Digital Commons Network^™

Forecasting Uv Index By Neoplanta Model: Methodology And Validation, S. Malinoviç, Dragutin T. Mihailović, Z. Mijatoviç, D. Kapor, I. D. Arseniç

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

A major consequence of decreasing stratospheric ozone is the increase of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) passing through the atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiation is very harmful to the entire ecosystem, including health of the human population and for that reason, in the last few decades, scientists have placed a large emphasis on monitoring UV radiation and development and use of estimation procedures. Model NEOPLANTA estimates UV irradiance under cloudless conditions on a horizontal surface and computes the UV index. Model includes effects of the absorption of UV radiation by ozone, SO2 and NO2 and absorption and scattering by aerosol and air molecules …

Using Interactive Archives In Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization: Case Studies For Long- Term Groundwater Monitoring Design, Patrick M. Reed, V. K. Devireddy

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Monitoring design is a problem of paramount importance to the environmental engineering field because environmental observation data provide the sole means of assessing if engineered systems are successfully protecting human and ecologic health. The monitoring design problem is extremely challenging because it requires environmental engineers to capture an impacted system’s governing processes, elucidate human and ecologic risks, limit monitoring costs, and satisfy the interests of multiple stakeholders (e.g., site owners, regulators, and public advocates). Evolutionary multiobjective optimization (EMO) has tremendous potential to help resolve these issues by providing environmental stakeholders with a direct understanding of their monitoring tradeoffs.

Numerical Modelling For Studying The Impact Of Urban Air Pollution In Natural Reserves Around Setúbal City, C. Gouveia, R. Cerdeira, J. M. Garcia, M. Nogueira, L. M. R. Coelho

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Numerical modelling was used to study the impact of urban air pollution from Setúbal City intwo important natural reserves. Setúbal is a city in the middle south Portugal with a large residentpopulation, important industry and intense traffic activities. There is an important harbour, which isresponsible for intense heavy vehicle traffic. Setúbal is surrounded by two natural reserves, a mountain(Arrábida) and a river delta (Sado River). There is also an important tourist zone near Setúbal withimportant beaches and tourist activities. The main pollutants considered in this study were SO2, Particles,NOx, CO, and VOC. A range of numerical models there was used …

Strategic Environmental Assessment (Sea) As A Participatory Approach To Environmental Planning Experiences From A Case Study With Sea In Waste Management, Stefan Salhofer, Gudrun Wassermann, Erwin Binner

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is conducted to ensure that the environmentalconsequences of plans or programs (land use programs, traffic planning, waste management planning etc.) areidentified and assessed. Participation is a mandatory element of the SEA process. All affected parties arerequired to be represented in the process. Until today, the SEA process has been applied to wastemanagement in only a few cases. This paper describes the assessment of a waste management plan in theprovince of Salzburg, Austria. The process took place in 2003. As in other cases of SEA, several alternativeswere considered and assessed. Participation involved the establishment of a …

Implementation Of The Streames Environmental Decision-Support System, David Cabanillas, Esther Llorens, Joaquim Comas, Manel Poch, Luigi Ceccaroni, Steven Willmott

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

As part of the European-Commission--funded STREAMES project, a system is being developed with the objective of capturing knowledge from water managers and environmental-science experts, regarding nutrients-excess effects in streams and of combining this knowledge into a user-friendly tool to assist water managers in evaluating streams’ nutrient-retention capabilities. In this paper, we summarize the decision-support knowledge components which have been identified in previous work and, based on these, present an implementation of a prototype of an environmental decision-support system. The decision support provided by the system to water managers consists of: (1) diagnosis: inferring possible stream problems, assessing the alteration degree …

Using Floss Towards Βuilding Environmental Information Systems, Kostas Karatzas, Asteris Masouras

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Public access to environmental information is the basis for a higher degree of involvement of citizens and stakeholders in environmental decision-making [Haklay 2003][EU ISPO 1999]. Environmental Information Systems play a key role in contemporary urban environmental management strategies, and are a prerequisite for the proper, timely information of the public [Kampinnen 2001]; yet the fuzzy nature of environmental information [Denzer 2002] requires for systems that can make optimum use of informatics and telecommunications infrastructures to address environmental management needs, while remaining openended, easy to use and inexpensive to implement and operate. In this paper, we will attempt to present the …

Measuring Environmental Risk, Suhejla Hoti, Laurent L. Pauwels, Michael Mcaleer

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Environmental issues and risk have become central in socioeconomic research and policy planning inorder to ensure sustainable development. As environmental risk is difficult to assess and measure, differentindexes have been developed to evaluate specific aspects of such risk. Environmental risk typically involvesproblems generated by the consumption of energy (fuels), water shortages, disasters, global warming, poverty, andpopulation growth. Environmental indexes are typically disaggregated and deal with separate aspects ofenvironmental risk. Some useful overall indexes exist, such as the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI). Thispaper reviews the existing data and indexes for environmental risk.

Issues Of Scale In Nested Integrated Assessment Models, T. Oxley, H. Apsimon, A. Grossinho

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Integrated assessment models have been used to explore cost effective abatement strategies inconnection with negotiations on the Gothenburg protocol under the UN/ECE Convention on Long RangeTransboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). A variety of spatial and temporal issues must be addressed in orderto model the multi-scalar processes involved and develop nested Integrated Assessment Models (n-IAM)useful both for further protocol negotiations and to address inter-relationships between local air quality,transboundary air pollution and climate change. We summarise the generic framework, highlighting thespatial characteristics of its' application to UK and European contexts, and identify the specific variations ofthe constituent models and data at each resolution. …

Anticipated Effects Of Re-Allocation Of Intensive Livestock In Sandy Areas In The Netherlands, A. P. Van Wezel, R. O. G. Franken, J. D. Van Dam, P. Cleij

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Currently plans are developed for a large-scale 'reconstruction' of the rural area in the Netherlands. Goals of the reconstruction are to diminish veterinary risks and to improve the quality of environment, nature and landscape. Spatial separation of land-use is an important instrument. The plans are prepared at a regional scale, involving stakeholders. We present an ex-ante analysis of the effects of these plans, including cost-effectiveness and integration with related spatial plans. Scenarios for the autonomous development of intensive livestock, spatial data-rich analysis and research in the field of public administration are integrated in the ex-ante analysis.

An Implemented Approach For Estimating Uncertainties For Toxicological Impact Characterisation, R. Rosenbaum, D. W. Pennington, O. Jolliet

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

One approach accounting for parameter and model uncertainty is implemented in the LCIA (lifecycle impact assessment) method IMPACT 2002. The uncertainty is estimated for intermediate results fromthe chemical fate, human intake fraction, and two toxicological effect modules. Overall uncertainty estimatesare then arithmetically calculated. Results are presented for impact contributions in the contexts of aquaticecosystems and human health. The approach of Hofstetter (1998) was adapted for estimating the uncertaintyrelated to chemical fate and human intake fractions. A fundamental problem when estimating uncertainties for1000’s of substances consists of the lack of uncertainty distributions for all of the input data and the need …

A Bayesian Belief Network For Modelling Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) Populations In Switzerland, M. E. Borsuk, Peter Reichert, Patricia Burkhardt-Holm

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

A Bayesian belief network is described that integrates the various scientific findings of an interdisciplinary research project on brown trout and their habitat in Switzerland. The network is based on a population model for brown trout, which is extended to include the effect of natural and anthropogenic influence factors. Uncertainty is included in the form of conditional probability distributions describing model relationships. The model is applied to brown trout populations at twelve locations in four river basins. Model testing consisted of comparing predictions of juvenile and adult density under current conditions to the results of recent population surveys. The relative …

Addressing Sustainability, Hiv-Aids, And Water Resource Questions In Botswana, M. Hellmuth, J. Sendzimir, Yates David, Strzepek Kenneth, Sanderson Warren

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

An integrated population, economic, and water resource model was developed to address sustainable development questions for Botswana. Traditionally, water resources planning models have considered the implications of different assumptions of population and economic growth on the sustainability of existing water resources supply; however, this model extends that capability to consider feedbacks from one model component to another. The water model uses a physically based hydrologic rainfall-runoff model, with surface and groundwater components, to produce monthly runoff and groundwater recharge at the watershed scale. Surface runoff and recharge are the inflows into surface and groundwater water reservoirs. The demographic sub model …

Modelling Conditional Correlations In International Tourism Demand, Felix Chan, Michael Mcaleer, Christine Lim

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

International tourism demand, or tourist arrivals, to Australia has recently experienced dramatic fluctuations due to changes in the economic, financial and political environment. However, variations in tourism demand, specifically the conditional variance, or volatility, have not previously been investigated. An analysis of such volatility is essential for investigating the effects of shocks in tourism demand models. This paper models the conditional mean and conditional variance of the logarithm of the monthly tourist arrival rate from the four leading tourism source countries to Australia, namely Japan, New Zealand, UK and USA, using three multivariate static or constant conditional correlation (CCC) volatility …

Simulating Global Feedbacks Between Sea Level Rise, Water For Agriculture And The Complex Socio-Economic Development Of The Ipcc Scenarios, Saskia Werners, Roelof Boumans, Laurens Bouwer

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The Global Unified Meta-model of the BiOsphere (GUMBO) was used to simulate how the socioeconomicconditions specified in the Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) of the IPCC(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) influence vulnerability to climate change. Input parametersare the consumer preferences, investment strategies, natural resources management and technologicaldevelopment associated with the SRES scenarios. From this input the characteristic SRES driving forcespopulation growth, economic development and fossil fuel use were reproduced in GUMBO with thecorresponding climate scenarios (temperature change, sea level rise and rainfall patterns). This articleshows alternative pathways of development exist that yield the same SRES driving forces but that …

The One Pure Defense, Boyd K. Packer

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

No abstract provided.

Vol. 05 No. 2 Religious Educator, Religious Educator

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

No abstract provided.

A Community Of Christ Perspective On The Jst Research Of Robert J. Matthews: An Interview With Ronald E. Romig, Ray L. Huntington, Brian M. Hauglid

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Ronald E. Romig is the Community of Christ archivist at Independence, Missouri.

Learning Nursing Research Through Faculty-Mentored Projects, Patricia K. Ravert, Ben Boyer, Kirsten Harmon, Holly Scoffield

Faculty Publications

Baccalaureate nursing educators have incorporated nursing research content into the curriculum for many years. Our university also proposes that students have a faculty-mentored learning experience at least once during their undergraduate education. Student research, guided by a faculty mentor, provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about and participate in nursing research. The authors describe a unique experience of nursing students working as research assistants in a faculty research project using a human patient simulator.

An Examination Of Perceptions For Family Acculturation, Family Leisure Involvement, And Family Functioning Among Mexican-Americans, Owen D. Christenson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between acculturation and aspects of family functioning (cohesion and adaptability) and family leisure involvement from Mexican-American parent, youth, and family perspectives. Acculturation of parents, youth, and families was measured using the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (BAS). Family leisure involvement was measured using the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). Aspects of family functioning were measured using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES II). Sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, generation, family size, income, and education were also used to help predict levels of acculturation for family perspectives. The …

Treatment Of Hypertriglyceridemia With Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review, Amanda Gloria Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To 1) critically appraise available randomized controlled trials (RTCs) addressing the efficacy of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids as a secondary prevention agent of hypertriglyceridemia, and 2) make recommendations for clinical practice.

Data Sources: All RCTs identified from several databases from 1993-2003 were reviewed by two independent reviewers who extracted data from each study and used the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) to determine study quality.

Results: Ten studies reported long-chain ω-3 fatty acids to be effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The average decrease in triglycerides (TG) was 29%, total cholesterol (TC) 11.6%, very low …

The Effects Of Premarital Sexual Promiscuity On Subsequent Marital Sexual Satisfaction, Sherie Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

A satisfying sexual relationship is an important aspect of general marital satisfaction. Considering that most people will marry, understanding the factors influencing marital sexual satisfaction becomes important in understanding what makes happy, satisfied relationships and individuals in our society. This study builds on previous research, which has indicated that there are a number of "risky factors" associated with having numerous premarital sexual partners, by demonstrating that there are risks associated with the future marital relationship. Using exchange theory concepts, this study empirically examines the relationship between premarital sexual promiscuity and marital sexual satisfaction. The sample included 313 married males and …

Mechanism Governing The Cellular Susceptibility To Secretory Phospholipase A2, Lauren Blackburn Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an important part of apoptosis and disposal of damaged and dying cells. However, healthy cells are not susceptible to attack by sPLA2. Recent studies have focused on membrane properties necessary to induce susceptibility in both artificial and biological membranes. Hydrolysis of phospholipids by sPLA2 requires at least two preliminary steps: first, adsorption of the enzyme to the cellular membrane, and second, movement of a phospholipid into the active site of the enzyme. We determined the effects of susceptibility on each of the two steps and determined the contributions changing the equilibrium constants have on susceptibility. …

An Examination Of The Meaning Of Family Recreational Storytelling Among Parents And Their Adult Children, Kelly Gagalis-Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the role and function of family recreational storytelling across the lifespan from the perspective of parents and their adult children. Twelve adults, (six pairs of adult children and their parents) were interviewed. Questions focused on ascertaining the meaning of storytelling (including the role, purpose, and function) from the perspectives of the parents and children from the same family unit. Interviews were transcribed and themes were identified and reported. Participants reported that stories generated feelings of safety, comfort, and security, and often helped create a sense of importance and belonging for individual family …

Couples Sharing Recovery From A Husband's Addiction To Pornography: A Qualitative Study, Spencer T. Zitzman

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the therapy process for married couples recovering from addictive use of pornography. The author's proposal was that in conjoint couple therapy, clinicians are able to help organize the relationship to sponsor recovery while helping both members of the relationship heal individually. The prevalence and effects of pornography are discussed through a review of the current literature. Six couples were interviewed following the termination of their treatment in marital therapy to gain a holistic view of the process of recovery and gain groundwork for future development of a concise model of treatment. Results demonstrated that an increase in …

Ethnic/Racial Matching Of Clients And Social Workers In Public Child Welfare, Robin Perry, Gordon E. Limb

Faculty Publications

Although considerable debate exists throughout the human-service literature regarding the potential benefits and limitations associated with ethnic/racial matching of clients and workers, there are few studies that examine the prevalence of this practice with large representative samples. This study utilizes a secondary analysis of data collected from 4813 public-child-welfare workers throughout California. Using census data to control for county-specific population demographics, American-Indian, Hispanic/Latino(a), Caucasian, and Asian-American child-welfare workers are more than two times more likely to have caseloads with a high percentage of clients who match their race/ethnicity than workers self-identified as another race/ethnicity. African-American workers are 1.28 times more …

Health Care Barriers For Latino Children And Provision Of Culturally Competent Care, Jane H. Lassetter, Joan H. Baldwin

Faculty Publications

The demography of the United States is rapidly changing. The impressive growth rate of Latino populations within the United States has great impact on health care. This article includes discussion of a significant increase from 1988 to 2000 in Latino utilization of emergency department and inpatient services at a pediatric medical center in Salt Lake City, Utah, information on health care barriers for Latinos, and suggestions for providing culturally competent care.

Microcredit In Rural Bangladesh: Is It Reaching The Poorest?, Dipankar Datta

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

During the last decade microcredit has exploded in Bangladesh, as well as in a large part of the third world. Empirical studies give strong evidence that microcredit has had positive effects on two vital areas of national development; namely, the alleviation of poverty and the empowerment of women. Despite these positive impacts, some critics question the efficacy of microcredit in reaching the extreme poor. Some argue that while microcredit has contributed positively to the well-being of the poor in general, it has failed to reach the poorest of the poor. This paper explores the reasons why microcredit programs rarely reach …

Front Matter, Journal Of Microfinance

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

No abstract provided.

Are The Poor Too Poor To Demand Health Insurance?, Rajeev Ahuja, Johannes Jütting

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Community based microinsurance has aroused much interest and hope in meeting health care challenges that face the poor. In this paper we explore how institutional rigidities, such as credit constraint, affect the demand for health insurance and how insurance could potentially prevent poor households from falling into the poverty trap.In this setting, we argue that the appropriate public intervention to generate demand for insurance is not to subsidize premium, but to remove these rigidities (i.e., ease credit constraint). Thus from an insurance perspective as well, our analysis highlights the importance of the poor having the appropriate saving and borrowing instruments.

Book Review - The Miracles Of Barefoot Capitalism: A Compelling Case For Microcredit By Jim Klobuchar And Susan Cornell Wilkes, Naresh C. Singh

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

No abstract provided.