods The study was conducted in the Stołowe Mountains National Park (SW Poland, 600–800 m a.s.l.). We established 160 study plots (25 m2 ) for natural regeneration, light availability, soil pH, and understory vegetation assessment

Modeling Ubiquitous Web Applications - The WUML Approach

E-commerce and m-commerce have dramatically boosted the demand for services which enable ubiquitous access. Ubiquity with its anytime/anywhere/anymedia nature requiring context-aware computing calls for new engineering techniques supporting these kind of services. In this paper, we propose the notion of customisation as the uniform mechanism to deliver ubiquitous web applications providing adaptability with respect to a certain context. As a prerequisite for supporting customisation design, a set of generic models is introduced comprising a context model, a profile model, and a rule model. At the application's side, customisation hooks are provided representing the major hot spots of adaptation. A customisation toolkit in terms of a customisation rule editor and browser supports an integrated modelling process and facilitates reusability on the basis of a repository of customisation rules and patterns

TriGSflow - Active Object-Oriented Workflow Management

We present the multi-paradigm architecture TriGS flow for a workflow management system. TriGS flow is based on an active extension of the commercial object-oriented database system GemStone TM . TriGS flow takes full advantage of the capabilities of the underlying database system such as reliability, recovery, transaction management, and authorization. At the current stage of implementation the novel features of TriGS flow are the seamless integration of ECA rules into an object-oriented model, the flexibility of workflow specification due to rule modeling, and the integration of external applications as part of workflow processing. Keywords: workflow model based on ECA rules, active object-oriented database 1. Introduction A workflow management system (WFMS) supports the design, execution and monitoring of in general long-lasting business processes that typically involve multiple activities and multiple collaborating persons in a distributed environement. WFMSs originate from th..