Applied GeoSolutions (United States)

ABSTRACTModern carbonate barrier island systems are crucial coastal geomorphological features increasingly affected by human activities and global environmental change. Predicting their evolution is essential for effective coastal management. In addition, in the subsurface, palaeo‐barriers may hold valuable reservoir potential; however, due to complex internal depositional heterogeneities predicting their reservoir behaviour is challenging. This study documents the depositional heterogeneities of mid‐ to‐late Holocene carbonate barrier systems of the Bar Al Hikman Peninsula (Arabian Sea coast, Oman) using satellite imagery, field observations and sea‐level reconstructions. Two distinct carbonate barriers were identified: (1) the northern abandoned barrier, characterized by low lateral facies heterogeneity and primarily composed of mollusc‐dominated carbonates, and (2) the present‐day forming barrier, dominated by coarse coral‐rich carbonates and exhibiting high depositional heterogeneities with lateral stacking patterns of beach ridges separating elongated lagoonal depressions. The initiation of these barriers likely began during the last interglacial transgression period. Then, their rapid development coincides with (a) the onset of aridification in Arabia (5500 years bp) and (b) the beginning of the forced regression that followed the mid‐Holocene highstand (+2.5 to 3.2 meters above present sea‐level; 6000 years bp). These events also triggered a shift in terms of carbonate factory and platform morphology transitioning from a mollusc‐dominated ramp system during the transgression (7700 to 5500 years bp) to a coral‐dominated partially rimmed system during the forced regression (i.e. patch reefs, since 5500 years ago). Overall, this study provides an example of how millennial‐scale shifts in carbonate factories and platform morphology—by altering the rate and spatial distribution of in‐situ carbonate production—can significantly influence coastal sediment supply and local hydrodynamic conditions. These factors ultimately play a fundamental role in controlling the development, facies, and morphological characteristics (i.e., depositional heterogeneities) of carbonate barrier island systems.

The so-called Framework approach to the research and design of complex spatial information systems (SpIS) is considered. An example of such a SpIS is the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) of Ukraine in the sense documented as of the end of 2024 in the Law of Ukraine and in the Terms of Reference for the geoportal. Due to the ambiguity of the term, it is advisable to consider the approach from three points of view (interpretations). In this paper, attention is paid to one of these three points of view - the approach as a strategy. This strategy, as well as the Framework approach itself, are called constructive, because they are based on the so-called Conceptual Framework and Solutions Framework (SoFr) of the SpIS. According to the authors, the proposed strategy will solve the most important problem of the NGDI today - the actual lack of astrategy. In addition, the Framework approach will help solve the three biggest problems of the NGDI today: product, process and expertise (quality control).In the domains of NGDI and NSII (National Spatial Information Infrastructure) and in their contexts, the most important are three points of view (interpretations) on the Framework approach: 1) as a specific constructive strategy for using geographic information systems and technologies (GIS&T) to manage the territory of Ukraine; 2) as a generalization of the methodology for dealing with SpIS such as NGDI and NSII; 3) as a γ-method, which is denoted by γSoFr, where γ means general, and which “works” at the level (stratum) of IGIM (Integrated Geospatial Information Framework) for Ukraine. The limitations of the article allow us to dwell in more detail only on the consideration of the first interpretation. The second and third interpretations are only formulated for general understanding and with the expectation of sufficiency for conscious planning of the NGDI project.One of the concretizations of the Framework approach is the so-called “AtlasSF Framework Approach”. It is a generalization of the AtlasSF method and tool (Atlas Solutions Framework), which were previously used to create (classical) Atlas systems (AtS). The AtlasSF Framework approach is a hierarchy of three homogeneous Solutions Framework (SoFr) methods. They are called General (γ), Conceptual (β) and Application (α) SoFr, respectively, and are combined into a hierarchical system (model) - Conceptual Framework of the subject X, where X, in addition to AtS, can take the values of NGDI or NSII.The Framework approach in the NGDI project is proposed to be used as follows. The first problem – theproduct– is solved by harmonizing the model of the existing NSII of Ukraine with the INSPIRE model. To make this proposal constructive, the concept of Atlas GIS (AGIS, AGIS-CH) and the currently known implementations of its parts, proven in solving Cultural Heritage problems, are recommended for describing the necessary systems.The second problem –process– is solved by using the AtlasSF Framework approach. The specifics are the application of the γ-, β-, and α- SoFr methods of this approach. The not yet created γSoFr method should be a meta-method of βSoFr, working at the level (stratum) to which the IGIF projection for Ukraine belongs. The IGIF projection includes the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and its subset NGDI, βSoFr is an update of the GeoSolutions Framework, and αSoFr is the current revision of AtlasSF1.0+.The third problem –expertise(quality control) of key solutions – is solved by using the V-model of development, in which validation and verification of solutions must be immediately consistent with the requirements and architecture. In addition, the use of architectural patterns (frameworks) is a “native” property of the pattern. Otherwise, the pattern cannot be a “typical solution to a typical problem”.

Summary The increasing necessity to integrate a faster exploration process in the marine geoscience field resulted in the diffusion of 3D geological modelling software among companies operating in offshore market sectors, improving geo-hazard assessment also in offshore windfarm industries and submarine cable routes. In this regard, Next Geosolutions took a step forward with the acquisition of a 3D geomodelling software, Leapfrog Works™ (Seequent ©), with the scope to obtain a 3D integrated model along cable routes, representing geotechnical and geophysical information in a single visualization. The dataset to build the model comprises geotechnical data from Cone Penetration Tests and Vibrocores, and high resolution seismics and sub bottom profiler data, deriving from a cable route survey carried out in the North Sea to develop an HVDC electricity transmission link. The integrated block model is created in several steps through RBF interpolation. Although the software shows some limits in the resolution of the model due to a low sampling rate against the survey corridor length, a good manual control allows to manage the result according to the interpretation of the operator. This ensures that 3D geomodelling software is a valid tool to improve geo-marine exploration and geo-hazard analysis.

Abstract Advancements in agricultural data collection and methodologies for data analysis offer opportunities for beef cattle producers to improve herd genetics. Genetic evaluation systems (GES) can benefit from modern programming approaches to keep up with these advancements. Python, a fast-developing programming language with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy and SciPy, offers flexibility that allows for quick adoption of superior algorithms and new data sources, as well as easy maintenance of the software over the long-term. This study evaluated the use of Python (v3.12.1) for developing a GES capable of executing all the necessary functions expected of modern implementation of GES. A simulated dataset was generated with the R package AlphaSimR to mimic characteristics of the Angus beef cattle breed. The dataset included pedigree information, phenotypic data, and true breeding values (TBVs) for each animal. Phenotypic traits included birth weight (BWT), weaning gain (WG), and post-weaning gain (PWG), with a total of 976,400 animals simulated across 15 generations. The GES software was developed in house, and included components such as data import, pedigree and data preprocessing, calculating inbreeding, constructing the inverse of the numerator relationship matrix, solver initialization, estimation of breeding value, and writing results. The genetic evaluation employed pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and a multiple-trait animal model, using a preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration algorithm to solve the mixed model equations. Convergence was assessed using the residual vector norm divided by the right-hand-side norm, with a threshold to declare convergence set to 1x10-5. The software was run on a Linux server with an Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 6242 CPU @ 2.80GHz, 96 GB of RAM, and eight cores. Accuracy was measured using Pearson correlation coefficient between TBVs and estimated breeding values (EBVs). To benchmark computing time and solutions, the same dataset and model were input into a commonly used commercial GES, MiXBLUP (v3.0.1). The solver was the most time-consuming component of the GES, with a run time of 27 min. However, the application of multiprocessing reduced the run time by 72% to 8 min. The Pearson correlation coefficient between EBV and TBV was 0.86, 0.79, and 0.73 (P < 0.01) for BWT, WG, and PWG, respectively. In contrast, MiXBLUP completed breeding value prediction in less than 1 min. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Python and MiXBLUP predictions was 1.0 (P < 0.01). While Python is an ideal language for modern GES, further updates are necessary to optimize performance and operations. Future research will focus on refining computational algorithms, exploring parallel processing techniques, and enhancing user interfaces to ensure easy integration with industry practices.

Abstract Future rice systems will need to produce more grain while minimizing the environmental impact. A key question is how to orient agricultural research & development (R&D) programs at national to global scales to maximize the return on investment. Here we assess yield gap and resource-use efficiency (including water, pesticides, nitrogen, labor, and energy) across 32 rice cropping systems, together accounting for 88% of global rice production. We show that achieving high yields and high resource-use efficiencies are not conflicting goals. Most cropping systems have room for increasing yield, resource-use efficiency, or both. In aggregate, current total rice production of these systems can be increased by 36%, and excess nitrogen almost eliminated, by focusing on a relatively small number of cropping systems with large yield gaps and/or poor resource-use efficiencies. This study provides essential strategic insight for prioritizing national and global agricultural R&D investments to ensure adequate rice supply while minimizing negative environmental impact in coming decades.

Earth and Space Science Open Archive posterOpen AccessYou are viewing the latest version by default [v1]SKB Task Force GWFTS: Task 9 - Increasing the realism of solute transport modelling in fractured mediaAuthorsBjörnGyllingiDPaoloTrincheroiDJosepSoleriDJamesCrawfordKerstiNilssoniDBillLanyonJan-OlofSelroosiDAnttiPoteriSee all authors Björn GyllingiDCorresponding Author• Submitting AuthorGylling GeoSolutionsiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2464-6725view email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressPaolo TrincheroiDAmphos21iDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-2788view email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressJosep SoleriDIDAEA-CSICiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0741-249Xview email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressJames CrawfordKemakta Konsult ABview email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressKersti NilssoniDGeosigma ABiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7140-5863view email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressBill LanyonFracture Systems Ltd.view email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressJan-Olof SelroosiDSKB (Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB)iDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9251-5367view email addressThe email was not providedcopy email addressAntti PoteriPosiva Oyview email addressThe email was not providedcopy email address

The aim of this study was to estimate costs associated with the management of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS). The analysis was undertaken through the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank which brings together and anonymously links a wide range of person‐based data from around 75% of general practitioner (GP) practices within Wales (population coverage ~2.5 million). The data covered an 11‐year period from 2007 to 2017. All patients linked to the relevant codes were tracked through primary care settings, recording the number of GP practice visits (number of days with an event recorded), and wound treatment utilisation (eg, dressings, bandages, etc.) Resources were valued in monetary terms (£ sterling) and the costs were determined from national published sources of unit costs. This is the first attempt to estimate the costs of managing of VLUs using routine data sources. The direct costs to the Welsh NHS are considerable and represent 1.2% of the annual budget. Nurse visits are the main cost driver with annual estimates of £67.8 million. At a UK level, these costs amount to £1.98 billion. Dressings and compression bandages are also major cost drivers with annual Welsh estimates of £828 790. The direct cost of managing patients with VLUs is £7706 per patient per annum, which translates to an annual cost of over £2 billion, when extrapolated to the UK population. The primary cost driver is the number of district nurse visits. Initiatives to reduce healing times through improving accuracy of initial diagnosis, and improved evidence‐based treatment pathways would result in major financial savings.