Digital Commons Network^™

Generic Integration In Environmental Information And Decision Support Systems, Ralf Denzer

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Environmental Information Systems (EIS) and Environmental Decision Support Systems (EDSS) are major building blocks in environmental management and science today. They are used at all levels of public bodies (community, state, national and international level), in science, in management and as information platforms towards the public. EIS and EDSS are usually said to have certain characteristics, which distinguish them from standard information systems, e.g. information complexity in time and space or uncompleteness or fuzzyness of data items. By the very nature of the complex tasks involved, different methodologies can be an option while developing a new system, for instance modelling, …

A Grid-Generation Based Method For Information Fusion, Tian Xiang Yue, Ji Yuan Liu, Ying An Wang

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Relative studies on multi-scale information fusion, multi-source information fusion and multi-sensor information fusion are reviewed. On the basis of analyzing problems in existing methods of information fusion, a grid-generation model for simulating population density of China is proposed as a case of multi-source information fusion. By fusing remotely sensed data, meteorological data, soil data and statistical data, spatial distribution of population density in China is successfully simulated, in which grid generation process is described in detail. In addition, the basic idea of a grid-generation model as a case of multi-scale information fusion is discussed. The models for multi-source information fusion …

“Behold The Condescension Of God” A Scriptural Perspective On Three Nativity Scenes, Doris R. Dant, Richard G. Oman

BYU Studies

In the midst of the Christmas season's commercialization, frenzied preparations, and parties, families worldwide set aside time to arrange a nativity scene on a mantelpiece or table. More than any other traditional Christmas object, these nativity sets bid us heed the message of Christ's birth. What the nativities specifically say differs with the endless variations played out by their creators and those who arrange the scenes, but certain scriptural themes are common. To show how some of these themes are presented by nativity scenes, this article will analyze three world-class nativities created by Latter-day Saint Gerd Sjökvist, Harrison Begay Jr., …

Integrated Water Quality Modelling: Ben Chifley Dam Catchment, Australia, Lachlan T. H. Newham, R. A. Letcher, A. J. Jakeman, A. L. Heathwaite, C. J. Smith, D. Large

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

This paper describes an integrated hydrologic, stream sediment and nutrient export modelling system. The modelling system is designed to simulate catchment-scale land and water management activities in the Ben Chifley Dam Catchment (BCDC). The dam has experienced problematic blue-green algal blooms over the past decade. The aim of the modelling is to examine management scenarios designed to reduce nutrient and sediment delivery from the BCDC. This paper describes the framework of the system along with brief description of each of the various components. The innovation of the modelling system is the integration of otherwise separate modelling approaches. The output of …

Improving The Model Development Cycle By Automatic Configuration Of Modelling Tools, K. De Jong, C. G. Wesseling, D. Karssenberg

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Model development is a difficult and timely process involving various steps to create, check and improve the model. Typically all kinds of software tools are used to facilitate this process. Central to model development is the model definition and we show that, apart from calculating model results, it can be used to tailor some of the tools used to the model at hand. This speeds up model development and might lead to better models.

Hoofs - A Multi-Scale, Agent-Based Simulation Framework For Studying The Impact Of Grazing Animals On The Environment, J. A. Beecham, S. P. Oom, C. P. D. Birch

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

An agent based system (HOOFS) has been developed in order to examine the interactions between foraging animals and a spatially explicit description of the environment, including vegetation growth processes. HOOFS makes use of the agent-based approach to develop a model of foraging in which animal decision making processes are explicitly modelled. The model has evolved from one where foraging decisions are based on a simple biased random walk model with an information weighting parameter, through one in which animals decide between direct walking towards an object as against continuous foraging, ending with a model where memory is used. The model …

Preliminary Assessment Of A Unit Hydrograph-Based Continuous Flow Simulation Model For Bulgarian Rivers, Daniela Zlatunova, George Gergov, I. G. Littlewood

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Daniela Zlatunovaa, George Gergovb and Ian Littlewoodc

Some Novel Information Systems For The Empowerment Of A Decision-Making Process On A Territory: Outcomes From A Four Years Participatory Modeling In Senegal, Patrick D’Aquino

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The Maps, the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), the Role-Playing Games (RPG) and the other participatory supports, the Multi-agent Systems (MAS): all are modeling supports designed through their conceivers' perception. Even in participatory approaches, these designing and modeling can take off towards technocratic, but often unconscious, drifts. Yet, a true empowerment of local governance means to let stakeholders and their principals totally handle their information and modeling systems. The mere access to information is certainly a first step but it is far from a true power over it, so long as this local people are not able to select, process and …

Linking Research, Policy And Practice For Managing Dynamic Water Resources In A Protected Area, U. Somorowska

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Restoration of wetlands involves the necessity of maintaining the high moisture content of thesites involved. Managing adequate hydrological conditions means supporting successful habitat restoration ofwetland ecosystems. Before the management practices are implemented, the formulation of objectives in thedevelopment of restoration policies is required. It should be based on an understanding of the primarynatural controls of the water regimes. This research focuses on practical approaches to the management ofdynamic water resources in the protected area of the Kampinos National Park in Poland. The area has thestatus of UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve. Valuable wetland ecosystems are present in the area. They hadbeen …

Cell Interaction In Semi-Markov Forest Landscape Models, M. G. Monticino, T. Cogdill, M. F. Acevedo

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

This paper describes a model for incorporating both spatial interactions and succession dynamicswithin a MOSAIC forest landscape model. MOSAIC uses semi-Markov processes to model the successiondynamics of a forest landscape. A landscape is partitioned into cells and the parameters defining the semi-Markov process associated with each cell are derived from individual tree-based models that run in gap-sizedplots within the cell. Parameters vary from cell to cell based on the environmental and terrain conditions ofthe cells. Ecologically, cells and plots influence their neighbors’ development through processes such as seeddispersal and disease transmission. Neighborhood interactions are modeled through influence arrays that areflexible …

Integrated Modelling And Decision Support Tools: A Mediterranean Example, T. Oxley, N. Winder, Brian Mcintosh, M. Mulligan, Guy Engelen

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

A great deal of new knowledge and research material has been generated from research carried out under the auspices of the EU. However, only a small amount has been made available as practical policysupport tools. In this paper we describe how EU funded research models and understanding has been integrated into an interactive Decision Support System addressing physical, economic and social aspects of land degradation in the Mediterranean. We summarise the 10 constituent models that simulate hydrology, human influences, crops, natural vegetation and climatic conditions. The models operate on very different spatial and temporal scales and utilise different modelling techniques …

Growth Dynamics Of Tropical Savanna Grasses: From Individual Shoots To Plant Models, J. Raventós, M. F. Acevedo, J. Segarra

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

We developed a model of grass plant growth as a collection of the individual dynamic behavior of shoots inspired in data for plants of three species (Elyonurus adustus, Leptocoryphium lanatum and Andropogon semiberbis) of common grasses in the Venezuelan savannas. These species represent various types of architecture and regeneration response to fire. The individual-shoot model is based on shoot emergence, mortality, and elongation given by Richards’ equation, plus a few simple geometric considerations. Model output is shoot density in each cell of a square grid at several vertical levels. Differences in patterns of shoot density among species are explained by …

Implementing A Process-Based Decision Support Tool For Natural Resource Management - The Geowepp Example, C. S. Renschler, D.C. Flanagan

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Practical decision-making in spatially distributed natural resource management is increasingly based on process models linked to Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Geo-spatial environmental data and decision support tools can now be made available to a much larger audience by using powerful personal computers and internet-accessible mapping tools. Traditionally decision support tools based on process models were not typically developed for applications across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales of interest, utilizing commonly available data of variable precision and accuracy, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to communicate with a diverse spectrum of users with different levels of expertise. To implement …

Probabilistic Ecological Risk Assessment Framework For Chemical Substances, F. A. M. Verdonck, J. Jaworska, C. R. Janssen, Peter A. Vanrolleghem

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The goal of probabilistic ecological risk assessment (PERA) is to estimate the likelihood and the extent of adverse effects occurring to ecological systems due to exposure(s) to substances. It is based on the comparison of an exposure concentration distribution (ECD) with a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) derived from chronic toxicity data. A PERA framework was proposed and illustrated with a case study on the pesticide atrazine in the surface waters of Flanders. The risk and its uncertainty or confidence interval can be visualised in a pie chart. A probabilistic approach results in a more realistic environmental risk assessment and therefore …

Detection Of Structural Changes In River Dynamics By Radar-Based Earth Observation Methods, Edith Stabel, P. Fischer

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Today, river dynamics is strongly influenced by human activities in the catchment affecting the hydrological behaviour, but also by activities in the floodplain. The knowledge in recent and historical river dynamics and the related morphological and structural changes in the Earth’s surface (e.g. sedimentation, accumulation, river bed movement) is one essential point regarding the flood risk estimation and the vulnerability of resources and structures. Operational Earth Observation (EO) systems provide data to monitor and to analyse both, the river dynamics and the small surface changes. Especially the radar-based systems and the interferometric data analysis approach are of high interest because …

Multi-Agent Simulations As A Tool For The Assessment Of Urban Microclimate And Its Effect On Pedestrian Behaviour, Michael Bruse

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The urban canopy layer is characterised by a specific climate which significantly differs from theaverage regional climate conditions. Especially inside urban structures such as street canyons, shopping mallsor public places, the local microclimate depends directly on the physical properties of the surrounding surfacesand objects, producing well-known effects such as wind speed decrease, local jets, increased turbulence orincreased thermal loads. These phenomena can have a strong influence on the comfort of pedestrians usingthese areas for different tasks of urban life or leisure activities. Assessing urban climate means to answer thequestion, how the citizens feel under the given circumstances and to decide, …

Full Issue

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

Theology His Profession, Botany His Passion: Thomas A. Bruhin, 1835-1895, Herbert Bruhin

Swiss American Historical Society Review

In the little town of Schwyz, in the heart of the Swiss Confederation, on April 20, 1642, the joyous strains of Easter Mass had scarcely died away when a cry of "Fire!" was raised. Less than two hours later, the greater part of the town, which lies at the foot of the twin Mythen peaks about an hour's journey from Lake Lucerne, was a smoking ruin. Among the 47 houses destroyed were the presbytery, dating from 1594, the school, two inns, the mill with the mint, and the church with its tower and bells. Fortunately, it had been possible to …

Flood Flows And Population Dynamics Of Arizona Sycamore (Platanus Wrightii), Juliet C. Stromberg

Western North American Naturalist

Platanus wrightii is a pioneer tree species of warm-temperate riparian deciduous forests in southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Dendrochronological analysis of populations in central and southern Arizona indicated that P. wrightii seedlings establish episodically. Long intervals (10–40 years) elapsed with no apparent establishment. Seedling establishment years were positively associated with winter flood size and annual flow rate, and weakly negatively associated with summer flood size. Large floods sometimes preceded multi-year establishment waves. During the past 2 decades an abundance of winter floods and very wet springs has allowed frequent establishment of P. wrightii. For example, plants established at many …

Herpetofauna Of The Southern Snake Range Of Nevada And Surrounding Valleys, Kirk Setser, Jesse M. Meik, Daniel G. Mulcahy

Western North American Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Osprey Diet Along The Eastern Side Of The Gulf Of California, Mexico, Jean-Luc E. Cartron, Manuel C. Molles Jr.

Western North American Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Late Pleistocene Mollusks From The Southern Black Hills, South Dakota, Christopher N. Jass, Jim I. Mead, Amy D. Morrison, Larry D. Agenbroad

Western North American Naturalist

Pleistocene-age mollusks recovered from the Nelson-Wittenberg Site and Mammoth Site provide information on paleoenvironments of the southern Black Hills, South Dakota. New mollusk records for the Mammoth Site include Vertigo modesta, Catinella sp., and Gyraulus parvus. The presence of V. modesta, Columella columella alticola, and Pupilla muscorum at the Nelson-Wittenberg Site suggests cooler than modern conditions in the Black Hills during the Pleistocene. Although the majority of identified taxa are consistent with previous interpretations of an arid, shrubsteppe environment for the Black Hills during the Wisconsin Glaciation, V. modesta and C. c. alticola suggest the presence of at least …

Full Issue, Vol. 62 No. 2

Western North American Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Mormonism And The Maori: A Look At Beginnings

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a sustained mission to the New Zealand Maori beginning in the 1880s. Within a few short years thousands had been baptized. By the turn of the century, the church counted nearly a tenth of the total Maori population as members, with a significantly higher percentage in certain pas (settlements) along the east coast of the North Island from the southern Wairarapa to Poverty Bay and beyond.1 The reason Mormonism was so well accepted among a significant minority of Maori in the final decades of the nineteenth century and why it continues …

Status Of The Preston White River Springfish (Crenichthys Baileyi Albivallis), G. Gary Scoppettone, Peter H. Rissler

Western North American Naturalist

We determined the distribution and estimated population number of Preston White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi albivallis) in summer 1998 and winter 1999. The total population was <5000 fish persisting in only 4 of 6 spring systems from which it had been previously captured. To improve its status, we recommend conservation measures.

Improving Seed Germination Of Salicornia Rubra (Chenopodiaceae) Under Saline Conditions Using Germination-Regulating Chemicals, M. Ajmal Khan, Bilquees Gul, Darrell J. Weber

Western North American Naturalist

Salicornia rubra Nels. (Chenopodiaceae) is a salt-tolerant annual species occurring in salt playas of the Great Basin desert in western United States. It forms pioneer communities on the most saline location of an inland salt playa at Goshen, Utah. Seeds of Salicornia rubra are capable of germinating at 1000 mM NaCl at 25–35 °C alternating temperature regime. Dormancy-regulating chemicals were evaluated for their ability to alleviate the innate and salinityenforced dormancy in seeds of Salicornia rubra. Betaine, GA3, kinetin, fusicoccin, ethephon, thiourea, proline, and nitrate had no effect in alleviating primary dormancy. Increases in NaCl concentration progressively inhibited germination …

Evaluating The Case For A Limited Great Lakes Setting, John E. Clark

Review of Books on the Book of Mormon 1989–2011

Review of Return to Cumorah: Piecing Together the Puzzle Where the Nephites Lived (1998), by Duane R. Aston; The Land of Lehi: Further Evidence for the Book of Mormon (1999), by Paul Hedengren: and The Lost Lands of the Book of Mormon (2000), by Phyllis Carol Olive

A Biographical Study Of Elizabeth D. Kane, Darcee D. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

This is a biographical study of Elizabeth D. Kane (1836-1909), travel writer and wife of Thomas L. Kane, non-Mormon friend of the nineteenth-century Mormons of Utah. Primary source materials are mainly Elizabeth's fourteen diaries (spanning the years 1853 to 1909), letters and narrative accounts. Elizabeth was greatly influenced by Thomas, while maintaining her independence. She was interested in religion and feminist issues, and those interests, combined with her marital relationship, shaped her life's direction. Thomas Kane's interest in the Mormons also influenced Elizabeth's religious and feminist views, and she initially struggled with accepting Thomas's work for them because of their …

“Give Me Any Situation Suitable”: The Consecrated Life Of The Multitalented Paul A. Schettler, Jacob W. Olmstead, Fred E. Woods

BYU Studies

In October 1860, this letter arrived in Brigham Young's office (fig. 1):

Great Salt Lake City

October 23rd 1860

President Brigham Young,

Dear Sir,

Having found no suitable occupation yet, and being desirous of making myself useful, I take this opportunity, to recommend myself to your memory for the case, that any vacancy might have to be filled, and also in order to give you an idea of my handwriting.

I am a native of Prussia, 33 years of age, and am perfectly acquainted with practical bookkeeping by double entry, and I am conversant with the english, low dutch and …

A Spatio-Temporal Data Model For Zoning, Philip J. Uhl

Theses and Dissertations

Planning departments are besieged with temporal/historical information. While for many institutions historical information can be relegated to archives, planning departments have a constant need to access and query their historical information, particularly their historical spatial information such as zoning. This can be a cumbersome process fraught with inaccuracies due to the changing organizational methods and the extended historical legacies of most municipalities. Geographic Information Systems can be a tool to provide a solution to the difficulties in querying spatio-temporal planning data. Using a data model designed specifically to facilitate the querying of historical zoning information, queries can be performed to …