Evaluation of the water conservation function in the Ili River Delta of Central Asia based on the InVEST model

The Ili River Delta(IRD)is an ecological security barrier for the Lake Balkhash and an important water conservation area in Central Asia.In this study,we selected the IRD as a typical research area,and simulated the water yield and water conservation from 1975 to 2020 using the water yield module of the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs(InVEST)model.We further analyzed the temporal and spatial variations in the water yield and water conservation in the IRD from 1975 to 2020,and investigated the main driving factors(precipitation,potential evapotranspiration,land use/land cover change,and inflow from the Ili River)of the water conservation variation based on the linear regression,piecewise linear regression,and Pearson's correlation coefficient analyses.The results indicated that from 1975 to 2020,the water yield and water conservation in the IRD showed a decreasing trend,and the spatial distribution pattern was"high in the east and low in the west";overall,the water conservation of all land use types decreased slightly.The water conservation volume of grassland was the most reduced,although the area of grassland increased owing to the increased inflow from the Ili River.At the same time,the increased inflow has led to the expansion of wetland areas,the improvement of vegetation growth,and the increase of regional evapotranspiration,thus resulting in an overall reduction in the water conservation.The water conservation depth and precipitation had similar spatial distribution patterns;the change in climate factors was the main reason for the decline in the water conservation function in the delta.The reservoir in the upper reaches of the IRD regulated runoff into the Lake Balkhash,promoted vegetation restoration,and had a positive effect on the water conservation;however,this positive effect cannot offset the negative effect of enhanced evapotranspiration.These results provide a reference for the rational allocation of water resources and ecosystem protection in the IRD.

Valuation Model for Adding Energy Resource into Autonomous Energy Cluster

With the availability of distributed generation (DG), clusters that can autonomously manage their energy profile are emerging in the power grid. These autonomous clusters manage their load profiles by orchestrating their energy resources, such as DG, storage, flexible energy consuming appliances, etc. The performance of such an autonomous cluster depends on the composition of its energy resources. In this paper, we study how the performance of a cluster is affected by adding energy resources such as generating units, storage systems or consuming appliances. First, we characterize the energy resources by parameters that describe their relevant properties. Afterwards, we describe a comprehensive set of performance indicators of a cluster that capture the economical, environmental, and social aspects. We present a model that shows how the energy resources influence the performance indicators of the cluster. We have tested our model with a case study, revealing its effectiveness to evaluate the value added by an energy resource to a cluster.

ANN valuation model of material LCIA profile

Weighting model is the only valuation model of life cycle impact assessment(LCIA) profile now. It simplifies evaluation function into linear function, and makes the determination of weighting factor complicated. Therefore the valuation of LCIA profile is the most critical and controversial step in life cycle assessment(LCA). Development on valuation models, which are understood easily and accepted widely, is urgently needed in the field of LCA. The modeling approaches for the linear evaluation function were summed up. The modeling approaches for the nonlinear evaluation function were set up by function approximation theory, which include choosing preference products, forming preference data, establishing artificial neural network(ANN) and training ANN by preference data. By selecting 7 material products as preference product, experience was done with modeling approaches of the nonlinear evaluation function. The results show that the modeling approaches and valuation model of the nonlinear evaluation function are more practical than the weighting model.

Estimation of conservation value of myrtle(Myrtus communis)using a contingent valuation method:a case study in a Dooreh forest area,Lorestan Province,Iran

Background： Around 2000 plant species occur naturally in Lorestan Province of which 250 species are medicinal and myrtle is one of them. Myrtle is a shrub whose leaves and fruits have medicinal value and thus, if managed and harvested properly, could produce sustained economic benefits. In recent years, however, over half of the myrtle site areas was destroyed, due to inappropriate management and excessive harvesting practices. Thus, coming up with a practical harvesting approach along with identifying those factors damaging the sites, seems to be very crucial. Methods： In our investigation, we calculated the conservation value per hectare of myrtle in the Dooreh forest area in Lorestan Province. Using the Contingent Valuation （CV） and Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice （DBDC） methods, we determined the willingness to pay （VVTP） for myrtle conservation. The VVTP was estimated with a Iogit model for which indices were obtained based on a maximum precision criterion. Results： The results showed that 86.67 per cent of people were willing to pay for the conservation of these myrtle sites. Average monthly WTP per family was calculated as $0.79. The annual conservation value in terms of WTP for the preservation of the myrtle sites in Dooreh was estimated as $102,525. Among the variables of the model presented, education had a positive impact, while the amount proposed for payment and family size had a negative impact on the WTP. Conclusions： Our estimate of the value of myrtle conservation should provide justification for policy makers and decision making bodies of natural resources to implement policies in order to conserve the natural sites of this species more effectively.

Estimating the Outdoor Recreational Value of Lavizan Jungle Park of Tehran Using Contingent Valuation Method (CV)

Natural resources and its condition have always had a key role in economic and social developments of different societies around the world and these resources are considered as natural capital and bankroll of economic growth and development for every country. In the present study, we have evaluated the outdoor recreational value of Lavizan Jungle Park of Tehran and its visitors’ willingness to pay per visit (WTP) by using Contingent Valuation method (CV) and two-dimensional choice questionnaires. We used 125 questionnaires and logit model in order to evaluate the WTP. The purpose of this study is to measure individuals’ willingness to pay for visiting and preserving the environment of Lavizan Park as well as indicating the relationship between influential factors on their WTP. Estimating the value of natural resources is very important in making environmental preservation policies because preserving these natural attractions, as a part of ecotourism, is highly important. JEL Classification: Q29, Q51, C25.

Valuation of the External Cost Caused by the Environmental Pollution of Three Lakes in Northern Greece

The preservation/restoration of natural environment is usually entailing high cost mostly paid by citizens through taxes.The effect of these taxes is double. The direct effect is the obvious additional income for the State, and the indirect effect is anadditional income for the citizen, due to increasing tourism. Since the evaluation of this good cannot be in market terms, authorsapply a modified CVM （Contingent Valuation Method）, which is part of Experimental Economics, in order to find out the order ofconcern that people have about natural environment. Authors also, try to investigate their WTP （Willingness To Pay） for supportingactivities for preservation/restoration of three lakes in Northern Greece, in particular, lake of Ioannina, lake of Florina and lake ofKastoria. For the purpose of this research, authors use parametric and non-parametric approaches, as well as Linear Regression andLogic Models.

A decision framework for identifying models to estimate forest ecosystem services gains from restoration

Restoring degraded forests and agricultural lands has become a global conservation priority. A growing number of tools can quantify ecosystem service tradeoffs associated with forest restoration. This evolving ＂tools landscape＂ presents a dilemma： more tools are available, but selecting appropriate tools has become more challenging. We present a Restoration Ecosystem Service Tool Selector （RESTS） framework that describes key characteristics of 13 ecosystem service assessment tools. Analysts enter information about their decision context, services to be analyzed, and desired outputs. Tools are filtered and presented based on five evaluative criteria： scalability, cost, time requirements, handling of uncertainty, and applicability to benefit-cost analysis. RESTS uses a spreadsheet interface but a web-based interface is planned. Given the rapid evolution of ecosystem services science, RESTS provides an adaptable framework to guide forest restoration decision makers toward tools that can help quantify ecosystem services in support of restoration.

Triptych Knowledge—Skills—Payroll and Business Performance: Application of an Operational Model for an Accounting Rating of the Human Capital in the Area of Distribution

The human capital’s accounting could allow companies to better manage the acquired knowledge and the skills developed by the employees when they join the firm.An operational model,suitable for a business enterprise’s HR manager and validated by its headboard,needs to include the employees’expertise and skills relative to their“cost”for the employer—the wage bill—and an assessment of the commercial performance.The human capital’s valuation includes methodological issues.Besides,the notion of human capital seems hardly understandable as a whole:The human capital gathers nevertheless components,such as knowledge—skills for which a first valuation can be proposed to test an accounting evaluation model for the operational human capital.In a perspective of a responsible management and a good HR policy,the method used must be able to better manage the knowledge and the competences employees acquired by accompanying them with the appropriate human resource management practices.This paper aims to show that the accounting valuation of human capital can become a tool in order to manage the knowledge and skills acquired and able to support a company’s human resources policy while being useful to its commercial performance—here in the distribution sector.In a research-intervention frame led in a responsible group,we use a model based on a triptych—wage bill,knowledge,and skills—to evaluate the human capital’s accounting,with an analytical highlight on the components measurement of the used“knowledge”and“skills”indexes in particular.A reflection on the operational model’s enrichment is proposed.

基于InVEST模型的武夷山市生境质量时空分析

为了探求快速城市化背景下城市生境质量对生态协调发展的影响,基于InVEST模型对武夷山地区生境质量时空演变进行分析。结果表明,2010-2020年,生境质量为高级的地区由95.43%下降到88.92%,中等生境质量所占的面积由3.67%升到9.54%,生境退化区域具有显著的空间聚集性特点。武夷山生境质量总体保持相对较好,映射出近年来生态保护措施的成效较好。研究结果对于武夷山地区在权衡发展和保护之间寻求最优自然资源管理和经济发展模式提供理论决策依据。

渤海湾滨海地区生态安全屏障功能评价:生态系统服务供需视角

研究以渤海湾为生态系统服务需求区,以渤海湾滨海地区为生态系统服务供给区,从生态系统服务供需的视角,以水资源、水环境、水生态为问题与目标维度构建了渤海湾滨海地区生态安全屏障功能评价体系。根据渤海湾生态问题,截污净化、产水量和生境质量3类指标被筛选为生态安全屏障功能的关键指标,并分别使用生态系统服务和权衡的综合评估模型(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs,InVEST)模型中的营养物迁移模型、产水量模型和生境质量模型进行评价。此外,对2000—2020年渤海湾滨海地区土地利用格局和截污净化、产水量、生境质量3类生态安全屏障功能指标的时空变化进行评价,并分析了生态安全屏障功能时空演变的驱动因素。研究的主要结果如下:(1)在20 a间渤海湾滨海地区,耕地、未利用地面积减少而建设用地和湿地面积增加,氮磷截留率和产水量增加,但生境质量下降。(2)渤海湾滨海地区综合生态安全屏障功能供给良好,但近年来呈下降趋势。(3)人类活动引起的土地利用变化是影响渤海湾滨海地区生态安全屏障功能时空演变的主要驱动力。研究对渤海湾滨海地区生态安全屏障功能评价方法及结果不仅可指导本区域生态建设,同时对其他区域的生态安全屏障功能评价具有借鉴意义。

Influence of Human Activity Intensity on Habitat Quality in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,China

Due to long-term human activity interference,the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park(HTRNP)of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss,and with the expanding scope and intensity of human activity impact,the regional ecological security is facing serious challenges.A scientific assessment of the interrelationship between human activity intensity and habitat quality in the HTRNP is a prerequisite for achieving effective management of ecological disturbances caused by human activities and can also provide scientific strategies for the sustainable development of the region.Based on the land use change data in 2000,2010,and 2020,the spatial and temporal variations and the relationship between habitat quality(HQ)and human activity intensity(HAI)in the HTRNP were explored using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs(InVEST)model.System dynamics and land use simulation models were also combined to conduct multi-scenario simulations of their relationships.The results showed that during 2000–2020,the habitat quality of the HTRNP improved,the intensity of human activities decreased each year,and there was a negative correlation between the two.Second,the system dynamic model could be well coupled with the land use simulation model by combining socio-economic and natural factors.The simulation scenarios of the coupling model showed that the harmonious development(HD)scenario is effective in curbing the increasing trend of human activity intensity and decreasing trend of habitat quality,with a weaker trade-off between the two compared with the baseline development(BD)and investment priority oriented(IPO)scenarios.To maintain the authenticity and integrity of the HTRNP,effective measures such as ecological corridor construction,ecological restoration,and the implementation of ecological compensation policies need to be strengthened.

基于EVA和B-S模型的人工智能企业价值评估

近年来,人工智能技术的发展事关各国能否抓住新一轮产业变革的机遇。我国高度重视人工智能产业的动向,制定了众多指导方针和扶持政策,力争在科技拉锯战中抢占先机。人工智能企业与传统企业存在较大差异,传统的评估方法难以准确地衡量其价值。文章以人工智能企业的特征为出发点,立足其价值构成和评估难点,构建出EVA和B-S组合估值模型,为人工智能企业的价值评估提供了新的思路。

建筑工程计量与计价课程思政AEE模式探究

建筑工程计量与计价课程是建筑工程技术专业必修的主干专业理论课程,如何在课程教学中进行思政教育,既是当前建筑专业教师面临课程改革的一个重要任务,也是实现全方位全方面全过程推进建筑专业青年大学生思想政治工作的有效路径。在对建筑工程计量与计价课程思政的重要意义和目前存在的主要问题进行了分析的基础上,创造性和针对性地提出了建筑工程计量与计价课程思政的AEE模式,并以其中的思政元素挖掘、思政课程设计两个阶段为研究重点,提出了以启发式融入、讨论式发散、案例式体验和任务式驱动组成的AEE模式的实践路径。

基于InVEST模型的渭河流域生境质量评估

基于生态系统服务评估与权衡模型和ArcGIS软件探索2000-2020年渭河流域生境质量的时空变化,利用地形分布指数分析生境质量的地形梯度效应.结果表明, 20 a间,研究区土地利用变化主要包括耕地向建设用地和草地的转移,以及草地向耕地和林地的转移,不同类型之间的转移是影响局部生境质量变化的主要因素;生境质量的空间分布以中等生境为主,占比约57%,主要分布在关中城市群外围和西北部.低等生境占比约5%,但面积增长最快,增幅达到105.80%,原因是关中城市群的大面积扩张;研究区生境质量空间分布存在一定的正相关性,且聚集程度增加1.15%,局部自相关类型以高-高和低-低集聚为主,高-高集聚分布在研究区东北部黄土高原和南部秦岭北坡,低-低集聚分布在关中城市群;2020年生境质量具有显著的地形梯度效应,表现在生境质量等级随着地形梯度级别的增加而增加.

基于广义Faustmann模型的营林管理决策方法学研究前沿及展望

可持续营林及相关联的最优轮伐期决策是缓解全球气候变化的重要途径。经典Faustmann模型关于“所有参数在不同轮伐期内保持一致”的基本假设无法得到满足,有必要以广义Faustmann模型为基础探求多因素影响下的最优轮伐期决策问题。本研究围绕广义Faustmann模型,归纳总结其理论扩展及前沿应用,梳理可持续营林决策方法学中广义Faustmann模型的最新研究进展。研究发现:1)广义Faustmann模型已在碳汇效益、异龄林管理、自然风险和税收政策4个方向得到拓展,其中土地期望值及相应的利润最大化一阶条件能够帮助林地所有者制定合理的营林管理方案;2)利用广义Faustmann模型,能够将Pressler指示率中的数量增长率、质量增长率和价格增长率具体化,允许林地所有者在不知道未来价格的情况下,结合自身风险偏好使用事前决策的方法决定当年是否采伐林分;3)林分的土地价值和木材价值在广义Faustmann模型下能够被明确区别开来,从而在转让一片未成熟林分时,实现对林分的土地和木材准确估值,并在不同税收政策下确定其各自税率。广义Faustmann模型在未来最优轮伐期决策研究中的拓展方向还包括以下几个方面:1)将碳汇效益由地上生物量碳库扩展至完整林业碳库;2)将税收政策由国外政策扩展至中国特色林业税费体系;3)将模型假设由确定环境扩展至随机环境;4)将研究尺度由林分层面扩展至森林层面;5)将生态效益由碳汇效益扩展至森林生态系统服务。

基于PLUS-InVEST模型的“两湖一库”流域水质净化时空演变

探讨土地利用变化所引发的水质净化演变,对于保护和改善水质,实现可持续发展具有重要意义。以“两湖一库”流域为例,运用PLUS(patch-level land use simulation)模型和InVEST(integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs)模型生态系统服务水质净化模块,基于2000年、2010年和2020年土地利用数据,模拟流域在未来自然发展情景和生态保护情景下的用地类型时空格局变化以及水质净化特征。定量揭示土地利用变化与水质净化功能的响应关系。结果表明:“两湖一库”流域土地类型以耕地为主,2030年在自然发展情景下耕地、林地、草地面积呈下降趋势,建设用地呈上升趋势,生态保护情景可有效保护流域耕地、林地等空间分布和面积;“两湖一库”流域TN、TP输出量以低强度输出为主,2000—2020年TN输出量先增加后减少,TP输出量逐年增加,水质净化能力呈稳中变好的趋势;2030年自然发展情境下TN输出量持续减少,TP输出量呈向上浮动,生态保护情景下TN、TP输出量较自然发展情景下减少,生态保护情景可以增加水质净化能力。生态用地类型可以有效截留N、P进入水体,生态保护情景下有效降低生态用地类型的变化速度,减少TN、TP的输出量,“两湖一库”流域未来规划中应增加生态用地的占比,增加土地类型对TN、TP的截留能力。

Response of ecosystem carbon storage to land use change from 1985 to 2050 in the Ningxia Section of Yellow River Basin,China

Regional sustainable development necessitates a holistic understanding of spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem carbon storage(ECS),particularly in ecologically sensitive areas with arid and semi-arid climate.In this study,we calculated the ECS in the Ningxia Section of Yellow River Basin,China from 1985 to 2020 using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs(InVEST)model based on land use data.We further predicted the spatial distribution of ECS in 2050 under four land use scenarios:natural development scenario(NDS),ecological protection scenario(EPS),cultivated land protection scenario(CPS),and urban development scenario(UDS)using the patch-generating land use simulation(PLUS)model,and quantified the influences of natural and human factors on the spatial differentiation of ECS using the geographical detector(Geodetector).Results showed that the total ECS of the study area initially increased from 1985 until reaching a peak at 402.36×10^(6) t in 2010,followed by a decreasing trend to 2050.The spatial distribution of ECS was characterized by high values in the eastern and southern parts of the study area,and low values in the western and northern parts.Between 1985 and 2020,land use changes occurred mainly through the expansion of cultivated land,woodland,and construction land at the expense of unused land.The total ECS in 2050 under different land use scenarios(ranked as EPS>CPS>NDS>UDS)would be lower than that in 2020.Nighttime light was the largest contributor to the spatial differentiation of ECS,with soil type and annual mean temperature being the major natural driving factors.Findings of this study could provide guidance on the ecological construction and high-quality development in arid and semi-arid areas.

Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau,China

Studying the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their interrelationships on the Loess Plateau against the background of the gully control and land consolidation(GCLC)project has significant implications for ecological protection and quality development of the Yellow River Basin.Therefore,in this study,we took Yan'an City,Shaanxi Province of China,as the study area,selected four typical ecosystem services,including soil conservation service,water yield service,carbon storage service,and habitat quality service,and quantitatively evaluated the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services from 2010 to 2018 using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)model.We also analysed the relationship between the GCLC project and regional ecosystem service changes in various regions(including 1 city,2 districts,and 10 counties)of Yan'an City and proposed a coordinated development strategy between the GCLC project and the ecological environment.The results showed that,from 2010 to 2018,soil conservation service decreased by 7.76%,while the other three ecosystem services changed relatively little,with water yield service increasing by 0.56% and carbon storage service and habitat quality service decreasing by 0.16% and 0.14%,respectively.The ecological environment of Yan'an City developed in a balanced way between 2010 and 2018,and the four ecosystem services showed synergistic relationships,among which the synergistic relationships between soil conservation service and water yield service and between carbon storage service and habitat quality service were significant.The GCLC project had a negative impact on the ecosystem services of Yan'an City,and the impact on carbon storage service was more significant.This study provides a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the ecological benefits of the GCLC project and the realization of a win-win situation between food security and ecological security.

基于i-Tree模型的行道树生态系统服务价值

行道树作为街道绿化系统的骨架,支撑着城市生态系统服务功能的正常运转。以武汉市临江大道中段为例,基于i-Tree构建行道树生态系统服务的综合评议模型,通过以货币值作为统一衡量标准分析演算研究地27种常见行道树及街道整体生态系统服务价值,旨在为行道树树种选择优化,以及街道景观与生态环境的提升提供参考。结果表明:1)在街道的植景搭配中,整体生态系统服务价值排序为:美学价值>能源节省价值>雨水截留价值>空气净化价值>生态固碳价值。2)研究地全部行道树年生态系统服务价值约131.8万元,平均1 km行道树年生态系统服务价值可达28.65万元,单株行道树年平均生态系统服务价值可达307.23元。3)行道树具有可观的生态系统服务价值,同时也存在明显种间差异,其中能源节省、美学价值和雨水截留价值在演算树种中价值量较高,空气净化和生态固碳价值量较低。因此,在街道行道树配置过程中,应将能源节省、美学价值和雨水截留价值作为首要参考因素,再结合街道属性综合考虑树种选择与应用,以构建功能全面的城市行道树生态系统服务结构,提高行道树整体的生态系统服务价值。

Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Typical Ecosystem Services and Their Spatial Responses to Driving Factors in Ecologically Fragile Areas in Upper Yellow River,China

The identification of dominant driving factors for different ecosystem services(ESs)is crucial for ecological conservation and sustainable development.However,the spatial heterogeneity of the dominant driving factors affecting various ESs has not been adequately elucidated,particularly in ecologically fragile regions.This study employed the integrated valuation of ESs and trade-offs(InVEST)model to evaluate four ESs,namely,water yield(WY),soil conservation(SC),habitat quality(HQ),and carbon storage(CS),and then to identify the dominant driving factors of spatiotemporal differentiation of ES and further to characterize the spatial heterogeneity characteristics of the dominant driving factors in the eco-fragile areas of the upper Yellow River,China from 2000 to 2020.The results demonstrated that WY exhibited northeast-high and northwest-low patterns in the upper Yellow River region,while high values of SC and CS were distributed in central forested areas and a high value of HQ was distributed in vast grassland areas.The CS,WY,and SC exhibited decreasing trends over time.The most critical factors affecting WY,SC,HQ,and CS were the actual evapotranspiration,precipitation,slope,and normalized difference vegetation index,respectively.In addition,the effects of different factors on various ESs exhibited spatial heterogeneity.These results could provide spatial decision support for eco-protection and rehabilitation in ecologically fragile areas.