Digital Commons Network^™

Determinator – A Generic Dss For Hazard Identification Of Species Or Other Physical Subjects, Michel Uiterwijk, Leo W. D. Van Raamsdonk, Sander Janssen

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Our living environment poses all kinds of obvious and perhaps less obvious hazards. As an example, Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and related species of the genus Senecio are the main source of toxic pyrollizidine alkaloids. The plants commonly grow in road verges, meadows and production fields and are equally toxic for humans and animals. Therefore, proper identification of such a hazardous object is vital. This paper describes Determinator DSS, a Decision Support System, that aims to cover problems of proper identification of a hazardous object, either in the field or in a lab, and in diverse domains. Determinator DSS is used …

Enhancing Stocks And Flows Modelling To Support Sustainable Resource Management In Low Carbon Infrastructure Transitions., Jonathan Busch, David Dawson, Katy Roelich, Julia Steinberger, Philip Purnell

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Emissions reductions of the scale required to avoid dangerous climate change will require rapid, systemic change including extensive refurbishment and replacement of infrastructure systems. The technologies required to make this systemic change exist today but many rely on critical metals which are at risk of scarcity and difficult to substitute. There has been extensive debate in the academic and policy literature about whether the availability of these critical metals will constrain the transformation required. However, policy decisions are being made without addressing these material barriers or considering how critical materials could be managed more sustainably during future infrastructure renewal. This …

Formalizing Conceptual Modeling: An Application To Orchard Meadows In Baden- Württemberg, Kristine Hammel, Thorsten Arnold

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Conceptual modeling is a decisive stage in any modeling process, but especially relevant for the analysis of complex, large systems. Here, researchers must filter out those processes that appear relevant, even before specific research questions can be posed. For this step of conceptual model reduction, we propose an explicit framework. Our research project assessed causes for biodiversity loss in German orchard meadows. A large conceptual model was assembled using literature review and expert interviews, creating an excessively large model. Then, two different approaches were applied to simplify this model and identify policy intervention points. Both approaches yielded different cause-effect explanations …

Estimation Of The Total Co2 Content Of The Atmosphere From Satellite Observations, G. A. Alexandrov, Tsuneo Matsunaga

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Stabilization of the total CO2 content of the atmosphere is the target of the climate strategies that are proposed for climate change mitigation. The accuracy of our knowledge about the total CO2 content of the atmosphere, its growth and seasonal variations depends on the size of geographic coverage of the CO2 monitoring network. A good opportunity to enhance the monitoring network arose recently due to the launch of the Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). The data coming from GOSAT provide unprecedented geographic coverage of column averaged CO2 concentrations and, therefore, may have the potential to improve the estimates of the …

Agroecological Zones Simulator (Azs): A Component Based, Open-Access, Transparent Platform For Climate Change – Crop Productivity Impact Assessment In Latin America, Roberto Confalonieri, Marcello Donatelli, S. Bregaglio, F. N. Tubiello, E. Fernandes

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The Agro-ecological Zones Simulator (AZS) is a platform for data and models sharing for scientists and policy makers, facilitating the analysis of climate change impacts and the identification of possible response strategies through a comprehensive regional-level analysis comprised of: (i) Geo-referenced climate, soil and terrain data, combined into a land resources database;(ii) Crop suitability assessment and land productivity of cropping systems; (iii) Procedures for calculating the potential agronomically attainable yield; (iv) Procedures for computing actual yields as limited by water availability and management, biotic and abiotic factors; and (v) Selected agricultural production systems with defined input and management relationships, crop-specific …

Environmental Modelling Using Cloud Computing Tools: Case Studies And Examples, L. Matejicek

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Cloud computing represents an emerging computing paradigm, which offers delivering a variety of computing services in a way that has not been experienced previously. In order to develop advanced simulations, environmental modelling must be adapted to this more powerful and efficient computing tool. Traditional model calculations are taken into the sphere of interconnected data and more accessible software tools, which rationalize the way they manage their resources. Moreover, information systems such as GIS, and case-oriented software tools for data pre-processing and visualization can be accessible for a wide range of users participating in research projects. In order to document distribution …

The Effect Of Respondent Uncertainty On Economic Value Estimates, Ivana Logar, Jeroen C. J. M. Van Den Bergh

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Respondent uncertainty is often considered as one of the main limitations of the stated preference methods, which are nowadays being widely used for valuing environmental goods and services. These methods usually assume that respondents know their preferences with certainty. However, empirical evidence demonstrates that respondents are often uncertain when answering contingent valuation questions. It has been argued that this affects the validity of the results derived from the contingent valuation method. This is a relevant issue since outcomes of valuation are often being used for decision making in environmental management and in setting environmental policies. This article examines the effect …

Multi-Agent Systems Optimization For Distributed Watershed Management, M. Giuliani, A. Castelletti, F. Amigoni, X. Cai

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Water systems are characterized by the presence of many and often conflicting interests as well as distributed independent decision-makers. The traditional centralized approach to water management, as described in much of water resources literature, should be therefore reconsidered in the light of a more realistic, decentralized representation of the decision-making structure in order to provide effective solutions for policy making. In this paper we use Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) to analyse the role of a hypothetical watershed authority, which has to deliver a management plan at the watershed level starting from an uncoordinated situation. MAS provide powerful modeling and analytical tools …

Participatory Analysis Of The Sustainability Of Livelihoods In The Agro-Ecosystem Of Abesard, Iran, Hadi Veisi, Sahar Bagheri Toulabi

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

This paper reports some of the results of a study to explore vulnerabilitycontexts i.e. trends, shocks and local cultural practices that affect livelihood assetsi.e. natural capital (land, water, biodiversity), physical capital (infrastructure,machinery), human capital (labour, skills), financial capital (savings, disposableassets), and social capital (rights, support systems) in Abesard, Iran. It alsodescribes structures, including organizations (government, private), and processes,including policies, laws and incentives, that determine the livelihood strategies ofhouseholds (agricultural intensification or expansion, livelihood diversification, andmigration) which, in turn, impact the assets. Participatory vulnerability analysis(PVA) was used within a sustainable rural livelihoods (SRL) framework to assessthe differences of the livelihoods of …

Integrated Assessment Of Mitigation Strategies Using An Agent-Based Model Of The Linked Energy, Economic, And Climate System, M. D. Gerst, P. Wang, A. Roventini, G. Dosi, R. B. Howarth, M. E. Borsuk

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

An alternative to the typical application of rational choice models to climate policy is the coupling of agent-based modeling and exploratory approaches. Agent-based models (ABMs) represent the world as made up of heterogeneous, boundedly-rational agents who act in their own interests and yet engage in substantive communication. Rather than focusing on optimal outcomes, agent-based models are primarily concerned with the evolution of large-scale properties that ‘emerge’ from the lower-level behavior. Consequently, ABMs have the potential to address complex system properties and generate a wider array of plausible storylines than more traditional integrated assessment modeling methodologies. We provide an overview of …

Hrc Enews — 2012 Summer, Megan M. Iudice

Publications (HRC)

This issue contains staff accomplishments and announcements, event listings, and a "new faces" listing for new staff, affiliates, and researchers.

The Goldilocks Approach: Financial Risk And Staged Regulation, Charles K. Whitehead

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

Financial firms engage in a wide range of private conduct. New rules that address financial risk can regulate elements of that conduct but not all conduct or all the factors that affect conduct. There is, therefore, a real concern that new regulation will have unanticipated consequences, particularly in a system as complex as the financial markets. The result may be new risks or a shift in risk taking away from regulated conduct — responses that regulators can anticipate but may not be able to accurately predict or control.

This Article cautions against the rush to adopt new financial risk regulation …

The Likelihood Of Extinction Of Iconic And Dominant Herbivores And Detritivores Of Coral Reefs: The Parrotfishes And Surgeonfishes, Mia T. Comeros-Raynal, John H. Choat, Beth A. Polidoro, Kendall D. Clements, Rene Abesamis, Matthew T. Craig, Muhammad E. Lazuardi, Jennifer Mcilwain, Andreas Muljadi, Robert F. Myers, Cleto L. Nanola Jr., Shinta Pardede, Luiz A. Rocha, Barry Russell, Jonnell C. Sanciangco, Brian Stockwell, Heather Harwell, Kent E. Carpenter

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Parrotfishes and surgeonfishes perform important functional roles in the dynamics of coral reef systems. This is a consequence of their varied feeding behaviors ranging from targeted consumption of living plant material (primarily surgeonfishes) to feeding on detrital aggregates that are either scraped from the reef surface or excavated from the deeper reef substratum (primarily parrotfishes). Increased fishing pressure and widespread habitat destruction have led to population declines for several species of these two groups. Species-specific data on global distribution, population status, life history characteristics, and major threats were compiled for each of the 179 known species of parrotfishes and surgeonfishes …

Camas, Summer 2012

Camas

The Nature of this Place / Sara Call -- UL Bend / David Jachowski -- The Great Silent Places / Erica Watson -- Yellowstoning the Treeburbs / David Oates -- Kittitas County Town Park / Roberta Feins -- Kittitas County Thorp Mill / Roberta Feins -- Wind / Ahimsa Timoteo Bodhran -- New Day / Sheryl Noethe -- At the Dungeness Cemetery / Mike McCormick -- From Debris / Laurel Nakanishi -- Song in the Key of Redemption / Robin Keisic -- Solar Flare / Sheryl Noethe -- Finding Montana / David Salner -- Eternal Summer / Wendi Sims Schupbach …

July 2012 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of The Fish Community On Tidal-Freshwater Constructed Reefs, Briana Langford

Theses and Dissertations

Constructed reefs are used successfully in marine systems to enhance spawning habitat; this study examines the effectiveness of constructed reefs in a tidal-freshwater river. Fish abundance, species diversity and richness, residency, water column position, reproductive guilds, and feeding guilds were analyzed on two constructed reefs in the tidal-freshwater James River and compared to silted regions representing the primary substrate in the river. Reefs were sampled using hydroacoustics, electroshocking, gillnetting, trawling, and egg mats. The constructed reefs had a greater proportion of fish that broadcast spawn over hard substrate and a trend of more overall individual, residential, and demersal fish. The …

Comparative Case Studies In The Sustainability Of Marine-Based Ecotourism: Ogasawara Whale-Watching And Queensland Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin*, Tai Wei Lim

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This paper is intended as a scope paper for the comparative study of eco-tourism in Queensland, Australia and Japan based on: The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Watch in Queensland as well as the Ogasawara Whale-watching Association in Japan. Three particular aspects of the concept underlying successful eco-tourism initiatives will be emphasized in the paper: involvement of local associations, defined rights of access to the eco-tourism resource, and the role of the state in supporting eco-tourism initiatives.

Exploring Holistic Solutions For Type-2 Diabetes For Bottom Of Pyramid Population In India, Vinay Venkatraman, Prerak Mehta

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Healthcare is a prominent sector where design intervention can make tremendous impact in the way people live and receive treatment.Type-2 diabetes is a huge system condition that involves lifestyle, insulin therapy, oral medication, dietary restrictions and exercise regimen. The underlying socio-economic environment plays a major role in the way patients behave. The research explores the experience and process of treating diabetes in India for the bottom of the pyramid population. This paper presents the approach and the implications of the approach for identifying patient needs and issues and the key elements relating to design. Emphasis has been laid on a …

Reflecting On The Future Of Design Education In 21st Century India: Towards A Paradigm Shift In Design Foundation, Indrani De Parker

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Design Fundamentals or Basic Design, as it was referred to in early design education has come a long way since its origins at Bauhaus and its further evolution at Ulm. In the nascent period of industrial design, the work primarily focused on physical products. Today, however, designers need to deal with complex issues. 21st century design education needs to be able to design and develop strategies for all and not just look at ‘Good Form’. There is a visible shift from client-driven projects towards a more reflective ‘Issue Based’ design education that strives for more socially inclusive, locally/glocally/globally relevant solutions …

Design Research In Neonatal Healthcare In Urban India, Prerak Mehta

DRS Biennial Conference Series

This paper attempts at understanding the core issues plaguing neonatal healthcare amongst the urban sector in India, the approach taken to understand these issues and the implications of the approach. It points out the opportunity for design interventions at various junctures. An attempt has been made to go deeper into the practical problems being faced by the various stakeholders - Mother and family (father, mother-in-law, and maternal members), Doctor and support staff (nurses, attendants), Public health officer/NGO and support staff (aanganvadi and community level health workers), and Baby products shopkeepers. The research takes into account the demographic breakup, socio-economic and …

Richmond Law Magazine: Summer 2012

Richmond Law Magazine

Features:

Scholarship Rewarded

Crossing Borders

Residential Renewable Energy: By Whom?

Reunion Weekend 2012

A Lasting Impact

Fostering Ecological Citizenship: The Case Of Environmental Service-Learning In Costa Rica, Jennifer Rebecca Kelly, Troy D. Abel

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The intent of this study was to explore how experiential education fosters ecological or environmental citizenship. In this context, we investigated the impact of international environmental service-learning in a college course. Specifically our research question was does environmental service-learning have an effect on ecological citizenship? Using a multimethod approach of both qualitative and quantitative instruments our study drew on 13 participant interviews, 19 student journals and 10 survey responses. Employing variables from the Value-Belief-Norm Theory our findings suggest that environmental service-learning experiences impact both awareness of environmental consequences and personal normative beliefs. We conclude that ecological citizenship was indirectly impacted …

Complete Catalog, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Section I, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Environmental And Earth Science And Studies Programs, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Conserving The Platte: A Documentary Short, Steven Speicher

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

With a history of litigation, deliberation, and conversation, the Platte River’s waters have been topic of much debate. In recent memory, historical decisions have been made regarding how to successfully manage this crucial water resource that sustains life in the Great Plains. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, a federally mandated tri-state conservation organization, began after years of consideration and an adamancy to avoid major litigation battle. Audubon Society has been a major player in conservation of habitats and protecting endangered species; Audubon Society’s Rowe Sanctuary, in specific, has worked in a variety of community- centered ways to conserve the …

Accumulation Of Heavy Metals In Mangrove Sediments Of Chumphon Province, Thailand, Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Bussarin Uppadit

Applied Environmental Research

The objective of this study was two-fold: to examine the heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) levels that have accumulated in mangrove forest sediments in Chumphon Province, Thailand, and to determine the relationship between heavy metals and the physiochemical properties of sediment. The sediment was digested with HNO3 and HCl using a milestone microwave digestion system (model MLS-1200 MEGA), followed by the addition of 50 ml distilled water. The concentrations of Cu, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Zn in the filtered and digested samples were determined by air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS, model Varian SpectrAA 220FS). …

Effects Of Solution Ph And Ionic Strength For Removal Of Combined Natural Organic Matter And Copper (Ii) Ion By Membrane Nanofiltration, Pakasit Hongthong, Supatpong Mattaraj, Ratana Jiraratananon

Applied Environmental Research

Effects of solution pH and ionic strength for removal of combined natural organic matter (NOM) and copper (II) through a nanofiltration (NF) membrane were investigated. Experimental results revealed that the influence of NOM and copper (II) ion on NF performance was dependent on solution chemistry (i.e. solution pH and ionic strength). For copper (II) ion, increased solution pHs exhibited greater flux decline, while there was no significant difference in flux for solutions containing NOM. Solutions containing copper (II) ion alone showed less flux decline than those containing NOM and combined NOM with copper (II ) ions. The ion rejections (based …

Interposition Of Alien Structure In Aesthetic Value Of Ayuthaya Historical And Archaeological Ruin, Bundit Pradabsook, Kasem Chunkao, Surat Bualert

Applied Environmental Research

Aesthetic value damage evaluation on archaeological ruins was a difficult issue to address due to the public perception that it was a subjective issue. Interposition of alien structures at archaeological sites was commonly seen and caused adverse visual impacts and affected the conservation of arts and cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Thailand. There were currently no means to determine the damage of archaeological sites by interposed alien structures, thus, it was difficult to identify criteria which was needed to protect the aesthetic beauty of historical, architectural, and archaeological sites. In order to establish a method of measuring aesthetic damage …

Assessment Of Surface Water Quality Parameters And Their Variations For Effective River Monitoring System: A Case Study Of U-Tapao River Basin, Saroj Gyawali, Kuaanan Techato, Chumpol Yuangyai, Sathaporn Monprapussorn

Applied Environmental Research

Water pollution has become an alarming threat to human society and natural ecosystems. Evaluation of water quality and its variations is essential for water quality management. This study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal variations of water quality parameters and their interrelationship to support the current water quality monitoring system of U-tapao river. The data of physico-chemical and biological parameters namely: temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solid, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and fecal coliform bacteria were collected from twenty-one monitoring stations of the basin from year 2004 to 2011. Analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and principal …